Properties Of Extracts Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-angiogenic Effects of Bioconverted Picrasma quassioides Extract: A Comparative Study on NF-κB Signaling Pathway Inhibition and Angiogenesis Suppression

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties of bioconverted Picrasma quassioides extract (B-P.Q) with those of the non-bioconverted extract (P.Q) and peony root bark extract (BOT).Methods: The research utilized several experimental techniques, including cell viability assays on NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, measurement of NF-κB-related signaling protein activation, chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays, tube formation assays, and cell migration inhibition assays using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). These methods were employed to evaluate cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-angiogenic properties of the extracts.Results: B-P.Q demonstrated no cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations and significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB-related signaling proteins (p-p38, p-Akt-1, p-SAPK/JNK, p-MEK1/2, and p-IκB) compared to P.Q and BOT. In angiogenesis experiments, B-P.Q showed superior inhibition of new blood vessel formation in CAM assays, effectively suppressed tube formation, and significantly inhibited HUVEC migration compared to controls and P.Q.Conclusion: The study found that bioconverted Picrasma quassioides extract (B-P.Q) has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties, consistently outperforming non-bioconverted P.Q and BOT in various experimental models. These results suggest that B-P.Q holds significant promise as a therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory conditions, particularly those involving excessive angiogenesis. The research underscores the effectiveness of bioconversion in enhancing the bioactive properties of natural extracts and opens up new possibilities for developing treatments for inflammatory skin problems.

Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Activity of Ficus arnottiana Leaves: Insights into Diabetes Management and Oxidative Stress Mitigation.

Objective:To investigate the hypoglycaemic properties of a methanolic extract from Ficus arnottiana leaves in rodent models. Results: The findings revealed that F. arnottiana leaves key active components (psoralen), notably coumarins, attributing to its prowess in combating hyperglycemia. In addition, the study observed that methanolic extract displayed the highest activity, specifically at a dosage of 500 mg/kg. This was in comparison to the standard reference, glimepiride, which exhibited activity at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. This finding suggests a potentially enhanced or superior effect associated with the methanolic extract in the context of the study, Furthermore,the finding of the result showed that the application of methanolic extract at a concentration of 500 mg/kg resulted in a noteworthy mitigation of oxidative stress and increased blood glucose levels. This was demonstrated by a significant decrease in oxidative stress markers, fasting blood glucose levels, OGT, and tissue damage in the experimental model, the control group was compared. Conclusion: Methanolic extract of F. arnottiana exhibits efficacious hypoglycemic activity alongside ensured safety”.

Chemical Constituents and their Nanoemulsion Properties of Ethyl Acetate Crude Extract from Black Galingale Rhizome

Black galingale is a medicinal plant that has medicinal properties. The major constituents found in black galingale rhizomes are flavonoids, which display antioxidant activities. Therefore, in this research, the focus is to isolate and structurally determine bioactive compounds from the ethyl acetate extract of black galingale rhizomes and evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, The black galingale rhizomes were extracted by maceration using ethyl acetate as a solvent. the compounds were isolated by column chromatography using hexane: ethyl acetate as an eluent solvent system. The isolated compounds were examined and characterized using FT-IR, UV-Vis, and NMR techniques, examined antioxidant activity by DPPH assay, and antimicrobial activity. From the extraction of ethyl acetate extract, it was found that 4 pure flavonoid compounds could be extracted. The FT-IR spectral data of 4 compounds showed a unique vibration corresponding to OH stretching, CH stretching, C=O stretching, C=C stretching of an aromatic ring, and C-O-C bond. Antioxidant activity testing by DPPH assay found 5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone (1) to have the highest antioxidant activity at 73.79% compared to the standard Trolox with 133.37±1.60 mM. Antimicrobial activity testing found that 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone (3) showed the best growth inhibition activities against B. megaterium and S.aureus, Moreover, it studies the nanoemulsion properties of 5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone (1) was found stable with a nanoparticle size of 21.1 nm, a zeta potential of-49.7 mV, and has PDI of 0.227. Therefore, this research shows that the extract from black galingale rhizome could be used as an active ingredient in the cosmetics industry.

Influence of Heat Treatment and Lactic Acid Fermentation on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Pumpkin Juice.

Pumpkin is a highly nutritious plant, rich in valuable nutrients that benefit human health. Due to the high perishability of this fruit, the production of pumpkin juice is a practical way to use it effectively. Recently, fermented vegetable juices have been used as a dairy alternative due to their nutritional and potential probiotic properties. This study investigated the fermentation of pumpkin juice using different strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with and without heat treatment. The effects of fermentation on microbial growth, pH, acidity, extract, sugars, carotenoids, polyphenols, and antioxidant properties were analyzed. The heat-treatment process did not greatly impact the dry matter content, pH, acidity, extract, or sugar content. However, it led to a reduction in carotenoid and polyphenol levels. During fermentation, there was a consistent decrease in pH and an increase in total acidity, with no noticeable differences between bacterial strains regarding their influence on these parameters. The study revealed that there were no distinctions between LAB strains in their effects on pH, acidity, and carotenoid content in fermented pumpkin juice. Nonetheless, both L. sakei and L. plantarum proved to be effective in the fermentation process, with L. sakei demonstrating greater adaptability. The expected pH, acidity, and sugar content changes were consistently observed throughout the fermentation process. Overall, results confirm the efficacy of the used Lactobacillus strains in fermenting pumpkin juice and highlight the potential impact of heat treatment on the nutritional composition of the juice. The purpose of thermal processing of pumpkin juice, which is conducted with lactic acid fermentation, is crucial for the food industry. It extends the product's shelf life, improves its nutritional and taste profiles, and guarantees its microbiological safety.

Application of Antioxidant‐ and Antimicrobial‐Rich Extracts From Hass Avocado Pulp in the Development of Chitosan/Gelatin‐Based Active Packaging Films for Raw Meat Preservation

ABSTRACTIn the present study, the ethanolic extracts derived from Hass avocado pulp were observed to exhibit exceptional bioactive qualities and demonstrate bactericidal efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms, encompassing both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, as well as fungi. Therefore, this work aimed to develop a biodegradable active film by incorporating the Hass avocado extracts into chitosan/gelatin‐based film (HGCF) for the preservation of beef and pork. The study reveals that the chitosan/gelatin‐based film (GCF) and HGCF exhibit significant water stability and absorption capabilities. HGCF offered the synergy of antimicrobial properties of Hass avocado extracts and high swelling in water of chitosan/gelatin blend to absorb liquid discharged from fresh meat for prolonged storage. HGCF demonstrated a significant effectiveness in controlling microbial density in comparison to uncoated samples and samples coated with plain gelatin/chitosan film. In detail, HGCF was able to partially eliminate Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli during storage, resulting in the densities after 14 days that were similar to those of uncoated meat samples after 6 days. These results demonstrate the potential of HGCF as active packaging for food preservation and advance the sustainable production and preservation of meat products.

Antioxidant properties of phenolic extracts of murtilla pomace: First report on the importance of soluble and insoluble-bound compounds

Some native Chilean berries, including murtilla, have gained attention for their high phenolic content which renders them attractive for the beverage industry. However, phenolic-rich by-products are generated during the production of murtilla juice (murtilla pomace), and there has been no scientific consideration of this by-product as a source of different forms of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was thus to obtain phenolic extracts from the soluble fraction (free, esterified, and etherified) of murtilla pomace as well from the counterpart that contains insoluble-bound compounds, and evaluate their antioxidant properties. The fraction obtained from the insoluble-bound form (insoluble-bound phenolic hydrolysates) showed the highest total phenolic content, reducing power and antioxidant capacity, as evaluated by the FRAP and ORAC assay, respectively. The results revealed the presence of different compounds in each fraction, highlighting important levels of phenolic acids (e.g., gallic acid) and flavonoids (e.g., quercetin and its derivatives) as evaluated by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The most prominent fraction (released from the insoluble-bound form) exhibited antioxidant activity (in concentrations as low as 0.0025 μM of total phenolic acids and 0.0002 μM of total flavonoids) in Caco-2 cells. The necessary concentration of quercetin to protect Caco-2 cells against the hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress was twenty times lower than the concentration needed for gallic acid to exert the same level of antioxidant protection. We can therefore suggest that the quercetin concentration would be a better-quality control indicator for functional ingredients, food supplements, and/or nutraceutical products generated from the insoluble-bound phenolic fraction of murtilla pomace.

Acute cardiorenal dysfunctions induced by isoprenaline in Wistar rats: Mitigating potential of Juglans regia hull extract

The present study aimed to determine the attenuating properties of Juglans regia hull extract (JRHE) in mitigating isoprenaline (ISO) induced cardiorenal dysfunctions in Wistar rats. Thirty adult Wistar rats were randomly allocated to five groups with six animals in each group. Group I served as control; group II animals were administered ISO and group III received JRHE alone whereas group IV and V received JRHE and quercetin along with ISO, respectively. Administration of ISO in rats induced cardiac and renal tissue damage as reflected by significantly (p < 0.05) increased plasma activities of creatine kinase-myocardial band, lactate dehydrogenase, acetylcholinesterase, arylesterase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine along with altered antioxidant biomarkers viz. total antioxidant status, total thiols, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and increased (p < 0.05) lipid and protein peroxidation in cardiac and renal tissues. Histopathological findings corroborated that ISO has inflicted significant damage on cardiac and renal tissues. Repeated administration of JRHE significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the severity of ISO-induced alterations in blood, cardiac and renal biomarkers. In addition to restoring the levels of altered cardio-renal antioxidant enzymes, JRHE also ameliorated histopathological lesions in cardiac and renal tissues in ISO-treated rats.

Therapeutic potential of bark extracts from Macaranga denticulata on renal fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

ABSTRACT Macaranga denticulata (MD) bark is commonly utilized in traditional medicine for diabetes prevention and treatment. The bark extract of MD is rich in prenyl or farnesyl flavonoids and stilbenes, which possess antioxidant properties. Although data suggest the potential therapeutic benefits of the use of MD in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN), the precise mechanisms underlying MD-initiated protective effects against DN are not well understood. This study aimed to assess the renoprotective properties of MD extract by examining renofibrosis inhibition, oxidative stress, and inflammation utilizing streptozotocin-induced DN male Sprague – Dawley rats. Diabetic rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. After 6 days, these rats were orally administered MD extract (200 mg/kg/day) or metformin (200 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. The administration of MD extract significantly lowered blood glucose levels, restored body weight, and reduced urine levels of various biomarkers associated with kidney functions. Histopathological analysis revealed protective effects in both kidneys and pancreas. Further, MD extract significantly restored abnormalities in advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress biomarkers, and proinflammatory cytokine levels in STZ-treated rats. MD extract markedly reduced renal fibrosis biomarker levels, indicating recovery from renal injury, and reversed dysregulation of sirtuins and claudin-1 in the kidneys of rats with STZ-induced diabetes. In conclusion, data demonstrated the renoprotective role of MD extract, indicating plant extract’s ability to suppress oxidative stress and regulate proinflammatory pathways during pathological changes in diabetic nephropathy.

Tuning Pyrrolo[3,2-b] pyrrole Core-based hole transport materials properties via Addition of fluorine for highly efficient and Stable planar perovskite solar cells

Hole-transport materials (HTM) play a crucial role in functioning perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this research, we develop and synthesize two pyrrolo[3,2-b] pyrrole core (PP) based small molecular HTMs, FPPY and BPPY with/without (w/wo) fluorine (F) substitution on PP core that connected to the carbazole diphenylamine peripheral end groups, respectively. The F-substituted fused electron-rich pyrrole ring core greatly impacts FPPY molecular surface charge distribution, which contributes to higher hole extraction properties and excellent band alignment. Finally, FPPY-based PSCs obtain a best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.3 %, significantly higher than BPPY (20.1 %). After aging 2000 h at ambient condition (25 °C, 30–50 % RH), the FPPY-based device still keeps over 87 % of its initial PCE.

Inhibition of Oral Pathogenic Bacteria, Suppression of Bacterial Adhesion and Invasion on Human Squamous Carcinoma Cell Line (HSC-4 Cells), and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts from Acanthaceae Family.

Medicinal plants have traditionally been used to treat various human diseases worldwide. In this study, we evaluated the leaf extracts of plants from the Acanthaceae family, specifically Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau, Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl., and Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl., for their compounds and antioxidant activity. The ethanolic extracts of A. ebracteatus showed the highest total phenolic content at 22.55 mg GAE/g extract and the strongest antioxidant activities, with IC50 values of 0.24 mg/mL and 3.05 mg/mL, as determined by DPPH and ABTS assays. The antibacterial efficacy of these extracts was also tested against Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The diameters of the inhibition zones ranged from 14.7 to 17.3 mm using the agar well diffusion method, with MIC and MBC values ranging from 7.81 to 250 mg/mL. Anti-biofilm formation, antibacterial adhesion, and antibacterial invasion assays further demonstrated that these medicinal plant extracts can inhibit bacterial biofilm formation and prevent the adhesion and invasion of oral pathogenic bacteria on the human tongue squamous cell carcinoma-derived cell line (HSC-4 cells). The ethanolic extracts of C. nutans and A. ebracteatus were able to inhibit the gtfD and gbp genes, which facilitate biofilm formation and bacterial adherence to surfaces. These findings provide new insights into the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of plant extracts from the Acanthaceae family. These activities could enhance the clinical and pharmaceutical applications of plant extracts as an alternative therapy for bacterial infections and a dietary supplement.

Peperomia pellucida's Ingredients, Antioxidant Properties, and Safe Usage as Food and Herbal Medicine.

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth has traditionally been used as a vegetable and herbal medicine in certain countries, though its safety remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated the plant's ingredients, volatile compounds, antioxidative activities, and toxicity in Drosophila and mice. The results revealed that P. pellucida contains volatile substances that give it a unique flavor, making it suitable for consumption and rich in antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the plant extract were 273.33 ± 4.91 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract and 199.8 ± 0.346 mg quercetin equivalents/g extract, respectively. The remarkable antioxidative properties of the plant extract were demonstrated by nearly doubling the lifespan of Drosophila against oxidative stress. Moreover, the extract did not cause any acute or chronic toxicity in mice after being fed the plant, as indicated by the normal blood parameters and the absence of hepatic shape damage or impaired function. In light of these findings, P. pellucida is deemed safe for consumption and its bioactive ingredients can be extracted to create functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Biological transformation of herbal extracts through Lactic Acid Bacteria fermentation: A study on Milk thistle and liquorice root extract

Herbal extracts have recently gained attention in pharmaceuticals, supplements, and cosmetics. This study explored the impact of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) fermentation on the functional properties of milk thistle and licorice root extracts to develop health-enhancing beverages. Biological transformation using microorganisms or enzymes was employed to improve the stability and efficacy of these extracts. After 36 h of fermentation, bacterial growth in both extracts surged approximately two-fold. The licorice root extract showed a particularly significant increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, attributed to bacterial enzymes breaking down complex, high-molecular-weight phenolic compounds into simpler, more potent free phenols. Despite a reduction in total flavonoid content across all samples, this did not indicate a decline in biological activity. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed a notable increase in silymarin concentration in the milk thistle extract, rising from 0.59 mg mL−1 to 2.5 mg mL−1 after fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Glycyrrhizic acid in the licorice root extract slightly decreased following fermentation with L. plantarum, while no significant changes were observed in extracts fermented with L. acidophilus. Cell viability studies during cold storage showed that the bacterial count in the licorice root extract remained within acceptable limits (106 CFU mL−1) for four weeks, ensuring ongoing health benefits. However, in the milk thistle-fermented extract, no viable cells were detected by the third week. These findings demonstrate the potential of LAB-fermented extracts for developing functional beverages with enhanced health benefits and therapeutic properties.

Comparative in vitro Study of Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm and Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Activities of Hypericum calycinum L. and Parietaria officinalis L. Extracts

Aim: This study aims to elucidate both the anti-virulence and antimicrobial effects of ethanol extracts from Hypericum calycinum L. and Parietaria officinalis L. Material and Methods: Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the well diffusion method against five bacteria and two yeast isolates involved in human urinary tract infections (UTIs). The potential of the extracts to inhibit quorum sensing (QS), was assessed using the biosensor strain Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472. Additionally, the antibiofilm activities were investigated using a microplate biofilm assay on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: H. calycinum exhibited the highest inhibitory effect at a concentration of 100 mg/mL against Candida albicans with an inhibition zone of 24.5±0.71 mm, while P. officinalis showed its highest effect at the same concentration against E. coli with an inhibition zone of 15.5±0.71 mm. Overall, H. calycinum demonstrated stronger antimicrobial activity compared to P. officinalis. Both plant extracts inhibited QS at similar levels, with inhibition zones ranging between 10-12 mm. The antibiofilm effect varied depending on the bacterial species, but notably, P. officinalis extract exhibited over 80% antibiofilm efficacy against E. coli at all concentrations. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that H. calycinum L. and P. officinalis L. are potent antimicrobial agents against UTI pathogens. While their anti-QS efficacy is not exceptional, the significant inhibition of E. coli biofilm formation underscores their potential as formidable agents. Designed as a fundamental study, it highlights the promising antimicrobial properties of these plant extracts and marks the first investigation into their capabilities as QS and biofilm-preventive agents.

Protective Effects of Crotonis Semen Extract against Sepsis through NF-κB Pathway Inhibition.

Sepsis is an inflammatory condition causing organ failure due to an uncontrolled immune response to infection and remains a significant challenge. Crotonis Semen has displayed various pharmacological effects, yet its potential in protecting against sepsis and the mechanisms involved remains largely unclear. Here, we explored the antiseptic properties of Crotons Semen extract (CSE) in both LPS-stimulated J774 macrophages and mice subjected to sepsis through Cecal ligation and Puncture (CLP) or LPS induction. We found that CSE enhanced survival rates in mouse models with acute sepsis induced by CLP operation and LPS injection. Administering CSE also reduced levels of enzymes indicating organ damage, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatine kinase (CK), in septic mice. Furthermore, CSE lowered the serum levels of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, such as NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, in septic mice. In LPS-stimulated J774 macrophages, CSE reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins, including iNOS and COX-2. Moreover, CSE inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα and IKK, key components of the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing inflammatory mediators and cytokines. These results demonstrate CSE's protective effects against sepsis through NF-κB pathway disruption, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option for acute inflammatory conditions.

Unravelling the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effect of Tecoma Stans Extracts

Infectious diseases are a serious public health problem responsible for approximately 13.7 million deaths annually. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial and fungi species highlights the urgent need to search for alternative treatment options. In this regard, medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of infections as well as associated symptoms constitute a starting point for the search of endogenous solutions. This study was designed to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Tecoma stans extracts. The extracts were prepared by maceration using hydroethanolic solution (30:70, v/v) solvent. Then the obtained extract was fractioned by liquid-liquid partitioning using different solvent with increase polarity (hexane, ethylacetate, n-butanol, and water). The qualitative composition was studied using colorimetric methods. Total phenolic and total flavonoids compounds were determine using Folin Cioclateu and Aluminium Chloride methods respectively. The antioxidant activity was performed targeting DPPH, ABTS scavenging and FRAP assays. The antimicrobial activity was done using microdilution coupled with resazurin based assay. The phytochemical study of T. stans hydroethanolic extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, cardiac glycosides, quinones and coumarins. metabolites. The quantity of polyphenols in T. stans hydroethanolic extract was 291,139 ± 3,164 - 882,918 ± 3,154 mgEQ/100 gMS while that of flavonoids was 3,965 ± 0,138 -303,266 ± 1,178 mgEQ/100 gMS. The T. stans hydroethanolic total extract displayed no antioxidant activity targeting DPPH and ABTS free radicals at the concentrations (SC50 &gt;500). But extracts and fractions showed a good reducing potential (SC50 ranging from 7.89 ± 0.61 tio 39.88 ± 1.10 µg/mg). Likewise, T. stans hydroethanolic extract exhibited antimicrobial activity with the MIC spanning from 1 mg/mL to 32 mg/mL toward Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus .........

Unveiling the Neuroprotective Potential of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera): A Systematic Review.

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases primarily afflict the elderly and are characterized by a progressive loss of neurons. Oxidative stress is intricately linked to the advancement of these conditions. This study focuses on Phoenix dactylifera (P. dactylifera; Family: Arecaceae), commonly known as "Ajwa," a globally cultivated herbal plant renowned for its potent antioxidant properties and reported neuroprotective effects in pharmacological studies. Method: This comprehensive systematic review delves into the antioxidant properties of plant extracts and their phytochemical components, with a particular emphasis on P. dactylifera and its potential neuroprotective benefits. Preferred reporting items for systemic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) were employed to review the articles. Results: The study includes 269 articles published in the literature and 17 were selected after qualitative analysis. The growing body of research underscores the critical role of polyphenolic compounds found in P. dactylifera, which significantly contribute to its neuroprotective effects through antioxidant mechanisms. Despite emerging insights into the antioxidant actions of P. dactylifera, further investigation is essential to fully elucidate the specific pathways through which it confers neuroprotection. Conclusions: Like many other plant-based supplements, P. dactylifera's antioxidant effects are likely mediated by synergistic interactions among its diverse bioactive compounds, rather than by any single constituent alone. Therefore, additional preclinical and clinical studies are necessary to explore P. dactylifera's therapeutic potential comprehensively, especially in terms of its targeted antioxidant activities aimed at mitigating neurodegenerative processes. Such research holds promise for advancing our understanding and potentially harnessing the therapeutic benefits of P. dactylifera in neuroprotection.

Anti-infective properties of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.)R. Wilczek) coat extract on Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected Caenorhabditis elegans: Transcriptomics and pathway analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMung bean coat has long been known for its wide-ranging health benefits, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory properties. For many years in China, mung beans have been employed in the therapeutic management of inflammation induced by pathogenic bacteria infection, yet the precise underlying protective mechanisms remain to be comprehensively elucidated. Aim of the studyGiven the growing concern over antibiotic resistance, there is a necessity to explore new anti-infective agents. Here, the anti-infective properties of Mung bean coat extract (MBCE) were investigated using a model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected nematodes. Materials and methodsThe protective effects of MBCE on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14) infected nematodes were assessed by lifespan assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, transcriptomics, and Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). ResultsMBCE significantly improved the survival rates and reduced ROS levels in infected worms. Transcriptomic profiling disclosed predominant KEGG pathway enrichments in immune responses, energy metabolism processes such as oxidative phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, alongside aging-related neurodegenerative diseases and longevity regulatory pathways like PI3K-AKT, MAPK, mTOR, and FOXO. qRT-PCR validation showed that MBCE upregulated antimicrobial peptides (spp-3, lys-1, lys-7, abf-2, cnc-2, nlp-33, clec-85), gram-negative responses (irg-3, src-2, grd-3, col-179), and mitochondrial function (mev-1) gene expressions, while downregulated insulin signaling-related (age-1, akt-1, akt-2, daf-15) gene expressions. Mutant strains lifespan analysis indicated that the nsy-1, sek-1, pmk-1, daf-2, aak-2, sir-2.1, and skn-1 were necessary for lifespan extension mediated by MBCE under PA14 infection, but not clk-1, isp-1, mev-1, or daf-16. ConclusionCollectively, our findings suggested that MBCE increased the survival rates of PA14-infected worms by activating downstream antimicrobial and antioxidant gene expressions through modulation of MAPK, daf-2, aak-2, sir-2.1, and skn-1 pathways. The research underscored the potential of natural plant compounds to strengthen the body's defenses against infections, potentially mitigating harmful ROS levels and improving survival. Additionally, these findings elucidated the mechanisms by which these plant-derived compounds enhance the immune system, implying their potential utility as dietary supplements or as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Rooted in therapeutics: comprehensive analyses of Cannabis sativa root extracts reveals potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bactericidal properties.

Following the legalization of recreational Cannabis in Canada in 2018, the associated waste, including Cannabis roots, has significantly increased. Cannabis roots, comprising 30%-50% of the total plant, are often discarded despite their historical use in Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory and infectious disorders. This study evaluates the phytochemical and therapeutic properties of Cannabis root extracts from a high tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, low cannabidiolic acid cultivar (variety Alien Gorilla Glue). We performed ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) to identify the chemical components of the Cannabis roots. Extracts using water, ethanol and acid-base solvents were tested for antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging, metal chelation, and lipoperoxidation inhibition assays. Mitochondrial membrane protection was assessed using flow cytometry with the MitoPerOx probe in THP-1 monocytic leukemia cells. Anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by measuring interleukin-6 levels in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells. Bactericidal/fungicidal efficacy against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans was determined using the p-iodonitrophenyltetrazolium assay. Additionally, we investigated the anticholinesterase activity of Cannabis root extracts, given the potential role of plant alkaloids in inhibiting cholinesterase, an enzyme targeted in Alzheimer's disease treatments. UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis suggested the presence of several phenolic compounds, cannabinoids, terpenoids, amino acids, and nitrogen-containing compounds. Our results indicated significant antioxidant, bactericidal, and anticholinesterase properties of Cannabis root extracts from both soil and hydroponic cultivation. Extracts showed strong antioxidant activity across multiple assays, protected mitochondrial membrane in THP-1 cells, and exhibited anti-inflammatory and bactericidal/fungicidal efficacy. Notably, soil-cultivated roots displayed superior anti-inflammatory effects. These findings demonstrate the remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activities of Cannabis roots, supporting their traditional uses and challenging their perception as mere waste. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of Cannabis roots extracts and suggests avenues for further research and application.

Comparative Analysis of the Phytochemicals, Minerals, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Rauvolfia vomtoria Leafs

In this study, the phytochemicals, B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and antimicrobial activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Rauvolfia vomtoria leaves were determined and compared. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, mineral and B vitamin composition, in vitro antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial properties of both extracts were determined using standard protocols. Precise analysis of R. vomtoria revealed that the moisture content of the leaves was 8.90%, ash content was 7.70% and crude fiber content was 20.00%. The carbohydrate content of the leaves was 41%, crude protein content was 17. 00% and total fat content was 5.28%. Cardiac glycosides, tannins, phenols, saponins, phytates, steroids, terpenoids and alkaloids were detected in both aqueous and ethanolic extracts. However, significantly higher concentrations of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and phytates were detected in the ethanolic extract compared to the aqueous extract. There was no significant difference in the amount of phenols and terpenoids in the two extracts (p&gt;0.05). The thiamine content in the aqueous extract was 0.20 whereas that in the ethanolic extract was 0.27. The riboflavin content was higher in the ethanolic extract (1.80) than in the aqueous extract (1.40). Similarly, the niacin content of the ethanolic extract was 0.81 whereas that of the aqueous extract was 0.81. There was no significant difference in the calcium, magnesium and phosphorus values recorded for the two extracts (p&gt;0.05). In contrast, there was a significant difference in the sodium, potassium, zinc, iron and copper contents of the two extracts with the aqueous extract containing higher amounts of potassium and zinc. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts had zones of inhibition against Enterobacter faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Cetrobacter freundii and Shigella flexlerii. However, the zone of inhibition of the ethanolic extract against the tested organisms was higher than that of the aqueous extract. At a concentration of 10%, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed 87.29% and 92.03% DPPH scavenging activity, respectively. The percentage of inhibitory activity of the extracts against DPPH radical increased in a dose-dependent manner, with the ethanolic extract showing the highest DPPH radical inhibitory activity at a concentration of 50%. The results confirm that ethanol is a suitable solvent for the extraction of biologically active molecules from R.vomtoria leaves.

In silico and in vivo analysis of the antidiabetic properties of carob extract

In silico and in vivo analysis of the antidiabetic properties of carob extract