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Nutrients Dec 2023Prolonged intake of a high-fat diet (HFD) disturbs the composition of gut microbiota, contributing to the development of metabolic diseases, notably obesity and...
Prolonged intake of a high-fat diet (HFD) disturbs the composition of gut microbiota, contributing to the development of metabolic diseases, notably obesity and increased intestinal permeability. Thyme ( L.), an aromatic plant, is known for its several therapeutic properties. In this study, we explored the potential of thyme extract (TLE) to mitigate HFD-induced metabolic derangements and improve the gut environment. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were administered 50 or 100 mg/kg TLE for eight weeks. Administration of 100 mg/kg TLE resulted in decreased weight gain and body fat percentage, alongside the regulation of serum biomarkers linked to obesity induced by a HFD. Moreover, TLE enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins and ameliorated colon shortening. TLE also altered the levels of various metabolites. Especially, when compared with a HFD, it was confirmed that 2-hydroxypalmitic acid and 3-indoleacrylic acid returned to normal levels after TLE treatment. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between fecal metabolites and metabolic parameters; deoxycholic acid displayed a positive correlation with most parameters, except for colon length. In contrast, hypoxanthine was negatively correlated with most parameters. These results suggest a promising role for thyme in ameliorating obesity and related gut conditions associated with a HFD.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Diet, High-Fat; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Obesity; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38068865
DOI: 10.3390/nu15235007 -
La Clinica Terapeutica 2023Prickly pear (Opuntia) extracts have garnered con-siderable attention in recent years due to their promising medicinal and nutritional properties. This comprehensive... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Prickly pear (Opuntia) extracts have garnered con-siderable attention in recent years due to their promising medicinal and nutritional properties. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted potential of prickly pear extracts in mitigating various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, obesity, cancer, neuronal diseases, and renal diseases.
METHODS
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse therapeutic applications of Opuntia extracts in managing chronic diseases. The collective evidence underscores the potential of prickly pear as a valuable natural resource for addressing global health challenges. Further research and clinical investigations are warranted to unlock the full potential of Opuntia in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
RESULTS
Studies have suggested that the bioactive compounds within prickly pear may influence glucose metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing insulin resistance, and modulating gut microbiota composition. These pathways exhibit potential in the reduction of hyperglycemia, which is a fundamental aspect of metabolic syndromes. Opuntia extracts demonstrate also antioxidant, anti-inflammatory capabilities that can contribute to improving health in various conditions.
CONCLUSION
Further research and clinical investigations are warranted to unlock the full potential of Opuntia in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
Topics: Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Opuntia; Plant Extracts; Dietary Supplements; Chronic Disease; Fruit
PubMed: 37994760
DOI: 10.7417/CT.2023.2483 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024is a wild, perennial woody plant used for diverse therapeutic targets. The present work evaluated the influence of independent variables such as extraction time,...
is a wild, perennial woody plant used for diverse therapeutic targets. The present work evaluated the influence of independent variables such as extraction time, solvent concentration, and speed in the range of (100 mL, 150 mL, and 200 mL), (2 h, 5 h, and 8 h), and (100 rpm, 150 rpm, and 200 rpm), respectively, on extraction yields, phytochemical components, total phenolic contents (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of extract. In the present work, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the extraction yield. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to detect the bioactive constituents of the extracts. The potent extracts were analyzed to study α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Under the optimized conditions of solvent concentration (200 mL), extraction time (8 h), and speed (150 rpm), the whole plant methanol extract (WPME) showed a maximum extraction yield of 13.5%, while the leaves methanol extract (LME) showed a maximum TPC of 19.5 ± 44 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram of extract and a maximum TFC of 4.78 ± 0.34 mg of quercetin equivalent (QE) per gram of extract. HPLC analysis showed the presence of p-coumaric, gallic acid, quercetin, salicylic acid, sinapic acid, and vanillic acid. LME showed the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC = 46.86 ± 0.21 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC value of 45.81 ± 0.17 µg/mL). Therefore, in conclusion, LME could be considered to fix the α-amylase and α-glucosidase-mediated disorders in the human body to develop herbal phytomedicine.
Topics: Humans; Phlomis; Quercetin; Methanol; alpha-Glucosidases; Plant Extracts; Solvents; alpha-Amylases; Phytochemicals; Gallic Acid; Antioxidants; Flavonoids
PubMed: 38474560
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051049 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Dec 2023Allelopathy has been demonstrated to be an environmentally friendly way to control harmful algal blooms. Allelochemicals of submerged plants have attracted extensive...
Allelopathy has been demonstrated to be an environmentally friendly way to control harmful algal blooms. Allelochemicals of submerged plants have attracted extensive research due to their bioavailability. The dose-response of submerged plant extracts on algae growth is worth further study to improve the efficiency of bioremediation. In this study, the ultrasonic-enzymatic assistance method was utilized to extract allelochemicals from Ceratophyllum, Myriophyllum spicatum, and Vallisneria. The effects of low-dosage and high-dosage extracts on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa were compared based on cell biomass and morphology, photosynthetic parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The results showed that the three submerged plant extracts exhibited hormetic effects at low dosages and inhibitory effects at high dosages on algal growth. Within 48 h of cultivation, the enzymatic activities of Microcystis aeruginosa fluctuated, suggesting that the extracts of the three submerged plants induced different oxidative reactions. After 120 h of cultivation with high-dosage extracts, the physiological and biochemical reactions of Microcystis aeruginosa significantly decreased, indicating the effectiveness of the allelopathy of Ceratophyllum, Myriophyllum spicatum, and Vallisneria extracts in controlling algal blooms. The phenomenon of hormesis and inhibition effect confirmed a significant dose-response relationship between the allelochemicals of submerged plant extracts and Microcystis aeruginosa, which could be attributed to the composition and content of allelochemicals. These findings highlight the importance of the relative concentration of the biological algaecide and will benefit other researchers in determining the safe dosage of plant allelochemicals when used in water.
Topics: Microcystis; Hormesis; Plants; Plant Extracts; Harmful Algal Bloom; Pheromones
PubMed: 37979364
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115703 -
Indian Journal of Pathology &... 2023Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) staining is a common and routine staining method used in Histopathology. In origin, Hematoxylin is natural and Eosin is a synthetic dye....
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) staining is a common and routine staining method used in Histopathology. In origin, Hematoxylin is natural and Eosin is a synthetic dye. Synthetic dyes are widely accepted due to its staining efficiency. However, due to synthetic and toxic properties, natural alternatives have gained importance. In this present study, Curcuma Longa rhizome (Turmeric) extract with and without mordant are examined as a natural substitute for Eosin in H and E staining. This study assessed the staining quality of Turmeric (H and T) compared to Eosin (H and E) and the significance of mordant in H and T staining.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comparative study is conducted in a Histopathology laboratory in a tertiary care hospital. Five tissue specimens were collected and stained with H and T with mordant, H and T without mordant, and conventional H and E stain. Two independent pathologists examined the quality of each stain. The results are graded as excellent, good, and poor. These results are statistically compared and analyzed.
RESULT
Staining quality of Turmeric and Eosin are comparable to each other. At the same time, Turmeric gives yellow color instead of pink in Eosin. The result also shows that the addition of mordant in Turmeric significantly improves the staining quality.
INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION
Turmeric with mordant can be used as an alternative stain to synthetic Eosin in H and E staining.
Topics: Humans; Hematoxylin; Curcuma; Eosine Yellowish-(YS); Coloring Agents; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38084518
DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_720_22 -
TheScientificWorldJournal 2024The importance of medicinal plants for the treatment of different diseases is high from the aspects of the pharmaceutical industry and traditional healers. The present...
The importance of medicinal plants for the treatment of different diseases is high from the aspects of the pharmaceutical industry and traditional healers. The present study involves nine different medicinal plants, namely, and collected from Chitwan district of Nepal for biochemical analysis followed by the isolation of active plant fractions from the bioactive plant extract. The methanolic extracts of roots, barks, seeds, seed cover, and the other aerial parts of plants were used for the phytochemical analysis and biological activities. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay was adopted to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. The antidiabetic activity was studied by the -amylase enzyme inhibition assay. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in extracts of followed by , , , with IC values of 27.38 ± 1.35, 32.08 ± 2.81, 32.75 ± 2.13, 33.82 ± 1.07, 40.14 ± 0.93, and 50.44 ± 3.75 g/mL, respectively. The highest antidiabetic activity was observed in extracts of followed by with IC values of 95.69 ± 6.97, 99.24 ± 12.6, and 106.3 ± 12.89 g/mL, respectively. The mild -amylase enzyme inhibition was found in extracts of showing IC values of 110.4 ± 7.78, 115.98 ± 10.24, 149.83 ± 8.3, and 196.45 ± 6.04 g/mL, whereas (seed cover), (seed), and showed weak -amylase inhibition with IC values of 208.87 ± 1.76, 215.41 ± 2.09, and 238.89 ± 9.27 g/mL, respectively. The extract of showed high zones of inhibition against (ATCC 25923) and (ATCC 25922) of ZOI 26 and 22 mm, respectively. The chemical constituents isolated from the active plant were subjected to GCMS analysis where the major chemical compounds were 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid and methyl ester. These results support the partial scientific validation for the traditional uses of these medicinal plants in the treatment of diabetes and infectious diseases by the people living in different communities of Chitwan, Nepal.
Topics: Humans; Plants, Medicinal; Nepal; Antioxidants; Escherichia coli; Staphylococcus aureus; Plant Extracts; Oleaceae; Hypoglycemic Agents; alpha-Amylases
PubMed: 38515931
DOI: 10.1155/2024/5080176 -
Journal of Chromatography. A Sep 2023This study compares different solvent systems with the use of spontaneous fermentation on the phytochemical composition of leaf extracts from a locally grown white...
This study compares different solvent systems with the use of spontaneous fermentation on the phytochemical composition of leaf extracts from a locally grown white variety of common fig (Ficus carica Linn.). The aim was to detect and identify bioactive compounds that are responsible for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-amylase and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme inhibition, and compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity. Bioactive zones in chromatograms were detected by combining High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with enzymatic and biological assays. A new experimental protocol for measuring the relative half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC) was designed to evaluate the potency of the extracts compared to the potency of known inhibitors. Although the IC of the fig leaf extract for α-amylase and AChE inhibition were significantly higher when compared to IC for acarbose and donepezil, the COX-1 inhibition by the extract (IC = 627 µg) was comparable to that of salicylic acid (IC = 557 µg), and antimicrobial activity of the extract (IC = 375-511 µg) was similar to ampicillin (IC = 495 µg). Four chromatographic zones exhibited bioactivity. Compounds from detected bioactive bands were provisionally identified by comparing the band positions to coeluted standards, and by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra from eluted zones. Flash chromatography was used to separate selected extract into fractions and isolate fractions that are rich in bioactive compounds for further characterisation with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The main constituents identified were umbelliferon (zone 1), furocoumarins psoralen and bergapten (zone 2), different fatty acids (zone 3 and 4), and pentacyclic triterpenoids (calotropenyl acetate or lupeol) and stigmasterol (zone 4).
Topics: Chromatography, Thin Layer; Ficus; Plant Extracts; Acetylcholinesterase; alpha-Amylases; Pentacyclic Triterpenes; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 37541060
DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464241 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Black betel leaf from East Kalimantan contains various secondary metabolites such as alkaloid saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. A compound, piperenamide A, which has...
Quality Control and Authentication of Black Betel Leaf Extract ( Blume) from East Kalimantan as an Antimicrobial Agent Using a Combination of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Chemometric Fourier Transform Infrared.
Black betel leaf from East Kalimantan contains various secondary metabolites such as alkaloid saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. A compound, piperenamide A, which has antimicrobial activity, is also found in black betel leaf. This study aims to identify and authenticate the compound piperenamide A found in black betel leaf extract in other types of betel plant using HPLC and FTIR-chemometrics. The extraction method used was maceration with 70% ethanol solvent. Determination of piperenamide A content in black betel leaf extract was via HPLC column C18, with a maximum wavelength of 259 nm and a mobile phase of water:acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1 mL/minute. From the results, piperenamide A was only found in black betel () and not in and . Piperenamide A levels obtained were 4.03, 6.84, 5.35, 13.85, and 2.15%, respectively, in the samples studied. The combination of FTIR spectra with chemometric methods such as PCA and PLS-DA was used to distinguish the three types of betel. Discriminant analysis can classify black betel (), , and according to its type. These methods can be used for identification and authentication of black betel.
Topics: Piper; Plant Extracts; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chemometrics; Fourier Analysis; Anti-Infective Agents; Quality Control; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 37570633
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155666 -
Bioscience Reports Jul 2023It has become crucial to biosynthesize efficient, secure, and affordable nanoparticles that we use for the treatment of various infections, including surgical site...
It has become crucial to biosynthesize efficient, secure, and affordable nanoparticles that we use for the treatment of various infections, including surgical site infection and wound infection, due to the rapid development of microbial resistance to numerous antibiotic drugs. The objective of the present study is to biosynthesize cobalt nanoparticles using an extract from the combined peels of garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction were used to confirm the synthesis of cobalt nanoparticle (XRD). Well diffusion was used to measure antimicrobial activity. Escherichia coli, Proteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus cohnii, and Klebsiella pneumonia were the bacterial strains employed Both the crude prepared extract and the biosynthesized cobalt nanoparticles demonstrated efficacy against all strains of bacteria, but the crude prepared extract displayed a low zone of inhibition ranging from 10 to 13 mm, while the biosynthesized cobalt nanoparticles displayed a high zone of inhibition ranging from 20 to 24 mm.
Topics: Cobalt; Plant Extracts; Metal Nanoparticles; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Garlic; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; X-Ray Diffraction
PubMed: 37334676
DOI: 10.1042/BSR20230151 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024The circular economy, which attempts to decrease agricultural waste while also improving sustainable development through the production of sustainable products from...
The circular economy, which attempts to decrease agricultural waste while also improving sustainable development through the production of sustainable products from waste and by-products, is currently one of the main objectives of environmental research. Taking this view, this study used a green approach to synthesize two forms of silver nanoparticles: coated silver nanoparticles with olive leaf extract (Ag-olive) and uncoated pure silver nanoparticles (Ag-pure), which were produced by the calcination of Ag-olive at 550 °C. The extract and the fabricated nanoparticles were characterized by a variety of physicochemical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Adult ticks () (Acari: Ixodidae) were used in this study to evaluate the antiparasitic activity of synthesized nanoparticles and extract. Furthermore, the antifungal activity was evaluated against strain N (MW958085), (MT550034), and (MT550036). In both antiparasitic and antifungal tests, the as-synthesized Ag-olive showed higher inhibition activity than Ag-pure and olive leaf extract. The findings of this research suggest that Ag-olive may be a powerful and eco-friendly antiparasitic and antifungal agent. Ag-pure was also evaluated as a photocatalyst under sunlight for the detoxification of Eri-chrome-black T (EBT), methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and rhodamine B (RhB).
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Silver; Metal Nanoparticles; Antiparasitic Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Plant Extracts; Sunlight; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; X-Ray Diffraction; Olea
PubMed: 38542055
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063082