Predominant Compounds Research Articles

Phytochemical Constituents of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab) Fruit Pulp from Tekeze Valley, Tigrai, Ethiopia.

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L) is a large tree species growing in semiarid and arid lowlands of Ethiopia and other places. The plant is valued by natives for its contributions as a cash crop and livelihood tree. Previous studies using samples from different countries have documented their phytochemical profiles and nutritional and health benefits. This study explored the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of fruit pulp extracts of baobab collected from Tekeze Valley, Tigrai, Ethiopia. To this end, qualitative phytochemical screening tests, quantitative phytochemical analyses, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were carried out using aqueous extract. Analyses of antioxidant activities were also conducted with aqueous- and methanol-extracts using of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging activity assays. The qualitative screening tests showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. Quantitative analyses of these phytochemicals at 25, 50, and 100 g/mL aqueous extract resulted in 0.0252 to 0.1000% yields. Yields of flavonoids, phenols, and saponins were higher at 50 g/mL extract, while that of tannins and terpenoids were higher at 100 g/mL. GC-MS analysis resulted in 15 predominant compounds including (1,2bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene (13.17%), 2-methyl-7-phenylindole (11.75%), 2-ethylacridine (10.11%), and benz[b]-1,4-oxazepine-4(5H)-thione,2,3-dihydro-2,8-dimethyl (10.11%). Aqueous and methanol extracts showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activities. In all the assays and concentrations, the antioxidant activities of both extracts were lower than that of the ascorbic acid standard. At equal extract concentrations (e.g., 100 and 250 μg/mL), methanol extract had higher antioxidant activities than aqueous extract. The findings can encourage future initiatives towards large-scale research for compiling a complete phytochemical profile of the fruit pulp of the Ethiopian baobab.

Bisphenol and analogues in indoor dust from E-waste recycling sites, neighboring residential homes, and urban residential homes: Implications for human exposure

The compound 4-hydroxyphenyl 4-isoprooxyphenylsulfone (BPSIP) has recently emerged as a novel alternative to bisphenol A (BPA) and has been found in various paper products. However, there is limited information available regarding the identification of BPSIP as a novel contaminant in the e-waste dismantling area. In our research, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 16 bisphenol analogues (BPs), including BPSIP, within indoor dust samples obtained from a representative e-waste recycling facility, neighboring rural communities, and control urban communities. Out of the 16 target BPs, ten were found in both e-waste and local household dust, while only six BPs were identified in the control urban household dust. Bisphenol A (BPA) remained the predominant compound, followed by bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), BPSIP and bisphenol AF (BPAF). The total concentrations of BPs in e-waste dust were notably higher compared to both local and urban household dust (p < 0.01), with BPA and BPF, in particular, exhibiting significantly elevated levels. Importantly, BPSIP was first identified in e-waste dust, and its concentration significantly exceeded that of the commonly used BPA alternative, BPAF, which justifiably merits increasing concern. Correlation analysis indicated that BPs were commonly used in the production of electronic products, and e-waste dismantling activities contributed significantly to their widespread emission. The daily intakes of BP through dust ingestion for these three population groups exceeded the recently established tolerable daily intake for BPA, especially among e-waste dismantling workers. This represents the first report indicating that e-waste recycling is causing substantial emissions of multiple bisphenol analogues, including a novel contaminant.

Investigation of the Dual Role of Scorzonera pygmaea: Cytotoxic Activity and Antioxidant Potential

Scorzonera pygmaea, an indigenous plant of western Anatolia, belongs to the Scorzonera genus, which includes various species recognized for their edible and medicinal properties. This study is aimed at investigating the phenolic composition of S. pygmaea; evaluating its antioxidant, cytotoxic, apoptotic, and genotoxic activities; and assessing the impact of S. pygmaea on the expression of cell cycle regulatory genes. HPLC-DAD analysis identified chlorogenic acid as the predominant phenolic compound, potentially linking plant to dietary benefits. The antioxidant potential, evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging and CUPRAC assays, yielded an IC50 value of 63.53 ± 6.29 μg/ml and a Trolox equivalent of 0.061 ± 0.013 g/g, respectively. To assess antigrowth activity, the S. pygmaea extract was tested against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, along with the nonmalignant MCF-10A cell line, using sulforhodamine B and ATP cell viability assays. The results exhibited highly consistent IC50 values of 104.63, 179.27, and 90.83 μg/ml, respectively. Notably, the S. pygmaea extract induced apoptosis in all cell lines, with MDA-MB-231 cells displaying a higher percentage of early apoptotic cells under fluorescence microscopy. The comet assay revealed that S. pygmaea extract induced DNA damage in all cell lines, with MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells showing an accumulation of DNA damage over time. Gene expression analysis revealed significant alterations in cell cycle regulators, with each cell line displaying distinct and time-dependent patterns after exposure to S. pygmaea. Collectively, these findings underscore the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and genotoxic activities of S. pygmaea while simultaneously emphasizing its antioxidant potential, especially given its high chlorogenic acid content. The dual role of S. pygmaea, evidenced by its cytotoxic and antioxidant properties, suggests the potential for further exploration of its utilization within the food industry as a possible dietary resource, while necessitating further studies to fully understand its implications.

Preparation of double-system imprinted polymer-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes and their application in simultaneous determination of thyroid-disrupting chemicals in dust samples

Dust ingestion is a significant route of human exposure to thyroid-disrupting chemicals (TDCs), and simultaneous determination of multi-contaminants is a great challenge for environmental monitoring. In this study, molecularly imprinted polymer-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes using thyroxine as the template were synthesized for highly selective TDCs capture. This polymer was prepared by integrating the atom transfer radical polymerization using 2-(3-indol-yl)ethylmethacrylamide as the monomer with the self-polymerization of dopamine. Construction of double-system imprinted cavities could significantly improve their selective recognition performance for TDCs and the coincidence rate reached 88.5 %. The prepared polymers were applied as the solid phase extraction adsorbent to simultaneously determine 7 groups of 35 TDCs. The proposed method showed wide linear range (0.25–1000 ng L−1), low limits of detection (0.02–0.23 ng L−1) and acceptable recoveries (81.8 %–103.5 %). The occurrence and distribution of TDCs were then studied in indoor dust samples (n = 65) collected from four cities in China. We found that tetrabromobisphenol A was the predominant compound and perfluorinated compounds were the most abundant TDCs. In addition, the distribution ratio of TDCs varied between regions. This study provides an efficient technology for direct exposure assessment of multi-contaminants.

Study of Opuntia humifusa: phytochemical analysis of aqueous fruit extract and green synthesis of Ag2O nanoparticles

Ag2O nanoparticle synthesis was carried out via co-precipitation technique based on using AgNO3 and secondary metabolites present in the aqueous extract of Opuntia humifusa fruit for the first time. The amount of measured total phenol, flavonoid content, flavone, and flavonol content, and anthocyanin were 38.46 μg eq gallic acid mg−1 extract, 8.34 μg eq quercetin mg−1 extract, 0.614 μg eq quercetin mg−1 DW, and 3.1 mmol L−1, respectively. Moreover, the predominant phenolic compound was gallic acid. Catechin and chlorogenic acid were found in both fruit juice and fruit aqueous extract. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of Ag2O-NPs showed the average particle size was 10.58 nm. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction Spectroscopy, and UV/visible spectrometry also confirmed the synthesis. This study then focuses on IC50 and NO amount differences before and after the synthesis of Ag2O-NPs which were 448.29 and 101.38 μg mL−1 for IC50 and 35.7% and 62.6% for NO, respectively.

Elsholtzia ciliata Essential Oil Exhibits a Smooth Muscle Relaxant Effect.

A recent in vivo study in pigs demonstrated the hypotensive properties of essential oil extracted from the blossoming plant Elsholtzia ciliata. This study was designed to examine the effect of E. ciliata essential oil (EO) on smooth muscle contraction. Tension measurements were performed on prostate strips and intact aortic rings isolated from rats. Results showed that EO caused a concentration-dependent reduction in phenylephrine-induced contraction of both the prostate and aorta, with a more pronounced inhibitory effect in the prostate. The IC50 of EO for the prostate was 0.24 ± 0.03 µL/mL (n = 10) and for the aorta was 0.72 ± 0.11 µL/mL (n = 4, p < 0.05 vs. prostate). The chromatographic analysis identified elsholtzia ketone (10.64%) and dehydroelsholtzia ketone (86.23%) as the predominant compounds in the tested EO. Since both compounds feature a furan ring within their molecular structure, other furan ring-containing compounds, 2-acetylfuran (2AF) and 5-methylfurfural (5MFF), were examined. For the first time, our study demonstrated the relaxant effects of 2AF and 5MFF on smooth muscles. Further, results showed that EO, 2AF, and 5MFF altered the responsiveness of prostate smooth muscle cells to phenylephrine. Under control conditions, the EC50 of phenylephrine was 0.18 ± 0.03 µM (n = 5), while in the presence of EO, 2AF, or 5MFF, the EC50 values were 0.81 ± 0.3 µM (n = 5), 0.89 ± 0.11 µM (n = 5), and 0.69 ± 0.23 µM (n = 4), respectively, p < 0.05 vs. control. Analysis of the affinity of EO for α1-adrenergic receptors in the prostate suggested that EO at a certain range of concentrations has a competitive antagonistic effect on α1-adrenergic receptors. In conclusion, EO elicits a relaxant effect on smooth muscles which may be related to the inhibition of α1-adrenoreceptors.

A complex mixture of polycyclic aromatic compounds causes embryotoxic, behavioral, and molecular effects in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio), and in vitro bioassays

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are prevalent in the environment, typically found in complex mixtures and high concentrations. Our understanding of the effects of PACs, excluding the 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs), remains limited. Zebrafish embryos and in vitro bioassays were utilized to investigate the embryotoxic, behavioral, and molecular effects of a soil sample from a former gasworks site in Sweden. Additionally, targeted chemical analysis was conducted to analyze 87 PACs in the soil, fish, water, and plate material. CALUX® assays were used to assess the activation of aryl hydrocarbon and estrogen receptors, as well as the inhibition of the androgen receptor. Larval behavior was measured by analyzing activity during light and darkness and in response to mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, qPCR analyses were performed on a subset of 36 genes associated with specific adverse outcomes, and the total lipid content in the larvae was measured. Exposure to the sample resulted in embryotoxic effects (LC50 = 0.480 mg dry matter soil/mL water). The mixture also induced hyperactivity in darkness and hypoactivity in light and in response to the mechanical stimulus. qPCR analysis revealed differential regulation of 15 genes, including downregulation of opn1sw1 (eye pigmentation) and upregulation of fpgs (heart failure). The sample caused significant responses in three bioassays (ERα-, DR-, and PAH-CALUX), and the exposed larvae exhibited elevated lipid levels. Chemical analysis identified benzo[a]pyrene as the predominant compound in the soil and approximately half of the total PAC concentration was attributed to the 16 PAHs. This study highlights the value of combining in vitro and in vivo methods with chemical analysis to assess toxic mechanisms at specific targets and to elucidate the possible interactions between various pathways in an organism. It also enhances our understanding of the risks associated with environmental mixtures of PACs and their distribution during toxicity testing.

Static magnetic field exposure improved the volatile composition and aroma attribute of fresh-cut flower mushrooms (Lentinus edodes (Berk) sing)

Aroma attribute and aroma compound (AOC) composition of fresh-cut flower mushrooms under different static magnetic field (SMF) intensities (2 mT, 4 mT, 6 mT, and 8 mT) were evaluated via coupling aroma sensory assessment and headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry with principal component analysis and partial least squares-relationship analysis. Results showed that aroma quality was severely loss after dicing treatment. A total of 43 AOCs were identified from flower mushrooms, and 3-octanone was the predominant compound. Application of 2 mT SMF maintained more acceptable raw mushroom-like, earthy/musty, and almond-like/roasted, and cooked cabbage-like aroma attributes of diced samples, related to maximally retaining the contents of the key AOCs (i.e. 3-octanone, 2-methylbutanal, and dimethyl trisulfide). These findings could provide a technical reference and theoretical basis for improving the aroma quality of fresh-cut mushrooms via magnetic fields and explain the mechanism of aroma enhancement.

In Vitro Assessment of The Bioactive Compounds and Anticancer Potential of Citrus medica Leaf Extract.

Citrus medica is a horticultural crop grown in different parts of the world. The plant leaves have medicinal importance in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. The leaves are an underutilised part of the plant, despite having various bioactive compounds with health benefits, with phytochemical analysis having revealed the presence of flavonoids, fatty acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, carbohydrates and phytosterols. The biochemical constituents were identified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which confirmed the presence of terpenoids, alcohols, alkanes, phytosterols and fatty acids. Among these, methyl 8, 11, 14-heptadecatrienoate is a linolenic acid, and α-linolenic acid, trimethylsilyl ester and levulinic acid are the predominant compounds belonging to the omega-3 fatty acid group, which has known health benefits. Further, the antimicrobial activity of C. medica plant leaves were tested against certain food-borne pathogens and showed significant results. The minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 6.09 mg/mL to 390 mg/mL for bacterial organisms and 48.75 mg/mL to 390 mg/mL for fungal organisms. The antioxidant activity values were 300 μg/mL and 450 μg/mL by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay, respectively. The methanolic extract from the C. medica leaves also showed anticancer activity against MCF7 breast cancer cell lines, with an IC50 value of material for developing a healthy processed food such as nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Characterization of ACE inhibitory activity in Dioscorea alata cv and its implication as a natural antihypertensive extract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceYam (Dioscorea sp.) extracts have been shown to possess a vast array of medicinal properties such as antihypocholesterolemic, antiatherogenic and antihypertensive bioactivity. However, the compounds conferring its antihypertensive bioactivity have not been fully explored. Aim of the studyThe objective of this study was to identify extractable bioactive fractions and associated compounds in Jamaican Renta Yam (Dioscorea alata) that contribute to its antihypertensive properties, using an activity driven chemoinformatic profiling method. Materials and methodsA diethyl ether extract of Dioscorea alata was obtained by sequential Solid-Liquid extraction coupled to SPE-HPLC fractionation and its chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS analysis. Its influence on hypertension was evaluated through a combination of in vitro ACE-Inhibitory activity assays and by molecular docking of the identified compounds to the ACE enzyme. ResultsSLE revealed the presence of potent antihypertensive activity (ACE IC50 41.99 μg/mL) in the diethyl ether extract (DR2). GC-MS analysis of DR2 indicated the presence of small organic compounds (95.1 g/mol to 200 g/mol) with 2-Phenyl-1,3-oxazol-2-ine (2PO) being the most predominant small organic compound present in the bioactive extract. The binding affinity of 2PO was assessed using molecular docking of 2PO to the ACE enzyme and showed strong binding affinities forming two (2) hydrogen bonds with Tyr135 and Trp220 in the active site of the enzyme. The in vitro effect of DR2 using human umbilical vein endothelial cell lines (HUVECs) revealed; a significant dose-dependent ACE-Inhibitory activity, a stimulating of nitric oxide (NO) release and no toxicity towards these cells. ConclusionOverall, this study identified Jamaican Renta Yam (Dioscorea alata) as an alternative source of antihypertensive compounds which may address the toxicity seen with known synthetic antihypertensive agents.

Identification of cortisol metabolites with LC-MS/MS in plasma, skin mucus, bile and faeces for stress evaluation of farmed Atlantic salmon

As a stress hormone, cortisol and more recently its metabolites are analysed when assessing fish stress and welfare status, although the exact identity of these metabolites is not clearly defined for the Atlantic salmon. LC-MS/MS techniques, owing to their specificity, sensitivity and ability to simultaneously identify and measure several relevant compounds, can be useful tools for this purpose. Using the guidelines provided by the European Decision no. 657/2002/EC for validation, the LC-MS/MS method presented here, can reliably identify and quantify cortisol and five of its metabolites (5β-THF, cortisone, 5β-DHE, 5β-THE and β-cortolone) in bile and faeces, and cortisol and cortisone in skin mucus and blood plasma of farmed Atlantic salmon within 15 min. Identified as the most predominant compound in faeces and bile, 5β-THE is proposed as a candidate stress biomarker when using these matrices. A decision limit (CCα) below 5 ng/mL, a detection capability (CCβ) and a limit of detection (LOD) below 10 ng/mL and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) below 30 ng/mL were typically obtained for most of the compounds. The concentrations of these compounds measured in either non-stressed or stressed fish were all above the CCα, CCβ, LOD and the LOQ of the method. The latter consequently demonstrated significant difference in cortisol metabolites concentrations between the two groups of fish. The present study further demonstrates that pooling of samples from several individuals could provide reliable results for farmed fish stress evaluation, when sample materials are insufficient in terms of quantity.

An innovative processing driven efficient transformation of rare ginsenosides enhances anti-platelet aggregation potency of notoginseng by integrated analyses of processing-(chemical) profiling-pharmacodynamics

Ethnopharmacological relevancePanax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen, a valuable Chinese herb medicine, shows a characteristic bi-directional regulation of hemostasis and activating blood circulation with ginsenosides as the predominant bioactive compounds and is a typical representative of “processing triggered heteropotency”. Aim of the studyProcessing triggered heteropotency, one of the unique theories and practices in traditional Chinese medicine, refers to that the processing will lead to change in physical and chemical properties, and eventually disparate efficacy of the crude drugs, yet the optimum process and underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, using Panax notoginseng (PN) as a representative sample, a processing-(chemical) profiling-pharmacodynamics (3-P) relationship was proposed to investigate the processing mechanism of PN. Materials and methodsFirstly, a temperature programmed steaming process was designed to evaluate the steaming triggered chemical transformation of triterpene saponins and the corresponding enhancement in anti-platelet aggregation activity. The steaming process was programed from the conventional 100 °C–150 °C in a time course of 0–12 h, aiming to achieve the maximized conversion of rare ginsenosides (RGs), and dynamic profile of ginsenosides were constructed by a UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Then, a processing-(chemical) profiling-pharmacodynamics (3-P) relationship was assessed by using the grey relational analysis (GRA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS), and validated by bioactive fraction of 140 °C steamed PN. Subsequently, the P2Y12-ligand binding affinity of potential candidates was analyzed by molecular docking. Finally, the dynamic changes of ginsenosides during steaming of SPN were quantitatively detected by UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS. ResultsA total of 48 differential ginsenosides were characterized and monitored including the primary and secondarily transformed saponins. The higher temperature steaming especially at 140 °C induces not only the predominant production of the RGs, but also the stronger anti-platelet aggregation activity. The 3-P relationship showed the fraction (3) of 140 °C steamed PN rich in RGs exhibits the most predominant efficacy, in which, a series of RGs including ginsenosides Rg5, Rk1, 20(S/R)-Rg3 were proven to be potent components. Molecular docking analysis suggested that ginsenosides Rg5 and Rk1 showed more strong interaction with the platelet P2Y12 receptor. Quantitative analysis found 140 °C-2h PN possessed highest contents of Rk1 and Rg5 and total RGs. ConclusionsThe integrated 3-P strategy uncovered the promising ginsenosides with anti-platelet effect, thereby revealing the material basis of PN steaming, which could provide a new enlightenment for the investigation of processing mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines.

The characteristic terpenes in sea cucumber soaked in star anise solution were characterized by HS-SPME-GC–MS and PCA analysis

The quality of sea cucumber is closely associated with its processing technology. In this study, the response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the thermal process conditions for seasoned sea cucumber, while gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technique identified 25 characteristic compounds. Terpenes and their oxygen derivatives constituted approximately 70% of all compounds detected. Among these, trans-anethole emerged as the predominant volatile aroma compound in seasoned sea cucumber at a concentration of 39.99 ± 4.52 mg/g, followed by p-anisaldehyde, cis-anethole, linalool, estragole, and d-limonene. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that trans-anethole, cis-anethole, estragole, and d-limonene collectively contributed over 45.0% to the flavor profile of sea cucumber. This investigation provides an initial exploration into the alterations in volatile compounds within star anise-seasoned seasoned sea cucumber, thereby establishing a foundation for instant sea cucumbers' flavor processing.

Enhancing the Flavor Profile of Summer Green Tea via Fermentation with Aspergillus niger RAF106.

Summer green tea (SGT) has a low cost and high annual yield, but its utilization rate is limited due to suboptimal quality. The aim of this study is to enhance the flavor of SGT using fermentation with A. niger RAF106 while examining changes in its metabolites during this process. The results revealed an elevation in the content of alcohol, alkanes, and nitroxides in tea leaves following the process of fermentation. The predominant volatile compounds identified in tea leaves after undergoing a 6-day fermentation period were linalool, (Z)-α, α, 5-trimethyl-5-vinyltetrahydrofuran-2-methanol, (E)-linalool oxide (furan type), linalool oxide (pyran type), and theapyrrole. These compounds exhibited significant increases of 31.48%, 230.43%, 225.12%, 70.71%, and 521.62%, respectively, compared to the non-fermented control group (CK). The content of non-ester catechins, soluble sugars, and total flavonoids reached their peak on the 4th day of fermentation, exhibiting significant increases of 114.8%, 95.59%, and 54.70%, respectively. The content of gallic acid and free amino acids reached their peak on the 6th day of fermentation, exhibiting significant increases of 3775% and 18.18%, respectively. However, the content of ester catechin decreased by 81.23%, while caffeine decreased by 7.46%. The content of lactic acid, acetic acid, and citric acid in tea after fermentation was 421.03%, 203.13%, and 544.39% higher than before fermentation, respectively. The present study offers a fresh approach for the advancement of SGT.

Laboratory Studies on Chromatographic Profile, Toxicity and Repellent Activity of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.) Seed Extract

Plant extracts have toxic substances that can kill termites and other insect pests. Many plant extracts including Annona squamosa have been identified for their anti-termiticidal activity. This study aims to determine the chemical profile, toxicity, and repellent activities of petroleum ether extract against Odontotermes anamallensis and Microcerotermes fletcheri. The GC-MS/MS findings of petroleum ether extract of Annona showed the presence of 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)- as the predominant compound followed by Octadecanoic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester. The probit analysis revealed LC50 values of 2.38 per cent and 3.06 per cent for O. anamallensis and M. fletcheri, respectively. Petroleum ether extract showed repellency with the repellency percent of 48.33 and 31.67 by O. anamalensis and M. fletcheri respectively. These findings suggest that Annona seed extract is a viable source of natural insecticides against termites.

Antioxidant activities, phenolic compounds, and mineral composition of seed from Acacia retinodes, A. provincialis and A. tenuissima

Seeds of the species Acacia retinodes, A. provincialis, and A. tenuissima) from different growing locations were analysed for their mineral composition, free and bound polyphenols, and flavonoids. Previous research has studied these compounds in only a limited number of Acacia species, and only one study reports significant differences between three species. All species were rich in potassium (353 – 427 mg/100 g), sodium (14 – 240 mg/100 g) and iron (7 – 8 mg/100 g). The free polyphenol extracts of all species had higher total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activities than their bound counterparts, indicating the possibility of higher bioavailability than the bound polyphenol extracts. The predominant phenolic compounds found in the Acacia polyphenol seed extracts were 6-Hydroxy-2-methylindole and 2,2′-Methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-methylphenol), though no phenolic compounds were identified in the bound extracts of A. retinodes Grampians and A. provincialis Tarrington. Other compounds identified in the seed extracts include sucrose, d-fructofuranose and d-pinitol.

Phytochemical content, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial activities of Centella asiatica L.

The present study is an evaluation of Centella asiatica ethanolic extract in terms of total phenolic content, total flavonoids, total flavonols, anthocyanin, antioxidants, and antibacterial activities. Centella asiatica plants were collected from Guilan province, Iran. High-performance liquid chromatography-Diode array detector analysis demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of C. asiatica contained phenolic substances such as sinapic acid, catechin, quercetin, p-coumaric acid, hesperidin, eugenol, and hesperetin. The predominant phenolic compound in the extract was hesperetin. The antibacterial activities of the extract were highly potent against S. aureus and B. cereus. These findings suggest that C. asiatica is rich in phenolic compounds and can be utilised for future cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes.

Assessment and identification of bioactive metabolites from terrestrial Lyngbya spp. responsible for antioxidant, antifungal, and anticancer activities.

Lyngbya from fresh and marine water produces an array of pharmaceutically bioactive therapeutic compounds. However, Lyngbya from agricultural soil is still poorly investigated. Hence, in this study, the bioactive potential of different Lyngbya spp. extract was explored. Intracellular petroleum ether extract of L. hieronymusii K81 showed the highest phenolic content (626.22 ± 0.65 μg GAEs g-1 FW), while intracellular ethyl acetate extract of L. aestuarii K97 (74.02 ± 0.002 mg QEs g-1 FW) showed highest flavonoid content. Highest free radical scavenging activity in terms of ABTS•+ was recorded in intracellular methanolic extract of Lyngbya sp. K5 (97.85 ± 0.068%), followed by L. wollei K80 (97.22 ± 0.059%) while highest DPPH• radical scavenging activity observed by intracellular acetone extract of Lyngbya sp. K5 (54.59 ± 0.165%). All the extracts also showed variable degrees of antifungal activities against Fusarium udum, F. oxysporum ciceris, Colletotrichum capsici, and Rhizoctonia solani. Further, extract of L. wollei K80 and L. aestuarii K97 showed potential anticancer activities against MCF7 (breast cancer) cell lines. GC-MS analyses of intracellular methanolic extract of L. wollei K80 showed the dominance of PUFAs with 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester, (Z,Z,Z) as the most abundant bioactive compound. On the other hand, the extracellular ethyl acetate extract of L. aestuarii K97 was rich in alkanes and alkenes with 1-hexyl-2-nitrocyclohexane as the most predominant compound. Extracts of Lyngbya spp. rich in novel secondary metabolites such as PUFAs, alkanes, and alkenes can be further explored as an alternative and low-cost antioxidant and potential apoptogens for cancer therapy.

Compatible Solutes Accumulated by &lt;i&gt;Glutamicibacter&lt;/i&gt; sp. Strain SMB32 in Response to Abiotic Environmental Factors

Abstract—Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used for investigation of the pool of compatible solutes accumulated in the cells of Glutamicibacter sp. strain SMB32 in response to abiotic environmental factors. The original habitat of the strain was anthropogenically salinated soil at the Verkhnekamsk deposit of potassium and magnesium salts (Perm krai, Russia). The strain grew within the temperature range from 5 to 35°C. At 5 and 32°C, the intracellular content of trehalose in the cells of Glutamicibacter sp. SMB32 was significantly higher than at 25°C. Glutamicibacter sp. SMB32 was able to grow both in the absence of NaCl and at its concentrations up to 11%. Glutamate predominated in the cells growth without NaCl. At high salinity (8% NaCl), predominant compounds in the studied strain cells were trehalose, proline, glutamine, and glutamate. Increasing salinity of the growth medium resulted in higher levels of intracellular proline. This is the first report of ability of a Glutamicibacter strain to synthesize mannitol; its accumulation was found to depend on the aeration mode. Thus, Glutamicibacter sp. strain SMB32 possesses high metabolic plasticity and is able to adapt to the action of unfavorable physicochemical factors.

Identification of volatile compounds in several meat and bone broth using Solid Phase Micro Extraction-Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GCMS) for initial detection of Halal and Non-Halal Food

The development of techniques for detecting halal and non-halal animal meat is of great importance as a useful tool for monitoring and assuring food quality for Muslim. Flavor or aroma is one of the sensory attributes for consumers to distinguish broth cattle. The differences aroma of broth cattle is contributed by the content of volatile compounds. This study was aimed to determine the composition of volatile compounds in meat and bone broth from five different animals, i.e., cow (beef), pig (pork), goat, lamb, and chicken for initial identification of halal and non halal food. A preliminary test for samples of meat and bone broth was done by identifying their physical properties including pH, viscosity, and density. The volatile compounds in meat and broth samples were extracted using a solid phase-micro extraction (SPME) at room temperature and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). The results revealed the physical properties of meat and bone broth, i.e., pH, viscosity, and density, cannot be used to distinguish the type of broth produced from beef, pork, goat, lamb, and chicken. Successful results for the identification were achieved through chromatogram profile of volatile compounds from meat and bone broth which show characteristics to each type of animal, and therefore it can be used to distinguish pork from beef, goat, lamb, and chicken as initial detection for halal and non halal food. The research also identified 7 predominant volatile compounds as a marker for meat pork and other 8 specific compounds marker for pork bone.