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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2022Lam (syn. .) leaves are globally acclaimed for their nutritional content and mitigation of malnutrition. In most impoverished rural communities including Limpopo,...
Lam (syn. .) leaves are globally acclaimed for their nutritional content and mitigation of malnutrition. In most impoverished rural communities including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal of South Africa, powdered leaves of are applied as a nutritional supplement for readily available food such as porridge for malnourished children and even breast-feeding mothers. Widely practiced and admired is also the use of the plant seed in the do-it-yourself purification of water by rural South Africans. This study aimed at identifying the chemical and nutritional marker compounds present in South African seed oils using high resolution 1-2-dimension gas chromatography in order to give scientific validation to its uses in cosmetics and particularly in culinary practices. Results obtained from two-dimension tandem mass spectrometry chemical signature revealed over 250 compounds, five times more than those reported from one-dimension gas chromatography. Whereas previous reports from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis reported oleic acid (70-78%) as the major compound from oil samples from other countries, seed oil from South Africa is marked by 13-octadeaconic acid with 78.62% and 41.9% as the predominant monounsaturated fatty acid in the hexane and dichloromethane extracts respectively. This was followed by vaccenic acid, an isomer of oleic acid at 51% in the acetone extract, 9-octadecanoic acid-(z)-methyl ester at 39.18%, 21.34% and 10.06% in dichloromethane, hexane and acetone extracts respectively. However, a principal component analysis with R = 0.98 of the two-dimension tandem mass spectrometry cum chemometric analysis indicated n-hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, 9-octadecanoic acid-(z)-methyl ester and -vaccenic acid with a probability of 0.96, 0.88, 0.80 and 0.79 respectively as the marker compounds that should be used for the quality control of seed oils from South Africa. This study demonstrates that South African oils contain C-18 monounsaturated fatty acids similar to oils from Egypt (76.2%), Thailand (71.6%) and Pakistan (78.5%) just to mention but a few. These fatty acids are sunflower and olive oil type-compounds and therefore place seed oil for consideration as a cooking oil amongst its other uses.
Topics: Acetone; Child; Esters; Fatty Acids; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Hexanes; Humans; Methylene Chloride; Moringa; Moringa oleifera; Oleic Acid; Olive Oil; Palmitic Acid; Plant Extracts; Plant Oils; Seeds; South Africa; Stearic Acids; Water
PubMed: 36144484
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185749 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2021Since 2016, the invasive halophyte has been colonizing mudflats along the western coast of South Korea. In order to minimize costs on expansion management and...
Since 2016, the invasive halophyte has been colonizing mudflats along the western coast of South Korea. In order to minimize costs on expansion management and waste-treatment of collected biomass, the potential application of the collected biomass of was investigated. Ethanolic extracts and subfractions thereof (hexanes, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, 1-butanol, and water-soluble) of the aerial and belowground parts of showed free radical-scavenging [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)], tyrosinase inhibitory, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities. An ethyl acetate fraction derived from aerial parts (EA-a) showed the most potent radical-scavenging and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities, whereas tyrosinase inhibition was mainly observed in the methylene chloride soluble fractions (MC-bg) and other lipophilic fractions (ethyl acetate and hexanes layers) obtained from belowground parts. The major EA-a compound isolated and identified was 1,3-di---feruloyl quinic acid () based on spectroscopic analysis, whereas the two major MC-bg compounds were identified as -hydroxybenzaldehyde () and --feruloyltyramine (). Compounds and scavenged both DPPH and ABTS radicals, whereas and inhibited pancreatic lipase activity. These results indicate that extracts and fractions of have antioxidant, anti-obesity, and whitening properties with potential pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and functional food applications.
PubMed: 33557332
DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020242 -
ACS Omega Aug 2023Doxorubicin (DOX) is a cornerstone chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of several malignancies such as breast cancer; however, its activity is ameliorated by the...
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a cornerstone chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of several malignancies such as breast cancer; however, its activity is ameliorated by the development of a resistant phenotype. species have been studied previously for their potential anticancer properties. The current work is aimed to study the potential cytotoxicity and chemomodulatory effects of hypophyllanthin () and phyllanthin () isolated from to DOX against the adriamycin multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and elucidate their mechanism of action. The major compounds of the active methylene chloride fraction were isolated and assessed for their potential cytotoxicity and chemomodulatory effects on DOX against naïve (MCF-7) and resistant breast (MCF-7) cancer cells. The mechanism of action of both compounds in terms of their impacts on programmed/non-programmed cell death (apoptosis and autophagy/necrosis), cell cycle progression/arrest, and tumor cell migration/invasion was investigated. Both compounds and showed a moderate but similar potency against MCF-7 as well as MCF-7 and significantly synergized DOX-induced anticancer properties against MCF-7. The chemomodulatory effect of both compounds to DOX was found to be via potentiating DOX-induced cell cycle interference and apoptosis induction. It was found that and blocked the apoptosis-escape autophagy pathway in MCF-7. On the molecular level, both compounds interfered with SIRT1 expression and consequently suppressed Akt phosphorylation, and blocked apoptosis escape. Furthermore, and showed promising antimigratory and anti-invasive effects against MCF-7, as confirmed by suppression of N-cadherin/β-catenin expression. In conclusion, for the first time, hypophyllanthin and phyllanthin isolated from showed promising chemomodulatory effects to the DOX-induced chemotherapeutic activity against MCF-7. Both compounds significantly synergized DOX-induced anticancer properties against MCF-7. This enhanced activity was explained by further promoting DOX-induced apoptosis and suppressing the apoptosis-escape autophagy feature of the resistant breast cancer cells. Both compounds (hypophyllanthin and phyllanthin) interfered with the SIRT1/Akt pathway and suppressed the N-cadherin/β-catenin axis, confirming the observed antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and anti-invasive effects of hypophyllanthin and phyllanthin.
PubMed: 37576627
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02953 -
Food Chemistry: X Mar 2022Retention of bioactive compounds (beta-glucans, lignans and gamma oryzanol) was analyzed after extrusion and during storage period of three months under four relative...
Retention of bioactive compounds (beta-glucans, lignans and gamma oryzanol) was analyzed after extrusion and during storage period of three months under four relative humidities using saturated salt solutions such as potassium carbonate (43.26%), magnesium nitrate (52.60%), potassium chloride (84.36%) and potassium nitrate (93.58%). The control sample comprising a corn and rice flour blend (50 g each) was substituted with beta-glucans at 3 g/100 g and 6 g/100 g, flaxseed lignans at 6.67 g/kg and 11.67 g/kg and gamma oryzanol at 1.5 g/100 g and 3.0 g/100 g at low and high levels, respectively. After extrusion, beta-glucan was retained up to 82.67 and 90.83%, lignans were retained at 86.31 and 66.66% whereas retention of gamma oryzanol was 71.33 and 51.67% at low and high level of substitution, respectively. Retention of bioactive compounds was the lowest along with a decrease in and values and an increase in value was observed under higher relative humidity (84.36% and 93.58%) storage conditions.
PubMed: 35499025
DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2021.100191 -
ACS Omega Oct 2023The effect of the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-methyl-3-tetradecylimidazolium chloride ([CMIM][Cl]), 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([CMIM][Cl]), and...
The effect of the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-methyl-3-tetradecylimidazolium chloride ([CMIM][Cl]), 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([CMIM][Cl]), and 1-decyl-methylimidazolium chloride ([CMIM][Cl]) on the structure of bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Concerning the fluorescence measurements, we observed a blue shift and a fluorescence quenching as the IL concentration increased in the solution. Such behavior was observed for all three studied imidazolium-based ILs, being larger as the number of methylene groups in the alkyl chain increased. UV-vis absorbance measurements indicate that even at relatively small IL/protein ratios, like 1:1 or 1:2, ([CMIM][Cl]) is able to change, at least partially, the sample turbidity. SAXS results agree with the spectroscopic techniques and suggest that the proteins underwent partial unfolding, evidenced by an increase in the radius of gyration () of the scattering particle. In the absence and presence of ([CMIM][Cl]) = 3 mM BSA increases from 29.1 to 45.1 Å, respectively. Together, these results indicate that the interaction of BSA with ILs is divided into three stages: the first stage is characterized by the protein in its native form. It takes place for protein/IL ≤ 1:2, and the interaction is predominantly due to the electrostatic forces provided by the negative charges on the surface of BSA and the cationic polar head of the ILs. In the second stage, higher IL concentrations induce the unfolding of the protein, most likely inducing the unfolding of domains I and III, in such a way that the protein's secondary structure is kept almost unaltered. In the last stage, IL micelles start to form, and therefore, the interaction with protein reaches a saturation point and free micelles may be formed. We believe that this work provides new information about the interaction of ILs with BSA.
PubMed: 37867681
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04188 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2021Carboxylation of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)alkanes by oxalyl chloride was studied. It was found that 4,4'-dicarboxylic derivatives of substrates with electron-donating methyl...
Carboxylation of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)alkanes by oxalyl chloride was studied. It was found that 4,4'-dicarboxylic derivatives of substrates with electron-donating methyl groups and short linkers (from one to three methylene groups) can be prepared using this method. Longer linkers lead to significantly lower product yields, which is probably due to instability of the intermediate acid chlorides that are initially formed in the reaction with oxalyl chloride. Thus, bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane gave only monocarboxylic derivative even with a large excess of oxalyl chloride and prolonged reaction duration. An alternative approach involves the reaction of ethyl 4-pyrazolecarboxylates with dibromoalkanes in a superbasic medium (potassium hydroxide-dimethyl sulfoxide) and is suitable for the preparation of bis(4-carboxypyrazol-1-yl)alkanes with both short and long linkers independent of substitution in positions 3 and 5 of pyrazole rings. The obtained dicarboxylic acids are interesting as potential building blocks for metal-organic frameworks.
Topics: Alkanes; Crystallography, X-Ray; Dicarboxylic Acids; Molecular Conformation; Pyrazoles
PubMed: 33466823
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020413 -
ACS Omega Sep 2023Methylene blue (MB) dye or methyl thioninium chloride is one of the hazardous cationic dyes that are discharged into the textile effluent causing a highly negative...
Methylene blue (MB) dye or methyl thioninium chloride is one of the hazardous cationic dyes that are discharged into the textile effluent causing a highly negative environmental impact. The present work targets the investigation of the adsorption performance of some chitosan-modified products toward the MB dye from simulated solutions. The claimed chitosan derivatives were prepared, characterized, and applied for the removal of lead and copper cations from an aqueous medium in a previous work. These include: ,-carboxymethyl chitosan (,-CM/Cs), chitosan grafted with glutaraldehyde (Cs/GA), chitosan cross-linked with GA/epichlorohydrin (Cs/GA/ECH), and chitosan cross-linked with glutaraldehyde/methylene bis(acrylamide) (Cs/GA/MBA). The modified chitosan derivatives in this study displayed outstanding mechanical qualities, exceptional reusability, and a significant amount of adsorption capacity. The ability of prepared Cs derivatives to eradicate MB was as follows: ,-CM/Cs (95.1 mg/g) < Cs/GA (120.1 mg/g) < Cs/GA/ECH (220.1 mg/g) < Cs/GA/MBA (270.0 mg/g). The swelling performance of the prepared sorbents was verified under different experimental conditions, and the data revealed that the maximum swelling was attained at pH = 9, temperature 55 °C, and after 24 h. The produced Cs derivatives showed exceptional reusability by maintaining higher adsorption effectiveness throughout five cycles. The MB dye was adsorbed onto the modified derivatives according to pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir model. Moreover, the adsorption process was monitored via atomic force microscopy to verify the differences between the dye-free and dye-loaded adsorbents.
PubMed: 37744862
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03735 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Lily is one of the most important cut flowers in the world, with a rich floral fragrance. To further explore the fragrance emission mechanisms of lily cultivars,...
Lily is one of the most important cut flowers in the world, with a rich floral fragrance. To further explore the fragrance emission mechanisms of lily cultivars, headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and organic solvent extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (OSE-GC-MS) were used to unveil the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and endogenous extracts of seven lily cultivars. Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression levels of two key genes ( and ) related to the biosynthesis of monoterpenoids and methyl benzoate. The results show that forty-five VOCs were detected in the petals of seven lily cultivars, and the main compounds were monoterpenoids and phenylpropanoids/benzenoids. Dichloromethane was the best solvent for extracting the endogenous extracts of 'Viviana' petals and eighteen endogenous extracts were detected using dichloromethane to extract the petals of seven lily cultivars. Each compound's emission ratio (natural logarithm of the ratio of VOC content to endogenous extract content) was calculated, and linear regression analyses between emission ratios and boiling points were conducted. Significant linear negative correlations existed between the emission ratios and boiling points of compounds, and the regression equations' coefficients of determination () were all greater than 0.7. was expressed highly in 'Viviana', 'Pink News', and 'Palazzo', and was expressed highly in 'Pink News' and 'Palazzo'. Correlation analyses between the gene expression levels and the monoterpenoids and methyl benzoate contents found that the expression levels have strong positive correlations with monoterpenoids content, while no correlations were found between the expression levels of and the contents of methyl benzoate. This study lays the foundation for research on the release patterns of VOCs in the flowers of , and the breeding of lilies for their floral fragrance.
Topics: Lilium; Volatile Organic Compounds; Methylene Chloride; Plant Breeding; Flowers; Solid Phase Microextraction; Solvents; Monoterpenes
PubMed: 38138428
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28247938 -
Antihypertensive Effects of the (Verbenaceae) Stem-Bark Extract on L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats.Evidence-based Complementary and... 2021stem-bark is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases including hypertension. In previous studies, the methanol/methylene chloride...
stem-bark is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases including hypertension. In previous studies, the methanol/methylene chloride stem-bark extract of (MMVC) showed a preventive activity in L-NAME-induced hypertension and improved blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. The present study investigated the curative effects in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats (LNHR). Hypertension was induced in rats by oral administration of L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. The animals were divided into 2 groups: one group of 5 rats receiving distilled water (10 ml/kg) and another 20 rats receiving L-NAME. At the end of 4 weeks of administration of L-NAME, the animals were divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each: one group of hypertensive rats receiving distilled water, another one receiving captopril (25 mg/kg), and two groups of hypertensive rats receiving MMVC at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Body weight, food, and water intake were measured weekly. At the end of the treatment, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded by invasive method. Whole heart, left ventricle, kidneys, and liver were weighed. The effects of plant extract on lipid profile and oxidative stress markers, as well as markers of hepatic and renal functions were assessed spectrophotometrically according to well described protocols. Results show that L-NAME significantly increases the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), atherogenic index, lipid profile, and creatinine and transaminase activities of normotensive rats. MMVC significantly reduced the blood pressure in LNHR. Body weight, food and water intake, left ventricular hypertrophy, antioxidant level, renal and hepatic markers, and lipid profile were improved by the treatment with MMVC. The curative effect of MMVC on L-NAME-induced hypertension is probably related to its antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant properties. These results confirmed the use of for the treatment of hypertension in traditional medicine.
PubMed: 33747111
DOI: 10.1155/2021/6668919 -
Viruses Dec 2023Coronaviruses (CoVs) belong to the group of enveloped positive-sense single-strand RNA viruses and are causative agents of respiratory, gastro-intestinal, and central...
Coronaviruses (CoVs) belong to the group of enveloped positive-sense single-strand RNA viruses and are causative agents of respiratory, gastro-intestinal, and central nervous systems diseases in many host species, i.e., birds, mammals, and humans. Beta-CoVs revealed a great potential to cross the barrier between species by causing three epidemics/pandemics among humans in the 21st century. Considering the urgent need for powerful antiviral agents for decontamination, prevention, and treatment of BCoV infections, we turned our attention to the possibility of photodynamic inactivation with photosensitizers in combination with light irradiation. In the present study, we evaluated, for the first time, the antiviral activity of toluidine blue O (TBO) against Beta-coronavirus 1 (BCoV) in comparison to methylene blue (MB). First, we determined the in vitro cytotoxicity of MB and TBO on the Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line with ISO10993-5/Annex C. Thereafter, BCoV was propagated in MDBK cells, and the virus titer was measured with digital droplet PCR, TCID assay and plaque assay. The antiviral activity of non-toxic concentrations of TBO was estimated using the direct inactivation approach. All effects were calculated in MAPLE 15 mathematical software by developing programs for non-linear modeling and response surface analysis. The median inhibitory concentration () of TBO after 72 h of incubation in MDBK cells was 0.85 µM. The antiviral activity of TBO after the direct inactivation of BCoV ( = 1) was significantly stronger than that of MB. The median effective concentration (EC) of TBO was 0.005 µM. The cytopathic effect decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, from 0.0025 to 0.01 µM, and disappeared fully at concentrations between 0.02 and 0.3 µM of TBO. The number of virus particles also decreased, depending on the concentration applied, as proven by ddPCR analysis. In conclusion, TBO exhibits significant potential for direct inactivation of BCoV in vitro, with a very high selectivity index, and should be subjected to further investigation, aiming at its application in veterinary and/or human medical practice.
Topics: Humans; Cattle; Animals; Coronavirus, Bovine; Photosensitizing Agents; Tolonium Chloride; Coronavirus; Coronavirus Infections; Methylene Blue; Pandemics; Antiviral Agents; Mammals
PubMed: 38257748
DOI: 10.3390/v16010048