Search Results (142)

This study compares the extraction of oils and bioactive compounds from Acmella oleracea using supercritical CO₂, pressurized R-134a, and propane under systematically designed experimental conditions. Extraction yields ranged from 1.16–3.35% for CO₂, 1.90–2.35% for R-134a, and 1.30–5.42% for propane. Propane achieved the highest yields and the fastest plateau (~35 min), producing extracts dominated by unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid ≈ 85%). Supercritical CO₂ generated the most diverse chemical profile, combining alkamides (spilanthol), triterpenoids (β-amyrone), and lipids, with a plateau at approximately 50 min, whereas R-134a selectively enriched β-amyrin acetate (~70%) with intermediate kinetics (~45 min). These yield values are typical for non-oilseed species, in which the low natural abundance of the target metabolites renders solvent selectivity more relevant than the total extract mass. Statistical modeling (R² > 0.96) confirmed that pressure was the main driver of CO₂ and propane extraction, whereas temperature dominated R-134a performance. The distinct selectivity patterns revealed by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) indicate that each solvent generates compositionally different extracts aligned with specific industrial applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. The unified comparison of these three fluids under a consistent experimental design provides practical insights for rational solvent selection: propane favors unsaturated lipids, CO₂ preserves multifunctional compositions, and R-134a targets triterpenoid esters, supporting the economic feasibility of producing enriched, solvent-free plant extracts. Full article

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees, and its long-known bioactivity urged research on its exact composition on active ingredients. It was suggested that chemical composition reflects the botanical sources and environmental conditions of its origin; however, information on differences related to geographical origin is still incomplete. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise the volatile and semi-volatile chemical constituents of Ugandan propolis from nine agro-ecological zones using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) and derivatisation-based GC-MS, coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. In total, 213 volatile and 169 non-volatile compounds were tentatively identified, including monoterpenes (α-pinene), sesquiterpenes (α-copaene), triterpenoids (β-amyrin acetate), diterpene resin acids (abietic acid), phenolic acids (caffeic acid), alkylresorcinols (bilobol) and many others. Multivariate chemometric modelling using partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), orthogonal PLS-DA (oPLS-DA) showed strong geographic discrimination of samples (Q² > 0.90) for several district comparisons. Heatmap clustering and variable importance in projection (VIP) analysis identified chemical markers. Notably, oPLS-DA revealed excellent discrimination between Nakasongola and Bushenyi, and between Adjumani and Bushenyi, in both volatile and non-volatile datasets. The findings provide the first comprehensive chemical profiling of Ugandan propolis, demonstrating the utility of combined GC-MS approaches and multivariate analysis for regional differentiation. This work lays the groundwork for standardising propolis preparations and establishing appropriate quality control in pharmacological applications. Full article

Hancornia speciosa Gomes (H. speciosa) is present in several regions of Brazil. It is a plant traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of scientific publications and patents related to H. speciosa, emphasizing its primary applications and potential utility. For scientific prospection, an extensive search for relevant publications was carried out in the Scopus database. For technological prospection, the Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Intelectual (INPI) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) databases were utilized. Research on H. speciosa spans across multiple domains, including agronomy, gastronomy, technology, and pharmaceuticals, revealing the identification of numerous pharmacologically interesting compounds, such as rutin, chlorogenic acid, bornesitol, and various triterpenes, such as Lupeol, α- and β-amyrin, and their respective acetates. Regarding patents, there is a notable emphasis on gastronomic applications, with only a limited number of patents dedicated to technological and health-related areas. The increasing interest in H. speciosa is evident from the various studies investigating the biological properties of its compounds, such as anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic actions. Additionally, there is significant potential for further exploration and advancement of research in the pharmaceutical and technological sectors. Full article

Chlorella vulgaris is a nutrient-dense microalga with recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties, making it an attractive candidate for functional food applications. In such contexts, both chemical composition and particle size can influence dispersibility, bioactive release, and physiological effects. In this study, two commercial C. vulgaris powders from India (Sample 1) and the UK (Sample 2) were compared with respect to particle size, metabolite composition, and biological activity. Sample 1 exhibited finer particles, while Sample 2 was coarser. GC–MS profiling revealed distinct compositional differences: Sample 1 displayed a higher relative abundance of saturated fatty acids, β-sitosterol, β-amyrin, and glucitol, whereas Sample 2 contained higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids, betulin, salicylic acid, and specific carbohydrates. In vitro assays showed stronger inhibition of albumin denaturation by Sample 1 compared with Sample 2 and prednisolone. Ex vivo tests indicated that both samples induced tonic contraction of gastric smooth muscle through muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and L-type calcium channels, as evidenced by the marked reduction in responses after atropine and verapamil treatment, with Sample 1 producing a more pronounced effect. Immunohistochemistry further demonstrated broader IL-1β upregulation with Sample 1 and localized nNOS modulation with Sample 2. Overall, the results demonstrate that the interplay between composition and particle size shapes the bioactivity of C. vulgaris, supporting its targeted use in digestive, neuroimmune, and cardiometabolic health. Full article

Breast and colon cancers are leading causes of death worldwide. There is a need for improved treatment strategies. South African medicinal plants, including Clerodendrum glabrum (C. glabrum) and Combretum nelsonii (C. nelsonii), are known for their cytotoxic properties. This study aimed to isolate and characterize terpenoids and stilbenes from the roots of C. glabrum and C. nelsonii and evaluate their anticancer potential against colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines. Spectroscopic techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) were used to characterize the isolated compounds. Repeated column chromatography of C. glabrum extract led to the isolation of ferruginol (1), royleanone (2), and β-amyrin palmitate (3). C. nelsonii extract afforded combretastatin A-1 (4), a mixture of combretastatin A-1-2′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5a) and combretastatin B-1-2′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5b). Compounds 1, 2, 4, 5a, and 5b were isolated for the first time from the plant species. C. glabrum extract showed good anticancer properties with LC₅₀ of 1.30 × 10³ µg/mL (CaCo-2) and 2790 µg/mL (MCF-7). Compound (1) exhibited high toxicity against the Caco-2 at LC₅₀ of 24.3 µg/mL and moderate activity against MCF-7 at 48.4 µg/mL. Compound (4) and the mixture (5a and 5b) showed moderate activity against the MCF-7 at LC₅₀ 72.0 and 44.1 µg/mL, respectively. These findings highlight C. glabrum and C. nelsonii as promising sources of anticancer lead compounds. Full article

Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive components of Panax ginseng, exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, ranging from anticancer to neuroprotective effects. However, traditional production by ginseng cultivation faces limitations due to extended growth cycles, insufficient yields, intricate extraction processes, and significant environmental dependencies. Synthetic biology and synthetic metabolic engineering offer promising alternatives for sustainable manufacturing of essential bioactive compounds, including ginsenosides. First, this review describes the ginsenoside biosynthesis pathways, emphasizing crucial enzymes (e.g., HMG-CoA reductase, squalene epoxidase, dammarenediol-II synthase, amyrin synthase, and various UDP-glycosyltransferases) and their regulatory networks. Understanding these fundamental pathways enables rational engineering of production systems. Second, it examines current synthetic biology approaches, encompassing plant cell, tissue, and hairy root cultures, engineered microbial hosts including Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli, and cell-free enzymatic synthesis. Third, it evaluates the medicinal significance, market prospects, and industrial feasibility of these biomanufactured compounds. Finally, it analyzes the sustainability of production models and explores the emerging potential of engineered plant chassis. These advanced methodologies directly address traditional agricultural constraints and establish a robust framework for future ginsenoside synthesis. Full article

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) degrades the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonyl glycerol. MAGL inhibitors, such as the triterpene pristimerin, alleviate neuropathic pain in animal models. In silico studies were carried out using SwissDock, PyRx-0.8 and CB-Dock2, to check if they correlated with the in vitro MAGL inhibition potency of various triterpenes. In terms of affinity, free energy of binding and docking scores to MAGL, pristimerin (52.75, −9.32, −10.83, and −11.5 kcal/mol) was better than euphol (44.86, −8.49, −9.56, and −10.7 kcal/mol), which in turn was better than β-amyrin (35.17, −7.37, −8.21, and −8.8 kcal/mol). Finally, β-amyrin was better than or equal to α-amyrin (35.10, −7.19, −7.95, and −8.6 kcal/mol). In molecular dynamic simulations (MDSs), pristimerin exhibited the highest stability and reached the steady state after 20 ns with the lowest root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) at the binding site, compared to the triterpenes. The reported half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of recombinant human and rat MAGL inhibition were in the following order: α-amyrin > β-amyrin > euphol > pristimerin. Linear regression analysis showed that the affinity, free energy of binding, and docking scores significantly correlated with the IC₅₀ of MAGL inhibition. Amongst the triterpenes studied, pristimerin was the most potent inhibitor of MAGL and also had the highest affinity in the in silico studies. Thus, molecular docking and MDS results correlated with the potency of triterpenes inhibiting MAGL activity in vitro and could be used for screening of triterpenes prior to experimental validation. Full article

Acmella radicans, commonly known as the “toothache plant,” is traditionally attributed with medicinal properties, although few studies have validated its biological effects. In the present study, a chemical analysis of the wild plant was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial potential of ethanolic extracts from the roots (RE) and aerial parts (AE), as well as their respective fractions, was evaluated. The dichloromethane fractions of the aerial parts (DFAE) and root extracts (DFRE) at a concentration of 25 μg/mL demonstrated the highest inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production, reducing levels to 22.2 ± 1.9 and 22.2 ± 2.9 μM, respectively. Moreover, these fractions exhibited a notable inhibition of TNF-α production, lowering its concentration to 22.6 ± 3.3 pg/mL (DFAE) and 24.8 ± 5.3 pg/mL (DFRE) at 25 µg/mL. GC-MS chemical profiling revealed the presence of alkamides such as N-isobutyl-2E,6Z,8E-decatrienamide, N-(2-methylbutyl)-2E,6Z,8E-decatrienamide, and N-(2-phenylethyl)-2E,4Z-octadienamide in both root and aerial part extracts. The dichloromethane fractions showed a higher abundance of alkamides compared to the hexane fractions, suggesting that these compounds may be at least partially responsible for the observed anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, AE showed moderate activity against S. typhimurium and low activity against other bacteria, while RE was especially effective against a resistant strain of S. aureus, indicating an MIC of 31.25 μg/mL, likely due to its high content of alkamides, particularly spilanthol. Several fractions also inhibited bacteria such as P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and E. coli, possibly because of the presence of alkamides and compounds like β-amyrin. Full article

Plant-derived pharmaceuticals represent a highly compelling area of research and continue to attract significant interest from countries, regions, scientific communities, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Among these, α- and β-amyrins have been identified as high-value triterpenoid compounds with a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, analgesic, antigout, neuroprotective, anti-Parkinsonian, anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-HIV activities. Relevant information and data were obtained through comprehensive searches of major scientific databases, including Web of Science, Elsevier, and the National Library of Medicine. This study highlighted the pharmaceutical potential of α- and β-amyrins, supported by specific evidence from in vivo, in vitro, and clinical trials. Various extraction methods for α- and β-amyrins are discussed, followed by recommendations for future directions in the development of these compounds as pharmaceutical agents and functional food ingredients. This review highlights the therapeutic of α- and β-amyrin compounds in the prevention and treatment of various serious diseases worldwide, potentially opening new opportunities and directions for the pharmaceutical industry. Full article

Viticis Fructus (VF), a fruit known for its unique flavor profile and various health benefits, demonstrates substantial quality variations depending on its area of production. Traditional methods of production area verification based on internal compound analysis are hampered by a number of technical limitations. This investigation systematically characterized the cuticular wax composition of VF sample from a diverse variety of production areas. Quantitative analyses were conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution patterns of the wax constituents. Significant regional variations were observed: Anhui sample exhibited the highest total wax content (21.39 μg/cm²), with n-alkanes dominating at 76.67%. High-latitude regions showed elevated triterpenoid acid levels, with maslinic acid (0.53 μg/cm²) and ursolic acid (0.34 μg/cm²) concentrations exceeding those of their low-latitude counterparts by four- and three-fold, respectively. Altitudinal influence manifested in long-chain alcohol accumulation, as triacontanol reached 0.87 μg/cm² in high-altitude sample. Five key biomarkers demonstrated direct quality correlations: eicosanoic acid, n-triacontane, dotriacontanol, β-amyrin, and α-amyrin. This study established three novel origin identification protocols: single-component quantification, multi-component wax profiling, and wax ratio analysis. This work not only reveals the latitudinal dependence of VF wax composition, but also provides a scientific framework for geographical authentication. Our findings advance wax-based quality evaluation methodologies for fruit products, offering practical solutions for production area verification challenges in food raw materials. Full article

Bursera bipinnata (DC.) Engl. (B. bipinnata), commonly known as “copal chino,” is a widely distributed Mexican tree found in transitional zones between pine-oak and deciduous forests. It is valued for its high-quality copal resin, traditionally used in ceremonies and offerings. Additionally, B. bipinnata is recognized for its significant value in traditional medicine, particularly in treating ailments associated with inflammation. In this work, the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production of the volatile fraction and resin of B. bipinnata in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were demonstrated. In contrast, the volatile fraction exhibited 37.43 ± 7.13% inhibition at a concentration of 40 µg/mL. Chromatographic analyses of the total resin enabled the chemical characterization of eleven pentacyclic triterpenes belonging to the ursane, oleanane, and lupane series, as well as eight monoterpenes. Notably, the structures of compounds 15, 17, and 29–35 are reported for the first time from the resin of Bursera bipinnata. The anti-inflammatory activity observed for B. bipinnata resin in this study may be attributed to its high content of the triterpenes α-amyrin (15, 29.7%) and 3-epilupeol (17, 38.1%), both known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These findings support the traditional use of this copal resin. Full article

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers present a significant clinical challenge because of their high prevalence and severe complications. The need for innovative and accessible treatment options is critical. Owing to their medicinal properties, natural products, such as geopropolis, hold promise. However, the wound healing potential of the geopropolis of Melipona fasciculata, particularly in accelerating the healing of diabetic ulcers, remains unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the ability of the geopropolis of M. fasciculata to promote wound healing in diabetic mice. Methods: Geopropolis was collected, prepared as a hydroalcoholic extract, and formulated into a topical cream. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice with induced chronic wounds were treated with this cream daily, and wound healing was assessed through macroscopic measurements, histological analysis, cytokine quantification, and in silico molecular docking studies. Results: The results demonstrated that, compared with the control treatment, the geopropolis cream accelerated wound closure at all the analyzed time points (days 3, 7, and 14), reduced inflammatory infiltrates, and enhanced fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition. These alterations were particularly pronounced in the final phase of healing, indicating an improvement in wound repair processes. These effects occurred without altering systemic cytokine levels, suggesting a localized treatment action. These results may be partially associated with the theoretical ability of beta-amyrin and cycloartenol to interact with human myeloperoxidase (MPO), as suggested by in silico docking analysis. Conclusions: Overall, the findings indicate that geopropolis cream could represent a viable alternative for managing diabetic ulcers, providing an effective means to enhance wound healing while remaining accessible to low-income populations. Full article

Fire is a natural disturbance in the Brazilian Cerrado that modulates the vegetation structure. Protium heptaphyllum, a woody species of the family Burseraceae, is common in this biome. The resin produced in secretory canals immersed in the phloem of the stem and leaves of this species plays important ecological and industrial roles. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fire on the development of resin canals in the leaves and stem of P. heptaphyllum and on the chemical profile of substances produced in the leaves. Young plants were subjected to controlled fire experiments. Leaf and stem portions were analyzed using light microscopy; the chemical compounds in the leaves were identified through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The percentage area occupied by secretory canals in the leaf midrib was higher in fire-treated plants than in control plants. Similarly, the density of secretory canals and their lumen area were higher in young stems (primary growth) of fire-treated plants. By contrast, although the canal density in the secondary phloem was lower in older stem portions (secondary growth) in fire-treated plants, their lumens were larger, resulting in similar data regarding the total lumen area of the secretory canals in fire-treated and control plants. The main chemical compounds identified in the leaves were vitamin E, sitosterol, α-amyrin, squalene, and β-amyrin. Three compounds showed significant increases in fire-treated plants, with vitamin E being the only one reduced by fire. Our findings reveal the plasticity of the secretory system and of the biochemical properties of the leaves of P. heptaphyllum in response to fire. These results are important when considering the current increase in fires caused by climate change and human activity in different ecosystems around the world. Full article

Erica spiculifolia Salisb. (formerly Bruckenthalia spiculifolia Benth.) (Balkan heath) is renowned for its traditional usage as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. For the first time, acylquinic acids, flavonoids and numerous proanthocyanidin oligomers were annotated/dereplicated by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry in methanol–aqueous extracts from E. spiculifolia aerial parts harvested at the early and full flowering stage. Chlorogenic acid and proanthocyanidin tetra- and trimer A, B-type together with quercitrin and (+) catechin were the predominant compounds in the semi-quantitative analysis. Neutral triterpenoids, triterpenoid acids and phytosterols were determined in apolar extracts by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Triterpenoid acids accounted for 80% of the total triterpenoid content, dominated by ursolic and oleanolic acid, reaching up to 32.2 and 6.1 mg/g dw, respectively. Ursa/olean-2,12-dien-28-oic acids and 3-keto-derivatives together with α-amyrin acetate as a chemotaxonomic marker, α-amyrenone, α- and β-amyrin were evaluated. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 83.85 ± 0.89 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 78.91 ± 0.41 mg rutin equivalents/g, respectively. The extract actively scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals (540.01 and 639.11 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g), possessed high potential to reduce copper and iron ions (660.32 and 869.22 mg TE/g, respectively), and demonstrated high metal chelating capacity (15.57 Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalents/g). It exhibited prominent anti-lipase (18.32 mg orlistat equivalents/g) and anti-tyrosinase (71.90 mg kojic acid equivalents/g) activity. The extract inhibited α-glucoside (1.35 mmol acarbose equivalents/g) and acetylcholinesterase (2.56 mg galanthamin equivalents/g), and had moderate effects on α-amylase, elastase, collagenase and hyaluronidase. Balkan heath could be recommended for raw material production with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. Full article

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D.Y.Hong, an endangered perennial herb, is rich in triterpenes, iridoids, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit significant pharmacological effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of triterpenoid biosynthesis in N. scrophulariiflora remain unclear. Here, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to investigate the triterpene content in different tissues and the expression patterns of key enzyme-encoding genes related to triterpenoid biosynthesis. We functionally characterized eight upstream oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis, among which NsOSC2 is a bifunctional enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of 2,3-oxidosqualene to β-amyrin and α-amyrin. Additionally, an efficient regeneration system and a stable genetic transformation system were established for N. scrophulariiflora. These findings reveal key genes in triterpenoid biosynthesis, providing a theoretical foundation for the future production of key triterpenoids in N. scrophulariiflora through synthetic biology approaches. Full article