Phytochemical Profile Research Articles

Insights into the Phytochemical Profile and Therapeutical Potential of Withania Somnifera (L.) Dunal

Abstract: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (W. somnifera) is an herb commonly known by its English name Winter Cherry, and Ashwagandha in Hindi. It has been used as a traditional Rasayana herb for a long time. It is a rich reservoir of bioactive compounds known as withanolides, namely, withaferin-A and withanolide-D. Its current research covers many aspects of human health, which include anti-stress, anti-tumor, 9immuno-modulatory, hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, diuretic, anti-convulsant, neurotropic, adaptogenic, and cardioprotective properties. This overview W. somnifera traditional uses, phytochemical, and pharmacological activities. However, in-depth studies are needed on the clinical use of W. somnifera against human diseases. Besides, detailed toxicological analysis is also to be performed for its safe and efficacious use in preclinical and clinical studies and as a health-promoting herb.

Phytochemical and Nutritional Profile of Ficus Capensis Stem Collected from Agbani, Enugu, South East Nigeria

Ficus capensis commonly called bush fig tree belongs to the family Moraceae and have been used for different medicinal purposes. This study aimed at determining the Proximate, Phytochemical, Vitamin and Mineral Compositions of Ficus capensis stem. The analyses were done using standard biochemical methods. The results of Proximate composition showed that the stem contained moisture (21.94 ± 0.10 %), Crude Fat (2.45 ± 0.21 %), Crude protein (15.24 ± 0.05%), Crude Fiber (32.55 ± 0.06 %), Carbohydrate (18.79 ± 0.34 %) and Ash (9.04 ± 0.12 %). The Total energy value was 158 KCal/100g. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Tannin (1.32 ± 0.01 mg/g), Alkaloid (0.55 ± 0.00 mg/g), Saponin (2.17 ± 0.00 mg/g), Glycoside (1.13 ± 0.00 mg/g), Terpenoids (0.10 ± 0.00 mg/g), Flavonoids (2.42 ± 0.02 mg/g), Steroids (0.54 ± 0.00 mg/) and Phenol (0.97 ± 0.00 mg/g). The result also revealed that the stem contained vitamins A (0.57 ± 0.02 mg/g), β-carotene (1.27 ± 0.02 mg/g), B1 (0.89 ± 0.02 mg/g), B2 (1.14 ± 0.01 mg/g), B3 (0.96 ± 0.01 mg/g), B6 (0.85 ± 0.01 mg/g) and B9 (1.28 ± 0.04 mg/g), C (0.81 ± 0.01 mg/g), D (0.26 ± 0.01 mg/g), E (0.85 ± 0.02 mg/g) and K (1.10 ± 0.02 mg/g). The Mineral composition include Calcium (34.01 mg/kg), Phosphorus (0.57 mg/kg), Chloride (2.56 mg/kg), Potassium (21.40 mg/kg), Sulphur (0.26 mg/kg), Iron (0.89 mg/kg), Manganese (0.07 mg/kg), Copper (0.28 mg/kg), Zinc (0.07 mg/kg), Cobalt (0.02 mg/kg) and Selenium (0.52 mg/kg). These results have shown that stem of Ficus capensis is a potential source of nutrients and bioactive compounds which are found useful in nutrition and therapy.

Phytochemistry of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss, Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. and Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & C. H. Eberm. and in silico studies of the role of their bioactive components against cancer

Phytochemical profiling using reliable equipment and validated methods helps us know the medicinal value of the plants. Since natural compounds have fewer side effects, they can serve as replacements for synthetic drugs that are being used in the treatment of challenging chronic diseases like cancer. The present study focuses on the bioactive phytochemical profiling of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss, Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng., and Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & C. H. Eberm. and in silico studies to check the anticancer potential of their bioactive components. In thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plate analysis, it was found that the methanolic extracts of plants contained the maximum number of components. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the methanolic extracts of plants showed the presence of 22 bioactive components. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of the extracts of these plants showed the important chromatographic peak, apigenin. In silico studies showed the binding efficacy of selected bioactive components observed in the analysis of plant extracts. Amongst them, apigenin was found to be most effective at binding to the receptors of targeted cancer cells, viz., hepatocellular carcinoma, lung, and breast cancer. After the analysis of the study, it was arrived at the conclusion that the plants, viz., P. crispum, M. koenigii, and C. tamala, possess various bioactive components, and some of these components have anticancer potential. Therefore, in vivo and in vitro studies should be essentially conducted for the development of cancer-preventive drugs.

Phytochemical screening and antioxidant evaluation of Agave angustifolia and Agave sisalana

Background: Agave angustifolia (AA) and Agave sisalana (AS) are used by local communities for medicinal purposes to treat skin conditions. Small companies add Agave leaf extracts to their cosmetic products, claiming calming and skin-rejuvenating qualities.Aim: The study aimed to assess the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of AA and AS verifying the traditional therapeutic claims about the species and accordingly establishing the assertions of cottage industries.Setting: The AA leaves were collected from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, while AS leaves were sourced from the iLembe district municipality.Methods: The phytochemical extracts were obtained by gradient solvent maceration of the leaves. Qualitative phytochemical screening established the presence of bioactive phytochemicals in the extract. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and the ferric reducing and/or antioxidant power (FRAP) methods measured the bioactive phytochemicals’ antioxidant activity.Results: Qualitative phytochemical evaluation confirmed the presence of secondary metabolites in both plants. AS extracts also contained alkaloids. The DPPH antioxidant activity indicated that Agave extracts had 20% to 80% scavenging activity. AS methanol extract had the maximum antioxidant activity among all the extracts. AA methanol and AS hexane extracts had no antioxidant activity. AA ethyl acetate extract had higher antioxidant activity (64%) than AS (52%). AA hexane extract had 70% activity while AS hexane extract had 30%.Conclusion: The detected phytochemicals indicate potential use for emulsifying, antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities.Contribution: This study contributes to the existing knowledge of the therapeutic properties of AA and AS plants.

Phytochemical Characterization and Assessment of the Wound Healing Properties of Three Eurasian Propolis

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the wound healing potential of Eurasian propolis by analyzing the phytochemical profile and the biological effects of three representative propolis samples. Methods: Specific colorimetric assays were used to estimate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and the triterpenoids content. Some of the main components of Eurasian propolis (pinocembrin, pinobanksin, CAPE, chrysin and galangin) were analyzed using HPLC-DAD. Scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity were assessed through DPPH and ORAC assays, respectively. Human keratinocyte, fibroblast, and monocytic cell lines were used for the biological in vitro analyses. The direct wound healing properties were tested through scratching assays and ELISA kits for the assessment of the production of growth factors (FGF-7, Latency Associated Peptide-LAP), while the indirect effects were evaluated through the estimation of the levels of MMP9, IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α using ELISA kits together with a cell-free test on the inhibition capacity on collagenases. Network Pharmacology analysis was employed to further explore possible mechanisms of the action of propolis on the healing process. Results: The analyses confirmed the high phenolic content of Eurasian propolis (142.50–211.30 mg GAE/g), dominated by flavonoids (95.50–196.80 mg Galangin Equivalents/g), and terpenes (431.50–650.00 mg β-sitosterol Equivalents/g), while also verifying the significant antioxidant (4.9–8.9 mM/g Trolox Equivalents) and antiradical (DPPH IC50 26.1–54.4 μg/mL) activities. The samples showed indirect wound healing properties by mitigating inflammation and remodeling (reduced IL-1β and MMP9) and potentially modulating the immune response (upregulated IL-8). In vitro studies confirmed these effects, demonstrating decreased MMP9 production and collagenase inhibition when cells were co-treated with propolis and a stressor. Propolis also suppressed IL-1β release in fibroblasts, although its impact on TNF-α was inconclusive. Notably, co-treatment upregulated IL-8 in monocytes, suggesting a potential immunomodulatory role. Conclusions: Eurasian propolis may not directly stimulate cell proliferation during wound healing. Its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties could indicate an indirect contribution in helping the process.

Phytochemical profiling from Dioscorea bulbifera L. bulbils using LC-MS, proximate analysis and antidiabetic activity: in vitro and in silico approaches

ABSTRACT The nutritional value and medicinal properties of highly edible Bulbils of Dioscorea bulbifera L are still unexplored. This study reported the nutritional and medicinal values by In vitro, and In silico studies along with chemical profiling using LC-MS. The proximate analysis was conducted by the AOAC method. The antioxidant and antidiabetic activities were assessed using DPPH and α- α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assay. Molecular docking was used to do an In silico examination of the identified molecules, and ADMET analysis of the hit candidate was also performed. The result showed that bulbils of D. bulbifera were found to have a higher percentage of protein (8.83%), fat (0.96%), and fiber (5.40%). It exhibited significant levels of phenolic and flavonoid content 106.93 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g and 11.51 ± 0.02 mg QE/g, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction of D. bulbifera showed potent antioxidants with an IC 50 = 13.75 ± 0.6 μg/mL. Furthermore, the methanol extract showed more than 50 % inhibition activity with IC 50 values of 26.29 ± 0.6 μg/mL and 191.2 ± 0.7 μg/mL against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction showed higher α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity with an IC 50 of 14.42 ± 0.4 μg/mL and 171.5 ± 0.4 μg/mL, respectively, compared to the standard acarbose (p < 0.05). Chemical profiling of most bio-active ethyl acetate fraction was done using LC-MS analysis, where eleven compounds were annotated. In conclusion, bulbils of D. bulbifera demonstrate promising anti-diabetic activity through In vitro and In silico studies.

A Comparative Study of Nutrient Composition, Proteolytic Activity, Phytochemical Profiles, Vitamin C Content, and Antioxidant Properties in the Peels of Selected Perennial Fruits

A Comparative Study of Nutrient Composition, Proteolytic Activity, Phytochemical Profiles, Vitamin C Content, and Antioxidant Properties in the Peels of Selected Perennial Fruits

Unlocking the wound healing potential of Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Kaff Maryam) Extract's nanosuspension: UPLC-MS/MS metabolic profiling, formulation development and statistical optimization

BackgroundAnastatica hierochuntica L. (Kaff Maryam) is a desert plant with documented therapeutic applications. Various medicinal uses have been reported for the plant extract such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective activities. The abundant plants constituents are promising and encourage the investigation of novel therapeutic uses. The principal objective of this study was to identify the bioactive constituents of A. hierochuntica (AH) by phytochemical profiling of its ethanolic extract, alongside an investigation of its wound healing efficacy after being formulated into nanosuspension for topical localized wound treatment. MethodA comprehensive metabolomics study of the ethanolic extract of A. hierochuntica aerial parts was assessed using UPLC MS/MS technique. Additionally, the preparation of AH nanosuspension was executed utilizing the antisolvent-precipitation method. A D-optimal experimental design was adopted to investigate the influence of variables such as: stabilizer ratio, antisolvent: solvent ratio, and stabilizer type on particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP). The design also was employed in the optimization process. The selected optimal formula was further assessed for size characteristics, morphological identification by TEM, storage stability, FTIR, cytocompatibility with human skin fibroblast (HSF), and scratch assay on HSF to assess wound healing aptitude. ResultsChemical profiling of the aerial parts revealed an abundance of glucosinolates, flavonoids, flavolignans, and fatty acids. The optimized AH-nanosuspension showed small particle size (128.87 ± 26 nm), small PDI (0.136 ± 0.05), and high ZP absolute value (−37.53 ± 0.52 mV). Furthermore, TEM photography of the optimal nanosuspension formula exhibited circular non-aggregating nanosized particles. FTIR confirmed the successful formulation of the AH ethanolic extract into nanosuspension with no physicochemical interactions. Additionally, AH-nanosuspension demonstrated cytocompatibility with HSF with IC50 = 58.317 μg/mL. Moreover, both AH pure extract and AH-nanosuspension exhibited a remarkable cell migration rate and wound closure % which propounds an auspicious wound healing potential. ConclusionThe study accentuates the supremacy of the nanosized delivery approach of AH aerial parts ethanolic extract and warrants further in-vivo investigations to establish its clinical utility for wound management.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Pongamia pinnata plant extract against skin cancer: In-silico and in-vitro study

Ethnopharmacological relevancePongamia pinnata Linn belonging to the Fabaceae family, holds significance as a crucial remedy in herbal medicine. Aim of the studyThe present study aims to determine the anticancer and antioxidant properties of the plant extract. Material and methodsThe methodology includes extraction of the leaf sample by soxhlet method followed by the phytochemical analysis of leaf extract. Through in-silico approach three anti-cancer receptors were analyzed with 10 ligands which were studied using molecular docking and molecular simulation approach. The prediction outcome of in-silico tests on the petroleum ether plant extract served as a foundation for the subsequent in-vitro studies. Phytochemical profiling of plant extracts using GC-MS analysis, and cytotoxicity testing for A431 skin cell line using MTT Assay. ResultsThe binding affinity of Pongamia pinnata as an anti-cancer agent with respect to the targets EGF, EGFR, ERBB2 was evident. In the in-silico studies, the highest binding affinity with respect to the docked complexes were -8.2 kcal/mol for EGF with Pazopanib, -8.3 kcal/mol for EGFR with pongachromene, -9.5 kcal/mol for ERBB2 with Vitexin. Further these complexes were assessed by molecular simulations and it confirms the stability of these complexes. In in-vitro studies the HPLC results indicated the presence of 0.176 ± 0.001 mg/mL of phenols and 0.159 ± 0.001 mg/mL of flavonoids. The IC50 value was 1.051 which revealed the antioxidant potential. The cytotoxicity studies against the A431 skin cancer cell resulted in an IC50 concentration of 89.59 μg/ml. ConclusionsThese studies show that P. pinnata has the properties to serve as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of skin tumors. The molecular simulation studies approach is a predictor for drug discovery, acting as a basis for testing anti-cancer activity against the skin tumor. As a result, it can be a useful source of crude drug for the treatment of melanomas.

Phytochemical Profiling and Comparative Analysis of the Bioactive Compounds in Adansonia digitata, Morinda citrifolia and Tamarindus indica from Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State

Study’s Excerpt A comparative phytochemical analysis of Adansonia digitata stem bark, Morinda citrifolia leaves, and Tamarindus indica leaves was carried out. UV/visible spectrophotometric technique is used for the identification of phytochemical compounds. These plants have considerable potential as sources for drug development and functional foods. Full Abstract For decades, man has utilized plants as traditional medicine to cure various illnesses. The majority of modern medications now available have been generated from plants. This study subjected the ethanolic crude extract of Adansonia digitata stem bark, Morinda citrifolia leaves, and Tamarindus indica leaves to phytochemical analysis. Ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometric techniques were used to quantify the bioactive compounds detected in the plants. Qualitative analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenoids, reducing sugars, and quinones in all three plant extracts. Anthraquinones were detected only in A. digitata, while coumarins, though present in M. citrifolia and T. indica, were absent in A. digitata. Adansonia digitata recorded a higher content of anthraquinones (59.3 mg/g), phenols (79.3 mg/g), and tannins (286.1 mg/g) than M. citrifolia and T. indica. Alkaloids (45.5 mg/g), flavonoids (124.0 mg/g), saponins (38.7 mg/g), and triterpenes (23.8 mg/g) were found to be higher in T. indica than in A. digitata and M. citrifolia. Statistical analysis shows significant variation in the concentration of these compounds between the sampled plants (p &lt; 0.05). The high bioactive content of A. digitata and T. indica indicates their potential as outstanding bioactive compound repositories suitable for drug development, purification, and functional food uses.

Phytochemical Profiling and Nutraceutical Benefits of Methanol Leaf Extracts from Datura alba ness

Introduction: Species of the Datura plant have demonstrated significant pharmacological benefits in combating various diseases over the past decade. However, little information is available on Datura alba ness (DAN), and no studies have yet reported its proximate composition or characterized its phytochemical components. This study aims to investigate the nutritional, phytochemical and bioactive properties of Datura alba ness. Materials and Methods: Fresh leaves of Datura alba ness were collected from Abua Odua local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria and properly identified and authenticated. The fresh leaves were subjected to proximate analysis using standard protocols while the dried leaves were extracted using methanol by the method of cold maceration to obtain methanolic extract of Datura alba ness (MEDAN). The MEDAN was further subjected to phytochemical screening to obtain the various phytochemicals and Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for detailed identification and characterization of the various bioactive compounds. Results: Proximate analysis of fresh leaves of DAN showed the presence of moisture (60.4%), crude protein (21.9%), carbohydrate (7.6%), crude fibre (4.77%), ash (4.17%) and fat (1.19%) while the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids (49.14%), alkaloids (19.16%), tannins 1(12.19%), saponins (11.72%), phenols (5.33%), cardiac glycosides (1.91%), oxalates (0.43%) and phytates (0.43%). Also, the GC-MS analysis of MEDAN identified twenty-nine (29) active compounds with four (4) observed as the most abundant (with area concentration &gt;10%). They include Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (15.97%), 13-hexyloxacyclotridec-10-en-2-one (14.26%), n-hexadecanoic acid (12.87%) and Gamma.-Sitosterol (10.77). Conclusion: The identification of various nutrients, compounds, and bioactive substances through proximate, phytochemical, and GC-MS analysis of fresh leaves and methanol extract of Datura alba ness highlights its potential as a supplement and therapeutic agent. These findings suggest that Datura alba ness contains numerous bioactive compounds that may offer effective treatments for conditions related to oxidative stress, nervous system disorders, tissue damage, inflammation, and bacterial infections.

Phytochemical profile of Orthosiphon thymiflorus (Roth) Sleesen leaf extract by four different solvents and their antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Phytochemical profile of Orthosiphon thymiflorus (Roth) Sleesen leaf extract by four different solvents and their antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Phytochemical Profiling, Cytotoxicity and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Salvia hispanica L. Seeds

Phytochemical Profiling, Cytotoxicity and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Salvia hispanica L. Seeds

Phytochemical Profiling and In vitro Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic Extracts from Fadogia cienkowskii Leaves

This study assessed the phytochemicals in the methanolic extract of Fadogia cienkowskii leaves and ascertained their antioxidant qualities In vitro, taking into account the plant's extensive usage in traditional medicine. Standard procedures were followed in the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical examination as well as the In vitro antioxidant activities of the extracts. The methanolic extracts of F. cienkowskii leaves produced a yield of 4%. The main phytochemical components found in the plant were phenolics (tannins and flavonoids), saponins, protein, and carbohydrates. The amount of total phenols in the dried plant extract was 2.085± 0.35 μg garlic acid equivalent (GAE)/mg, tannins in the extract was 0.755±0.17 μg GAE/mg, flavonoid contents in the extract was 3.646± 0.45 μg GAE/mg, and flavonols in the extract was 0.868± 0.20μg quercetin equivalent/mg. At a dosage of 10,000μg/ml, the extract demonstrated a noteworthy dose-dependent ability to scavenge DPPH radicals, effectively blocking 96.56 ± 0.46 % of DPPH, in contrast to ascorbic acid, which inhibited 89.10 ± 3.73 % at the same concentration. At a concentration of 2500μg/ml of extract, the extract demonstrated the highest level of superoxide anion (O2) inhibitory action, at 71.91±0.66% of the radical, in comparison to quercetin, which exhibited 68.23 ± 0.41% at 250μg/ml. The extract's ability to scavenge Nitric Oxide (NO) was concentration-dependent, with 250µg/ml of it being more effective than α-tocopherol. These results consequently imply that the leaf extract of F. cienkowskii likely mediates its medicinal potentials through the efficient scavenging of free radicals. Therefore, the plant can be used to create safe and natural antioxidant compounds because it has the potential to scavenge free radicals and contains sufficient concentrations of phytochemicals.

HR-LCMS-QTOF-assisted phytochemical profiling and an assessment of habitat and altitude influence on phytochemical, morphological and antioxidant potential in Aquilegia fragrans Benth

HR-LCMS-QTOF-assisted phytochemical profiling and an assessment of habitat and altitude influence on phytochemical, morphological and antioxidant potential in Aquilegia fragrans Benth

LC-HRMS Profiling of Phytochemicals with Assessment of Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase, and Antimicrobial Potentials of Astragalus brachystachys DC.

This study provides the first comprehensive report on the chemical constituents and biological activities of an important medicinal plant, Astragalus brachystachys DC. The aerial part samples were collected from Adana, Türkiye, and an ethanol extract was prepared with these parts. The secondary metabolites of the extract were determined by an LC-HRMS analysis. The LC-HRMS analysis showed the presence of 39 different constituents, hyperoside (303.419±10.50 μg/g extract), p-coumaric acid (256.975±8.51 μg/g extract), and rutin (72.684±2.23 μg/g extract) were determined as major compounds in the aerial parts ethanol extract. Attributed to its high total phenolic (58.53±1.30 μg PEs/mg extract) and total flavonoid content (29.98±0.83 μg QEs/mg extract), the extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity according to three different assays namely DPPH free (IC50: 33.08±0.61 mg/mL), and ABTS cation radical scavenging (IC50: 15.39±0.72 mg/mL) and CUPRAC activity (A0.5: 36.25±0.28 mg/mL) methods. In vitro assays showed that cholinesterase inhibitory activity results were found to be exceptional with 85.95±0.52 % inhibition on acetylcholinesterase and 66.32±1.33 % inhibition on butyrylcholinesterase at 200 mg/mL. Regarding antimicrobial properties, Astragalus brachystachys DC extract was found to be effective against Enterococcus faecalis with a MIC value of 39.06 μg/mL.

Enhanced Biological Potential and Phytochemical Profiling of Phoenix Dactylifera Leaves (Deglet Nour and Alig) by Kombucha Fermentation: Focus on Polyphenols, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Cytotoxic Activities.

The date palm, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera, is an important cultural and economic source of wealth in southern Tunisia. It produces considerable agricultural waste, including palm leaves, the disposal of which is often a challenge. Our study addresses the sustainable conversion of date palm leaves into a valuable product through kombucha fermentation, focusing on two widely used varieties in Tunisia: Deglet Nour and Alig. HPLC-RI analysis showed a significant difference in the fermentation process between the treated samples, which is reflected in the highest sugar consumption and metabolite production in Alig palm. Unfermented and fermented date palm leaves were sequentially extracted with solvents of increasing polarity to evaluate their chemical composition and bioactivity. The results showed that kombucha fermentation significantly increased the total phenolic content, with the highest amounts in the ethyl acetate fraction. In terms of antioxidant activity, the ethyl acetate extracts showed a high percentage inhibitory activity (82.76%) against the DPPH radical found in fermented Palm Alig, which also exhibited the most important antidiabetic capacity (resulting in an IC50 value of 20 µg/mL). The chemical analyses resulted in the detection of 19 compounds by HPLC-DAD and 50 volatiles by GC-MS, which are mainly found in kombucha extracts.

Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis Using FTIR and LC-HRMS for Differentiating Sonchus arvensis Plant Parts and Evaluating Their Biological Activity.

The composition and concentration of compounds in medicinal plants vary based on several factors, including the specific part of the plant being used. These variations in composition and concentration lead to differences in biological activity levels. In this study, we aimed to assess the phytochemical profile of Sonchus arvensis and to investigate the biological activity of different plant parts (roots, stems, and leaves) using ametabolomics approach. We analyzed the plant extracts for total phenolic and flavonoid levels, antioxidant activity, and xanthine oxidase inhibition. We also conducted metabolite profiling using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. A total of 17 metabolites were identified (13 in leaves, 10 in stems, and 9 in roots). Principal component analysis effectively differentiated S. arvensis extracts based on differences in plant parts. These findings indicate that the quantity and diversity of metabolites present in the roots, stems, and leaves influence the biological activity of S. arvensis.

Bio-functional properties of Jilungin (Terminalia canescens).

Jilungin (Terminalia canescens) is a native Australian plant and the Indigenous "Nyul Nyul" people of the Kimberleyregion of Western Australia use its leaves to make herbal tea. Due to the rise in the popularity of drinking Jilungin tea among the consumers in Australia and internationally, it is important to study the nutritional and health-beneficial properties as well as safety of Jilungin leaves. This study aims to determine the nutritional composition, anti-nutritional factors, antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties of Jilungin leaves. Also, the phytochemical profiling using UHPLC-MS/MS (Ultra-performance liquid chromatographymass spectrometry) and antioxidant activity of Jilungin methanolic extracts and herbal infusion were investigated. The safety of the leaves and infusion was also investigated by using in vitro mammalian cell lines (Caco2, HT29, and HepG2) through cell viability assays. The leaves are rich in dietary fiber (43.9%) and linoleic acid (30.4% of total fatty acids). Phytochemical profiling revealed ellagic acid, geraniin, pedunculagin, and punicalagin as the major bioactive compounds. The results also demonstrated that Jilungin has strong antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. A significant (p<0.01) strong positive correlation was observed between the high antioxidant activity of Jilungin infusion with the major bioactive compounds. Jilungin extracts (50mg/mL) exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Its infusion and methanolic extract were safe on the studied cell lines (Caco-2, HT29, and HepG2) at higher concentrations of 66.6 and 98mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, Jilungin teas or infusions could be a safe and effective way to promote health and well-being. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Jilungin tea is very popular among consumers in Australia and is gaining popularity worldwide. The current study will increase knowledge on the nutritional aspects and safety of the Jilungin use.

Exploring the Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Nutritional Properties of Moringa oleifera: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Moringa oleifera is one of the most nutrient-packed species, commonly known as the drumstick tree or miracle tree, and has garnered substantial popularity for its health benefits, phytochemical profile, and therapeutic potential. Moringa oleifera is a plant that is native to the Indian subcontinent and has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years owing to its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Methods: The leaves, seeds, pods, roots, and flowers of this plant are enriched with a wide range of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. Therefore, it is considered a reservoir crop for both nutritional and medicinal applications. Result: The recent rediscovery of the plant is at the forefront of changes in nutrition, medicine, and public health. Owing to its varied clinical applications, the plant is a potential candidate for research in new drug development and functional foods. Conclusion: Potential applications of Moringa compounds in the treatment of chronic diseases include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (bacterial or fungal), and anticancerous effects. In this review, various phytochemical extraction techniques, therapeutic properties, and applications are discussed.