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Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants
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Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Biological Processes and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 May 2023) | Viewed by 33461

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Fuad Al-Rimawi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Al-Quds University, P.O. Box 51000, Jerusalem, Palestine
Interests: plant extracts; phytochemistry; pharmacognosy; biological activities; antioxidant activities; polyphenolic and flavonoid content; analysis of phytochemicals by HPLC and GC

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Herbal and medicinal plants are coming under the spotlight worldwide due to the growing interest in their bioactive compounds and beneficial health properties. According to the World Health Organization in 2013, around 80% of the world’s population uses herbal medicine for the treatment of diseases and in primary health care in cases where conventional medicine has not yet been developed. Thus, herbal medicines are being used by humans to treat various different diseases. Presently, medicinal herbal plants provide therapeutic potential to cure different alignments of diseases. They are acknowledged for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The antioxidant properties play a significant role in preventing different diseases, and the phenolic content of medicinal plants possesses different pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

There are many different bioactive compounds in these plants, which are called secondary metabolites and include polyphenols, flavonoids, lignins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and carotenoids. In addition to their biological activities, e.g., antibacterial activities, polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids play an important role in the inhibition of lipid oxidation in food, due to their antioxidant activity, in addition to a significant role in pest dissemination.

This Special Issue welcomes manuscripts in different fields related to the phytochemical and biological activities of plants, including (but not limited to) research on the following topics: analysis of bioactive of secondary metabolites using different chromatographic separation techniques such as HPLC, GC, HPLC/MS, and GC/MS, determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as antioxidant activities of plant extracts, biological activities of plant extracts, e.g., antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory activities, etc.

Dr. Fuad Al-Rimawi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • plant extracts
  • medicinal plants
  • bioactive compounds
  • secondary metabolites analysis
  • HPLC and LC/MS
  • GC and GC/MS
  • biological activities

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 627 KiB  
Article
Drug Formulation of Securigera securidaca Seed Extracts
by Mohamed E. M. Abdelbagi, Ghassab M. Al-Mazaideh, Adil Elhag Ahmed, Fuad Al-Rimawi, Haya Ayyal Salman, Abdulrahman Almutairi, Faraj Ahmad Abuilaiwi and Fadel Wedian
Processes 2023, 11(7), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11071955 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1063
Abstract
S. securidaca seeds are reported to treat a variety of diseases; they contain multiple antidiabetic constituents and are widely used as anti-hyperglycemic, antibacterial, as well as anti-hyperlipidemic agents. The present work aimed to propose tablet formulations containing extracts of S. securidaca seeds in [...] Read more.
S. securidaca seeds are reported to treat a variety of diseases; they contain multiple antidiabetic constituents and are widely used as anti-hyperglycemic, antibacterial, as well as anti-hyperlipidemic agents. The present work aimed to propose tablet formulations containing extracts of S. securidaca seeds in an attempt to obtain antibacterial and anti-hyperglycemic formulations with a more efficient oral hypoglycemic impact, limited side effects, and higher patient compliance for the first time, resulting in multiple benefits. Tablet formulations were created by encapsulating granules from S. securidaca seed extracts with varying concentrations of sodium starch glycolate as a super-disintegrant (0–3%). The final formulations were examined for weight variation, solubility, hardness, water content, disintegration time, friability, drug content (trigonelline and diosgenin), and in vitro drug release. The S. securidaca tablet formulations completed the weight test because the percentage deviation in the personal tablet weight and mechanical resistance from the mean were identified to be within the average range. In accordance with the results, formulations containing diosgenin as well as trigonelline as a super-disintegrant were identified as the ideal formulations. The amount of the active substance released from the tablet (S. securidaca seed extract formulation) was consistent throughout the results with the standard methods recommended by the FDA (94.05%) for diosgenin and 87.25% for trigonelline after 45 min. The acceptable limit, according to the FDA, is not more than (N.L.T.) 80% after 45 min for phase #1. The present study aimed to obtain an optimized formula for S. securidaca extract tablets that met the requirements of a good pharmaceutical preparation according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and National Formulary (NF). This has important implications for the development of novel, effective treatments and significantly advances the development of natural medicine. Our findings are expected to be of interest to researchers, clinicians, and other experts in this field of study. Based on these findings, it can be inferred that the formulation of S. securidaca seed extracts with appropriate and compatible herbal dosage forms has fewer side effects and is more effective than traditional treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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19 pages, 2283 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Efficacy of Identified Phytochemicals Solasodine, Lupeol and Quercetin from Solanum xanthocarpum against the RgpB Protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis—A Molecular Docking and Simulation Analysis
by Deepavalli Arumuganainar, Gopinath Subramanian, Santhosh Basavarajappa, Mohamed Ibrahim Hashem, Kurumathur Vasudevan Arun, Subbusamy Kanakasabapathy Balaji, Pradeep Kumar Yadalam, Baskar Venkidasamy and Ramachandran Vinayagam
Processes 2023, 11(7), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11071887 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1168
Abstract
Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent oral conditions associated with severe complications in the oral cavity. These inflammatory diseases are caused by the oral microbiome and are influenced by several factors, such as aging, tobacco usage, systemic illness and inadequate oral hygiene. Plant-derived phytochemicals [...] Read more.
Periodontal diseases are highly prevalent oral conditions associated with severe complications in the oral cavity. These inflammatory diseases are caused by the oral microbiome and are influenced by several factors, such as aging, tobacco usage, systemic illness and inadequate oral hygiene. Plant-derived phytochemicals are extensively utilized in managing various periodontal diseases due to the presence of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Plant materials have shifted attention from conventional medicine to indigenous medicine. Solanum xanthocarpum is a medicinal herb found in India. It exhibits various pharmacological properties essential for periodontal disease prevention and management. The current work analyzes various pharmacological properties of S. xanthocarpum aqueous extract. The S. xanthocarpum extracts’ antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties were ascertained by DPPH assay, HRBC membrane stabilization assay and disk diffusion assay, respectively. S. xanthocarpum’s active phytochemical components were detected using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) estimation. Furthermore, molecular docking and simulation analysis were conducted to determine the interaction between phytocompounds and the RgpB protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Phytocompounds possessing anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were detected through GC-MS estimation. The molecular docking and simulation analysis revealed the inhibitory mechanisms of the phytocompounds Solasodine, Lupeol and Quercetin against arginine-specific gingipain RgpB protein. Insilico analysis revealed that Lupeol had the highest binding energy of −263.879 Kcal/mol among the phytocompounds studied, followed by Solasodine with a binding energy of −102.457 Kcal/mol and Quercetin with a binding energy of 33.6821 Kcal/mol. The study revealed that S. xanthocarpum has significant potential as an herbal remedy for preventing and treating periodontal diseases. This may facilitate drug development in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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22 pages, 2844 KiB  
Article
Exploring Securigera securidaca Seeds as a Source of Potential CDK1 Inhibitors: Identification of Hippeastrine and Naringenin as Promising Hit Candidates
by Mohamed E. M. Abdelbagi, Ghassab M. Al-Mazaideh, Adil Elhag Ahmed, Fuad Al-Rimawi, Haya Ayyal Salman, Abdulrahman Almutairi, Faraj Ahmad Abuilaiwi and Fadel Wedian
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051478 - 12 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1464
Abstract
CDK1 (cyclin dependent kinase 1) is a key regulator of the cell cycle and is frequently dysregulated in cancer, making it a promising target for anticancer therapy. Securigera securidaca L. (S. securidaca) seeds, traditionally used in folk medicine for various ailments [...] Read more.
CDK1 (cyclin dependent kinase 1) is a key regulator of the cell cycle and is frequently dysregulated in cancer, making it a promising target for anticancer therapy. Securigera securidaca L. (S. securidaca) seeds, traditionally used in folk medicine for various ailments including cancer, were examined for their potential as CDK1/Cks2 inhibitors using in silico approaches. A total of 14 phytocompounds was identified in the GC/MS chromatogram, with gingerone being the most abundant at 25.67% and hippeastrine the least at 2%. Major constituents of the essential extract, including gingerol, eugenol, α-curcumene, and gingerol, showed high values and made up 52% of the total content of the volatile extract. Molecular docking and ADMET studies suggested that hippeastrine and naringenin are potential hit candidates against CDK1, exhibiting good drug-like properties and molecular interactions with desirable pharmacokinetic and toxicological characteristics close to dinaciclib. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that both compounds exhibited stable conformations inside the binding site over the 100 ns MD simulation, suggesting they may stabilize the protein structure by reducing the flexibility of the CDK1 backbone. Additionally, MM-PBSA calculations further supported the stability of hippeastrine and naringenin in CDK1 complexes. Overall, these findings suggest that hippeastrine and naringenin are potential hit candidates for CDK1 inhibition, providing valuable insight into their binding and stability within the active site of CDK1. Further investigation of these compounds with in vitro and in vivo assays is warranted to assess their potential as CDK1 inhibitors for cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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12 pages, 2351 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assessment of Abutilon pannosum Chloroform Fraction and Its Phytoconstituents Analysis
by Mohammed Al-zharani, Fahd A. Nasr, Ibrahim O. Barnawi, Omar M. Noman, Rashed N. Herqash, Sami A. Alsufyani, Ashraf Ahmed Qurtam, Hassan A. Rudayni, Mohammed S. Aleissa and Ali S. Alqahtani
Processes 2023, 11(5), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11051306 - 23 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1626
Abstract
Plants continue to play a critical role in the discovery of effective compounds, especially anticancer drugs. Abutilon pannosum has been historically used as a therapeutic plant in the medicinal system. In this study, an ethanolic crude extract was prepared from the dried powder [...] Read more.
Plants continue to play a critical role in the discovery of effective compounds, especially anticancer drugs. Abutilon pannosum has been historically used as a therapeutic plant in the medicinal system. In this study, an ethanolic crude extract was prepared from the dried powder of A. pannosum and subsequently fractionated to produce chloroform, butanol, and water fractions. The crude extract and fractions were tested for their cytotoxic action against various cancer cells using the MTT assay. Additionally, the effect of the most promising fraction on the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction was studied using flow cytometry and RT-PCR. Western blotting was employed to confirm the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. The chemical constituents of the most promising fraction were further analyzed by GC-MS. Among all the tested extracts, the A. pannosum chloroform fraction (APCF) exhibited the most potent activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 50 µg/mL. The growth inhibition of the MCF-7 cells was found to be linked with cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Moreover, apoptosis was confirmed as a cell death mode using the FITC-annexin/PI assay, as well as the upregulation of proapoptotic genes, including Bax and caspase-7, and downregulation of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 gene. The most abundant phytoconstituents revealed by the GC-MS analysis were palmitic acid (50.46%), quinic acid (11.84%), alpha-d-glucopyranoside (11.15%), parthenolide (9.65%), and phytol (6.65%). Our in vitro assessment indicates that A. pannosum could be a potential source of anticancer agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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14 pages, 2239 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Composition and Insight into Antibacterial Potential of Origanum vulgare Essential Oil from Saudi Arabia Using In Vitro and In Silico Approaches
by Omkulthom Al kamaly, Ashwag S. Alanazi, Raffaele Conte and Hamada Imtara
Processes 2023, 11(3), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11030650 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1988
Abstract
In Saudi Arabia, Origanum vulgare is widely disseminated. In the present work, we used GC-MS analysis to identify the components of Origanum vulgare essential oil. The disc diffusion assay was used to assess the essential oil’s in vitro antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive and [...] Read more.
In Saudi Arabia, Origanum vulgare is widely disseminated. In the present work, we used GC-MS analysis to identify the components of Origanum vulgare essential oil. The disc diffusion assay was used to assess the essential oil’s in vitro antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial efficacy against many microbial proteins, including tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS), DNA gyrase, and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), was further evaluated using molecular docking. Eighteen compounds were identified using GC-MS analysis, which constituted 99.81% of the total essential oil content. Terpinen-4-ol (34.3%), Beta-Terpineol (16.96%), 3-Epimoretenol (11.84%), and Alpha-Terpineol (3.86%) were the main substances identified. According to the antibacterial investigation, the inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus was 8 mm and 6 mm against Escherichia coli. High affinities were found between 3-Epimoretenol and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) compared to positive controls (Clorobiocin, SCHEMBL2181345); the affinity values were −8.3 Kcal/mol and −9.2, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that Origanum vulgare essential oil can be used as a nutraceutical to treat infectious diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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13 pages, 2558 KiB  
Article
Protective Effect of Annona muricata Linn Fruit Pulp Lyophilized Powder against Paracetamol-Induced Redox Imbalance and Hepatotoxicity in Rats
by Seema Menon, Rasha A. Al-Eisa, Hamida Hamdi, Lincy Lawrence, P. S. Syamily, Vipin P. Sivaram, Jose Padikkala, Shaji E. Mathew and Arunaksharan Narayanankutty
Processes 2023, 11(1), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11010276 - 14 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2153
Abstract
In the current investigation, Annona muricata Linn. lyophilized fruit pulp powder was evaluated for its hepatoprotective activity induced by paracetamol or acetaminophen (APAP). Male Sprague Dawley rats were orally pre-treated for 15 days with A. muricata lyophilized fruit pulp powder at low (1 [...] Read more.
In the current investigation, Annona muricata Linn. lyophilized fruit pulp powder was evaluated for its hepatoprotective activity induced by paracetamol or acetaminophen (APAP). Male Sprague Dawley rats were orally pre-treated for 15 days with A. muricata lyophilized fruit pulp powder at low (1 g/kg b.wt) and high doses (2 g/kg b.wt). Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was administered as the standard drug. Hepatotoxicity was induced using APAP, in a single oral administration of 2.5 g/kg body weight dosage on the 15th day. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were elevated in the APAP group but were found to be significantly reduced in the pre-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. APAP administration brought down the serum total protein and albumin levels significantly. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were reduced in the APAP administration; further, the reduced glutathione pool in the tissue was also diminished significantly. However, with the administration of Annona lyophilized fruit pulp powder, the level of antioxidant parameters was near normal. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in the APAP group, while the silymarin, AML, and AMH groups exhibited resistance to lipid peroxidation (LPO), as evident from lower levels of LPO generated. Histopathological examination also revealed considerable tissue damage in the APAP alone treatment group, which was not devastating in the silymarin, AML, and AMH groups. Altogether, the study concludes that the lyophilized fruit pulp of A. muricata is protective against APAP-induced liver injury in rats by modulating the hepatic redox systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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11 pages, 1982 KiB  
Article
Oroxylum indicum Vent Root Bark Extract Inhibits the Proliferation of Cancer Cells and Induce Apoptotic Cell Death
by Seema Menon, Jawaher J. Albaqami, Hamida Hamdi, Lincy Lawrence, Jose Padikkala, Shaji E. Mathew and Arunaksharan Narayanankutty
Processes 2023, 11(1), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11010188 - 6 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1769
Abstract
Oroxylum indicum Vent is a medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the family Bignoniaceae. The roots of this tree are used as one of the ten ingredients to prepare the Dasamula formulation in the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India. Although traditional uses [...] Read more.
Oroxylum indicum Vent is a medium-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the family Bignoniaceae. The roots of this tree are used as one of the ten ingredients to prepare the Dasamula formulation in the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India. Although traditional uses are attributed to the medicinal plant, there are limited scientific data on its potential. The present study thus analyzed the cytotoxic and apoptotic potential of the plant against different cancer cells. MTT assay was used to determine cytotoxicity using HeLa, HCT 15, and MDA-MB-231 cells, with the IC50 values, revealed at concentrations of 92.43, 133.0, and 112.84 µg/mL respectively. However, the extract was less toxic to non-cancer cells. HeLa cells further treated with OIM were subjected to flow cytometric analysis for studying the cell cycle stages. When untreated cells at G1 phase were found at a relative percentage of 71.9%, it increased to 79.3 and 86% with OIM treatment at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL; cells in the S phase decreased from 10.3 to 8.2 and 7.5%, concluding the arrest of the cell cycle at G1 phase. With further study of apoptotic morphology with dual acridine orange–ethidium bromide staining and Annexin–Hoechst staining, cells at early and late apoptotic stages were observed with OIM treatment at 100 µg/mL concentration. Although such effects were noticed with OIM treatment, it could not be concluded that the extract had remarkable anti-proliferative effects, since the small changes noticed in cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction were attained at a high concentration of OIM 100 µg/mL. The biological activities of plants and their extracts are attributed to the presence of multifarious compounds present in them. LC-MS Q-TOF analysis confirmed the presence of biochanin A and baicalein in OIM. HPLC-based quantification of baicalein and chrysin was shown to be 3.36 and 1.11 mg/gram dry weight. To conclude, the above results suggest that the root bark of O. indicum has a broad spectrum of biological activities, including anticancer and apoptotic properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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8 pages, 1168 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Growing in Saudi Arabia: Experimental and Computational Approaches
by Asmaa Saleh, Omkulthom Al Kamaly, Ashwag S. Alanazi and Omar Noman
Processes 2022, 10(11), 2422; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10112422 - 16 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2113
Abstract
Rosmarinus officinalis L. is widely distributed in Saudi Arabia. However, only a few studies have been reported regarding this species. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical analysis of R. officinalis essential oil using GC-MS analysis in order to identify its major components; [...] Read more.
Rosmarinus officinalis L. is widely distributed in Saudi Arabia. However, only a few studies have been reported regarding this species. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical analysis of R. officinalis essential oil using GC-MS analysis in order to identify its major components; the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was also evaluated using disc diffusion assay against gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (E. coli), the antimicrobial activity was also assessed with molecular docking against several microbial proteins; TyRS, DNA gyrase and DHFR. The GC-MS analysis has indicated the presence of 18 constituents, representing 99.93 % of the total oil content. The major compounds detected were Bornyl acetate (26.59%), Eucalyptol (17.38%), Camphor (10.42%), Borneol (9.78%), Beta-Caryophyllene (7.80%) and α-pinene (3.85%). The antimicrobial study showed that R. officinalis has strong antimicrobial activity against S. aureus with an inhibition zone of 30 mm and E. coli with an inhibition zone of 25 mm. The affinities of molecular docking (TyrRS: between −4.8 and −4.9 Kcal/mol against −8.2 Kcal/mol obtained with Clorobiocin; DNA gyrase: between −4.5 and −4.9 Kcal/mol against −9.1 Kcal/mol obtained with Clorobiocin). However, strong affinities were obtained with the molecules when tested against DHFR (DHFR: between −5.8 and −6.0 Kcal/mol against −6.3 Kcal/mol obtained with SCHEMBL2181345). As a consequence, the pharmaceutical industry may use the essential oils from this plant to develop cutting-edge synthetic drugs to treat this illness infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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13 pages, 2110 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Antioxidant Activity of Verthimia iphionoides Plant Extract
by Fuad Al-Rimawi, Hamada Imtara, Mahmoud Khalid, Zaidoun Salah, Mohammad Khalid Parvez, Asmaa Saleh, Omkulthom Al kamaly and Christina Shawki Dahu
Processes 2022, 10(11), 2375; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10112375 - 12 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2123
Abstract
Verthimia iphionoides extract from Palestine was tested in vitro for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) measurements were made concurrently. By using FRAP and DPPH methods, the antioxidant activity were measured spectrophotometrically. By using [...] Read more.
Verthimia iphionoides extract from Palestine was tested in vitro for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) measurements were made concurrently. By using FRAP and DPPH methods, the antioxidant activity were measured spectrophotometrically. By using HPLC-PDA, phenolic and flavonoid compounds of the extract were determined. Results showed strong antioxidant activity of the plant extract revealed by inhibition of stable free radicals (DPPH test) and strong reducing ability (FRAP test). According to spectrophotometric methods for total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids content, the extracts were also found to be rich in polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids. Verthimia iphionoides extract had high antibacterial activity against three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus aureus), with inhibition zone values of 14 mm, 25 mm, and 27 mm, respectively. Bioactivities were primarily attributed to plants’ abundant phenol-based chemical composition. Additionally, the extract was found to be abundant in phenolic and flavonoids, which improved its reducing activity and capacity to scavenge free radicals. Plant extracts were subjected to HPLC analysis, which identified different flavonoids and phenolic compounds in the extracts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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14 pages, 833 KiB  
Article
Characterization, Chemical Compounds and Biological Activities of Marrubium vulgare L. Essential Oil
by Sara Rached, Hamada Imtara, Amar Habsaoui, Khaoula Mzioud, Sara Haida, Asmaa Saleh, Omkulthom Al kamaly, Ahmad Alahdab, Mohammad Khalid Parvez, Samah Ourras and Souad El Fartah
Processes 2022, 10(10), 2110; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10102110 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2065
Abstract
As consumer trends shift towards more natural and ecological consumption patterns, industrialists are actively working towards substituting synthetic chemicals with natural and vegan products that contain bioactive properties. Thus, considering the shifts in customer demand and the growing concern around vegetable sourced productions, [...] Read more.
As consumer trends shift towards more natural and ecological consumption patterns, industrialists are actively working towards substituting synthetic chemicals with natural and vegan products that contain bioactive properties. Thus, considering the shifts in customer demand and the growing concern around vegetable sourced productions, this work aims to contribute to the valorization of aromatic and medicinal Moroccan plants. By focusing on the Marrubium vulgare L. species, our objective is to carry out a physicochemical characterization to determine its chemical composition and biological activities. The volatile fraction collected by hydrodistillation (0.61%) and analyzed by GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry) contains five main compounds: 3-Thujanone, Eugenol, Topanol, Menthone and Piperitone. The antioxidant activity has been estimated by applying the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging test and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The values of inhibitory concentration prove that our oil is a good antioxidant, with values of IC50 = 1.136 mg/mL and IC50 = 2.998 mg/mL, respectively, for the DPPH and FRAP tests. The results of the antifungal activity indicate a significant inhibition of mycelial growth for both tested molds, as well as a total inhibition of spore production at a concentration of 0.25 µL/mL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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11 pages, 1718 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidative, Antiobesity, Antidiabetic and Antimicrobial Investigations of Artemisia scoparia Grown in Palestine
by Belal M. Rahhal, Nidal Jaradat, Mohammed Hawash, Mohammad Qadi, Linda Issa, Aya Yahya, Sabreen Sanyora, Muhammad Saed and Fuad Al-Rimawi
Processes 2022, 10(10), 2050; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10102050 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1451
Abstract
Validating ethnobotanical data from underexplored traditional plant remedies provides an infinite source of new pharmaceutical chemicals. The purpose of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and several biological activities (antioxidant, anti-lipase, anti-α-amylase, anti-α-glucosidase, and antimicrobial) of aqueous, ethanol, hexane, and acetone [...] Read more.
Validating ethnobotanical data from underexplored traditional plant remedies provides an infinite source of new pharmaceutical chemicals. The purpose of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and several biological activities (antioxidant, anti-lipase, anti-α-amylase, anti-α-glucosidase, and antimicrobial) of aqueous, ethanol, hexane, and acetone Artemisia scoparia leaf extracts. An exhaustive technique was employed to extract A. scoparia four extracts. At the same time, standard analytical and biochemical assays were utilized to determine preliminary phytochemical screening, anti-DPPH, anti-lipase, anti-α-glucosidase, and anti-α-amylase activities. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effects against seven microbial strains were evaluated using a broth micro-dilution assay. Acetone A. scoparia extract exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging and anti-α-glucosidase activities (IC50 = 21.87 ± 0.71, and 149.75 ± 1.33 µg/mL, respectively), as well as the ethanol extract, exhibited the highest anti-α-amylase activity (IC50 = 251 ± 1.34 µg/mL) while the aqueous extract had the best anti-lipase activity (IC50 = 102 ± 0.27 µg/mL) among other extracts. Moreover, A. scoparia hexane extract has more powerful activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa than Ciprofloxacin and Ampicillin antibiotics with MICs of 0.78 ± 0.01, 0.39 ± 0.01, 0.78 ± 0.01, and 1.56 ± 0.22 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, hexane and acetone extracts of A. scoparia have the same antifungal power as Fluconazole (1.56 ± 0.22 µg/mL). The outcomes of the current study indicated that the A. scoparia acetone, ethanol, and aqueous extracts had promising antioxidant, anti-lipase, and anti-α-amylase effects, while hexane and acetone extracts had interesting antimicrobial potential. A. scoparia four extracts of potentially bioactive compounds can be selected for further isolation and purification. Moreover, clinical investigations and in vivo approaches should be implemented to confirm the pharmaceutical benefits of these extracts against diabetes, obesity, oxidative stress, and microbial infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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19 pages, 5946 KiB  
Article
Gastroprotective, Biochemical and Acute Toxicity Effects of Papaver decaisnei against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats
by Ahmed Aj. Jabbar, Fuad O. Abdullah, Kamaran Abdoulrahman, Yaseen Galali, Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim, Abdullah R. Alzahrani and Rawaz Rizgar Hassan
Processes 2022, 10(10), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10101985 - 1 Oct 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2131
Abstract
Papaver decaisnei (P. decaisnei) has been used as folkloric medicine for many health issues including gastric problems. The current study investigates the gastroprotective roles of P. decaisnei against ethanol-induced ulcers in rodents. Sprague Dawley rats (30) were separated into five groups: [...] Read more.
Papaver decaisnei (P. decaisnei) has been used as folkloric medicine for many health issues including gastric problems. The current study investigates the gastroprotective roles of P. decaisnei against ethanol-induced ulcers in rodents. Sprague Dawley rats (30) were separated into five groups: the normal group (G1) and the ulcer control group (G2) were orally administered 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC); the reference group (G3) was administered 20 mg/kg of Omeprazole; two experimental groups were fed with 200 mg/kg (G4) and 400 mg/kg (G5) of the P. decaisnei extract (PDE), respectively. Next, the rats were given absolute ethanol and sacrificed for the analysis of the gastric mucosal injury through microscopic, enzymatic, histologic, and immunohistochemistry assays. The ulcer controls showed significant superficial hemorrhagic gastric mucosal lesions, with a decreased gastric wall mucus and edema production, whereas fewer were found for the reference and plant-treated rats. Furthermore, the PDE pre-treated rats had a significantly reduced the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining intensity, produced the upregulation of the HSP70 protein, and the downregulation of the Bax protein expressions in the stomach epithelium. P. decaisnei displayed a significant role in the upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and PGE2), significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-a, IL-6, and upraised the IL-10 levels. Based on the positive impacts, the PDE can be proposed as the protective/treatment agent against gastric ulcers and stomach lesions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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15 pages, 2273 KiB  
Article
Histopathological Evaluation of Annona muricata in TAA-Induced Liver Injury in Rats
by Morteta H. Al-Medhtiy, Ahmed Aj. Jabbar, Suhayla Hamad Shareef, Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim, Abdullah R. Alzahrani and Mahmood Ameen Abdulla
Processes 2022, 10(8), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10081613 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2452
Abstract
This research in vivo assessed the impact of the ethanolic extract of Annona muricata (A. muricata) on the histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemistry of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver cirrhosis in Sprague Dawley rats. The rats, gavaged precisely with two doses of A. muricata [...] Read more.
This research in vivo assessed the impact of the ethanolic extract of Annona muricata (A. muricata) on the histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemistry of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver cirrhosis in Sprague Dawley rats. The rats, gavaged precisely with two doses of A. muricata (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) with TAA, presented a substantial reduction in the liver index and hepatocyte propagation, with much lower cell injury. These groups showed meaningfully down-regulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the liver and spleen, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in liver parenchymal tissue. The liver homogenate displayed enhanced antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, along with a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The serum levels of bilirubin, total protein, albumin, and liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were returned to normal and were similar to that of the normal control and silymarin with TAA-treated groups. Oral acute toxicity revealed no evidence of any toxic symbols or mortality in rats, indicating the safety of A. muricata. Therefore, the normal microanatomy of hepatocytes, the clampdown of PCNA, α-SMA, TGF-β, improved antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), and condensed MDA with repairs of liver biomarkers validate the hepatoprotective effect of A. muricata. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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10 pages, 2713 KiB  
Article
Bergenin from Bergenia Species Produces a Protective Response against Myocardial Infarction in Rats
by Taseer Ahmad, Imran Ul Haq, Taous Khan, Mater H. Mahnashi, Mohammed Y. Alasmary, Sultan A. Almedhesh, Hamdan Al Shehri, Mohammed A. Alshahrani and Abdul Jabbar Shah
Processes 2022, 10(7), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10071403 - 19 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1898
Abstract
Bergenin is a phenolic glycoside that has been reported to occur naturally in several plant species, reported as a cardioprotective. However, bergenin, one of the important phytochemicals in these plants, is still not reported as a cardioprotective. The present study was designed to [...] Read more.
Bergenin is a phenolic glycoside that has been reported to occur naturally in several plant species, reported as a cardioprotective. However, bergenin, one of the important phytochemicals in these plants, is still not reported as a cardioprotective. The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of bergenin on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Bergenin and atenolol were administered through intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection to Sprague Dawley (SD) rats in separate experiments for five (5) days. At the end of this period, rats were administered isoproterenol (80 mg/kg s.c.) to induce myocardial injury. After induction, rats were anaesthetized to record lead II ECG, then sacrificed, blood was collected to analyze cardiac marker enzymes, and a histopathological study of the heart tissues was also performed. Pretreatment with bergenin showed a significant decrease in ST-segment elevation, deep Q-wave, infarct size, and also normalized cardiac marker enzymes (cTnI, CPK, CK-MB, LDH, ALT, and AST), particularly at 3 mg/kg, as compared to isoproterenol treated group. Our findings revealed, for the first time, the use of glycoside bergenin as a potential cardioprotective agent against the isoproterenol-induced MI in rats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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14 pages, 4636 KiB  
Article
Oxidation during Fresh Plant Processing: A Race against Time
by Didier Barmaverain, Samuel Hasler, Christoph Kalbermatten, Matthias Plath and Roger Kalbermatten
Processes 2022, 10(7), 1335; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10071335 - 8 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2653
Abstract
Oxidation is a major concern in the food and cosmetics industry; however, little information is available in the literature about its effect during the production of herbal medicines. The impact of oxidation on herbal mother tincture (MT) manufacturing was investigated by performing an [...] Read more.
Oxidation is a major concern in the food and cosmetics industry; however, little information is available in the literature about its effect during the production of herbal medicines. The impact of oxidation on herbal mother tincture (MT) manufacturing was investigated by performing an oxidative stress test, in which cryogenically ground fresh plants (Echinacea purpurea, Mentha piperita, Ginkgo biloba, and Hypericum perforatum) were exposed to air in a time-controlled manner before extraction. The effect of oxidation on the resulting extracts was evaluated using UV–Vis spectroscopy and potassium permanganate antioxidant assay. Furthermore, a tyrosinase enzymatic assay was performed on MTs to evaluate the behavior of the absorbance spectra of phenolic compounds during oxidation. Additionally, several commercially available herbal mother tinctures were examined for oxidative changes. The exposure of the fresh plant material to air for 30 min decreased the antioxidant activity in all four tested plants by 10% to 44%. This decrease occurred along with an intensity diminution and flattening of the typical UV–Vis absorption spectra of the MTs. The results have shown that the impact of oxidation during MT manufacturing is a serious issue and could be monitored by means of simple UV–Vis spectra recording. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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19 pages, 3606 KiB  
Article
Gastroprophylactic Effects of p-Cymene in Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats
by Suhayla H. Shareef, Morteta H. Al-Medhtiy, Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim, Abdullah R. Alzahrani, Ahmed Aj. Jabbar, Yaseen Galali, Nabaz Fisal Shakir Agha, Peshawa Y. Aziz, Muthanna A. Thabit, Derin N. F. Agha, Nur Ain Salehen, Zeena M. Ameen and Mahmood A. Abdulla
Processes 2022, 10(7), 1314; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10071314 - 4 Jul 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3185
Abstract
The prevalence of gastric ulcers has increased in recent years, mainly because of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug utilization. Therefore, the current study investigates the gastroprotective effect of p-Cymene on absolute ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal hemorrhagic lesions in rats. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were [...] Read more.
The prevalence of gastric ulcers has increased in recent years, mainly because of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug utilization. Therefore, the current study investigates the gastroprotective effect of p-Cymene on absolute ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal hemorrhagic lesions in rats. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly separated into five groups: normal control, ulcer control, reference, and two experimental groups. The normal and ulcer control groups were orally fed with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The reference group was fed orally with 20 mg/kg omeprazole. The experimental groups were fed with 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg p-Cymene, respectively. After one hour, the normal group was fed with 0.5% CMC, and groups 2–5 were given absolute alcohol. After another hour all rats were sacrificed. The ulcer control group showed severe superficial hemorrhagic gastric mucosal lesions with decreased gastric mucus secretion and pH of gastric content. p-Cymene significantly reduced ethanol-induced gastric lesions, as evidenced by increased mucus and pH of gastric content, decreased ulcer area, reduced or absence of edema, and leucocyte infiltration of the subcutaneous layer. In gastric mucosal homogenate, p-Cymene displayed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. In addition, p-Cymene increased the intensity of periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain of the gastric epithelium, and produced up-regulation of the HSP 70 protein and down-regulation of the Bax protein of the stomach epithelium, as well as a reduction in the levels of tumor necrotic factor-alpha and interleukin-6, while the level of interleukin-10 was increased. p-Cymene decreased the level of TNF-a and IL-6, and increased the level of IL-10. Acute toxicity with a higher dose of 500 mg/kg p-Cymene did not manifest any toxicological signs in rats and could enhance defensive mechanisms against gastric mucosal lesions. p-Cymene showed gastroprotective effects that could be attributed to its antioxidant nature, or its ability to increase mucus secretion, increase endogenous enzymes (SOD, CAT, PGE2), reduce MDA level, up-regulate HSP 70 protein, down-regulate Bax protein, and modulate inflammatory cytokines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Natural Plants)
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