Source Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

The Mediterranean Species Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds.

Research studies on plant secondary metabolites have increased over the last decades as a consequence of the growing consumer demand for natural products in pharmaceutics and therapeutics, as well as in perfumery and cosmetics. In this perspective, many Mediterranean plant species could be an appreciated source of bioactive compounds with pharmacological and health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor ones. Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare are commercially important plants of the Mediterranean flora, with great therapeutic use in the treatment of many disorders since ancient times, and are now listed in several world pharmacopoeias and drug agencies. The present review offers an overview of the main phytochemicals, phenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, biosynthesized in C. officinalis and F. vulgare, both species endemic to the Mediterranean region. Further, all current knowledge and scientific data on taxonomic classification, botanical description, traditional uses, pharmacological studies, and potential toxicity of both species were reported. The principal aim of this review is to point out the prospective use of C. officinalis and F. vulgare as valuable reservoirs of beneficial plant-derived products with interesting biological properties, also providing suggestions and future challenges for the full exploitation of these two Mediterranean species for human life improvement.

Exploring Agro-Industrial By-Products: Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity, and Phytochemical Profiling via FI-ESI-FTICR-MS Untargeted Analysis.

This study investigates agro-industrial by-products as sources of bioactive compounds, particularly focusing on phenolic compounds known for their antioxidant properties. With growing interest in natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants due to safety concerns, this study highlights the health benefits of plant-derived phenolic compounds in food preservation and healthcare products. Traditional and advanced analytical techniques were used to obtain phytochemical profiles of various residue extracts, including espresso (SCG) and cold-brew spent coffee grounds (CBCG), pineapple peel (PP), beetroot pomace (BP), apple pomace (AP), black carrot pomace (BCP), and garlic peel (GP). Assessments of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) supported their revalorization. CBCG showed the highest TPC, TFC, and AC. TPC content in by-products decreased in the order CBCG > SCG > GP > BCP > PP > AP > BP, with a similar trend for TFC and AC. Phytochemical profiling via FI-ESI-FTICR-MS enabled the preliminary putative identification of a range of compounds, with polyphenols and terpenes being the most abundant. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed key patterns among samples. Strong positive correlations (Pearson's R > 0.8) indicated significant contribution of polyphenols to antioxidant capacities. These findings highlight the potential of agro-industrial residues as natural antioxidants, advocating for their sustainable utilization.

Effect of Crude Extract from the Sea Anemone Bunodeopsis globulifera on Voltage-Gated Ion Channels from Central and Peripheral Murine Nervous Systems.

Sea anemones are an important source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmacological applications. Their toxins are produced and stored in organelles called nematocysts and act on specific targets, including voltage-gated ion channels. To date, sea anemone toxins have demonstrated effects on voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels, facilitating investigations into the structure and function of these proteins. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Bunodeopsis globulifera sea anemone crude extract, and of a low molecular weight fraction, on voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels within the murine nervous system. Notably, the crude extract led to a significant reduction in total sodium current, while also triggering calcium-dependent glutamate release. Furthermore, the low molecular weight fraction, in particular, enhanced total calcium currents and current density. These findings underscore the existence of sea anemone toxins with diverse mechanisms of action beyond those previously documented.

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.

Exploring the cytoprotective potential of flavonoid fraction from Carica papaya L. Cultivar ‘Red Lady' Leaf: Insights into Nrf2 activation via in-vitro and in-silico approaches

Flavonoids play a significant role in mitigating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent oxidative stress. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective and antioxidant defense mechanism of flavonoid fraction from Carica papaya L. (FFCP) leaf in human PBMC. For this investigation, the human PBMCs were lotted into three groups viz., negative control, positive control (treated with H2O2), and experiment group (pretreated with FFCP and challenged with H2O2). The cytoprotective mechanism was evaluated by assessing the intracellular ROS and Ca2+ mobilization, membrane and DNA damages, antioxidant enzymes, and Nrf2 activation. In-silico analysis was employed for assessing the interactions of flavonoids in FFCP with the Nrf2 binding pocket of Keap 1 protein. The results of the experiment unveiled that FFCP protected the human PBMCs from H2O2 induced oxidative damages such as lipid peroxidation, LDH leakage, DNA breakage, reduced the intracellular ROS and Ca2+ mobilization as compared to positive control. FFCP pretreatment effectively improved the activity of key antioxidant enzyme markers, such as SOD (1.66 ± 0.032-fold increase), CAT (2.24 ± 0.09-fold increase), GPx (1.94 ± 0.05-fold increase), and GR (1.81 ± 0.14-fold increase). Furthermore, the FFCP modulated the Nrf2 gene expression (a 2.38 ± 0.25 -fold) and its translocation into the nucleus as compared to the positive control. In-silico analysis enunciated that all flavonoids exhibited strong affinity with the Nrf2 binding pocket of Keap1 protein via stable hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. These observations suggest that FFCP is a natural source of bioactive compounds with nutraceutical benefits for combating oxidative stress-associated diseases by protecting the cells from oxidative stress induced damages as well as by instigating antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, And α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effect Of Algerian Peganum harmala Seeds Extract.

Peganum harmala seeds crude hydro-methanolic extract and their fractions (obtained with ethyl acetate and butan-1-ol) were analyzed and compared for their chemical profiles of alkaloids and polyphenols content. Moreover, their antioxidant, a-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities were evaluated. The butan-1-ol fraction revealed the highest total phenolic content and exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. From the inhibitory enzyme evaluations, it should be highlighted the butan-1-ol fraction inhibitory potential of ɑ-glucosidase (the IC50= 141.18±4μg/mL), which was better than the acarbose inhibitory effect (IC50= 203.41±1.07 μg/mL). The extracts' chemical profile analysis revealed several compounds, in which quercetin dimethyl ether, harmine and harmaline emerged as the major compounds. The different solvents used impacted Peganum harmala seed contents and biological responses. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between bioactive compounds and biological activities. Thus, Peganum harmala seeds could be a promising natural source of bioactive compounds at the crossroads of many human diseases, and its cultivation may be encouraged.

Flaxseed: A Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Health Benefits

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a nutritional powerhouse rich in alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid), lignans (especially secoisolariciresinol diglucoside), and dietary fiber. These bioactive components possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-modulating properties, suggesting potential health benefits for humans and animals. This review explores the effects of flaxseed consumption or its isolated bioactive ingredients on various health conditions. We delve into existing research on the potential impact of flaxseed on cardiovascular health, cancer, gut health, brain function, and hormonal balance in menopausal women. The review highlights the unique composition of flaxseed, including its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (over 70% of total oil), protein (20–30%), and dietary fibre (28%). Flaxseed also has the highest lignan concentration among plant sources. This distinct chemical profile positions flaxseed as a promising candidate for exploring its preventive and functional properties. The review emphasises the well-established safety of flaxseed under proper storage and processing conditions.

Evaluation of In Vitro-Derived Hop Plantlets, cv. Columbus and Magnum, as Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds.

The demand for bioactive secondary metabolites of natural origin is increasing every day. Micropropagation could be a strategy to respond more quickly to market demands, regardless of seasonality. This research aims to evaluate in vitro-grown plants of two hop varieties, namely Columbus and Magnum, as a potential source of bioactive compounds. The extracts were characterized in terms of total phenolic content by a Folin-Ciocalteu assay and antioxidant capacity by DPPH•, ABTS+, and FRAP assays. The bioactive compound profile of the extracts from both varieties was determined by using UPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS. The results confirmed richness in (poly)phenols and other secondary metabolites of the in vitro-grown hop plantlets. Thirty-two compounds belonging to the major families of phytochemicals characteristic of the species were identified, and twenty-six were quantified, mainly flavonoids, including xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol, phenolic acids, as well as α- and β-acids. This study confirms the validity of in vitro-derived hop plantlets as source of bioactive compounds to be used in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Chestnut Burrs as Natural Source of Antimicrobial Bioactive Compounds: A Valorization of Agri-Food Waste

Chestnut Burrs as Natural Source of Antimicrobial Bioactive Compounds: A Valorization of Agri-Food Waste

Advanced Application of Polymer Nanocarriers in Delivery of Active Ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicines.

Active ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been a cornerstone of healthcare for millennia, offering a rich source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. However, the clinical application of TCMs is often limited by challenges such as poor solubility, low bioavailability, and variable pharmacokinetics. To address these issues, the development of advanced polymer nanocarriers has emerged as a promising strategy for the delivery of TCMs. This review focuses on the introduction of common active ingredients from TCMs and the recent advancements in the design and application of polymer nanocarriers for enhancing the efficacy and safety of TCMs. We begin by discussing the unique properties of TCMs and the inherent challenges associated with their delivery. We then delve into the types of polymeric nanocarriers, including polymer micelles, polymer vesicles, polymer hydrogels, and polymer drug conjugates, highlighting their application in the delivery of active ingredients from TCMs. The main body of the review presents a comprehensive analysis of the state-of-the-art nanocarrier systems and introduces the impact of these nanocarriers on the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of TCM components. On the basis of this, we provide an outlook on the future directions of polymer nanocarriers in TCM delivery. This review underscores the transformative potential of polymer nanocarriers in revolutionizing TCM delivery, offering a pathway to harness the full therapeutic potential of TCMs while ensuring safety and efficacy in a modern medical context.

Investigation of the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Olea europaea: In Silico Evaluation of Cyclooxygenase Enzyme Inhibition and Pharmacokinetic Profiling.

In a landmark study, oleocanthal (OLC), a major phenolic in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), was found to possess anti-inflammatory activity similar to ibuprofen, involving inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. EVOO is a rich source of bioactive compounds including fatty acids and phenolics; however, the biological activities of only a small subset of compounds associated with Olea europaea have been explored. Here, the OliveNetTM library (consisting of over 600 compounds) was utilized to investigate olive-derived compounds as potential modulators of the arachidonic acid pathway. Our first aim was to perform enzymatic assays to evaluate the inhibitory activity of a selection of phenolic compounds and fatty acids against COX isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2) and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX). Olive compounds were found to inhibit COX isoforms, with minimal activity against 15-LOX. Subsequent molecular docking indicated that the olive compounds possess strong binding affinities for the active site of COX isoforms, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the stability of binding. Moreover, olive compounds were predicted to have favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including a readiness to cross biological membranes as highlighted by steered MD simulations and umbrella sampling. Importantly, olive compounds including OLC were identified as non-inhibitors of the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel based on patch clamp assays. Overall, this study extends our understanding of the bioactivity of Olea-europaea-derived compounds, many of which are now known to be, at least in part, accountable for the beneficial health effects of the Mediterranean diet.

Morphotype Analysis of Endophytic Fungus Isolated from Taxus sumatrana of Mount Singgalang, West Sumatra Region

Taxus sp. plants in temperate climates like Europe and America have been extensively studied and identified as promising sources of endophytic microbes that produce anticancer compounds such as Taxol. These endophytic microbes exhibit high adaptability to the specific growing conditions of their host plants. Research has highlighted metabolic differences between tropical and temperate endophytes. The presence of Taxus sumatrana plants in tropical areas like Mount Singgalang in West Sumatra, Indonesia was subjected to explore potential new sources of bioactive compounds from tropical microbes. This research aims to identify the morphotypes of endophytic fungi isolated from the barks of Taxus sumatrana plants originating from Mount Singgalang. The method used is small pieces of the inner bark of Taxus sumatrana were placed on the surface of growth medium (PDA). The small hyphae emerging from the piece of plant samples were regularly monitored for the morphological characteristics of the colony and conidia structure. Each fungal culture was checked for purity and transferred to another PDA plate by the hyphal tip method. The investigation isolated two endophytic fungi from the bark of Taxus sumatrana: Pestalotiopsis microspora and Neopestalotiopsis sp.

Mediterranean Food By-products as a Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds with Health Properties.

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on the recovery and re-use of waste plant matrices as promising sources of bioactive compounds with health effects. As the Mediterranean diet involves the consumption of great amounts of fruits and vegetables, large quantities of agro-food by-products are generated, causing economic and environmental problems. Such by-products contain a great variety of bioactive compounds whose potential health benefits include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-- cancer, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, antidepressant, cardio- and neuro-protective activities. Therefore, in this review, by-products from the most common fruits and vegetables processed in the Mediterranean area, such as tomato, olive, citrus fruit, almond, pomegranate, carob, date, and grape, were taken into account, pointing out the content of bioactive ingredients in extracts obtained from different parts of plants, fruits, and vegetables. Furthermore, studies performed to assess the beneficial effects of extracts obtained from Mediterranean agro-food by-products were reviewed, highlighting the potential benefits of waste plant matrices re-usage in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic fields.

Detailed Phytochemical Composition, Cyto-/Hepatotoxicity, and Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Profile of Moroccan Spices: A Study on Coriander, Caraway, and Mystical Cumin.

Coriander, caraway, and mystical cumin are famous for their aromatic properties and widely used in Moroccan cuisine. The nutritional/phytochemical composition of their seeds (used for food flavoring and preservation) were compared. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and hepatotoxic effects were also explored. The fat content was similar among the samples (13%), with monounsaturated fatty acids being predominant. The coriander and mystical cumin seeds were extremely rich in C18:1n9c (81 and 85%, respectively) while, in the caraway, C18:1n12 (25%) was found together with C18:1n9c (32%). The caraway seeds also presented a higher proportion of C18:2n6c (34%) than the other seeds (13 and 8%, correspondingly). γ-Tocotrienol was the major vitamin E form in all the samples. The caraway seeds contained double the amount of protein (~18%) compared to the other seeds (~8%) but, qualitatively, the amino acid profiles among all seeds were similar. The seeds were also rich in dietary fiber (40-53%); however, differences were found in their fiber profiles. Caraway showed the highest antioxidant profile and anti-inflammatory activity and an LC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis revealed great differences in the phenolic profiles of the samples. Cytotoxicity (NCI-H460, AGS, MCF-7, and CaCo2) and hepatotoxicity (RAW 264.7) were not observed. In sum, besides their flavoring/preservation properties, these seeds are also relevant source of bioactive compounds with health-promoting activities.

Chemical composition, antibacterial potential, and toxicity of the extracts from the stem bark of Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHancornia speciosa is a medicinal plant popularly used to treat different medical issues, including infectious diseases. Exploring the therapeutic potentialities of the extracts from medicinal plants combined with conventional antibiotic drugs is a promising horizon, especially considering the rising microbial resistance. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of the ethereal (EEHS) and methanolic (MEHS) extracts of the stem bark of H. speciosa, and also evaluate their antibacterial and drug-modifying activity, and toxicity. Materials and methodsThe extracts were characterized by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Additionally, total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. The antibacterial and antibiotic-modifying activity was evaluated against strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the serial microdilution method, obtaining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The toxicity assay was carried out using the Drosophila melanogaster model. ResultsThirty compounds were identified in the extracts of the stem bark of H. speciosa, with triterpenoids being predominant in both extracts. Additionally, fatty alcohols, carbohydrates, fatty acids, phenolic acids, and phytosterols were identified in both extracts. EEHS and MEHS extracts had considerable phenol contents (346.4 and 340.0 mg GAE/g, respectively). Flavonoids were detected in a lower proportion (7.6 and 6.9 mg QE/g, respectively). H. speciosa extracts did not display intrinsic antibacterial activity against the bacterial strains evaluated, however, they were capable of modifying the activity of gentamicin, erythromycin, and norfloxacin. EEHS increased the efficacy of norfloxacin against E. coli and S. aureus, reducing MIC values by 50%. MEHS potentiated the action of gentamicin against all bacterial strains, especially against E. coli. The extracts did not display toxicity at clinically relevant concentrations against D. melanogaster. ConclusionThe stem bark of H. speciosa was considered a rich source of bioactive compounds. Our findings evidenced the therapeutic potential of H. speciosa extracts for the development of new pharmaceutical therapeutics against bacteria. Although the extracts did not exhibit intrinsic antibacterial activity, they enhanced the efficacy of commercial antibiotic drugs and were non-toxic at clinically relevant concentrations. Future studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action of these extracts, ensuring their safety and efficacy.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus incrassatulus using natural deep eutectic solvent under microwave assisted by ultrasound

Microalgae are increasingly recognized as promising sources of natural bioactive compounds. However, traditional extraction methods using volatile organic solvents (VOCs) pose environmental risks. This study explores renewable deep eutectic solvents (DES) as sustainable alternatives for extracting bioactive compounds from microalgae biomass, focusing on Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus incrassatulus. Four DES systems, comprising choline chloride (ChCl) and glycerol, citric acid, urea, and glucose, were compared with three conventional solvents (ethanol, methanol, and water). Extraction efficiency was assessed based on total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid content, and tannin content, followed by antioxidant activity evaluation using DPPH, CAT, and FRAP assays. Additionally, antibacterial activity of the DES extracts was determined against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), and Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 3366) using disc diffusion and microplate dilution methods to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results reveal that DES, particularly choline chloride: citric acid, outperform conventional solvents in terms of polyphenol extraction efficiency, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. For instance, the citric acid-based DES (SIDES2) showed a TPC of 4.98 mg/g, while the conventional solvent ethanol exhibited a TPC of 3.27 mg/g. Additionally, SIDES2 exhibiting the highest DPPH scavenging activity of 75 %, compared to 60 % for ethanol. Furthermore, SIDES2 showed an MIC of 0.5 mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus. This study underscores the potential of DES for sustainable extraction of natural antioxidants from microalgae biomass, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly extraction processes in various industries.

Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa as Promising Sources of Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds.

In this study, Eugenia calycina and Eugenia stigmatosa, native Brazilian berries, were explored regarding their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. The edible parts of both fruits presented a low content of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, resulting in a low caloric value (<70 kcal/100 g fw). E. stigmatosa fruit showed a high total fiber content (3.26 g/100 g fw), qualifying it as a source of dietary fiber. The sugar profile was mainly monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and rhamnose). Significant contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins and, condensed tannins, were observed in both fruits. E. calycina contains a high level of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside (242.97 µg/g). Other phenolic compounds were also found, the main ones being rutin and ellagic acid. In contrast, E. stigmatosa is mainly composed of rutin and gallic acid. Furthermore, these fruits showed expressive antioxidant activity, evidenced by ORAC, FRAP, and ABTS. These Eugenia fruits are promising sources of bioactive compounds and have a low caloric and high dietary fiber content, making them interesting options for inclusion in a balanced diet, contributing to the promotion of health and the valorization and conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.

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.

Green extraction, chemical profile and biological activity of waste products from the olive oil industry: From waste to wealth

Olive oil is the most used vegetable oil for human consumption and its production represents an important economic sector, especially in Mediterranean countries. Olive trees are grown in more than 40 countries around the world on over 10 million hectares. The milling industry generates large quantities of liquid and solid residues, the disposal of which requires sophisticated and rather expensive procedures, given the polluting characteristics of the processing products. Since a considerable measure of olive-derived biomass is generated each year, it could be used as a potential source of bioactive compounds. This work evaluates the possibility of recovering natural antioxidants from by-products of the olive oil mill, through the optimization of extraction processes with green approaches. In the present work, through HPLC-PDA analysis with a validated method, it was possible to characterize a chemical profile of the extracts obtained through an optimized (DoE) and green approach. The waste products of the olive oil companies represent the samples considered in this work, and are derived from the pomace and the washing water of 2-phases, 2.5-phases, and 3-phase extra virgin olive oil (EVO) production plants. The optimized extraction methodology, starting from the 2.5-phase olive pomace, proved to be satisfactory in terms of efficiency by evaluating the effect of parameters such as extraction time and process temperature. The application of this methodology to other types of pomace and agro-industrial by-products has highlighted excellent results in terms of extraction yield, demonstrating the validity of this procedure as also suitable for other solid residues coming from the olive oil mill. Regarding the treatment in vegetation water, the developed protocol allowed the chromatographic profile of the analytes extracted from this matrix to be evaluated, leading to satisfactory results in terms of quantitative yields. Samples of these extracts are also subjected to biological tests in order to evaluate their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities.