Plant-derived Secondary Metabolites Research Articles

Antimicrobial Potential of Selected Phytochemicals from Hygrophila schulli; Computational Insights

The escalating global concern over antibiotic resistance has led to an intensified exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies, including the utilization of plant-derived secondary metabolites. In this in-silico study, we investigated the structural inhibition of bacterial DNA Topoisomerase IV complex by major secondary metabolites extracted from the medicinal plant Hygrophila schulli. The plant is renowned for its rich phytochemical composition, possessing bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological properties. Using computational approaches, we conducted molecular docking simulations to explore the binding affinities and interactions between the identified secondary metabolites from Hygrophila schulli and the target bacterial DNA Topoisomerase IV complex. Our results unveil promising interactions, suggesting a potential inhibitory effect on the targeted protein. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to examine the dynamic behavior of the ligand-protein complexes, providing insights into the stability and conformational changes over time. This in-silico exploration contributes valuable information to the understanding of the molecular interactions between plant-derived secondary metabolites and Bacterial DNA Topoisomerase IV, laying the groundwork for future experimental validations. The findings from this study may pave the way for the development of novel antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources, offering a sustainable and effective approach in the ongoing battle against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Discovery of Pesticide Candidates from Natural Plant Products: Semisynthesis and Characterization of Andrographolide-Based Esters and Study of Their Pesticidal Properties and Toxicology.

To explore the use of nonfood plant-derived secondary metabolites for plant protection, a series of ester derivatives for controlling the major migratory agricultural pests were obtained by structural modification of andrographolide, a labdane diterpenoid isolated from Andrographis paniculata. Compound Id showed good insecticidal activity against the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith. Compounds IIa (LC50: 0.382 mg/mL) and IIIc (LC50: 0.563 mg/mL), the acaricidal activities of which were, respectively, 13.1 and 8.9 times that of andrographolide (LC50: 4.996 mg/mL), exhibited strong acaricidal and control effects against Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval. Against Aphis citricola Van der Goot, compounds IIIc and IVb displayed 3.9- and 3.7-fold pronounced aphicidal activity of andrographolide. Effects of compound Id on three protective enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) of S. frugiperda were also observed. The obvious differences of epidermal cuticle structures of mites treated with compound IIa were determined by scanning electron microscopy. Structure-activity relationships indicated that 14-ester derivatives of andrographolide showed potential insecticidal/acaricidal activities and can be further utilized as lead compounds.

Emerging and multifaceted potential contributions of polyphenols in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is recognized as a serious public health concern with a considerable impact on human life, long-term health expenditures, and substantial health losses. In this context, the use of dietary polyphenols to prevent and manage T2DM is widely documented. These dietary compounds exert their beneficial effects through several actions, including the protection of pancreatic islet β-cell, the antioxidant capacities of these molecules, their effects on insulin secretion and actions, the regulation of intestinal microbiota, and their contribution to ameliorate diabetic complications, particularly those of vascular origin. In the present review, we intend to highlight these multifaceted actions and the molecular mechanisms by which these plant-derived secondary metabolites exert their beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes patients.

Exploring the Significance, Extraction, and Characterization of Plant-Derived Secondary Metabolites in Complex Mixtures.

Secondary metabolites are essential components for the survival of plants. Secondary metabolites in complex mixtures from plants have been adopted and documented by different traditional medicinal systems worldwide for the treatment of various human diseases. The extraction strategies are the key components for therapeutic development from natural sources. Polarity-dependent solvent-selective extraction, acidic and basic solution-based extraction, and microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extraction are some of the most important strategies for the extraction of natural products from plants. The method needs to be optimized to isolate a specific class of compounds. Therefore, to establish the mechanism of action, the characterization of the secondary metabolites, in a mixture or in their pure forms, is equally important. LC-MS, GC-MS, and extensive NMR spectroscopic strategies are established techniques for the profiling of metabolites in crude extracts. Various protocols for the extraction and characterization of a wide range of classes of compounds have been developed by various research groups and are described in this review. Additionally, the possible means of characterizing the compounds in the mixture and their uniqueness are also discussed. Hyphenated techniques are crucial for profiling because of their ability to analyze a vast range of compounds. In contrast, inherent chemical shifts make NMR an indispensable tool for structure elucidation in complex mixtures.

Natural Alkaloids and Mechanisms for Anti-cancer Action: A Review

Abstract: Cancer is a global public health issue. Cancer therapy has been hampered by the issue of multidrug resistance, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. As a result, the use of natural derived drugs for cancer prevention and therapy has been researched and developed for decades. Alkaloids are plant-derived secondary metabolites that have antiproliferative and anticancer effects on several forms of cancer. Camptothecin and vinblastine, two anticancer medicines derived from alkaloids, have been adequately developed in the past. Alkaloids, a drug lead compounds, derived from natural products, have the advantage of being used by the host, making them suitable for further exploitation. The current review looks at the anticancer potential of numerous naturally occurring alkaloids, as well as the mechanism behind their anticancer effect.

Genome-Wide Computational Analysis of Dirrigent Proteins in Solanum Tuberosum

Dirrigent proteins are required for the synthesis of lignans, a distinct and widely distributed class of plant-derived secondary metabolites with promising pharmacologic characteristics and a potential role in plant defense. However, no detailed data on the Dirrigent family of Solanum tuberosum is known. Comparatively, 33 DIR sequences were explored in Solanum tuberosum in this research study. There are no introns in the majority of StDIR genes. A single Dirigent domain is found in all StDIR proteins. The abundance of amino acids, sequence similarity analysis, phylogenetic analysis, genomic location, gene structure, conserved domain analysis, evolutionary analysis, and gene promoter assessment are all studied. This study lays a foundation for potential plant genetic engineering and crop improvement research by providing an in-depth and thorough explanation of the detailed molecular mechanism and structural characterization of StDIR proteins in the genome of Solanum tuberosum. This work will provide useful data for enabling the proper selection of dirrigent proteins in higher plants and will support future studies on the DIR gene family.

Tobacco Leaf-Surface Extracts: Antimicrobial Potential against Phytopathogenic Fungi and In Vitro Culture Bacterial Contaminants

The excessive use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture demands sustainable alternatives to combat crop-affecting microorganisms. Plant-derived secondary metabolites have garnered attention as promising candidates with antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the antimicrobial potential of tobacco plants, specifically non-commercial accessions Nic 1015 (“TI 1341”) and BHmN, recognized for their rich bioactive compounds. Our objectives encompassed the extraction of leaf surface compounds and the assessment of their in vitro antimicrobial activity against crop-damaging microorganisms. Ethanol-based extracts, abundant in diterpenes, were meticulously analyzed. Notably, BHmN contained cis-abienol, while both accessions featured α-CBT diol, as confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). TLC-Bioautography and microdilution assays unveiled substantial antifungal activity. The growth inhibition percentages correlated with extract concentrations, highlighting the pivotal role of diterpenes. These extracts exhibited pronounced efficacy against Rhizoctonia solani and Stemphylium solani but displayed relatively weaker activity against Sarocladium oryzae. Notably, Nic 1015 extract demonstrated remarkable antifungal activity at a minimal concentration of 78 µg·mL−1, while cis-abienol and sclareol inhibited the growth of Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria alternata. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated in vitro antibacterial activity against common plant culture contaminants, Bacillus licheniformis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. In conclusion, the findings underscore the potential of these extracts as effective tools for controlling pathogenic fungi and bacterial contaminants in plant in vitro cultures. Harnessing plant-derived secondary metabolites, especially those from tobacco leaf surface, presents a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to mitigate the detrimental impact of microorganisms on agricultural crops, promising a greener alternative to synthetic chemical products.

Antioxidant, α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential of Mazus pumilus (Japanese Mazus) extract: An in-vitro and in-silico study

Plant-derived secondary metabolites possess diverse biological activities that are beneficial to humans. Modern medications used for diabetes and Alzheimer’s often cause side effects, prompting reliance on traditional alternatives. Therefore, we aimed to uncover the potential of Mazus pumilus in countering diabetes and Alzheimer’s by in-vitro inhibition of α-amylase and AChE. Additionally, antioxidant activity and phytochemical analyses were performed. Mazus pumilusThe plant was extracted sequentially using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, methanol, and water. The methanolic fraction, notably, manifested marked antioxidant efficacy against DPPH and ABTS radicals. Subsequently, this extract evinces noteworthy inhibitory attributes against α-amylase and AChE, respectively, in a competitive manner. Moreover, the bioactive phytoconstituents present in the methanolicextracts were determined through GC–MS analysis, and subsequent computational molecular docking studies revealed that these compounds strongly bound to the active site of both α-amylase and AChE. The calculated least binding energies, for α-amylase and AChE, underscore the viability of the molecular interactions. In conclusion, the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-Alzheimer attributes of Mazus pumilus extract likely emanate from the synergistic interplay of its bioactive phytoconstituents. A comprehensive in-vitro and in-vivo study is essential to fully explore the anti-diabetic and anti-Alzheimer potential of secondary metabolites of Mazus pumilus.

EVALUATION OF AN HERBAL FEED SUPPLEMENT (ANIMUNIN POWDER®) IN NURSING LAMBS FOR GROWTH AND HEALTH

Enteric and respiratory infections cause lamb death during and after weaning, resulting in economic losses in intensive ovine production systems. These infections have been treated with antibiotics, but their inadequate use has resulted in bacterial resistance. Plant-derived secondary metabolites can be used as an alternative to antibiotics in lambs. We hypothesized that Animunin could improve lamb performance and immunological response during and after weaning. The objective of this study was to see how Animunin supplementation affected the profile of blood metabolites related to health status and weight changes in nursing lambs. The experimental design was completely randomized, with treatments consisting of supplementation with Animunin gel caps at doses of 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 g d-1 for 60 d. Treatments were assigned at random to 40 male Hampshire x Suffolk nursing lambs (initial body weight (IBW) 10.8±2.6 kg, 25 d old). Weight at weaning (WW) was determined on day 83±2. During lactation, the lambs were offered pre-starter feed and water ad libitum, in addition to nursing. SAS GLM procedure was used to analyze the data. The level of polyherbal mixture had no effect on most blood components. However, as the dose of Animunin in the gel caps increased, glucose, urea, and creatinine levels decreased. In contrast, the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood of lambs given the 1 g dose increased by 39.4 and 45.9 %, respectively, compared to lambs given 0 g. The final body weight and daily gain were not affected (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the phytogenic Animunin had hypoglycemic effects while having no affecting lamb growth.

Flavonoids as promising anticancer therapeutics: Contemporary research, nanoantioxidant potential, and future scope.

Flavonoids are natural polyphenolic compounds considered safe, pleiotropic, and readily available molecules. It is widely distributed in various food products such as fruits and vegetables and beverages such as green tea, wine, and coca-based products. Many studies have reported the anticancer potential of flavonoids against different types of cancers, including solid tumors. The chemopreventive effect of flavonoids is attributed to various mechanisms, including modulation of autophagy, induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and antioxidant defense. Despite of significant anticancer activity of flavonoids, their clinical translation is limited due to their poor biopharmaceutical attributes (such as low aqueous solubility, limited permeability across the biological membranes (intestinal and blood-brain barrier), and stability issue in biological systems). A nanoparticulate system is an approach that is widely utilized to improve the biopharmaceutical performance and therapeutic efficacy of phytopharmaceuticals. The present review discusses the significant anticancer potential of promising flavonoids in different cancers and the utilization of nanoparticulate systems to improve their nanoantioxidant activity further to enhance the anticancer activity of loaded promising flavonoids. Although, various plant-derived secondary metabolites including flavonoids have been recommended for treating cancer, further vigilant research is warranted to prove their translational values.

Impacts of Plant-derived Secondary Metabolites for Improving Flora in Type 2 Diabetes.

Diabetes has become a problem that plagues public healthcare systems. Recent studies have shown that intestinal flora exerts positive therapeutic effects on metabolic diseases, and plant-derived secondary metabolites are safe, effective and easy to prepare and also have an impact on intestinal flora and diabetes; these drugs have rarely been reviewed before as a class of drugs for diabetes, especially focusing on the intestinal flora. Therefore, studying the relationship between plant-derived secondary metabolites and diabetes mellitus is crucial. The objective of this study is to summarize and investigate the therapeutic mechanism of drugs extracted from natural plants effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus. The relationship between flora and type 2 diabetes was investigated by reviewing the recent experimental literature, and the pathways available for natural plant-derived secondary metabolites in the treatment of type 2 diabetes were summarized. The therapeutic mechanisms of common plant-derived secondary metabolites for type 2 diabetes were summarized with a focus on the prebiotic efficacy of natural plant-derived secondary metabolites and the modulation of intestinal flora, and the mechanisms through which plantderived secondary metabolites treat type 2 diabetes via effects on intestinal flora are further reviewed. Common plant-derived secondary metabolites can play a role in regulating bacteria in the intestinal tract by enriching beneficial bacteria and removing harmful bacteria to achieve their therapeutic effect on type 2 diabetes. In addition, due to their excellent ability to regulate intestinal flora, plant-derived secondary metabolites may also have excellent efficacy in cancer and obesity, among other diseases.

In vitro screening of natural product-based compounds for leishmanicidal activity.

Leishmaniasis is one of the major parasitic diseases, caused by obligate intracellular protozoa Leishmania, having high mortality as well as morbidity rate. As there is no human licensed vaccine available against leishmaniasis, chemotherapy remains the major way of combating this disease. Many disadvantages are known to be associated with the current drug regime including severe side effects and toxicity, long duration and expensive treatment, and the emergence of resistance. An alternative approach is being utilized to search for active molecules using natural sources, rather than relying on synthetic drugs. Many plant-derived secondary metabolites like phenolic compounds, steroids, quinones, etc. are being extensively investigated for their anti-leishmanial potential. One such group of complex phenolic compounds are diarylheptanoids. These compounds have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, and other pharmacological activities. In the present study, a set of sixteen tetrahydropyran derivatives including three natural products were obtained in lyophilized form. These compounds with trans-2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyrans, Diospongin A, Diospongin B (isolated from Dioscorea spongiosa) and Centrolobine (Centrolobium sclerophyllum) as parent compounds were synthesized by the reaction of 1-phenyl-1-triemthylsiloxyethylene with six-membered cyclic hemiacetals in the presence of iodine as a catalyst. All the sixteen synthesized tetrahydropyran derivatives were used for toxicity analysis against L. donovani promastigotes, amastigotes and THP-1-derived human macrophages. IC50 values and selectivity index were calculated for all the compounds. Out of these sixteen, five compounds showed the best effect in vitro in terms of both leishmanicidal activity and non-toxicity to human macrophages.

A computational odyssey: uncovering classical β-lactamase inhibitors in dry fruits

In the antibacterial arsenal, β-lactams have held a prominent position, but increasing resistance due to unauthorized use and genetic factors requires new strategies. Combining β-lactamase inhibitors with broad-spectrum β-lactams proves effective in combating this resistance. ESBL producers demand new inhibitors, leading to the exploration of plant-derived secondary metabolites for potent β-lactam antibiotics or alternative inhibitors. Using virtual screening, molecular docking, ADMET analysis, and molecular dynamic simulation, this study actively analyzed the inhibitory activity of figs, cashews, walnuts, and peanuts against SHV-1, NDM-1, KPC-2, and OXA-48 β-lactamases. Using AutoDock Vina, the docking affinities of various compounds for target enzymes were initially screened, revealing 12 bioactive compounds with higher affinities for the target enzymes compared to Avibactam and Tazobactam. Top-scoring metabolites, including Oleanolic acid, Protocatechuic acid, and Tannin, were subjected to MD simulation studies to further analyze the stability of the docked complexes using WebGro. The simulation coordinates, in terms of RMSD, RMSF, SASA, Rg, and hydrogen bonds formed, showed that these phytocompounds are stable enough to retain in the active sites at various orientations. The PCA and FEL analysis also showed the stability of the dynamic motion of Cα residues of phytochemical-bound enzymes. The pharmacokinetic analysis of the top phytochemicals was performed to analyze their bioavailability and toxicity. This study provides new insights into the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals of selected dry fruits and contributes to future experimental studies to identify βL inhibitors from plants. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

A Multilevel Study of Eupatorin and Scutellarein as Anti-Amyloid Agents in Alzheimer's Disease.

Today, Alzheimer's disease (AD)-the most common neurodegenerative disorder, which affects 50 million people-remains incurable. Several studies suggest that one of the main pathological hallmarks of AD is the accumulation of abnormal amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregates; therefore, many therapeutic approaches focus on anti-Aβ aggregation inhibitors. Taking into consideration that plant-derived secondary metabolites seem to have neuroprotective effects, we attempted to assess the effects of two flavones-eupatorin and scutellarein-on the amyloidogenesis of Aβ peptides. Biophysical experimental methods were employed to inspect the aggregation process of Aβ after its incubation with each natural product, while we monitored their interactions with the oligomerized Aβ through molecular dynamics simulations. More importantly, we validated our in vitro and in silico results in a multicellular organismal model-namely, Caenorhabditis elegans-and we concluded that eupatorin is indeed able to delay the amyloidogenesis of Aβ peptides in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, we propose that further investigation could lead to the exploitation of eupatorin or its analogues as potential drug candidates.

The role of natural flavonoids on neuroinflammation as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease: a narrative review.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects a large proportion of older adult people and is characterized by memory loss, progressive cognitive impairment, and various behavioral disturbances. Although the pathological mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease are complex and remain unclear, previous research has identified two widely accepted pathological characteristics: extracellular neuritic plaques containing amyloid beta peptide, and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles containing tau. Furthermore, research has revealed the significant role played by neuroinflammation over recent years. The inflammatory microenvironment mainly consists of microglia, astrocytes, the complement system, chemokines, cytokines, and reactive oxygen intermediates; collectively, these factors can promote the pathological process and aggravate the severity of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the development of new drugs that can target neuroinflammation will be a significant step forward for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Flavonoids are plant-derived secondary metabolites that possess various bioactivities. Previous research found that multiple natural flavonoids could exert satisfactory treatment effects on the neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we describe the pathogenesis and neuroinflammatory processes of Alzheimer's disease, and summarize the effects and mechanisms of 13 natural flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, naringenin, quercetin, morin, kaempferol, fisetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, rutin, icariin, mangiferin, and anthocyanin) derived from plants or medicinal herbs on neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. As an important resource for the development of novel compounds for the treatment of critical diseases, it is essential that we focus on the exploitation of natural products. In particular, it is vital that we investigate the effects of flavonoids on the neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease in greater detail.

Optical Characteristics of Silver Nanoparticles Obtained Using Artemisia tilesii Ledeb. "Hairy" Root Extracts With High Flavonoid Content

Background. "Hairy" roots can be used for production of plant-derived secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, which have antioxidant and reducing properties. It seems promising to use the process of silver nanoparticles formation as a method of determining the level of reducing power. This approach allows simul­taneously to obtain nanoparticles with different biological activity and evaluate the reducing potential of dif­ferent plants. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the dependence of optical properties (ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectra) of solutions of silver nanoparticles obtained using wormwood "hairy" root extracts on the content of flavonoids as compounds with reducing activity. Methods. Four Artemisia tilesii “hairy” root lines from the collection of the Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering NAS of Ukraine were grown for five weeks in liquid 1/2 MS medium with 20 g/l sucrose. "Hairy" roots were homogenized in 70% ethanol, the extracts were centrifuged, total flavonoid content was determined, and extracts were used for the silver nanoparticles preparation via reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 from AgNO3. UV-Vis spectra at 300–600 nm range were recorded right after colloid solution preparation, in five, and in nine days. Results. Total flavonoid content varied from 4.01 ± 0.39 to 15.37 ± 1.08 mg RE/g FW. The UV-Vis spectra curves of absorption increased with the course of time, mostly from day 0 to day 5. At this period, absorption at 370–500 nm wavelength increased almost twofold. The peak absorption of all samples was detected at 440 nm, and the maximum values at the wavelength of 440 nm correlated with the content of flavonoids. This correlation did not change over time. Conclusions. The optical properties of silver nanoparticles colloid solutions obtained using A. tilesii "hairy" root extracts correlated with the total flavonoid content of the samples. Even though the absorbance of the colloid solutions increased with time, those increases correlated with flavonoid content as well. The determination of the optical properties of AgNPs colloid solution can be used as a convenient way of quickly comparing the reducing ability of extracts both right after the formation of a colloidal solution and after some time of its storage.

Plant Metabolomics: An Overview of the Role of Primary and Secondary Metabolites against Different Environmental Stress Factors

Several environmental stresses, including biotic and abiotic factors, adversely affect the growth and development of crops, thereby lowering their yield. However, abiotic factors, e.g., drought, salinity, cold, heat, ultraviolet radiations (UVr), reactive oxygen species (ROS), trace metals (TM), and soil pH, are extremely destructive and decrease crop yield worldwide. It is expected that more than 50% of crop production losses are due to abiotic stresses. Moreover, these factors are responsible for physiological and biochemical changes in plants. The response of different plant species to such stresses is a complex phenomenon with individual features for several species. In addition, it has been shown that abiotic factors stimulate multi-gene responses by making modifications in the accumulation of the primary and secondary metabolites. Metabolomics is a promising way to interpret biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. The study of metabolic profiling revealed different types of metabolites, e.g., amino acids, carbohydrates, phenols, polyamines, terpenes, etc, which are accumulated in plants. Among all, primary metabolites, such as amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids polyamines, and glycine betaine, are considered the major contributing factors that work as osmolytes and osmoprotectants for plants from various environmental stress factors. In contrast, plant-derived secondary metabolites, e.g., phenolics, terpenoids, and nitrogen-containing compounds (alkaloids), have no direct role in the growth and development of plants. Nevertheless, such metabolites could play a significant role as a defense by protecting plants from biotic factors such as herbivores, insects, and pathogens. In addition, they can enhance the resistance against abiotic factors. Therefore, metabolomics practices are becoming essential and influential in plants by identifying different phytochemicals that are part of the acclimation responses to various stimuli. Hence, an accurate metabolome analysis is important to understand the basics of stress physiology and biochemistry. This review provides insight into the current information related to the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on variations of various sets of metabolite levels and explores how primary and secondary metabolites help plants in response to these stresses.

Formation and physical characterization of soy protein-isoflavone dispersions and emulsions

Proteins stabilize emulsions by adsorbing at the interface to prevent the natural tendency of droplet coalescence. Polyphenols (plant-derived secondary metabolites) are capable of complexing with proteins through structural interactions. Certain polyphenols have shown influence on interfacial properties of proteins, yet isoflavones specifically have not been widely investigated. Thus, the objective of this research was to study the effect of isoflavones on protein-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions. Soy protein fractions, assessed via SDS-PAGE and bicinchoninic acid assay, contained primarily β-conglycinin (7S) and glycinin (11S). Notable isoflavones identified from HPLC analysis were daidzin, genistin, and glycitin. Physical characteristics (size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and wettability) of soy protein isolate-isoflavone (SPI–I) dispersions and emulsion droplets were measured with a Zetasizer Nano ZS and goniometer. Isoflavone addition significantly increased the contact angle of sessile drops towards neutral wettability. Heating appeared to significantly improve colloidal stability and emulsion droplets formed with heated SPI-I dispersions sustained size (∼200–245 nm) and zeta potential (∼-30-35 mV) over 7 days, with higher concentrations of isoflavones being generally correlated with smaller emulsion droplets. Collectively, these findings indicate that isoflavone addition improved emulsion stability compared to the control without isoflavones and that they can contribute to colloidal stability of food products.

Comparison of Proanthocyanidin- and Phenolic-Rich Extracts Derived from Pecan Shell and Husk as Elicitors of Induced Resistance Against Phytophthora capsici on Chile Pepper

The use of plant-derived secondary metabolites to induce disease resistance in plants has been well documented. In this study, total phenolics and total proanthocyanidins (PACs) were extracted from the shell and husk of pecan ( Carya illinoinensis) and quantified. Under greenhouse conditions, the extracts were foliarly applied to chile pepper ( Capsicum annuum, cultivar NM 6-4) to compare their ability to induce resistance in plants inoculated with a virulent isolate of Phytophthora capsici. Extractions yielded total phenolic contents of 673 ± 28 and 293 ± 24 mg/g dry weight (DW) for shell and husk and total PAC contents of 1,770.10 ± 158.62 and 901.30 ± 22.84 mg/g DW for shell and husk, respectively. Chile plants treated with total phenolic and PAC extracts from pecan husk or shell or 0.1% salicylic acid, a plant-defense hormone, remained asymptomatic throughout the study for 3 weeks, whereas plants treated with water, which served as a control, died. Both total phenolic and total PAC extracts derived from pecan byproducts can be used within a greenhouse setting as elicitors to induce resistance response in chile pepper against plant pathogens such as P. capsici.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Isorhamnetin and Isorhamnetin Conjugates.

Isorhamnetin is a plant-derived secondary metabolite which belongs to the family of flavonoids. This review summarises the main outcomes described in the literature to date, regarding the effects of isorhamnetin on obesity from in vitro and in vivo studies. The studies carried out in pre-adipocytes show that isorhamnetin is able to reduce adipogenesis at 10 μM or higher doses and that these effects are mediated by Pparγ and by Wnt signalling pathway. Very few studies addressed in rodents are available so far. It seems that treatment periods longer than two weeks are needed by isorhamnetin and its glycosides to be effective as anti-obesity agents. Nevertheless, improvements in glycaemic control can be observed even in short treatments. Regarding the underlying mechanisms of action, although some contradictory results have been found, reductions in de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid uptake could be proposed. Further research is needed to increase the scientific evidence referring to this topic; studies in animal models are essential, as well as randomised clinical trials to determine whether the positive results observed in animals could also be found in humans, in order to determine if isorhamnetin and its glycosides can represent a real tool against obesity.