Source Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry profile and acute toxicity studies of Annona muricata leaf ethanol extract.

Medicinal plants are primary source of bio-active compounds applied in the management of diseases. The present work focuses on determining the acute toxicity of Annona muricata leaf ethanol extract and the volatile organic constituents using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The acute toxicity test of the extract of A. muricata was determined using standard method. The GC-MS profiling of the extract obtained 13 compounds at different retention times. The dominant chemical constituents in the extracts of A. muricata leaf include: Linoelaidic acid (30.69%), Oleic acid (12.98%), 6-octadecenoic acid (10.99%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (9.28%), Octadecanoic acid (7.73) and 10-Octadecanoic acid (6.69%). Acute toxicity studies showed that LD50 was >5000 mg/kg body weight. The extracts of A. muricata are rich in a battery of bioa-active compounds that may be pharmacologically responsible for its known medicinal properties and considered generally safe.

Preliminary assessment of astaxanthin production in a new Chlamydomonas strain

Green microalgae are increasingly valuable in industries such as food, cosmetics, animal feed, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals due to their ability to produce significant secondary metabolites like carotenoid pigments. Despite the growing demand for microalgae-derived carotenoids, the identification of robust wild-type strains with high biomass productivity under specific growth conditions remains limited. This study introduces Chlamydomonas sp. KIOST-2 (accession number: PP532860), a newly identified wild-type microalgal strain with 99.9 % genetic similarity to Chlamydomonas callosa, characterized through 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Notably, Chlamydomonas sp. KIOST-2 demonstrates considerable biomass productivity at 20–30 °C under alkaline (pH 8–10) and freshwater conditions, making it suitable for large-scale cultivation. Under drought stress, this strain forms orange cysts with high concentrations of astaxanthin (5.7 ± 0.6 mg/g) and notable lipid accumulation, primarily of oleic acid (C18:1 n9c), palmitic acid (C16:0), and linoleic acid (C18:2 n6c). The ability of Chlamydomonas sp. KIOST-2 to produce substantial amounts of astaxanthin under drought conditions without genetic modification highlights its potential for biorefinery applications and industrial exploitation. This discovery underscores the strain's unique combination of drought resistance and high astaxanthin productivity, positioning it as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for various industries.

Proteomic Analysis of Heloderma horridum horridum Venom: Assessment to Its Transcriptome and Newfound Proteins.

Heloderma horridum horridum, a venomous reptile native to America, has a venom with potential applications in treating type II diabetes. In this work, H. h. horridum venom was extracted, lyophilized, and characterized using enzymatic assays for hyaluronidase, phospholipase, and protease. Proteomic analysis of the venom was conducted employing bottom-up/shotgun approaches, SDS-PAGE, high-pH reversed-phase chromatography, and fractionation of tryptic peptides using nano-LC-MS/MS. The proteins found in H. h. horridum venom were reviewed according to the classification of the transcriptome previously reported. The proteomic approach identified 101 enzymes, 36 other proteins, 15 protein inhibitors, 11 host defense proteins, and 1 toxin, including novel venom components such as calcium-binding proteins, phospholipase A2 inhibitors, serpins, cathepsin, subtilases, carboxypeptidase-like, aminopeptidases, glycoside hydrolases, thioredoxin transferases, acid ceramidase-like, enolase, multicopper oxidases, phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase class 1, pentraxin-related, peptidylglycine α-hydroxylating monooxygenase/peptidyl-hydroxyglycine α-amidating lyase, carbonic anhydrase, acetylcholinesterase, dipeptidylpeptidase, and lysozymes. These findings contribute to understanding the venomous nature of H. h. horridum and highlight its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. Data are available via PRoteomeXchange with the identifier PXD052417.

Influence of dietary bitter orange peel powder on growth, body composition, blood parameters, gut morphometry, and thermal tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The potential of bitter orange peel powder (BOPP) as a nutritional strategy for fish was investigated in Nile tilapia. A total of 120 juveniles with an average initial weight of 9.8 ± 0.7g were divided into four groups, replicated three times, resulting in 12 experimental units (60 L each) at a stocking density of 1.63g of fish per liter. Productive parameters, whole-body composition, blood biochemistry, erythroid morphometry, intestinal histology, and heat tolerance were assessed in the juveniles subjected to one of the following treatments: non-supplemented basal diet (control group); basal diet with BOPP at 10g/kg (BOPP10 group); basal diet with BOPP at 20g/kg (BOPP20 group); and basal diet with BOPP at 40g/kg (BOPP40 group). The BOPP additive had a positive influence on Nile tilapia growth, as final weight and weight gain were greater in all BOPP-treated fish, despite the reduction in crude protein in BOPP10 and BOPP20 groups. Fish receiving BOPP40 had an increase in total lipids and showed the highest levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol. Villi development was greater in the tilapia given BOPP10. It may be concluded that BOPP presented the most promising results for Nile tilapia juveniles when used at 10g/kg diet. Regarding the erythroid morphometry, there was a general increase in nuclear and cytoplasmic areas in BOPP-fed tilapia; this seems to be the first report on the direct impact of the inclusion of functional additives in fish diet upon such parameters. As concerns the thermal tolerance evaluated at the end of the feeding trial, no differences were registered among the experimental groups. Thus, BOPP represents a feasible alternative ingredient to be explored in fish nutrition, since orange peel is a natural low-cost source of essential nutrients and valuable bioactive compounds.

Comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical composition and antitumoral activity of an olive pomace extract obtained by mechanical pressing

Cancer is a worldwide epidemic and a leading cause of death. There is a need to find natural solutions for therapy to prevent that outcome. Olive pomace is a known source of bioactive compounds. This work aimed to obtain an olive pomace extract, using an innovative green method, and to assess its chemical composition and the effect of its application in different cancer cell lines. The extract was composed of sugars (28%), minerals (11%), lipids (8%), mostly oleic acid (72%), protein (1%), phenolics (3 g gallic acid equivalents/100 g), hydroxytyrosol (215 mg/100 g), flavonoids (2 g catechin equivalents/100 g), and α-tocopherol (2 mg/100 g). Moreover, 68 phenolics were tentatively identified by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. The extract significantly reduced the proliferation of the studied cancer cell lines (breast: MCF-7; pancreatic: AsPC-1; and colorectal: HT-29 and Caco-2). It was able to reduce angiogenesis in AsPC-1 cells, presented a cytotoxic effect and increased malondialdehyde levels in HT-29 cells, and decreased growth of Caco-2 cells. These results suggest that this extract can be a source of several compounds which can be used in the formulation of dietary supplements or as a structural basis for antitumoral drugs, but their mechanistic actions still need to be assessed.

Chemical characterization and antibacterial activities of Brazilian propolis extracts from Apis mellifera bees and stingless bees (Meliponini).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical composition and antibacterial activity of Brazilian propolis extracts from different types, concentrations, and extraction solvents and from different regions in Brazil. A total of 21 samples were analyzed, comprising 14 samples from Apis mellifera (12 green, 1 brown, and 1 red) and 7 samples from stingless bees (3 mandaçaia, 2 jataí, 1 hebora, and 1 tubuna). The analyses performed were dry extract, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS). The antibacterial activity was performed by Determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). The results showed that very low levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity decreased the antimicrobial activity of the propolis extracts from tubuna and jataí. However, there was no correlation between the increase in propolis concentration in the extract, and the increase in antimicrobial activity. The highest TPC and antioxidant activity was obtained for green propolis extract made with 70% raw propolis that presented similar antibacterial activity to the samples formulated with 30% or less raw propolis. The aqueous propolis extract showed lower antimicrobial activity compared to the alcoholic extracts, indicating that ethanol is a better solvent for extracting the active compounds from propolis. It was observed that the MIC (0.06 to 0.2 mg/mL) and MBC (0.2 to 0.5 mg/mL) values for Gram-negative bacteria were higher compared to Gram-positive bacteria (MIC 0.001-0.2 mg/mL, and the MBC 0.02-0.5 mg/mL). The propolis extracts that exhibited the highest antimicrobial activities were from stingless bees hebora from the Distrito Federal (DF) and mandaçaia from Santa Catarina, showing comparable efficacy to samples 5, 6, and 7, which were the green propolis from the DF. Hence, these products can be considered an excellent source of bioactive compounds with the potential for utilization in both the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Preliminary phytochemical and biological activity screening of Sargassum lapazeanum

Algae are exposed to substantial stress. In response, these organisms have developed efficient defense systems, such as protective secondary metabolite synthesis, making algae a primary source of bioactive compounds with a wide spectrum of biological activities. Thus, algae show potential for use in treatments of thrombotic, infectious, and chronic degenerative diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical compounds and pharmacological activity of an extract obtained from Sargassum lapazeanum. Algae were collected in the intertidal zone of Tarabillas beach (Bahía de La Paz, BCS). The biological activities of an ethanolic extract and its fractions were evaluated using chromatographic techniques. In addition, a bioautographic assay of hemolytic activity was conducted, and phytochemical profiles and acute toxicity in Artemia franciscana were evaluated. The relationships among the main extract components were also determined. The ethanolic extract exhibited significant antioxidant and hemolytic activity, which was mainly attributed to its content of anthrones, anthraquinones, and unsaturated triterpenes. Its toxicological activity reached an LC50 value of 225.1 μg mL-1, which was mainly attributed to alkaloids, flavonoids, anthrones, and saponins. The results suggest that Sargassum lapazeanum, which is endemic to the Gulf of California, has great pharmacological potential with biomedical applications.

Exploring the Anti-diabetic Properties of Edible Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Review

Mushrooms, part of the “Fungi” family is well-known for their medical benefits and accessibility globally. Diabetes has become more commonplace worldwide in recent times, which has made the search for alternate treatment approaches necessary. Because of their possible anti-diabetic effects, edible mushrooms—a natural source of bioactive compounds—have drawn interest. This research assesses the possible anti-diabetic benefits of edible mushrooms, concentrating on their bioactive constituents and mechanisms that modulate insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, and emphasises their potential significance in diabetes prevention. The review concludes that EM can predict insulin resistance through active chemicals like polysaccharides and vitamin D, as well as preventative activities like β-glucosidase and β-amylase. The therapeutic benefits of many mushroom types have not been thoroughly researched, and the mechanism remains unclear. More study on edible medicinal mushrooms is needed to fully utilise their therapeutic promise in preventing noncommunicable diseases.

Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities Evaluation of Myrtus communis L. Essential Oil Extraction By-Product Towards Circular Economy and Sustainability

Essential oil (EO) extraction is a widespread practice generating huge amounts of solid plant by-products a potential source of bioactive compounds, on the one hand, and a detrimental risk for the environment that needs to be carefully considered on the other hand. The present study aims to valorize Myrtus communis L. leaf by-products obtained following EO extraction using a steam distillation unit through the recovery of phenolic compounds and the evaluation of their biological activities. The total phenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins contents of the ethanolic extract by-product were higher than the control (leaves without extraction of EO). Their amounts increased from 69.30 to 88.06 mg GAE/g for total phenols, from 36.31 to 70.97 mg QE for flavonoids and from 19.74 to 21.49 mg CE/g of extract for proanthocyanidins. The identification of phenolic compounds by high-performance liquid-chromatography equipped with a reversed-phase (RP-HPLC) system revealed that the by-product sample includes more gallic acid, catechin, syringic acid and luteolin 7-O-glucoside but less p-coumaric acid and kaempferol than the control. Moreover, the mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR) showed the presence of benzene ring characteristic of phenolic compounds at 756 cm−1, esters of aromatic acids and stretching vibrations of polyphenols at 1141–1234 cm−1, C=C stretching present in phenolic acids such as coumaric acid and catechin at 1604 cm−1. The assessment of antioxidant activity revealed that the ABTS+• radical scavenging activity was significantly increased, whereas the DPPH• radical inhibition activity and the ferric reduction antioxidant power were significantly decreased. The results indicated, as well, that Myrtus communis L. leaf by-products maintained a considerable antibacterial activity depending on the tested bacterial strain. Additionally, the anti-α-amylase activity was higher for the Myrtus communis L. leaf by-product extract. Therefore, Myrtus communis L. leaf by-products of EO extraction offer phenolic compounds with significant biological activities, contributing to the sustainable development and the promotion of circular economy by the recovery of valuable inputs from plant by-products.

Marine sponges: a rich source of novel bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical applications

Marine sponges: a rich source of novel bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical applications

Advanced and Potential Methods for Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Avocado Peel—A Review

Extraction techniques are continuously developed by the scientific community. Meanwhile, avocado peel is a by-product of avocado processing and a source of bioactive compounds. The purpose of this review was to summarize the use of advanced techniques for extracting bioactive compounds from avocado peel to help understand which techniques have and have not been applied to avocado peel. Three primary databases were used to collect the information, including Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, by using the keywords “avocado”, “peel”, and “extraction”. Additional keywords related to the extraction technique were also used, including “Microwave-Assisted Extraction”, “Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction”, “Enzyme-Assisted Extraction”, “Pressurized Liquid Extraction”, “Supercritical Fluid Extraction”, “Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents”, “Three-phase partitioning (TPP)”, “Pulsed-Electric Field”, “High Voltage Electric Discharge Plasma”, “Centrifugal Partition Extraction”, and “Surfactant-Mediated Extraction”. The results show that microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, TPP, and natural deep eutectic solvent extraction have been used to retrieve bioactive compounds from avocado peel. Other techniques have not yet been applied for the extraction of bioactive compounds from avocado peel. This article is the first review discussing the advanced extraction technique for retrieving bioactive compounds from avocado peel. This article creates a paradigm for future studies.

Storage stability, nutritional and qualitative attributes of biscuits enriched with terebinth, flaxseed and sesame seeds

PurposeThe utilization of oilseeds in food formulations is prevalent due to their health benefits and nutritional value. These protein-rich oilseeds serve as an affordable and essential source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, fulfilling human protein requirements. As such, this study sought to investigate the impact of partially replacing wheat flour with oilseeds in different proportions on the nutritional and quality characteristics of biscuits.Design/methodology/approachOilseeds, including terebinth, sesame and flaxseed, were partially substituted with wheat flour in amounts of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%. The effects of this substitution on the storage stability, nutritional content and physical properties of the resulting biscuits were examined.FindingsThe L* (from 69.75 to 54.06) and b* (from 28.59 to 21.60) color values of biscuits decreased with the supplement of oilseeds. The oilseeds addition increased the protein, fat, energy, and ash values of biscuits. At the highest level of added terebinth, sesame and flaxseed, respectively, the amounts measured were 5984.62 mgGAE/kg, 1553.85 mgGAE/kg and 2169.23 mgGAE/kg, which were higher than the control biscuits (715.39 mgGAE/kg). The incorporation of oilseeds resulted in a substantial decrease in pH and peroxide values, while the moisture content was increased throughout the 6-month storage period. The use of terebinth in biscuits led to better oxidative stability than sesame and flaxseed-containing samples. The biscuit samples with terebinth had a longer induction time. The lowest induction time of biscuits with 25% flaxseed was chosen, approximately 3.5 h.Research limitations/implicationsOilseed flours, which are rich in lipids, have been shown to enhance the quality of biscuits. However, further studies could aim to reduce the amount of shortening used to improve their quality even further. Reducing the shortening could keep the lipid content at an acceptable amount, especially considering consumers' current expectations for low-fat foods.Practical implicationsPlant-based bioactive are generally known as secondary metabolites and have promising therapeutic attributes, especially antioxidative properties.Social implicationsThanks to this composition, some of these seeds have proven effective in controlling and preventing metabolic diseases (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, coronary heart disease and several types of cancer) as well as providing interesting properties to foods.Originality/valueAs result, oilseeds can be successfully used as functional and sustainable food ingredients to improve the functional, nutritional and storage stability of biscuits.

Identification of polyphenol composition in grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Bidaneh Sefid) stem using green extraction methods and LC–MS/MS analysis

AbstractThe utilization of grape stems, a by‐product of the grape processing industry, as a source of valuable bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, has gained attention in recent years. This study aimed to investigate different eco‐friendly extraction methods for obtaining polyphenols from grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Bidaneh Sefid) stems, focusing on green solvents and innovative techniques. Four extraction methods were tested, involving the use of water and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as green solvents, along with maceration, microwave, ultrasound, and reduced‐pressure techniques. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI‐MS/MS) was used to characterize and quantify the bioactive compounds in the extracts. A total of 29 polyphenols, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and stilbenes, were detected. Among the four extraction methods tested, methods 1 (water + microwave + ultrasound + atmospheric pressure) and 2 (water + microwave + ultrasound + reduced pressure) were found to be the most effective. Our study demonstrated that using water and PEG as green solvents, combined with techniques like microwave, ultrasound, and reduced pressure, effectively extracted both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds from the grape stems. These findings suggest that further exploration of these methods could lead to the development of value‐added products from grape stems, emphasizing the significance of green extraction techniques for the recovery of polyphenols from winemaking by‐products.

Effects of Ripening Phase and Cultivar under Sustainable Management on Fruit Quality and Antioxidants of Sweet Cherry

Sweet cherry grown under sustainable management produces highly valuable fruits, whose quality shows important biochemical and morphological changes during ripening. Research was carried out in Iasi (Romania), with the aim to assess the quality characteristics of the sweet cherry fruits of three cultivars (Van, Andreiaș, Margonia), grown in an inner or outer position inside the tree crown, at the pre-ripening or full ripeness phase. In 2022, the colour component a* showed higher values in cv. Van and Andreias red fruits and in an inner position, whereas the components L* and b* at the full ripeness phase were highest in cv. Margonia. The dry matter and total soluble solids contents increased from the pre-ripening to the full ripeness phase and were highest in cv. Van sweet cherry fruits; the DM of fruit from the outer part of crown was higher than that of fruit from the inner part at the pre-ripening phase. The content of phenolics was the highest in cv. Margonia fruits at the pre-ripening stage and in cv. Van at the full ripeness phase and higher in the inner tree crown zones. The cultivar Margonia generally showed the highest vitamin C content in both years and development phases. The yellow fruit cv. Margonia mostly showed the highest values of chlorophyll a and b. The fruit’s content of carotene, lycopene, and anthocyanins was generally the highest in the red fruits of cv. Andreias. The examined sweet cherry cultivars showed a high variability in fruit nutritional quality and proved to be a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential.

Effects of Ripening Phase and Cultivar under Sustainable Management on Fruit Quality and Antioxidants of Sweet Cherry

Sweet cherry grown under sustainable management produces highly valuable fruits, whose quality shows important biochemical and morphological changes during ripening. Research was carried out in Iasi (Romania), with the aim to assess the quality characteristics of the sweet cherry fruits of three cultivars (Van, Andreiaș, Margonia), grown in an inner or outer position inside the tree crown, at the pre-ripening or full ripeness phase. In 2022, the colour component a* showed higher values in cv. Van and Andreias red fruits and in an inner position, whereas the components L* and b* at the full ripeness phase were highest in cv. Margonia. The dry matter and total soluble solids contents increased from the pre-ripening to the full ripeness phase and were highest in cv. Van sweet cherry fruits; the DM of fruit from the outer part of crown was higher than that of fruit from the inner part at the pre-ripening phase. The content of phenolics was the highest in cv. Margonia fruits at the pre-ripening stage and in cv. Van at the full ripeness phase and higher in the inner tree crown zones. The cultivar Margonia generally showed the highest vitamin C content in both years and development phases. The yellow fruit cv. Margonia mostly showed the highest values of chlorophyll a and b. The fruit’s content of carotene, lycopene, and anthocyanins was generally the highest in the red fruits of cv. Andreias. The examined sweet cherry cultivars showed a high variability in fruit nutritional quality and proved to be a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential.

Biosynthesis and Pharmacological Activities of the Bioactive Compounds of White Mulberry (Morus alba): Current Paradigms and Future Challenges

Traditional natural products have been the focus of research to explore their medicinal properties. One such medicinally important plant is the white mulberry, Morus alba, widely distributed in the Asian subcontinent. It is one of the most cultivated species of mulberry tree and has attracted more focus from researchers because of its abundance in phytochemicals as well as multipurpose uses. The leaves, fruits and other parts of the white mulberry plant act as a source of valuable bioactive compounds like flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids and alkaloids. These secondary metabolites have manifold healthy uses as they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neutrotrophic, and anticancer properties. Despite the increasing scientific interest in this plant, there are very few reviews that highlight the phytochemistry and biological potential of white mulberry for biomedical research. To this end, this review elaborates the phytochemistry, biosynthetic pathways and pharmacological activities of the glycoside flavonoids of Morus alba. A comprehensive analysis of the available literature indicates that Morus alba could emerge as a promising natural agent to combat diverse conditions including diabetes, cancer, inflammation and infectious diseases. To achieve such important objectives, it is crucial to elucidate the biosynthesis and regulation mechanisms of the bioactive compounds in white mulberry as well as the multifaceted pharmacological effects attributed to this plant resource. The present review paper is intended to present a summary of existing scientific data and a guide for further research in the phytochemistry and pharmacology of white mulberry. Further, a biosynthetic pathway analysis of the glycoside flavonoid in mulberry is also given. Lastly, we discuss the pros and cons of the current research to ensure the prudent and effective therapeutic value of mulberry for promoting human and animal health.

Antioxidant Activity, Antiproliferative Activity, Antiviral Activity, NO Production Inhibition, and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils and Crude Extracts of Leaves, Flower Buds, and Stems of Tetradenia riparia

The chemical composition of extracts (CEs) and essential oils (EOs) from Tetradenia riparia leaves, flower buds, and stems was analyzed. Antiproliferative activity against tumor cell lines, NO production inhibition, and antioxidant and antiviral activities were assessed. The CEs contained flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and saturated fatty acids. The EOs included monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. NO production inhibition ranged from 76 to 247 µg mL−1, and antiproliferative activity exhibited GI50 between 20 and >204 µg mL−1, with low cytotoxicity (SI: 1.08 to 4.75). Reactive oxygen species inhibition ranged from 45 to 82%. Antioxidant activity varied when determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (IC50: 0.51 to 8.47 mg mL−1) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.35 to 0.81 µM ferrous sulfate per mg). The reduction in β-carotene–linoleic acid co-oxidation varied between 76.13 and 102.25%. The total phenolic content of CEs and EOs was 10.70 to 111.68 µg gallic acid mg−1. Antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) showed an EC50 between 9.64 and 24.55 µg mL−1 and an SI between 8.67 and 15.04. Leaf EOs exhibited an EC50 of 9.64 µg mL−1 and an SI of 15.04. Our study unveils the diverse chemical composition and multifaceted pharmacological properties of T. riparia, demonstrating its potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.

Physicochemical characterisation of a new Myrtaceae fruit native to Brazilian Cerrado

ABSTRACT A new fruit of the Myrtaceae, Eugenia bonita, was recently discovered. Its composition is unknown, which makes its physicochemical characterisation and its development profile during maturation necessary. Therefore, this work constitutes the first study aimed at determining the quality parameters and bioactive compounds of new fruit of E. bonita, at different stages of maturation. The fruits were collected in the city of Bonito de Minas, Minas Gerais in five stages of maturation and submitted for analysis of the physicochemical characteristics. The advance of maturation caused increase in all biometric characteristics of E. bonita fruits and reduction in all constituents of the proximate composition, except moisture. In addition, the ripe fruit was characterised by high water content, high acidity, and good sweetness. Moreover, there was change in the fruit color from green to yellow-orange, after maturity. In turn, although some phytochemicals have degraded during maturation, the high levels of vitamin C (61.17 mg/100 g) and total phenolics (587.92 mg GAE/100 g) in the ripe fruits characterise E. bonita as an important source of bioactive compounds. These data are of great importance to the scientific community, food industry, and popular culture since this fruit has interesting functional properties and great nutritional value.

Antioxidant Activity, Antiproliferative Activity, Antiviral Activity, NO Production Inhibition, and Chemical Composition of Essential Oils and Crude Extracts of Leaves, Flower Buds, and Stems of Tetradenia riparia

The chemical composition of extracts (CEs) and essential oils (EOs) from Tetradenia riparia leaves, flower buds, and stems was analyzed. Antiproliferative activity against tumor cell lines, NO production inhibition, and antioxidant and antiviral activities were assessed. The CEs contained flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and saturated fatty acids. The EOs included monoterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. NO production inhibition ranged from 76 to 247 µg mL−1, and antiproliferative activity exhibited GI50 between 20 and >204 µg mL−1, with low cytotoxicity (SI: 1.08 to 4.75). Reactive oxygen species inhibition ranged from 45 to 82%. Antioxidant activity varied when determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (IC50: 0.51 to 8.47 mg mL−1) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.35 to 0.81 µM ferrous sulfate per mg). The reduction in β-carotene–linoleic acid co-oxidation varied between 76.13 and 102.25%. The total phenolic content of CEs and EOs was 10.70 to 111.68 µg gallic acid mg−1. Antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) showed an EC50 between 9.64 and 24.55 µg mL−1 and an SI between 8.67 and 15.04. Leaf EOs exhibited an EC50 of 9.64 µg mL−1 and an SI of 15.04. Our study unveils the diverse chemical composition and multifaceted pharmacological properties of T. riparia, demonstrating its potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.

Pharmacological effects of bioactive agents in earthworm extract: A comprehensive review.

This review compiles information from the literature on the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and molecular mechanisms of earthworm extract (EE) and suggests possibilities for clinical translation of EE. We also consider future trends and concerns in this domain. We summarize the bioactive components of EE, including G-90, lysenin, lumbrokinase, antimicrobial peptides, earthworm serine protease (ESP), and polyphenols, and detail the antitumor, antithrombotic, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, wound-healing, antifibrotic, and hypoglycemic activities and mechanisms of action of EE based on existing invitro and invivo studies. We further propose the potential of EE for clinical translation in anticancer and lipid-modifying therapies, and its promise as source of a novel agent for wound healing and resistance to antibiotic tolerance. The earthworm enzyme lumbrokinase embodies highly effective anticoagulant and thrombolytic properties and has the advantage of not causing bleeding phenomena due to hyperfibrinolysis. Its antifibrotic properties can reduce the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. The glycolipoprotein extract G-90 can effectively scavenge reactive oxygen groups and protect cellular tissues from oxidative damage. Earthworms have evolved a well-developed defense mechanism to fight against microbial infections, and the bioactive agents in EE have shown good antibacterial, fungal, and viral properties in invitro and invivo experiments and can alleviate inflammatory responses caused by infections, effectively reducing pain. Recent studies have also highlighted the role of EE in lowering blood glucose. EE shows high medicinal value and is expected to be a source of many bioactive compounds.