Plant Compounds Research Articles

Enhancing Antioxidant Activity and Nutritional Profile of Dark Chocolate Through Enrichment with Plant Sterols: A Study on Phytosterol Concentrations and Functional Properties

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is recognized for its antioxidant properties attributed to the presence of flavonoids that promote cardiovascular health. Enriching chocolate with phytosterols, naturally occurring plant compounds known to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels, has the potential to enhance cardiovascular benefits. The incorporation of phytosterols into chocolate provides a palatable and cost-effective means of delivering these beneficial compounds to the body. This study examined the concentrations of sterols and stanols, as well as the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate enriched with plant-derived sterols and stanols. A commercially available preparation containing phytosterol esters (Vegapure® 95 WE) was utilized for this enrichment. Four levels of phytosterol esters (3, 6, 9, and 12%) were added at two distinct stages of chocolate processing: conching and tempering. Sterol and stanol contents were analyzed chromatographically, total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant capacity was assessed via the DPPH assay. Additionally, a sensory evaluation was performed to assess the palatability of the enriched chocolates. The enriched chocolates showed significantly increased levels of sitosterol (up to 1117.68 mg/100 g), campesterol (up to 119.10 mg/100 g), and sitostanol (up to 76.42 mg/100 g). The antioxidant capacity of the enriched dark chocolates was more strongly correlated with phenolic compound content than with phytosterol content. Sensory differences, particularly in taste, were also noted, influenced by the addition of phytosterols. The stage at which phytosterol esters were introduced affected the chocolate’s properties, with the tempering stage proving to be the more advantageous step for incorporating phytosterols, resulting in a lower loss of bioactive compounds. These findings suggest that enriching dark chocolate with phytosterols improves its nutritional profile and functional properties, positioning it as a potential dietary supplement for cholesterol management and cardiovascular health.

Influence of saponin tauroside Sx1 on lifespan and expression of vitamin D receptors in the liver tissue of mice with influenza infection

Introduction. Respiratory infections, including influenza, are often accompanied by hepatitis in humans which pathogenesis is not fully understood. According to the available datan D deficiency is presumably a risk factor in the occurrence of acute respiratory viral infections due to its modulation of immune response. Recent studies indicate that several plant compounds can interact with vitamin D receptors (VDRs) and modulate the activity of VDRs. The biologically active components saponins have found widespread use in clinical practice due to their wide range of biological and pharmacological effects which mechanisms are still largely unclear.Aim. To study the effect of oral administration of saponin tauroside Sx1, obtained from Crimean ivy, on life expectancy and activation of vitamin D receptors in the liver of mice during experimental viral infection of varying severity.Materials and methods. The 11 subgroups were formed from male BALB/c mice, were used in the experiment depending on the infectious dose of influenza virus, 5 LD50 virus or 10 LD50 virus, respectively, including control. Saponin tauroside Sx1 was used as a corrector. Immunohistochemical studies were carried out automatically in a BOND-MAX immunohistainer (Leica, Germany). Primary rabbit polyclonal antibodies to the vitamin D receptor were used.Results and discussion. Due to the administration of tauroside Sx1 at a dose of 200 μg/mouse/day increases the average life expectancy of animals receiving saponin by 4.6 days. Reducing the infectious dose of IV from 10 LD50 to 5 LD50 also changed the onset of death of animals by 2 days in both groups. With different infectious doses of the virus, on the 10th day of the experiment in the subgroups, the expression of vitamin D receptors changes without correction. In subgroup 2V, the number of total positive cells was lower than the control group. Moreover, in the 2Vir subgroup, VDR expression was significantly higher than the control group.Conclusion. The saponin tauroside Sx1 at a dose of 200 µg/mouse/day has a fairly pronounced antiviral effect during experimental infection of mice with the influenza A/H1N1 virus, which is manifested by an increase in the average life expectancy of animals (for 4.6 days) and a decrease in the mortality rate during severe influenza infection, compared with the control group, where 100 % mortality was observed by the 14th day of the experiment. The introduction of saponin on the 4th day of the experiment in all subgroups reduces the total number of immune cells that intensively express VDR.

Cytotoxic Effects of Plant Secondary Metabolites and Naturally Occurring Bioactive Peptides on Breast Cancer Model Systems: Molecular Mechanisms

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women, and the number of mortal cases in diagnosed patients is constantly increasing. The search for new plant compounds with antitumor effects is very important because of the side effects of conventional therapy and the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. The use of plant substances in medicine has been well known for centuries, but the exact mechanism of their action is far from being elucidated. The molecular mechanisms of cytotoxicity exerted by secondary metabolites and bioactive peptides of plant origin on breast cancer cell lines are the subject of this review.

RENOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF FLAVONOIDS-RICH AGAINST DOXORUBICIN-INDUCED IN ANIMAL MODELS: A REVIEW

Cancer significantly impacts human health, affecting one in five people during their lifetime. While chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin are crucial in treating various cancers, they are also associated with severe side effects, including nephrotoxicity. This review examines the renoprotective potential of flavonoids against doxorubicin-induced renal damage in animal models. Doxorubicin works by intercalating Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) and making Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which cause apoptosis and the death of cells. A thorough literature analysis was done to collect relevant papers on the impact of flavonoid-rich therapies as renoprotective agents against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Springer, Wiley Online Library, and ScienceDirect were searched using keywords including "flavonoids, doxorubicin, renoprotective, nephrotoxicity, and animal model," focusing on publications from 2014 to 2024. Flavonoids are diverse polyphenolic compounds in many plants with significant pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. This review highlights the renoprotective potential of flavonoids like quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, morin, luteolin, apigenin, hesperidin, naringenin, diosmin, and anthocyanins. These compounds reduce renal toxicity through mechanisms that decrease ROS, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial permeability, and apoptosis.

Heterologous biosynthesis of betanin triggers metabolic reprogramming in tobacco

Engineering of a specialized metabolic pathway in plants is a promising approach to produce high-value bioactive compounds to address the challenges of climate change and population growth. Understanding the interaction between the heterologous pathway and the native metabolic network of the host plant is crucial for optimizing the engineered system and maximizing the yield of the target compound. In this study, we performed transcriptomic, metabolomic and metagenomic analysis of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants engineered to produce betanin, an alkaloid pigment that is found in Caryophyllaceae plants. Our data reveals that, in a dose-dependent manor, the biosynthesis of betanin promotes carbohydrate metabolism and represses nitrogen metabolism in the leaf, but enhances nitrogen assimilation and metabolism in the root. By supplying nitrate or ammonium, the accumulation of betanin increased by 1.5–3.8-fold in leaves and roots of the transgenic plants, confirming the pivotal role of nitrogen in betanin production. In addition, the rhizosphere microbial community is reshaped to reduce denitrification and increase respiration and oxidation, assistant to suppress nitrogen loss. Our analysis not only provides a framework for evaluating the pleiotropic effects of an engineered metabolic pathway on the host plant, but also facilitates the development of novel strategies to balance the heterologous process and the native metabolic network for the high-yield and nutrient-efficient production of bioactive compounds in plants.

Effect of Biostimulants on Plant Growth and Leaf Functional Compounds of Passiflora Plants

The influence of biostimulant treatments on Passiflora species was assessed by observing changes in the growth and leaf functional compounds of plants exposed to humic acids (HAs) and seaweed extracts (SEs) to determine their optimal application doses. Four different concentrations of HA irrigation (0, 144, 192, and 285 mg·L−1 per pot assigned as HI-1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively), HA spraying (0, 96, 128, and 192 mg·L−1 as HS-1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively), SE irrigation (SI-1∼4 at 0, 1, 1.33, and 2 g·L−1 per pot, respectively), and SE spraying (SS-1∼4 at 0, 0.5, 0.67, and 1 g·L−1, respectively) treatments were applied to ‘Tainung No. 1’ and Passiflora suberosa cultivars every week to study their responses in plant growth traits and metabolites. Results show that leaf dry weight (DW) and root DW of ‘Tainung No. 1’ plants under SS-3 and HI-4 treatments, respectively, were significantly increased compared with controls. Both HI-3 and HS-3 treatments remarkably increased vine length, fresh weight (FW), and DW of leaves and shoots in P. suberosa plants compared with controls. Furthermore, ‘Tainung No. 1’ and P. suberosa plants respectively subjected to HI-2 and SS-4 treatments contributed to developing biostimulant applications for obtaining higher total phenol and flavonoid content per plant. Both Passiflora species are recommended for treatment with SS-4 and SE to maximize orientin and isovitexin content, and for all their beneficial applications and sustainable use in agriculture.

Screening and identification of phytochemicals from Acorus calamus L. to overcome NDM-1 mediated resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae using in silico approach

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a potent human pathogen and a prevalent ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species). Considerably, K. pneumoniae becomes a major clinical problem due to numerous AMR genes [extended-spectrum β-lactamase, plasmid-mediated AmpC, carbapenemases, tigecycline resistance, and New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1)] and can hydrolyse the majority of β-lactam antibiotics. Hence, targeting NDM-1 could be an effective approach to eradicate K. pneumoniae pathogenesis. A plethora of reports suggests that the plant compounds possess an anti-microbial activity and their utilization could be a promising strategy to develop novel antibiotics. Our study utilized the hydromethanolic leaves extract of Acorus calamus L. (AC) to target NDM-1 containing K. pneumonia using an in silico approach. At first, we determined the phytochemical composition of AC using GC-HRMS. Further, the phytoconstituents were screened against the NDM-1 (PDB ID: 3ZR9) of K. pneumoniae through molecular docking studies. Our results revealed the compounds from AC such as [(2R,4S,6R,7S,8R,9S,13S)-16-hydroxy-5’,7,9,13-tetramethylspiro[5-oxapentacyclo[10.8.0.02,9.04,8.013,18]icos-1(12)-ene-6,2’-oxane]-11-one (-9.5 kcal/mol), 4,4,5,8-tetramethyl-2,3-dihydrochromen-2-ol (-6.6 kcal/mol), 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichloro phenoxy)phenol (-6.0 kcal/mol), [(3S,3aS,6R,6aS)-3-nitrooxy-2,3,3a,5,6,6a-hexahydrofuro[3,2-b]furan-6-yl] nitrate (-5.7 kcal/mol), 4-(3-hydroxyprop-1-enyl)-2-methoxyphenol (-5.6 kcal/mol), and (E)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid (-5.6 kcal/mol)] possess substantial docking scores against NDM-1. Therefore, our study concludes that phytochemicals of AC may inhibit NDM-1-mediated resistance in K. pneumoniae and could be an alternative therapeutic strategy for targeting NDM-1-containing K. pneumoniae.

In silico exploration of phytocompounds from AYUSH-64 medicinal plants against SARS CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase

BackgroundThe AYUSH 64 formulation helps to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. Although several drugs have been proposed to combat COVID-19, no medication is available for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is the pivotal enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 replication, so it could be considered a better drug target for experimental studies. ObjectiveThe AYUSH-64 formulation plants exhibited multiple therapeutic properties; thus, the present study aims to screen the phytocompounds of these plants against SARS CoV2 RdRp to identify specific compounds that could potentially affect COVID-19 infection. Materials and methodsPatchDock and AutoDock tools were used for docking experiments. MD simulations and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of protein-ligand Picroside-I and Remdesivir complexes were carried out in GROMACS v2019.4 and Gaussian 09 software, respectively. ResultsAmong the tested, five phytocompounds (Picroside I, Oleanolic acid, Arvenin I, II, and III) from AYUSH-64 medicinal plants showed possible binding with RdRp catalytic residues (Ser759, Asp760, and Asp761). Of these, Picroside I exhibited hydrogen bond interactions with NTP entry channel residues (Arg553 and Arg555). The MM-PBSA free energy, RMSD, Rg, PCA, and RMSF analysis suggested that the Picroside I complex showed stable binding interactions with RdRp in the 50 ns simulation. In addition to this, Picroside I revealed its robust and attractive nature toward the target protein, as confirmed by DFT. ConclusionThe results of this study have proposed that Picroside I from AYUSH 64 medicinal plant compounds was the selective binder of catalytic and NTP entry channel residues of SARS-CoV2 RdRp thereby; it may considered as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV2 RdRp.

Inoculation of Arthrobacter sp. improves the growth of Acanthocalycium sp. and the fruits nutraceutical quality and the flowers longevity

Research objective: The aim of this work is on the inoculation in the growing medium of Arthrobacter sp. and its effects on the growth, flower quality and longevity of cactus plants. To this end, the study of biometric parameters, i.e. plants and flowers (height, weight, number and duration), as well as root growth (weight), and the presence of disease were quantified as measures of plant productivity and compared with those obtained from non-inoculated plants. The use of alginate microspheres as a means of bacterial inoculation was also considered. Materials and Methods: Seedlings of Acanthocalycium (2 years old) Ferrarii, A. Glaucum and A. Violaceum were immediately planted in pots after purchase, in substrate containing (sand 20%, pumice 20% and peat 60%; pH 7; electrical conductivity 0.7 dS/m; total porosity 80% (v/v). A randomised complete block design was applied for the experiments: the pots were randomly divided into two series, one series was inoculated with the bacteria and the other non-inoculated was used as a control. Each month, plant growth was assessed according to (1) plant height, (2) vegetative and root weight, (3) number of flowers per plant (4) flower duration. In addition, the occurrence of possible diseases, in particular Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp., was assessed. Total flavonoids, total phenols and antioxidant activity were also analysed. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of Arthrobacter sp. can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Acanthocalycium sp. cacti. In addition, there was a significant improvement in the number and floral longevity as well as in the phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant content of the fruits of the inoculated plants compared to the untreated control. The experiment also showed that mortality due to the pathogens Fusarium sp. and Verticillium sp. was significantly reduced in the treated plant. In agreement with these authors, we found that PGPB treatments increased agronomic parameters and improved Fusarium and Verticillium resistance. In general, the application of biostimulants can increase the synthesis of bioactive compounds in plants by increasing resistance to phytopathologies. Inoculation with Arthrobacter sp. led to a significant reduction in the number of dead plants with respect to the diseases analysed. As a result of the stimulating action demonstrated in Acanthocalycium, bioproducts suitable for nutraceutical purposes may be developed in the future. Therefore, new microbe-assisted technologies can help plants to resist stress conditions, improving their tolerance and productivity. Conclusions: Due to its ‘multifunctionality’, the genus Acanthocalycium is considered as one of the species of the future, for ornamental use and medicinal aspects, and new results may help reveal its potential in the context of the bio-economy and circular economy. As natural resources and cultural practices are crucial in defining the quality of flowers when destined for food/nutraceutical applications, the inoculation of Acanthocalycium with Arthrobacter sp. can be envisaged to provide better plant growth under conditions of environmental stress, or as a soil fertiliser, but also to improve the synthesis of natural products used for therapeutic applications.

Effect of Salinity on the Growth and Biochemical Profile of Hedypnois cretica and Plantago coronopus Plants in Relation to the Cropping System and Growth Environment

The aim of the present work is to study the impact of salinity (i.e., 2 dS/m without addition of NaCl (control); 5 dS/m (EC-5); and 10 dS/m (EC-10) with the addition of 30 and 80 mM NaCl, respectively) on yield, organoleptic quality and the content of antioxidant compounds in Plantago coronopus and Hedypnois cretica plants in relation to different cropping systems and environmental conditions during growth (i.e., pots or floating hydroponics systems in the greenhouse and pots in the field (GPs, GH and FPs, respectively)). Almost all the growth parameters of the H. cretica plants in the greenhouse were impaired by both moderate (EC-5) and high (EC-10) salinity levels, especially in the floating hydroponics system, where, compared to EC-2, a reduction was observed of 33% in EC-5 and 76% in EC-10 in leaf area and of 24% and 75%, respectively, in fresh weight. On the contrary, the growth of the P. coronopus plants was negatively affected by salinity only in the GP system. However, salinity had no effect on most growth characteristics of both species grown in the field, suggesting a strong environmental effect on the impact of salinity in the tested species. On the other hand, the content of pigments, proline and total phenolics in the P. coronopus leaves, as well as their antioxidant capacity, were not affected by salinity in most cases, whereas in H. cretica the salinity effect was significant even at moderate levels (EC-5) in relation to the cropping system and growth environment. Moreover, both salinity levels reduced the nitrate content of P. coronopus plants in all cases (up to 61% in GP plants at EC-10) and of H. cretica GH plants (up to 67% in EC-10). Finally, regardless of the salinity level, the field-grown plants of both species showed a considerably higher content of total phenolics (by 59% in H. cretica and 58% in P. coronopus) and antioxidant activity (by 63% in H. cretica and 53% in P. coronopus, FRAP values), compared to the greenhouse ones. In conclusion, our results indicate that the tested combinations of cropping systems and growth environments could be used as an eco-friendly and sustainable agronomic tool to mitigate the negative effects of salinity and to regulate the organoleptic and biochemical properties of the tested species, allowing small-scale farmers in the affected areas to cope with the ongoing climate change and the environmental pressures they currently face through the exploitation of alternative/underexploited species of high added value.

Molecular Targets of Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: With a significant increase in both incidence and mortality, oral cancer—particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)—is one of the main causes of death in developing countries. Even though there is evidence of advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the overall survival rate for patients with OSCC has improved, but by a small percentage. This may be due, on the one hand, to the fact that the disease is diagnosed when it is at a too-advanced stage, when metastases are already present. Methods: This review explores the therapeutic potential of natural herbal products and their use as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of oral cancer from online sources in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Scopus, Elsevier). Results: Even if classic therapies are known to be effective, they often produce many serious side effects and can create resistance. Certain natural plant compounds may offer a complementary approach by inducing apoptosis, suppressing tumor growth, and improving chemotherapy effectiveness. The integration of these compounds with conventional treatments to obtain remarkable synergistic effects represents a major point of interest to many authors. This review highlights the study of molecular mechanisms and their efficiency in in vitro and in vivo models, as well as the strategic ways in which drugs can be administered to optimize their use in real contexts. Conclusions: This review may have a significant impact on the oncology community, creating new inspirations for the development of more effective, safer cancer therapies with less toxic potential.

The endocannabinoid system in bovine tissues: characterization of transcript abundance in the growing Holstein steer

BackgroundThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) is highly integrated with seemingly all physiological and pathophysiological processes in the body. There is increasing interest in utilizing bioactive plant compounds, for promoting health and improving production in livestock. Given the established interaction between phytochemicals and the ECS, there are many opportunities for identification and development of therapies to address a range of diseases and disorders. However, the ECS has not been thoroughly characterized in cattle, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this study was to characterize the distribution and transcriptional abundance of genes associated with the endocannabinoid system in bovine tissues.MethodsTissues including brain, spleen, thyroid, lung, liver, kidney, mesenteric vein, tongue, sublingual mucosa, rumen, omasum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon were collected from 10-mo old Holstein steers (n = 6). Total RNA was extracted and gene expression was measured using absolute quantification real time qPCR. Gene expression of endocannabinoid receptors CNR1 and CNR2, synthesis enzymes DAGLA, DAGLB and NAPEPLD, degradation enzymes MGLL and FAAH, and transient receptor potential vanilloids TRPV3 and TRPV6 was measured. Data were analyzed in R using a Kruskal-Wallis followed by a Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results are reported as the median copy number/20 ng of equivalent cDNA (CN) with interquartile range (IQR).ResultsThe greatest expression of CNR1 and CNR2 was in the brain and spleen, respectively. Expression of either receptor was not detected in any gastrointestinal tissues, however there was a tendency (P = 0.095) for CNR2 to be expressed above background in rumen. Expression of endocannabinoid synthesis and degradation enzymes varied greatly across tissues. Brain tissue had the greatest DAGLA expression at 641 CN (IQR 52; P ≤ 0.05). DAGLB was detected in all tissues, with brain and spleen having the greatest expression (P ≤ 0.05). Expression of NAPEPLD in the gastrointestinal tract was lowest in tongue and sublingual mucosal. There was no difference in expression of NAPEPLD between hindgut tissues, however these tissues collectively had 592% greater expression than rumen and omasum (P ≤ 0.05). While MGLL was found to be expressed in all tissues, expression of FAAH was only above the limit of detection in brain, liver, kidney, jejunum and ileum. TRPV3 was expressed above background in tongue, rumen, omasum and colon. Although not different from each other, thyroid and duodenum had the greatest expression of TRPV6, with 285 (IQR 164) and 563 (IQR 467) CN compared to all other tissues (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese data demonstrate the complex distribution and variation of the ECS in bovine tissues. Expression patterns suggest that regulatory functions of this system are tissue dependent, providing initial insight into potential target tissues for manipulation of the ECS.

Soybean isoflavones protect dopaminergic neurons from atrazine damage by inhibiting VPS13A to increase autophagy

Atrazine (ATR) is a broad-spectrum herbicide with dopaminergic (DAergic) neurotoxicity that can cause Parkinson’s disease (PD)-like syndrome. However, research on preventing ATR neurotoxicity is unclear. Soybean isoflavones (SI) are natural plant compounds with neuroprotective effects. In this study, we found that pre-administration of SI prevented ATR-induced motor dysfunction and substantia nigra pathological damage. RNA-seq datasets revealed that the neuroprotective effect of SI was related to autophagy. Further experiments showed that ATR inhibited autophagy, and SI pre-administration before ATR exposure increased autophagy. In addition, single-cell data analysis combined with experimental verification showed that the gene VPS13A was a key target by which SI protected DAergic neurons from ATR damage, and inhibiting VPS13A-induced autophagy was a key mechanism enabling SI prevention of neuron damage. Together, these findings provide new insights for the development of preventive measures and intervention targets protecting against functional neuronal damage caused by ATR and other herbicides.

Effect of Oxidation of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Myracrodruon urundeuva All. (Anarcadiaceae) on its Antimicrobial Activity

This study investigates the relaction between oxidation and antimicrobial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Myracrodruon urundeuva, a plant known for its traditional medicinal uses. The primary objective was to evaluate how the oxidation of bioactive compounds within the extract affects its antimicrobial efficacy against common pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The extract was prepared following a standardized methodology, and its antimicrobial properties were assessed using disk diffusion assays over a 60-day period, with samples tested every 15 days to monitor changes in activity. The results revealed that the extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, particularly at higher concentrations (100%~50%), with inhibition zones reaching up to 16.7 mm against Staphylococcus aureus by day 30. However, a notable decline in activity was observed between days 30 and 45, indicating a potential degradation of the extract's efficacy over time. Interestingly, lower concentrations (12.5% and 0.4%) showed a resurgence in inhibitory activity towards the end of the study, suggesting that certain oxidative processes may enhance the antimicrobial properties of specific compounds. The study highlights the complex relationship between oxidation and antimicrobial activity demonstrating that certain compounds lose effectiveness, while others become more potent after oxidative modification. This finding is particularly relevant in the context of increasing bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics, as it suggests that the oxidation of plant-derived compounds could be a viable strategy to enhance their antimicrobial properties. Overall, this research underscores the potential of Myracrodruon urundeuva as a natural alternative in combating resistant pathogens and emphasizes the need for further investigation into the mechanisms by which oxidation influences the activity of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants.

A Comprehensive Review on Insect Repellent Agents: Medicinal Plants and Synthetic Compounds.

Plant-based repellents have been used for generations as personal protection against mosquitoes. Ethnobotanical studies provide valuable knowledge for developing natural prod-ucts. Commercial repellents with plant-based ingredients are popular, but insufficient studies follow Pesticide Evaluation Scheme WHO guidelines. Further standardized studies are needed to evaluate repellent compounds and develop high-repellency and safe products. Essential Oils (EOs) from aromatic plants have gained popularity as low-risk insecticides due to their low toxicity and short environmental persistence. These plant-derived EOs, produced through steam distillation, have repellent, insecticidal, and growth-reducing effects on various insects. They control phytophagous insects, bite flies, and home and garden insects. US registration is the main hurdle for new EOs. This review explores the use of essential oils from plants as a natural repellent, focusing on their effectiveness and synergistic effects. Essential oils are vol-atile mixtures of hydrocarbons with diverse functional groups, and their effectiveness is linked to monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Synergistic effects can improve their effectiveness, and the use of other natural products, like vanillin, can increase protection time. Cymbopogon spp., Ocimum spp., and Eucalyptus spp. are among the most promising plant families.

In vivo and in silico anti-inflammatory activity of Artemisia vulgaris and β-caryophyllene oxide in carrageenan-induced paw edema in Wistar rats

This study is aimed to evaluate the impact of methanolic extract of Artemisia vulgaris and isolated plant compound, β-Caryophyllene oxide against carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat model and its therapeutic potential compared with reference drug, Indometacin. Methanolic extract of A. vulgaris was characterized using FTIR, LC-MS, NMR spectral studies. Paw edema was induced by sub-plantar injection of 100 µl of 1% carrageenan. Oxidative enzymes, such as super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), lipid peroxidation and C-reactive protein levels were measured in paw tissue. In silico evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of plant compounds was evaluated against the molecular targets of inflammation. C-reactive protein and lipid-peroxidation levels were significantly increased whereas the activity levels of oxidative enzymes were significantly decreased in inflammation-induced rats. The recovery of oxidative enzyme levels was seen in treated groups in a dose dependent manner. C-reactive protein and lipid-peroxidation levels were significantly decreased in treated groups, indicating the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant extract and the plant compound. Computational analysis rationalizes the inhibitory ability of plant derived compound possibly by altering the inflammatory signaling pathway.

RESEARCH OF STEROID AND VOLATILE COMPOUNDS IN VERBENA OFFICINALIS L. HERB

Biologically active compounds of medicinal plants are able to affect various links of processes in the living organism, namely, they regulate the processes of metabolism, growth and development of organisms. The therapeutic potency of medicinal plant raw materials is derived by a complex of biologically active compounds that influence various biologically processes, including metabolism, growth, and development. Numerous steroid-like remedies of plant origin exhibit remarkable activity. Phytosterols, chemical compounds similar to cholesterol, are synthesized in plant organisms and have been found to have anti-tumor effects and lower blood cholesterol. Additionally, steroid and volatile compounds demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. The genus Verbena includes 250 species. 3 species grow on the territory of Ukraine: Verbena officinalis L., Verbena supinа L., Verbena hybrida Hort. Verbena officinalis L. is globally recognized for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, showcasing anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and anti-allergic effects. However, comprehensive chemical studies of Verbena officinalis L. are limited, necessitating a detailed analysis of phitosterol and volatile compound content using modern precise methods. The aim of the research was to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the content of steroid and volatile compounds in Verbena officinalis L. herb using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. We chose the herb Verbena officinalis L. as the object of the study. Materials and methods. The content of phytosterols and volatile compounds in Verbena officinalis L. herb was studied using the GC/MS method. We chose the herb Verbena officinalis L. as the object of the study. An Agilent Technologies 6890 chromatograph with a 5973 mass spectrometric detector with an HP-5 ms capillary column were used. The mass spectra library in conjunction with AMDIS and NIST identification programs was employed for components were identification. Research results. The study of phytosterols in Verbena officinalis L. identified campesterol (9.32%), stigmasterol (7.13%), γ-sitosterol (72.21%) and androst-5,15-dien-3-ol-acetate were identified (11.35%). In the volatile fraction 8 compounds were identified, with benzophenone (33.96%) and hexahydro farnesyl acetone (22.57%) being dominant. Conclusions. The GC/MS method allowed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of steroid and volatile compounds in Verbena officinalis L, identifying 4 phytosterols and 8 volatile compounds. The identified phytosterols and volatile compounds in the herb have significant implications for the production of phytoremedies and the development of raw material standardization parameters. We identified campesterol, stigmasterol, γ-sitosterol and androst-5,15-dien-3-ol-acetate in the herb Verbena officinalis L. Eight volatile compounds were identified in the herb Verbena officinalis L. by the chromato-mass spectrometric method. Benzophenone and hexahydro farnesyl acetone are dominant. Steroid compounds (mg/kg) were identified and quantified: campesterol, stigmasterol, γ-sitosterol and androst-5,15-dien-3-ol-acetate. The obtained research results will be taken into account in the further production of phytoremedies based on the medicinal Verbena herb, as well as in the development of raw material standardization parameters.

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.

Computational Drug Design Approaches for the Identification of Novel Antidiabetic Compounds from Natural Resources through Molecular Docking, ADMET, and Toxicological Studies.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is usually depicted by relative insulin deficiency, raised blood glucose levels, and the predominant risk factor, insulin resistance. Hence, the development of insulin sensitizer drugs targeting PPAR-γ receptors has expanded enormous interest as an attractive choice for T2DM treatment. Thiazolidinediones (TZD) enhance insulin sensitivity either by directly functioning on gene transcription of the PPARγ receptor related to glucose homeostasis or by systemic sensitization of insulin and, therefore, improved hyperglycemia in a wide range of patients. However, severe complications and adverse effects of TZDs necessitate the development of an efficacious and reliable insulin sensitizer from alternative resources. On the contrary, Nature is a rich source of anticipated effective and safer medicine; more than fifty percent of drugs on the market are developed from natural products. Hence, searching for a new PPAR-γ agonist from bioactive secondary compounds of medicinal plants along with greater efficacy and safety is a recognized and consistent tactic for developing novel antidiabetic agents. Pulicaria jaubertii is a fragrant perennial aromatic plant with anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antimalarial, and insecticidal properties. The current study was designed to use a computer-aided drug design to explore the best antidiabetic compounds from P. jaubertii. Herein, the molecular docking study of 80 investigated ligands against the PPAR-γ receptor identifies the highest docking score for five ligands ranging from -8.9 kcal/mol to 8.0 kcal/mol, which is also more significant than the standard drug pioglitazone (-7.7 kcal/mol) determined by the PyRx 8.0 virtual screening software. GLN286, CYS285, SER289, TYR473, MET364, ARG288, ILE341, and LEU333 residues are found to be significant contributors to the non-bonded interaction between ligands and receptors. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), DFT, molecular orbital (MO), ADMET, and toxicological analyses were performed on the selected five high-scored ligands of P. jaubertii. Results documented that all investigated ligands, especially L4, show considerably excellent profiles in molecular docking, MEP, DFT, MO, ADMET, and toxicological predictions, suggesting our drug-designing approaches may contribute to the development of a novel antidiabetic drug for the treatment of T2DM from natural resources.

Geographic based phenolic compound variations in South African Schinus molle L. peppercorns

Environmental conditions affect polyphenolic compounds in plants, and yet little is known about the response of Schinus molle peppercorns to geographical location. S molle is a folkloric pseudospice of Andean origin possessing multiple culinary and medicinal functions. This globally invasive species presents an immense multidimensional potential. Polyphenolic compounds were therefore profiled and quantified from pink peppercorns growing in 12 distinct locations in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa using UPLC-QTOF-MS techniques. Eleven flavonoids were reported, including epigallocatechin gallate, +)-tephrorin B, astilbin, procyanidin B5, 4-benzyl-7-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2H-chromen-2-one, and isochamaejasmin which were reported for the first time in this species. Five phenolic acids, three glycosides, and tannins (theogallin (3-galloylquinic acid), digalloyl quinic acid, digalloylshikimic acid, β-glucogallin A and β-glucogallin B) were also revealed among others. PCA revealed a high composition of polyphenolic compounds in the Eastern in comparison to the Western Cape regions. Flavonoids were glaringly higher in winter rainfall receiving coastal regions. Consequently, the highest catechin content was 229% higher in the Eastern (1269.9 mg/kg) than the Western Cape (553.4 mg/kg). Furthermore, isochamaejasmin, the compound with possibly the highest concentration is reported in George (1741 mg/kg) and Gqeberha (2601.2 mg/kg) representing 149% differences between the two regions. Soil type alone did not conclusively appear to influence polyphenolic compound accumulation in this study. Elucidating the distribution of polyphenolic compounds in this species could open new insights for potential therapeutic, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications including possibilities for new and improved organic drugs, and food product development.