Phytochemical Profile Research Articles

Phytochemical Profile of Rhizophora apiculata, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, and Bruguiera cylindrica for Wood Identification

Identification of wood species that are difficult to distinguish from their anatomical structure can be done through phytochemical (extractive substance) profiling. This research aimed to analyze the phytochemical profile as a sorter for three species of mangrove wood from Indramayu and Cilacap Regencies, Indonesia, using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrum. The phytochemical markers of taxonomic were the dominant compounds only found in one wood species. The results showed that the three types of wood are dominated by phytochemicals dissolved in ethanol. The results of LCMS analysis of the ethanol extract showed that the phytochemical markers were triterpenoid, flavonoid, and fatty acyls glycoside groups for Rhizophora apiculata, steroid and naphthalene groups for Bruguiera gymnorhiza, and alkaloid as well as fatty amide group for Bruguiera cylindrica. The dominant compounds that characterize these can be used in sorting between mangrove wood species. Keywords: characterizer, compound, mangrove, phytochemicals

Nutritional and Phytochemical Properties of Morula (Sclerocarya birrea), Moretologa (Ximenia americana), Mowana (Adansonia digitata L.) and Mogose (Bauhinia petersiana): Indigenous Plants in Botswana

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to struggle with food insecurity, which has been made worse by issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. In the African continent, plants have been used for food and medicine for many generations. Morula (Sclerocarya birrea), Moretologa (Ximenia americana), Mowana (Adansonia digitata L.), and Mogose (Bauhinia petersiana) are among the most consumed indigenous plants in Botswana. The objective of this study was to analyse nutritional and phytochemical profiles of these indigenous plants. The results showed that protein content ranged between 1.80% (Morula) and 25.54% (Mogose). The highest fat content of 14.29% was observed in Mogose seeds. Mowana proved to be rich in calcium compared to other plants. Manganese was detected only in Mogose samples. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of various phytochemicals. Moretologa proved to be a good source of beta carotene (419.33 μg/100 g). The plants contained different amounts of ascorbic acid; 163.83, 141.59, 24.78, and 3.00 mg/100 g were recorded in Mowana, morula, Moretologa, and Mogose, respectively. Total phenols ranged between 7.98 mg/100 g (Moretologa) to 14.3 mg/100 g (Mowana). The four indigenous plants proved to have good nutritional qualities and their increased consumption may contribute positively towards efforts to attain food security in Botswana. Additionally, the plants are good sources of phytochemicals, and they may aid in the discovery of novel drugs and medicines and be useful in formulation of functional foods.

Phytochemical Profiling of Phragmites australis Leaf Extract and Its Nano-Structural Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Activities

AbstractFreshwater macrophytes have attracted interest as an alternative source of natural extracts and minerals for a variety of therapeutic uses. However, few studies have rigorously investigated the phytochemical components, properties, and potential biological benefits of Phragmites australis as an emergent macrophyte. This study investigates the phytochemical profile of aqueous Phragmites australis (PAE) leaves extract using chromatographic-mass spectrometry and free radical scavenging analysis. LC-QToF-MS/MS analysis in both positive and negative ionization revealed the existence of thirty and eleven bioactive compounds, respectively tentatively identified as alkaloids, flavonoids, indoles, glycosides, and quinolines from the extract. The polyphenolic content of the PAE was found to be 39.17 ± 0.65 mg GAE/g total phenol, while the flavonoids content was 19.85 ± 2.64 mg QE/g, and proanthocyanins content was 119.65 ± 1.70 CE/g. The PAE was utilized to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to evaluate its nano-structural formation efficiency, with the PAE displaying a greater ability to scavenge free radicals against ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP when compared with PA-AgNPs. Both PAE and PA-AgNPs were tested for their antimicrobial and anticancer activities and the results indicated that PA-AgNPs (MIC value range of 7.8–62.5 µg/mL) had excellent antimicrobial activity, compared to PAE. Moreover, the antiproliferative effect of PA-AgNPs on human cancer cells showed a higher cell-specific dose response and two-fold apoptotic induction with increased phosphorylation in the DNA ss-strand break post-treatment in MCF-7 than in A549 cells. These findings reveal the potential of the leaf extract of PA as a potent antioxidant source for many biological applications.

Optimization and Validation of Procyanidins Extraction and Phytochemical Profiling of Seven Herbal Matrices of Nutraceutical Interest

Several medicinal herbal plants are extensively used as sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on human health. This study assessed the procyanidin and polyphenol profiles together with the antioxidant potential of seven herbal medical matrices. To achieve this aim, procyanidin extraction from grape pomace was optimized and validated by monitoring monomeric-trimeric procyanidins. The proposed quantification method was applied to the seven medical herbs, and it proved to be a very efficient protocol for procyanidin-rich extracts analysis. In addition, the Paullinia cupana Kunth. seed was identified as a very rich source of procyanidins (about 5 mg/g dry matrix of each dimeric and about 3 mg/g dry matrix trimeric) with high antioxidant properties. The polyphenolic profile was assessed by HPLC-HESI-MS/MS analysis. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH assay to explore the antioxidant properties of the extracts, which were substantially higher in Peumus boldus Molina leaves extracts (935.23 ± 169 μmol of Trolox equivalent/g of dry weight) concerning the other matrices. Moreover, a high Pearson coefficient value was observed between the total flavonoid content (TFC) and DPPH in comparison with the total polyphenol content (TPC) and DPPH, indicating flavonoids as the principal bioactive with antioxidant activity in the extracts.

Phytochemical profile and antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities of the essential oils in the aerial part and root of Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidt ex Miq

The root of Glehnia littoralis is used as a good traditional Chinese medicine. The aerial part of G. littoralis is often discarded as waste in China, although it is very abundant, which results in waste of resources. In order to utilize the resources, the essential oils of the aerial part and root were isolated from G. littoralis, separately named as GLA and GLR. Their phytochemical profile, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were investigated. The results showed that the concentrations of GLA and GLR were separately 0.933 g/kg and 1.365 g/kg, and nineteen components were identified from both oils. Among them, panaxynol was the common component with a content of 38.21 % in GLA and 74.02 % in GLR. GLA potently inhibited F. solani and F. incarnatum, GLR strongly suppressed S. albus. GLA and GLR reduced the production of NO, IL-1β, IL‐6, TNF-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. This study provided a theoretical basis for the utilization of the aboveground parts of G. littoralis.

Organs-specific metabolomics and anticholinesterase activity suggests a trade-off between metabolites for therapeutic advantages of Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don

Trillium govanianum is traditionally used to treat innumerable alignments like sexual disorders, cancer, inflammation etc. Mainly rhizomes of T. govanianum have been explored for phytochemical profiling but comprehensive metabolomics of other parts has not been yet deeply investigated. Thus, current study was aimed for organs-specific (roots, rhizomes, rhizomatous buds, stems, leaves, and fruits) phytochemical profiling of T. govanianum via metabolomics approach. Targeted (steroidal saponins and free sugars) and non-targeted metabolomics were performed by UPLC-PDA/ELSD & UHPLC-Q-TOF-IMS. Among steroidal compounds, 20-hydroxyecdysone, pennogenin-3-O-β-chacotrioside, dioscin were found predominantly in all samples while diosgenin was identified only in rhizomes. Further, four free sugars viz. 2-deoxyribose (116.24 ± 1.26 mg/g: leaves), fructose (454.76 ± 12.14 mg/g: rhizomes), glucose (243.21 ± 7.53 mg/g: fruits), and galactose (69.06 ± 2.14 mg/g: fruits) were found significant in respective parts of T. govanianum. Elemental analysis of targeted samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pd, As) were absent while micro- (Mn, Na, Zn, Cu) and macro- (Ca, Fe, Mg, K) elements were found in all samples. Furthermore, UHPLC-Q-TOF-IMS had identified 103 metabolites based on their mass fragmentation patterns and 839 were tentatively predicted using METLIN database. The multivariate statistical analysis showed organs specific clustering and variance of metabolites. Apart from this, extracts were evaluated for in vitro anticholinesterase activity, and found potentials inhibitors with IC50 values 2.02 ± 0.15 to 27.65 ± 0.89 mg/mL and 3.58 ± 0.12 to 16.81 ± 2.48 mg/mL of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme, respectively. Thus, comprehensive metabolomics and anti-cholinesterase activity of different parts of T. govanianum would lay the foundation for improving medicinal importance and health benefits of T. govanianum.

Advancements in Litchi chinensis Peel Processing: A Scientific Review of Drying, Extraction, and Isolation of Its Bioactive Compounds

This article systematically reviews the advancements in processing litchi peel (Litchi chinensis), emphasizing drying, extraction, purification methods, and the potential of bioactive compounds obtained from litchi peel. This work also highlights the impact of various drying techniques on phytochemical profiles, focusing on how methods such as hot air and freeze-drying affect the preservation of bioactive compounds. The study delves into extraction methods, detailing how different solvents and techniques influence the efficiency of extracting bioactive compounds from litchi peel. Furthermore, the purification and characterization of active compounds, showcasing the role of chromatographic techniques in isolating specific bioactive molecules, is discussed. Biological properties and mechanisms of action, such as antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, and anticancer activities, are reviewed, providing insight into the potential health benefits of litchi peel compounds. This review highlights the importance of optimizing and selecting accurate drying and extraction methods to maximize the therapeutic effects of litchi peel and its bioactive compounds. This review also reveals the broad pharmacological potential of the isolated compounds, underscoring the need for further research to discover their specific actions and health benefits.

Natural farming negatively influences the growth of Sangyod Muang Phatthalung rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) but not its grain production or quality in preliminary comparison to conventional farming

Sangyod Muang Phatthalung (SMP) rice is a great source of various nutritional ingredients, but it is only grown in chemical-dependent systems with synthetic fertilizers and insecticides. Farming practices for food security and environmental conservation in the paddy field are highly controversial, but most practices have focused on either chemical-dependent or organic farming. In this study, we compared the growth, yield, quality, phytochemical profiles, and data on grain elements (EDX associated with SEM analysis) of SMP rice along with its production costs when using natural farming (NF) [<i>Azolla</i> and leaf compost applied] with those when using conventional farming (CF) [chemical fertilizer use (18-8-8 and 46-0-0) and high dose fertilizer (HF) as recommended by the supplier (18-4-5, 20-8-20, and 15-15-15)]. Our data show negative results in terms of plant growth and positive results in terms of yield, physical grain qualities, chemical grain qualities, and chemical composition for SMP rice grown under a natural farming system. A total of six important inorganic elements were present in the kernel (C and O) and the aleurone layer (P, K, Mg, and S) of rice grain. This study claims a high performance for natural farming, based on rice yield and quality with decreased production costs and a possible increase in the market price of high-value rice. These findings have significant implications for applying natural farming practices in the context of food security and environmental conservation, without risk to farmers’ finances and health or the agroecosystem.

Evaluation of cytotoxicity, acute toxicity, genotoxicity and antioxidant and antigenotoxicity activities of the sarcotesta fraction of punica granatum L. rich in lectin (PgTel)

ABSTRACT Punica granatum, popularly known as pomegranate, is a fruit tree with wide worldwide distribution, containing numerous phytochemicals of great medicinal value. The aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential of a protein fraction (PF) derived from P. granatum sarcotesta which is rich in lectin. In addition, the acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of this protein fraction (PF) from P. granatum sarcotesta was measured. The phytochemical profile of PF was determined using HPLC. The in vitro antioxidant effect was assessed using the methods of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging. Acute oral toxicity was determined in female Swiss mice administered a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. This PF was examined for genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, utilizing mouse peripheral blood cells. Phytochemical characterization detected a high content of ellagic acid and antioxidant capacity similar to that of ascorbic acid (positive control). PF was not toxic (LD50 >2000 mg/kg) and did not exert a genotoxic effect in mice. PF protected the DNA of peripheral blood cells against damage induced by cyclophosphamide. In conclusion, this PF fraction exhibited significant antioxidant activity without initiating toxic or genotoxic responses in mice.

Antidiabetic, antioxidant, and phytochemical profile of Pennisetum glaucum cultivated in central-southern Morocco and imported from India

Alternative methods of producing food sustainably are being considered due to rapid expanding population, increasing food needs, declining agricultural soils fertility, and ongoing drought. To achieve that, we examined the pharmacological, functional, and nutritional characteristics of two cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), which are distinguished by their ability to tolerate a variety of climates compared to other cereal grains. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of two seeds cultivars: one cultivated in Morocco and the other grown in India. In addition to having a higher energy value (403.91 Kcal), higher protein (9.13 %) and lipid content (7.11 %), and a lower capacity for self-oxidation than the Indian variety due to its fatty acid composition, the content of phenolic compounds of Moroccan millet is well concentrated in its seeds, making it more powerful as an antioxidant and hypoglycemic plant. The ethanolic extract of Moroccan pearl millet showed the greatest total phenolic content (36.278 mg GAE/g extract), DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 152.286 and 252.480 μg/mL respectively), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 84.439 μg/mL and 224.103 μg/mL respectively). The evidence gathered in this study indicates that P.glaucum possesses characteristics that qualify it as a food, medicinal, and productive plant.

Phytochemical profiling, cytotoxic, anti-migration, and anti-angiogenic potential of phenolic-rich fraction from Peganum harmala: in vitro and in ovo studies.

Peganum harmala has been extensively employed in Algerian traditional medicine practices. This study aimed to explore the impact of n-butanol (n-BuOH) extract sourced from Peganum harmala seeds on cell proliferation, cell migration, and angiogenesis inhibition. Cytotoxic potential of n-BuOH extract was evaluated using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay against human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells, cell migration was determined using scratch assay, and anti-angiogenic effect was evaluated through macroscopic and histological examinations conducted on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. Additionally, this research estimated the phytochemical profile of n-BuOH extract. Fifteen phenolic compounds were identified using Ultra-performance liquid chromatography UPLC-ESI-MS-MS analysis. In addition, the n-BuOH extract of P. harmala exhibited potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. The n-BuOH extract showed potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cell with an IC50 value of 8.68 ± 1.58 μg/mL. Furthermore, n-BuOH extract significantly reduced migration. A strong anti-angiogenic activity was observed in the groups treated with n-BuOH extract in comparison to the negative control. Histological analysis confirmed the anti-angiogenic effect of the n-BuOH extract. This activity is probably a result of the synergistic effects produced by different polyphenolic classes.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro and In Silico Biological Activities of Myrciaria tenella (DC.) O.Berg (Myrtaceae) Essential Oil from Brazil

Myrciariatenella O.Berg, a native plant species of Brazil, exhibits pharmacological applications, including antitumor activity. In this study, we isolated the essential oil (EO) of M. tenella and identified its phytochemical profile. In addition, we determined the in vitro and in silico cytotoxic activities of EO in nontumor and tumor cell lines (gingival fibroblasts and oral squamous cell carcinoma, respectively) and its free radical scavenging activity (i.e., antioxidant activity) using ABTS and DPPH assays. The EO of M. tenella primarily constitutes hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes, with (E)-caryophyllene (33.95%), δ-cadinene (7.4%), caryophyllene oxide (4.74%), and viridiflorene (4.49%) as its four major components. EO effectively suppressed the cell viability of CAL-27 tumor cells to below 70% at concentrations of 125 and 250 μg/mL and exhibited a free radical inhibition potential of 75.63 ± 0.41% and 28.46 ± 0.36%, respectively, in the DPPH and ABTS assays. This chemical and biological potential may be attributed to the major compounds present in EO, as well as the molecular coupling simulations conducted, which revealed the anticancer mechanism of EO in the sesquiterpenes (E)-caryophyllene, δ-cadinene, caryophyllene oxide, and viridiflorene.

Box–Behnken Design-Based Optimization of Phytochemical Extraction from Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. Associated with Its Antioxidant and Anti-Alzheimer’s Properties

A previous study reported that the ethanolic extract of the edible fern, Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. (DE), obtained from a non-optimized extraction condition exhibited anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) properties through the inhibition of a rate-limiting enzyme in amyloid peptide formation, β-secretase-1 (BACE-1). Nevertheless, a non-optimized or suboptimal extraction may lead to several issues, such as a reduction in extraction efficiency and increased time and plant materials. In this study, extraction of the DE was optimized to obtain appropriate BACE-1 inhibition using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Data revealed that the optimal extraction condition was 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol, 50 min extraction time, 30 °C extraction temperature, and 1:30 g/mL solid/liquid ratio, giving BACE-1 inhibition at 56.33%. In addition, the extract also exhibited significant antioxidant activities compared to the non-optimized extraction. Metabolomic phytochemical profiles and targeted phytochemical analyses showed that kaempferol, quercetin, and their derivatives as well as rosmarinic acid were abundant in the extract. The optimized DE extract also acted synergistically with donepezil, an AD drug suppressing BACE-1 activities. Data received from Drosophila-expressing human amyloid precursor proteins (APPs) and BACE-1, representing the amyloid hypothesis, showed that the optimized DE extract penetrated the fly brains, suppressed BACE-1 activities, and improved locomotor functions. The extract quenched the expression of glutathione S transferase D1 (GSTD1), inositol-requiring enzyme (IRE-1), and molecular chaperone-binding immunoglobulin (Bip), while donepezil suppressed these genes and other genes involved in antioxidant and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, including superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6), and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). To sum up, the optimized extraction condition reduced extraction time while resulting in higher phytochemicals, antioxidants, and BACE-1 inhibitors.

Phytochemical profile, in vitro anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐xanthine oxidase activity of durian fruit rind fractions (Durio zibethinus)

SummaryDurian fruit rinds (Durio zibethinus) have increasingly attracted scientific interest due to their potent bioactive metabolites. In the present study, a comprehensive approach combining chromatographic techniques and bioassays was employed to elucidate the phytochemical constituents present in durian fruit rinds and their corresponding bioactivities. The crude ethanolic extract (CEE) and its fractions obtained through silica gel column chromatography (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed for their flavonoid profiles using thin‐layer chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Among the tested samples, fraction F2 exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (179.55 mg QE/g DW). TLC and HPLC analyses showed the presence of quercetin in all tested samples, with its content ranking in the order of F2 > F3 > F1 > F4 > CEE. The fractions exhibited inhibitory effects on albumin denaturation, protease activity, lipoxygenase (LOX), heat‐induced haemolysis, and xanthine oxidase (XO), surpassing those of the crude extract. These observed bioactivities correlated with the distribution of flavonoids and quercetin content in the samples. LC/MS analysis further showed the presence of flavonoids‐chalcone, flavonols, terpenoids, stilbene glycosides, anthocyanins, phenolics, and amino acids in fraction F2. These results determine the phytochemical profiles, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐XO activities of bioactive fraction obtained from durian fruit rinds.

The Impact of Deficit Irrigation on the Agronomic Performance and Chemical Composition of Scolymus hispanicus L.

In the current study, the effects of drought stress on the growth and phytochemical profile of Scolymus hispanicus L. (a.k.a. golden thistle) were evaluated. Plants were treated with three irrigation regimes, e.g., plants that received only rainwater (Control; C), deficit irrigation (I1; 50% of field capacity (FC)), and full irrigation (Ι2; 100% of FC). The fresh weight of the rosette of leaves was not negatively impacted by deficit irrigation, whereas root development was severely restrained compared to control and I2 treatments. Drought stress conditions had a positive effect on the nutritional properties of the golden thistle since the treatments of control and deficit irrigation showed the highest content of macronutrients and energy. Oxalic acid was the richest organic acid, especially under the I1 regime. Similarly, α-tocopherol was the only identified vitamin E isoform, whose content was also doubled in I1 treatment. Raffinose, glucose, and sucrose were the most abundant free sugars in amounts that varied among the irrigation treatments, while the total and distinct free sugar content was the highest for the I1 treatment. The most abundant detected fatty acid compounds were α-linolenic acid, followed by palmitic and linoleic acid, with the highest amount being detected in C, I1, and I2 treatments, respectively. Flavonoids were the only class of polyphenols detected in golden thistle leaves, including mostly kaempferol and quercetin derivatives. The greatest antioxidant potency was shown for the control and I1 treatments (for OxHLIA and TBARS methods, respectively). The evaluated leaf samples recorded a varied antimicrobial effect for the different bacterial strains and fungi, whereas no cytotoxic, hepatotoxic, and anti-inflammatory effects against the tested cell lines were recorded. Finally, the mineral content of leaves was significantly affected by the irrigation regime, with Ca, Mg, Cu, and Zn being the highest for the I1 treatment, while the I2 treatment had the highest content of K, Fe, and Mn and the lowest Na content. In conclusion, deficit irrigation showed promising results since it improved the phytochemical content without compromising the fresh weight of leaves, and thus it could be suggested as a sustainable agronomic practice for producing high-added value products without significant constraints in growth development and yield parameters of golden thistle.

Phlomis crinita Cav. From Algeria: A source of bioactive compounds possessing antioxidant and wound healing activities

Ethnopharmacological relevancePhlomis crinita Cav. (Lamiaceae), locally known as “El Khayata” or “Kayat El Adjarah”, is traditionally used in Algeria for its wound-healing properties. Aim of the studyInvestigate, for the first time, the phytochemical profile, safety, antioxidant and wound-healing activities of the flowering tops methanolic extract of P. crinita (PCME) collected from Bouira Province in the North of Algeria. Materials and methodsPreliminary phytochemical assays were carried out on PCME to quantify the main classes of bioactive compounds, such as total phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. An in-depth LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis was carried out to elucidate the phytochemical profile of this plant species. Antioxidant activity was investigated by several colorimetric and fluorimetric assays (DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, ORAC, β-carotene bleaching and ferrozine assay). The acute oral toxicity of PCME (2000 mg/kg b.w.) was tested in vivo on Swiss albino mice, whereas the acute dermal toxicity and wound-healing properties of the PCME ointment (1–5% PCMO) were tested in vivo on Wistar albino rats. Biochemical and histological analyses were carried out on biological samples. ResultsThe phytochemical screening highlighted a high content of phenolic compounds (175.49 ± 0.8 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of dry extract), mainly flavonoids (82.28 ± 0.44 mg of quercetin equivalents/g of dry extract). Fifty-seven compounds were identified by LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis, belonging mainly to the class of flavones (32.27%), with luteolin 7-(6″-acetylglucoside) as the most abundant compound and phenolic acids (32.54%), with salvianolic acid C as the most abundant compound. A conspicuous presence of phenylethanoids (15.26%) was also found, of which the major constituent is forsythoside B. PCME showed a strong antioxidant activity with half-inhibitory activity (IC50) ranging from 1.88 to 37.88 μg/mL and a moderate iron chelating activity (IC50 327.44 μg/mL). PCME appears to be safe with Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) ≥ 2000 mg/kg b.w. No mortality or toxicity signs, including any statistically significant changes in body weight gain and relative organs’ weight with respect to the control group, were recorded. A significant (p < 0.001) wound contraction was observed in the 5% PCMO-treated group with respect to the untreated and petroleum jelly groups between 8 and 20 days, whereas no statistically significant results were observed at the two lower doses (1 and 2% PCMO). In addition, the 5% PCMO-treated group showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) wound healing activity with respect to the reference drug-treated group, showing, at the end of the study, the highest wound contraction percentage (88.00 ± 0.16%). ConclusionPCME was safe and showed strong antioxidant and wound-healing properties, suggesting new interesting pharmaceutical applications for P. crinita based on its traditional use.

LC-qTOF-MS/MS phytochemical profiling of Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. Ex DC.) Standl. leaf and assessment of its neuroprotective potential in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTabebuia impetiginosa (Bignoniaceae) was traditionally used for memory enhancement and central nervous system (CNS) stimulation.Aim of the study: This study aims to create a metabolic profile of the ethyl acetate fraction of T. impetiginosa (TEF) and investigate for the first time its neuroprotective potential on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced chemobrain, validating its traditional use. Materials and methodsMetabolite profiling of TEF was performed using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass/Mass Spectrometry (LC-qTOF-MS/MS). For the in vivo study, CP (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to induce cognitive impairment in rats; TEF (30 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered throughout the 14 days of the experiment to assess its role in mitigating CP-induced neuronal deficits. Behavioral tests including locomotor, Y-maze, and passive avoidance tests were conducted. Additionally, biochemical markers such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and caspase-3 immunoexpression were assessed in the hippocampus area. ResultsForty-four phytoconstituents were tentatively identified in TEF, mainly iridoids and organic acids. TEF showed significant memory enhancement as evidenced by the increase in step-through latency in the passive avoidance test by 1.5 folds and the increase in sequence alternation percentage (SAP) in the Y-maze test by 67.3%, as compared to CP-group. Moreover, it showed pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials evidenced by the significant elevation in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels by 80% and a pronounced decline in MDA and TNF-α levels by 24% and 45%, respectively relative to the CP group. TEF treatment restored normal hippocampal histological features and attenuated apoptotic caspase-3 expression by 70% compared to the CP group. ConclusionsTEF can act as a promising natural scaffold in managing the chemobrain induced by CP in cancer patients.

Antibacterial potential of Euphorbia canariensis against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria causing respiratory tract infections

The widespread dissemination of bacterial resistance has led to great attention being paid to finding substitutes for traditionally used antibiotics. Plants are rich in various phytochemicals that could be used as antibacterial therapies. Here, we elucidate the phytochemical profile of Euphorbia canariensis ethanol extract (EMEE) and then elucidate the antibacterial potential of ECEE against Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. ECEE showed minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 128 to 512 µg/mL. The impact of ECEE on the biofilm-forming ability of the tested isolates was elucidated using crystal violet assay and qRT-PCR to study its effect on the gene expression level. ECEE exhibited antibiofilm potential, which resulted in a downregulation of the expression of the biofilm genes (algD, pelF, and pslD) in 39.13% of the tested isolates. The antibacterial potential of ECEE was studied in vivo using a lung infection model in mice. A remarkable improvement was observed in the ECEE-treated group, as revealed by the histological and immunohistochemical studies. Also, ELISA showed a noticeable decrease in the oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide and malondialdehyde). The gene expression of the proinflammatory marker (interleukin-6) was downregulated, while the anti-inflammatory biomarker was upregulated (interleukin-10). Thus, clinical trials should be performed soon to explore the potential antibacterial activity of ECEE, which could help in our battle against resistant pathogenic bacteria.

Assessment of Antimicrobial and Anti-biofilm Activities of Lemongrass and Bay Leaf Extracts on Microorganisms from Fermented Cereal-Based Porridges in Northern Benin

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) are condiments in food processing. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of lemongrass and bay leaf extract on the microorganisms isolated from cereal-based fermented porridges produced in northern Benin. The phytochemical components of lemongrass and bay leaf extracts were analyzed qualitatively using two solvents: water and alcohol. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was tested using the solid media diffusion method, and the minimum concentration was determined using the microdilution method. The extracts were also evaluated for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation using qualitative assays. The two plants have different phytochemical profiles. Tannins, flavonoids, mucilage, and alkaloids were detected in both plants. Cyanogenic derivatives, O-heterosides, and genin-reduced O-heterosides were absent. L. nobilis contained anthocyanins, quinone derivatives, saponosides, reducing compounds, and free anthracenes, absent in C. citratus. The inhibition diameters ranged from 4.4 to 26.3, depending on the strains and extracts, and varied significantly. The MICs for Escherichia coli ranged from 4.5mg/ml to 7mg/ml, staphylococci from 3.75mg/ml to 10mg/ml, and lactic bacteria from 2.5 mg/ml to 4.44mg/ml. The CMB varied between 8.125mg/ml and 14mg/ml for E. coli, 7.5mg/ml to 20mg/ml for staphylococci, and 6 mg/ml to 10 mg/ml for lactic bacteria. It is worth noting that staphylococci are the most biofilm-producing strains (80%), followed by E. coli (60%), and lactic bacteria produce less biofilm (30%). The findings of this research confirm the presence of a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial and anti-biofilm, in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of these two aromatic plants. Further research is required to identify and isolate the active components responsible for their medicinal properties and ascertain their operation mode.

Effect of long-term freezing storage on the phytochemical and nutritional composition of Ximenia Americana L. fruit

This study investigates changes on the proximate composition and phytochemical profile of the non-polar fraction of Ximenia americana fruit parts at the storage period of 6 months at -4 °C. Additionally, changes on the mineral elements and anti-nutritive compounds content were analyzed. Proximate analysis refers to the content of 6 components: moisture, ash, carbohydrates, proteins, fats and dietary fiber. In this investigation, only three components were analyzed: fats, moisture and ash. Non-polar fractions of fruit parts were also analyzed by GC-MS. Ximenia americana L. is an indigenous edible wild plant widely used across Southern Africa. The results showed that mineral elements such as Mg, K, Ca, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Fe were well preserved during the entire frozen storage period, with K and Ca being the most retained across the fruit parts. The proximate and antinutrient (oxalates, alkaloids and tannins) components also showed varying degrees of preservation. Although the antinutrients showed a certain degree of retention, their recorded values in the kernels of X. americana fruit are below the permissible toxic levels, except tannins in the pulp after harvest (post-harvest) relative to the previous limit by FAO/WHO. The phytochemicals showed significant variations except for alkane hydrocarbons. Losses in nutritional quality mostly occurred in the first month after freezing. Taking into consideration some essential nutrient losses: Na, Mg, Zn and Mn, to effectively contribute to nutritional needs and food security, it would be necessary to preserve X. americana fruits by frozen storage and use it within a period not exceeding 6 months.