Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (121)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = UHPLC-(ESI)-qTOF

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
14 pages, 717 KB  
Article
Larrea ameghinoi Speg. (Zygophyllaceae) “Jarilla Rastrera”: UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Analysis, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Properties, and Inhibition of Enzymes of Interest to Human Health
by Jessica Gómez, Silvana M. Sede, Belén Ariza Sampietro, Daniel Zaragoza-Puchol, María Elisa Bressan Merlo, Duilio Caballero, Beatriz Lima, Alejandro Tapia and Mario J. Simirgiotis
Antioxidants 2026, 15(6), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15060668 - 26 May 2026
Viewed by 391
Abstract
Larrea ameghinoi Speg., an endemic species of Argentine Patagonia traditionally used in folk medicine to treat fever, stomach disorders, respiratory conditions, back pain, and as an emmenagogue, among others, still remains chemically and biologically underexplored compared to the other four members of the [...] Read more.
Larrea ameghinoi Speg., an endemic species of Argentine Patagonia traditionally used in folk medicine to treat fever, stomach disorders, respiratory conditions, back pain, and as an emmenagogue, among others, still remains chemically and biologically underexplored compared to the other four members of the genus. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive metabolomic characterization of methanolic extracts from two populations (EMLaSAO and EMLaMAQ) using ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS) and to evaluate their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme-inhibitory activities of relevance to human health. Thirty-three compounds were tentatively identified by extensive UHPLC–MS analysis, including flavones, two major lignans, and oleanane-type triterpenes. Both extracts exhibited high phenolic content (215–239 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract) and strong free radical scavenging activity, as evidenced by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, EC50 ≈ 10 μg/mL), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) assays. In addition, significant inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 ≈ 50 μg extract/mL) and α-glucosidase, together with selective antibacterial activity against methicillin-sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 125 μg extract/mL), were recorded. These findings suggest that L. ameghinoi possesses a distinctive phytochemical composition conferring multitarget bioactivity, differing from other Larrea species dominated by lignans such as nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and its derivatives. Overall, this work supports the potential of L. ameghinoi as a novel source of bioactive metabolites for managing oxidative stress-related disorders and opportunistic infections. This warrants future in vivo studies investigating biological activities associated with oxidative stress and their relevance to human health. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 7081 KB  
Article
Sakuranetin, a Natural Flavonoid, Promising to Manage Grapevine Diseases
by Corentin Griffon, Brice Dautruche, Bilal Loumi, Abdouramane Dosso, David Lesur, Emilie Isidore, Morad Chadni, Florent Allais, Christian Magro, Charles Monteux and Florence Fontaine
Molecules 2026, 31(8), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31081368 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 589
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea and Plasmopara viticola, the causal agents of grey mold and downy mildew, respectively, are two major grapevine pathogens whose control largely relies on synthetic fungicides, raising environmental and health concerns. Plant-derived secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids involved in plant defense, represent [...] Read more.
Botrytis cinerea and Plasmopara viticola, the causal agents of grey mold and downy mildew, respectively, are two major grapevine pathogens whose control largely relies on synthetic fungicides, raising environmental and health concerns. Plant-derived secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids involved in plant defense, represent promising sustainable alternatives. Among them, sakuranetin, a flavanone aglycone known for its antifungal activity in rice, remains poorly explored for grapevine protection. In this study, sakuranetin was purified from cherry branches (48 mg) and structurally characterized using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and NMR analyses. Its antifungal activity against B. cinerea and P. viticola was evaluated through in vitro, in vivo and in planta assays. For B. cinerea, our results showed a significant in vitro inhibition of mycelium growth, with EC50 values of 16.43 mg·L−1, while no protection of detached berries was observed. Against P. viticola, sakuranetin has no effect on the release of zoospores, but there is a total inhibition of spore germination at 1 mg·L−1 in vitro, confirmed in vivo on a foliar disc. In planta, no significant protection is observed at 25 mg·L−1, even if some targeted defense genes are induced. Further studies are needed to determine the best concentration of sakuranetin to use to manage B. cinerea and P. viticola in planta. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 8322 KB  
Article
Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Metabolic Reprogramming During Viable but Non-Culturable State Formation in Aeromonas hydrophila Under Preservative Stress
by Gururaj Moorthy, Jatuphol Pholtaisong, Anusara Wongkotsila, Soottawat Benjakul, Awanwee Petchkongkaew and Jirakrit Saetang
Foods 2026, 15(8), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15081289 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1149
Abstract
Aeromonas hydrophila is a major seafood-borne pathogen capable of persisting under preservative-associated stress by entering a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, thereby evading culture-based detection. Here, untargeted metabolomics was applied as the primary analytical approach to elucidate metabolic reprogramming during VBNC formation under [...] Read more.
Aeromonas hydrophila is a major seafood-borne pathogen capable of persisting under preservative-associated stress by entering a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, thereby evading culture-based detection. Here, untargeted metabolomics was applied as the primary analytical approach to elucidate metabolic reprogramming during VBNC formation under seafood-relevant preservation conditions. Cells were incubated at 4 °C for 30 days in sodium benzoate-supplemented saline, comparing 0.85% NaCl (culturable condition) and 4% NaCl (VBNC-inducing condition), with sampling every 6 days. Under 4% NaCl with sodium benzoate, culturability declined from 6.18 log CFU/mL at day 0 to undetectable levels by day 30, while cell viability was retained, confirming VBNC induction. UHPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS profiling detected over 893 intracellular metabolic features, of which 518 metabolites were significantly altered between VBNC and culturable states at day 30. Principal component analysis revealed clear, time-dependent metabolic divergence, with the VBNC trajectory explaining 34.4% (PC1) and 11.5% (PC2) of total variance. Pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated significant remodeling of alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism (8/28 hits, FDR = 5.7 × 10−4); arginine biosynthesis (5/14 hits, FDR = 5.44 × 10−3); purine metabolism (10/70 hits, FDR = 8.34 × 10−3); and pyrimidine metabolism (7/39 hits, FDR = 1.35 × 10−2), indicating nitrogen conservation and metabolic downshifting. A robust biomarker panel, including depleted cyclic AMP, aminoadipic acid, hypotaurine, O6-CM-dG, and betaine, and enriched urocanic acid, pipecolic acid, proline, azelaic acid, and orcinol perfectly discriminated VBNC from culturable cells. These findings demonstrate that sodium benzoate-based preservation can induce a metabolically reprogrammed VBNC state in A. hydrophila, highlighting a hidden food safety risk beyond culture-based assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Foodomics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 4909 KB  
Article
Metabolomics, Molecular Networking and Phytochemical Investigation of Psiadia dentata (Cass.) DC., Endemic to Reunion Island: Discovery of Novel Bioactive Molecules
by Lantomalala Elsa Razafindrabenja, Keshika Mahadeo, Gaëtan Herbette, Lúcia Mamede, Michel Frederich, Carole Di Giorgio, Béatrice Baghdikian, Patricia Clerc, Hippolyte Kodja, Isabelle Grondin and Anne Gauvin-Bialecki
Molecules 2026, 31(6), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31060973 - 13 Mar 2026
Viewed by 817
Abstract
The genus Psiadia (Asteraceae), widely distributed in Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius, La Réunion, Rodrigues), is traditionally used to treat bronchitis, asthma, colds, abdominal pain, and other inflammatory disorders. However, few studies have scientifically validated these traditional medicinal uses. To assess P. [...] Read more.
The genus Psiadia (Asteraceae), widely distributed in Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius, La Réunion, Rodrigues), is traditionally used to treat bronchitis, asthma, colds, abdominal pain, and other inflammatory disorders. However, few studies have scientifically validated these traditional medicinal uses. To assess P. dentata as a valuable source of bioactive natural products, a combined 1H NMR-based metabolomic, molecular networking, and phytochemical study was conducted. Multivariate analysis (PLS-DA) of crude extracts from Psiadia species collected on Reunion Island enabled rapid discrimination of active extracts from P. dentata and revealed two methoxylated flavonoids and one coumarin as metabolites correlated with its antiplasmodial and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, UHPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS molecular networking approach enabled detailed chemical profiling of this species, allowing the annotation of 25 compounds (125) in this species. Subsequent phytochemical investigation of P. dentata leaves led to the isolation and identification of 25 metabolites, including nine new diterpenes (2634), one new coumarin (35), and 15 known compounds (18, 11, 18, 19 and 3639) from the diterpenoid, flavonoid, and coumarin families. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS analyses. Biological evaluation of the isolated compounds showed that compounds 1, 7, 26 and 27 showed antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum (3D7 strain, IC50 = 7.25–13.46 μM). Compounds 7, 26, 27, 31 and 32 inhibited nitric oxide production (IC50 = 0.87–27.71 μM), indicating potential anti-inflammatory effects. Only compound 1 displayed moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 and HT29 cancer cell lines (IC50 = 25.67 and 18.35 μM, respectively). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Natural Sources)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1115 KB  
Article
Renoprotective Potential of Beetroot Spent Extract Under Hyperglycemic Conditions
by Wachiraporn Tipsuwan, Onsaya Kerdto, Phronpawee Srichomphoo, Wittaya Chaiwangyen, Pongsak Angkasith, Yanping Zhong and Somdet Srichairatanakool
Foods 2026, 15(4), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15040769 - 20 Feb 2026
Viewed by 766
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, primarily driven by hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and renal tubular cell injury. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is rich in antioxidant phytochemicals, and its industrial processing generates large amounts of spent material that may retain [...] Read more.
Diabetic nephropathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, primarily driven by hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and renal tubular cell injury. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is rich in antioxidant phytochemicals, and its industrial processing generates large amounts of spent material that may retain significant bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and renoprotective potential of beetroot spent extracts under hyperglycemic conditions. Beetroot spent material was extracted using hot water and 70% ethanol. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and betalain contents were quantified, and antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay. Phytochemical characterization was performed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Cytotoxicity was evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, SH-SY5Y, HEK-293, and MDA-MB-231 cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Renoprotective effects were investigated in HEK-293 renal tubular cells cultured under normal (5.5 mM) and high-glucose (200 mM) conditions. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS was used to identify over 80 phenolic and flavonoid compounds including quercetin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate. The hot water extract exhibited superior antioxidant activity, achieving approximately 90% ABTS radical inhibition. Beetroot spent extract showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations below 1 mg/mL and significantly restored HEK-293 cell viability (>90%) under high-glucose conditions at concentrations ≥31.25 µg/mL. In conclusion, beetroot spent water extract possesses strong antioxidant and renoprotective activities against hyperglycemia-induced renal cell damage, supporting its valorization as a sustainable functional food ingredient for diabetes-related health applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds from Vegetable Sources)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2492 KB  
Article
Chemical Profiling and Vascular Effects of a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Calophyllum longifolium Willd: Role of Nitric Oxide and Potassium Channels
by Diego Aravena, Javier Palacios, Cristián A. Véliz-Quezada, Gabriela V. Aguirre-Martínez, Julio Benites, David J. Greensmith, Adrián Paredes, Fredi Cifuentes, Mario J. Simirgiotis, Frank R. León-Vargas, Daniel Asunción-Alvarez, Iván M. Quispe-Díaz and Roberto O. Ybañez-Julca
Plants 2026, 15(4), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15040594 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1112
Abstract
Calophyllum spp. infusions are used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and hypertension. However, the chemical composition and mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and vascular effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Calophyllum [...] Read more.
Calophyllum spp. infusions are used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and hypertension. However, the chemical composition and mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and vascular effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Calophyllum longifolium. Phytochemical profiling was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS). Extract effects on rat aortic rings and aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were evaluated using wire myography and photometric measurement of intracellular Ca2+, respectively. UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS revealed the presence of coumarins, xanthones, flavonoids, triterpenes, and phenolic acids. Coumarin–resveratrol hybrids, such as gut-70 derivatives, were also abundant. In aortic rings from normotensive rats, C. longifolium induced a biphasic vascular response whereby low concentrations (1 μg/mL) produced significant vascular relaxation, whereas high concentrations (100 μg/mL) produced contraction. Blockade of ATP-sensitive (KATP) or voltage-gated (KV) potassium channels attenuated these effects. Furthermore, effects were not observed in preparations preincubated with L-NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or in endothelium-denuded rings. In aortic VSMCs, extracts (1 µg/mL) rapidly reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content. This study provides the first UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS chemical profile of C. longifolium, revealing diverse bioactive metabolites. It is also the first to demonstrate that C. longifolium exerts an endothelium-dependent, nitric oxide- and Ca2+-mediated biphasic effect on vascular function. Taken together, these findings highlight C. longifolium as a potential novel source of vasculotropic phytopharmaceuticals. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1592 KB  
Article
Development and Validation of an UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Method According to the ICH M10 Guideline for Quantification of the Clinical Drug Candidate RD2 in the Mouse Brain
by Alissa Jonas, Ian Gering, Elena Schartmann, Sarah Schemmert, Dieter Willbold, Beatrix Santiago-Schübel and Janine Kutzsche
Analytica 2026, 7(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/analytica7010015 - 7 Feb 2026
Viewed by 751
Abstract
The all-d-enantiomeric-peptide RD2 was developed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This study aimed to develop a specific and highly sensitive liquid chromatography-mass-spectrometric (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF) method for quantifying RD2 in the mouse brain and to validate it according to the ICH M10 [...] Read more.
The all-d-enantiomeric-peptide RD2 was developed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This study aimed to develop a specific and highly sensitive liquid chromatography-mass-spectrometric (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF) method for quantifying RD2 in the mouse brain and to validate it according to the ICH M10 guideline to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of RD2 in its target organ. Sample preparation, chromatographic separation and quantification were very challenging due to RD2’s highly hydrophilic properties, the complex matrix and the required lower limit of quantification (LLOQ). Chromatographic separation was performed on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm particle size) within 5 min at 50 °C with a flow rate of 0.5 mL·min−1. Mobile phases consisted of water and acetonitrile with 0.2% formic acid and 0.015% heptafluorobutyric acid. Ions were generated by electrospray ionization in the positive mode, and RD2 was quantified by QTOF-MS. The developed extraction method revealed complete recovery. The linearity of the calibration curve was in the range of 2 ng·mL−1 to 500 ng·mL−1 (R2 > 0.99) with a LLOQ of 5 ng·mL−1. The intraday and interday accuracy and precision ranged from 0.4% to 12.2% and from 1.0% to 12.0%. RD2 remained stable in the freshly homogenized brain even after several freeze–thaw cycles, but stability decreased over time during long-term storage at −80 °C. Using this validated method, RD2-spiked brain homogenate samples and samples of a pharmacokinetic study with RD2 in mice were analyzed. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1123 KB  
Article
UHPLC-QTOF-MS Profiling of Chemical Constituents in POW9TM Cocktail with Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Potentials Against Vero, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Cells
by Chirra Taworntawat, Pisit Tonkittirattanakul, Pongpisid Koonyosying, David D. Perrodin, Somdet Srichairatanakool and Wachiraporn Tipsuwan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031246 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1452
Abstract
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies affecting women worldwide, underscoring the need for safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antiproliferative potential of POW9™, a proprietary botanical blend formulated from [...] Read more.
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies affecting women worldwide, underscoring the need for safer and more effective therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antiproliferative potential of POW9™, a proprietary botanical blend formulated from nine medicinal plant extracts. Comprehensive phytochemical profiling was performed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) in both positive and negative ionization modes. A total of 34 compounds were identified in negative mode and 27 compounds in positive mode, comprising flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, organic acids, peptides, glycosides, and lipids. POW9™ exhibited high total phenolic content (190.3 ± 3.5 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and total flavonoid content (115.2 ± 1.5 mg quercetin equivalents/g), along with strong antioxidant activity, demonstrated by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.66 mg/mL (33.73 mg Trolox equivalents/g). Cytotoxicity assessment revealed minimal toxicity toward normal Vero cells. In contrast, POW9™ significantly inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 values were 6.75 mg/mL for MCF-7 cells and 18.08 mg/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells after 72 h of treatment, while prolonged exposure (96 h) further enhanced antiproliferative efficacy, reducing the IC50 to 2.34 mg/mL. These findings demonstrate that POW9™ is a chemically diverse herbal formulation with potent antioxidant and selective anti-breast cancer activities, supporting its potential development as a complementary therapeutic or nutraceutical agent for breast cancer management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in the Prevention of Chronic Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 8991 KB  
Article
Exploration and Preliminary Investigation of Wiled Tinospora crispa: A Medicinal Plant with Promising Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
by Salma Saddeek
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48010070 - 9 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1486
Abstract
Background and Rationale: Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson (T. crispa) is a climbing medicinal plant with long-standing ethnopharmacological use, particularly in inflammatory and hepatic disorders and cancer-related conditions. There is a knowledge gap regarding how wild versus cultivated ecotypes differ in [...] Read more.
Background and Rationale: Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson (T. crispa) is a climbing medicinal plant with long-standing ethnopharmacological use, particularly in inflammatory and hepatic disorders and cancer-related conditions. There is a knowledge gap regarding how wild versus cultivated ecotypes differ in chemotype, bioactivity, and safety, and how this might support or refine traditional use. Study Objectives: This study aimed to compare wild and cultivated ecotypes of T. crispa from the Nile Delta (Egypt) in terms of quantitative and qualitative phytochemical profiles; selected in vitro biological activities (especially antioxidant and cytotoxic actions); genetic markers potentially associated with metabolic variation; and short-term oral safety in an animal model. Core Methodology: Standardized extraction of plant material from wild and cultivated ecotypes. Determination of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and major phytochemical classes (alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids). Metabolomic characterization using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, supported by NMR, to confirm key compounds such as berberine, palmatine, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and borapetoside C. In vitro bioassays including: Antioxidant activity (e.g., radical-scavenging assay with EC50 determination). Cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, with emphasis on HepG2 hepatoma cells and calculation of IC50 values. Targeted genetic analysis to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gen1 locus that differentiate ecotypes. A 14-day oral toxicity study in rats, assessing liver and kidney function markers and performing histopathology of liver and kidney tissues. Principal Results: The wild ecotype showed a 43–65% increase in total flavonoid and polyphenol content compared with the cultivated ecotype, as well as substantially higher levels of key alkaloids, particularly berberine (around 12.5 ± 0.8 mg/g), along with elevated chlorogenic acid and borapetoside C. UHPLC-MS and NMR analyses confirmed the identity of the main bioactive constituents and defined a distinct chemical fingerprint for the wild chemotype. Bioassays demonstrated stronger antioxidant activity of the wild extract than the cultivated one and selective cytotoxicity of the wild extract against HepG2 cells (IC50 ≈ 85 µg/mL), being clearly more potent than extracts from cultivated plants. Genetic profiling detected a C → T SNP within the gen1 region that differentiates the wild ecotype and may be linked to altered biosynthetic regulation. The 14-day oral toxicity study (up to 600 mg/kg) revealed no evidence of hepatic or renal toxicity, with biochemical markers remaining within physiological limits and normal liver and kidney histology. Conclusions and Future Perspectives: The wild Nile-Delta ecotype of T. crispa appears to be a stress-adapted chemotype characterized by enriched levels of multiple bioactive metabolites, superior in vitro bioactivity, and an encouraging preliminary safety margin. These findings support further evaluation of wild T. crispa as a candidate source for standardized botanical preparations targeting oxidative stress-related and hepatic pathologies, while emphasizing the need for: More comprehensive in vivo efficacy studies. Cultivation strategies that deliberately maintain or mimic beneficial stress conditions to preserve phytochemical richness. Broader geographical and genetic sampling to assess how generalizable the present chemotypic and bioactivity patterns are across the species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Phytochemicals: Biological Activities and Applications)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 963 KB  
Article
Differential Metabolic Dysregulations in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cirrhosis: Insights into Lipidomic Signatures
by Cristina-Paula Ursu, Luminița Elena Furcea, Bogdan Procopeț, Răzvan Alexandru Ciocan, Ștefan Ursu, Claudia Diana Gherman, Dan Vălean, Rodica Sorina Pop, Emil Ioan Moiș, Horia Ștefănescu, Carmen Socaciu, Nadim Al Hajjar and Florin Graur
Biomolecules 2025, 15(11), 1575; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15111575 - 10 Nov 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1230
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver malignancy, usually develops in patients with cirrhosis, yet the metabolic mechanisms that distinguish the two conditions remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore metabolic dysregulations in HCC compared with cirrhosis and to identify potential [...] Read more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver malignancy, usually develops in patients with cirrhosis, yet the metabolic mechanisms that distinguish the two conditions remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore metabolic dysregulations in HCC compared with cirrhosis and to identify potential biomarkers, especially lipids, with diagnostic and prognostic value. We prospectively studied 81 patients—41 with HCC and 40 with cirrhosis—using high-resolution UHPLC-QTOF-ESI+-MS to characterize their serum lipidome. Across both groups, 322 metabolites were identified, but their distribution was strikingly different. Patients with HCC showed higher levels of sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, diglycerides, sterols, and certain fatty acids, reflecting tumor-related metabolic rewiring. In contrast, cirrhotic patients had increased D-glucose, 5-hydroxymethyluracil, lysophospholipids, acylcarnitines, and specific fatty acid derivatives. Several lipids, such as CerPE(d16:2/24:1(2OH)), SM(d18:0/14:0), PA(36:6), and GlcCer(d18:1/12:0), displayed excellent discriminative accuracy, highlighting their role as putative biomarkers. These findings underscore the importance of lipid metabolic reprogramming in HCC, characterized by membrane remodeling, energy adaptation, and oxidative stress resistance. Integrating lipidomic profiling into clinical practice could improve early detection and risk stratification in cirrhotic patients. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to validate these biomarkers and assess their therapeutic implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipids and Lipoproteins in Human Health and Disease)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 6660 KB  
Article
Delivery and Metabolic Fate of Doxorubicin and Betulin Nanoformulations In Vivo: A Metabolomics Approach
by Mihai Adrian Socaciu, Remus Moldovan, Carmen Socaciu, Flaviu Alexandru Tăbăran and Simona Clichici
Metabolites 2025, 15(11), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15110723 - 5 Nov 2025
Viewed by 909
Abstract
Background: Betulins (betulin, betulinic acid and lupeol) demonstrated antitumor and chemopreventive activity but showed low bioavailability due to their self-aggregation in hydrophilic environments. To overcome these disadvantages, their incorporation into lipid nanoformulations (PEGylated liposomes and Lipid Nanostructured Carriers (NLCs)) has proven to [...] Read more.
Background: Betulins (betulin, betulinic acid and lupeol) demonstrated antitumor and chemopreventive activity but showed low bioavailability due to their self-aggregation in hydrophilic environments. To overcome these disadvantages, their incorporation into lipid nanoformulations (PEGylated liposomes and Lipid Nanostructured Carriers (NLCs)) has proven to represent a viable solution. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the size and incorporation rate of these molecules in nanoformulations, as well as their delivery and metabolic fate (pure betulinic acid versus a standardized extract, TT) relative to Doxorubicin using an in vivo protocol. The investigation extended our previous in vitro investigations towards an in vivo evaluation of antitumor activity, metabolic fate and toxicity in Wistar rats bearing Walker 256 carcinoma tumors over 21 days. Since previous studies used oral or intratumor administration, this exploratory study applied intravenous administration via microbubble-assisted sonoporation, considering its higher relevance for translational studies. Methods: The delivery and metabolic fate of the parent molecules, the identification of their fragments and metabolites using UHPLC-QTOF-ESI+MS were investigated, along with the identification of some toxicity biomarkers in rat plasma, tumor tissues and urine. Results: Preferential accumulation of Doxorubicin in tumors was observed compared to betulinic acid and TT components, as well as their persistence in plasma or elimination in urine. Compared to PEGylated liposomes, NLC formulations (especially NLC Doxo) induced a lower survival rate, a decreased bioavailability and increased toxicity by around 20%. Conclusions: These data are a starting point and complement the contrast-enhanced imaging and histology evaluations, which may contribute to the actual knowledge about the in vivo fate of betulins. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1907 KB  
Article
Outer Membrane Vesicles, Lipidome, and Biofilm Formation in the Endophyte Enterobacter Cloacae SEA01 from Agave Tequilana
by Kátia R. Prieto, Hellen P. Valério, Adriano B. Chaves-Filho, Marcos Y. Yoshinaga, Sayuri Miyamoto, Fernanda M. Prado, Itzel Zaizar-Castañeda, Paul Montaño-Silva, América Martinez-Rodriguez, Mario Curiel, Marisa H. G. Medeiros, Flavia V. Winck, Paolo Di Mascio and Miguel J. Beltran-Garcia
Microorganisms 2025, 13(11), 2432; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112432 - 23 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1493
Abstract
Bacterial outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) mediate stress tolerance, biofilm formation, and interkingdom communication, but their role in beneficial endophytes remains underexplored. We isolated 11 non-redundant isolates associated with Bacillus, Enterococcus, Kosakonia and Kocuria from Agave tequilana seeds, identified by MALDI-TOF MS and [...] Read more.
Bacterial outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) mediate stress tolerance, biofilm formation, and interkingdom communication, but their role in beneficial endophytes remains underexplored. We isolated 11 non-redundant isolates associated with Bacillus, Enterococcus, Kosakonia and Kocuria from Agave tequilana seeds, identified by MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We focused on the catalase-negative Enterobacter cloacae SEA01, which exhibits plant-promoting traits and support agave growth under nutrient-poor microcosms. In addition, this endophyte produces OMVs. Time-resolved SEM documented OMV release and cell aggregation within 9 h, followed by mature biofilms at 24 h with continued vesiculation. Purified OMVs (≈80–300 nm) contained extracellular DNA and were characterized by dynamic light scattering and UHPLC–ESI–QTOF-MS lipidomics. The OMV lipidome was dominated by phosphatidylethanolamine (~80%) and was enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids (16:1, 18:1), while the stress-associated cyclopropane fatty acids (17:1, 19:1) were comparatively retained in the whole-cell membranes; OMVs also exhibited reduced ubiquinone-8. SEA01 is catalase-negative, uncommon among plant-associated Enterobacter, suggesting a testable model in which oxidative factors modulate OMV output and biofilm assembly. These may have implications for recognition and redox signaling at the root interface. Future works should combine targeted proteomics/genomics with genetic or chemical disruption of catalase/OMV pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Microbe Interactions)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2773 KB  
Article
Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, and Antinociceptive Effects of Peruvian Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.)
by Iván M. Quispe-Díaz, Roberto O. Ybañez-Julca, Daniel Asunción-Alvarez, Cinthya Enriquez-Lara, José L. Polo-Bardales, Rafael Jara-Aguilar, Edmundo A. Venegas-Casanova, Ricardo D. D. G. de Albuquerque, Noé Costilla-Sánchez, Edison Vásquez-Corales, Pedro Buc Calderon and Julio Benites
Antioxidants 2025, 14(10), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14101214 - 8 Oct 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3890
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii Walp. (black maca, BM) is a traditional Andean crop increasingly studied for its bioactive potential. This work characterized the phytochemical profile and evaluated the antioxidant, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties of a lyophilized aqueous extract of BM hypocotyls. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified twelve major [...] Read more.
Lepidium meyenii Walp. (black maca, BM) is a traditional Andean crop increasingly studied for its bioactive potential. This work characterized the phytochemical profile and evaluated the antioxidant, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties of a lyophilized aqueous extract of BM hypocotyls. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified twelve major compounds, including macamides, imidazole alkaloids, sterols, and fatty acid amides. BM showed a moderate total phenolic content but strong electron transfer-based antioxidant activity in CUPRAC and FRAP assays, together with moderate radical scavenging capacity in ABTS and DPPH systems. In ovariectomized rats, BM significantly reduced brain malondialdehyde levels, mitigated oxidative stress, and improved spatial learning during acquisition in the Morris water maze, confirming its neuroprotective effect. Antinociceptive assays (hot plate, cold plate, and tail immersion) further revealed a rapid but transient increase in nociceptive thresholds. This study provides experimental evidence supporting the analgesic effect of black maca. Molecular docking highlighted lepidiline B and campesterol as key metabolites with strong interactions with redox enzymes, the μ-opioid receptor, and the FAAH enzyme, supporting their role in the observed bioactivities. ADMET predictions indicated favorable oral bioavailability, CNS penetration, systemic clearance, and acceptable safety profiles. These results substantiate the role of black maca as a neuroprotective nutraceutical and highlight its promise as a novel source of rapidly acting natural analgesic compounds. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3066 KB  
Article
Optimal Extraction of Antioxidants, Flavonoids, and Phenolic Acids from the Leaves of Apocynum venetum L. by Response Surface Methodology with Integrated Chemical Profiles and Bioactivity Evaluation
by Rulan Qin, Jinhang Song, Qiang Wang, Yingli Guan and Chongning Lv
Molecules 2025, 30(19), 4006; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30194006 - 7 Oct 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1693
Abstract
The leaves of Apocynum venetum L. (A. venetum L.) are a functional food that plays an important role in antioxidation due to its high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Therefore, the extraction process of leaves of A. venetum L. is closely [...] Read more.
The leaves of Apocynum venetum L. (A. venetum L.) are a functional food that plays an important role in antioxidation due to its high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Therefore, the extraction process of leaves of A. venetum L. is closely related to their activity. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with diode array detector (DAD), electrospray ionization (ESI), and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF/MS) techniques has been established for qualitative and quantitative analysis of three phenolic acids and six flavonoids in the leaves of A. venetum L. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction conditions for the maximum recovery of phenolic and flavonoid compounds with a high antioxidation effect were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration 64%, extraction time 20 min, and liquid-to-solid ratio 16:1 mL/g. The yields of three phenolic acids and six flavonoids under the optimal process were found to be 8.932 ± 0.091 and 20.530 ± 0.198 mg/g, respectively, which matched with those predicted (8.751 and 20.411 mg/g) within a 95% confidence level. Antioxidant activities based on ABTS and DPPH assays showed that the optimal extracts had strong activities compared with those of conventional reflux extraction methods. Moreover, the contribution of total and individual phenolic acids and flavonoids to antioxidant activity was also estimated by Pearson correlation analysis. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1533 KB  
Article
UHPLC-QTOF-ESI-MS/MS, SNAP-MS Identification, In Silico Prediction of Pharmacokinetic Properties of Constituents from the Stem Bark of Holarrhena floribunda (G. Don) T. Durand and Schinz (Apocynaceae)
by Franck Landry Djila Possi, Mc Jesus Kinyok, Joseph Eric Mbasso Tameko, Bel Youssouf G. Mountessou, Johanne Kevine Jumeta Dongmo, Mariscal Brice Tchatat Tali, Appolinaire Kene Dongmo, Fabrice Fekam Boyom, Jean Jules Kezetas Bankeu, Norbert Sewald, Jean Rodolphe Chouna and Bruno Ndjakou Lenta
Biomolecules 2025, 15(10), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15101415 - 4 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1101
Abstract
The present work reports the bioguided isolation of constituents from the ethanol extract of Holarrhena floribunda stem bark, their identification by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identification, and the in silico prediction of the pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters. The crude extract, along with its n-hexane and [...] Read more.
The present work reports the bioguided isolation of constituents from the ethanol extract of Holarrhena floribunda stem bark, their identification by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identification, and the in silico prediction of the pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters. The crude extract, along with its n-hexane and alkaloid-rich fractions, displayed moderate to good antiplasmodial activity in vitro against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and multidrug-resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum, with IC50 values ranging from 6.54 to 43.54 µg/mL. Seventeen steroidal alkaloids (117) were identified in the most active fraction using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, based on their fragmentation patterns and analysis with the Structural Similarity Network Annotation Platform for Mass Spectrometry (SNAP-MS). Furthermore, bioguided isolation of the ethanol extract yielded twenty-one compounds (3, 5, 10, 1416, 1831), whose structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Among them, compounds 5, 14, and 27 showed the highest potency against the two strains of P. falciparum, with IC50 values between 25.97 and 55.78 µM. In addition, the in silico prediction of pharmacokinetic parameters and drug-likeness using the SwissADME web tool indicated that most of the evaluated compounds (1, 35, and 1416) complied with Lipinski’s rule of five. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Bio-derived Molecules)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Back to TopTop