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Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The leaves of industrial hemp, which have long been considered as a waste product, have been proven to contain numerous compounds that possess potential biological...
The leaves of industrial hemp, which have long been considered as a waste product, have been proven to contain numerous compounds that possess potential biological activity. One of the most interesting groups of compounds present are polyphenolic compounds, which, due to their specific structure, have a pronounced antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential. This study aimed to detect biological activity, including antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential, of water and water-alcoholic extracts of five commercially available hemp teas, followed by phytochemical profiling. Hemp aqueous and ethanolic extracts demonstrate potent antioxidant properties. Ethanol extracts are better scavengers of DPPH• and OH•, while aqueous extracts neutralize NO• better. Both types of extracts exhibit antioxidant potential in the catalase test and moderate XOD inhibition. Furthermore, aqueous extracts are potent α-amylase inhibitors, while ethanolic extracts demonstrate stronger anti-α-glucosidase activity, suggesting therapeutic potential for chronic diseases like insulin resistance or diabetes. Further detailed chemical characterization and in vivo studies are needed to validate these findings.
PubMed: 38931062
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121630 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024, popularly used in México, possesses bioactive lignans. These compounds are low in the bark, and its extraction endangers the life of the trees. The aim of the present...
, popularly used in México, possesses bioactive lignans. These compounds are low in the bark, and its extraction endangers the life of the trees. The aim of the present investigation was to search for alternative sources of cytotoxic compounds in . prepared as leaves and in vitro callus cultures. The friable callus of was established using a combination of plant growth regulators: 4 mgL of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 1 mgL Naphthaleneacetic Acid (NAA) and 1 mgL Zeatin. The maximum cell growth was at day 28 with a specific growth rate of μ = 0.059 days and duplication time td = 11.8 days. HPLC quantification of the dichloromethane callus biomass extract showed that Scopoletin, with a concentration of 10.7 µg g dry weight, was the main compound inducible as a phytoalexin by the addition of high concentrations of 2,4-D, as well as by the absence of nutrients in the culture medium. In this same extract, the compounds γ-sitosterol and stigmasterol were also identified by GC-MS analysis. Open column chromatography was used to separate and identify yatein, acetyl podophyllotoxin and 7',8'-dehydropodophyllotoxin in the leaves of the wild plant. Cytotoxic activity on four cancer cell lines was tested, with PC-3 prostate carcinoma (IC of 12.6 ± 4.6 µgmL) being the most sensitive to the wild-type plant extract and HeLa cervical carcinoma (IC of 72 ± 5 µgmL) being the most sensitive to the callus culture extract.
PubMed: 38931054
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121622 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024L. has been widely used by humans for centuries for various purposes, such as industrial, ceremonial, medicinal, and food. The bioactive components of L. can be...
L. has been widely used by humans for centuries for various purposes, such as industrial, ceremonial, medicinal, and food. The bioactive components of L. can be classified into two main groups: cannabinoids and terpenes. These bioactive components of L. leaf and inflorescence extracts were analyzed. Mice were systemically administered 30 mg/kg of L. leaf extract 1 h before lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, and behavioral tests were performed. We conducted an investigation into the oxygen saturation, oxygen tension, and degranulation of mast cells (MCs) in the deep cervical lymph nodes (DCLNs). To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of L. extracts in BV2 microglial cells, we assessed nitrite production and the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. The main bioactive components of the L. extracts were THCA (a cannabinoid) and β-caryophyllene (a terpene). L. leaf extract reduced the immobility time in the forced swimming test and increased sucrose preference in the LPS model, without affecting the total distance and time in the center in the open field test. Additionally, L. leaf extract improved oxygen levels and inhibited the degranulation of MCs in DCLNs. The L. extracts inhibited IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, nitrite, iNOS, and COX-2 expression in BV2 microglia cells. The efficacy of L. extracts was suggested to be due to the entourage effect of various bioactive phytochemicals. Our findings indicate that these extracts have the potential to be used as effective treatments for a variety of diseases associated with acute inflammatory responses.
PubMed: 38931051
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121619 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024In response to the global rise in antibiotic resistance and the prevalence of bacterial biofilm-related infections, the antibacterial efficacy of methanolic, ethanolic,...
In response to the global rise in antibiotic resistance and the prevalence of bacterial biofilm-related infections, the antibacterial efficacy of methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of 18 Lamiaceae plants from Serbia was evaluated. The total coumarins and triterpenes were detected spectrophotometrically, while a microdilution assay measured their effects on bacterial growth. Additionally, the impact of these extracts was assessed on PAO1 adhesion and invasion in human fibroblasts and biofilm formation and degradation. The alcoholic extracts had the highest phytochemical content, with and being the richest in coumarins and triterpenes, respectively. Gram-positive bacteria, particularly , were more susceptible to the extracts. ethanolic and methanolic extracts inhibited bacterial growth the most efficiently. Although the extracts did not inhibit bacterial adhesion, most ethanolic extracts significantly reduced bacterial invasion. and ethanolic extracts significantly inhibited biofilm formation, while extract was the most active in biofilm degradation. This study significantly contributes to the literature by examining the antibacterial activity of Lamiaceae extracts, addressing major literature gaps, and underscoring their antibacterial potential, particularly and ethanolic extracts, linking their efficacy to coumarins and triterpenes.
PubMed: 38931048
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121616 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Recent focus has been given to nanoparticles as an alternative fungicidal compound instead of chemical ones. More environmentally friendly ways of synthesis are the...
Recent focus has been given to nanoparticles as an alternative fungicidal compound instead of chemical ones. More environmentally friendly ways of synthesis are the highest priority regarding the antifungal agents in the agriculture sector. Therefore, in this research, hyssop () and sage () aqueous extracts were prepared and used as a reducing source in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Aqueous extracts and green synthesized AgNPs were examined for phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. Hyssop and sage extracts based AgNPs were analyzed using UV-vis spectrometry, SEM-EDS, and TEM-EDS. Antifungal activity against spp. isolates collected from different infected crops was determined. spp. isolates from strawberry, asparagus, pea, carrot, wheat, and rapeseed samples identified at the molecular level by translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1α) gene amplification and sequencing. Green synthesized AgNPs had lower phytochemical content, however higher antioxidant activity compared to pure extracts. Both hyssop and sage extracts are suitable reducing agents for AgNPs formation, and sage extract results in larger particle size. Aqueous hyssop extract had higher antifungal activity than aqueous sage extract. However, a 10% concentration of whole sage extract based AgNPs solution, added to the PDA medium, and a 5% concentration of hyssop extract based AgNPs inhibited spp. the most. was the most sensitive to all treatments among the other fungi.
PubMed: 38931043
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121611 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The treatment and management of diabetes mellitus (DM) with conventional therapies, such as insulin injections and oral hypoglycemic agents, present significant... (Review)
Review
The treatment and management of diabetes mellitus (DM) with conventional therapies, such as insulin injections and oral hypoglycemic agents, present significant challenges due to their side effects and burdensome administration. Therapies often manage symptoms rather than addressing insulin regulation, akin to medications like thiazolidinediones and glinides, which resemble many medicinal plants. Medicinal plants offer potential alternative treatments due to bioactive compounds targeting diabetes causes. We aimed to explore the antidiabetic potential of two medicinal plants, and L., by investigating their phytochemical constituents, medicinal uses, pharmacological actions, and mechanisms. This review followed specific guidelines and searched databases including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science for studies on medicinal plants and DM. Eligible studies underwent quality assessment and were categorized based on their design and interventions for data synthesis. This review identified the phytochemical constituents in and L., including tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and steroids, exerting antidiabetic effects through various mechanisms like antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, stimulation of insulin secretion, glucose regulation, and inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. and L. exhibit promising antidiabetic potential, offering alternative approaches to diabetes management. Polyherbalism, combining multiple plant extracts, may enhance therapeutic efficacy in diabetes treatment. Comprehensive research is needed to explore the combined therapeutic effects of these plants and develop more effective antidiabetic treatments. This review highlights the importance of harnessing natural resources to combat the global burden of DM. Further research is warranted to fully explore the combined therapeutic effects of these plants and develop novel treatments.
PubMed: 38931040
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121608 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Despite its well-known fragrance in cosmetics and medicine, a complete understanding of the phytochemical properties within by-products generated during commercial...
Despite its well-known fragrance in cosmetics and medicine, a complete understanding of the phytochemical properties within by-products generated during commercial extraction of Damask rose remains elusive. Cultivated in Thailand for their essential oil, Damask rose varieties, including Mon Dang Prasert, Mon Klai Kangwon, and Bishop's Castle, share phenylethyl alcohol (57.62-61.11%) as the dominant component, which is responsible for their characteristic floral, sweet, rosy, and bready aroma. Through a circular hydro-distillation process, three different by-product fractions, including distilled water (D), hydrosol (H), and rose dreg (R), were recovered. Subsequently, we assessed their pharmaceutical potential, including the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenesis properties of these residual substances. The H fraction displayed the highest total phenolics (10.56 mgGAE/g) and flavonoids (6.93 mgCE/g) and significant antioxidant activity (IC, 0.67-0.97 µg/mL). While the H fraction inhibited melanin formation at 50 μg/mL, the R fraction of MK (100 μg/mL) surprisingly promoted melanin production in B16-F10 cells. Nevertheless, the antimicrobial assay against , , , , , and revealed no antimicrobial activity in any fraction. Murine macrophage stimulation (J774A.1) with lipopolysaccharide revealed no anti-inflammatory effects from the by-products, as measured by IL-1β production. In summary, the H fraction exhibited the highest level of phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities. Therefore, this by-product is a desirable choice for the development of value-added products such as functional food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
PubMed: 38931037
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121605 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Species belonging to the genus (Apiaceae) have been used by humanity since ancient times as flavoring agents, preservatives, and medicines for the treatment of a broad... (Review)
Review
Species belonging to the genus (Apiaceae) have been used by humanity since ancient times as flavoring agents, preservatives, and medicines for the treatment of a broad spectrum of conditions, including respiratory, digestive and kidney disorders, fungi infections, wounds, and gastric ulcers. Phytochemical studies on this botanical genus mainly investigate the essential oil composition and reveal the species as a rich source of volatile compounds, including monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids. Among the non-volatile secondary metabolites, flavonoids, coumarins, phenolic acids, phytosterols, and polyacetylenes have been identified. Pharmacological studies revealed extracts and essential oils exhibit different biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. However, compared to other genera, the biological activity and chemical diversity of this genus are not well studied. In future decades, it is highly likely that the small genus will play an important role in drug discovery and drug development.
PubMed: 38931031
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121599 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Salinity stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity worldwide, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. This study investigated the phytochemical...
Salinity stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity worldwide, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and potential of grape seed extract (GSE) to mitigate salinity stress effects on faba bean plants. GC-MS analysis revealed several bioactive components in GSE, predominantly fatty acids. GSE was rich in essential nutrients and possessed a high antioxidant capacity. After 14 days of germination, GSE was applied as a foliar spray at different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/L) to mitigate the negative effects of salt stress (150 mM NaCl) on faba bean plants. Foliar application of 2-8 g/L GSE significantly enhanced growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of salt-stressed bean plants compared to the control. The Fv/Fm ratio, indicating photosynthetic activity, also improved with GSE treatment under salinity stress compared to the control. GSE effectively alleviated the oxidative stress induced by salinity, reducing malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, praline, and glycine betaine levels. Total soluble proteins, amino acids, and sugars were enhanced in GSE-treated, salt-stressed plants. GSE treatment under salinity stress modulated the total antioxidant capacity, antioxidant responses, and enzyme activities such as peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase compared to salt-stressed plants. Gene expression analysis revealed GSE (6 g/L) upregulated photosynthesis (chlorophyll a/b-binding protein of LHCII type 1-like () and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain-like ()) and carbohydrate metabolism (cell wall invertase I () genes) while downregulating stress response genes (ornithine aminotransferase () and ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 ()) in salt-stressed bean plants. The study demonstrates GSE's usefulness in mitigating salinity stress effects on bean plants by modulating growth, physiology, and gene expression patterns, highlighting its potential as a natural approach to enhance salt tolerance.
PubMed: 38931028
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121596 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The Ecuadorian Amazon harbors numerous wild and cultivated species used as food, many of which are underutilized. This review explores the bioactive potential of five... (Review)
Review
The Ecuadorian Amazon harbors numerous wild and cultivated species used as food, many of which are underutilized. This review explores the bioactive potential of five such fruits-Borojó (); Chonta (); Arazá (); Amazon grape (), a wild edible plant; and Cocona ()-and their applications against metabolic syndrome. This study highlights their health-promoting ingredients and validates traditional medicinal properties, emphasizing their significance in improving health and mitigating the effects of the Western diet. These fruits, integral to Ecuadorian cuisine, are consumed fresh and processed. Chonta is widely cultivated but less prominent than in pre-Hispanic times, Borojó is known for its aphrodisiac properties, Cocona is traditional in northern provinces, Arazá is economically significant in food products, and Amazon grape is the least utilized and researched. The fruits are rich in phenolics (, ) and carotenoids (, ), which are beneficial in controlling metabolic syndrome. This study advocates for more research and product development, especially for lesser-known species with high phenolic and anthocyanin content. This research underscores the economic, cultural, and nutritional value of these fruits, promoting their integration into modern diets and contributing to sustainable agriculture, cultural preservation, and public health through functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Topics: Metabolic Syndrome; Fruit; Functional Food; Humans; Ecuador; Plant Extracts; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 38930969
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122904