Vanillic Research Articles

Effect of fermentation on bioactive compounds and structural properties of wheat bran

In the present study bran of two wheat cultivars (PBW-154 and HD-2967) was fermented for different time duration (24 h, 48 h and 72 h) and the effect of fermentation on the quantity of bioactive compounds in the bran and on the structure of bran were evaluated. Six bioactive compounds were detected in the bran of both wheat cultivars. These include p-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid and gallic acid. Among the bioactive compounds ferulic acid was found highest in the bran of both wheat cultivars while p-hydroxybenzoic acid was found lowest in the bran of PBW-154 variety and syringic acid was found lowest in the bran of HD-2967 variety. All the six bioactive compounds detected were increased after the fermentation for both the cultivars bran. Scanning electron microscopy shows the occurrence of loose networks of fibers tying with tissues and starch particles together and other granule structure that indicates the release of bound phenolic compound at 72 h of fermentation. Fermentation increased the crystallinity index because it hydrolyses the amorphous region. FTIR in yeast fermented wheat bran cultivar showed presence of OH elongation group, C = O bond –H stretching vibration bond. In fermented wheat bran the absorption bands between 29.18 cm−1 or 2850 cm−1associated with OH-OH elongation vibration.

Effect of drying methods on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Capparis spinosa L. fruits

BackgroundDrying is a critical post-harvest process for medicinal plants, which are typically high in moisture and microorganisms. To prevent spoilage and quality loss, it is essential to dry these plants promptly. The drying method significantly impacts the levels of secondary metabolites and the organoleptic characteristics of medicinal plants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various drying methods on the total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, and phenolic acids in caper (Capparis spinosa L.) fruits. The experiment was performed using a completely randomized design with three replications and included 11 treatments: shade drying, sun drying, oven drying (at 50 °C, 60 °C, and 70 °C), microwave drying (at 300 W, 600 W, and 900 W), freeze-drying, salt-drying, and a fresh plant sample as a control.ResultsAmong the drying methods tested, microwave drying consistently produced the highest levels of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity, regardless of wattage. Specifically, the highest total phenol content was observed in samples dried at 900 W microwave, 600 W microwave, and 70 °C in the oven (5.3, 5.37, and 5.31 mg GAE/g DW, respectively). Drying at 600 W microwave yielded the highest levels of caffeic, cinnamic, ferulic, vanillic, and protocatechuic acids (13.03, 3.85, 4.28, 9.73, and 5.6 µg/g, respectively) while drying at 900 W microwave also resulted in elevated levels of caffeic, ferulic, protocatechuic, and p-coumaric acids. The 70 °C oven drying method also showed high levels of caffeic, cinnamic, ferulic, vanillic, and protocatechuic acids. Freeze-drying achieved the highest levels of rosmarinic, gallic, and m-coumaric acids (320.17, 175.3, and 12.99 µg/g, respectively), while shade drying produced high levels of p-hydroxybenzoic, cinnamic, ferulic, m-coumaric, protocatechuic, and p-coumaric acids.ConclusionsOverall, microwave drying (especially at 600 W), oven drying at 70 °C, and freeze-drying emerged as effective alternatives to traditional drying methods. These methods not only preserved the color, texture, and taste of the fruits but also enhanced their bioactive compound levels.

Molecular docking-guided in-depth investigation of the biological activities and phytochemical and mineral profiles of endemic Phlomis capitata.

Phlomis capitata is an endemic species of flowering aromatic and medicinal plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to regions of the Mediterranean and nearby areas. Understanding the chemical compounds present in P. capitata can reveal potential medicinal properties. The present study examines the quantification of bioactive phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory evaluation of P. capitata extract against key enzymes involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy and glaucoma for the first time. The mechanisms of enzyme inhibition activity of the predominant compounds in extract were also interpreted by molecular docking studies. Chemical characterization of the extract was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (phytochemical profile) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (mineral composition) analysis. Furthermore, the binding interactions of major phytochemicals with all enzymes were investigated by molecular docking studies. LC-MS/MS analysis of the P. capitata revealed the identification of 19 compounds predominated by quinic acid (4.883 mg g-1), followed by chlorogenic acid (4.36 mg g-1), vanilic acid (3.405 mg g-1), naringenin (2.571 mg g-1) and cyranoside (1.101 mg g-1). It was determined that the mineral element was rich (K, Ca, Al and Mg) and did not exceed the toxicity limits. The P. capitata extract demonstrated remarkable antioxidant activities in the order: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (IC50: 20.533 μg mL-1) < 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (IC50: 23.151 μg mL-1) < N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (IC50: 45.221 μg mL-1) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (0.889 μg mL-1) < Fe3+ reducing (0.969 μg mL-1) < ferric reducing antioxidant potency (0.974 μg mL-1). Moreover, of all the enzyme inhibitory assays (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and human carbonic anhydrases I and II), the extract showed outstanding inhibitory activities (IC50 values of 3.26, 7.15, 6.15, 6.81, 15.21 and 11.93 μg mL-1, respectively). In summary, the findings show that P. capitata is a versatile raw material that can be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries to develop products that promote health. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Compound identification of Shuangxinfang and its potential mechanisms in the treatment of myocardial infarction with depression: insights from LC-MS/MS and bioinformatic prediction

BackgroundPatients with myocardial infarction (MI) have a high incidence of depression, which deteriorates the cardiac function and increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Shuangxinfang (Psycho-cardiology Formula, PCF) was proved to possess antidepressant and cardioprotective effects post MI. However, the compounds of PCF remain unidentified, and the pertinent mechanism is still not systematic. The purpose of this study is to determine the ingredients of PCF, further to probe the underlying mechanism for MI with depression.MethodsThe compounds of PCF were qualitatively identified by LC-MS/MS. The optimal dosage for lavage with the PCF solution in rats was determined to be 1 mL/100 g/day for a duration of 5 days. We also detected the PCF components migrating to blood in the control and model rats. Then the targets of PCF compounds were searched on Swiss target database, and the targets of depression and MI were predicted on TTD, OMIM, GeneCards, DrugBank and PharmGkb database. All the targets were intersected to construct the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network on Metascape platform and the herb-compound-target (HCT) network on Cytoscape, to identify the hub targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were conducted on DAVID platform. Molecular docking was modeled on AutoDock Vina software.ResultsThere were 142 bioactive compounds from PCF acting on 270 targets in a synergistic way. And a total of seven components migrating to blood were identified, including Miltionone I, Neocryptotanshinone, Danshenxinkun A, Ferulic acid, Valerophenone, Vanillic acid and Senkyunolide D. Then SRC and MAPK3 were obtained as the hub proteins by degree value in PPI network, and P2RY12 was picked out as seed proteins ranked by scores from MCODES. Further analysis of biological process and signaling pathways also revealed the significance of ERK/MAPK. Statistical analyses (e.g., GO and KEGG pathway enrichment, PPI network analysis) demonstrated the significance of the identified targets and pathways (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Molecular docking results showed that the binding energies were all less than −5 kcal/mol. The stability of Neocryptotanshinone possessed the lowest binding energy to MAPK3.ConclusionWe identified PCF’s bioactive compounds and predicted its therapeutic mechanism for MI with depression using LC-MS/MS and bioinformatics. Key targets SRC, MAPK3, and seed protein P2RY12 were crucial for PCF’s cardio-neuroprotective effects. Neocryptotanshinone showed the strongest binding to MAPK3, suggesting it as a pivotal active ingredient. These findings offer new insights and targets for future research on PCF.

Analysis of Polyphenols from Polygala major Jacq

Plant polyphenols have significant importance due to their potential health benefits. Polygala major Jacq. is commonly found in Asia and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. This study investigated the extraction of polyphenols from the leaves and flowers of P. major Jacq. using various solvents (acetone, ethanol, and methanol) and employing two extraction methods: maceration and ultrasonication. Significant amounts of total phenolics were detected in all conditions, measuring between 26.69 and 48.51 mg GAE/g dry matter, with the highest concentration found in the ultrasonicated ethanol extract from the leaves. Compared to the other solvents, acetone was particularly effective in extracting flavonoids from the leaves. The antioxidant activities ranged from 0.65 to 0.86 mg TE/g dry matter, as determined by the DPPH radical scavenging activity method. The leaf extract displayed antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, while the flower extract had no antibacterial activity. UV-Vis spectroscopy and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of polyphenols in the extracts. According to LCMS analyses, a total of 67 compounds were identified in the leaves and flowers, including several that are pharmaceutically significant, such as eupatorin, sinensetin, acacetin, ombuin, vanillic acid, sinapic acid, apigenin, naringenin, and luteolin.

Elucidation of delignification promotion mechanism by soda cooking with addition of anthraquinone derivative using phenolic β-O-4-type lignin model oligomer

Using an artificial lignin model oligomer containing only the β-O-4 substructure, we investigated the mechanism, whereby the addition of an anthraquinone derivative (2-ethylanthraquinone; 2-EAQ) promotes pulping during alkaline cooking. Heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC NMR) analysis of the reaction products after cooking revealed that an enol ether signal appeared in the spectrum of the product without 2-EAQ, whereas it was not detected in the product with 2-EAQ. This result implies that the reduced type of 2-EAQ (2-ethylanthrahydroquinone, 2-EAHQ) attacked the lignin model oligomer, which promoted β-ether cleavage during soda cooking and reduced the elimination of γ-OH to form enol ether. When 2-EAQ was added, coniferyl alcohol was detected in the black liquor, confirming the reductive degradation of the lignin model oligomer by 2-EAHQ. Surprisingly, the degradation of the lignin model oligomers was accelerated, even in the absence of carbohydrates. Vanillic acid (VA) and ferulic acid (FA) were detected in the degradation products of the lignin model oligomer, suggesting that 2-EAQ oxidized not only the carbohydrates but also the degradation products to form 2-EAHQ.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Vanillic Acid in Human Plasma, Human Neutrophils, and Non-Cellular Models In Vitro

Vanillic acid (VA) is a dietary benzoic acid derivative, flavoring agent, and food stabilizer. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of VA was explored in vitro and ex vivo in human immune cells and non-cellular models. In neutrophils, VA significantly downregulated the fMLP-induced oxidative burst and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); it also suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8) and the tissue-remodeling enzyme elastase-2 (ELA-2) in cells stimulated with LPS and fMLP+cytochalasin B. Additionally, VA showed good biocompatibility with human neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) across the tested concentrations of 1–50 µg/mL. Furthermore, VA at 1–5 μg/mL enhanced the non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity of human plasma (NEAC) and prevented oxidative and nitrative damage to plasma proteins by protecting tyrosine moieties and thiols from peroxynitrite. VA also inhibited lipid peroxidation and the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (at 50 μg/mL) and protein-bound carbonyls (at 5–50 μg/mL) in peroxynitrite-treated plasma. In non-cellular tests, VA acted as a hypochlorous acid and hydrogen peroxide scavenger and inhibited non-enzymatic protein glycation, outperforming the references Trolox and aminoguanidine. Along with existing data from animal models and studies on polyphenol intake, these results might support the synergic role of VA in dietary protection against chronic diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Compounds Involved in the Invasive Characteristics of Lantana camara.

Lantana camara L. is native to tropical America and has naturalized in many other tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions in Asia, Africa, Oceania, North and South America, and Europe. L. camara infests diverse habitats with a wide range of climatic factors, and its population increases aggressively as one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species. Its infestation reduces species diversity and abundance in the natural ecosystems and reduces agricultural production. The life history characteristics of L. camara, such as its high reproductive ability and high adaptive ability to various environmental conditions, may contribute to its ability to infest and increase its population. Possible evidence of the compounds involved in the defense functions of L. camara against natural enemies, such as herbivore mammals and insects, parasitic nematodes, pathogenic fungi and bacteria, and the allelochemicals involved in its allelopathy against neighboring competitive plant species, have accumulated in the literature over three decades. Lantadenes A and B, oleanonic acid, and icterogenin are highly toxic to herbivore mammals, and β-humulene, isoledene, α-copaene thymol, and hexadecanoic acid have high insecticidal activity. β-Caryophyllene and cis-3-hexen-1-ol may function as herbivore-induced plant volatiles which are involved in sending warning signals to undamaged tissues and the next plants of the same species. Farnesol and farnesal may interrupt insect juvenile hormone biosynthesis and cause abnormal metamorphosis of insects. Several triterpenes, such as lantanolic acid, lantoic acid, pomolic acid, camarin, lantacin, camarinin, ursolic acid, and oleanonic acid, have demonstrated nematocidal activity. Lantadene A, β-caryophyllene, germacrene-D, β-curcumene, eicosapentaenoic acid, and loliolide may possess antimicrobial activity. Allelochemicals, such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, α-resorcylic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, unbelliferone, and quercetin, including lantadenes A and B and β-caryophyllene, suppress the germination and growth of neighboring plant species. These compounds may be involved in the defense functions and allelopathy and may contribute to L. camara's ability to infest and to expand its population as an invasive plant species in new habitats. This is the first review to focus on how compounds enhance the invasive characteristics of L. camara.

Impact of Thermal Treatment and Aging on Lignin Properties in Spruce Wood: Pathways to Value-Added Applications.

Thermal modification is an environmentally friendly process that does not utilize chemical agents to enhance the stability and durability of wood. The use of thermally modified wood results in a significantly extended lifespan compared with untreated wood, with minimal maintenance requirements, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. This study examines the impact of varying modification temperatures (160, 180, and 210 °C) on the lignin of spruce wood using the ThermoWood process and following the accelerated aging of thermally modified wood. Wet chemistry methods, including nitrobenzene oxidation (NBO), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermogravimetry (DTG), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were employed to investigate the alterations in lignin. At lower modification temperatures, the predominant reaction is the degradation of lignin, which results in a reduction in the molecular weight and an enhanced yield of NBO (vanillin and vanillic acid) products. At elevated temperatures, condensation and repolymerization reactions become the dominant processes, increasing these traits. The lignin content of aged wood is higher than that of thermally modified wood, which has a lower molecular weight and a lower decomposition temperature. The results demonstrate that lignin isolated from thermally modified wood at the end of its life cycle is a promising feedstock for carbon-based materials and the production of a variety of aromatic monomers, including phenols, aromatic aldehydes and acids, and benzene derivatives.

How Phenolic Compounds Profile and Antioxidant Activity Depend on Botanical Origin of Honey-A Case of Polish Varietal Honeys.

Honey contains natural biologically active compounds, and its preventive and healing properties are primarily linked to its antioxidant activity. The antioxidant properties of honey can be related to the botanical origin and content of phenolic compounds. We tested 84 honey samples from Poland, representing eight honey varieties: acacia, phacelia, buckwheat, linden, rapeseed, heather, goldenrod, and honeydew. High-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) was used to determine the phenolic compound composition of honey extracts. Total phenolic compounds (TPC) and DPPH radical-scavenging activity were also evaluated. We detected vanillin aldehyde, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and trans-ferulic acid, as well as flavonoid pinocembrin, in all honey varieties. The results of our study showed that honeys with high antioxidant activity were characterized by significantly higher total phenolic compounds content. Neither clustering method nor principal component analysis (PCA) showed clear separation of each honey variety, possibly due to high intra-variety diversities. We suppose that the variability of qualitative and quantitative phenolic compound composition within honey varieties may result from the region of origin, secondary nectar sources, and the time of harvest.

Therapeutic Potential of Vanillic Acid in Ulcerative Colitis Through Microbiota and Macrophage Modulation.

This study investigated the protective effects of the dietary polyphenol vanillic acid (VA) on dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice, focusing on its impact on the gut microbiota and inflammatory responses. VA was supplemented following dextran sulfate sodium administration, and key indicators, including body weight, disease activity index, colon length, spleen index, and inflammatory markers, were assessed. VA supplementation significantly alleviated UC symptoms, preserved intestinal barrier integrity, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Additionally, VA positively altered the gut microbiota composition, promoting beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila while suppressing the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. Fecal microbiota transplantation confirmed that the VA-modified gut microbiota contributed to these protective effects. VA also facilitated macrophage polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, further mitigating inflammation. These findings highlight the potential of VA as a natural dietary intervention for UC, emphasizing its role in regulating the gut microbiota and inflammatory pathways, which may have significant nutritional relevance in managing inflammatory bowel diseases.

Improving the Biostability of Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Olive Fruit Extract During Prolonged Deep Frying.

This study explores approaches to enhancing the biostability of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) supplemented with olive fruit extract (OFE) enriched with hydroxytyrosol (HTyr). The investigation focuses on prolonged deep frying (DF) conditions at 170 °C and 210 °C, over durations ranging from 3 to 48 h, with the aim of improving sensorial attributes, polyphenolic content, and thermal oxidative stability. Parameters, such as acidity, peroxide value (PV), K232, K270, ΔK, phenolic compounds, and sensory attributes, were monitored. The PV did not exceed the standard limit in HTyr-EVOO at 210 °C/24 h; however, in non-supplemented EVOOs, it remained within the limits only up to 210 °C/18 h. Acidity stayed within the acceptable limit (≤0.8) at 170 °C/24 h in both enriched and non-enriched EVOOs. K232 values were ≤2.5 in HTyr-EVOO fried at 170 °C/18 h. K270 and ΔK did not exceed the limits in HTyr-EVOO at 170 °C/3 h, whereas they surpassed them in non-supplemented oils. Additionally, HTyr and tyrosol levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HTyr-EVOOs. Phenolic compounds, including verbascoside, pinoresinol, 1-acetoxypinoresinol, and phenolic acids, such as chlorogenic, vanillic, homovanillic, 4-dihydroxybenzoic, and caffeic acids, were detected in HTyr-EVOOs. Oxidized secoiridoid derivatives increased significantly as DF progressed. Moreover, sensory analysis revealed that positive attributes in EVOOs-such as fruity, bitter, and pungent notes-decreased significantly with increasing temperature and frying duration (p < 0.05). Beyond 210 °C/6 h, these attributes were rated at zero. However, HTyr-EVOOs exhibited lower rancidity compared to non-enriched oils under identical conditions, attributed to the protective effect of HTyr. In conclusion, HTyr-EVOOs demonstrated thermal stability up to 210 °C/6 h, retaining desirable sensory qualities, higher phenolic content, and reduced degradation. These findings indicate that natural OFEs have strong potential as food additive in deep fried EVOOs, enhancing sensory properties, health benefits, and overall oil stability. This innovation provides a practical solution for the food industry by improving the biostability and versatility of EVOO. Further research is recommended to investigate various EVOO categories and oils from diverse origins.

Preparation, Evaluation, In vitro Anti-diabetic and Stability Studies of Glibenclamide Loaded Cocrystals

Background: Glibenclamide (BCS Class–II .Drug) has poor solubility and high permeability. In the co-crystallization technique, drugs are combined with a suitable coformer via Hbonding. Glibenclamide cocrystals have been prepared with various coformers but glibenclamide cocrystals with vanillic acid have not been prepared yet. Objective: To prepare glibenclamide cocrystals with vanillic acid coformer and evaluate them using various techniques, along with in vivo antidiabetic studies and stability studies. Method: Cocrystals containing glibenclamide were produced with vanillic acid coformer by the solvent evaporation method in a 1:1 molar ratio. Result: In FTIR analysis, an H-bond is formed between the amide group of the drug and the carboxylic acid group of the coformer. With the help of DSC and HSM, the melting point of cocrystals was observed at a different point compared to the melting point of glibenclamide drug and vanillic acid coformer. In the XRD analysis of cocrystals, peaks with high intensity were observed at different points than that of the drug and coformer, confirming the crystalline nature of the formulation. During in vitro dissolution studies, cocrystals showed a better dissolution profile compared to the marketed formulation and the pure drug in both acidic and alkaline media. In vivo anti- diabetic studies were conducted using male Wistar rats, confirming that the glucose reduction percentage from cocrystals was more than that of the pure drug. During stability studies, no significant changes occurred in the dissolution profile of the formulation, which indicated that the formulation was stable after storage at an ambient temperature. Conclusion: The results obtained from various characterization techniques indicate that glibenclamide cocrystals formed from vanillic acid enhance the solubility of glibenclamide.

Impact of Organic Agriculture on the Quality of Grapes (Syrah and Tempranillo) Harvested in Guanajuato, Mexico: Relationship Between Soil Elemental Profile and Grape Bioactive Properties

Viticulture has migrated to organic management to reduce environmental impact. Grapes harvested in organic vineyards (ORGs) could have a better polyphenol profile than conventional vineyards (CONs). The objective was to evaluate the relationship between agricultural management, elemental soil profile, and grape bioactive compounds (var. Syrah and Tempranillo). Soil components were determined from CON and ORG vineyards; they were correlated with bioactive compounds in grape skin and seed through principal component analysis (PCA). The ORG vineyard presented higher moisture (4.50–5.72%), clay (31.70–40.55%), organic matter (OM) (9.44–11.01%), P (108.72–122.16 mg/kg), N (0.27 mg/kg), and oxides (Fe2O3, SiO2, MnO, TiO2) in soil and phenolic compounds (myricetin, quercetin, resveratrol, ellagic acid, others) and antioxidant capacity in grape skin and seed. Regarding PCA (&gt;74.20% of variance), the first component showed positive correlations (&gt;0.60) between pH, moisture, clay, and soil oxides (MgO, K2O, Al2O3), which favored biosynthesis in grape skin and seed phenols (catechin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, and rutin). The second component showed positive correlations between OM, silt, soil oxides, antioxidant capacity, and phenols in grape skin and seed. Finally, the edaphic conditions of the ORG vineyard allowed for one to obtain optimal grapes for winemaking due to their higher phenol content.

Seasonal Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant, and Photoprotective Activities of Psidium guajava L. Leaves.

This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemicals from extracts of Psidium guajava L. leaves (P. guajava extract [PGE]) and its antioxidant and photoprotective effects. PGE showed constant production of total phenolics and maintained high antioxidant capacity across seasons and years. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed the phenolic compounds quercetin, catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, vanillic acid, and syringic acid, as well as two new compounds, syringaldehyde and ferulic acid. The high sun protection factor (SPF) was observed in all seasons. The phytochemicals ferulic acid, syringic acid, and quercetin were correlated with cloudiness and humidity. Antioxidant activity was correlated with vanillic acid, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and tannins, and SPF with temperature, antioxidant activity, flavonoids, vanillic acid, gallic acid, and catechin. The formulations containing UVA/UVB filters or not, plus aqueous autumn extract, showed an increase in SPF. Therefore, the results suggested that PGE has potential photoprotective and antioxidant agents for the production of new sunscreen formulations with environmental and health benefits.

Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Elaeagnus angustifolia L.

Research on natural antioxidants derived from plants has surged due to their potential health benefits. In the current study, the chemical composition, enzyme inhibitory activity, and antimicrobial effects of the Elaeagnus angustifolia L. plant, including leaves, flowers, and flower stalk (FS) extracts, were analyzed. A total of 28 compounds were identified across the different plant parts, with 24 in flowers (F), 9 in FSs, and 14 in leaves (L). The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated using the disk diffusion method against two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined as 3.13-12.50mg/mL. The measured zone diameters were also in the range of 5-8mm. The results indicated that the methanol extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated strong inhibition of cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase [AChE]: 11.14±0.11-18.11±0.12µg/mL; butyrylcholinesterase [BChE]: 32.54±0.55-44.61±0.17µg/mL) and moderate inhibition against α-glycosidase and tyrosinase enzymes. Moreover, the molecular docking interaction of trans-ferulic, shikimic, and vanillic acids, the most abundant phenolic compounds in the extracts, with AChE, BChE, α-glycosidase, and tyrosinase, was assessed using AutoDock Vina software. E. angustifolia L. possesses a high phenolic content and exhibits significant antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory capabilities, which may contribute to its extensive utilization in food and traditional medicine.

Origanum syriacum Induces Apoptosis in Lung Cancer Cells by Altering the Ratio of Bax/Bcl2.

The lung cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Although methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy are used for treatment, these treatments are sometimes inadequate. In addition, the number of chemotherapeutic agents used is very limited, and it is very important to use new natural agents that can increase the effect of these methods used in treatment. The present study was designed to determine the suppression of proliferation and induction of apoptosis activities and phenolic content of Origanum syriacum methanol extract (OsME) on lung cancer cells (A549). For this purpose, the cell viability of A549 cells exposed to OsME was first determined. The morphological changes of the cell were observed by an inverted phase contrast microscope. Moreover, the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cells was determined by FACS with AnnexinV/Propodium iodide staining. Additionally, proapoptotic Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA levels were determined by Real-time PCR. Phenolic compounds of OsME were detected by LC-MS-MS. It was observed that the viability and proliferation of lung cancer cells decreased after the treatment of different concentrations of OsME. At a concentration of 200 mg/ml of OsME, most of the cell membrane structures were observed to disintegrate. Meanwhile, a 25 μg/ml concentration of OsME increased the Bax expression and percentage of late apoptotic cells. Vanillic acid and luteolin were identified as the main phenolic compounds of OsME. OsME exhibited antiproliferation activity on A549 cells and induced apoptosis at low doses.

Vanillic acid as a promising intervention for metabolic syndrome: Preclinical studies.

Metabolic syndrome is a clustering of metabolic abnormalities and anthropometric factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. As the search for effective treatments intensifies, attention has turned towards natural substances with potential medicinal benefits. Among them, vanillic acid, a phenolic acid present in many plants, has attracted some attention due to its wide range of biological activities. This review aimed to provide an in-depth summary of the potential therapeutic use of vanillic acid in metabolic syndrome. The potential mechanisms of action of vanillic acid, including its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic properties, are discussed. The effect of vanillic acid on glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and adipocyte activity is also addressed. The effect of vanillic acid on lipid metabolism, including the control of lipid synthesis, breakdown, and transport, is also reviewed. The emerging evidence for the beneficial effects of vanillic acid in animal models, in vitro studies, and preliminary clinical studies is also highlighted. The data suggests that vanillic acid has the potential to ameliorate metabolic syndrome. However, further preclinical and clinical research is needed to determine the specific mechanisms of action, appropriate dose, and subsequent advantages of vanillic acid. A more comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic potential of vanillic acid could pave the way for developing innovative techniques for preventing and treating metabolic syndrome and its implications.

Spectroscopic and in silico data indicate that phenolic acids interact with aldose reductase with different degrees of affinity at a single binding site.

Our previous studies demonstrated that the enzyme aldose reductase (AR) is activated by its interaction with tubulin, a mechanism which can lead to the emergence of secondary diseases in diabetic patients. We also found that different compounds derived from phenolic acid (CAFs) can prevent this interaction and thus AR activation. Here, we used spectroscopic and bioinformatic techniques to explore the interaction between AR and three CAFs: 3-nitrotyrosine (NTyr), Tyrosine (Tyr), and vanillic acid (Van). The results revealed that the CAFs alter the UV-Vis absorption spectrum of AR and significantly quenchAR fluorescence. These changes suggest the formation of stable AR-CAF complexes. Moreover, a single binding site for the CAFs was identified in AR, to which a single molecule of NTyr and at least two molecules of Tyr or Van appear to bind. NTyr showed the most affinity for interacting with the enzyme, followed by Tyr and Van. Binding occurs through a thermodynamically favorable and exothermic process. It involves van der Waals interactions and the creation of hydrogen bonds between the phenol substituent in the CAFs and the side residues in AR. Molecular docking calculations confirmed NTyr as the compound with the most affinity and revealed the multiple interactions that contribute to this affinity. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which different CAFs bind to AR and inhibit its interaction with tubulin. As such, they could pave the way for the design of novel adjunctive treatments that complement conventional antihyperglycemic therapies and mitigate complications associated with diabetes mellitus.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF Amburana acreana Ducke A. C. Sm. LEAVES

This study aimed to isolate, purify and characterize secondary metabolites present in Amburana acreana leaves, native to the state of Rondônia, using classical chromatographic methods and 1D, 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. From the hydroethanolic leaves extract of A. acreana, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, coumarin, campesterol 3-β-D-glucoside and amburoside B, all known compounds, were identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation and chemical characterization of secondary metabolites in A. acreana. In addition, in vitro assays indicated that amburoside B does not have inhibitory potential on the growth of gram-negative bacteria. The presence of these compounds suggests that, thus far, amburosides (A and B) could be chemotaxonomic markers of the genus Amburana.