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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The genus Strophantus belongs to the Apocynaceae family of flowering plants which grows primarily in tropical Africa. The plants are widely used in traditional herbal... (Review)
Review
The genus Strophantus belongs to the Apocynaceae family of flowering plants which grows primarily in tropical Africa. The plants are widely used in traditional herbal medicine. , in particular, is used for the treatment of, e.g., joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis, wound infections, head lice, diarrhea, snake bite, and eye conditions. Despite its widespread use, dedicated research characterizing its bioactive plant components is scarce. Investigations have focused mainly on its cardenolides because of their cardioactivity and historical use as cardiotonic. There are also studies concerning the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of plant extracts. This review summarizes the present knowledge surrounding the biochemical and analytical research on Strophantus, in general, and , in particular, and describes the current state of the field based on the available scientific literature.
Topics: Plant Extracts; Humans; Apocynaceae; Antioxidants; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Phytochemicals; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38930911
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122847 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The Lamiaceae family, which includes several well-known aromatic plants, is scientifically relevant due to its essential oils (EOs). In this work, four EOs from...
The Lamiaceae family, which includes several well-known aromatic plants, is scientifically relevant due to its essential oils (EOs). In this work, four EOs from Mediterranean species, namely L., L., L., and L., were evaluated for their volatile profiles and the biological activity in vitro to assess their potential use in the food and cosmetic sector. GC/MS analysis revealed dominant compounds, such as carvacrol, thymol, and eucalyptol. Regarding biological action, the samples exhibited antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities, with and standing out. showed the lowest EC in the reducing power assay, and had the lowest EC in the DPPH assay. Most EOs also displayed excellent anti-inflammatory responses and antifungal properties, with and also demonstrating antibacterial activity. All EOs from Mediterranean species showed cytotoxicity against tumoral cell lines. Overall, the selected EOs stood out for their interesting bioactivities, with the obtained results underscoring their potential as natural preservatives and bioactive agents in various industrial applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Topics: Oils, Volatile; Lamiaceae; Antioxidants; Humans; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Origanum; Salvia officinalis; Cell Line, Tumor; Thymus Plant; Anti-Infective Agents; Plants, Edible; Plant Oils; Thymol; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Cymenes
PubMed: 38930892
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122827 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The Equisetaceae family, commonly known as horsetails, has been of scientific interest for decades due to its status as one of the most ancient extant vascular plant...
The Equisetaceae family, commonly known as horsetails, has been of scientific interest for decades due to its status as one of the most ancient extant vascular plant families. Notably, the corresponding species have found their place in traditional medicine, offering a wide array of applications. This study presents a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of polar secondary metabolites within the sterile stems of five distinct species using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. For this purpose, fresh plant material was extracted with acetone/water, and the resulting crude extracts were fractionated using dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and -butanol, respectively. The results reveal a complex array of compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds. In addition, total phenolic contents (Folin-Ciocalteu assay) and antioxidant activities (DPPH assay) of the plant extracts were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. The present comparative analysis across the five species highlights both shared and species-specific metabolites, providing valuable insights into their chemical diversity and potential pharmacological properties.
Topics: Antioxidants; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Equisetum; Plant Stems; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Phenols; Flavonoids
PubMed: 38930889
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122821 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This research aimed to encapsulate the fruit extract to increase its stability for incorporation into food products such as jelly or jelly powder. After extraction, the...
This research aimed to encapsulate the fruit extract to increase its stability for incorporation into food products such as jelly or jelly powder. After extraction, the nanoliposomes containing the extract were prepared in ratios of 60-0, 50-10, 40-20, and 30-30 lecithin-to-cholesterol. The effects of lecithin-to-cholesterol concentrations on the related parameters were then evaluated. The results showed that the average particle size was in the range of 95.05 to 164.25 nm, and with an increasing cholesterol concentration, the particle size of the nanoliposomes increased. The addition of cholesterol increased the zeta potential from -60.40 to -68.55 millivolt. Furthermore, cholesterol led to an increase in encapsulation efficiency, and even improved the stability of phenolic compounds loaded in nanoliposomes during storage time. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful loading of the extract. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis revealed nano-sized spherical and almost-elliptical liposomes. For jelly powders, the water solubility index ranged from 39.5 to 43.7% ( > 0.05), and the hygroscopicity values ranged between 1.22 and 9.36 g/100 g ( < 0.05). In conclusion, nanoencapsulated extract displayed improved stability and can be used in jelly preparation without any challenge or unfavorable perception.
Topics: Liposomes; Plant Extracts; Capparis; Particle Size; Nanoparticles; Lecithins; Cholesterol; Drug Compounding; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Solubility
PubMed: 38930869
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122804 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Turmeric () contains curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). Nevertheless, curcumin is the most researched active ingredient for its numerous...
Turmeric () contains curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). Nevertheless, curcumin is the most researched active ingredient for its numerous pharmacological effects. We investigated the impact of these curcuminoids found in Ryudai gold, an approved cultivar of , on wound healing, inflammation, and diabetes. Sub-planter injections of carrageenan induced acute paw inflammation in rats. The wound-healing ability of 1% curcuminoids was examined by making a 6 mm round wound on the shaved dorsum of the mice with a biopsy punch. A single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes in mice. Curcuminoids at a dose rate of 100 mg/kg body weight were used with feed and as a gastric gavage to treat diabetes and inflammation in experimental animals. Paw thickness was measured at 1, 3, and 6 h following carrageenan injection. After three hours, mean paw volume was 58% in carrageenan-injected mice, which was 35%, 37%, and 31% in the curcumin, DMC, and BDMC groups, respectively. Histopathology of the paw tissue demonstrated severe infiltration of inflammatory cells and thickening of the dermis, which were remarkably improved by the curcuminoids. The wound-healing abilities were significantly higher in the curcumin- (95.0%), DMC- (93.17%), and BDMC-treated (89.0%) groups, in comparison to that of the control (65.09%) group at day nine. There were no significant differences in wound-healing activity among the groups treated with 1% curcuminoids throughout the study. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes was characterized by an increased blood glucose (552.2 mg/dL) and decreased body weight (31.2 g), compared to that of the control rats (145.6 mg/dL and 46.8 g blood glucose and body weight, respectively). It also caused an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT; 44.2 U/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 55.8 U/L) compared to that of the control group (18.6 U/L and 20.1 U/L, respectively). Histopathological examination of the liver showed that diabetes caused hepatic cellular necrosis, congestion of the central vein, and parenchymatous degeneration. However, all three curcuminoids significantly decreased blood glucose levels, ALT, and AST and improved the histopathological score of the liver. These results evidenced that not only curcumin but also DMC and BDMC have potent anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and anti-diabetic efficacy, and the Ryudai gold variety of turmeric could be used as a functional food supplement.
Topics: Animals; Curcuma; Wound Healing; Mice; Rats; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Hypoglycemic Agents; Curcumin; Male; Plant Extracts; Carrageenan; Inflammation; Diarylheptanoids
PubMed: 38930859
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122795 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Grape marc is a by-product resulting from the winemaking industry that still contains beneficial compounds that can be valorized. Thus, we report here the possibility of...
Grape marc is a by-product resulting from the winemaking industry that still contains beneficial compounds that can be valorized. Thus, we report here the possibility of using polyphenolic extracts of grape marc origin to obtain sun protection creams. The extractions were performed in ethanol and acetone solutions using pomace from different grape varieties (Merlot, Bläufrankisch, Fetească Neagră, Isabella) as a raw material. The obtained extracts were analyzed in order to determine the total phenolic content, the antioxidant activity, and the sun protection factor (SPF) via Mansur spectrophotometric assay. The best results were achieved using 70% ethanol in water as a solvent. The extracts with the highest potential photoprotective effects are from the Merlot variety (SPF = 7.83 ± 0.76). The sunscreens were prepared using the 70% ethanolic extract of the Merlot variety evaporated to dryness, redissolved in either distilled water or ethanol. The SPF estimated in vitro via the COLIPA method showed values of 14.07 ± 1.50 and 11.46 ± 1.32 for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively, when working with a cream to polyphenolic extract a ratio of 1/1 (/). At the same time, the use of aqueous polyphenolic extracts ensures the better stability of creams compared with the ethanolic ones.
Topics: Sunscreening Agents; Vitis; Plant Extracts; Antioxidants; Cosmetics; Polyphenols; Wine; Biological Products; Sun Protection Factor
PubMed: 38930846
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122775 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Organic phosphoester (OPE) antioxidants are currently required due to their contribution to enhancing the quality of polymers, including polypropylene (PP). In this...
Organic phosphoester (OPE) antioxidants are currently required due to their contribution to enhancing the quality of polymers, including polypropylene (PP). In this research, an integral methodology is presented for the efficient extraction of bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite from industrial wastewater. Upon employing the solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique, the recovered compound is subjected to a comprehensive analysis of the recovered compound using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), thermal analysis (TGA), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Subsequently, purified Bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite was evaluated as a thermo-oxidative stabilizer after incorporation into PP resins. The relative standard deviation (RSD), Error (Er), linearity (R), and percentage (%) recovery were less than 2.6, 2.5, more significant than 0.9995, and greater than 96%, respectively, for the inter-day and intra-day tests of the chromatographic method and the SPE. Except for chloroform, which was necessary due to the solubility properties of the investigated analyte, the use of environmentally friendly solvents, such as methanol and acetonitrile, was considered during the development of this research. The OPE extracted from industrial wastewater was characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis, DSC, TGA, and MS, allowing the elucidation of the structure of Bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite (BDPD). The recovered OPE was mixed with PP resins, allowing it to improve its thermal properties and minimize its thermo-oxidative degradation. Organophosphorus flame retardant (OPE)' concentration in wastewater is alarming, ranging from 1179.0 to 4709.6 mg L. These exceed toxicity thresholds for aquatic organisms, emphasizing global environmental risks. Using a validated solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique with over 94% recovery, the study addresses concerns by removing organic contaminants and supporting circular economy principles. The high economic and environmental significance of recovering BDPD underscores the need for urgent global attention and intervention.
PubMed: 38930844
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122780 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The objective of this research was to optimize the natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) extraction process from sour cherry kernels ( L.). For polyphenol isolation,...
The objective of this research was to optimize the natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) extraction process from sour cherry kernels ( L.). For polyphenol isolation, conventional solid-liquid extraction was employed using different concentrations of ethanol (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 96%), as well as the innovative NADES extraction technique. In the initial phase of the research, a screening of 10 different NADESs was conducted, while extraction was carried out under constant parameters (50 °C, 1:20 /, 60 min). NADES 4, composed of lactic acid and glucose in a molar ratio of 5:1, exhibited the highest efficiency in the polyphenol isolation. In the subsequent phase of the research, response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize the extraction process. Three independent variables, namely temperature, extraction time, and solid-liquid (S/L) ratio, were examined at three different levels. The extracted samples were analyzed for total phenol (TP) and antioxidant activity using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. ANOVA and descriptive statistics (R and CV) were performed to fit the applied model. According to RSM, the optimal extraction conditions were determined as follows: temperature of 70 °C, extraction time of 161 min, and S/L ratio of 1:25 /.
Topics: Polyphenols; Prunus avium; Antioxidants; Deep Eutectic Solvents; Plant Extracts; Solvents
PubMed: 38930830
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122766 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The content of chemical constituents in leaf extracts correlates positively with biological activities. The experimental objective was to carry out the phytochemical...
The content of chemical constituents in leaf extracts correlates positively with biological activities. The experimental objective was to carry out the phytochemical screening and purification of the major polyphenols from the leaves of . In addition, the anti- activity of the hydroalcoholic extract, fraction, subfractions and polyphenols purified were evaluated. After partitioning of the extract with ethyl acetate, the fractions were chromatographed on Sephadex LH-20 gel followed by RP-flash chromatography and monitored by TLC and RP-HPLC. The samples were characterized by mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS) and subjected to the microdilution method in 96-well plates against strains of , and . Myricitrin (93.89%; /; / 463.0876), gallic acid (99.9%; /; / 169.0142), and ellagic acid (94.2%; /; / 300.9988) were recovered. The polyphenolic fraction (62.67% (/) myricitrin) and the ellagic fraction (67.86% (/) ellagic acid) showed the best antifungal performance (MIC between 62.50 and 500 μg/mL), suggesting an association between the majority constituents and the antifungal response of derivatives. However, there is a clear dependence on the presence of the complex chemical mixture. In conclusion, chromatographic strategies were effectively employed to recover the major polyphenols from the leaves of the species.
Topics: Polyphenols; Eugenia; Plant Leaves; Antifungal Agents; Plant Extracts; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Candida; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Gallic Acid
PubMed: 38930827
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122761 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024In this study, a beverage made from a combination of sap (AS) and prickly pear juice (PPJ) was analyzed for its nutrients and bioactive and potentially health-promoting...
In this study, a beverage made from a combination of sap (AS) and prickly pear juice (PPJ) was analyzed for its nutrients and bioactive and potentially health-promoting compounds. The beverage was evaluated for its ability to act as an antioxidant, regulate glycemic properties, and undergo gut bacterial fermentation in vitro. The major mono- and oligosaccharides present in the beverage were galacturonic acid (217.74 ± 13.46 mg/100 mL), rhamnose (227.00 ± 1.58 mg/100 mL), and fructose (158.16 ± 8.86 mg/mL). The main phenolic compounds identified were protocatechuic acid (440.31 ± 3.06 mg/100 mL) and catechin (359.72 ± 7.56 mg/100 mL). It was observed that the beverage had a low glycemic index (<40) and could inhibit digestive carbohydrases. The combination of ingredients also helped to reduce gas production during AS fermentation from 56.77 cm to 15.67 cm. The major SCFAs produced during fermentation were butyrate, acetate, and propionate, with valerate being produced only during the late fermentation of the AS. This beverage is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and dietary fiber, which will bring health benefits when consumed.
Topics: Agave; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Antioxidants; Fermentation; Hydroxybenzoates; Polyphenols; Pyrus; Phenols; Rhamnose; Catechin; Hexuronic Acids
PubMed: 38930808
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122742