Search Results (68)

Polygonum capitatum (PC) is an ethnomedicine with reported antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities and has been clinically used in urinary tract infection (UTI)-related disorders. However, its in vivo exposure characteristics and metabolically associated therapeutic mechanisms in acute pyelonephritis (AP) remain insufficiently understood. To address this issue, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of PC in an Escherichia coli (E. coli)-induced rat model of AP and to explore constituents and metabolic pathways associated with its activity. Different PC extracts were screened for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, and the 70% ethanol extract was selected for further study. Seven major compounds were quantified by HPLC. In AP rats, the pharmacokinetic profiles of these compounds in plasma and the renal cortex were analyzed by microdialysis-coupled HPLC-MS/MS. Pharmacodynamic evaluation included urinary bacterial load, urinalysis, renal function, inflammatory cytokines, and renal histopathology. Exploratory PK–PD analysis, untargeted renal metabolomics, and targeted metabolomics of the tryptophan–kynurenine (Trp–Kyn) pathway were also performed. The 70% ethanol extract of PC exhibited the strongest antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The total content of seven active compounds was 3.85%, with gallic acid being the predominant compound (3.42%). Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, methyl gallate, and quercitrin achieved relatively high systemic exposure and renal distribution. In AP rats, the pharmacokinetic profiles of several compounds were altered, with increased plasma exposure of protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, ethyl gallate, and syringic acid, while protocatechuic acid also showed higher exposure in the renal cortex. PC treatment reduced urinary bacterial load, improved renal function and urinalysis parameters, alleviated histopathological injury, and decreased inflammatory mediator levels, particularly in renal tissue. Exploratory PK–PD correlations were observed between several compounds and selected pharmacodynamic indicators. Metabolomic analysis suggested disturbances in glycerophospholipid metabolism and the Trp–Kyn pathway in AP rats, some of which were partially reversed after PC treatment. PC showed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in AP rats. Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, methyl gallate, and quercitrin may be candidate constituents associated with the therapeutic effects of PC, while modulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism and the Trp–Kyn pathway may be involved in its action against AP. These findings provide preclinical pharmacological evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of PC in AP. Full article

Rubus buergeri Miq., a wild species native to Jeju Island (Republic of Korea), is a relatively understudied plant with potential as a source of bioactive phenolic compounds. This study investigated the phytochemical composition of R. buergeri extract (RBE) and evaluated its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities using a bioactivity-guided fractionation approach. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays (FRAP), along with total phenolic content determination, while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production and inflammatory gene expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. RBE exhibited high phenolic content and strong antioxidant activity; its ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions demonstrated the greatest antioxidant activities and significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO production. Furthermore, RBE suppressed LPS-induced mRNA expression of Nos2, Ptgs2, Tnfa, Il1b, and Il6, indicating coordinated inhibition of inflammatory responses. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis identified ellagic acid, ethyl gallate, and epicatechin as major phenolic constituents, with ellagic acid and ethyl gallate showing stronger inhibitory effects on NO production and inflammatory gene expression than epicatechin. These findings suggest that the phenolic constituents of R. buergeri modulate NO-associated inflammatory responses and support its potential as a source of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. Full article

Despite the ethnobotanical significance of Chilean Colliguaja species, research on their biological activities and phytochemical composition remains limited. Among these species, Colliguaja odorifera Molina (Euphorbiaceae), traditionally used in folk medicine to alleviate toothaches, stands out for its potential for medicinal applications. This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the C. odorifera leaf extracts and their secondary metabolites isolated from the most active extract. A hydroalcoholic extract of C. odorifera leaves was prepared, and subsequently ethyl acetate (EA-E), n-butanol (B-E), and water (W-E) extracts were obtained by liquid–liquid partition. The extracts were first evaluated for their ability to inhibit lipoxygenase, and the most active extract was subsequently tested for hyaluronidase (HA) and secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA₂). The most active extract was EA-E, with IC₅₀ values of 11.75, 31.09, and 6.60 µg/mL for anti-LOX activity, hyaluronidase, and sPLA₂, respectively. This extract was analyzed by chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, allowing the identification, for the first time, of shikimic acid, gallic acid, methyl gallate, ethyl gallate, and a putative galloyl-luteolin. These results suggest that C. odorifera is a promising candidate for the development of natural alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Full article

Zika virus (ZIKV) remains a significant global public health concern, and growing resistance to existing antiviral drugs underscores the necessity of developing alternative therapeutic options. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ethyl gallate against ZIKV using antiviral activity evaluation, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulations. Treatment of ZIKV-infected Vero E6 cells with ethyl gallate resulted in dose-dependent suppression of viral infection without inducing cytotoxicity. In addition, ethyl gallate inhibited the increase in the expression of interferon-stimulated genes in ZIKV-infected cells. It also exhibited binding energies of −5.9868, −247.271, and −200.43 kcal/mol for ZIKV envelope, NS3, and RdRp proteins, respectively. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic simulation results showed that the ethyl gallate-NS3 and ethyl gallate-RdRp complexes were more stable than the ethyl gallate-envelope protein complex, suggesting that ethyl gallate has the potential to inhibit ZIKV replication. These findings position ethyl gallate as an antiviral agent with potential against Zika infection. Full article

Skin aging involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation, prompting growing interest in plant-based treatments. Pistacia lentiscus L. and Pistacia atlantica Desf. (Anacardiaceae), North African pharmacopoeia species with recognized phytotherapeutic and cosmeceutical properties, were analyzed to elucidate these biological activities through their phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperpigmentation potentials. Leaves were successively extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The methanolic leaf extract of P. atlantica exhibited the highest total phenolic content (430.28 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g), while P. lentiscus showed the highest flavonoid content (230.00 ± 0.01 mg QE/g). LC–MS/MS analysis identified thirteen major phenolic compounds, including methyl gallate and myricitrin. Biological assays revealed that P. lentiscus exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 5.19 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and the highest ferric-reducing power, whereas P. atlantica showed strong inhibition of protein denaturation (139.10 ± 0.55 µg/mL). Both extracts displayed potent anti-lipoxygenase activity (IC₅₀ = 22.53 ± 0.05 and 22.67 ± 0.04 µg/mL, respectively), as well as anti-tyrosinase effects (IC₅₀ = 39.80 ± 0.08 and 38.25 ± 0.02 µg/mL, respectively). Altogether, these findings underscore the cosmetic potential of these Pistacia species and support their use as valuable raw materials for the development of dermatological treatments. Full article

The present study investigates the antioxidant potential of the stem bark of Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume through an integrated approach involving phytochemical isolation, in vitro radical scavenging assays, ADMET-based safety profiling, and molecular docking. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract into hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions revealed the ethyl acetate fraction to possess the highest antioxidant activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 6.19 μg/mL in the DPPH assay, surpassing that of ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ = 9.74 μg/mL). Subsequent isolation and characterization from the ethyl acetate fraction of the stem bark yielded five known compounds from this plant part for the first time, including gallic acid and epigallocatechin gallate. Both compounds showed potent radical scavenging activity in vitro. Among these, gallic acid exhibited superior pharmacokinetic and safety profiles based on in silico ADMET predictions, no Lipinski’s rule violations, and no predicted toxicity. Molecular docking studies showed that gallic acid had high binding affinities for glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), exceeding those of their reference inhibitors. A docking analysis further revealed stable interactions with catalytically relevant residues, suggesting a stabilizing modulatory effect on redox homeostasis. These findings identify E. floribundus stem bark as a novel source of antioxidant compounds and highlight gallic acid as a promising therapeutic candidate for oxidative stress-related disorders. Full article

Merlot red wines rank among the most distinguished varietals globally. This study aimed to characterize the phenolic compound profiles of Merlot wines and assess the influence of geographical origin and vintage on samples from two Albanian wine regions. Using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, a total of 31 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. These were classified into hydroxybenzoic acids and flavan-3-ols (13 compounds), phenolic acids (9), flavonols (5), and stilbenoids (4). The total phenolic content ranged from 294 mg L⁻¹ in wines from the Mati–Mirdita region to 480 mg L⁻¹ in those from the Durrës–Kavaja region, demonstrating significant regional variation. Notably, the hydroxybenzoic acids and flavan-3-ols exhibited the most pronounced differences, with gallic acid concentrations varying from 123 mg L⁻¹ (Mati–Mirdita) to 170 mg L⁻¹ (Durrës–Kavaja). Both regions’ wines were rich in catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin derivatives, trans-caftaric acid, and ethyl gallate. However, procyanidins were found in higher concentrations in the Mati–Mirdita wines, while other phenolics were more abundant in Durrës–Kavaja samples. These findings underscore the influence of geographical and climatic factors on phenolic composition, offering a robust chemical fingerprinting approach for assessing wine authenticity and quality. Full article

Small ruminant production under grazing conditions plays a crucial role in the global primary sector economy. However, these animals are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), which significantly impact their health and welfare. Given the increasing resistance to conventional anthelmintics, there is a pressing need to explore sustainable alternatives, such as plant secondary metabolites. This study aimed to identify phenolic compounds with anthelmintic activity from Tithonia diversifolia aerial parts, using Haemonchus contortus as a biological model. Egg hatching inhibition (EHI) and larval mortality assays were used to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of a hydroalcoholic extract (HA-E), an aqueous (Aq-F) and ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAc-F), and eight bioactive subfractions (TdR1-TdR8) obtained from EtOAc-F. The identification of major compounds was performed using HPLC-PDA. The E-HA and EtOAc-F achieved 100% EHI at 40 and 4 mg/mL, respectively. The subfractions TdR2 (EC₉₀ = 0.55 mg/mL), TdR3 (EC₉₀ = 0.12 mg/mL), and TdR4 (EC₉₀ = 0.26 mg/mL) exhibited the highest ovicidal activity. In the larval mortality test, EtOAc-F showed an LC₈₅ of 56.74 mg/mL. The major identified compounds included cinnamates, hydroxycinnamic acids (e.g., caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid), gallates, flavonoids (flavones and flavanones), and coumarins. These findings support the potential of T. diversifolia as a promising natural source for the control of GINs in small ruminants. Full article

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a highly reactive a-dicarbonyl compound produced in foods and endogenously in humans and constitutes a predominant precursor of advanced glycation end products that contribute to the pathology of several diseases, including diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, the efficiency of pyrogallol, gallic acid, ethyl, and propyl gallate in trapping MGO was investigated at pH 6.5 to 8.0. Pyrogallol was the most efficient MGO-trapping agent, followed by gallic acid, whereas the alkyl gallates were notably less efficient, particularly at slightly acidic and neutral pH. The increase of pH from slightly acidic to alkaline enhanced the MGO-trapping efficiency of all compounds, albeit to a different extent that correlated inversely to the pK_a of the most acidic -OH phenolic group, demonstrating the contribution of the deprotonated forms of the phenolic compounds in the enhanced reactivity towards MGO. The reaction products of pyrogallol, identified as the most efficient compound in MGO-trapping, were analyzed and characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Both mono-MGO and di-MGO conjugated adducts of pyrogallol were detected, with the mono-MGO adduct being dominant solely at acidic pH and the di-MGO pyrogallol adducts becoming prevalent at neutral and alkaline pH. Therefore, the pH was determined as a main factor that controls the reaction pathways of the phenolic compounds with MGO. Full article

Glochidion chodoense, a rare and endangered plant endemic to Republic of Korea, is known for containing a wide variety of phytochemicals, including triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids. This study sought to profile the phytochemical composition of the leaves and branches of G. chodoense harvested during three different periods (May, July, and October 2023) using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection (HPLC/PDA). Plant materials were harvested, authenticated, and subjected to ethanol extraction prior to chemical analysis. LC-ESI/MS and quantitative HPLC/PDA analyses were conducted to identify and quantify nine key phytochemicals: norbergenin (1), bergenin (2), epigallocatechin (3), ethyl gallate (4), orientin (5), epicatechin gallate (6), isovitexin 2″-O-arabinoside (7), ellagic acid (8), and cynaroside (9). Our findings revealed significant seasonal variations in major phytochemicals, with leaves containing higher concentrations than branches. Notably, bergenin (2) showed the highest content in May leaves (43.42 mg/g extract), followed by October (17.60 mg/g extract) and July branches (8.56 mg/g extract). Ethyl gallate (4), which was absent or present in trace amounts in branches, was abundant in leaves, with concentrations of 22.24 mg/g extract in October, 21.75 mg/g extract in May, and 17.48 mg/g extract in July. A similar trend was observed for norbergenin (1). These findings provide valuable insights into the phytochemical composition of G. chodoense, emphasizing its potential applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods, while highlighting the critical importance of conserving this endangered species. Full article

The dried leaves of Lannea velutina A.Rich. and Sorindeia juglandifolia Planch. ex Oliv. are commonly used in traditional medicine throughout West Africa to treat inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the standardized hydroethanolic (70%) extracts of these plants and to investigate the underlying mechanisms, with a focus on their antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using a rat model of induced paw edema, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH^• radical scavenging and iron-reducing antioxidant power assays. Chemical fingerprint was achieved by LC-UV/DAD-ESI/MS and the main classes of secondary metabolites were quantified by colorimetric analysis. The results showed that Sorindeia juglandifolia extract significantly inhibited the increase in paw edema volume, with the maximum effect observed at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg (20.51 ± 1.07% and 35.50 ± 6.90%, respectively). For L. velutina, the strongest inhibition was observed at 200 and 400 mg/kg (47.48 ± 11.37% and 35.40 ± 1.70%, respectively). Both extracts also showed remarkable antioxidant activity. Phenol derivatives were identified as the main classes of secondary metabolites, with L. velutina containing 350.1 ± 20.6 mg GAE/g DE and S. juglandifolia containing 463.4 ± 29.4 mg GAE/g DE. Ten phenolic markers were identified in L. velutina and six in S. juglandifolia extracts. The main components of L. velutina include myricetin-3-O-glucuronide, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, catechin, and gallic acid, while S. juglandifolia contains gallic acid, isoquercitrin, and ethyl gallate. These results confirm the anti-inflammatory potential of L. velutina and S. juglandifolia and highlight their prospects as candidates for the development of standardized anti-inflammatory herbal medicines based on their chemical and biological properties. Full article

Twelve compounds (1–12), kaempferol (1), luteolin (2), luteolin 4′-O-β-xyloside (3), luteolin 4′-O-β-glucoside (4), quercetin 4′-O-β-xyloside (5), kaempferol-3-O-[6″-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl]-β-D-glucoside (trans-tiliroside) (6), protocatechuic acid (7), gallic acid (8), methyl gallate (9), ethyl gallate (10), shikimic acid-3-O-gallate (11), and 3,3′,4′-tri-O-methyl-ellagic acid 4-sulfate (12), were isolated and identified from the aerial parts of Helianthemum cinereum (Cav.) Pers (synonym: Helianthemum rubellum C. Presl. All compounds were isolated by applying different chromatographic procedures, such as silica gel, RP-18 and Sephadex LH-20 columns. The structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, mainly nuclear magnetic resonance NMR 1D and 2D, and mass spectrometry, as well as by comparison with the reported spectroscopic data. The two organic extracts, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and butanol (BuOH), were evaluated for their potent phenolic and flavonoid contents using the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the two extracts was determined using the DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS methods. Pure trans-tiliroside (6), the main isolated compound, and luteolin 4′-O-β-xyloside (3) were evaluated for their antitumor activity against the lung cancer (A549), melanoma (A375) and pancreatic cancer (Mia PaCa-2 and Panc-1) cell lines by MTT assay. Full article

The aim of our study was the detailed polyphenol profiling of Juglans nigra and the characterization of the membrane permeability and antiproliferative properties of its main phenolics. A total of 161 compounds were tentatively identified in J. nigra bark, leaf, and pericarp extracts by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HR-MS/MS). Eight compounds including myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside (86), quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (106), quercetin-3-O-xyloside (74), juglone (141), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-4-oxonaphthalen-1-yl-6-O-galloyl-glucoside (92), ellagic acid (143), gallic acid (14), and ethyl gallate (58) were isolated from J. nigra pericarp. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of the isolated compounds was investigated against three human cancer cell lines, confirming that juglone (141) inhibits cell proliferation in all of them, and has similar activity as the clinical standards. The permeability of the isolated compounds across biological membranes was evaluated by the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). Both juglone (141) and ethyl-gallate (58) showed positive results in the blood–brain-barrier-specific PAMPA-BBB study. Juglone (141) also possesses logPe values which indicates that it may be able to cross both the GI and BBB membranes via passive diffusion. Full article

This study investigated the impact of storage temperatures (−20 °C, room temperature, and 40 °C) on the sensory evaluation, metabolites, and volatile compounds of green tea stored for 12 months. The sensory evaluation revealed that tea samples stored at −20 °C retained their emerald green colour, tender aroma, and refreshing taste. Green tea biochemical constituents, including water extracts and total free amino acids, were measured by Chinese National Standard Methods (GB/T 8305-2013 and GB/T 8314-2013). Tea polyphenols and flavonoids were determined using spectrophotometric methods, while phytochemicals were detected using validated HPLC, and volatile compounds were detected using validated gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The analysis showed that tea polyphenols were highest at −20 °C, and flavonoids were significantly reduced at higher temperatures. A similar trend was observed for amino acids, soluble sugar content, and water extracts. Tea catechins, including (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and (-)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), were highest at −20 °C, showing their susceptibility to temperature. A volatile compound analysis revealed distinct profiles with variations in the abundance of compounds, such as di-methyl sulfide, phenyl ethyl alcohol, indole, and benzaldehyde. This study identifies temperature-sensitive compounds, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying tea quality deterioration during storage. Full article

Folk medicine is widely used in Angola, even for human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in spite of the fact that the reference treatment is available for free. Aiming to validate herbal remedies in use, we selected nine medicinal plants and assessed their antitrypanosomal activity. A total of 122 extracts were prepared using different plant parts and solvents. A total of 15 extracts from seven different plants exhibited in vitro activity (>70% at 20 µg/mL) against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense bloodstream forms. The dichloromethane extract of Nymphaea lotus (leaves and leaflets) and the ethanolic extract of Brasenia schreberi (leaves) had IC₅₀ values ≤ 10 µg/mL. These two aquatic plants are of particular interest. They are being co-applied in the form of a decoction of leaves because they are considered by local healers as male and female of the same species, the ethnotaxon “longa dia simbi”. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the identification of eight active molecules: gallic acid (IC₅₀ 0.5 µg/mL), methyl gallate (IC₅₀ 1.1 µg/mL), 2,3,4,6-tetragalloyl-glucopyranoside, ethyl gallate (IC₅₀ 0.5 µg/mL), 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl-β-glucopyranoside (IC₅₀ 20 µg/mL), gossypetin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside (IC₅₀ 5.5 µg/mL), and hypolaetin-7-O-glucoside (IC₅₀ 5.7 µg/mL) in B. schreberi, and 5-[(8Z,11Z,14Z)-heptadeca-8,11,14-trienyl] resorcinol (IC₅₀ 5.3 µg/mL) not described to date in N. lotus. Five of these active constituents were detected in the traditional preparation. This work provides the first evidence for the ethnomedicinal use of these plants in the management of sleeping sickness in Angola. Full article