Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2024) | Viewed by 22587

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
2. Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
Interests: plant extracts; natural products; enzyme inhibitors; molecular mechanisms
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants serve as a rich reservoir of phytochemicals and secondary metabolites with numerous beneficial medicinal properties. The significance of phytochemicals has grown substantially in recent decades due to their intriguing bioactive properties, could potentially enhance human health. Plant extracts have a longstanding history of applications for treating various ailments, forming the foundation of pharmacotherapy. Exploring functional plant extracts for therapeutic purposes has proven an invaluable and productive approach in the quest for potential pharmacological interventions. Numerous studies have highlighted the capacity of plant extracts to inhibit physiologically relevant enzymes. This Special Issue is dedicated to the examination of plant extracts as potential inhibitors, focusing on their inhibitory effects on key enzyme activities. These enzyme functions hold considerable significance in the context of several health conditions, encompassing inflammation, skin aging, diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, allergy, cancer, aging, and others. The aim of this Special Issue in Plants is to present the latest research findings concerning plant extracts and their diverse biological activities, with particular emphasis on their potential to inhibit enzymatic reactions. Contributions addressing the cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties of plant extracts are also strongly encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Cheng-Yang Huang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • plant extracts
  • pharmacology
  • cytotoxic activity
  • natural products
  • enzyme inhibition
  • pharmacognosy
  • functional foods
  • antioxidants
  • antimicrobial activity
  • chemoprevention

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1599 KiB  
Communication
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Hydroalcoholic and Phenolic Extracts from Ternstroemia dentisepala and T. lineata Leaves
by Alexis Uriel Soto Díaz, María Luisa Villarreal, Marcelo Victorio-De los Santos and Alexandre Toshirrico Cardoso-Taketa
Plants 2024, 13(17), 2515; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13172515 - 7 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1113
Abstract
Traditional Mexican medicine commonly uses infusions of Ternstroemia spp. to treat insomnia, injuries, and infections. The antibacterial activities of Ternstroemia dentisepala and Ternstroemia lineata were evaluated for the first time against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that have implications for human health, [...] Read more.
Traditional Mexican medicine commonly uses infusions of Ternstroemia spp. to treat insomnia, injuries, and infections. The antibacterial activities of Ternstroemia dentisepala and Ternstroemia lineata were evaluated for the first time against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that have implications for human health, including Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, the scavenging potential of the hydroalcoholic (HAEs) and total phenolic extracts (TPEs) from the leaves of both plants by a 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay (ABTS•+) was determined. Also, the total phenolic contents of the HAEs using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent were assayed. T. dentisepala HAE and TPE were active against all bacterial strains tested, with a minimum inhibitory concentration between 1.0 and 6.0 mg/mL, with the last one being the most active. However, the T. lineata extracts only demonstrated effectiveness against S. typhi and P. aeruginosa. The TPEs from T. dentisepala and T. lineata improved the activity by approximately 30% in all bacteria tested in comparison with the HAEs. The T. dentisepala HAE had a higher total phenolic content than the T. lineata extract, which was consistent with its ABTS•+-scavenging activity. The two HAEs had different chemical profiles, mostly because of the types and amounts of phenolic compounds they contained. These profiles were obtained using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
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14 pages, 1386 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study on the Antidiabetic Activity, Cytotoxicity and Lipid Profile of Trichilia emetica Oils
by Mohammed Aldholmi, Ebtihal Althomali, Fatema Aljishi, Rizwan Ahmad, Aljawharah Alqathama and Deema Alaswad
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2234; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162234 - 12 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1127
Abstract
The Trichilia emetica plant is traditionally used for medicinal and food purposes. However, there are limited studies on the bioactivity and cytotoxicity of its seed butter and aril oil. This study aimed to assess the antidiabetic activity and cytotoxicity of seed butter and [...] Read more.
The Trichilia emetica plant is traditionally used for medicinal and food purposes. However, there are limited studies on the bioactivity and cytotoxicity of its seed butter and aril oil. This study aimed to assess the antidiabetic activity and cytotoxicity of seed butter and aril oil, obtained via two different extraction methods, and compare their lipid profiles. The plant samples were collected from the Faifa mountains and extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus for hot extraction and a magnetic stirrer for cold maceration. The antidiabetic activity and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the α-amylase and MTT assays, respectively. The fatty acids were quantified utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This study proves the impact of the extraction method on the yield, cytotoxicity, antidiabetic activity and lipid profile. The highest cytotoxicity was observed with the seed butter obtained via Soxhlet extraction. The α-amylase inhibition was observed at the highest levels with the seed butter and aril oil obtained via cold maceration. The palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) were detected at their maximal concentrations in the seed butter obtained via Soxhlet extraction and aril oil obtained via cold maceration, respectively. This study represents an essential basis for understanding the importance of T. emetica as a valuable tree for food, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Further experiments can lead to the development of green extraction techniques and isolation of the cytotoxic and antidiabetic molecules that can be developed into new pharmaceutical products or serve as lead molecules for new drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
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13 pages, 1884 KiB  
Article
Anti-Skin Aging and Cytotoxic Effects of Methanol-Extracted Solanum betaceum Red Fruit Seed Extract on Ca9-22 Gingival Carcinoma Cells
by Yen-Hua Huang and Cheng-Yang Huang
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2215; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162215 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1127
Abstract
The tamarillo, or Solanum betaceum, recognized for its comprehensive nutritional profile, has long been valued for its diverse ethnobotanical uses. This study delves into the potential therapeutic applications of S. betaceum by analyzing its polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-skin [...] Read more.
The tamarillo, or Solanum betaceum, recognized for its comprehensive nutritional profile, has long been valued for its diverse ethnobotanical uses. This study delves into the potential therapeutic applications of S. betaceum by analyzing its polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-skin aging activities against key enzymes like elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase, and its cytotoxic effects on oral carcinoma cells. Extracts from the seeds, pulp, and peel of red and yellow fruits were prepared using methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The highest TPC was found in the methanol extract from red fruit seeds (9.89 mg GAE/g), and the highest TFC was found in the methanol extract of yellow fruit peel (3.02 mg QUE/g). Some of these extracts significantly inhibited skin aging-associated enzymes with the red fruit seed extract (100 μg/mL) showing up to 50.4% inhibition of tyrosinase. Additionally, the red fruit seed extract obtained using methanol demonstrated potential anticancer effects against Ca9-22 oral carcinoma cells by inhibiting cell survival, migration, and proliferation as well as inducing apoptosis. These results underscore the potential of S. betaceum fruit extracts, especially from red fruit seeds, as promising agents for anti-skin aging and anticancer applications, meriting further exploration for therapeutic uses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
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21 pages, 9431 KiB  
Article
Anti-Skin Aging Potential, Antibacterial Activity, Inhibition of Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein, and Cytotoxic Effects of Acetone-Extracted Passiflora edulis (Tainung No. 1) Rind Extract on Oral Carcinoma Cells
by Yen-Hua Huang and Cheng-Yang Huang
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2194; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162194 - 8 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1324
Abstract
The passion fruit, Passiflora edulis, recognized for its rich nutritional properties, has long been used for its varied ethnobotanical applications. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of P. edulis var. Tainung No. 1 rind extracts by examining their polyphenolic content (TPC), total [...] Read more.
The passion fruit, Passiflora edulis, recognized for its rich nutritional properties, has long been used for its varied ethnobotanical applications. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of P. edulis var. Tainung No. 1 rind extracts by examining their polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-skin aging activities against key enzymes such as elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase, and their ability to inhibit bacterial growth, single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB), and their cytotoxic effects on oral carcinoma cells. The acetone extract from the rind exhibited the highest levels of TPC, TFC, anti-SSB, and antibacterial activities. The antibacterial effectiveness of the acetone-extracted rind was ranked as follows: Escherichia coli > Pseudomonas aeruginosa > Staphylococcus aureus. A titration curve for SSB inhibition showed an IC50 value of 313.2 μg/mL, indicating the potency of the acetone extract in inhibiting SSB. It also significantly reduced the activity of enzymes associated with skin aging, particularly tyrosinase, with a 54.5% inhibition at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis tentatively identified several major bioactive compounds in the acetone extract, including stigmast-5-en-3-ol, vitamin E, palmitic acid, stigmasterol, linoleic acid, campesterol, and octadecanoic acid. Molecular docking studies suggested some of these compounds as potential inhibitors of tyrosinase and SSB. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated anticancer potential against Ca9-22 oral carcinoma cells by inhibiting cell survival, migration, and proliferation and inducing apoptosis. These results underscore the potential of P. edulis (Tainung No. 1) rind as a promising candidate for anti-skin aging, antibacterial, and anticancer applications, meriting further therapeutic investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
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11 pages, 298 KiB  
Article
Exudate and Propolis from Escallonia pulverulenta: Phytochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Activity
by Bairon Jorquera, Gabriela Valenzuela-Barra, Ailin Mayorga, Jessica Mejía, Gabriel Núñez, Miguel Gómez, Gloria Montenegro, Waleska E. Vera Quezada, Javier Echeverría, Adriano Costa de Camargo, Gilsane Lino von Poser and Raquel Bridi
Plants 2024, 13(14), 1971; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13141971 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1235
Abstract
Propolis is a complex mixture formed from exudates that bees collect from plants and then mix with beeswax and their own salivary enzymes. Chilean propolis is characterized by the presence of phenolic compounds, which are considered responsible for the biological activities. The endemic [...] Read more.
Propolis is a complex mixture formed from exudates that bees collect from plants and then mix with beeswax and their own salivary enzymes. Chilean propolis is characterized by the presence of phenolic compounds, which are considered responsible for the biological activities. The endemic species Escallonia pulverulenta (Ruiz and Pav.) Pers. [Escalloniaceae] is a recognized source of exudate to produce propolis. This study reports for the first time the chemical profile and antibacterial activity of E. pulverulenta exudate and leaves, as well as two samples of Chilean propolis. Palynological and morphological analysis showed the presence of E. pulverulenta as one of the main species in the propolis samples. UPLC-MS/MS analyses enabled the identification of phenolic acids in the leaves and in the propolis. Conversely, flavonoids are mainly present in exudates and propolis. Quercetin is the most abundant flavonol in the exudate, with similar concentrations in the propolis samples. Nevertheless, the main compound present in both samples of propolis was the flavanone pinocembrin. The antibacterial results obtained for exudate and propolis have shown a similar behavior, especially in the inhibition of Streptococcus pyogenes. These results show the importance of the exudates collected by the bees in the chemical composition and antibacterial capacity of propolis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
22 pages, 5401 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Antibacterial Potential of Lamiaceae Plant Extracts: Inhibition of Bacterial Growth, Adhesion, Invasion, and Biofilm Formation and Degradation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
by Mariana Oalđe Pavlović, Stoimir Kolarević, Jelena Đorđević Aleksić and Branka Vuković-Gačić
Plants 2024, 13(12), 1616; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121616 - 11 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2273
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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 Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 adhesion and invasion in human fibroblasts and biofilm formation and degradation. The alcoholic extracts had the highest phytochemical content, with Teucrium montanum and Lavandula angustifolia being the richest in coumarins and triterpenes, respectively. Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Bacillus subtilis, were more susceptible to the extracts. Hyssopus officinalis ethanolic and Sideritis scardica methanolic extracts inhibited bacterial growth the most efficiently. Although the extracts did not inhibit bacterial adhesion, most ethanolic extracts significantly reduced bacterial invasion. Origanum vulgare and H. officinalis ethanolic extracts significantly inhibited biofilm formation, while Teucrium chamaedrys 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 Satureja montana and O. vulgare ethanolic extracts, linking their efficacy to coumarins and triterpenes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
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14 pages, 1757 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Potential of Ethanolic Extracts of Duguetia vallicola (Annonaceae) against in-Hospital Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by Orfa Inés Contreras-Martínez, Daniela Sierra-Quiroz and Alberto Angulo-Ortíz
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101412 - 18 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1989
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is especially dominant in people with cystic fibrosis; the drug resistance expressed by this pathogen and its capacity for adaptation poses a significant challenge to its treatment and control, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates globally. [...] Read more.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is especially dominant in people with cystic fibrosis; the drug resistance expressed by this pathogen and its capacity for adaptation poses a significant challenge to its treatment and control, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates globally. In this sense, the search for new treatment alternatives is imminent today, with products of plant origin being an excellent alternative for use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential and to explore the possible effect of ethanolic extracts from the wood and bark of Duguetia vallicola on the cell membrane. Microdilution assays showed the inhibition of bacterial growth by more than 50%, with the lowest concentration (62.5 μg/mL) of both extracts evaluated. Furthermore, we report the ability of both extracts to inhibit mature biofilms, with inhibition percentages between 48.4% and 93.7%. Intracellular material leakage experiments (260/280 nm), extracellular pH measurements, and fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EB) showed cell membrane damage. This indicates that the antibacterial action of ethanolic extracts of D. vallicola is associated with damage to the integrity of the cell membrane and consequent death of these pathogens. These results serve as a reference for future studies in establishing the mechanisms of action of these extracts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
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28 pages, 1326 KiB  
Article
Green Extraction Approach for Isolation of Bioactive Compounds in Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) Herbal Dust—Chemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity and Comparison with Conventional Techniques
by Živan Mrkonjić, Muammer Kaplan, Sanja Milošević, Danica Božović, Aleksandra Sknepnek, Dunja Miletić, Ivana Lazarević Mrkonjić, Dušan Rakić, Zoran Zeković and Branimir Pavlić
Plants 2024, 13(6), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060897 - 20 Mar 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2315
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide a chemical profile and determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil (EO) and lipid extracts of Thymus serpyllum L. herbal dust obtained via conventional (hydrodistillation (HD) and Soxhlet extraction (SOX)) and novel [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to provide a chemical profile and determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil (EO) and lipid extracts of Thymus serpyllum L. herbal dust obtained via conventional (hydrodistillation (HD) and Soxhlet extraction (SOX)) and novel extraction techniques (supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)). In addition, a comparative analysis of the chemical profiles of the obtained EO and extracts was carried out, as well as the determination of antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity of the lipid extracts. According to the aforementioned antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and the monoterpene yield and selectivity, SFE provided significant advantages compared to the traditional techniques. In addition, SFE extracts could be considered to have great potential in terms of their utilization in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, as well as appropriate replacements for synthetic additives in the food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
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24 pages, 7004 KiB  
Article
Cytotoxicity and Multi-Enzyme Inhibition of Nepenthes miranda Stem Extract on H838 Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells and RPA32, Elastase, Tyrosinase, and Hyaluronidase Proteins
by Ching-Yi Lee, Yu-Cheng Chen, Yen-Hua Huang, Yi Lien and Cheng-Yang Huang
Plants 2024, 13(6), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060797 - 11 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2322
Abstract
The carnivorous pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes have long been known for their ethnobotanical applications. In this study, we prepared various extracts from the pitcher, stem, and leaf of Nepenthes miranda using 100% ethanol and assessed their inhibitory effects on key enzymes [...] Read more.
The carnivorous pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes have long been known for their ethnobotanical applications. In this study, we prepared various extracts from the pitcher, stem, and leaf of Nepenthes miranda using 100% ethanol and assessed their inhibitory effects on key enzymes related to skin aging, including elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase. The cytotoxicity of the stem extract of N. miranda on H838 human lung carcinoma cells were also characterized by effects on cell survival, migration, proliferation, apoptosis induction, and DNA damage. The cytotoxic efficacy of the extract was enhanced when combined with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), indicating a synergistic effect. Flow cytometry analysis suggested that the stem extract might suppress H838 cell proliferation by inducing G2 cell cycle arrest, thereby inhibiting carcinoma cell proliferation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) enabled the tentative identification of the 15 most abundant compounds in the stem extract of N. miranda. Notably, the extract showed a potent inhibition of the human RPA32 protein (huRPA32), critical for DNA replication, suggesting a novel mechanism for its anticancer action. Molecular docking studies further substantiated the interaction between the extract and huRPA32, highlighting bioactive compounds, especially the two most abundant constituents, stigmast-5-en-3-ol and plumbagin, as potential inhibitors of huRPA32’s DNA-binding activity, offering promising avenues for cancer therapy. Overall, our findings position the stem extract of N. miranda as a promising source of natural compounds for anticancer therapeutics and anti-skin-aging treatments, warranting further investigation into its molecular mechanisms and potential clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
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12 pages, 520 KiB  
Communication
Antimicrobial Activity on Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis of Cyperus articulatus Ethanolic Extracts
by Daniela Vieira de Castro Macambira, José Sousa de Almeida Júnior, Claudia Fernandes de Magalhães Silveira, Sandra Layse Ferreira Sarrazin, Tânia Mara Pires Moraes, Bruno Alexandre da Silva, Antonio Humberto Hamad Minervino, Waldiney Pires Moraes and Lauro Euclides Soares Barata
Plants 2024, 13(5), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050689 - 29 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3141
Abstract
Oral diseases are one of the biggest public health problems worldwide, caused by opportunistic pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Cyperus articulatus (priprioca) is a plant conventionally used in traditional medicine in the Amazon region. However, little is known about [...] Read more.
Oral diseases are one of the biggest public health problems worldwide, caused by opportunistic pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. Cyperus articulatus (priprioca) is a plant conventionally used in traditional medicine in the Amazon region. However, little is known about the possible dentistry-related uses of extracts from the rhizomes and solid waste generated by the extraction of essential oils from this vegetable. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of volatile compounds and antimicrobial activity through the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration test (MIC and assessment of the toxicity by Hens Egg Test-Chorion Allantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) of the ethanolic extracts from Cyperus articulatus intact rhizomes and solid waste. We identified sesquiterpenes as the main constituents, strong antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of intact rhizomes against S. mutans (MIC = 0.29 mg/mL), moderate antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis of the extract obtained from the solid waste (MIC = 1.17 mg/mL), and absence of toxicity for both tested extracts. The absence of irritation and the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract from C. articulatus rhizomes and solid waste reveal its potential for use in the alternative control of bacteria that cause oral infections and may present economic viability as a raw material for dental products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
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14 pages, 1060 KiB  
Article
The Systematic Assessment of the Membrane-Stabilizing and Antioxidant Activities of Several Kazakhstani Plants in the Asteraceae Family
by Alibek Ydyrys, Gulzhan Zhamanbayeva, Nazgul Zhaparkulova, Arailym Aralbaeva, Gulnaz Askerbay, Zhanar Kenzheyeva, Gulmira Tussupbekova, Sayagul Syraiyl, Raushan Kaparbay and Maira Murzakhmetova
Plants 2024, 13(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010096 - 28 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1619
Abstract
The objective of our research was to examine the antioxidant and membrane-protective characteristics of a few medicinal plant extracts belonging to the Asteracea family, along with their flavonoid and polyphenolic content, in order to identify strategies for enhancing beverage composition and boosting the [...] Read more.
The objective of our research was to examine the antioxidant and membrane-protective characteristics of a few medicinal plant extracts belonging to the Asteracea family, along with their flavonoid and polyphenolic content, in order to identify strategies for enhancing beverage composition and boosting the antioxidant capacity of green and black tea. The activity of aqueous-ethanolic extracts from the dried parts of plants, such as Arictum tomentosum Mill., Ghnapilum kasachstanicum Kirp. & Kuprian. ex Kirp., Artemisia schrenkiana Ledeb., A. rutifolia Steph. ex Spreng., A. cina O.Berg, and A. vulgaris L., were examined using a model of Wistar rats. Thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), a marker of malondialdehyde concentration, were used to measure the amount of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in liver microsomes. Considering the outcomes, the extracts from A. tomentosum, G. kasachstanicum, and A. vulgaris exhibit the strongest membrane-stabilizing action among those examined. At a concentration of 5 g/mL, the extracts of these plants demonstrated a significant anti-hemolitic impact, whereas the remaining extracts displayed a similar effect at doses above 10 g/mL. Accordingly, among the extracts studied, the A. tomentosum, G. kasachstanicum, A. schrenkiana, A. rutifolia, A. cina, and A. vulgaris extracts have significant antioxidant properties. The integrated antioxidant and antihemolytic qualities of A. tomentosum and green tea extracts were comparable to those of the individual plant extracts. When the extracts of A. schrenkiana and green tea were combined, similar outcomes were seen, suggesting that there was no appreciable synergistic interaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Plant Extracts 2023)
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