Richness Of Phytochemicals Research Articles

Unveiling the oxidative stability, phytochemical richness, and nutritional integrity of cold-pressed Linum usitatissimum oil under UV exposure

This study examines the effect of UV irradiation on the oxidation stability of Linum usitatissimum oil, presenting possible changes in the phytochemical profile due to photo-oxidation. GC–MS analysis of the oils identified 11 fatty acid compounds with a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, the most important of which is α-linolenic acid (ALA), known as omega-3 (48.88 %), also significant profiles of phytosterol and tcocopherol isomers rich in β-Sitosterol and γ-tocopherols respectively. As well as physicochemical properties such as free fatty acids (FFA %), peroxide value (PV) and iodine value (IV), and nutritional indexes that determine the significant changes observed during the oxidation process, the most important of which is the progressive increase in acidity, peroxide, conjugated dienes and trienes and degrees of unsaturation over 8 h of UV exposure. High levels of carotenoids and phenolic compounds (TPC) protect and enhance oil quality in the face of irradiation, so a significantly small difference is observed between irradiated and non-irradiated oil during photo-oxidation.

Unravelling the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Different Parts of Rumex vesicarius L.: A RP-HPLC-MS-MS/MS, Chemometrics, and Molecular Docking-Based Comparative Study.

Rumex vesicarius L. Polygonaceae is a wildly grown plant in Egypt, North Africa, and Asia with wide traditional uses. Several studies reported its biological activities and richness in phytochemicals. This research addresses a comprehensive metabolic profiling of the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots via RP-HPLC-QTOF-MS and MS/MS with chemometrics. A total of 60 metabolites were observed and grouped into phenolic acids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, amino acids, fatty acids, organic acids, and sugars. Principal component analysis and hierarchal cluster analysis showed the segregation of different parts. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity was determined via several methods and agreed with the previous results. Additionally, an in silico approach of molecular docking of the predominant bioactive metabolites was employed against two antioxidant targets, NADPH oxidase and human peroxiredoxin 5 enzyme (PDB ID: 2CDU and 1HD2) receptors, alongside ADME predictions. The molecular modelling revealed that most of the approached molecules were specifically binding with the tested enzymes, achieving high binding affinities. The results confirmed that R. vesicarius stems and roots are rich sources of bioactive antioxidant components. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive metabolic profiling of R. vesicarius giving a prospect of its relevance in the development of new naturally based antioxidants.

Variation in Pesticide Toxicity in the Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Associated with Consuming Phytochemically Different Monofloral Honeys

Insecticide toxicity to insect herbivores has long been known to vary across different host plants; this phenomenon has been widely documented in both foliage-feeders and sap-feeders. Species-specific phytochemical content of hostplant tissues is assumed to determine the pattern of induction of insect enzymes that detoxify insecticides, but specific phytochemicals have rarely been linked to host plant-associated variation in pesticide toxicity. Moreover, no studies to date have examined the effects of nectar source identity and phytochemical composition on the toxicity of insecticides to pollinators. In this study, we compared LD50 values for the insecticide bifenthrin, a frequent contaminant of nectar and pollen in agroecosystems, in the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, consuming three phytochemically different monofloral honeys: Nyssa ogeche (tupelo), Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust), and Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat). We found that bifenthrin toxicity (LD50) values for honey bees across different honey diets is linked to their species-specific phytochemical content. The profiles of phenolic acids and flavonoids of buckwheat and locust honeys are richer than is the profile of tupelo honey, with buckwheat honey containing the highest total content of phytochemicals and associated with the highest bifenthrin LD50 in honey bees. The vector fitting in the ordination analysis revealed positive correlations between LD50 values and two honey phytochemical richness estimates, Chao1 and Abundance-based Coverage Estimator (ACE). These findings suggest unequal effects among different phytochemicals, consistent with the interpretation that certain compounds, including ones that are rare, may have a more pronounced effect in mitigating pesticide toxicity.

Olive leaf extract-derived chitosan-metal nanocomposite: Green synthesis and dual antimicrobial-anticancer action

In this study, we developed a novel nanocomposite by synthesizing zinc (ZnNPs), copper (CuNPs), and silver (AgNPs) nanoparticles using olive leaf extract and incorporating them into a chitosan polymer. This approach combines the biocompatibility of chitosan with the antimicrobial and anticancer properties of metal nanoparticles, enhanced by the phytochemical richness of olive leaf extract. The significance of our research lies in its potential to offer a biodegradable and stable alternative to conventional antibiotics and cancer treatments, particularly in combating multidrug-resistant bacteria and various cancer types. Comprehensive characterization through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanocomposites, with an average size of ~22.6 nm. Phytochemical analysis highlighted the antioxidant-rich composition of both the olive leaf extract and the nanoparticles themselves. Functionally, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, outperforming traditional antibiotics by inhibiting key resistance genes (ermC, tetX3-q, blaZ, and Ery-msrA). In anticancer assessments, the nanoparticles showed selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with CuNPs and AgNPs showing particularly strong anticancer effects, while demonstrating minimal toxicity towards normal cells. ZnNPs were noted for their low cytotoxicity, highlighting the safety profile of these nanoparticles. Further, the nanoparticles induced apoptosis in cancer cells, as evidenced by the modulation of oncogenes (P21, P53, and BCL2), suggesting their therapeutic potential. The findings of our study underscore the versatile applications of these biogenic nanoparticles in developing safer and more effective antimicrobial and anticancer therapies.

A comparative analysis of the nutrient and phytochemical richness among different varieties of quinoa in China.

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense pseudocereal that has garnered global attention for its potential to bolster food security and nutrition. Despite its celebrated status, the detailed nutritional profiles of various quinoa varieties remain poorly understood, which poses a significant barrier to the strategic cultivation and utilization of quinoa's genetic diversity to combat malnutrition. The impetus for this research lies in the urgent need to identify superior quinoa strains that can be tailored to meet specific nutritional requirements and adapt to diverse agro-ecological zones. Our findings reveal substantial variation in nutrient content across different quinoa varieties, highlighting the variety ZLZX-8 as a particularly nutrient-rich strain with the highest levels of protein, fat, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and key minerals such as Mg, K, and Zn. Moreover, ZLZX-8's exceptional antioxidant capacity suggests it may have additional health benefits beyond its macronutrient profile. In contrast, ZLZX-7 stands out for its dietary fiber and phenolic content, which are critical for digestive health and disease prevention, respectively. Meanwhile, ZLZX-5, with its high starch content, could be better suited for energy production in dietary applications. Notably, the study also uncovers a correlation between grain color and nutrient profile, with colored quinoa varieties exhibiting superior fiber, inositol, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity compared to their white counterparts. This work lays the groundwork for an informed selection of quinoa varieties that can enhance dietary quality, support local and global food systems, and contribute to the fight against malnutrition.

Evaluation of Total Phenolic Content, Free Radical Scavenging Activity, and Phytochemical Profiles of Medicinal Plants from Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal

This research paper delves into the profound exploration of antioxidants and phytochemicals present in select plants indigenous to the Paschim Medinipur region of West Bengal. The study aims to unravel the hidden medicinal potential of these plants, contributing valuable insights to both pharmaceutical and environmental sectors. A systematic analysis is conducted to identify and quantify the antioxidant compounds and phytochemicals in the chosen plant species. The research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating advanced analytical techniques and methodologies to assess the antioxidant capacities and phytochemical profiles of the selected flora. Through meticulous experimentation, the study seeks to establish a comprehensive database detailing the diverse range of bioactive compounds present in these plants. Furthermore, the investigation considers the ecological context of Paschim Medinipur, acknowledging the potential impact of environmental factors on the synthesis of antioxidants in plants. This holistic approach not only contributes to the understanding of the therapeutic potential of local flora but also provides insights into the ecological adaptations of these plants in response to regional conditions. The findings of this research hold significant implications for the development of novel pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and environmental conservation strategies. By shedding light on the antioxidant and phytochemical richness of Paschim Medinipur's plant biodiversity, this study strives to pave the way for sustainable and nature-inspired solutions for health and wellness.

Preventive and Healing Effects of the Total Aqueous Extract of the Trunk Bark of Zanthoxylum gilletii (De Wild.) P. G. Waterman (Rutaceae) on Gastric Acid Reflux and Non-reflux Induced Esophagitis in Rats

Zanthozylum gilletii is a medicinal plant well known for its richness in phytochemicals and its use in Côte d’Ivoire in the traditional treatment of burns in esophagus. However, its bioactive anti-reflux and non-reflux oesophagitis potential has not yet been scientifically proven. This work aims at evaluating the preventive and curative anti-esophagitis potential of a total aqueous extract of Z. gilletii trunk bark (TAEZg) in rats. Thirty-six rats were subjected to 24 hours fast and divided into six groups of six rats each were used for each model of esophagitis induction, in particular the preventive model (acute, chronic, chronic exposure to naproxen followed by forced swimming test) and the healing model. Rats received as a pretreatment (preventive model) and treatment (healing model), TAEZg at 125, 250 and 500 mg / kg of body weight (b.w.) as well as omeprazole (preventive model) and misoprostol (healing model) at 30 and 0.012 mg / kg b.w respectively. As for the control groups, they received distilled water at 1 mL/ 100 g b.w. The animals were sacrificed by over dose of ether and then the ulcer macroscopic parameters (ulceration surface, ulceration index, scores and inhibition percentages) and gastric secretion parameters (gastric volume, gastric acidity and gastric pH) were assessed. Biochemical parameters such as total proteins and some oxidative stress parameters (Malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT)) were assessed. The results showed that pretreatment and treatment of rats with TAEZg at doses ranging from 125 to 500 mg / kg b.w significantly (P <0.001) and dose dependently reduced ulceration surface, ulceration index, gastric volume, gastric acidity, score and significantly (P <0.001) increase pH and inhibition percentage compared to control group 2. The inhibition percentages such as 93.71; 95.89; 91.03 and 98.20 % were recorded at 500 mg / kg in preventive model (acute, chronic and chronic exposure to naproxen followed by forced swimming test) and healing model respectively. Biochemical analysis showed a significant (P <0.001) increase in total protein, CAT levels and a significant decrease (P <0.001) in MDA level of the treated groups compared to the control group 2. In conclusion, TAEZg possessed a real preventive and healing anti-esophagitis effects in rats.

Measuring the Phytochemical Richness of Meat: Effects of Grass/Grain Finishing Systems and Grapeseed Extract Supplementation on the Fatty Acid and Phytochemical Content of Beef.

Grass-finished beef (GFB) can provide beneficial bioactive compounds to healthy diets, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and secondary bioactive compounds, such as phytochemicals. The objective of this study was to compare fatty acids (FAs), micronutrients, and phytochemicals of beef fed a biodiverse pasture (GRASS), a total mixed ration (GRAIN), or a total mixed ration with 5% grapeseed extract (GRAPE). This was a two-year study involving fifty-four Red Angus steers (n = 54). GFB contained higher levels of n-3 PUFAs, vitamin E, iron, zinc, stachydrine, hippuric acid, citric acid, and succinic acid than beef from GRAIN and GRAPE (p < 0.001 for all). No differences were observed in quantified phytochemicals between beef from GRAIN and GRAPE (p > 0.05). Random forest analysis indicated that phytochemical and FA composition of meat can predict cattle diets with a degree of certainty, especially for GFB (5.6% class error). In conclusion, these results indicate that GFB contains higher levels of potentially beneficial bioactive compounds, such as n-3 PUFAs, micronutrients, and phytochemicals, compared to grain-finished beef. Additionally, the n-6:n-3 ratio was the most crucial factor capable of separating beef based on finishing diets.

GC-MS validated phytochemical up-leveling with in vitro-raised Sansevieria trifasciata [Prain]: The Mother in Law’s tongue gets more antibacterial

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health challenge, jeopardizing the efficacy of infectious disease treatments and necessitating innovative solutions. The exploration of plants, renowned for their wealth of bioactive compounds, as sustainable sources of antimicrobials is gaining momentum. Sansevieria, a succulent plant genus, boasts ornamental, medicinal, and pollution-remediating attributes owing to its phytochemical richness. Notably, specific species exhibit inherent antimicrobial properties, positioning them as promising reservoirs of alternative antimicrobial agents. Efficient cultivation methods are imperative for the economically viable production of Sansevierias with potential medicinal benefits. In addressing this need, in vitro micropropagation emerges as a strategic solution, enabling mass multiplication and germplasm conservation. Leveraging our previous success in achieving efficient in vitro regeneration of Sansevieria trifasciata through elevated temperatures and auxin supplementation, we present a novel PTC-assisted antimicrobial elicitation platform. This innovative approach resulted in significantly augmented biomass production, heightened concentrations of potent phytochemicals, and increased antibacterial activity in tissue extracts compared to their field-grown counterparts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) profiling confirmed the upregulation of phytochemicals known for their antibacterial efficacy. Notably, Citronellol, 7,8-Epoxylanostan-11-ol, 3-acetoxy, and several new compounds were markedly elevated in PTC-raised Sansevieria trifasciata. Our study furnishes compelling evidence for the efficacy of in vitro techniques in enhancing the growth and phytochemical profiles of Sansevieria plants. This opens new avenues for their commercial production, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance. Importantly, this study represents the first exploration of phytochemical bioprospecting in the Sansevieria genus through in vitro tissue culture endeavors.

Preliminary Screening for In-Vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Potentials in Whole Plant Fractions of Cayratia Auriculata (Vitaceae)

Failure of natural homeostasis of healthy cell due to hyperproliferative nature of cancer, resulting in stimulation of various genes which are intensively participated in cell cycle, survival, angiogenesis and metastasis. Our study focused on the in-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of the whole plant fractions of Cayratia auriculata, a medicinal plant belongs to Vitaceae family. The whole plant material was shade dried and powdered, fractions were prepared by using soxhlet extraction technique with the ascending order of polarity such as hexane &lt; chloroform, &lt; ethyl acetate &lt; methanol. Screening for phytoconstituents in fractions was carried with standard biochemical instigations. Quantitative investigation was done by using different assays such as total phenolic content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, nitric oxide scavenging activity, 2,2 -Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and total antioxidant activity (TAC) to reveal antioxidant capacity. In-vitro cytotoxicity activity on A549 lung cancer cell line was evaluated by (3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazole-2yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) MTT assay. Phytochemical analysis of all four fractions showed the existence of varying degree of secondary bioactive metabolites but methanol fraction exhibited richness in phytoconstituents. Methanol fraction revealed good total phenolic content, potent antioxidant potential in FRAP, DPPH, Nitric oxide scavenging activity and total antioxidant activity in contrast to other tested fractions. MTT assay revealed that methanol fraction C. auriculata has strongest cytotoxic effect towards (A549) lung cancer cell line with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 115.14 µg/ml. The results of present study indicate that different fractions of C. auriculata showed the existence of varying degree of phytochemicals, total phenolic content and dose dependent antioxidant activity. Methanolic fraction revealed richness in phytochemicals, total phenolic content, potent antioxidant, and anticancer property (in- vitro).

Plasticity in plant defense and the role of phytochemical dissimilarity in limiting specialist herbivory

Phytochemical diversity is an effective plant defensive attribute, but much more research has focused on genetic and environmental controls of specific defensive compounds than phytochemical diversity per se. Documenting plasticity in phytochemical richness and plant chemical composition as opposed to individual compounds is important for understanding plant defense. This study outlines a multi-site transplant experiment in Cerrado gallery forests in central Brazil, utilizing Piper arboreum (Piperaceae), a prevalent and widespread neotropical shrub. Clones from four distinct populations were planted either at their origin site or in a different forest. Secondary metabolite composition varied between populations initially and then changed after transplanting. Interestingly, clones with chemical profiles that were distinct from the populations where they were introduced experienced reduced specialist chrysomelid herbivory compared to clones that were more chemically similar to the existing P. arboreum populations where they were planted. Specialist Lepidoptera herbivory also declined in clones transplanted to a new forest, but this change could not be ascribed to chemical profiles. In contrast, generalist herbivory was unaffected by chemical dissimilarity and transplanting. This research adds to the expanding body of evidence suggesting that phytochemical diversity is a dynamic trait exerting unique effects on different herbivore guilds.

Overlaps and trade-offs in the diversity and inducibility of volatile chemical profiles among diverse sympatric neotropical canopy trees.

A central goal in ecology is to understand the mechanisms by which biological diversity is maintained. The diversity of plant chemical defences and the strategies by which they are deployed in nature may influence biological diversity. Trees in neotropical forests are subject to relatively high herbivore pressure. Such consistent pressure is thought to select for constitutive, non-flexible defence-related phytochemistry with limited capacity for inducible phytochemical responses. However, this has not been explored for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have a relatively low ratio of production costs to ecological benefits. To test this, I sampled VOCs emitted from canopy leaves of 10 phylogenetically diverse tree species (3 Magnoliids and 7 Rosids) in the Peruvian Amazon before and after induction with the phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA). There was no phylogenetic signal in induction or magnitude of MeJA-induced VOC emissions from intact leaves: all trees induced VOC profiles dominated by β-ocimene, linalool, and α-farnesene of varying ratios. Moreover, overall inducibility of VOCs from intact leaves was unrelated to phytochemical diversity or richness. In contrast, experimentally wounded leaves showed considerable phylogeny-based and MeJA-independent variation the richness and diversity of constitutive wound-emitted VOCs. Moreover, VOC inducibility from wounded leaves correlated negatively with phytochemical richness and diversity, potentially indicating a tradeoff in constitutive and inducible defence strategies for non-volatile specialised metabolites but not for inducible VOCs. Importantly, there was no correlation between any chemical profile and either natural herbivory or leaf toughness. The coexistence of multiple phytochemical strategies in a hyper-diverse forest has broad implications for competitive and multitrophic interactions, and the evolutionary forces that maintain the exceptional plant biodiversity in neotropical forests.

An insight into the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects and mechanisms of Moringa oleifera.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are sporadic maladies that affect patients' lives with progressive neurological disabilities and reduced quality of life. Neuroinflammation and oxidative reaction are among the pivotal factors for neurodegenerative conditions, contributing to the progression of NDs, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and Huntington's disease (HD). Management of NDs is still less than optimum due to its wide range of causative factors and influences, such as lifestyle, genetic variants, and environmental aspects. The neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory activities of Moringa oleifera have been documented in numerous studies due to its richness of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review highlights up-to-date research findings on the anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of M. oleifera, including mechanisms against NDs. The information was gathered from databases, which include Scopus, Science Direct, Ovid-MEDLINE, Springer, and Elsevier. Neuroprotective effects of M. oleifera were mainly assessed by using the crude extracts in vitro and in vivo experiments. Isolated compounds from M. oleifera such as moringin, astragalin, and isoquercitrin, and identified compounds of M. oleifera such as phenolic acids and flavonoids (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, (-)-epicatechin, and isoquercitrin) have been reported to have neuropharmacological activities. Therefore, these compounds may potentially contribute to the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects. More in-depth studies using in vivo animal models of neurological-related disorders and extensive preclinical investigations, such as pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and bioavailability studies are necessary before clinical trials can be carried out to develop M. oleifera constituents into neuroprotective agents.

A Systematic Review of Terpenoids in Azadirachta indica: Classes, Structures and Medicinal Uses

Azadirachta indica (neem) can be considered as “Nature’s Chemist” due to its therapeutic, pharmaceutical, agro and medicinal properties. Neem tree is the most researched tree so far and has proven to be the most prospect target for the future drug discoveries. Its bioactivity has been associated with vast richness in phytochemicals whereas the terpenoids are the major medicinal components. Terpenoids are classified into different categories which display a wide range of biological activities. This article reviews the terpenoids reported in different parts of neem tree, classes, structures, their usage and application in modern medicine.

Antioxidants of Fruit Extracts as Antimicrobial Agents against Pathogenic Bacteria.

Fruit is an essential part of the human diet and is of great interest because of its richness in phytochemicals. Various fruit extracts from citrus, berries and pomegranates have been shown to possess a broad spectrum of medicinal properties. Fruit phytochemicals are of considerable interest because of their antioxidant properties involving different mechanisms of action, which can act against different pathogenic bacteria. The antioxidant capacity of fruit phytochemicals involves different kinds of reactions, such as radical scavenging and chelation or complexation of metal ions. The interaction between fruit phytochemicals and bacteria has different repercussions: it disrupts the cell envelope, disturbs cell–cell communication and gene regulation, and suppresses metabolic and enzymatic activities. Consequently, fruit phytochemicals can directly inhibit bacterial growth or act indirectly by modulating the expression of virulence factors, both of which reduce microbial pathogenicity. The aim of this review was to report our current knowledge on various fruit extracts and their major bioactive compounds, and determine the effectiveness of organic acids, terpenes, polyphenols, and other types of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties as a source of antimicrobial agents.

A comparative phytochemical profiling of essential oils isolated from three hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars grown in central-northern Morocco

Hemp known botanically as Cannabis sativa L. (CS) is an important industrial crop. A huge literature was devoted to its biology owing to its numerous health-healing properties and biotechnological applications. However, little is known about essential oil (CSEO) chemical composition in the cultivars grown in Morocco. In this research work, we aimed at investigating CSEO chemical composition of three cultivars namely: ‘Beldiya’, ‘Mexicana’, and ‘Critical Plus’. CSEOs were isolated from dried inflorescences using hydrodistillation and then subjected to chemical analysis using GC-MS. Our results showed that CSEOs yield and chemical composition varied significantly among cultivars. ‘Critical Plus’ showed the greatest record of CSEO yield (0.688%), while ‘Mexicana’ had the lowest value (0.330%). However, ‘Critical Plus’ presented the smallest values for the most of major compounds. Chemical composition showed an important phytochemical richness especially terpenoids. The most abundant compounds found in CSEOs were the following: β-caryophellene (13.39–25.32%), β-myercene (10.03–20.09), α-humulene (4.88–8.73%), caryophellene oxide (1.46–6.07%), decane (1.41–4.46%), and α-pinene (1.91–3.66%). The highest records of these compounds were reported in ‘Beldiya’ (β-caryophellene, caryophellene oxide, and decane) and ‘Mexicana’ (β-myercene, α-humulene, and α-pinene). Principal component analysis allowed a good separation of the three investigated cultivars based on their essential oil major compounds. It could be concluded that, the studied cultivars were caryophellene chemotypes, the local cultivar ‘Beldiya’ along with ‘Mexicana’ performed better in terms of essential oil yield and major phytochemicals over ‘Critical Plus’.

In vitro cytotoxic effect of annona squamosa pulp ex-tract as a mouthwash for children on human normal cell line

Background: Fruits and their by-products are the primary sources of bioactive chemicals in plants. Because of its phytochemical richness, Annona squamosa fruits have gained the alertness of people willing in health-promoting diets. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cytocompatibility effect of ethanolic crude extract of Annona squamosa pulp against a human normal cell line as a mouthwash for children. Material and method: The ethanolic extract of Annona squamosa pulp was extracted using the ultrasonic method and then lyophilized to make it powder. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) test was performed to investigate the cytotoxic activity of the pulp extract on a human normal cell line derived from human dermal fibroblast, neonatal (HDFn). Plates were then incubated with 5% CO2 at 37°C For the following concentrations (400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 g/ml). Each concentration, as well as the positive control chlorhexidine, and the negative control cells without tested material, were tested in triplicate. Results: No significant difference was found between the cytotoxicity of the ethanol crude extract of Annona squamosa and a chlorhexidine (P = &gt;0.05) against human dermal fibroblast of neonate cells, with IC50 (50% growth inhibition of cells) values of 235.4 μg/mL while chlorhexidine had an IC50 of 97.8 μg/mL. Conclusion: Annona squamosa extract is more safe and has less cytotoxicity than chlorhexidine. So, to overcome the problems of chlorhexidine, herbal mouthwash formulations could be utilized as an al-ternative mouthwash.

Horseradish: A Neglected and Underutilized Plant Species for Improving Human Health

Horseradish is a flavorful pungent herb that has been used for centuries to enhance the flavor of food, aid in digestion, and improve human health. Horseradish is a neglected and underutilized plant species (NUS), especially concerning the potential benefits to improve human health. The roots of this plant have been known for centuries to provide effective treatments for various human health disorders and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Horseradish is a source of many biologically active compounds and its richness in phytochemicals has encouraged its recent use as a functional food. The medicinal benefits of horseradish are numerous, and this plant should be promoted more as being beneficial for human health. Glucosinolates or their breakdown products, isothiocyanates, are responsible for most of the claimed medicinal effects. Recent studies have suggested that glucosinolates provide prevention and inhibitory influences on different types of cancer, and horseradish contains high amounts of these compounds. Other medicinal benefits of horseradish include its well-known antibacterial properties that are also attributed to isothiocyanates, and its high content of other antioxidants that benefit human health. Additionally, horseradish contains enzymes that stimulate digestion, regulate bowel movement, and reduce constipation. Horseradish is a species that is vastly underexploited for its abilities as a medicinal plant species for improving human health. The health promoting effects of horseradish are numerous and should be used in an extensive marketing campaign to improve consumption habits. Consumers need to be made more aware of the tremendous health benefits of this plant, which would most likely increase consumption of this valuable NUS. Although horseradish is a highly versatile plant species and holds great potential for improving human health, this plant can also be used to enhance biodiversity in landscapes and food systems, which will also be briefly discussed.

Bioactivity and composition of lipophilic metabolites extracted from Antarctic macroalgae.

Macroalgae comprise a vast group of aquatic organisms known for their richness in phytochemicals. In this sense, the lipophilic profile of five Antarctic seaweed species was characterized by chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis and their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential was evaluated. Results showed there were 31 lipophilic substances, mainly fatty acids (48.73 ± 0.77 to 331.91 ± 10.79 mg.Kg-1), sterols (14.74 ± 0.74 to 321.25 ± 30.13 mg.Kg-1), and alcohols (13.07 ± 0.04 to 91.87 ± 30.07 mg.Kg-1). Moreover, Desmarestia confervoides had strong antioxidant activity, inhibiting 86.03 ± 1.47% of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical at 1 mg.mL-1. Antimicrobial evaluation showed that extracts from Ulva intestinalis, Curdiea racovitzae, and Adenocystis utricularis inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), and Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028) from concentrations of 1.5 to 6 mg.mL-1. Therefore, the evaluated brown, red, and green macroalgae contained several phytochemicals with promising biological activities that could be applied in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and food industries.

Tapping into the realm of underutilised green leafy vegetables: Using LC-IT-Tof-MS based methods to explore phytochemical richness of Sonchus oleraceus (L.) L.

Sonchus oleraceus (L.) L. (sow thistle) is an underutilised functional leafy vegetable with both high nutritional and pharmacological values. In the current study, high performance liquid chromatography ion trap time-of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-IT-Tof-MS)-based metabolomics in combination with principal component analysis (PCA) were used to provide an overall phytochemical composition of different tissues (leaf, stem and roots) of this underutilised plant. A total of 32 phytochemicals, comprising hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids and terpene classes were identified across the three different tissues of S. oleraceus. The study used the new approach of colour coded PCA models to info-graphically depict the metabolic profiles across different parts of the plant. The results of the current study indicate S. oleraceus as a potential source of metabolites with highly claimed nutraceutical properties. As such, the results herein can be used as a template reference for further biological studies aimed at the evaluation of nutraceutical properties of the S. oleraceus plant.