Search Results (2,761)

Glycyrrhiza uralensis (G. uralensis), a leguminous plant, is an important medicinal and economic plant in saline–alkaline soils of arid regions in China. Its main bioactive components include liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, and flavonoids, which play significant roles in maintaining human health and preventing and adjuvantly treating related diseases. However, the cultivation of G. uralensis is easily restricted by adverse soil conditions in these regions, characterized by high salinity, high alkalinity, and nutrient deficiency. This study investigated the impacts of four multistrain microbial inoculants (Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd) on the growth performance and bioactive compound accumulation of G. uralensis in moderately saline–sodic soil. The aim was to screen the most beneficial inoculant from these strains, which were isolated from the rhizosphere of plants in moderately saline–alkaline soils of the Hexi Corridor and possess native advantages with excellent adaptability to arid environments. The results showed that inoculant Pc, comprising Pseudomonas silesiensis, Arthrobacter sp. GCG3, and Rhizobium sp. DG1, exhibited superior performance: it induced a 0.86-unit reduction in lateral root number relative to the control, while promoting significant increases in single-plant dry weight (101.70%), single-plant liquiritin (177.93%), single-plant glycyrrhizic acid (106.10%), and single-plant total flavonoids (107.64%). Application of the composite microbial inoculant Pc induced no significant changes in the pH and soluble salt content of G. uralensis rhizospheric soils. However, it promoted root utilization of soil organic matter and nitrate, while significantly increasing the contents of available potassium and available phosphorus in the rhizosphere. High-throughput sequencing revealed that Pc reorganized the rhizospheric microbial communities of G. uralensis, inducing pronounced shifts in the relative abundances of rhizospheric bacteria and fungi, leading to significant enrichment of target bacterial genera (Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium), concomitant suppression of pathogenic fungi, and proliferation of beneficial fungi (Mortierella, Cladosporium). Correlation analyses showed that these microbial shifts were linked to improved plant nutrition and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. This study highlights Pc as a sustainable strategy to enhance G. uralensis yield and medicinal quality in saline–alkali ecosystems by mediating microbe–plant–nutrient interactions. Full article

Background: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a leading cause of colibacillosis in poultry. Piper betle L. is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds including hydroxychavicol that possess potent antibacterial activity. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a P. betle L. leaf nanoemulsion (NEPE) and hydroxychavicol against multidrug-resistant APEC isolates. Methods: In vitro and in silico analysis of NEPE and hydroxychavicol against APEC were determined. Results: The nanoemulsion exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with MIC and MBC values of 0.06–0.25% v/v and 0.125–0.25% v/v, respectively. The MIC and MBC values of hydroxychavicol against isolates ranged from 0.25 to 1.0 mg/mL. A time–kill assays revealed rapid bactericidal effects of both compounds, achieving a ≥3-log reduction within 4 h at 4 × MIC. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that APEC cells treated with hydroxychavicol exhibited filamentous cells with incomplete septa. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations of hydroxychavicol against APEC cell division proteins were investigated. According to the binding energy, hydroxychavicol exhibited the highest affinity with ZapE, FtsW, FtsX, FtsZ, and FtsA, respectively. However, the FtsA protein showed the least protein conformational change throughout the 5000 ns simulation, reflecting a highly stable conformation. Conclusions: These confirm the potential stability of protein and ligand, as supported by molecular dynamics simulation. The results suggested the potential of NEPE and hydroxychavicol, which may have promising antibacterial potential that can be used to inhibit APEC growth. Full article

Aizoon africanum (L.) Klak (Synonym Galenia africana L.) is traditionally used for a variety of medicinal purposes; however, it has been reported to cause liver damage and severe ascites, particularly in sheep and Angora goats in the arid regions of the Western Cape. This study explores its cytotoxic properties to identify potential cytotoxic compound(s) in the plant. The methanolic extract of A. africanum was re-investigated and subjected to various chromatographic techniques, including preparative HPLC, resulting in the isolation of eight compounds (1–8). Structural elucidation was primarily based on NMR data. Among the isolated compounds, four were flavanones, one was a flavonone, and three were chalcones. Notably, compound 8 was identified as a new chalcone, while compounds 2 and 3 were reported for the first time from this plant. The toxicity of these isolated compounds was evaluated against the HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. We further investigated markers of cell death using spectrophotometric and luminometric methods. Among the isolated compounds, 7 and 8 exhibited cytotoxic activities within the range of 3.0–20.0 µg/mL. Notably, the compounds demonstrated greater cytotoxicity towards liver-derived HepG2 cells compared to the neuronal SH-SY5Y cell line. Compound 7 (2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone) was identified as inducing apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway without causing overt necrosis. The findings indicate that the phytochemicals derived from A. africanum exhibit differential cytotoxic effects based on cell type, suggesting potential for developing novel anticancer agents, particularly compound 7. Additionally, the identification of compound 8 provides insight into the liver toxicity of this plant observed in sheep in South Africa. Full article

Neglected diseases significantly impact the world, and there is a lack of effective treatments, requiring therapeutic alternatives. Thus, the study of the phytochemical and schistosomicidal activity evaluation of Copaifera oblongifolia leaves’ crude extract was conducted. The quercitrin (1) and afzelin (2) were isolated from the crude extract. In the in vitro schistosomicidal activity test, the isolated compounds demonstrated promising results, with 75% mortality at a concentration of 12.5 µM after 72 h. Molecular docking calculations indicated that compounds 1 and 2 could potentially interact with the amino acids of the FAD binding site in the TGR enzyme, a crucial enzyme for the survival of Schistosoma mansoni. These interactions could have binding energies comparable to praziquantel, a preferred drug for treating schistosomiasis. Therefore, in silico and in vitro investigations are crucial for developing new studies that can reveal the antiparasitic potential of compounds of plant origin. Full article

Functional foods like flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) are rich sources of specialized metabolites that contribute to their nutritional and health-promoting properties. Understanding the biosynthesis of these compounds is essential for improving their quality and potential applications. However, dissecting complex metabolic networks in plants remains challenging due to the dynamic nature and interconnectedness of biosynthetic pathways. In this study, we present a synergistic approach combining stable isotopic labeling (SIL), Candidate Substrate–Product Pair (CSPP) networks, and a time-course study with high temporal resolution to reveal the biosynthetic fluxes shaping phenylpropanoid metabolism in young flax seedlings. By feeding the seedlings with ¹³C₃-p-coumaric acid and isolating isotopically labeled metabolization products prior to the construction of CSPP networks, the biochemical validity of the connections in the network was supported by SIL, independent of spectral similarity or abundance correlation. This method, in combination with multistage mass spectrometry (MSⁿ), allowed confident structural proposals of lignans, neolignans, and hydroxycinnamic acid conjugates, including the presence of newly identified chicoric acid and related tartaric acid esters in flax. High-resolution time-course analyses revealed successive waves of metabolite formation, providing insights into distinct biosynthetic fluxes toward lignans and early lignification intermediates. No evidence was found here for the involvement of chlorogenic or caftaric acid intermediates in chicoric acid biosynthesis in flax, as has been described in other species. Instead, our findings suggest that in flax seedlings, chicoric acid is synthesized through successive hydroxylation steps of p-coumaroyl tartaric acid esters. This work demonstrates the power of combining SIL and CSPP strategies to uncover novel metabolic routes and highlights the nutritional potential of flax sprouts rich in chicoric acid. Full article

Plant genetics and chemotaxonomic analysis are considered key parameters in understanding evolution, plant diversity and adaptation. Korean Peninsula has a unique biogeographical landscape that supports various aromatic plant species, each with considerable ecological, ethnobotanical, and pharmacological significance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemotaxonomic traits, biological activities, phylogenetic relationships and potential applications of Korean aromatic plants, highlighting their significance in more accurate identification. Chemotaxonomic investigations employing techniques such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have enabled the identification of essential oils and specialized metabolites that serve as valuable taxonomic and diagnostic markers. These chemical traits play essential roles in species delimitation and in clarifying interspecific variation. The biological activities of selected taxa are reviewed, with emphasis on antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects, supported by bioassay-guided fractionation and compound isolation. In parallel, recent advances in phylogenetic reconstruction employing DNA barcoding, internal transcribed spacer regions, and chloroplast genes such as rbcL and matK are examined for their role in clarifying taxonomic uncertainties and inferring evolutionary lineages. Overall, the search period was from year 2001 to 2025 and total of 268 records were included in the study. By integrating phytochemical profiling, pharmacological evidence, and molecular systematics, this review highlights the multifaceted significance of Korean endemic aromatic plants. The conclusion highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches including metabolomics and phylogenomics in advancing our understanding of species diversity, evolutionary adaptation, and potential applications. Future research directions are proposed to support conservation efforts. Full article

Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), the first isolated iminosugar, is a natural alkaloid acting as a potent inhibitor of α-glucosidase with high nutritional value. It naturally occurs in plants (especially Morus spp.), microbes, and insects or can be synthesized. Diverse biological activities, such as antihyperglycemic, lipid-lowering, antitumor, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, have been recognized for this compound. However, DNJ has not been approved as a food supplement until now. Several studies, also in clinics, are carried out on Morus spp. containing DNJ. Among Morus spp., Morus alba L. (white mulberry), Morus nigra L. (black mulberry), and Morus rubra L. (red mulberry) are the three main species that grow all over the world. Some spurious studies have been conducted on Reducose^® and Glubloc™, two products that contain DNJ and Morus alba, respectively. However, mulberry allergy, including respiratory allergy, airborne contact urticaria, anaphylaxis, oral allergy syndrome, and food induced urticaria, may be observed. This review aims to explore a crucial and timely question: how DNJ exerts its biological effects and what role it may play in therapeutic applications. We provide a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of DNJ’s pharmacological potential and the methods used for its production. We also report recent developments in clinical studies on Morus alba, Reducose^® and Glubloc™. Full article

To explore the potential seed compounds from natural products as anticancer agents against small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), the underground parts of Agapanthus africanus, a plant commonly used for ornamental purposes, were investigated. Three spirostan-type steroidal glycosides (1–3) were isolated and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectral analysis. Compounds 1–3 exhibited cytotoxicity against SBC-3 human SCLC cells, with IC₅₀ values of 0.56, 1.4, and 7.4 µM, respectively. Compound 1, also known an agapanthussaponin A, demonstrated the most potent cytotoxicity among the isolated compounds and was evaluated for its apoptosis- and ferroptosis-inducing activities. Compound 1 arrested the cell cycle of SBC-3 cells in the G₂/M phase and induced apoptosis primarily via the mitochondrial pathway, characterized by caspases-3 and -9 activation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, 1 triggered ferroptosis via a dual mechanism consisting of enhanced cellular iron uptake through upregulation of transferrin and transferrin receptor 1 expression and impaired glutathione synthesis via downregulation of both xCT and glutathione peroxidase 4 expression. Compound 1 induces cell death via the apoptosis and ferroptosis pathways, suggesting its promise as a seed compound for the development of anticancer therapeutics against SCLC. Full article

Isoflavones are the main phenolic compounds of soybean that affect its biological activity. The quantity of these valuable compounds extracted from plant material can significantly vary, influenced by the chosen extraction method and the specific extractants employed. Moreover, in cosmetics and pharmacy, the application of non-toxic, eco-friendly solvents is very important. This study aimed to develop the best mixture of extractants to maximize the recovery of individual isoflavones from soybean seeds by optimization of the proportion of three components: ethanol, water, and propanediol. The design of experiments (DOE) method was strategically employed. The extracts were obtained through accelerated solvent extraction and meticulously analyzed for isoflavone content using advanced electrospray ionization–time of flight–mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) profiling. The predominant isoflavones were daidzin, genistin, malonylgenistin, malonyldaidzin, and malonylglycitin. Our experiment demonstrated that employing three extractants in a balanced 1:1:1 v/v/v ratio resulted in the highest isolation of isoflavones compared to all other mixtures tested. Nevertheless, a detailed exploration of approximate values and utility profiles revealed a more effective composition for extraction efficiency. This optimal mixture features 32.8% ethanol, 39.2% water, and 27.8% propanediol, maximizing the yield of isoflavones from soybean seeds. The innovative use of mixture design and triangular response surfaces has proven to be a powerful approach for developing this superior three-component extraction mixture. This innovative approach not only enhances extraction efficiency but also paves the way for improved processing methods in the industry. Full article

The integration of nanotechnology and green synthesis strategies provides innovative solutions in biomedicine. This study focuses on the biofabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Corynespora smithii, an endophytic fungus isolated from Bergenia ciliata. The eco-friendly synthesis process employed fungal extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents thereby minimizing the need for hazardous chemicals. The AgNPs demonstrated strong potent biological activities, showcasing significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. The antibacterial efficacy was demonstrated against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while cytotoxicity on the A549 lung cancer cell line revealed an IC₅₀ value of 10.46 µg/mL. A molecular docking analysis revealed interactions between the major bioactive compound, dimethylsulfoxonium formylmethylide, and the pathogenic proteins, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi, displaying moderate binding affinities. Furthermore, the ADME analysis of dimethylsulfoxonium formylmethylide indicated favourable pharmacokinetic properties, including high gastrointestinal absorption, minimal lipophilicity, and low potential for drug–drug interactions, making it a promising candidate for oral drug formulations. These findings further support the compound’s suitability for biomedical applications. This research emphasizes the potential of C. smithii as a sustainable source for synthesizing bioactive nanoparticles, paving the way for their application in developing novel therapeutic agents. This study highlights the significance of harnessing endophytic fungi from medicinal plants for sustainable nanotechnology advancements. Full article

This study aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the content of carnosic acid (CA), 12-O-methyl-carnosic acid (12MCA), carnosol (CS), rosmanol (RO) and 7-O-methyl-epi-rosmanol (7MER) in 61 Lamiaceae plants growing in Greece, using ¹H-qNMR spectroscopy as a simple, rapid and direct method without sample deterioration. For this purpose, methanol extracts from 18 genera (e.g., Salvia, Mentha, Melissa, Ocimum) were analyzed using isolated and fully characterized metabolites, previously identified by our group, as standards. At least one of the target compounds was detected in 22 species, predominantly belonging to the genus Salvia. Notably, 7MER and RO were not detected in any extract. CA, CS and 12MCA were exclusively found in Salvia species, with S. somalensis, S. officinalis and S. fruticosa emerging as the richest sources of these diterpenes. Among them, S. somalensis showed the highest concentration of CA (>30 mg/g), while 12MCA was most abundant in S. microphylla. These results highlight Salvia as the most promising genus for the accumulation of bioactive abietane-type diterpenes. The implementation of ¹H-qNMR for such chemical profiling provides a reliable approach toward the phytochemical standardization of plant extracts, supporting their further use in nutraceutical or pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

Resistance of various bacterial pathogens to the activity of clinically approved drugs currently leads to serious infections, rapid spread of difficult-to-treat diseases, and even death. Taking the threats for human health in mind, researchers are focused on the isolation and characterization of novel natural products, including plant secondary metabolites. These molecules serve as inspiration and a suitable structural platform in the design and development of novel semi-synthetic and synthetic derivatives. All considered compounds have to be adequately evaluated in silico, in vitro, and in vivo using relevant approaches. The current review paper briefly focuses on the chemical and metabolic properties of resveratrol (1), as well as its oligomeric structures, viniferins, and viniferin-based molecules. The core scaffolds of these compounds contain so-called privileged structures, which are also present in many clinically approved drugs, indicating that those natural, properly substituted semi-synthetic, and synthetic molecules can provide a notably broad spectrum of beneficial pharmacological activities, including very impressive antimicrobial efficiency. Except for spectral verification of their structures, these compounds suffer from the determination or prediction of other structural and physicochemical characteristics. Therefore, the structure–activity relationships for specific dihydrodimeric and dimeric viniferins, their bioisosteres, and derivatives with notable efficacy in vitro, especially against chosen Gram-positive bacterial strains, are summarized. In addition, a set of descriptors related to their structural, physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological properties is generated using various computational tools. The obtained values are compared to those of clinically approved drugs. The particular relationships between these in silico parameters are also explored. Full article

The resulting plant waste from R. idaeus, P. serotina, P. avium, and P. cerasus exhibits a complex chemical composition, depending on the variety from which it originates, with applications in multiple fields such as the food, pharmaceutical or dermato-cosmetic industry due to the presence of phytochemical compounds such as flavonoids, flavonols, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, vitamins, aldehyde, and phenolic acids. The aim of this review was to summarize and analyze the most recent and significant data from literature on the importance of plant waste resulting from the pruning process of trees and shrubs, in the context of applying circular economy principles, with a focus on the pharmacological importance (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiviral, and antitumoral) of some bioactive compounds identified in these species. Their applicability in various industries is closely linked to both the bioavailability of the final products and the study of their toxicity. The literature indicates that the isolation of these compounds can be carried out using conventional or modern methods, the last ones being favored due to the increased efficiency of the processes, as well as from the perspective of environmental protection. This review increases the attention and perspective of using plant waste as a linked source of pharmaceutical and dermato-cosmetic agents. Full article

Restricting the use of chemical pesticides in forestry requires the search for alternative solutions. These could be volatile organic compounds produced by three investigated species of bacteria (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (ex Fukumoto) Priest, B. subtilis (Ehrenberg) Cohn and B. thuringiensis Berliner), which inhibit the growth of the pathogen F. oxysporum Schltdl. emend. Snyder & Hansen in forest nurseries. The highest inhibition of fungal growth (70%) was observed with B. amyloliquefaciens after 24 h of antagonism test, which had a higher content of carbonyl compounds (46.83 ± 8.41%) than B. subtilis (41.50 ± 6.45%) or B. thuringiensis (34.62 ± 4.77%). Only in the volatile emissions of B. amyloliquefaciens were 3-hydroxybutan-2-one, undecan-2-one, dodecan-5-one and tetradecan-5-one found. In contrast, the main components of the volatile emissions of F. oxysporum were chlorinated derivatives of benzaldehyde (e.g., 3,5-dichloro-4-methoxybenzaldehyde) and chlorinated derivatives of benzene (e.g., 1,4-dichloro-2,5-dimethoxybenzene), as well as carbonyl compounds (e.g., benzaldehyde) and alcohols (e.g., benzyl alcohol). Further compounds were found in the interactions between B. amyloliquefaciens and F. oxysporum (e.g., $\alpha$-cubebene, linalool, undecan-2-ol, decan-2-one and 2,6-dichloroanisole). Specific substances were found for B. amyloliquefaciens (limonene, nonan-2-ol, phenethyl alcohol, heptan-2-one and tridecan-2-one) and for F. oxysporum (propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, heptan-2-one and tridecan-2-one). The amounts of volatile chemical compounds found in B. amyloliquefaciens or in the bacterium–fungus interaction can be used for further research to limit the pathogenic fungus. In the future, one should focus on the compounds that were found exclusively in interactions and whose content was higher than in isolated bacteria. In order to conquer an ecological niche, bacteria increase the production of secondary metabolites, including specific chemical compounds. The results presented are a prerequisite for creating an alternative solution or supplementing the currently used methods of plant protection against F. oxysporum. Understanding and applying the volatile organic compounds produced by bacteria can complement chemical plant protection against the pathogen, especially in greenhouses or tunnels where plants grow in conditions that favour fungal growth. Full article

The selection of plant-based substrates for mushroom cultivation is a key factor influencing their growth and metabolism. The aim of this study was to demonstrate, in an innovative approach, differences in the content of biologically active compounds, bioelements, and antioxidant properties of Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers. cultivated on various plant-based substrates derived from waste materials, specifically hemp straw and beech sawdust. Another objective was to compare various extraction methods in terms of their impact on the concentration of these compounds. Elemental analysis was performed using the TXRF method, while bioactive constituents were determined using the DAD/UV RP-HPLC technique. The plant-based substrate and extraction method influenced the levels of obtained metabolites. Dual extraction with moderate ethanol concentrations was most effective for isolating key bioactive compounds from H. erinaceus—notably ergothioneine, lovastatin, L-phenylalanine, and ergosterol—while antioxidant activity did not correlate with the concentration of the solvent used. Although dual extracts enhanced certain antioxidants and metabolites, whole fruiting bodies contained higher levels of bioelements. Overall, fruiting bodies grown on beech sawdust had greater amounts of most bioactive compounds compared to those cultivated on hemp straw, emphasizing that both substrate choice and extraction method critically influence the mushroom’s bioactive profile and its potential health benefits. Full article