Search Results (95)

This study evaluated biomass accumulation and phenolic compound production in seven Hypericum species (H. androsaemum, H. calycinum, H. hirsutum, H. kalmianum, H. olympicum, H. perforatum, and H. triquetrifolium) cultivated in vitro under varying growth regulator treatments and culture periods. Shoots were grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA) or meta-topoline (mT) and analyzed after 40 and 60 days. MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L BA was the most effective condition for promoting biomass across all species, with shoot fresh weight increasing significantly at 60 days, particularly in H. olympicum, H. perforatum, and H. triquetrifolium. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS) identified 13 phenolic compounds, including flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, anthocyanins, phloroglucinols, and naphthodianthrones. Phenolic profiles were species-specific and influenced by culture period. H. kalmianum accumulated the highest total phenolic content (37.6 mg/g DW), while H. olympicum was the top producer of hypericin and pseudohypericin. These results highlight the crucial role of culture conditions in regulating both biomass and phytochemical production and provide a promising approach for producing bioactive metabolites in Hypericum species through in vitro systems. Full article

Saffron spice is obtained from the flower’s stigmas through a labor-intensive process. However, other organs (particularly the leaves and tepals) are often regarded as waste. To investigate the health benefits of saffron leaf by-products, an optimized methodology was developed to obtain a phenol-enriched fraction. The main components of this fraction were identified by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS and the antiproliferative and metal-chelating effects on colon cancer cells (Caco-2) and Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions, respectively, were evaluated. The process involved the extraction of saffron leaves with a 70% hydroalcoholic solution, followed by purification using liquid chromatography. Chemical characterization revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds, including flavonoids (kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin glycosides) as major constituents; whereas, in vitro assays revealed a strong dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. Likewise, the sample exhibited significant iron- and copper-chelating activity, suggesting its potential as a natural chelator to help mitigate the carcinogenic effects of metal accumulation in humans. In summary, this study underscores the potential of the saffron leaf fraction as a promising natural and complementary chemoprotective agent in colorectal cancer. Additionally, these results underscore the value of agricultural by-products, supporting a circular bioeconomy by reducing environmental impact and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. Full article

Poplar leaves (Populi folium) are a herbal remedy traditionally used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases and prostate inflammation. The aim of our study was a comprehensive identification of secondary metabolites occurring in the leaves of Populus alba, Populus × candicans, and Populus nigra, in order to search for a source of raw plant material rich in active compounds. Total salicylate (TSC), flavonoid (TFC), and phenolic compound (TPC) contents were determined, and the antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays as well as 2D-TLC (two-dimensional thin layer chromatography) bioautography using DPPH, riboflavin-light-NBT (nitro blue tetrazolium chloride), and xanthine oxidase inhibition tests. Secondary metabolites present in the analyzed poplar leaves were identified under the developed HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS (high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection analysis conditions and using the 2D-TLC method. Among the 80 identified compounds, 13 were shown for the first time in the genus Populus. The most diverse and similar set of flavonoids characterized the leaves of P. × candicans and P. nigra, while numerous salicylic compounds were present in the leaves of P. alba and P. × candicans. All analyzed leaves are a rich source of phenolic compounds. The highest flavonoid content was found in the leaves of P. × candicans and P. nigra, while the leaves of P. alba were characterized by the highest content of salicylates. All examined poplar leaves demonstrated antioxidant potential in all the assays used, which decreased in the following order: P. nigra, P. × candicans, P. alba. Full article

Arthrospira platensis, a filamentous photosynthetic cyanobacterium, is widely recognized for its high nutritional value, broad spectrum of bioactive compounds, and excellent safety profile, making it a promising natural source for health-promoting applications. This study aimed to profile the phenolic constituents of an ethanolic extract of A. platensis (EAP) using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS and to investigate its pharmacological effects in attenuating acute and sub-chronic experimental colitis, as well as its antioxidant and antifungal properties. Colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by intrarectal administration of 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS), followed by oral administration of EAP at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Phenolic profiling revealed eight major compounds, with a cumulative content of 6.777 mg/g of extract, with Pyrogallol, Ferulic acid, and Chlorogenic acid being the most abundant. In vivo, EAP treatment significantly reduced the Disease Activity Index (DAI), alleviated macroscopic colonic damage, and preserved colonic mucosal integrity in both inflammatory phases. Biochemical analyses revealed significant reductions in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, accompanied by increased reduced glutathione (GSH) content and catalase activity. In vitro, EAP demonstrated notable antioxidant effects, including 56% DPPH and 47% ABTS radical scavenging activities, and an 81% ferrous ion-chelating capacity. Furthermore, it exhibited antifungal activity, with inhibition zones of 20 mm against Candida albicans and 15 mm against Aspergillus flavus, respectively. These findings highlight the multitarget bioactivity of EAP and support its potential as a natural agent for managing intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress across both acute and sub-chronic phases. Full article

Combretum micranthum G. Don (kinkeliba) is a medicinal plant traditionally employed in West Africa for its diuretic and gastrointestinal therapeutic properties. Despite its extensive ethnomedicinal use, comprehensive toxicological assessments are still lacking. This study aimed to characterize the phenolic composition of C. micranthum ethanolic leaf extract using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS and evaluate its acute and subacute oral toxicity in BALB/c mice, per OECD Guideline 420. Female mice received oral doses of 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg of extract for acute toxicity assessment for 14 days. In the subacute study, both sexes were administered daily doses at the same concentrations over 28 days. Clinical signs, body weight, and food and water consumption were regularly monitored throughout both protocols. At the end of each study, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were analyzed. Phenolic profiling revealed nine major compounds with a total of 293.54 mg/g extract. No mortality or significant clinical manifestations were observed at any dose. However, significant variations in platelet counts and amylase activity were noted in the acute phase. In the subacute model, slight, non-critical alterations in hepatic and renal biomarkers were observed, without signs of systemic toxicity. Histopathological examination revealed similar lesions in both acute and subacute phases, including multifocal inflammatory infiltrates (lymphocytes and neutrophils) in the periportal area of the liver, minimal bacterial overgrowth in the superficial layer of the gastric mucosa, minimal medullary mineralization and inflammatory infiltrates with lymphocytes in the kidneys, and minimal to moderate vacuolization in the pancreatic acini. These results indicate that C. micranthum ethanolic extract is relatively safe at the tested doses, reinforcing its traditional use and supporting further research into its pharmacological potential. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive characterization of Physalis peruviana L., covering the nutritional composition of the fruit and the phytochemical profiles and in vitro bioactive properties of berry and calyx extracts. The fresh fruit stood out as a source of dietary fiber (5.16 g/100 g) and is low in fat (0.49 g/100 g). A 100-g serving also contained notable amounts of ascorbic acid (32.0 mg), tocopherols (2.34 mg), potassium (253 mg), phosphorus (45 mg), and magnesium (20 mg). HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis tentatively identified five physalin derivatives and one withanolide in the fruit extract, which showed significant antiproliferative activity against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H460) cells. The calyx extracts contained three phenolic acids and four flavonoids, demonstrating high antioxidant activity through physiologically relevant cell-based assays, the ability to inhibit advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation and nitric oxide production, and also antiproliferative properties. These findings highlight goldenberry as a nutrient-dense fruit rich in vitamins and functional compounds with potential health benefits, supporting its recognition as a “superfruit”. Furthermore, the fruit calyx emerged as a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries and related sectors. Full article

The Japanese plum tree (Prunus salicina Lindl.) is mainly cultivated in temperate areas of China and some European countries. Certain amounts of wood (from pruning works) are generated every year from this crop of worldwide commercial significance. The main objective of this work was to value this agricultural woody residue, for which the chemical composition of pruning wood extracts from six Japanese plum cultivars was investigated, and the antiproliferative activity of extracts and pure phenolics present in those extracts was measured. For the chemical characterization, total phenolic content and DPPH radical-scavenging assays and HPLC‒DAD/ESI‒MS analyses were performed, with the procyanidin (−)-ent-epicatechin-(2α→O→7,4α→8)-epicatechin (5) and the propelargonidin (+)-epiafzelechin-(2β→O→7,4β→8)-epicatechin (7) being the major components of the wood extracts. Some quantitative differences were found among plum cultivars, and the content of proanthocyanidins ranged from 1.50 (cv. ‘Fortune’) to 4.44 (cv. ‘Showtime’) mg/g of dry wood. Regarding the antitumoral activity, eight wood extracts and four phenolic compounds were evaluated in MCF-7 cells after 48 h of induction, showing the wood extract from cv. ‘Songold’ and (‒)-annphenone (3), the best antiproliferative activity (IC₅₀: 424 μg/mL and 405 μg/mL, respectively). Full article

Sawfly species of the genus Monophadnus are specialised on Ranunculaceae plants from which the larvae can sequester furostanol saponins into the haemolymph, mainly (25R)-26-[(α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)oxy]-22α-methoxyfurost-5-en-3β-yl-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-[6-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (compound 1). In this work, TLC, GC-MS, and HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analyses together with feeding, repeated simulated attacks, and ant deterrence bioassays were conducted to extend the chemoecological knowledge about two sawfly species specialised on H. foetidus L. (Monophadnus species A) and H. viridis L. (Monophadnus species B). Larvae of Monophadnus species B were mostly feeding on the squares treated with the n-butanol fraction from H. foetidus, compound 1 being its primary non-nutritional stimulant. In contrast, all H. viridis fractions stimulated feeding, with n-hexane marginally more active. β-sitosterol within n-hexane was determined as the nutritional stimulant. Quantitative analyses demonstrated that leaves of H. viridis but not H. foetidus contain the ecdysteroids 20-hydroxyecdysone and polypodine B. Moreover, the haemolymph of Monophadnus species B larvae reared on H. viridis contained the glycosides of polypodine B and 20-hydroxyecdysone at a concentration of 2.5 to 6.8 µmol/g fresh weight of haemolymph. This concentration is several thousand times higher than the concentration range of the aglycones in their host plant (3.63 × 10⁻⁴ to 2.23 × 10⁻⁴ µmol total ecdysteroids/g fresh weight of leaves), suggesting bioaccumulation. The larvae of both species fed on H. foetidus do not show any traces of ecdysteroids in their haemolymph, indicating a facultative role of these compounds in their defence as well as their inability to endogenously synthesise these compounds. The haemolymph containing ecdysteroids was a significant feeding deterrent against Myrmica rubra L. ant workers (one of their natural predators) at 0.8 mg/mL. The larvae kept effective deterrent levels of glycosylated ecdysteroids (≅175 mM) between simulated attacks on days 1 and 2, but the levels clearly decreased on day 3 (≅75 mM). Most larvae (89%) survived a first attack but only 23% a consecutive second one. As a conclusion, we report for the first time that two Monophadnus species feeding on H. viridis sequester phytoecdysteroids into the larval haemolymph in the form of glycosides. In addition, compound 1 possesses defensive and phagostimulant activities, and we present evidence for a combined effect of furostanol saponins and ecdysteroids as repellents against ants. Full article

Pyracantha is a genus of wild perennial shrubs native in an area extending from Southwest Europe to Southeast Asia, and it is used in traditional medicine for the diuretic, cardiac, and tonic properties of its fruits, which can also be cooked to make jellies, jams, and sauces. This work aims to study and compare the antioxidant activity and the phenolic and anthocyanin composition of three varieties of Pyracantha coccinea: Red Column (PCR), Orange Glow (PCO), and Soleil d’Or (PCS), and one of Pyracantha angustifolia: Orange glow (PAO), collected from the spontaneous flora of the Mediterranean region (Southern Italy). Two different extraction processes were tested using methanol and an aqueous methanol solution (80% MeOH) to evaluate the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of freeze-dried berries. The highest total phenolic content was found in PCR and PAO berries (174.21 ± 0.149 and 168.01 ± 0.691 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry matter, respectively) extracted with an aqueous methanol solution (80% MeOH). Polyphenolic extracts analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS confirmed the presence of rutin, quercetin hexose, neoeriocitrin, procyanidin B, and resveratrol. Moreover, the total antioxidant activity of the berries’ extracts was measured by comparing two different spectrophotometric methods (ABTS and DPPH), showing that the varieties with the highest total phenolic content, PCR and PAO, also had the highest scavenging activity. Finally, a suitable extraction process was chosen for the evaluation of the anthocyanins’ composition of all frozen berries, and in all MS spectra of Pyracantha varieties, two ionic species at 449 m/z attributable to two cyanidin derivatives were found. Full article

Environmental degradation leads to an unsustainable food system. In addition to this issue, the consumption of foods that improve people’s health and well-being is recommended. One of the alternatives is undoubtedly the use of by-products of winemaking, namely in the form of grape pomace flour (GPF). To verify the benefits of using the Touriga Nacional and Arinto (Vitis vinifera L.) flour varieties, analytical determinations were made to identify and quantify different components. In terms of nutritional characterization, the Touriga Nacional GPF showed results that indicate better nutritional quality than the Arinto GPF. The Touriga Nacional and Arinto samples had protein contents of 10.13% and 8.38%, polyunsaturated fatty acids of 6.66% and 5.18%, soluble dietary fiber of 14.3% and 1.7%, and insoluble dietary fiber of 55.1% and 46.4%, respectively. The anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and flavonols presented in samples were detected by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS. Atomic absorption spectrometry revealed elevated concentrations of certain elements in Touriga Nacional compared to Arinto, with the former showing higher levels of aluminum (130 mg/kg) and iron (146 mg/kg) against the latter’s Al (120 mg/kg) and Fe (112 mg/kg) content. GPF could become a valuable ingredient due to its nutritional quality and high content of various polyphenols. Full article

Cistus ladanifer L., Acacia dealbata L., and Aloysia citrodora Paláu were subject to an optimization procedure for two extraction techniques (heat-assisted extraction (HAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)). The extracts were then analyzed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS for their phenolic profile (cistus—15 compounds, acacia—21 compounds, and lemon verbena—9 compounds). The response surface methodology was applied, considering four varying factors: ethanol percentage; extraction time; temperature/power; and S/L ratio, generating two responses (the major phenolic compound, or family of compounds, and the extraction yield). For cistus, both techniques optimized the extraction yield of punicalagins, with UAE proving to be the most efficient extraction method (3.22% ethanol, 22 min, 171 W, and 35 g/L). For acacia, HAE maximized the extraction of procyanidin (74% ethanol, 86 min, 24 °C, and 50 g/L), and UAE maximized the content of myricetin (65% ethanol, 8 min, 50 W, and 50 g/L). For lemon verbena, HAE favored the extraction of martynoside (13% ethanol, 96 min, 49 °C and 17 g/L) and forsythiaside UAE (94% ethanol, 25 min, 399 W, and 29 g/L). The optimal conditions for the extraction of compounds with high added value and potential for use in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals were defined. Full article

Olive pomace is an agro-industrial waste product generated from the olive oil industry and constituted by bioactive compounds with potential applications in several industrial sectors. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of electron beam (e-beam) radiation on olive pomace, specifically on phenolic compounds (by HPLC–DAD–ESI/MS) and the bioactive properties (antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial activities) of crude olive pomace (COP) and extracted olive pomace (EOP) extracts. The amount of total flavonoid content and the reducing power of COP extracts were higher than those obtained for EOP extracts. The results suggested that e-beam radiation at 6 kGy increased both total phenolic and total flavonoid contents as well as the reducing power of COP extracts, due to the higher extractability (>2.5-fold) of phenolic compounds from these samples, while decreasing the scavenging activity of extracts. The extracts of both olive pomaces showed antibacterial potential, and COP extracts at 400 µg/mL also presented antiproliferative activity against A549, Caco-2, 293T, and RAW264.7 cell lines, with both properties preserved with the e-beam treatment. All in all, e-beam radiation at 6 kGy appears to be a promising technology to valorize the pollutant wastes of the olive oil industry through enhancing phenolic extractability and bioactive properties, and, furthermore, to contribute to the environmental and economical sustainability of the olive oil industry. Full article

This study comprises the phytochemical characterization, the evaluation of the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA), and the investigation of the cyto-genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of hydromethanolic extract derived from Salvia verticillata L. leaves. HPLC–DAD–ESI-MS and HPLC–DAD were used for the characterization of the extract and determination of the major ingredients. Afterwards, the TPC and AA were determined. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of the extract on cultured human lymphocytes at concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 μg mL⁻¹ was investigated via the Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus (CBMN) assay. Moreover, its antigenotoxic potential against the mutagenic agent mitomycin C (MMC) was assessed using the same assay. The hydromethanolic extract comprises numerous metabolites, with rosmarinic acid being the major compound. It had a high value of TPC and exerted significant AA as shown by the results of the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Radical Scavenging Activity by DPPH• assays. A dose-dependent cytotoxic potential was recorded, with the highest dose (50 μg mL⁻¹) exhibiting statistically significant cytotoxicity. None of the tested concentrations induced significant micronuclei (MN) frequencies, indicating a lack of genotoxicity. All tested concentrations reduced the MMC-mediated genotoxic effects, with the two lowest showing statistically significant antigenotoxic potential. Full article

Considering that Sorbus aucuparia fruits have been underutilized despite their tremendous potential, this study aimed to correlate the in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and cell-protective abilities of fruit extracts derived from Sorbus aucuparia Romanian cultivars with their phytochemical composition. Therefore, following the preparation of ethanolic and carotenoid extracts, phytochemical screening was performed using UV–Vis and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS methods. The antioxidant activity was analyzed using DPPH and FRAP tests. As the results revealed high contents of bioactive compounds (polyphenols 1.11 mg GAE/g DM, flavonoids 430.06 µg QE/g DM and carotenoids 95.68 µg/g DM) and an important antiradical action (DPPH 24.51 mg/mL and FRAP 0.016 µM TE/mL), we chose to further examine the fruits’ biological properties. The antibacterial capacity was assessed employing agar well diffusion and broth microdilution techniques, with fruits displaying an intense activity against MSSA, MRSA and Enterococcus faecalis, but also E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cell-protective activity was analyzed on gentamicin-stressed renal cells, through MTT and Annexin V-FITC assays. Importantly, a significant increase in viability was registered on stressed cells following extract administration in low doses; nevertheless, viability was noticed to decline when exposed to elevated concentrations, potentially due to the cumulative actions of the extract and gentamicin. These findings offer novel light on the antibacterial activity of Sorbus aucuparia Romanian cultivars, as well as their cell-protective ability in renal cell injury. Full article

Combretum racemosum, a plant from the Combretaceae family, is traditionally used in Benin for various health problems. However, scientific research on Beninese samples of this plant is limited. The aim of this study was to identify and assess the bioactive compounds in the plant’s leaves and roots. Initial screening involved analyzing powders derived from these parts for total polyphenols, flavonoids, and both condensed and hydrolyzable tannins. The polyphenolic compounds were analyzed using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. To evaluate the plant’s antimicrobial properties, the agar diffusion method was employed, while FRAP and DPPH assays were used to determine its antioxidant capacity. For anti-inflammatory activity, the study utilized tests for in vitro protein denaturation inhibition and in vivo acute edema induced by carrageenan. Additionally, an antiproliferative assay was conducted using the human melanoma cell line A375. The analysis revealed the presence of significant polyphenolic compounds in both the leaf and root extracts of C. racemosum. Notably, compounds like Pedunculagin, Vescalagin, Casuarictin, and Digalloyl-glucoside were abundant in the leaves, with Vescalagin being especially predominant in the roots. The study also found that the dichloromethane extracts from the leaves and roots exhibited bactericidal effects on a substantial percentage of meat-isolated strains. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of these extracts were confirmed through FRAP and DPPH methods. Interestingly, the dichloromethane root extract showed strong activity in inhibiting thermal albumin denaturation, while the water–ethanol leaf extract demonstrated significant edema inhibition. Finally, the study observed that C. racemosum extracts reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with leaf extracts showing more pronounced antiproliferative effects than root extracts. These findings highlight the potential of C. racemosum leaves and roots as sources of compounds with diverse and significant biological activities. In conclusion, C. racemosum’s leaves and roots exhibit promising biological activities, highlighting their potential medicinal value. Full article