Veratric Acid Research Articles

A strategy of Q-markers identification based on effect, property flavour material basis and rapid quantitative evaluation via near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometric methods for the quality control of Flos Trollii (FT)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFlos Trollii (FT) is the dried flower of Trollius Chinensis Bunge of Ranunculaceae with the pharmacological properties of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-oxidative. The herb FT is not only a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) but also an extensively utilized ethnic medicine, employed by diverse ethnic groups including Mongolian, Tibetan, and Kazakh. Aim of studyFT was taken as an example to construct a strategy of quality markers (Q-markers) identification based on effect, property flavor material basis, and rapid quantitative evaluation using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometric methods of TCM. Materials and methodsInitially, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of FT from three places of origin was evaluated using the RAW264.7-cell inflammatory model, and the bitter property flavor was characterized using an electronic tongue. The high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) fingerprint of FT was generated, and the quality of FT from different origins was evaluated employing chemometrics. Next, potential anti-inflammatory and bitter property flavor compounds were screened utilizing a fingerprinting-effect relationship and fingerprinting-property flavor relationship model using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The Q-markers of the FT were confirmed based on the testability principle. Then, a swift, uncomplicated, and precise Q-marker content of the FT prediction model was developed by adopting NIR. ResultsThe main common fingerprinting peaks affecting FT's efficacy and property flavor were screened. Five of these compounds, 2″-O-beta-L-galactopyranosylorientin, orientin, vitexin, veratric acid, and isoquercitrin, characterized using HPLC and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS), could be regarded as Q-markers of FT. Q-marker content of the FT prediction model developed adopting NIR spectroscopy was rapid and effective. ConclusionAccording to the strategy proposed in this study, a quantitative NIR spectroscopic method to identify Q-markers could be a tool to improve the QC efficiency of TCM.

HECTD2 as a target for veratric acid in the regulation of ferroptosis in renal cell carcinoma

Function of HECTD2 in renal cell carcinoma malignant progression is undefined. Molecular mechanism behind anti-cancer effects of veratric acid (VA) from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is underexplored. The Cancer Genome Atlas was leveraged to study HECTD2 expression in renal cell carcinoma and its relationship with histological grading. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed. HECTD2 expression was detected in cancer cells and tissues via qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression in tumor samples with high or low HECTD2 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry, cell viability by CCK8, cell proliferation by colony formation assay, lipid ROS and mitochondrial superoxide levels by flow cytometry, Fe2+ and MDA content by assay kits, and GPX4 and SLC7A11 proteins by western blot. SeeSAR software screened TCM small molecule compounds with highest affinity to HECTD2, confirmed with cellular thermal shift assay. VA IC50 was measured by CCK8. Xenograft model was developed and treated with VA. Tumor size and weight were monitored, with immunohistochemistry to detect HECTD2 expression in tumors and assess ferroptosis-related markers. HECTD2 was overexpressed in tumor tissues and cells, which positively correlated with histological grading. HECTD2 depletion inhibited cell vitality and proliferation, raised intracellular lipid ROS, mitochondrial superoxide, Fe2+, and MDA. HECTD2 was a target with highest VA affinity. In vitro and vivo experiments concurred that VA treatment hindered malignancy of renal cell carcinoma and enhanced its susceptibility to ferroptosis. HECTD2 supports ferroptosis resistance in renal cell carcinoma, but VA, through its targeting of HECTD2, initiates ferroptosis, showcasing its anti-cancer efficacy.

Basidiomycota strains as whole-cell biocatalysts for the synthesis of high-value natural benzaldehydes

Substituted benzaldehydes are the most commonly used natural-occurring flavours in the world. The consumer’s preference for ‘natural or organic’ aromas has increased the request for flavours possessing the ‘natural’ status. The resulting shortage of aromatic aldehydes of extractive origin, such as vanillin, veratraldehyde and piperonal, can be offset by developing a new biotechnological synthesis method. Here, we report a study on the microbiological reduction of five natural benzoic acid derivatives, namely p-anisic, vanillic, veratric, piperonylic and eudesmic acids, to produce the corresponding fragrant aldehydes. We found that different Basidiomycota strains can efficiently perform this transformation, with good chemical selectivity and tolerance to the toxicity of substrates and products. Besides confirming the carboxylic acid reductase activity of the already studied fungi Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, we discovered that other species such as Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus sapidus and Laetiporus sulphureus as well as the non-ligninolytic fungi Lepista nuda are valuable microorganisms for the synthesis of anisaldehyde, vanillin, veratraldehyde, piperonal and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde from the corresponding acids. According to our findings, we propose a reliable process for the preparation of the above-mentioned aldehydes, in natural form.Key points• Fragrant benzaldehydes were obtained by biotransformation.• Basidiomycota strains reduced substituted benzoic acid to the corresponding aldehydes.• Anisaldehyde, vanillin, veratraldehyde, piperonal and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde were prepared in natural form.Graphical

Development of selective method for identifying mebeverine in hair

To develop the method for identification of mebeverine and its metabolites in biological materials (urine and hair) for solution of the problem of possible cross-reaction with psychoactive substances during preliminary studies by immunochromatographic method. The study was carried out using «Mebeverine» tablets (NAO «Severnaya Zvezda», Russia), enzymes, namely trypsin, chymotrypsin and hyaluronidase, papain. The obtained extracts were analyzed using HELC-MS/MS on a modular liquid Nexera XR chromatograph with a tandem LCMS-8050 (Shimadzu) mass spectrometer. Guinea pigs weighing about 500 gr were used in modelling the long-term use of mebeverine. The drug was administered per os, once to 5 guinea pigs at a dosage of 200 mg calculated as an animal weighing 500 gr and daily urine was collected. The wool was collected 30 days after regular administration. The main mebeverine's metabolites have been determined and native mebeverine and its marker metabolites (mebeverine and veratric acids) have been found in urine while taking this medicine in therapeutic doses for medical purposes. The application of enzymatic hydrolysis of hair method allowed to establish that hair tissue accumulates only a native molecule of mebeverine, therefore, only by results of hair analysis it is possible to conclude, if there was pharmacological use of this medicine or psychoactive substances from the group of phenylalkilamines. The effectiveness of enzymatic hydrolysis by hyaluronidase to isolate mebeverine from hair has been shown.

Development of selective method for mebeverine detection in blood

To develop the method of biological fluids' sample processing and mebeverine detection to exclude false results' receiving when diagnosing drug intoxication. The study was carried out using «Mebeverine» (NJCO «North star», Russia) medicine and hydrolysis by enzymes, namely papain, chymotrypsin, trypsin, chymopsin and hyaluronidase, was applied for sample processing. The extractions were analyzed by methods of HPLC-MS/MS on Nexera XR modular liquid chromatograph with LCMS-8050 (Shimadzu) tandem mass spectrometer and GC-MS on gas chromatograph connected with QP-2020 (Shimadzu, Japanese) mono quadrupole mass spectrometer. It has been revealed that using selective method of sample processing, which consists of aqueous phase extraction at pH=2-4 and enzymatic hydrolysis by papain and hyaluronidase during isolation from blood, is required to detect mebeverine in biological liquids. It has been proven that the native mebeverine is hydrolyzed to veratric (3.4-dimethoxybenzoic) acid and mebeverine alcohol at alkalotic pH value of medium. It has been shown that mebeverine extraction is necessary to study using HPLC-MS/MS, which will allow to avoid the native mebeverine degradation in chromatograph injector as with GC-MS method analysis.

Integration of fingerprint-activity relationship and chemometric analysis to accurately screen Q-markers for the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation: Jinlian Qingre granules as an example

This study aims to develop a comprehensive strategy that accurately screens and quantifies quality markers (Q-markers) by combining LC-MS metabolomics with fingerprint-effect relationships, chemometrics, and QAMS methods for the quality control in traditional Chinese medicine compound preparations (CMP). First, the chemical compositions in Jinlian Qingre granules (JQG) were analyzed and identified using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Next, the HPLC fingerprint of JQG was established, and chemometrics were employed to evaluate JQG quality. Then, potential anti-inflammatory bioactive constituents were screened using a fingerprinting-effect relationship model utilizing partial least squares regression (PLSR) and a back propagation neural network optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA-BPNN). On this basis, Q-markers of JQG were determined and analyzed using quantitative analysis of multi-components by the single marker (QAMS) employing three components as reference substances (RS). 24 chemical constituents in JQG were characterized using UHPLC-HRMS. Twenty-four common peaks were assigned to the fingerprint. Six compounds, mangiferin, 2′'-O-beta-L-galactopyranosylorientin, orientin, veratric acid, vitexin, and harpagoside, identified from the common peaks associated with anti-inflammatory efficacy, could be used as Q-markers of JQG. The content determination results displayed no significant difference in the content of Q-markers in 20 batches of JQG samples measured using the external standard method and QAMS. Q-markers could be efficiently screened and determined by integrating multidisciplinary technologies. This comprehensive strategy could be beneficial for the thorough evaluation of CMP.

Microbial degradation and assimilation of veratric acid in oxic and anoxic groundwaters.

Microbial communities are key players in groundwater ecosystems. In this dark environment, heterotrophic microbes rely on biomass produced by the activity of lithoautotrophs or on the degradation of organic matter seeping from the surface. Most studies on bacterial diversity in groundwater habitats are based on 16S gene sequencing and full genome reconstructions showing potential metabolic pathways used in these habitats. However, molecular-based studies do not allow for the assessment of population dynamics over time or the assimilation of specific compounds and their biochemical transformation by microbial communities. Therefore, in this study, we combined DNA-, phospholipid fatty acid-, and metabolomic-stable isotope probing to target and identify heterotrophic bacteria in the groundwater setting of the Hainich Critical Zone Exploratory (CZE), focusing on 2 aquifers with different physico-chemical conditions (oxic and anoxic). We incubated groundwater from 4 different wells using either 13C-labeled veratric acid (a lignin-derived compound) (single labeling) or a combination of 13CO2 and D-labeled veratric acid (dual labeling). Our results show that heterotrophic activities dominate all groundwater sites. We identified bacteria with the potential to break down veratric acid (Sphingobium or Microbacterium). We observed differences in heterotrophic activities between the oxic and anoxic aquifers, indicating local adaptations of bacterial populations. The dual labeling experiments suggested that the serine pathway is an important carbon assimilation pathway and that organic matter was an important source of hydrogen in the newly produced lipids. These experiments also yielded different labeled taxa compared to the single labeling experiments, showing that there exists a complex interaction network in the groundwater habitats.

Metabolomics analysis reveals the differences between Abrus cantoniensis Hance and Abrus mollis Hance

BackgroundAbrus cantoniensis Hance. (Ac) and Abrus mollis (Am), two edible and medicinal plants with economic value in southern China, belong to the Abrus genus. Due to its growth characteristics, Am often replaces Ac in folk medicine. However, the latest National Pharmacopeia of China only recommends Ac. The differences in the metabolite composition of the plants are directly related to the differences in their clinical efficacy.ResultsThe difference in metabolites were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomic approach based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‒ESI‒MS/MS). The roots (R), stems (S) and leaves (L) of the two varieties were examined, and 635 metabolites belonging to 8 classes were detected. A comparative study revealed clear variations in the metabolic profiles of the two plants, and the AmR group had more active ingredients (flavonoids and terpenoids) than the AcR group. The metabolites classified as flavonoids and triterpene saponins showed considerable variations among the various samples. Both Ac and Am had unique metabolites. Two metabolites (isovitexin-2''-xyloside and soyasaponin V) specifically belong to Ac, and nine metabolites (vitexin-2"-O-galactoside, ethyl salicylate, 6-acetamidohexanoic acid, rhein-8-O-glucoside, hederagenin-3-O-glucuronide-28-O-glucosyl(1,2)-glucoside, methyl dioxindole-3-acetate, veratric acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-sophoroside-7-O-rhamnoside, and isorhamnetin-3-O-sophoroside) specifically belong to Am.ConclusionsThe metabolite differences between Ac and Am cause the differences in their clinical efficacy. Our findings serve as a foundation for further investigation of biosynthesis pathways and associated bioactivities and provide guidance for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine.

Veratricplatin inhibits the progression of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma FaDu cells in vitro and in vivo.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer. In recent years, the modification of platinum(II) into platinum(IV) derivative compounds, by introducing biologically active molecules, has been extensively employed to develop novel platinum-based prodrugs. We investigated the anti-proliferative activity against HNSCC of a new veratric acid (COX-2 inhibitor)-platinum(IV) complex. In this study, a new veratric acid (COX-2 inhibitor)-platinum(IV) complex, termed veratricplatin, was synthesized. We evaluated the anti-tumor effect of invitro and invivo by western blotting, flow cytometry and DNA damage analysis. Veratricplatin displayed remarkable anti-proliferative activity against various cancer cell lines, including A549, FaDu, HeLa, and MCF-7. Furthermore, veratricplatin demonstrated significantly stronger cytotoxicity than either platinum(II) or veratric acid monotherapy or their combination. Importantly, the synthesized prodrug exhibited less toxicity toward normal cells (MRC-5), while dramatically enhanced DNA damage in FaDu cells inducing apoptosis. Moreover, veratricplatin markedly reduced the migration ability of FaDu cells compared to the control or monotherapy. In vivo, veratricplatin displayed potent anti-tumor activity with no apparent toxicity in BALB/c nude mice bearing FaDu tumors. In addition, tissue immunofluorescence analysis revealed that veratricplatin could substantially inhibit the formation of tumor blood vessels. Veratricplatin demonstrated remarkable drug efficacy, in terms of increased cytotoxicity in vitro and high efficiency with low toxicity in vivo.

New alkaloids from the stem bark of Cinnamomum bejolghota

Three new alkaloids, 3,4-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) pyridine (1), 1-(4-hydroxybenzyl)− 6-hydroxyisoquinoline) (2), and 4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)− 2-methyl pyridine (3) along with six known compounds, spathulenol (4), 5,7-di-O-methyl-3′,4′-methylenedioxyflavan-3-ol (5), 3,4-dimethoxycinnamyl alcohol (6), 3,4-dimethoxycinnamaldehyde (7), veratric acid (8) and veratraldehyde (9), were isolated from the stem bark of Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.-Ham.) Sweet. Their structures were elucidated based on the interpretation of spectrometric and spectroscopic data (HRESI-MS, 1D- and 2D NMR) and by comparison with literature data for known compounds. Compounds 1–5 were tested for their cytotoxic activities against four human cancer cell lines (KB, MCF-7, HepG-2, and SK-LU1). Compound 1 showed moderate activity against KB, MCF7, HepG2 and SK-LU-1 cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 31.1 to 45.9 µM, while compounds 2–4 were inactive on all tested cancer cell lines up to a concentration of 128 μM and flavanol 5 showed a very weak cytotoxic activity.

Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of pH-Responsive Veratric Acid-Loaded Polydopamine Nanoparticles in Human Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells.

Veratric acid (VA) is plant-derived phenolic acid known for its therapeutic potential, but its anticancer effect on highly invasive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is yet to be evaluated. Polydopamine nanoparticles (nPDAs) were chosen as the drug carrier to overcome VA's hydrophobic nature and ensure a sustained release of VA. We prepared pH-sensitive nano-formulations of VA-loaded nPDAs and subjected them to physicochemical characterization and in vitro drug release studies, followed by cell viability and apoptotic assays on TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231 cells). The SEM and zeta analysis revealed spherical nPDAs were uniform size distribution and good colloidal stability. In vitro drug release from VA-nPDAs was sustained, prolonged and pH-sensitive, which could benefit tumor cell targeting. MTT and cell viability assays showed that VA-nPDAs (IC50=17.6 μM) are more antiproliferative towards MDA-MB-231 cells than free VA (IC50=437.89 μM). The induction of early and late apoptosis by VA-nPDAs in the cancer cells was identified using annexin V and dead cell assay. Thus, the pH response and sustained release of VA from nPDAs showed the potential to enter the cell, inhibit cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis in human breast cancer cells, indicating the anticancer potential of VA.

Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging and Anti-Proliferative Potential of Veratric Acid: An in vitro Approach

Medicinal plants and their bioactive constituents play a vital role in the prevention of oxidative stress mediated diseases such as cancer and diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to investigate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and anti-proliferative potential of veratric acid in vitro. The study analysed the antioxidant potential of veratric acid using in vitro free radical scavenging assays. The anti-proliferative potential of veratric acid was assessed by utilizing 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes, intracellular ROS generation measurement and by determining the morphological alterations using Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide (Ao/EtBr) staining in the subline of Keratin-forming tumour cell line HeLa (KB). Veratric acid showed a good antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and the effect was found to be much comparable to that of the reference drug, ascorbic acid. Veratric acid significantly reduced the cell viability of KB cells and IC50 was 80 μg/ml. Veratric acid reduced the cell viability by generating excess ROS through activation of MMP depolarization and by inducing the apoptotic cell death of KB cells. The in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative effect of veratric acid could be used further to validate its anti-carcinogenic potential using ideal experimental animal models.&nbsp

Characterization of high value products in the side-stream of Laminaria hyperborea alginate production - Targeting the phenolic content

Sustainable production based on renewable biomass and efficient bioprocesses are important elements in the growing blue bioeconomy. The traditional Laminaria hyperborea alginate production disposes approximately 80 % of the raw material, ignoring large amounts of potential high-value products from the alga. Particularly, the leaf fraction of the seaweed is often disregarded. This study aimed to characterize high value products from the alginate production side-stream – focusing on the leaf biomass and particularly targeting the phenolic content. After extraction and solvent optimization, 60 % methanol was used for the extraction. The extract was further purified with PuriFlash and semi-preparative chromatography and increasing phenolic selectivity and purity was observed with TPC and qNMR, as well as antioxidant activity (ORAC). In the purified fractions, the LR LC-MS analyses displayed several masses, where 96 % (n = 1376) were of lower molecular weights (< 800 Da). Fifteen high value compounds were further identified using HR LC-MS (MS/MS) and/or NMR. This also included non-phenolics such as fucoxanthin, aliphatic acids and mannitol. Nonetheless, most compounds were identified as the targeted phenolics, consisting of lower molecular weight phenolic acids (salicylic acid, veratric acid, 5-caboxyvanillic acid, sinapic acid, 5-sulfosalicylic acid, vanillic acid 4-sulfate, and dihydrocaffeic acid 3-sulfate) and phlorotannins (trimer, tetramer, hexamer, and a sulfated dimer). None of the identified phenolics have previously been reported in L. hyperborea. In general, a high occurrence of sulfated phenolic compounds was observed and a sulfated diphlorethol/difucol was characterized for the first time. The isolation and characterization of high value components in the leaf biomass of L. hyperborea strongly supports the development of a total utilization of commercial alginate production. The characterization also adds information on the phenolic content of seaweeds at a molecular level, valuable to research on seaweed biosynthesis and development, chemical ecology, and ocean monitoring.

Pd(II)-catalyzed carboxylation of aromatic C─H bonds with CO2.

The carboxylation of nonactivated C─H bonds provides an attractive yet hitherto largely elusive chemical process to synthesize carboxylic acids by incorporation of CO2 into the chemical value chain. Here, we report on the realization of such a reaction using simple and nonactivated arenes as starting materials. A computationally designed Pd(II) complex acts as organometallic single-component catalyst, and apart from a base, necessary for thermodynamic stabilization of the intermediates, no other additives or coreagents are required. Turnover numbers up to 102 and high regioselectivities are achieved. The potential of this catalytic reaction for "green chemistry" is demonstrated by the synthesis of veratric acid, an intermediate for pharmaceutical production, from CO2 and veratrol.

Active compound test: ethanolic extract of White Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Using HPLC and LC-MS

Background: The use of herbs as traditional medicine in Indonesia is increasing, with more than 40% of Indonesia's population utilizing them. White oyster mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) is a fungus that has various therapeutic effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-cholesterol, and anti-cancer properties. This mushroom contains many active substances in its secondary metabolites which have pharmacological effects. The purpose of this study was to identify the active compounds in the ethanolic extract of white oyster mushroom that will form the extract profile and become the basis for drug development. Methods: The active compound test used High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS). Ethanolic extract of white oyster mushroom was processed by 70% alcohol maceration, evaporation, and thickening. Results: The results of the HPLC test showed that the ethanolic extract of white oyster mushroom contained cinnamic acid and rutin, while the LC-MS test showed the presence of p-coumaric acid, Ascorbic acid, Linoleic acid, 9-Eicosene (E), Niacinamide, Veritric acid, Syringic acid, Ergosterol. Conclusions: Cinnamic acid, rutin, p-coumaric acid, Ascorbic acid, Linoleic acid, 9-Eicosene (E), Niacinamide, Veratric acid, Syringic acid, and Ergosterol that were detected in the ethanolic extract of white oyster mushroom showed that the extract had the potential for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Biocompatibility of Veratric Acid-Encapsulated Chitosan/Methylcellulose Hydrogel: Biological Characterization, Osteogenic Efficiency with In Silico Molecular Modeling.

The limitations of graft material, and surgical sites for autografts in bone defects treatment have become a significant challenge in bone tissue engineering. Phytocompounds markedly affect bone metabolism by activating the osteogenic signaling pathways. The present study investigated the biocompatibility of the bio-composite thermo-responsive hydrogels consisting of chitosan (CS), and methylcellulose (MC) encapsulated with veratric acid (VA) as a restorative agent for bone defect treatment. The spectroscopy analyses confirmed the formation of CS/MC hydrogels and VA encapsulated CS/MC hydrogels (CS/MC-VA). Molecular analysis of the CS-specific MC decamer unit with VA complex exhibited a stable integration in the system. Further, Runx2 (runt-related transcription factor 2) was found in the docking mechanism with VA, indicating a high binding affinity towards the functional site of the Runx2 protein. The formulated CS/MC-VA hydrogels exhibited biocompatibility with the mouse mesenchymal stem cells, while VA promoted osteogenic differentiation in the stem cells, which was verified by calcium phosphate deposition through the von Kossa staining. The study results suggest that CS/MC-VA could be a potential therapeutic alternative source for bone regeneration.

Polyphenols in Different Plant Parts of Inula grandiflora Collected from Two Habitats of Uttarakhand Himalayas

ABSTRACT The phytoconstituent analyses have been undertaken for the first time from the different plant parts of Inula grandiflora Willd. collected from two habitats (open dry slopes and moist places) of Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, India. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity have been estimated from the methanolic extracts. Ten phenols and five flavonoids were quantified in the different parts using High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array Detection (HPLC-PDA) method. Among the plant parts, the trend of accumulation of total phenols and flavonoids was as follows: roots > flowers > stems > leaves in both populations. It has been observed that Kalkati Dhar germplasm has the highest phenolic content in the roots (16.42 ± 0.12 mg g−1 DW), while accession collected from Renugaad has the highest flavonoid content in the flowers (4.34 ± 0.024 mg g−1 DW). Eight bioactive compounds (caffeic acid, resorcinol, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, veratric acid, myristicin, coumarin, and quercetin) were found dominant in the Kalkati Dhar germplasm (3200 m asl, high altitude). Significantly, seven compounds, viz; vanillic acid, vanillin, cinnamic acid, epicatechin, catechol, luteolin, and rutin, were found predominate in the Renugaad germplasm (2750 m asl, low altitude). Overall, root part accumulates most of the bioactive polyphenolic compounds as compared to the aerial parts; therefore, it has the highest antioxidant potential.

Studies of Phenolic Compounds Coupled to Minerals in Cocoa Beans of the “Mercedes” and “Forastero” Varieties from the Divo and Abengourou Regions (Côte d’Ivoire)

The aim of this study is to contribute to the valorization of the cocoa bean varieties “Mercedes” and “Forastero” grown in Côte d’Ivoire. A comparative characterisation of phenolic compounds and minerals in the beans of the “Mercedes” and “Forastero” varieties from two major cocoa production areas of Côte d’Ivoire were determined. The phenolic compounds of cocoa beans were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the minerals by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The study showed that a significant difference at the 5% level was observed in the averages of minerals, cinnamic acid, protocatechic acid, quercetin, coumaric acid, rutin, ellagic acid, veratric acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid and naringenin. On the other hand, no significant difference at the 5% level was observed in the averages of arbutin, catechin, vanillic acid and caffeic acid in the bean kernels analysed in the Divo and Abengourou regions. The proportion of cinnamic acid is (6.18±0.63 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo), that of ellagic acid is (18.48±0.44 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo) and that of naringenin is (5.95±0.35 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo). The amount of potassium is (7569.97±1.51 mg/kg “Forastero” of Abengourou) and that of iron is (179.9 ± 0.70 mg/Kg “Forastero” of Divo). The phenolic compounds and minerals in the cocoa bean samples analysed are highly correlated and rich in antioxidants. They would be beneficial for many biological functions. They can be recommended in pharmacology and cosmetics to fight against oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases.

Starch gels enriched with phenolics: Effects on paste properties, structure and digestibility

Phenolic compounds affect starch-based gels features and their further hydrolysis with starch digestive enzymes. However, the acidification produced by the addition of phenolics, might be responsible in some extent of the effects reported. The aim was to analyze the effect of different phenolic compounds (benzoic, protocatechuic, vanillic and veratric acid) on microstructure, texture, and digestion of corn starch gels, discriminating between the effect related to pH decrease and that associated to phenolics. Phenolic compounds reduced cooking stability and final gel viscosity, due to the acidic pH, but that effect was not observed at gels of similar pH (around 5.5). At that pH starch gels retained higher amount of phenolics (from 27.70 ± 0.77 for veratric acid to 37.18 ± 3.44 for protocatechuic acid). The effect on starch in vitro digestibility of gels was dependent on the type of phenolic compound, but when comparing at similar pH, all phenolics decreased at least 5% the rate and extent of starch hydrolysis. Higher inhibition against α-amylase was obtained with phenolic compounds with more than one hydroxyl group, like protocatechuic. Overall, phenolic compounds added into starch-based food matrix could modulate the postprandial glucose release when proper pH adjustment was conducted (pH gel > pKa phenolic compound).

Molecular identification of native Egyptian Actinobacteria: Screening for lignin utilization and degradation of lignin model compounds

Phylum Actinobacteria covers a broad group of bacteria that are well-known for their applications in pharmaceutical industries. The majority of Actinobacteria found to produce extracellular peroxidases belong to the Streptomycetaceae family, and the majority of the peroxidases produced have been detected in experiments focusing on phenol and/or lignin degradation. In the current study, twenty-three native Egyptian Actinobacteria strains were isolated for lignin utilization. The results indicate that 17 out of 23 were successfully utilizing lignin as sole carbon source on lignin agar medium. Also, they showed ability to degrade lignin model compounds such as vanillic acid, veratric acid and guaiacol. Molecular identification of the 17 isolates by 16S rDNA gene sequencing was carried out. Data analyzed using Blast from Genbank and accession numbers were acquired, and phylogenetic trees were constructed.