Composition Of Secondary Metabolites Research Articles

Evaluation of the stability of hop pellets subjected to different storage conditions during three years

It is common knowledge that the composition of hops secondary metabolites depends on several factors, among which the storage conditions. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to evaluate changes in the chemical composition of hop products in response to different storage temperatures both in aerobic and anaerobic environments. However, little knowledge exists regarding the storage of hop pellets under modified atmosphere for a very long period of time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect on hop quality parameters of different storage conditions on U.S. hop cultivar pellets (Chinook and Nugget) in a three-year trial. Storage in modified atmosphere (atmosphere saturated with 70% nitrogen (N2) and 30% carbon dioxide (CO2) and vacuum storage were tested at two different temperatures, 4 °C and 10 °C. In order to establish the best storage condition, the bitter acids content (HPLC-UV method), the essential oil content (steam distillation method) and the essential oil profile (GC-MS method) were determined and characterised at 0, 6, 12 and 36 months. No statistical differences were observed between samples stored under different atmospheres, while significant differences were highlighted as a result of the storage temperature, e.g. the alpha acids content at 4 °C was significantly higher (P = 0.002). The two hop cultivars showed different behaviours in the storage trial, suggesting that high alpha hop varieties, like Nugget, could be stored even at higher temperatures.

Seasonality Affects Low-Molecular-Weight Organic Acids and Phenolic Compounds' Composition in Scots Pine Litterfall.

Secondary plant metabolites, including organic acids and phenolic compounds, have a significant impact on the properties of organic matter in soil, influencing its structure and function. How the production of these compounds in foliage that falls to the forest floor as litterfall varies across tree age and seasonality are of considerable interest for advancing our understanding of organic matter dynamics. Monthly, we collected fallen needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) across stands of five different age classes (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 years) for one year and measured the organic acids and phenolic compounds. Seven low-molecular-weight organic acids and thirteen phenolic compounds were detected in the litterfall. No differences were observed across stand age. Significant seasonal differences were detected. Most compounds peaked during litterfall in the growing season. Succinic acid was the most prevalent organic acid in the litterfall, comprising 78% of total organic acids (351.27 ± 34.27 µg g- 1), and was 1.5 to 11.0 times greater in the summer than all other seasons. Sinapic acid was the most prevalent phenolic compound in the litterfall (42.15 µg g- 1), representing 11% of the total phenolic compounds, and was 39.8 times greater in spring and summer compared to autumn and winter. Growing season peaks in needle concentrations were observed for all thirteen phenolic compounds and two organic acids (lactic, succinic). Citric acid exhibited a definitive peak in late winter into early spring. Our results highlight the seasonal dynamics of the composition of secondary plant metabolites in litterfall, which is most different at the onset of the growing season. Fresh inputs of litterfall at this time of emerging biological activity likely have seasonal impacts on soil's organic matter composition as well.

Impact of silver nanoparticles on secondary metabolite composition and toxicity in anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) callus culture

BackgroundThere are numerous challenges associated with producing desired amounts of secondary metabolites (SMs), which are mostly unique and cannot be chemically synthesized. Many studies indicate that nanoparticles (NPs) can boost the production of SMs. Still, the precise manner in which NPs induce metabolic changes remains unidentified. This study examines the influence of eco-friendly silver NPs (AgNPs) on the chemical makeup and toxicity of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise).ResultsAgNPs were introduced into anise callus cultures at different concentrations (0, 1.0, 5.0, 10, and 20 mg/L). The induced oxidative stress was tracked over intervals of 7, 14, 28, and 35 days. Chemical composition evaluations were carried out on the 35th day. Within the first 14 days, plant stress was evident, though the plant adapted to the stress later on. Notably, the plant showed high tolerance at 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L concentrations despite increased toxicity levels. However, relatively high toxicity levels were identified at 10 and 20 mg/L. The AgNP-induced stress significantly impacted anise SMs, particularly affecting fatty acid content. In the 10 and 20 mg/L AgNP groups, essential metabolites, including palmitic and linoleic acid, showed a significant increase. Polyunsaturated (omega) and monounsaturated fatty acids, vital for the food and pharmaceutical industries, saw substantial growth in the 1 and 5 mg/L AgNP groups. For the first time, vanillyl alcohol and 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid were detected along with various phenolic compounds, such as t-anethole, Salicylic acid, and Thiamazole.ConclusionAgNPs can function as an elicitor to efficiently generate essential SMs such as omegas and phenolic compounds in anise callus culture. This study explores the application of AgNPs as plant elicitors in anise SM production, offering invaluable insight into potential uses.

New Data on Phytochemical and Morphophysiological Characteristics of Platycladus orientalis L. Franco and Thuja occidentalis L. Conifer Trees in Polluted Urban Areas of Kazakhstan

The adaptive potential of plants in urban environments, responding to factors like air pollution, electromagnetic radiation, and specific microclimates, remains insufficiently understood. Our study focused on two evergreen Cupressaceae family species, Thuja occidentalis L. and Platycladus orientalis L. Franco, which are commonly found in Kazakhstan’s urban landscapes. Conducted in Almaty, one of Kazakhstan’s most polluted cities, our comparative analysis examined the anatomical features, photosynthetic activity, and secondary metabolite composition of these conifers. Both species exhibited xeromorphic traits, such as submerged stomata, resin passages, and a prominent leaf cuticle. T. occidentalis displayed higher photosynthetic activity values (quantum yield of photosystem II (YII), electron transport rate (ETR), and quantum yield of non-photochemical quenching (Y(NPQ))) than P. orientalis, while P. orientalis exhibited a higher quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation in PSII (Y(NO)) values. Chemical analysis revealed 31 components in T. occidentalis and 33 in P. orientalis, with T. occidentalis containing three times more thujone (16.42% and 5.18%, respectively) and a higher monosaccharide content (17.33% and 6.98%, respectively). T. occidentalis also contained 14.53% steroids, whereas P. orientalis showed no steroid presence. The cytotoxic activity of essential oils was determined by the survival of Artemia salina aquatic crustaceans, whereas tested essential oils from both species exhibited acute lethal toxicity to A. salina aquatic crustaceans across all tested concentrations. The connection between physiological traits, adaptation strategies, and cytotoxic effects offers a comprehensive view of the ecological and pharmacological importance of these two observed conifer species, highlighting their diverse roles in urban environments, as well as their potential medical uses.

A comprehensive review of physiological and phytochemical adaptations in German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) in response to abiotic stress and factors

In the face of contemporary climate change, crops are grappling with stress, leading to reduced production. Understanding the plant's response to environmental stressors is crucial for enhancing its adaptability and optimizing the production of bioactive compounds with therapeutic and industrial significance. Matricaria chamomilla L., commonly known as chamomile, has a rich history of use in traditional medicine owing to its numerous medical benefits. The phytochemistry and physiology of chamomile can be strongly influenced by abiotic factors such as temperature, water availability, salinity, light exposure and nutritional imbalances. These stressors may lead to reduced growth, altered secondary metabolite composition and compromised medicinal properties. The review provides a thorough description of how chamomile responds to abiotic stresses, including heat, salt, salinity and drought. Gaining insights into the effects of abiotic stressors on chamomile is essential for refining cultivation techniques and enhancing the overall quality of herbal products derived from chamomile. Drawing on a compilation of previous research, this review addresses diverse facets that capture the attention of both farmers and researchers. Furthermore, insights gained from this exploration are pivotal for enhancing the quality of chamomile-based herbal products in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Comparative analysis and evaluation of wild and cultivated Radix Fici Simplicissimae using an UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach

Radix Fici Simplicissimae (RFS) is widely studied, and is in demand for its value in medicines and food products, with increased scientific focus on its cultivation and breeding. We used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to elucidate the similarities and differences in phytochemical compositions of wild Radix Fici Simplicissimae (WRFS) and cultivated Radix Fici Simplicissimae (CRFS). Untargeted metabolomic analysis was performed with multivariate statistical analysis and heat maps to identify the differences. Eighty one compounds were identified from WRFS and CRFS samples. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis indicated that mass spectrometry could effectively distinguish WRFS from CRFS. Among these, 17 potential biomarkers with high metabolic contents could distinguish between the two varieties, including seven phenylpropanoids, three flavonoids, one flavonol, one alkaloid, one glycoside, and four organic acids. Notably, psoralen, apigenin, and bergapten, essential metabolites that play a substantial pharmacological role in RFS, are upregulated in WRFS. WRFS and CRFS are rich in phytochemicals and are similar in terms of the compounds they contain. These findings highlight the effects of different growth environments and drug varieties on secondary metabolite compositions and provide support for targeted breeding for improved CRFS varieties.

Pressurized liquid extraction of glucosinolates from Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz by-products: Process optimization and biological activities of green extract

The cultivation of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is rapidly increasing due to oil production resulting in a substantial volume of by-products, which still have an interesting composition in secondary metabolites, especially glucosinolates. Therefore, a green extraction procedure of glucosinolates by Pressurised Liquid Extraction was developed and optimized using a chemometric approach. Furthermore, the glucosinolates were purified by solid phase extraction, and a preliminary study on bioaccessibility and bioavailability study was carried out to evaluate the resistance of the glucosinolates to the digestive process. The application of pressurised liquid extraction to the recovery of glucosinolates from camelina sativa by-product, is a green, automatic, and rapid method, representing a valid alternative to conventional extraction method to obtain ingredients for food industries.

Climate-induced changes in essential oil production and terpene composition in alpine aromatic plants

Alpine regions are biodiversity hotspots for endemic species with unique adaptations to harsh climatic conditions. These adaptations often involve specialized behaviours and metabolism including the production of secondary metabolites that protects plants from environmental stresses. This study examines the impacts of elevated CO2 (eCO2) and combined effects of elevated CO2 and temperature (eCO2+T) on two alpine aromatic herbs, namely Angelica glauca and Nardostachys jatamansi. These species were raised in open-top chambers (OTCs) and treated with elevated CO2 (600 ppm) and temperature (+2.0 °C from control) during 2018 to 2020. The primary (total soluble sugar, starch, total soluble protein, amino acid and proline contents), secondary metabolites (Phenolics, essential oil yield, and components using GC-MS) and antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) were measured. Total soluble sugar increased under eCO2, while starch content, total amino acid and total soluble protein initially increased but later declined in response to the treatments. Proline content and antioxidant activities were higher under eCO2 and eCO2+T treatments. Total phenolic content showed both increasing (in A. glauca) and decreasing (in N. jatamansi) responses to eCO2 and eCO2+T treatments. GC–MS analysis showed decreased monoterpenes in CO2 and temperature treatments, but some sesquiterpenes showed mixed responses with both increases and decreases. These findings suggest that changes in climate can alter the composition of secondary metabolites in alpine herbs, potentially affecting their therapeutic properties and suitability for use in herbal medicine. This study provides valuable insights into the species-specific physiological responses of plants to changing climate.

Phytochemical profile of secondary metabolites in the phloem of mature Pinus pinaster trees attacked by the pine wood nematode

The present study highlights, for the first time, the chemical composition of secondary metabolites (lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds) present in the phloem tissues of infected mature Pinus pinaster Ait. trees (on average 74 years old), which may be potentially determinant in the development of the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. The levels of secondary metabolites in the phloem of infected trees were fairly constant along the height of the trees (an average of 30% dry phloem), but slightly lower compared with total extractives content in the phloem of mature healthy P. pinaster trees (30.0 vs. 39.9%). The hydrophilic fraction represented 91% of the total soluble compounds (27.3% of phloem mass) and it was mainly composed of phenolic compounds and reducing sugars (44.8% and 58.8% of the ethanol-water extracts). The lipophilic fraction (2.7% of phloem mass), was dominated by tricyclic diterpenic compounds (54.2–63.2% of the total lipophilic extracts) and fatty acids. Differences in the relative concentrations of individual compounds were observed compared to healthy pines, suggesting a response to the biotic stress imposed by nematode damage by an increased content of diterpenic resin acids, specifically dehydroabietic and abietic acids, and of total unsaturated fatty acids with a predominance of 9-octadecenoic acid.

Secondary Metabolite Production In Plants: In Response To Biotic And Abiotic Stress Factors

Secondary metabolites (SMs) play vital roles in plant defence mechanisms, adaptation to environmental conditions, and interactions with other organisms. Biotic and abiotic stress factors can significantly influence the production, accumulation, and composition of SMs in plants. Understanding the intricate relationship between stress and SM production is crucial for enhancing plant resilience, agricultural productivity, and the development of novel phytopharmaceuticals. This research provides current knowledge regarding the impact of biotic and also abiotic stress on SMs in plants. Biotic stress factors such as pathogen infection, and herbivore attacks, as well as abiotic stress factors like drought, along with temperature extremes, and also salinity, can profoundly influence the biosynthesis and accumulation of SMs in plants. We discussed the methodology based on secondary sources underlying physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms involved in stress-induced SM synthesis and highlight the potential implications for plant biology, agriculture, and human health. The study also emphasizes the functions of SMs in plants including defence against herbivores, pathogens, and abiotic stresses. The mechanism by which thesecompounds act as allelochemicals and signalling molecules is also discussed.

Bioprospecting of Selected Species of Polypore Fungi from the Western Balkans.

Growing mushrooms means meeting challenges while aiming for sustainability and circularity. Wherever the producer is located, commercial strains are the same originating from several producers. Customized strains adapted to local conditions are urgently needed. Before introducing new species to the strain development pipeline, the chemical characterization and biological activity of wild ones need to be assessed. Accordingly, the mycoceutical potential of five polypore mushroom species from Serbia was evaluated including: secondary metabolite composition, oxidative damage prevention, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). The phenolic pattern was comparable in all samples, but the amounts of specific chemicals varied. Hydroxybenzoic acids were the primary components. All samples had varying quantities of ascorbic acid, carotene, and lycopene, and showed a pronounced inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPx) and ability to scavenge HO•. Extracts were more potent tyrosinase inhibitors but unsuccessful when faced with ACE. Fomitopsis pinicola had the strongest anti-tumor efficacy while Ganoderma lucidum demonstrated strong selectivity in anti-tumor effect in comparison to normal cells. The evaluated species provided a solid foundation for commercial development while keeping local ecology in mind.

Unleashing the power of nature: Investigating the effects of storage on plant-based pigments and bioactivities in tropical Ficus spp. extracts

The phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of tropical Ficus trees: Ficus benjamina (FB), Ficus racemosa (FRa) and Ficus religiosa (FRe) were analysed in this study. The bark and leaf samples of these species were subjected to solvent extraction using absolute methanol and analysed for their total chlorophyll (TCC), total carotenoid (TXc) and total anthocyanin (TAC) contents. The TPC, TFC and antioxidant potential of the extracts were also determined. The stability of the extracts during storage at different temperatures (4 °C, − 20 °C and − 80 °C) was investigated at weeks 0, 4 and 8. The results showed that the bark of F. racemosa and leaves of F. benjamina contained the highest amounts of phenolic content, with significantly higher antioxidant properties. PLSR analysis revealed that the secondary metabolite composition strongly influenced the antioxidant activities differently with Ficus trees. VIP scores were also computed to determine the most important factors that contributed to the ABTS and FRAP activities in the extracts from each species. Specifically, TPC, TFC, TXc, TCC, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b contents were the most important variables for F. benjamina. Meanwhile, TPC, TAC, TFC and chlorophyll b were the most important factors for F. racemosa, and only TAC, TPC and chlorophyll b were the most important factors for F. religiosa. Long term storage (8 weeks) of the extracts at 4 °C was observed to cause the highest percentage of metabolite degradation (up to 88.56% in TXc, 66.86% in TPC and 81.93% in TFC). Storage at − 80 °C was found to be the most suitable for retaining the secondary metabolites content and bioactivities of the samples. Taken together, F. religiosa leaf was identified as the best source of pigments and antioxidants. The findings of this study highlight the huge potential of plant extracts as both natural pigments and antioxidants in the food industry. These extracts can serve as a source of colorants while also improving the nutritional quality of food products, which aligns with the growing demand for clean-label and sustainable food options that can replace synthetic food additives.

Garcinia dulcis and Garcinia forbesii King fruit peel extract: Secondary metabolite composition, antioxidant, and elastase inhibitory activity evaluation.

Garcinia dulcis and Garcinia forbesii King are native plants from Indonesia and have tremendous potential as a source of raw medicines based on local wisdom. However, scientific data for strengthening pharmaceuticals are still limited. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a study to strengthen and develop the potential of both plants using the approach of traditional medicine. This study aimed to explore the secondary metabolite composition and biological activity (antioxidant and antielastase) of both plants. Both samples were extracted using 70% ethanol and microwave-assisted extraction with a microwave power of 120 watts for 15 min. The extract obtained was then screened for phytochemicals using specific reagents. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using spectrophotometry with a 96-well microplate reader method. The total flavonoid content (TFC) was determined using the colorimetric method, whereas metabolite profiling analysis was conducted using the UPLC-QToF-MS/MS system. Meanwhile, biological activity was tested for antioxidant activity and antielastase as measured by a microplate reader 96-well spectrophotometry method at specific wavelengths. According to the results, G. dulcis and G. forbesii fruit peel extracts showed positive detection of particular secondary metabolites. TPC and TFC values were 13.98 ± 1.90 mg GAE/g and 10.33 ± 1.90 mg QE/g for G. dulcis and 11.98 ± 2.04 mgGAE/g and 1.96 ± 0.36 mgQE/g for G. forbesii. Metabolite profiling detected some compounds from G. dulcis, including ephedrannin B, hinokiflavone, mahuannin J, and candidate mass C9H12O8, and G. forbesii, including 5-Hydroxy-7,8,2'- trimethoxyflavone, lucialdehyde B, candidate mass C21H39NO4, candidate mass C14H10O6, and candidate mass C14H12O6. Meanwhile, the biological activities (antioxidant and antielastase) were 137.721 μg/mL and 108.893 μg/mL for G. dulcis and 481.948 μg/mL and 250.611 μg/mL for G. forbesii, respectively. Both plants showed different profiles of secondary metabolites and biological activities (antioxidant and antielastase) according to their respective characteristics.

Phenological Variations in the Content of Polyphenols and Triterpenoids in Epilobium angustifolium Herb Originating from Ukraine.

The composition of secondary metabolites undergoes significant changes in plants depending on the growth phase and the influence of environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to determine the harvesting time of plant material for the optimum secondary metabolite profile and therapeutic activity of the primary material. The shoots of Epilobium angustifolium are used as a healing tea due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the composition of phenolic compounds and triterpenoid saponins in E. angustifolium leaves and flowers and to estimate the dynamics of their content depending on the flowering phase. Qualitative and quantitative characterisation of polyphenols and triterpenoids in E. angustifolium samples from Ukraine of three flowering phases were performed using the high-performance liquid chromatography photo diode array (HPLC-PDA) method. During the present study, 13 polyphenolic compounds and seven triterpenoids were identified in the plant material. It was noted that the largest content and the best polyphenol profile was in late flowering. The most important polyphenolic compounds in the plant material were chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitin, and oenothein B. The triterpenoid profile was at its maximum during mass flowering, with corosolic and ursolic acids being the dominant metabolites. The results of the analysis revealed that the quantity of many of the tested metabolites in the raw material of E. angustifolium is dependent on the plant organ and flowering phase. The largest content of most metabolites in the leaves was in late flowering. In the flowers, the quantity of the metabolites studied was more variable, but decreased during mass flowering and increased significantly again in late flowering. The results show that E. angustifolium raw material is a potential source of oenothein B and triterpenoids.

Exploring the untargeted metabolites of Moringa oleifera Lam seed oil using two-dimensional gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry for therapeutic application

Moringa oleifera Lam is an economically and medicinally important plant. However, its essential oil characterization has been limited to one-dimensional gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. This study identified secondary metabolite composition and variation in M. oleifera seed oil through two-dimensional gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry and their associated bioactivity. GC×GC TOF MS analysis of M. oleifera seed oil was performed on an Agilent 7890 Gas chromatograph equipped with Pegasus 2D GC-TOFMS. About 1µl of the sample (dissolved in n-Hexane) was injected into the system, and the carrier gas was Helium. Identification was made using ChromaTOF software with reference to the NIST library. A total of 2000 phytoconstituents were obtained, of which 236 were identified using the NIST mass spectral values. Total constituents were classified into alkanes (64), alkenes (11), aldehydes (7), alcohol (10), acids (18), acid esters (70), Ketones (10), benzenoids (10), Monoterpenoids (1), olefins (6), Phenols (1), an alkaloid (1), triterpenoid (4), diterpenoid (1), sesquiterpenoid (2), tocopherol (2), and Others (18). Based on area percentage, fatty acids and their derivatives were predominant. The major constituents were Erucic acid (9.10%), trans-13-Octadecenoic acid (6.06%), Triethyl citrate (5.15%), Bis-(3,5,5-trimethylhexyl) phthalate (4.94%). This study reports a detailed metabolic profiling of M. oleifera seeds, which opens up the possibility of identifying and decoding specific bioactivities leading to novel drug discovery in the future.

Investigation of the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory properties of Afzelia africana leaves

Introduction: Afzelia africana is a large tree that is widespread in West Africa. Its bark is used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, edema, and pain. In our previous researches, we studied the phytochemical characteristics of the aqueous extract of trunk bark, which showed a high content of phenolic compounds and particularly flavonoids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. This extract has been formulated as a topical hydrogel, and preclinical animal studies on the chronic and acute inflammation model have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of diclofenac with an inhibition rate of 85.31%. With the aim of industrial production of improved traditional medicine, while preserving biodiversity, we investigated whether the leaves of A. africana could advantageously replace the trunk back. The objectives were to first study the phytochemically composition of the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the leaves in comparison to that of the trunk bark, and then to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity in an animal model.
 Methodology: The main families of secondary metabolites were investigated in the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts. The polyphenol and flavonoid contents were determined by spectrophotometric assay, and the results were expressed as gallic acid equivalents and quercetin equivalents, respectively. Anti- inflammatory activity was determined using an acute ear inflammation model induced by topical application of xylene in mice. Mice were divided into four groups. In the negative control group, mice were not treated; betamethasone was used as a positive control; aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts were administered at a dose of 20 mg per ear. Doses were administered topically to mice. The contralateral ear served as a control. All animals were sacrificed 0.5, 1, and 4 hours after xylene, and then two ears were cut along the pinna. The pinna was harvested and weighed. The inhibition rate was calculated in the different groups. Structural changes in the inner ear wall after xylene application were evaluated by histology on sections of the animals' ears.
 Results: The results showed that, the aqueous leaf extract of A. Africana has a similar secondary metabolite composition to the trunk bark extract, containing tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, coumarins, and quinones. The aqueous and hydroethanolic leaf extracts contained similar levels of total polyphenols, with
 196.44 ± 4.22 and 214.58 ± 1.78 mg/g in gallic acid equivalents, respectively. The hydroethanolic leaf extract contained significantly higher levels of flavonoids than the aqueous leaf extract, with 59.16 ± 0.22 mg/g in
 
 quercetin equivalents compared to 32.23 ± 4.22 mg/g. In addition, the flavonoid content of the aqueous leaf extract was comparable to that of the trunk bark, with 25.8 mg/g ± 0.26. Treatment with the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of A. Africana leaves significantly inhibited ear edema 0.5, 1, and 4 hours after xylene application, with inhibition percentages of 44.49% and 12.39% after 0.5 hour, 80.26% and 80.67% after 1 hour, and 63.97% and 49.44% after 4 hours respectively. These inhibition percentages were comparable to those of animals treated with betamethasone, which had inhibition percentages of 56.38%, 75.30%, and 76.39% after 0.5, 1, and 4 hours, respectively.
 Conclusion: The trunk bark of A. Africana is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and pain. Its topical application inspired us to study the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of the trunk bark. Although it demonstrated an interesting anti-inflammatory potential, in order to protect this precious resource, we investigated the potential of the leaves. The phytochemical study showed that, as for the trunk bark, the leaves have a high content of active metabolites, particularly polyphenols, which are known for their anti-inflammatory potential. The anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extracts has been demonstrated, making the leaves a good candidate for the development of improved traditional medicines.

A highly efficient protocol for isolation of protoplast from China, Assam and Cambod types of tea plants [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze

BackgroundTea is the most popular beverage worldwide second only to water. Its demand is tremendously rising due to increased awareness of its medicinal importance. The quality and uses of tea depend on the tea-types which are mainly three types including China, Assam and Cambod type having distinct compositions of secondary metabolites. Huge variation in secondary metabolites in different tea-types and cultivars limited the successful application of various approaches used for its trait improvement. The efficiency of a protocol for isolation of protoplast is specific to the types and cultivars of tea plants. The existing tea protoplast-isolation protocols [which were optimized for tea-types (China and Assam type) and Chinese cultivars grown in China] were found ineffective on types/cultivars grown in India due to type/cultivar variability. Therefore, optimization of protoplast-isolation protocol is essential for tea-types/cultivars grown in India, as it is the second largest producer of tea and the largest producer of black tea. Here, efforts were made to develop an efficient protoplast-isolation protocol from all major types of tea (China, Assam and Cambod types) grown in India and also from three types of tender leaves obtained from field-grown, hydroponically-grown and tissue culture-grown tea plants.ResultsDeveloped protoplast-isolation protocol was effective for different types of leaf tissue obtained from the tender leaves of field-grown, hydroponically-grown and tissue culture-grown tea plants. Moreover, optimized protocol effectively worked on all three types of tea including China, Assam and Cambod types cultivated in India. The digestion of leaves with 3% cellulase R-10, 0.6% macerozyme, 1% hemicellulase and 4% polyvinylpyrrolidone for 12 h at 28ºC yielded approximately 3.8–4.6 × 107 protoplasts per gram fresh tissue and 80–95% viability in selected tea cultivars, and tissue culture plant material was found most appropriate for protoplast isolation.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we reported an efficient protocol for isolation of protoplasts from tender tea leaves of all major tea-types (China, Assam and Cambod) grown in India. Moreover, the protocol is also effective for tender-leaf tissue of field-grown, hydroponically-grown and tissue culture-grown tea plants. The findings are expected to contribute to the genetic improvement of tea traits widely.

DYNAMICS OF THE FORMATION OF THE PHENOLIC REDOX SYSTEM OF CONIFEROUS PLANTS ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE COMMON PINE PINUS SYLVESTRIS

The change in the quantitative composition of secondary metabolites in the forming plant tissue is associated with climatic conditions of plant growth, including seasonality and the growing season. Acclimatization of evergreen coniferous trees in boreal regions includes regulatory processes that protect the photosynthetic apparatus of needles in specific conditions. Using the example of coniferous tree – scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), new experimental data on changes in the content of secondary metabolites of phenolic nature – participants in the processes of plant tissue biosynthesis – is presented in this paper. The dynamics of the intensity of phenolic metabolism and the quantitative change of the pigment apparatus of pine needles during the growing season were investigated using a complex of physic-chemical methods (UV spectrophotometry, HPLC, redox-metry) and the composition of the phenolic fraction of the phenol-quinone redox system of the cell wall was studied. It is shown that changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the phenolic compounds fraction that determine the redox state of the plant matrix occurs in plant tissue throughout the growing season. It is noted that dynamic self-regulation processes involving a complex consisting of phenolic compounds, pigments and enzymatic systems are a common pattern at all stages of plant development, ensuring that they perform protective functions of the photosynthetic apparatus of the needles of evergreen coniferous trees in boreal regions.

Aphrodisiac Potentials of Aqueous Extract of Azanza Garckeana Fruit Pulp in Fluoxetine-induced Sexually-impaired Female Rats

This study aims to investigate the potential of Azanza garckeana, a plant traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, to reverse sexual dysfunction induced by an antidepressant ‘fluoxetine’ in female rats. Aqueous extract of A. garckeana fruit pulp was screened for its secondary metabolite compositions. Female rats were induced into sexual dysfunction using fluoxetine, then they were divided into six groups, and treated based on the group with oral administration of varying doses of A. garckeana extract (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight) and a reference medication (Tadalafil) for seven days. Sexual behaviour parameters were monitored and hormone levels (progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestrogen, and prolactin) were measured after the treatment period. Fluoxetine significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the frequencies of sexual behaviours in the rats, such as darting, hopping, lordosis, genital grooming, and licking behaviour, but increased the latencies of darting and hopping. However, the extract, at 250 and 500 mg/kg, significantly (p < 0.05) reversed these changes in the sexual behavior of fluoxetine-induced rats in comparison to the effects of Tadalafil treatment. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, and prolactin in the blood but decreased oestrogen levels, especially at a dose of 500 mg/kg. The results of this study suggest that the aqueous extract of A. garckeana fruit pulp can improve sexual behavior and reproductive hormone concentrations, thereby potentially restoring sexual competence in sexually-dysfunctioned female rats. These findings provide additional support for the traditional use of A. garckeana in managing female sexual dysfunction.

Primary Determination of the Composition of Secondary Metabolites in the Wild and Introduced Artemisia martjanovii Krasch: Samples from Yakutia

Artemisia martjanovii Krasch is a rare representative of the genus Artemisia in Siberia and the Far East. The phytochemical composition of this endangered species is essential for its potential use in medicine. We used tandem mass spectrometry and HPLC-MS/MS methods to describe the metabolome from the stem and leaf extracts of A. martjanovii from Yakutia. The metabolome profile analysis of A. martjanovii grown in the Botanical Garden of the North-Eastern Federal University, Yakutsk, Russia, and the wild A. martjanovii from Khangalassky district, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) differed significantly both in the polyphenol composition and other compound classes. In total, we identified 104 bioactive constituents from stem and leaf extracts, 56 compounds from the polyphenol group, and 48 from other compound classes. Twenty-seven compounds classified as polyphenol groups, i.e., flavones apigenin, trihydroxy(iso)flavone, salvigenin, cirsiliol, cirsilineol, nevadensin, syringetin, gardenin B, thymonin, and chrysoeriol C-hexoside; flavonols: taxifolin, tetrahydroxy-dimethoxyflavone-hexoside, etc.; and 26 compounds from other classes are being reported for the first time in the genus Artemisia L.