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International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Carnivorous pitcher plants from the genus are renowned for their ethnobotanical uses. This research explores the therapeutic potential of leaf extract against...
Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9 ssDNA-Binding Activity and Cytotoxic Effects on H838, H1975, and A549 Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells: Exploring the Potential of Leaf Extract for Pulmonary Disease Treatment.
Carnivorous pitcher plants from the genus are renowned for their ethnobotanical uses. This research explores the therapeutic potential of leaf extract against nonstructural protein 9 (Nsp9) of SARS-CoV-2 and in treating human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines. Nsp9, essential for SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication, was expressed and purified, and its interaction with ssDNA was assessed. Initial tests with myricetin and oridonin, known for targeting ssDNA-binding proteins and Nsp9, respectively, did not inhibit the ssDNA-binding activity of Nsp9. Subsequent screenings of various extracts identified those using acetone, methanol, and ethanol as particularly effective in disrupting Nsp9's ssDNA-binding activity, as evidenced by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Molecular docking studies highlighted stigmast-5-en-3-ol and lupenone, major components in the leaf extract of , as potential inhibitors. The cytotoxic properties of leaf extract were examined across NSCLC lines H1975, A549, and H838, focusing on cell survival, apoptosis, and migration. Results showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect in the following order: H1975 > A549 > H838 cells, indicating specificity. Enhanced anticancer effects were observed when the extract was combined with afatinib, suggesting synergistic interactions. Flow cytometry indicated that leaf extract could induce G2 cell cycle arrest in H1975 cells, potentially inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) enabled the tentative identification of the 19 most abundant compounds in the leaf extract of . These outcomes underscore the dual utility of leaf extract in potentially managing SARS-CoV-2 infection through Nsp9 inhibition and offering anticancer benefits against lung carcinoma. These results significantly broaden the potential medical applications of leaf extract, suggesting its use not only in traditional remedies but also as a prospective treatment for pulmonary diseases. Overall, our findings position the leaf extract of as a promising source of natural compounds for anticancer therapeutics and antiviral therapies, warranting further investigation into its molecular mechanisms and potential clinical applications.
Topics: Humans; Plant Extracts; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; SARS-CoV-2; Plant Leaves; Lung Neoplasms; Molecular Docking Simulation; Cell Line, Tumor; Viral Nonstructural Proteins; A549 Cells; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; COVID-19; Apoptosis; Antiviral Agents
PubMed: 38892307
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116120 -
Polymers Jun 2024Chitin is a structural polysaccharide abundant in the biosphere. Chitin possesses a highly ordered crystalline structure that makes its processing a challenge. In this...
Chitin is a structural polysaccharide abundant in the biosphere. Chitin possesses a highly ordered crystalline structure that makes its processing a challenge. In this study, chitin hydrogels and methanogels, prepared by dissolution in calcium chloride/methanol, were subjected to supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO) to produce porous materials for use as scaffolds for osteoblasts. The control of the morphology, porosity, and physicochemical properties of the produced materials was performed according to the operational conditions, as well as the co-solvent addition. The dissolution of CO in methanol co-solvent improved the sorption of the compressed fluid into the hydrogel, rendering highly porous chitin scaffolds. The chitin crystallinity index significantly decreased after processing the hydrogel in supercritical conditions, with a significant effect on its swelling capacity. The use of scCO with methanol co-solvent resulted in chitin scaffolds with characteristics adequate to the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts.
PubMed: 38891515
DOI: 10.3390/polym16111569 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024L., a notable medicinal species in the tradition of the Balkan region, is a rich source of bioactive iridoids and phenolics previously described as high-resolution...
L., a notable medicinal species in the tradition of the Balkan region, is a rich source of bioactive iridoids and phenolics previously described as high-resolution taxonomical classifiers for the genus . However, their potential in investigating intra-species differentiation is here described for the first time. The aim was to recognize the sources of natural chemical diversity and their association with the genetic variability both within and among populations in the Central Balkans. Chemical diversity was assessed from methanol extracts and essential oils through untargeted and targeted metabolomics using state-of-the-art analytical tools, covering a broad spectrum of compounds that represent the metabolome. We found that chemodiversity primarily resides within populations of , and similar results were obtained at the DNA level using microsatellite markers. The low genetic and chemical differentiation of the studied populations implies that their metabolomic profiles may be less influenced by geographic distance and variable environmental conditions within the Central Balkans, as they are under the pivotal control of their genetic backgrounds. Screening the distribution of the major bioactive compounds belonging to phenolics (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and iridoids (both aglycones and glycosylated forms), within and among populations, is able to guarantee mass spectrometry-based tools for the selection of elite representative genotypes with practical importance. The knowledge acquired will allow us to delve deeper into the molecular background of chemical diversity, which is the course of our further work.
PubMed: 38891292
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111483 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024To the best of our knowledge, there was no prior report providing valuable preliminary data through a demonstration of the quantitative phytochemical and antioxidant...
To the best of our knowledge, there was no prior report providing valuable preliminary data through a demonstration of the quantitative phytochemical and antioxidant activity of The total contents of phenols, flavonoid, flavanol, tannin, and saponin were evaluated from different fractions extracted from the leaf, stem, and bark of by using standards such as gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, tannic acid, and saponin quillaja. The antioxidant potential was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide scavenging (HO), superoxide anion radical scavenging, metal chelating ferrous ion, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Data were subjected to half-inhibitory concentration (IC) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at < 0.05 as a significant value. The total phenol content was found to be highest in the chloroform extract of stem at 97.7 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g. The total flavonoid and flavonol contents in the aqueous extract were 97.1 ± 0.03 mg QE/g and 96.7 ± 0.07 mg RE/g, respectively. The total tannin content in the ethyl acetate extract of leaf was 97.5 ± 0.01 mg TAE/g, and the total saponin content in the methanol extract of stem was 79.1 ± 0.06 mg SQE/g. The antioxidant analysis indicated that IC and percentage (%) inhibition were dose-dependent and showed the highest antioxidant activity (40.9 ± 0.9 µg/mL) in methanol extract of leaf for DPPH, (88.8 ± 1.12 µg/mL) in the chloroform extract of stem for HO, (43.9 ± 0.15 µg/mL) in the aqueous extract of bark for superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, (26.9 ± 0.11 µg/mL) in the chloroform extract of leaf for the metal chelating ferrous ion activity, (7.55 ± 0.10 mg/mL) in the benzene extract of leaf for FRAP, and (2.97 ± 0.01 mg/mL) in the methanol extract of bark for TAC. These results show that has great potential in antioxidant activities. The isolation and characterization of specific bioactive compounds and the in vivo applicability of such activity await further extensive studies for drug discovery and development.
PubMed: 38891234
DOI: 10.3390/plants13111425 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024A miniaturized solid-phase extraction of two tropane alkaloids (TAs) and twenty-one pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) from infusions of dry edible flowers using optimized...
Simultaneous Determination of 23 Pyrrolizidine and Tropane Alkaloids in Infusions from Dry Edible Flowers Using Optimized μSPEed Microextraction Prior to Their Analysis by UHPLC-IT-MS/MS.
A miniaturized solid-phase extraction of two tropane alkaloids (TAs) and twenty-one pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) from infusions of dry edible flowers using optimized µSPEed technique was developed. The optimization of the µSPEed methodology involved testing different cartridges and comparing various volumes and numbers of loading cycles. The final conditions allowed for a rapid extraction, taking only 3.5 min. This was achieved using a C18-ODS cartridge, conditioning with 100 µL of methanol (two cycles), loading 100 µL of the infusion sample (seven cycles), and eluting the analytes with 100 µL of methanol (two cycles). Prior to their analysis by UHPLC-IT-MS/MS, the extracts were evaporated and reconstituted in 100 µL of water (0.2% formic acid)/methanol (0.2% ammonia) 95:5 (/), allowing for a preconcentration factor of seven times. The methodology was successfully validated obtaining recoveries ranging between 87 and 97%, RSD of less than 12%, and MQL between 0.09 and 0.2 µg/L. The validated methodology was applied to twenty samples of edible flower infusions to evaluate the safety of these products. Two infusion samples obtained from and were contaminated with 0.16 and 0.2 µg/L of scopolamine (TA), respectively, while the infusion of was contaminated with intermedine and lycopsamine (PAs) below the MQL.
PubMed: 38890967
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111740 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) techniques have garnered significant attention as green and sustainable methods for obtaining biologically active substances from a... (Review)
Review
Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) techniques have garnered significant attention as green and sustainable methods for obtaining biologically active substances from a diverse array of plant byproducts. This paper comprehensively reviews the use of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) in obtaining bioactive compounds from various plant residues, including pomace, seeds, skins, and other agricultural byproducts. The main purpose of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is the selective isolation and recovery of compounds, such as polyphenols, essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, that have significant health-promoting properties. Using supercritical carbon dioxide as the solvent, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) not only eliminates the need for hazardous organic solvents, e.g., ethanol, and methanol, but also protects heat-sensitive bioactive compounds. Moreover, this green extraction technique contributes to waste valorisation by converting plant byproducts into value-added extracts with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This review highlights the advantages of SFE, including its efficiency, eco-friendliness, and production of residue-free extracts, while discussing potential challenges and future prospects for the utilisation of SFE in obtaining biologically active substances from plant byproducts.
PubMed: 38890941
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111713 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024In the last decade, "expressions" of grape marc spirits aged in wooden barrels of characteristic amber color and complex sensory attributes have been introduced. Yet...
In the last decade, "expressions" of grape marc spirits aged in wooden barrels of characteristic amber color and complex sensory attributes have been introduced. Yet studies on constituents migrating from the barrel to the beverage are scarce, and their metabolic profile remains unexplored. Furthermore, the literature on the assessment of their antioxidant activity is limited. NMR metabolomics and spectrophotometry have been implemented in 38 samples to elucidate the impact of the aging procedure on the metabolites' composition and establish whether these beverages exhibit antioxidant activity. Provenance was related to fusel alcohols, esters, acetaldehyde, methanol, saccharides, and 2-phenylethanol, while ethyl acetate and ethyl lactate contributed to discriminating samples of the same winery. Identified metabolites such as vanillin, syringaldehyde, and sinapaldehyde were related to the aging procedure. The maturation in the barrel was also associated with an increase in xylose, glucose, fructose, and arabinose. The antioxidant potential of the aged Greek grape marc spirits resulting from their maturation in oak barrels was highlighted. The metabolic profiling and antioxidant potential of aged Greek grape marc spirits were assessed for the first time. Finally, the enrichment of the aromatic region was noted with the presence of metabolites with a furanic and phenolic ring derived, respectively, from the polysaccharides' degradation or the thermal decomposition of lignin.
PubMed: 38890893
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111664 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024has long been favored for its remarkable nutritional and health-promoting benefits, and erinacine A is the key component responsible for the neuroprotective properties...
has long been favored for its remarkable nutritional and health-promoting benefits, and erinacine A is the key component responsible for the neuroprotective properties of . Establishing an efficient method for separating erinacine A from and screening the erinacine A-enriched strains is crucial to maximizing its benefits. Herein, we first reported that high-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC) is an effective method for separating high-purity erinacine A. Using a two-phase solvent system composed of -hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (4.5:5:4.5:5, ///), erinacine A with a purity of over 95% was separated. Then, we evaluated the content and yield of erinacine A in the liquid-fermented mycelia of germplasms. Both the content and yield of erinacine A varied greatly among the surveyed strains. The significant effect of the strain on the erinacine A content and yield was revealed by an analysis of variance. The highest erinacine A content and yield were observed in the mycelia of a wild strain HeG, reaching 42.16 mg/g and 358.78 mg/L, which is superior to the current highest outcomes achieved using submerged cultivation. The isolation method established and the strains screened in this study can be beneficial for the scaling up of erinacine A extraction and nutraceutical development to industrial levels.
PubMed: 38890878
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111649 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Bixin is the main carotenoid found in the outer portion of the seeds of L., commercially known as annatto. This compound is industrially employed in pharmaceutical,...
Bixin is the main carotenoid found in the outer portion of the seeds of L., commercially known as annatto. This compound is industrially employed in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food formulations as a natural dye to replace chemical additives. This study aimed to extract bixin from annatto seeds and obtain encapsulated bixin in a powder form, using freeze-drying encapsulation and maltodextrin as encapsulating agent. Bixin was extracted from annatto seeds employing successive washing with organic solvents, specifically hexane and methanol (1:1 /), followed by ethyl acetate and dichloromethane for subsequent washes, to effectively remove impurities and enhance bixin purity, and subsequent purification by crystallization, reaching 1.5 ± 0.2% yield (or approximately 15 mg of bixin per gram of seeds). Bixin was analyzed spectrophotometrically in different organic solvents (ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, dimethylsulfoxide, chloroform, hexane), and the solvents chosen were chloroform (used to solubilize bixin during microencapsulation) and hexane (used for spectrophotometric determination of bixin). Bixin was encapsulated according to a 2 experimental design to investigate the influence of the concentration of maltodextrin (20 to 40%) and bixin-to-matrix ratio (1:20 to 1:40) on the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and solubility of the encapsulated powder. Higher encapsulation efficiency was obtained at a maltodextrin concentration of 40% / and a bixin/maltodextrin ratio of 1:20, while higher solubility was observed at a maltodextrin concentration of 20% / for the same bixin/maltodextrin ratio. The encapsulation of this carotenoid by means of freeze-drying is thus recognized as an innovative and promising approach to improve its stability for further processing in pharmaceutical and food applications.
PubMed: 38890850
DOI: 10.3390/foods13111622 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024This study evaluated Aloe vera extract as a green inhibitor to prevent corrosion in seawater environments. A. vera extract was produced by maceration with...
This study evaluated Aloe vera extract as a green inhibitor to prevent corrosion in seawater environments. A. vera extract was produced by maceration with methanol-water at room temperature. Electrochemical techniques were used to evaluate the corrosion inhibitor effectiveness of the A. vera extract. The morphology of the corrosion products was analyzed by FE-SEM equipped with EDS and AFM. FT-IR and LCMS characterized the functional and structural groups in this extract. The electrochemical measurements show that A. vera extract could effectively reduce the corrosion of API 5L steel in seawater environments. Inhibition efficiency (IE) increases with increasing concentration. Optimal corrosion inhibition efficiency of around 83.75% (PDP) and 88.60% (EIS) was obtained by adding 300 mg L of extract at 310 K. Furthermore, the higher the concentration of A. vera extract, the greater the activation energy (E), with the highest activation energy being 48.24 kJ mol for the concentration of 300 mg L. Conversely, increasing the temperature and exposure duration reduces the corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE) values; the best exposure period was 30 min with 88.34% IE by a concentration of 300 mg L at 300 K. This corrosion inhibition is achieved by the adsorption process of A. vera bioactive on metal surfaces with a mixed inhibitor through a physisorption-chemisorption mechanism. This finding was confirmed by the smoother surface morphology of the steel treated with A. vera extract than without. This unveiling investigation found that A. vera extract has the potential to be an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor in the seawater environment.
Topics: Corrosion; Seawater; Steel; Aloe; Plant Extracts; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 38890467
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64715-z