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3 pages, 138 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Chemical Analyses and Therapeutic Properties of Plant Extracts

by Elizabeth I. Opara, Kenneth N. White and Peter Orji Uvere

Molecules 2025, 30(3), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030610 - 30 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1091

Abstract

It has been almost 20 years since the World Health Organization (WHO) established the International Regulatory Co-operation for Herbal Medicines (IRCH), as part of a WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Analyses and Therapeutic Properties of Plant Extracts)

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19 pages, 1639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Analysis and Antidiarrheal Activity of Stem Bark Decoctions of Pentadesma butyracea Sabine (Clusiaceae)

by Ericka Lorleil Mayindza Ekaghba, Manon Grenet, Pierrick Gandolfo, Corinne Loutelier-Bourhis, Isabelle Schmitz, Carlos Afonso, Patrice Lerouge and Line Edwige Mengome

Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5789; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235789 - 7 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 925

Abstract

Pentadesma butyracea is a medicinal plant of which bark decoctions are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhea symptoms in Gabon. The aim of the present work was to perform phytochemical and pharmacological analyses of decoctions of P. butyracea bark. In [...] Read more.

Pentadesma butyracea is a medicinal plant of which bark decoctions are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhea symptoms in Gabon. The aim of the present work was to perform phytochemical and pharmacological analyses of decoctions of P. butyracea bark. In a principal approach, spectrophotometric analyses were used to quantify phenolic compounds, followed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis that allowed the identification of flavanone–flavone dimers as the main metabolites. Pharmacological analyses showed the absence of toxicity, thus confirming the safety of use of this decoction in traditional medicine. The antioxidant activity of the bark decoctions was demonstrated to depend on their phenolic contents. The decoction of stem barks harvested during the rainy season also induced a dose-dependent relaxation of isolated ileum fragments from Wistar rats. In addition, the antidiarrheal activity of P. butyracea barks was investigated against castor oil-induced diarrhea. The oral administration of different concentrations of this decoction led to a decrease in wet stools, indicating an antidiarrheal effect at the doses that were used. These results encourage the deepening of bio-guided research on P. butyracea bark decoctions in order to propose standard traditional medical treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Analyses and Therapeutic Properties of Plant Extracts)

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19 pages, 5566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Nettle Polyphenolic Extract: Impact on Human Colon Cells and Cytotoxicity Against Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

by Magdalena Wójciak, Roman Paduch, Piotr Drozdowski, Weronika Wójciak, Magdalena Żuk, Bartosz J. Płachno and Ireneusz Sowa

Molecules 2024, 29(21), 5000; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29215000 - 22 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1776

Abstract

Urtica dioica L. is one of the most widely utilized medicinal plants commonly applied in the form of tea, juice, and dietary supplements. This study aimed to assess the effect of the U. dioica ethanol–water extract (UdE) and polyphenolic fraction isolated from the [...] Read more.

Urtica dioica L. is one of the most widely utilized medicinal plants commonly applied in the form of tea, juice, and dietary supplements. This study aimed to assess the effect of the U. dioica ethanol–water extract (UdE) and polyphenolic fraction isolated from the extract (UdF) on normal human colon epithelial cells and to evaluate their protective activity against induced oxidative stress. The cytotoxic potential against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29) and the anti-inflammatory effects were also investigated. UPLC-MS-DAD analysis revealed that both extracts were abundant in caffeic acid derivatives, specifically chlorogenic and caffeoylmalic acids, and therefore, they showed significant protective and ROS scavenging effects in normal human colon epithelial cells. Moreover, they had no negative impact on cell viability and morphology in normal cells and the extracts, particularly UdF, moderately suppressed adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, UdF significantly decreased IL-1β levels in HT29 cells. Our research indicates that U. dioica may provide significant health advantages because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Analyses and Therapeutic Properties of Plant Extracts)

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16 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Natural and Sustainable Cosmetic Preservative Based on Sugarcane Straw Extract

by Maria João Carvalho, Sílvia Santos Pedrosa, Manuela Pintado, Ana L. S. Oliveira and Ana Raquel Madureira

Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3928; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163928 - 20 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1406

Abstract

Preservative ingredients in cosmetic formulations undertake a necessary role in the prevention of microbial contamination. In this field, there is an unmet need for natural, sustainable, and effective preservatives. Thus, the main goal of this work was to evaluate a sugarcane straw extract-based [...] Read more.

Preservative ingredients in cosmetic formulations undertake a necessary role in the prevention of microbial contamination. In this field, there is an unmet need for natural, sustainable, and effective preservatives. Thus, the main goal of this work was to evaluate a sugarcane straw extract-based ingredient and investigate its potential as a preservative for cosmetic applications. Different ingredients were developed using several cosmetic solvents to improve the solubility of the extracted compounds. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The 1,2-hexanediol was the solvent that allowed us to achieve the ingredient (20% dry extract dispersed in 25% 1,2-hexanediol in water) with the best antimicrobial performance, showing a minimum inhibitory concentration of between 5% and 3% (I). The 5% (w/v) concentration of this ingredient complied with the USP51 standards for cosmetic preservatives. Real-time (25 °C, 65% RH) and accelerated stability (40 °C, 75% RH) tests were conducted to determine the ingredient stability, and it was found that one month of storage time at room temperature would be ideal for better ingredient stability and performance in terms of composition, pH, color, and antioxidant activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Analyses and Therapeutic Properties of Plant Extracts)

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21 pages, 8226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction from Aerial Parts of Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo by Ultrasound- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction

by Daniela Alejandra González, José Martínez Chamás, María Eugenia Orqueda, Mariana Leal, Agostina Conta, María Inés Mercado, María Inés Isla and Iris Catiana Zampini

Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3578; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153578 - 29 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1231

Abstract

Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo is a subshrub or shrub that is indigenous to the arid and semiarid region of northern Argentina and is known to possess several medicinal properties. The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions so as [...] Read more.

Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo is a subshrub or shrub that is indigenous to the arid and semiarid region of northern Argentina and is known to possess several medicinal properties. The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions so as to maximize the yield of bioactive total phenolic compound (TPC) and flavonoids (F) of F. punensis’ aerial parts by using non-conventional extraction methods, namely ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE, and microwave-assisted extraction, MAE, and to compare the biological activities and toxicity of optimized extracts vs. conventional extracts, i.e., those gained by maceration. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to apply factorial designs to optimize the parameters of extraction: solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time, ultrasound amplitude, and microwave power. The experimental values for TPC and F and antioxidant activity under the optimal extraction conditions were not significantly different from the predicted values, demonstrating the accuracy of the mathematical models. Similar HPLC-DAD patterns were found between conventional and UAE- and MAE-optimized extracts. The main constituents of the extracts correspond to phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids) and apigenin was identified. All extracts showed high scavenger capacity on ABTS^•+, O₂^•− and H₂O₂, enabling the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory enzymes xanthine oxidase (XO) and lipoxygenase (LOX). They also showed an antimutagenic effect in Salmonella Typhimurium assay and cytotoxic/anti-proliferative activity on human melanoma cells (SKMEL-28). Toxicological evaluation indicates its safety. The results of this work are important in the development of efficient and sustainable methods for obtaining bioactive compounds from F. punensis for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Analyses and Therapeutic Properties of Plant Extracts)

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25 pages, 1294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chenopodium murale Juice Shows Anti-Fungal Efficacy in Experimental Oral Candidiasis in Immunosuppressed Rats in Relation to Its Chemical Profile

by Samah A. El-Newary, Asmaa S. Abd Elkarim, Nayera A. M. Abdelwahed, Elsayed A. Omer, Abdelbaset M. Elgamal and Wael M. ELsayed

Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4304; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114304 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2314

Abstract

Chenopodium murale (Syn. Chenopodiastrum murale) (amaranthaceae) is used in the rural Egypt to treat oral ulcers in newborn children. The current study aimed to discover new natural products suitable for treating candidiasis disease with minimal side effects. Characterization of bioactive [...] Read more.

Chenopodium murale (Syn. Chenopodiastrum murale) (amaranthaceae) is used in the rural Egypt to treat oral ulcers in newborn children. The current study aimed to discover new natural products suitable for treating candidiasis disease with minimal side effects. Characterization of bioactive compounds by LC-QTOF-HR-MS/MS from Chenopodium murale fresh leaves’ juice (CMJ) was carried out in order to elucidate their potential anti-fungal and immunomodulatory effects in oral candidiasis in immunosuppressed rats. An oral ulcer candidiasis model was created in three stages: (i) immunosuppression by drinking dexamethasone (0.5 mg/L) for two weeks; (ii) Candida albicans infection (3.00 × 10⁶ viable cell/mL) for one week; and (iii) treatment with CMJ (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg orally) or nystatin (1,000,000 U/L orally) for one week. Two doses of CMJ exhibited antifungal effects, for example, through a significant reduction in CFU/Petri (236.67 ± 37.86 and 4.33 ± 0.58 CFU/Petri), compared to the Candida control (5.86 × 10⁴ ± 1.21 CFU/Petri), p ≤ 0.001. In addition, CMJ significantly induced neutrophil production (32.92% ± 1.29 and 35.68% ± 1.77) compared to the Candida control level of 26.50% ± 2.44. An immunomodulatory effect of CMJ at two doses appeared, with a considerable elevation in INF-γ (103.88 and 115.91%), IL-2 (143.50, 182.33%), and IL-17 (83.97 and 141.95% Pg/mL) compared with the Candida group. LC-MS/MS analysis operated in negative mode was used for tentative identification of secondary (SM) metabolites based on their retention times and fragment ions. A total of 42 phytoconstituents were tentatively identified. Finally, CMJ exhibited a potent antifungal effect. CMJ fought Candida through four strategies: (i) promotion of classical phagocytosis of neutrophils; (ii) activation of T cells that activate IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-17; (iii) increasing the production of cytotoxic NO and H₂O₂ that can kill Candida; and (iv) activation of SOD, which converts superoxide to antimicrobial materials. These activities could be due to its active constituents, which are documented as anti-fungal, or due to its richness in flavonoids, especially the active compounds of kaempferol glycosides and aglycone, which have been documented as antifungal. After repetition on another type of small experimental animal, their offspring, and an experimental large animal, this study may lead to clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Analyses and Therapeutic Properties of Plant Extracts)

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12 pages, 1407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composition and Antioxidative and Antibacterial Activities of the Essential Oil from Farfugium japonicum

by Qiang Wei and Yi-Han Zhang

Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2774; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062774 - 19 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2339

Abstract

The composition of volatile oils of the leaf and stem of Farfugium japonicum (L.) Kitamura were prepared by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)-CO₂. A total 47 and 40 compounds were identified by GC/MS analysis, respectively, and only 13 compounds coexisted. The main [...] Read more.

The composition of volatile oils of the leaf and stem of Farfugium japonicum (L.) Kitamura were prepared by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)-CO₂. A total 47 and 40 compounds were identified by GC/MS analysis, respectively, and only 13 compounds coexisted. The main constituent types in the leaf oil included alcohols (34.1%), hydrocarbons (24.1%), terpenoids (16.2%), benzenes (7.5%), and fatty acids (4.9%). In the stem oil, the constituent types chiefly included benzenes (18.8%), ketones (13.9%), terpenoids (17.0%), fatty acids (8.8%), phenolics (8.7%), steroids (8.6%), hydrocarbons (8.0%), and esters (5.7%). The predominant volatile compounds in the stem were 2-(1-cyclopent-1-enyl-1-methylethyl) cyclopentanone (11.7%), 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro- 9,10-dimethyl-anthracene (8.4%), 5-heptylresorcinol (6.5%), and α-sitosterol (5.2%). Those in the leaf mainly included (E)-3-hexen-1-ol (13.7%) and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol (14.0%). This demonstrated a significant difference in the composition of both oils. Further study showed that stem oils demonstrated the highest DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-pinylhydrazyl) and ·OH free radical scavenging capacities at IC₅₀ values of 9.22 and 0.90 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, they demonstrated the strongest antibacterial capacity against the Gram-positive bacteria methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.16 mg/mL. This could be due to the SFE-CO₂ extraction and the high accumulation of benzenes, terpenoids, and phenolics in the stem. In particular, the monoterpenes presented in terpenoids could play a special role in these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Analyses and Therapeutic Properties of Plant Extracts)

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12 pages, 1817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Protective Effect of (-)-Tetrahydroalstonine against OGD/R-Induced Neuronal Injury via Autophagy Regulation

by Yumei Liao, Jun-Ya Wang, Yan Pan, Xueyi Zou, Chaoqun Wang, Yinghui Peng, Yun-Lin Ao, Mei Fong Lam, Xiaoshen Zhang, Xiao-Qi Zhang, Lei Shi and Shiqing Zhang

Molecules 2023, 28(5), 2370; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28052370 - 4 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2511

Abstract

Here, (-)-Tetrahydroalstonine (THA) was isolated from Alstonia scholaris and investigated for its neuroprotective effect towards oxygen–glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal damage. In this study, primary cortical neurons were pre-treated with THA and then subjected to OGD/R induction. The cell viability was tested by the [...] Read more.

Here, (-)-Tetrahydroalstonine (THA) was isolated from Alstonia scholaris and investigated for its neuroprotective effect towards oxygen–glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal damage. In this study, primary cortical neurons were pre-treated with THA and then subjected to OGD/R induction. The cell viability was tested by the MTT assay, and the states of the autophagy–lysosomal pathway and Akt/mTOR pathway were monitored by Western blot analysis. The findings suggested that THA administration increased the cell viability of OGD/R-induced cortical neurons. Autophagic activity and lysosomal dysfunction were found at the early stage of OGD/R, which were significantly ameliorated by THA treatment. Meanwhile, the protective effect of THA was significantly reversed by the lysosome inhibitor. Additionally, THA significantly activated the Akt/mTOR pathway, which was suppressed after OGD/R induction. In summary, THA exhibited promising protective effects against OGD/R-induced neuronal injury by autophagy regulation through the Akt/mTOR pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Analyses and Therapeutic Properties of Plant Extracts)

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