Search Results (44)

Schefflera oleifera honey (SH) is produced from the nectar of S. Oleifera by worker bees. Due to its unique properties and potential biological activities, this winter honey has attracted much attention. In this study, the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, antitumor effect against HepG2 cells, and its potential mechanisms of SH were systematically evaluated. The results showed that different SH samples differed significantly in their physicochemical characteristics. The 910 chemical components, including 52 kinds of phenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, were detected in the methanol extract of SH using UHPLC-MS/MS by non-targeted metabolomics. Based on our limited knowledge, solanine and soyasaponin I are the first determined components in honey, and they may be used as characteristic substances of SH for identification and adulteration. SH had a weaker inhibitory effect against Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus than MH (UMF 10+), analyzed by MBC and MIC assays. Network pharmacology analysis showed that 95 overlapping targets were found between the active ingredients of SH and liver cancer cells (HepG2), which were enriched in KEGG of the PI3K-Akt pathway, Lipid and atherosclerosis, Proteoglycans in cancer, etc. The IC₅₀ of SH against HepG2 cells was 5.07% (dw/v), which is lower than the glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents in SH on HepG2 cells, of 16.24%, 9.60% dw/v, and 9.94% dw/v, respectively. SH significantly down-regulated the expression of EGFR, AKT1, and SRC in HepG2 cells (p < 0.05), determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by multiple pathways. These results provide a theoretical basis for its potential application in developing functional foods and additives. Full article

Solanum nigrum L., a widely consumed Asian medicinal edible plant, is a promising source of bioactive saponins for functional food applications. This study optimized the extraction of saponins from S. nigrum fruits (8.59% total saponin yield), followed by isolation via column chromatography and structural elucidation using spectroscopic analyses (IR, NMR, and MS). Concurrently, the antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of the purified substances were detected and analyzed. The three saponins (SNL1, SNL2, SNL3) were identified as γ₂-Solamargine , Diosgenin, and β-Solanine. The  n-butanol -purified fraction demonstrated a remarkable capacity to scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radicals (DPPH IC50 = 0.0096 mg/mL; hydroxyl radical IC50 = 0.8 mg/mL; ABTS IC50 = 0.061 μg/mL), indicating the inhibition of a multi-pathway oxidative chain reaction. Concurrently, the saponins exhibited selective antimicrobial efficacy against key foodborne pathogens, particularly Escherichia coli. To the best of our knowledge, this work provides the first empirical evidence of S. nigrum fruit saponins as dual-functional natural preservatives, synergistically suppressing lipid oxidation and microbial growth. These findings highlight their potential as safer, multi-mechanistic alternatives to synthetic additives, aligning with clean-label food industry demands. Full article

Potato peels (PPs) represent a significant agro-industrial by-product with notable potential for valorization due to their rich composition of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, glycoalkaloids, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. This review explores the functional applications of PPs in the food industry by examining their chemical profile, extraction methods, and biological activities. Phenolic compounds, mainly chlorogenic acid and its derivatives, are the most abundant bioactives and contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Glycoalkaloids, such as α-solanine and α-chaconine, exhibit antimicrobial activity but require careful monitoring due to their potential toxicity, although recent evidence suggests that controlled doses may provide health benefits. The choice of extraction technique influences the recovery of these compounds, with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) proving to be efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional methods. The incorporation of PP-derived ingredients into food formulations, including cereal, dairy, meat, and fish products, as well as vegetable oils, has shown promising results in the improvement of nutritional quality, oxidative stability and functional properties. However, challenges remain with regard to the standardization of PP composition, bioavailability of bioactive compounds and their stability within food matrices. Advancing research on PPs will not only contribute to circular economy goals but also provide innovative solutions for the food industry, reinforcing the link between sustainability and human health. Full article

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most invasive central nervous system tumors, with rising global incidence. Therapy resistance and poor prognosis highlight the urgent need for new anticancer drugs. Plant alkaloids, a largely unexplored yet promising class of compounds, have previously contributed to oncology treatments. While past reviews provided selective insights, this review aims to collectively compare data from the last decade on (1) plant alkaloid-based anticancer drugs, (2) alkaloid transport across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro and in vivo, (3) alkaloid mechanisms of action in glioblastoma models (in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and in silico), and (4) cytotoxicity and safety profiles. Additionally, innovative drug delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticles and liposomes) are discussed. Focusing on preclinical studies of single plant alkaloids, this review includes 22 botanical families and 28 alkaloids that demonstrated anti-GBM activity. Most alkaloids act in a concentration-dependent manner by (1) reducing glioma cell viability, (2) suppressing proliferation, (3) inhibiting migration and invasion, (4) inducing cell death, (5) downregulating Bcl-2 and key signaling pathways, (6) exhibiting antiangiogenic effects, (7) reducing tumor weight, and (8) improving survival rates. The toxic and adverse effect analysis suggests that alkaloids such as noscapine, lycorine, capsaicin, chelerythrine, caffeine, boldine, and colchicine show favorable therapeutic potential. However, tetrandrine, nitidine, harmine, harmaline, cyclopamine, cocaine, and brucine may pose greater risks than benefits. Piperine’s toxicity and berberine’s poor bioavailability suggest the need for novel drug formulations. Several alkaloids (kukoamine A, cyclovirobuxine D, α-solanine, oxymatrine, rutaecarpine, and evodiamine) require further pharmacological and toxicological evaluation. Overall, while plant alkaloids show promise in glioblastoma therapy, progress in assessing their BBB penetration remains limited. More comprehensive studies integrating glioma research and advanced drug delivery technologies are needed. Full article

Background: The most important factors contributing to multi-drug resistance in oral cancer include overexpression of the EGFR protein and the downstream malignancy regulators that are associated with it. This study investigates the impact of solanine on inflammation, proliferation, and angiogenesis inhibition in multidrug-resistant oral cancer KB-Chr-8-5 cells through inhibition of the EGFR/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Methods: Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay to evaluate cytotoxic effects. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM), and AO/EtBr staining were analyzed to assess apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Western blotting was employed to examine protein expression related to angiogenesis, apoptosis, and signaling pathways. Experiments were conducted in triplicate. Results: Solanine treatment at concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 μM significantly increased ROS production, which is indicative of its antioxidant properties. This increase was associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) with p < 0.05, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. Inhibition of EGFR led to reduced activity of PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB, resulting in decreased expression of iNOS, IL-6, Cyclin D1, PCNA, VEGF, Mcl-1, and HIF-1α and increased levels of the apoptotic proteins Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3. These changes collectively inhibited the growth of multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells. Conclusions: Solanine acts as a potent disruptor of cellular processes by inhibiting the EGFR-mediated PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. These results suggest that solanine holds promise as a potential preventive or therapeutic agent against multidrug-resistant cancers. Full article

Plants that possess a diverse range of bioactive compounds are essential for maintaining human health and survival. The diversity of bioactive compounds with distinct therapeutic potential contributes to their role in health systems, in addition to their function as a source of nutrients. Studies on the genetic makeup and composition of bioactive compounds have revealed them to be rich in steroidal alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolics. The Solanaceae family, having a rich abundance of bioactive compounds with varying degrees of pharmacological activities, holds significant promise in the management of different diseases. Investigation into Solanum species has revealed them to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcerogenic effects. Phytochemical analysis of isolated compounds such as diosgenin, solamargine, solanine, apigenin, and lupeol has shown them to be cytotoxic in different cancer cell lines, including liver cancer (HepG2, Hep3B, SMMC-772), lung cancer (A549, H441, H520), human breast cancer (HBL-100), and prostate cancer (PC3). Since analysis of their phytochemical constituents has shown them to have a notable effect on several signaling pathways, a great deal of attention has been paid to identifying the biological targets and cellular mechanisms involved therein. Considering the promising aspects of bioactive constituents of different Solanum members, the main emphasis was on finding and reporting notable cultivars, their phytochemical contents, and their pharmacological properties. This review offers mechanistic insights into the bioactive ingredients intended to treat different ailments with the least harmful effects for potential applications in the advancement of medical research. Full article

α-Solanine and α-chaconine are the two most predominant glycoalkaloids (GAs) present in potato. Potato peel contains a high concentration of GAs, which are especially interesting for application in the pharmaceutical industry due to their different beneficial properties (such as anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antipyretic, antiviral, fungicide, and antibiotic activities, among others); so, potato peel waste can be valorized by extracting these biologically active compounds. For this, a green, quick, and efficient miniaturized analytical approach based on ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) combined with HPLC-DAD was developed to quantify α-solanine and α-chaconine in potato peel. Some parameters of the extraction were optimized, including the extraction method, the type of solvent, and the sample/solvent ratio, by a three-factor, three-level (3³) full factorial experimental design. The optimal extraction conditions were obtained with UAE using methanol as a solvent and a sample/solvent ratio of 1:10 (w/v, g/mL). The analytical greenness metric for sample preparation (AGREEprep) tool was used to assess the greenness of the methods used. The tool revealed an acceptable green analysis, with 0.61 points. The method was validated and applied to the evaluation of GAs in the peel of 15 commercial varieties of potato. The amount of glycoalkaloids found in the samples evaluated ranged from 143 to 1273 mg/kg and from 117 to 1742 mg/kg dry weight for α-solanine and α-chaconine, respectively. These results reveal the important variability that exists between potato varieties; so, their analysis is of great importance to select the most suitable ones for biovalorization (e.g., the Amandine and Rudolph varieties, with around 3000 mg/kg, in total, of both GAs). To provide higher stability to the peel during storage, freeze-drying or a medium-temperature drying process resulted preferable to avoid GA degradation. Overall, this study will contribute to the expansion of the future biovalorization of potato peel waste as well as provide a powerful analytical tool for GA analysis. Full article

The rising global demand for animal-based food has an increasingly detrimental ecological impact, exacerbated by significant food waste (approximately one-third of all food). This research aimed to analyze the possibility of changing the usually balanced feed with sustainable alternatives that remain as a by-product of the production of farms, grain processing, and breweries, thus promoting the sustainability of agriculture. The mealworm larvae were reared on different substrates: (1) agar-agar gels, wheat bran, and brewer’s yeast, (2) carrots, wheat bran, and brewer’s yeast, (3) sprouted potatoes, wheat bran, and brewer’s yeast, and (4) carrots, brewers’ spent grain and brewer’s yeast. For analysis, the frozen larvae were lyophilized and tested for chemical safety in three accredited laboratories. The results have shown that all tested samples had lower levels of pesticides than the detection limit. In scientific literature, we didn’t find studies on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In our study, we found PAH in the substrate and these toxins, as our study shows, can also enter the larvae, but no significant accumulation was observed (sum of benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and chrysene was 0.0007 mg/kg). Furthermore, the total content of PAH, benzo(a)pyrene and histamine did not exceed recommended levels. We have noticed that the highest concentration of heavy metals (e.g., chromium—1.45 ± 0.02) was found in the sample with the brewer’s by-products. While numerous studies utilize plant-derived by-products, the accumulation of glycoalkaloids has not been explored. Among the all glycoalkaloids (tomatidin, tomatine, α-solanine, α-chaconine and solanidin), amounts of α-solanine and α-chaconine were the highest, detected in the sample with sprouted potatoes (175.12 ± 0.21 and 139.32 ± 0.32 mg/kg, respectively). The amount of total putrescine, tyramine, spermine, and spermidine in mealworm larvae was statistically higher compared to the amount detected in the substrate, and histamine level-on the contrary, was statistically significantly lower compared to the amount detected in the substrate. Considering the amount of toxic substances found in the substrate from the by-products, we can assume that mealworms did not accumulate high levels of toxins, which would violate regulations. Full article

Glycoalkaloids (GAs) are produced naturally by plants and affect insect survivability and fertility. These compounds can be considered potential bioinsecticides; however, the mechanisms and effects of their action remain undiscovered. As lipids are essential molecules for the proper functioning of an insect organism, this research aimed to determine the effects of GAs on the lipid metabolism of the Tenebrio molitor beetle. Solanine, chaconine, tomatine, and tomato leaf extract were applied to larvae by injection at two concentrations, 10⁻⁸ and 10⁻⁵ M. Then, the tissue was isolated after 2 and 24 h to determine the levels of free fatty acids, sterols and esters using the GC–MS technique. Moreover, the triacylglyceride level and the activity of the key β-oxidation enzyme, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HADH), were measured. The results indicate that GAs affect the content and composition of lipid compounds in the beetles’ haemolymph and fat body. The effects depend on the GA concentrations, incubation time, and kind of tissue. Moreover, the tested compounds decrease HADH activity, especially in the fat body, which may affect energy production. To our knowledge, this is the first study concerning lipid metabolism in T. molitor after GA application. Our results provide some insights into that topic. Full article

Potatoes are the fourth major food crop in the world. Higher levels of glycoside alkaloids (GAs) lead to detrimental effects on the edibility and processing qualities. GAs are largely influenced by light; however, the mechanisms of this regulation by light are not well understood. By analyzing the bioinformatics of the phytochrome genes (PHYs) in potatoes, its expression level, the content of GAs and the correlation between them under different lights, this study aims to reveal the specific mechanism of light-regulated GAs accumulation and provide a theoretical basis for improved potato processing. Results based on high-performance liquid chromatography and imaging mass microscopy showed that red light induced a significant increase in α-chaconine and α-solanine accumulation compared to white light, but there was almost no accumulation in the dark within 12 days. Meanwhile, a bioinformatic analysis of PHY gene family members was performed, and the results showed that the five StPHYs were distributed on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10, with amino acid counts ranging from 704 to 1130. StPHYs genes have abundant light-responsive elements. Also, the expression patterns of StPHYs were dramatically induced by red light. Additionally, a correlation analysis showed that the GAs accumulation was significantly correlated with StPHYs expression. This research is useful for comprehending the metabolism of GAs regulated by light and monitoring food safety in potatoes. Full article

Glycoalkaloids (GA) are anti-nutritional factors in standard potato protein concentrate (PPC) fed to piglets. Increasing levels of standard PPC was expected to affect growth performance and fecal score negatively. Seven-hundred-and-twenty pigs (7–30 kg) were fed one of the following four diets within three feeding phases (days 0–13, 13–24, and 24–45): control (CTRL), PPC standard inclusion (PPC-S; 4%, 2%, and 0%), high PPC inclusion (PPC-H; 8%, 3.5%, and 2%), and extremely high PPC inclusion (PPC-EH; 12%, 5%, and 3.5%). During days 0–13, CTRL displayed no difference in growth performance compared with the three experimental groups (PPC-S, PPC-H, and PPC-EH). During days 13–24, PPC-H achieved greater (p < 0.001) average daily feed intake (ADFI) compared to CTRL. During days 24–45, no differences between groups were observed. For the overall experimental period (0–45 days), PPC-H displayed greater average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.010) and ADFI (p = 0.024) compared to CTRL. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) remained unaffected between the groups for all experimental periods. Increasing levels of PPC and hence GA did not affect the probability of diarrhea. In conclusion, increased standard PPC and hence increased levels of GA in isonitrogenous diets did not negatively affect growth performance nor fecal score in piglets (7–30 kg). Full article

Potato tubers are rich in starch, vitamins, protein, minerals, and other nutrients. However, tuber sprouting produces solanine and reduces the commodity value of potatoes during storage. At present, it is known that some plant essential oils can inhibit tuber sprouting. It has been reported that grape seed oil (GSO) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer characteristics, reducing blood lipids and delaying aging. In this study, we found for the first time that GSO delayed tuber sprouting, and the soluble sugar content and peroxidase activity changed after 60 days of GSO treatment. Furthermore, a comparative proteomic analysis of tuber bud eyes showed that after 30 days of GSO treatment, there were 206 and 129 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) with increased and decreased abundance levels, respectively. After analysis, we found that 15 ROS-related proteins and 14 proteins involved in energy metabolism were DAPs. Among them, gamma aminobutyrate transaminase 1 had decreased abundance after GSO treatment. Meanwhile, the transcription level of genes related to GABA synthesis increased significantly according to qRT-PCR analysis. Our results provide new approaches to the proteomic mechanism of potato sprouting after GSO treatment and provide a theoretical basis for the application of GSO in inhibiting potato seed sprouts. Full article

Cells produce free radicals and antioxidants when exposed to toxic compounds during cellular metabolism. However, free radicals are deleterious to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Antioxidants neutralize and eliminate free radicals from cells, preventing cell damage. Therefore, the study aims to determine whether the antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) will ameliorate the maximum dose of acrylamide and alpha (α)-solanine synergistic toxic effects in exposed BEAS-2B cells. These toxic compounds are consumed worldwide by eating potato products. BEAS-2B cells were simultaneously treated with BHA 10 μM and BHT 20 μM and incubated in a 5% CO₂ humidified incubator for 24 h, followed by individual or combined treatment with acrylamide (3.5 mM) and α-solanine (44 mM) for 48 h, including the controls. Cell morphology, DNA, RNA, and protein were analyzed. The antioxidants did not prevent acrylamide and α-solanine synergistic effects in exposed BEAS-2B cells. However, cell morphology was altered; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed reduced RNA constituents but not DNA. In addition, the toxic compounds synergistically inhibited AKT/PKB expression and its downstream genes. The study showed BHA and BHT are not protective against the synergetic toxic effects of acrylamide and α-solanine in exposed BEAS-2B cells. Full article

Food poisoning can be caused by the potato alkaloids α-solanine (SO) and α-chaconine (CHA). Therefore, this study aimed to establish new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detecting these two toxins in biological samples and potato extracts. Two antibodies that bind to solanidine, a chemical compound found in both SO and CHA, were newly developed, and two types of ELISAs (Sold1 ELISA and Sold2 ELISA) were constructed. We measured SO and CHA diluted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), serum, and urine. The detection performance of the two ELISAs for SO and CHA in PBS was higher than in serum and urine, and the sensitivity of Sold2 ELISA was lower than that of Sold1 ELISA. Thus, we used these ELISAs to measure SO and CHA in potato part extracts and found that potato sprouts contained approximately 80-fold more SO and CHA than tubers and 8-fold more SO and CHA than peels. Although the detection sensitivity of SO and CHA depends on the sample types, these ELISAs may be effective as future clinical and food testing methods after further improvements. Full article

Dickeya and Pectobacterium species are the causal agents of blackleg and soft rot diseases. This article explores the possibility of using the glycoalkaloids (GAs) naturally produced by the potato tuber after the greening process as a blackleg control method. We first tested the effect of GAs extracted from four potato cultivars on the growth and viability of one Dickeya and one Pectobacterium strain in growth media. Then, four years of field experiments were performed in which the incidence of blackleg was assessed in plants grown from the seed tubers of cv. Agria that were subjected to various greening treatments. In the growth media, all GAs isolated from the four cultivars appeared to be bacteriostatic and bactericidal against both bacteria strains. The inhibitory effect varied among GAs from different cultivars. Except for a one-year field trial, the blackleg incidence was lower in plants grown from green seed tubers without the yield being affected. The blackleg control was marginal, probably due to the low production of GAs by the tubers of cv. Agria after greening. Based on our findings, seed tuber greening has a good potential for blackleg control after the identification of varieties that present optimal GA composition after greening. Full article