Presence Of Bioactive Molecules Research Articles

Effect of co-products from olive-oil production chain on rumen microbial communities: an in vitro study

Several edible agro-industrial co-products have been studied as unconventional ingredients in ruminant diets to reduce the environmental impact of food production chains. When the chemical profile of co-products is characterised by the presence of bioactive molecules, they represent a promising tool to modulate rumen microbiota activity. In the Mediterranean area, the olive oil production chain generates olive oil pomace and olive tree leaves post-milling that are animal edible bio-waste. Two in vitro trials were carried out to investigate the effect of olive oil pomace and olive tree leaves as dietary ingredients on rumen fermentation and microbiome ecology. Two experimental diets, respectively containing olive oil pomace or olive tree leaves, and the related control diets, formulated to be isoproteic and isoenergetic, were fermented and then collected after 6h and 24h. Olive oil pomace increased the content of C18:1 c9 and C18:3 c9c12c15. Considering the microbial communities, the genera Butyrivibrio, Fibrobacter, and Pseudobutyrivibrio were less abundant, while Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Manheimia, Uruburuella were more abundant in rumen liquor fermented with olive oil pomace. Similarly, the diet containing olive tree leaves increased the content of C18:1 c9 and C18:3 c9c12c15 and decreased the abundance of Pseudobutyrivibrio and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. Data reported in this study showed that the two by-products deriving from the olive oil production chain are effective in modulating microbial community in a selective manner.

Antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Plantago ovata ethanolic extract in rats.

This study aimed to determine the antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) seed ethanolic extract in rats. We assessed the antioxidant potential using free radical scavenging on DPPH, β-carotene bleaching activity, ferric reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In the antiulcerogenic study, pre-treatment with Plantago ovata seeds ethanolic extract (POE) (400 mg/kg b.wt) significantly protected against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by decreasing the ulcer index value and preserving the integrity of the gastric mucosa. The oxidative stress status in the stomach tissues showed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation during pre-treatment with POE. In conclusion, the POE protects against gastric ulcer due to its antioxidant potential and presence of bioactive molecules.

Aqueous homogenate of fresh Ulva lactuca for ameliorating nutrient deficiency—A nutraceutical alternative to using whole seaweeds

The green seaweed Ulva lactuca has food value but owing to the presence of high fibers in the form of soluble polysaccharides, its organic matter has reportedly low digestibility. However, owing to high elemental content and presence of bioactive molecules, a strategy to make chemical-free extract was conceived to partition it into mineral rich fraction by homogenizing the fresh seaweed with water, followed by filtering and lyophilizing the extract into powder form (LPAH), thus also lowering the carbohydrate (12 g 100 g−1) and protein (4.32 g 100 g−1) content in it compared to dried whole seaweed. The LPAH was mineral rich and a modest dose of 7.2 g day−1 is capable of fulfilling about 20, 4, 98 and 33 % of the recommended daily allowances of sodium, potassium, iron and boron, respectively. Using the state-of-the-art analytical techniques, the LPAH was characterized and was found to be rich in several known bioactive compounds. It contained phenols (179.99 mg GAE 100 g−1), flavonoids (47.88 mg QE 100 g−1), carotenoids (7.58 mg g−1), and ascorbate (2046.43 μg g−1). The dosage contemplated could also suffice 18 % of ascorbic acid requirement of the human body. The LPAH also showed antioxidant activities such as, DPPH (601.65 μg TE g−1), ABTS (89.77 μg TE g−1), FRAP (154.31 μg TE g−1), TAC (54.57 μg AA g−1). 26 metabolites and 16 amino acids were identified and quantified using GCMS and HPLC, however, none of the amino acids was sufficient enough to act as a protein substitute or supplement. Using LC-HRMS-MS/MS, 43 known bioactive compounds such as Dioncophylline C, hericenone B, alpha-hydroxy-N-desmethyltamoxifen, kni-102, dibenzo pentapehene, proglumide, capsite were identified in the methanolic extract of LPAH, suggesting its nutraceutical value for functional food applications.

Phytochemical evaluation and Chemical characterization of Bauhinia variegata L. bark extract by TGA/ DSC, FT-IR and GC-MS analytical techniques: Pharmaceutical Aspects

Bauhinia variegata (Linn.), Caesalpiniaceae, known as Kachnar in Ayurvedic texts has been shown to have promising anticancer potential. The presence of bioactive molecules in plants which can be commercialized has led to research in knowing their chemical properties. Previous studies from our laboratory have validated the claim of anticancer property of Bauhinia variegata by providing biochemical evidence for the effect of petroleum ether bark extract (PEBE) and chloroform bark extract (CBE) on A549 and H460 lung cancer cell lines respectively. This work aimed at the application of various analytical techniques (thermal analysis, Fourier infrared transform spectroscopy and GC-MS) in the characterization of dried extracts of Bauhinia variegata with medicinal properties. TG-DSC-FTIR-GC-MS was applied to monitor the thermal stability and chemical properties of Bauhinia variegata bark extracts. The TG analysis of PEBE and CBE showed mass loss within three steps in different temperature ranges. The DSC curves for the dried extracts of Bauhinia variegata showed that thermal processes occur between 50 – 100°C for PEBE and 50-70°C for CBE. The FTIR spectroscopic studies of petroleum ether and chloroform bark extracts of Bauhinia variegata revealed different characteristic peak values with various functional groups in the extracts. The GC-MS study of PEBE revealed 18 compounds and CBE revealed 8 compounds. Thus, we have been successful in narrowing down to very few probable anticancer compounds from Bauhinia variegata bark extracts and also through this study, it was possible to substantiate the possibility of applying these techniques for use in the herbal medicines production from medicinal plants.

Three-dimensional bioprinting of bioactive scaffolds with thermally embedded abalone shell particles for bone tissue engineering

Abalone shells, which contain both organic and inorganic matter, can facilitate bone remodeling and have been used to fabricate three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffolds for bone regeneration. Herein, polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were fabricated using 3D printing with abalone shell particles (ASPs) used in high-temperature processing. ASPs were heated to approximately the melting point of PCL and thermally embedded in 3D-printed PCL using a relatively simple process. The morphology and roughness of the composite scaffold changed according to the weight of ASPs used. The scaffolds were grouped as follows: ASP25 (25 mg), ASP50 (50 mg), and ASP100 (100 mg). The ASP25 group exhibited optimum cell viability and proliferation because of the direct influence of roughness and rapid pH changes. The ASP25 and ASP100 groups showed the highest alkaline phosphatase activity. This could be attributed to the effect of the alkaline environment, dissolution of calcium ions, and presence of bioactive molecules in the ASPs that could support bone regeneration. Therefore, the ASP25 group was the most suitable for fabricating bone scaffolds. This study revealed the potential applicability of ASP-embedded scaffolds in bone tissue engineering involving natural bio-organisms that self-mineralize in a process similar to human bone formation.

An insight into the bioactive compounds of genus Homalium with therapeutic potential in different diseases: Current applications and future prospects

The genus Homalium comprises of about 315 species in family Salicaeae; distributed in tropical region of both hemispheres in many parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia continents. The species are widely used as traditional medicines for various ailments e.g., ulcer, malaria, skin diseases, inflammatory diseases, aphrodisiac, enema, edema, orchitis, rheumatism, hepatoprotection, diabetes, wound healing and perpeural fever. This study compiles ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of various Homalium species. About 12 species have been reported to have medicinal values and the presence of bioactive molecules. The species of this genus possess diversified phytoconstituents. About 105 chemical constituents have been isolated from this genus and the major constituents are glycosides (46%), flavonoids (2%), lignans (4%), terpene (7%), alkaloid (4%), lactone (4%), quinine (1%), steroid (3%) etc. Literature reports on validation of ethnomedicinal values by in vitro and in vivo experiments are also complied in this study. Extract or fraction of different species and isolated compounds have showed antimicrobial, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antiulcer and cytotoxic activities. Homalium species is an important source of bioactive compounds that shows potent bioactivities and could serve as possible leads in drug discovery.

Dietary Supplementation with Olive Mill Wastewater in Dairy Sheep: Evaluation of Cheese Characteristics and Presence of Bioactive Molecules

Simple SummaryUsing polyphenols from olive oil waste as feed supplements in animal diets can be a strategy to reduce adverse environmental effects of this by-product and to enhance the quality of products of animal origin. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of adding a polyphenolic concentrate from olive oil wastewater to a typical sheep diet on the nutraceutical and quality characteristics of cheese. The experiment was carried out on thirty-six Sarda ewes, divided into two homogenous groups fed a standard diet composed of hay and concentrate. In one of the two diets, the concentrate was supplemented (25 g/kg) with polyphenols obtained from olive mill wastewater using a special filtration system. Data showed that the polyphenol supplementation in the ewe’s diet resulted in the presence of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol sulphate metabolites in milk and cheese. Furthermore, these compounds were able to provide a direct antioxidant effect on cheese with no modification in its chemical composition.The aim of the study was to define the chemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity, oxidative status, sensory properties, and the presence of polyphenols in ovine cheese obtained after dietary administration of spray-dried olive mill wastewater (SDP). SDP is a waste from olive oil production rich in bioactive molecules obtained by further processing the olive mill wastewater through a spray-drying system. Thirty-six sheep were randomly assigned to two experimental groups that received a standard diet based on hay and concentrate. The concentrate fed to the SDP group was supplemented with SDP at a rate 25 g/kg (as fed). The trial lasted 9 weeks. Milk from the two treatment groups was separately collected and used for manufacturing cheese. Cheese quality parameters and proximate composition were not affected by the dietary treatment, whereas the antioxidant status and oxidative stability of cheese were positively affected. Polyphenol analyses in cheese were performed through liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The concentration of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, and their sulphate metabolites, were higher in cheese from supplemented sheep. These findings suggest that polyphenol metabolites can play a major role in the beneficial effects observed in food produced from sheep fed SDP.

Antimicrobial activity of Cannabis sativa, Thuja orientalis and Psidium guajava leaf extracts against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

ObjectiveThis study examined the antimicrobial activity of Cannabis sativa, Thuja orientalis and Psidium guajava against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and used a standardized purification protocol to determine the presence and abundance of bioactive compounds in the leaf extracts. MethodsIn vitro antimicrobial activities of the ethanolic extracts of C. sativa, T. orientalis and P. guajava were tested against MRSA. The presence of bioactive molecules in these three leaves was evaluated using biochemical assays and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). ResultsResistance to methicillin, penicillin, oxacillin and cefoxitin was observed in each of the clinical and nonclinical MRSA isolates. However, they were still vulnerable to vancomycin. Used individually, the 50% extract of each plant leaf inhibited MRSA growth. A profound synergism was observed when C. sativa was used in combination with T. orientalis (1:1) and when P. guajava was used in combination with T. orientalis (1:1). This was shown by larger zones of inhibition. This synergism was probably due to the combined inhibitory effect of phenolics present in the leaf extracts (i.e., quercetin and gallic acid) and catechin, as detected by HPTLC. ConclusionThe leaf extracts of C. sativa, T. orientalis and P. guajava had potential for the control of both hospital- and community-acquired MRSA. Moreover, the inhibitory effect was enhanced when extracts were used in combination.

INHIBITION OF α-AMYLASE AND α-GLUCOSIDASE BY (6RS)-22-HYDROXY-23,24,25,26,27-PENTANOR-VITAMIN-D3-6,19-SULFUR DIOXIDE-ADDUCT, MANOALIDE AND 5β-CHOLESTANE-3α,7α,12α,24,25,26-HEXOL ISOLATED FROM ACETONE EXTRACT OF HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L. SEEDS

Objective: This investigation includes characterization of phytochemicals from acetone extract of Helianthus annuus L. seeds responsible for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition revealed from in vitro and in silico approaches.Methods: Seed extract was qualitatively and quantitatively analysed for the presence of bioactive molecules. In vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays and kinetics studies for α-glucosidase were done. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) autography of extract was done to screen potent inhibitors and characterized by high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HR LC-MS). Characterized molecules were further used for in silico studies.Results: Qualitative investigation reveals the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroids. Quantitative analysis for total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the extract was 0.1±0.005 mg/ml GAE and 0.025±0.003 mg/ml QE respectively. Percent inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase ascertained in presence of extract was 60.42±0.6 and 83.22±0.18 at 0.01 mg while 36.24±0.81 and 37.67±0.15 at 0.005 mg of extracts for both enzymes respectively. Kinetics studies of α-glucosidase inhibition illustrated the non-competitive type of inhibition. TLC autography inhibition patterns were characterized by HR LC-MS. Characterized molecules on docking revealed (6RS)-22-hydroxy-23,24,25,26,27-pentanor-vitamin-D3-6,19-sulfurdioxide-adduct, manoalide and 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α,24,25,26-hexol as the best docked molecules with lowest binding energies of-12.5,-11 and-10.2 kcal/mol for α-amylase and-14.2,-11 and-11.2 kcal/mol for α-glucosidase respectively.Conclusion: Results clearly suggested that (6RS)-22-hydroxy-23,24,25,26,27-pentanor-vitamin-D3-6,19-sulfurdioxide-adduct, manoalide and 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α,24,25,26-hexol could be considered as lead molecules for the discovery of potent antidiabetic agents.

Non-Targeted Secondary Metabolite Profile Study for Deciphering the Cosmeceutical Potential of Red Marine Macro Alga Jania rubens—An LCMS-Based Approach

This study aims to unveil the cosmeceutical traits of Jania rubens by highlighting its mineral composition, antioxidant potential, and presence of bioactive molecules using non-targeted metabolite profiling. This study showed that among minerals, (macro), Ca (14790.33 + 1.46 mg/100 g dry weight (DW)) and in (micro) Fe (84.93 + 0.89 mg/100 g DW) was the highest. A total of 23 putative metabolites in the +ESI (Electrospray Ionization) mode of LCMS-TOF (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry-Time of Flight) were detected. Two anthocyanins—malonylshisonin and 4′′′-demalonylsalvianin (m/z 825.19; anti-aging, antioxidant, anticancer properties) were detected. Two flavonoids, viz, medicocarpin and agecorynin C, 4′-O-methylglucoliquiritigenin—a flavonoid-7-O-glycoside, and 5,6,7,8,3′,4′,5′-heptamethoxyflavone, a polymethoxygenated flavone (m/z 415.15), were detected. Maclurin 3-C-(2″,3″,6″-trigalloylglucoside) (m/z 863.15) (antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer traits) and theaflavonin (m/z 919.18), belonging to the class of theaflavins (whitening and anti-wrinkle agent), were obtained. Pharmacologically active metabolites like berberrubin (m/z 305.1; antitumor activity), icaceine (m/z 358.24; anticonvulsant properties), agnuside (m/z 449.15; constituent for treatment of premenstrual syndrome), γ-coniceine (m/z 108.12; formulations to treat breast cancer), eremopetasitenin B2, and eremosulphoxinolide A (m/z 447.18; therapeutic effect of allergy and asthma) were observed. 6-O-Methylarmillaridin (m/z 445.18) (antimicrobial and antifungal) and simmondsin 2-ferulate, (m/z 534.21) (insecticidal, antifungal and antifeedant) were detected. Aromatic lignans, viz, 8-Acetoxy-4′-methoxypinoresinol, sesartemin, and cubebinone (m/z 413.16), in addition to an aromatic terpene glycoside, tsangane L3 glucoside (m/z 357.23), were detected. Zizybeoside I, benzyl gentiobioside, and trichocarposide were also detected. The determination of antioxidant potential was performed through assays such as like DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), and total antioxidants. Therefore, this study progresses the probability for the inclusion of J. rubens as an ingredient in modern day cosmetic formulations.

The Fecal Microbial Community of Breast-fed Infants from Armenia and Georgia

Multiple factors help shape the infant intestinal microbiota early in life. Environmental conditions such as the presence of bioactive molecules from breast milk dictate gut microbial growth and survival. Infants also receive distinct, personalized, bacterial exposures leading to differential colonization. Microbial exposures and gut environmental conditions differ between infants in different locations, as does the typical microbial community structure in an infant’s gut. Here we evaluate potential influences on the infant gut microbiota through a longitudinal study on cohorts of breast-fed infants from the neighboring countries of Armenia and Georgia, an area of the world for which the infant microbiome has not been previously investigated. Marker gene sequencing of 16S ribosomal genes revealed that the gut microbial communities of infants from these countries were dominated by bifidobacteria, were different from each other, and were marginally influenced by their mother’s secretor status. Species-level differences in the bifidobacterial communities of each country and birth method were also observed. These community differences suggest that environmental variation between individuals in different locations may influence the gut microbiota of infants.

Allelopathic interference of boldo (Peumus boldus Molina, Monimiaceae) infusion on seeds of lettuce and cucumber

Boldo (Peumus boldus Molina) is a tree of the Monimiaceae family. It is used by the people to treat several diseases, and presents diverse products such as: a bactericide, an insecticide and an allelopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the allelopatic activity of the boldo infusion on the germination and initial development of lettuce and cucumber seeds. The bioassay was conducted in an environmental temperature controlled laboratory, through a completely randomized design method with five repetitions. The boldo infusion was obtained in the local commerce, and prepared with boiling distillated water, diluted to the proportions of 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The control was only distillated water. The evaluation parameters used were germination percentage, germination speed index (measured each 24 hours) and root length (measured with a caliper rule on the last day of the experiment). Regarding germination percentage, we found significant values only using 100% treatment of cucumber seeds. The germination of lettuce seeds was inhibited throughout all of the treatments with boldo infusion. The germination speed index of cucumber seeds was influenced throughout all of the treatments. The root length of cucumber seeds was inhibited with all treatments and significantly different if compared with the control. Boldo infusion presented allelopathic activity on the seeds of lettuce and cucumber, showing the presence of bioactive molecules which can serve to subsidize new studies.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Berry Fruits in Mice Model of Inflammation is Based on Oxidative Stress Modulation.

Background:Many fruits have been used as nutraceuticals because the presence of bioactive molecules that play biological activities.Objective:The present study was designed to compare the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of methanolic extracts of Lycium barbarum (GOJI), Vaccinium macrocarpon (CRAN) and Vaccinium myrtillus (BLUE).Materials and Methods:Mices were treated with extracts (50 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.), twice a day through 10 days. Phytochemical analysis was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity was determine by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, reducing power, lipid peroxidation thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by paw edema followed by determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and TBARS.Results:High amount of phenolic compounds, including rutin, were identified in all berries extracts. However, quercetin was observed only in BLUE and CRAN. GOJI presents higher scavenging activity of DPPH radical and reducing power than BLUE and CRAN. The extracts improved antioxidant status in liver; BLUE showed the largest reduction (75.3%) in TBARS when compared to CRAN (70.7%) and GOJI (65.3%). Nonetheless, CAT activity was lower in BLUE group. However, hepatic concentrations of GSH were higher in animals treated with GOJI rather than CRAN and BLUE. Despite all fruits caused a remarkable reduction in paw edema and TBARS, only BLUE and CRAN were able to reduce MPO.Conclusion:These results suggest that quercetin, rutin, or other phenolic compound found in these berry fruits extracts could produce an anti-inflammatory response based on modulation of oxidative stress in paw edema model.SUMMARY Within fruits broadly consumed because of its nutraceuticals properties include, Lycium barbarum (Goji berry), Vaccinium myrtillus (Blueberry or Bilberry) and Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry)The objectives of this study were the investigation and comparison of chemical composition, antioxidant activity “in vitro” and “in vivo” and anti inflammatory property of berry fruits bought dry form.In summary, two main findings can be addressed with this study: (1) Berry fruits presented antioxidant and anti inflammatory activities “in vitro” and “in vivo”; (2) the extracts of GOJI, CRAN, and BLUE modulate the inflammatory process by different mechanisms.