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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2021Invasive plant species (IAS), with their numerous negative ecological, health, and economic impacts, represent one of the greatest conservation challenges in the world....
Invasive plant species (IAS), with their numerous negative ecological, health, and economic impacts, represent one of the greatest conservation challenges in the world. Reducing the negative impacts and potentially exploiting the biomass of these plant species can significantly contribute to sustainable management, protect biodiversity, and create a healthy environment. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional potential, phytochemical status, and antioxidant capacity of nine alien invasive plant species: , , , , , , , , and . Multivariate statistical methods such as cluster and PCA were performed to determine possible connections and correlations among selected IAS depending on the phytochemical content. According to the obtained results, was notable with the highest content of vitamin C (38.46 mg/100 g FW); while (1365.92 mg GAE/100 g FW) showed the highest values of total polyphenolic compounds. was characterized by the highest content of total chlorophylls (0.26 mg/g) and antioxidant capacity (2221.97 µmol TE/kg). Therefore, it can be concluded that the selected IAS represent nutrient-rich plant material with significant potential for the recovering of bioactive compounds.
Topics: Biomass; Introduced Species; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Plants
PubMed: 34206657
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133814 -
TheScientificWorldJournal 2023(family Amaryllidaceae) is used empirically for medicinal purposes. It is distributed throughout Asian countries, especially Indonesia. This study aimed at...
(family Amaryllidaceae) is used empirically for medicinal purposes. It is distributed throughout Asian countries, especially Indonesia. This study aimed at standardizing the plant, analyzing its phytochemical profile, and evaluating its pharmacological effects. The powder from each organ (root, stem, and leaves) was standardized organoleptically and microscopically. Samples were extracted by graded maceration using hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The extracts were determined for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Antioxidant (radical scavenging and metal ion reduction) and antityrosinase activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Extracts were analysed for phytochemical profiles by LC-ESI-MS. The highest TPC and TFC were found in the ethanolic extract of the root organ (68.63 ± 2.97 mg GAE/g) and the ethyl acetate extract of the stem (14.33 ± 0.71 mg QE/g extract). High antioxidant activities were found in the ethanolic root extract (20.42 ± 0.33 g/mL) and ethanolic stem extract (45.65 ± 0.77 g/mL) by DPPH• and NO• assays, respectively. The ion reduction activity (by CUPRAC assay) was most significant in the ethyl acetate stem extract (390.42 ± 14.49 mol GAEAC/g extract). Ethanolic root extract was the most active in inhibiting tyrosinase (IC value of 108.5 g/mL). The correlation matrix between TPC and antioxidant activities showed a moderate to robust correlation, whereas the TPC and antityrosinase activity showed a robust correlation. The TFC and antioxidant or antityrosinase activities showed a weak to moderate correlation. The LC-ESI-MS data identified major phenols in the active extracts, including methyl 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzoate, quercetin, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid-1, and curculigoside. Overall, this study suggests that extracts from the plant offer potent antioxidant and antityrosinase activities, allowing them to be used as natural antioxidants and candidates for skin-lightening compounds.
Topics: Antioxidants; Curculigo; Plant Extracts; Flavonoids; Phenols; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37829602
DOI: 10.1155/2023/5785259 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Brazil has several important biomes holding impressive fauna and flora biodiversity. Cerrado being one of the richest ones and a significant area in the search for new... (Review)
Review
Brazil has several important biomes holding impressive fauna and flora biodiversity. Cerrado being one of the richest ones and a significant area in the search for new plant-based products, such as foods, cosmetics, and medicines. The therapeutic potential of Cerrado plants has been described by several studies associating ethnopharmacological knowledge with phytochemical compounds and therapeutic effects. Based on this wide range of options, the Brazilian population has been using these medicinal plants (MP) for centuries for the treatment of various health conditions. Among these, we highlight metabolic diseases, namely obesity and its metabolic alterations from metabolic syndrome to later stages such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Several studies have shown that adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction leads to proinflammatory cytokine secretion and impaired free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation and oxidative status, creating the basis for insulin resistance and glucose dysmetabolism. In this scenario, the great Brazilian biodiversity and a wide variety of phytochemical compounds make it an important candidate for the identification of pharmacological strategies for the treatment of these conditions. This review aimed to analyze and summarize the current literature on plants from the Brazilian Cerrado that have therapeutic activity against obesity and its metabolic conditions, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Topics: Brazil; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Ecosystem; Plants, Medicinal; Metabolic Diseases; Obesity; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37958572
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115588 -
International Journal of Antimicrobial... Sep 2023Several coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), can cause respiratory infections in...
OBJECTIVE
Several coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), can cause respiratory infections in humans. To address the need for reliable anti-coronavirus therapeutics, we screened 16 active phytochemicals selected from medicinal plants used in traditional applications for respiratory-related illnesses.
METHODS
An initial screen was completed using HCoV-OC43 to identify compounds that inhibit virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and cell death inhibition. Then the top hits were validated in vitro against both HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 by determining virus titer in cell supernatant and virus-induced cell death. Finally, the most active phytochemical was validated in vivo in the SARS-CoV-2-infected B6.Cg-Tg(K18-ACE2)2Prlmn/J mouse model.
RESULTS
The phytochemicals lycorine (LYC), capsaicin, rottlerin (RTL), piperine and chebulinic acid (CHU) inhibited HCoV-OC43-induced cytopathic effect and reduced viral titres by up to 4 log. LYC, RTL and CHU also suppressed virus replication and cell death following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In vivo, RTL significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2-induced mortality by ∼40% in human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-expressing K18 mice.
CONCLUSION
Collectively, these studies indicate that RTL and other phytochemicals have therapeutic potential to reduce SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 infections.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Coronavirus OC43, Human; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37339711
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106893 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2023Melanoma is deadly, physically impairing, and has ongoing treatment deficiencies. Current treatment regimens include surgery, targeted kinase inhibitors, immunotherapy,... (Review)
Review
Melanoma is deadly, physically impairing, and has ongoing treatment deficiencies. Current treatment regimens include surgery, targeted kinase inhibitors, immunotherapy, and combined approaches. Each of these treatments face pitfalls, with diminutive five-year survival in patients with advanced metastatic invasion of lymph and secondary organ tissues. Polyphenolic compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids; both natural and synthetic, have emerging evidence of nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmacological potential, including specific anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and palliative utility. is a wellspring of medicinal compounds whose direct and adjunctive application may offer considerable relief for melanoma suffers worldwide. This review aims to address the diverse applications of 's biocompounds in the scope of melanoma and suggest it as a strong candidate for ongoing pharmacological evaluation.
Topics: Humans; Cannabis; Cannabinoids; Terpenes; Melanoma; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 36614303
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010859 -
PloS One 2021Medicinal plants represent a great source of antimicrobial and phytochemical constituents which are increasingly used to treat microbial infections and other ailments...
Medicinal plants represent a great source of antimicrobial and phytochemical constituents which are increasingly used to treat microbial infections and other ailments such as tuberculosis, anemia, and trachoma. Despite the use of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance continues to be a world issue, in as much as nutrition. This study investigated the presence of phytochemicals, proximate compositions, and antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract of Carapa procera bark. The bark of Carapa procera was collected, cleaned and air dried for 72 h. The powder obtained was treated with diethyl ether and soaked in methanol (99%) for 72 h to obtain crude extract. The extract was used to test for the presence of phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities. The raw bark was used for proximate analysis. The result showed presence of steroids, tannins and saponins, but no alkaloids present. The 100 mg/mL extract had the highest inhibition zone on all tested organisms from 24.00 ± 0.94 to 26.67 ± 1.18, and 50 mg/mL showed the least (16.67 ± 1.24) on Candida albicans. Staphylococcus aureus showed the lowest minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 3.12 mg/mL, whereas the Gram-negative bacteria exhibited variations in their sensitivity with E. coli having the highest MIC of 25 mg/mL. The extract had high MIC (6.25 mg/mL) on Candida albicans than clotrimazole (50 mg/mL). The proximate compositions of Carapa procera were moisture (6.07 ± 0.07%), ash (12.46 ± 0.46%), crude protein (9.54 ± 0.12%), crude fat (1.42 ± 0.06%) and carbohydrate (70.50 ± 0.35%). The energy value was 1413.17 kj. Thus, Carapa procera possesses both antimicrobial and nutritional potentials worth exploring and domesticating for sustainable management and conservation.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Candida albicans; Meliaceae; Phytochemicals; Plant Bark; Staphylococcus aureus
PubMed: 34941952
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261755 -
Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences Jul 2022The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities and phytochemical composition of the leaves extracts of Boscia coriacea Graells and Uvaria...
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities and phytochemical composition of the leaves extracts of Boscia coriacea Graells and Uvaria leptocladon Oliv.
METHODS
The powdered leaves of Boscia coriacea Graells and Uvaria leptocladon Oliv were extracted by maceration and soxhlet extraction methods. Anti-inflammatory activity of the leaves extracts of Boscia coriacea Graells and Uvaria leptocladon Oliv were evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Standard methods were used for analysis of phytochemical composition of the leaves extracts of Boscia coriacea Graells and Uvaria leptocladon Oliv. Data analysis was done using one way analysis of variance.
RESULTS
U. leptocladon Oliv (200 mg/kg) and B. coriacea Graells (200 mg/kg) showed percent inhibition on mice paw edema of 86% and 75% after six hours of carrageenan injection, respectively. The ethanol fraction (100 mg/kg) of U. leptocladon Oliv showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect after six hours of carrageenan injection. The phytochemical analysis of the leaves extracts of B. coriacea and U. leptocladon revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, flavonoids, phenols, quinones, and saponins.
CONCLUSION
The crude leaves extracts of B. coriacea Graells and U. leptocladon Oliv contain phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory activities.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Carrageenan; Edema; Mice; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Uvaria
PubMed: 35950076
DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v32i4.19 -
Current Opinion in Insect Science Apr 2021Forest pests can cause massive ecological and economic damage worldwide. Ecologically sound solutions to diminish forest insect pest impacts include the use of their... (Review)
Review
Forest pests can cause massive ecological and economic damage worldwide. Ecologically sound solutions to diminish forest insect pest impacts include the use of their natural enemies, such as predators and parasitoids, as well as entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria or viruses. Phytochemical compounds mediate most interactions between these organisms, but knowledge of such chemically mediated multitrophic relationships is still at its infancy for forest systems, particularly when compared to agricultural systems. Here, we highlight the main gaps in how phytochemicals of forest trees facilitate or interfere with trophic interactions between trees, insect herbivores, and interacting organisms including predators, parasitoids and microbes. We propose future avenues of research on phytochemical-based biocontrol of forest pests taking into account the characteristics of trees and forests.
Topics: Animals; Food Chain; Forests; Herbivory; Insecta; Microbiota; Pest Control, Biological; Phytochemicals; Trees
PubMed: 33933685
DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.04.007 -
Journal of Medicine and Life Aug 2022Medicinal plants have been widely used in healthcare based on traditional knowledge. We investigated the antimicrobial activities and phytochemical contents of a plant...
Medicinal plants have been widely used in healthcare based on traditional knowledge. We investigated the antimicrobial activities and phytochemical contents of a plant known as (), which Sabah native people have used for health benefits. Methanolic extracts and fractions of the leaves of were tested for their phytochemical contents and their antimicrobial activities against four Gram-negative and five Gram-positive strains of bacteria. The extracts of showed antimicrobial activities against three Gram-positive, and one Gram-negative bacteria, with the zone of inhibition ranging from 7.8 mm±0.41 to 10.5 mm±0.71. Fraction CE.F7 exerted the broadest antimicrobial activity towards four Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. The phytochemical constituents identified in the extracts were alkaloid, flavonoid, steroid, and cardiac glycosides. The plant extract demonstrated antimicrobial activities and contained multiple phytochemical constituents. Further investigations into potential antimicrobial agents containing promising fractions would validate the medicinal properties of used in Sabah.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Asteraceae; Cardiac Glycosides; Flavonoids; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Steroids
PubMed: 36188644
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2021-0296 -
Nutrients Jul 2019Phenols are a wide family of phytochemicals that are characterized by large chemical diversity and are considered to bioactive molecules of foods, beverages, and... (Review)
Review
Phenols are a wide family of phytochemicals that are characterized by large chemical diversity and are considered to bioactive molecules of foods, beverages, and botanicals. Although they have a multitude of biological actions, their beneficial effects are rarely evidenced in clinical practice. This may occur due to the presence of numerous confounders, such as the modulation of phenol bioavailability, which can be regulated by microbiota, age, sex-gender. Sex-gender is an important determinant of health and well-being, and has an impact on environmental and occupational risks, access to health care, disease prevalence, and treatment outcomes. In addition, xenobiotic responses may be strongly influenced by sex-gender. This review describes how sex-gender differentially influences the activities of phenols also in some critical periods of women life such as pregnancy and lactation, considering also the sex of fetuses and infants. Thus, sex-gender is a variable that must be carefully considered and should be used to propose directions for future research on the road to tailored medicine and nutrition.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Phytochemicals; Sex Factors
PubMed: 31319627
DOI: 10.3390/nu11071637