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Keywords = secoisolariciresinol

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14 pages, 1436 KiB  
Article
Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside with Antioxidant Capacity from Flaxseed: A Study on Microwave-Assisted Germination Optimization
by Jinling Hu, Qingyi Zhang, Yaning Li, Qiqi Zhang, Caihua Jia, Fenghong Huang, Qianchun Deng and Cuie Tang
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2716; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152716 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 192
Abstract
Germination and physical field treatments are processing techniques that have been successfully used to change the amount of active ingredients in flaxseed. However, it is unknown if they work synergistically. This study investigated the effect of microwave-assisted germination on the lignan concentration and [...] Read more.
Germination and physical field treatments are processing techniques that have been successfully used to change the amount of active ingredients in flaxseed. However, it is unknown if they work synergistically. This study investigated the effect of microwave-assisted germination on the lignan concentration and antioxidant activity of several flaxseed tissue components. Lignans were primarily dispersed in the flaxseed seed coat. Microwave treatment and germination significantly affected the levels of lignans in various flaxseed sections. Flaxseed hulls’ lignan content and antioxidant activity could be increased by microwave treatment (130 W for 14 s) after germination of 0, 48, or 96 h. Flaxseed kernels lignan content and antioxidant activity could be increased by microwave treatment (130 W for 10 s) before germination. Whole flaxseeds could be improved by microwave treatment (130 W for 10 s) after germination for 72 h. The findings provided a theoretical basis for reducing the loss of lignan resources in flaxseed, enhancing its use as a functional food ingredient, and clarifying the targeted utilization of various lignan sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oils and Fats: Structure and Stability)
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17 pages, 3504 KiB  
Article
Flaxseed Extracts Impact the Cellular Structure of a Keratinocyte Model for Oral Lichen Planus—A Preliminary Study
by Irena Duś-Ilnicka, Anna Prescha, Amanda Mordal, Kamila Środa-Pomianek, Beata Sobieszczańska, Monika Bielecka, Żaneta Czyżnikowska, Jakub Szperlik, Adam Matkowski and Małgorzata Radwan-Oczko
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(12), 5462; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125462 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 597
Abstract
Oral inflammation and the immune response are distinct but related processes where Linum usitatissimum L., fam. Linaceae represents a possible use for localized relief. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) with an inflammatory background that mainly affects post- [...] Read more.
Oral inflammation and the immune response are distinct but related processes where Linum usitatissimum L., fam. Linaceae represents a possible use for localized relief. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) with an inflammatory background that mainly affects post- and peri-menopausal women. The presented methodology was threefold. Firstly, the plant extracts were made from flaxseeds of selected cultivars (Szafir [SZ] and Jantarol [JA]) containing plant lignans. In silico docking affinity was performed to verify the beta and alpha estrogen receptors of keratinocytes’ (ERα and ERβ) affinity for lignans from the plant extracts. Lastly, tests using living keratinocyte cell lines were performed. Adding the studied extracts from two cultivars of flaxseed—JA and SZ (10 µg/mL) reduced lipopolysaccharides (LPS)—induced cell inflammation markers levels of COX-2 and IL-6. The effect of JA was more pronounced than that of SZ, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). A high in silico affinity was provided during secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) docking to ERα and ERβ. Flaxseed’s action could be based on the docking affinity of its major components to the estrogen receptors and the overall concentration of the elements of the extracts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Soft Tissue Repair and Oral Diseases: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1477 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Lignan Glycosides in Stems of Marsh Rosemary (Rhododendron tomentosum): Non-Targeted Screening and Identification Using Two-Stage Analytical Strategy
by Anna V. Faleva, Danil I. Falev, Aleksandra A. Onuchina, Nikolay V. Ulyanovskii and Dmitry S. Kosyakov
Antioxidants 2025, 14(4), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14040447 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 490
Abstract
Rhododendron tomentosum is a widespread evergreen shrub used in folk medicine due to the high biological activity of its secondary metabolites, including lignans, that has not been sufficiently studied, and overcoming this problem requires advanced analytical techniques. This study proposes a two-stage analytical [...] Read more.
Rhododendron tomentosum is a widespread evergreen shrub used in folk medicine due to the high biological activity of its secondary metabolites, including lignans, that has not been sufficiently studied, and overcoming this problem requires advanced analytical techniques. This study proposes a two-stage analytical strategy for non-targeted screening and identification of lignans in plant extracts that involves the detection of specific lignan-related structures by 2D NMR and the establishment of corresponding fragment ions for further mass spectrometry analysis (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The polyphenolic fraction of R. tomentosum stem extract was the object of the study. Eight secoisolariciresinol-type lignans (xylosides, glucosides, and rhamnoside), including one previously unknown compound (5-methoxysecoisolariciresinol 9-xyloside), were identified for the first time. The structures of the five compounds were additionally confirmed by preparative HPLC isolation and NMR studies. All of the obtained compounds had antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) similar to that of ascorbic acid. The proposed analytical strategy can be considered an efficient tool for rapid and reliable group screening and identification of lignan derivatives in plant extracts. Its application in the study of R. tomentosum extracts has revealed a number of lignan glycosides that may contribute to the medicinal properties of the plant. Full article
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18 pages, 4279 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition, Free Radicals and Pathogenic Microbes in the Extract Derived from Dictyota dichotoma: In Silico and In Vitro Approaches
by Fouad Oumassi, Khalid Chebbac, Naouar Ben Ali, Soundouss Kaabi, Zineb Nejjar El Ansari, Amira Metouekel, Azeddin El Barnossi, Abdelfattah El Moussaoui, Mohamed Chebaibi, Loubna Bounab, Ibrahim Mssillou, Abdelaaty Abdelaziz Shahat, Brahim El Bouzdoudi and Mohammed L’bachir El Kbiach
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(12), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22120565 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1460
Abstract
Marine algae are renowned for their health benefits due to the presence of functional bioactive compounds. In this context, this study aims to valorize the extract of a seaweed, Dictyota dichotoma (D. dichotoma), through phytochemical characterization using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), [...] Read more.
Marine algae are renowned for their health benefits due to the presence of functional bioactive compounds. In this context, this study aims to valorize the extract of a seaweed, Dictyota dichotoma (D. dichotoma), through phytochemical characterization using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), as well as in vitro and in silico evaluation of its biological activities (antioxidant and antimicrobial). Phytochemical characterization revealed that the ethanolic extract of Dictyota dichotoma (DdEx) is rich in phenolic compounds, with a total of 22 phycocompounds identified. Antioxidant activity, measured by various methods, showed an IC50 of 120 µg/mL for the DPPH assay, an EC50 of 120.53 µg/mL for the FRAP assay, and a total antioxidant power of 685.26 µg AAE/mg according to the phosphomolybdate (TAC) method. Evaluation of antibacterial activity showed a zone of inhibition diameter ranging from 11.93 to 22.58 mm, with the largest zone observed for the Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain. For antifungal activity, inhibition zone diameters ranged from 22.38 to 23.52 mm, with the largest recorded for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) strain. The in silico study identified tetragalloyl-glucose, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, and pentagalloyl-glucose as the most active compounds against NADPH oxidase, with docking scores of −7.723, −7.424, and −6.402 kcal/mol, respectively. Regarding antibacterial activity, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, and secoisolariciresinol demonstrated high affinity for E. coli beta-ketoacyl-[acyl carrier protein] synthase, with docking scores of −7.276, −6.811, and −6.594 kcal/mol, respectively. These in vitro and in silico evaluations showed that D. dichotoma extract possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, due to its richness in bioactive compounds identified by HPLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Potential of Marine Algae)
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13 pages, 2354 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Use of By-Products (Okara and Linseed Cake) in Tempeh Fermentation: Effects on Isoflavones and Lignans
by Maciej Kuligowski, Elżbieta Radziejewska-Kubzdela, Oliwia Górna, Iwona Jasińska-Kuligowska and Marcin Kidoń
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9936; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229936 - 14 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2086
Abstract
Okara and linseed cake are nutrient-rich by-products containing phytoestrogens, which are underutilized in food production. The aim of this study was to optimize hydrothermal treatment and fermentation time using common starters for tempeh fermentation. Changes in isoflavones and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) were analyzed [...] Read more.
Okara and linseed cake are nutrient-rich by-products containing phytoestrogens, which are underutilized in food production. The aim of this study was to optimize hydrothermal treatment and fermentation time using common starters for tempeh fermentation. Changes in isoflavones and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) were analyzed using the HPLC-PDA method. Okara and linseed cake were steamed for 5 to 40 min, followed by fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus at 30 °C for 48 h. The optimal steaming times were 10 min for okara and 20 min for linseed cake. Isoflavone analysis revealed a change in total levels depending on the microflora, with a significant increase in aglycones during fermentation. SDG levels did not show a significant reduction. In 24-h fermented tempeh, the isoflavone acetylglycosides content increased after frying. These results suggest that steam treatment is an effective hydrothermal method, offering energy and water savings. Additionally, the ability to modulate isoflavone composition through fermentation creates new opportunities for pro-healthy food development. This study concludes that okara and linseed cake can be successfully used for tempeh production, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional tempeh substrates. By utilizing these by-products, this research promotes the reduction of food waste and supports the development of environmentally friendly food production practices. Full article
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13 pages, 1683 KiB  
Review
Unveiling the Power of Flax Lignans: From Plant Biosynthesis to Human Health Benefits
by Zhan Gao, Qinglei Cao and Zhongyuan Deng
Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3520; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203520 - 17 Oct 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3216
Abstract
Background: Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is the richest plant source of lignin secondary metabolites. Lignans from flax have been applied in the fields of food, medicine, and health due to their significant physiological activities. The most abundant lignan is secoisolariciresinol, which exists [...] Read more.
Background: Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is the richest plant source of lignin secondary metabolites. Lignans from flax have been applied in the fields of food, medicine, and health due to their significant physiological activities. The most abundant lignan is secoisolariciresinol, which exists in a glycosylated form in plants. Results: After ingestion, it is converted by human intestinal flora into enterodiol and enterolactone, which both have physiological roles. Here, the basic structures, contents, synthesis, regulatory, and metabolic pathways, as well as extraction and isolation methods, of flax lignans were reviewed. Additionally, the physiological activity-related mechanisms and their impacts on human health, from the biosynthesis of lignans in plants to the physiological activity effects observed in animal metabolites, were examined. Conclusions: The review elucidates that lignans, as phenolic compounds, not only function as active substances in plants but also offer significant nutritional values and health benefits when flax is consumed. Full article
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19 pages, 8095 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Insights into ABA-Related Genes in Cerasus humilis under Drought Stress
by Yu Liu, Chenxue Zhao, Xuedong Tang, Lianjun Wang and Ruixue Guo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7635; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147635 - 11 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1850
Abstract
Cerasus humilis, a small shrub of the Cerasus genus within the Rosaceae family, is native to China and renowned for its highly nutritious and medicinal fruits, robust root system, and remarkable drought resistance. This study primarily employed association transcriptome and metabolome analyses [...] Read more.
Cerasus humilis, a small shrub of the Cerasus genus within the Rosaceae family, is native to China and renowned for its highly nutritious and medicinal fruits, robust root system, and remarkable drought resistance. This study primarily employed association transcriptome and metabolome analyses to assess changes in abscisic acid (ABA) levels and identify key regulatory genes in C. humilis subjected to varying degrees of drought stress. Notably, we observed distinct alterations in transcription factors across different drought intensities. Specifically, our transcriptome data indicated noteworthy shifts in GATA, MYB, MYC, WRKY, C2H2, and bHLH transcription factor families. Furthermore, combined transcriptomic and metabolomic investigations demonstrated significant enrichment of metabolic pathways, such as ‘Carbon metabolism’, ‘Biosynthesis of amino acids’, ‘Biosynthesis of cofactors’, ‘Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’, ‘Starch and sucrose metabolism’, and ‘Plant hormone signal transduction’ under moderate (Mod) or severe (Sev) drought conditions. A total of 11 candidate genes involved in ABA biosynthesis and signaling pathways were identified. The down-regulated genes included secoisolariciresinol dehydrogenase-like and PYL2. Conversely, genes including FAD-dependent urate hydroxylase-like, cytochrome P450 97B2, carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (CCD4), SnRK2.2, ABI 5-like protein 5, PP2C 51, and SnRK2.3, were up-regulated under Mod or Sev drought stress. This study lays the genetic foundation for ABA biosynthesis to enhance drought tolerance and provides genetic resources for plant genetic engineering and breeding efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Transcription Factor–Hormone Networks in Plants)
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24 pages, 1294 KiB  
Review
The Perfect Cup? Coffee-Derived Polyphenols and Their Roles in Mitigating Factors Affecting Type 2 Diabetes Pathogenesis
by Brooke Chapple, Seth Woodfin and William Moore
Molecules 2024, 29(4), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29040751 - 6 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6314
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing health concern with an estimated 462 million people having been diagnosed worldwide. T2D is characterized by chronically elevated blood glucose and insulin resistance, which culminate in a diminished function of the β-cell mass in its later [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing health concern with an estimated 462 million people having been diagnosed worldwide. T2D is characterized by chronically elevated blood glucose and insulin resistance, which culminate in a diminished function of the β-cell mass in its later stages. This can be perpetuated by and result in inflammation, excess reactive oxygen species production, obesity, and the dysregulation of multiple cellular pathways. Many naturally occurring small molecules have been investigated in terms of their roles in modulating glucose homeostasis and β-cell function. Many of these compounds can be found in commonly used sources of food and drink. Interestingly, a correlation has been observed between coffee consumption and T2D incidence. However, the specific compounds responsible for this correlation and their mechanisms are still somewhat undetermined. This paper reviews recent research findings on the effects of several polyphenols that are either found in coffee or are metabolites of compounds found in coffee (enterodiol, enterolactone, matairesinol, secoisolariciresinol, kaempferol, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid) on glucose homeostasis and health complications associated with glucose dysregulation, with a special emphasis on their potential anti-diabetic effects. The factors that affect polyphenol content in coffee are also addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polyphenols in Human Health (Volume II))
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17 pages, 4984 KiB  
Article
Revealing the Antiperspirant Components of Floating Wheat and Their Mechanisms of Action through Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology
by Shengnan Dong, Qing Tian, Ming Hui and Shouyu Zhang
Molecules 2024, 29(3), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29030553 - 23 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2477
Abstract
Floating wheat is a classical herbal with potential efficacy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Aiming at revealing the main components and potential mechanisms of floating wheat, a comprehensive and unique phytopharmacology profile study was carried out. First, common wheat was used as a [...] Read more.
Floating wheat is a classical herbal with potential efficacy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Aiming at revealing the main components and potential mechanisms of floating wheat, a comprehensive and unique phytopharmacology profile study was carried out. First, common wheat was used as a control to look for chemical markers of floating wheat. In the screening analysis, a total of 180 shared compounds were characterized in common wheat and floating wheat, respectively. The results showed that floating wheat and common wheat contain similar types of compounds. In addition, in non-targeted metabolomic analysis, when taking the contents of the constituents into account, it was found that there indeed existed quite a difference between floating wheat and common wheat and 17 potential biomarkers for floating wheat. Meanwhile, a total of seven components targeted for hyperhidrosis were screened out based on network pharmacology. Seven key differential components were screened, among which kaempferol, asiatic acid, sclareol, enoxolone, and secoisolariciresinol had higher degree values than the others. The analysis of interacting genes revealed three key genes, namely, MAP2K1, ESR1, and ESR2. The Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses showed that various signaling pathways were involved. Prolactin signaling, thyroid cancer, endocrine resistance, gonadotropin secretion, and estrogen signaling pathways were the main pathways of the intervention of floating wheat in excessive sweating, which was associated with the estrogenic response, hormone receptor binding, androgen metabolism, apoptosis, cancer, and many other biological processes. Molecular docking showed that the screened key components could form good bindings with the target proteins through intermolecular forces. This study reveals the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanism of floating wheat in the treatment of hyperhidrosis and provides a reference for subsequent basic research. Full article
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11 pages, 2001 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Softwood Lignans by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography
by Danil I. Falev, Ilya S. Voronov, Alexandra A. Onuchina, Anna V. Faleva, Nikolay V. Ul’yanovskii and Dmitry S. Kosyakov
Molecules 2023, 28(24), 8114; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248114 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1721
Abstract
Lignans constitute a large group of phenolic plant secondary metabolites possessing high bioactivity. Their accurate determination in plant extracts with a complex chemical composition is challenging and requires advanced separation techniques. In the present study, a new approach to the determination of lignans [...] Read more.
Lignans constitute a large group of phenolic plant secondary metabolites possessing high bioactivity. Their accurate determination in plant extracts with a complex chemical composition is challenging and requires advanced separation techniques. In the present study, a new approach to the determination of lignans in coniferous knotwood extracts as the promising industrial-scale source of such compounds based on comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography separation and UV spectrophotometric detection is proposed. First and second-dimension column screening showed that the best results can be obtained using a combination of non-polar and polar hydroxy group embedded octadecyl stationary phases with moderate (~40%) “orthogonality”. The optimization of LC × LC separation conditions allowed for the development of a new method for the quantification of the five lignans (secoisolariciresinol, matairesinol, pinoresinol, 7-hydroxymatairesinol, and nortrachelogenin) in knotwood extracts with limits of quantification in the range of 0.27–0.95 mg L−1 and a linear concentration range covering at least two orders of magnitude. Testing the developed method on coniferous (larch, fir, spruce, and pine) knotwood extracts demonstrated the high selectivity of the analysis and the advantages of LC × LC in the separation and accurate quantification of the compounds co-eluting in one-dimensional HPLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chromatography—The Ultimate Analytical Tool II)
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26 pages, 1115 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Profile and Composition of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): Varietal Differences and Effect of Germination under Elicited Conditions
by Iza Fernanda Pérez-Ramírez, Diana E. Escobedo-Alvarez, Magdalena Mendoza-Sánchez, Nuria E. Rocha-Guzmán, Rosalía Reynoso-Camacho, Jorge A. Acosta-Gallegos and Minerva Ramos-Gómez
Plants 2023, 12(17), 3093; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173093 - 29 Aug 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3676
Abstract
Germination is a simple process that improves the nutritional and medicinal values of seeds such as chickpeas. However, the detailed analysis of the phytochemical profile after chemical elicitation during chickpea germination is indispensable when making inferences about its biological properties. Therefore, an evaluation [...] Read more.
Germination is a simple process that improves the nutritional and medicinal values of seeds such as chickpeas. However, the detailed analysis of the phytochemical profile after chemical elicitation during chickpea germination is indispensable when making inferences about its biological properties. Therefore, an evaluation was made of the effect of the chemical inducers salicylic acid (SA, 1 and 2 mM), chitosan (CH, 3.3 and 7 μM), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 20 and 30 mM) during germination at 25 °C with 70% RH for 4 days on the content of antinutritional and bioactive compounds, including phenolics, sterols, and saponins, in three Mexican chickpea varieties (Blanoro, Patron, and San Antonio) using UPLC-ELSD-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS, UPLC-DAD-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS, and HPLC-DAD-sQ-MS. The highest increase in phenolics and saponins was found in the Blanoro sprouts induced with SA 2 mM, whereas the highest phytosterol content was detected in San Antonio sprouts induced with CH 7 μM. In addition, significant increases in mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides and decreases in antinutritional contents were achieved after germination with most of the elicitation conditions. More importantly, we identified new compounds in chickpea sprouts, such as the lignans matairesinol and secoisolariciresinol, the phenolic compounds epicatechin gallate and methyl gallate, some phytosterols, and the saponin phaseoside 1, which further increased after chemical elicitation. Full article
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15 pages, 2507 KiB  
Article
Analytical and Preparative Separation of Softwood Lignans by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
by Nikolay V. Ul’yanovskii, Aleksandra A. Onuchina, Denis V. Ovchinnikov, Anna V. Faleva, Natalia S. Gorbova and Dmitry S. Kosyakov
Separations 2023, 10(8), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations10080449 - 13 Aug 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1807
Abstract
Lignans are widespread polyphenolic secondary plant metabolites possessing high biological activity. One of the most promising industrial-scale sources of such compounds is coniferous knotwood, containing a large number of polyphenolic compounds. Their use in pharmaceutical and other industries is limited by the difficulty [...] Read more.
Lignans are widespread polyphenolic secondary plant metabolites possessing high biological activity. One of the most promising industrial-scale sources of such compounds is coniferous knotwood, containing a large number of polyphenolic compounds. Their use in pharmaceutical and other industries is limited by the difficulty in obtaining high-purity preparations from plant material and the requirement of advanced separation techniques. In this study, supercritical fluid chromatography on polar stationary phases was proposed for the efficient separation and identification of spruce, pine, fir, and larch knotwood extractives. Among the six tested sorbents, the best results were shown by silica with grafted diol and 2-ethylpyridine groups under conditions of gradient elution with a carbon dioxide–methanol mobile phase, which ensured the efficient retention and separation of analytes due to donor–acceptor interactions. Scaling up the method on a DIOL stationary phase provided a semi-preparative separation of extractives within 30 min to obtain 14 individual compounds with a purity of 90–99% and yields from 0.3 to 51% of the dry extract. These included eight lignans (nortrachelogenin, matairesinol, oxomatairesinol, α-conidendrin, 5-hydroxymatairesinol and its isomer, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), two oligolignans, three stilbenes (pinosylvin and its methyl ester, pterostilbene), and flavonoid taxifolin. The developed approach is distinguished with low operational costs, low consumption of organic solvents, environmental safety, and it is fully consistent with the principles of green chemistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chromatographic Separations)
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23 pages, 4620 KiB  
Article
Dietary Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil Differentially Modulate Aspects of the Microbiota Gut–Brain Axis Following an Acute Lipopolysaccharide Challenge in Male C57Bl/6 Mice
by Dawson B. H. Livingston, Allison Sweet, Alexane Rodrigue, Lalit Kishore, Julia Loftus, Farida Ghali, Salma Mahmoodianfard, Colleen Celton, Farah Hosseinian and Krista A. Power
Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3542; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163542 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3795
Abstract
The microbiota gut–brain axis (mGBA) is an important contributor to mental health and neurological and mood disorders. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are endotoxins that are components of Gram-negative bacteria cell walls and have been widely shown to induce both systemic and neuro-inflammation. Flaxseed (Linum [...] Read more.
The microbiota gut–brain axis (mGBA) is an important contributor to mental health and neurological and mood disorders. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are endotoxins that are components of Gram-negative bacteria cell walls and have been widely shown to induce both systemic and neuro-inflammation. Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is an oilseed rich in fibre, n3-poly-unsaturated fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)), and lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, which all can induce beneficial effects across varying aspects of the mGBA. The objective of this study was to determine the potential for dietary supplementation with flaxseed or flaxseed oil to attenuate LPS-induced inflammation through modulation of the mGBA. In this study, 72 5-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice were fed one of three isocaloric diets for 3 weeks: (1) AIN-93G basal diet (BD), (2) BD + 10% flaxseed (FS), or (3) BD + 4% FS oil (FO). Mice were then injected with LPS (1 mg/kg i.p) or saline (n = 12/group) and samples were collected 24 h post-injection. Dietary supplementation with FS, but not FO, partially attenuated LPS-induced systemic (serum TNF-α and IL-10) and neuro-inflammation (hippocampal and/or medial prefrontal cortex IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1β mRNA expression), but had no effect on sickness and nest-building behaviours. FS-fed mice had enhanced fecal microbial diversity with increased relative abundance of beneficial microbial groups (i.e., Lachnospiraceae, Bifidobacterium, Coriobacteriaceae), reduced Akkermansia muciniphila, and increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which may play a role in its anti-inflammatory response. Overall, this study highlights the potential for flaxseed to attenuate LPS-induced inflammation, in part through modulation of the intestinal microbiota, an effect which may not be solely driven by its ALA-rich oil component. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Metabolism)
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42 pages, 6324 KiB  
Review
Phytochemistry, Biological, and Pharmacological Properties of Abies alba Mill.
by Robert Ancuceanu, Marilena Viorica Hovaneț, Anca Miron, Adriana Iuliana Anghel and Mihaela Dinu
Plants 2023, 12(15), 2860; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12152860 - 3 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4296
Abstract
Abies alba Mill. (Pinaceae), silver fir, is a widespread gymnosperm species in Europe, important for its ecological, economic, social, and cultural significance, as well as for its use for food and bioremediation purposes. The various parts of the plant (leaves, branches, cones, wood, [...] Read more.
Abies alba Mill. (Pinaceae), silver fir, is a widespread gymnosperm species in Europe, important for its ecological, economic, social, and cultural significance, as well as for its use for food and bioremediation purposes. The various parts of the plant (leaves, branches, cones, wood, bark) are also of pharmaceutical interest due to their composition of active compounds. In the last three decades, an impressive amount of research has been dedicated to this species. The variability of the chemical composition of essential oils (whether they come from leaves, oleoresin from branches, or other parts of the plant) is impressive, even in the case of specimens collected from the same geographical area. For essential oils prepared from needles or twigs and branches, limonene, β-pinene, α-pinene, camphene, β-phellandrene, and bornyl acetate are the leading compounds, although their wide variations seem to correspond to multiple chemotypes. Both bark and wood are rich in lignans and phenolic compounds. Matairesinol is apparently the dominant lignan in bark, and secoisolariciresinol and lariciresinol are the dominant ones in wood samples. Pharmacological studies with promising results have evaluated the antioxidant effect (mainly due to essential oils), but also the antimicrobial, antitumor, probiotic, antidiabetic, anti-steatosis, and anti-psoriatic activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Review Papers in Phytochemistry)
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18 pages, 19695 KiB  
Article
Identification of the Microbial Transformation Products of Secoisolariciresinol Using an Untargeted Metabolomics Approach and Evaluation of the Osteogenic Activities of the Metabolites
by Wen-Xuan Yu, Hok-Him Tang, Jun-Jie Ye, Hui-Hui Xiao, Chung-Yan Lam, Tim-Fat Shum, Zhi-Kang Sun, Yuan-Zhen Li, Xin-Yu Zang, Wen-Chao Du, Jian-Ping Zhang, Tsz-Hung Kong, Li-Ping Zhou, Jia-Chi Chiou, Chun-Fai Kung, Kam-Wah Mok, Jing Hu and Man-Sau Wong
Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5742; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155742 - 29 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2180
Abstract
Secoisolariciresinol (SECO) is one of the major lignans occurring in various grains, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. The gut microbiota plays an important role in the biotransformation of dietary lignans into enterolignans, which might exhibit more potent bioactivities than the precursor lignans. This study [...] Read more.
Secoisolariciresinol (SECO) is one of the major lignans occurring in various grains, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. The gut microbiota plays an important role in the biotransformation of dietary lignans into enterolignans, which might exhibit more potent bioactivities than the precursor lignans. This study aimed to identify, synthesize, and evaluate the microbial metabolites of SECO and to develop efficient lead compounds from the metabolites for the treatment of osteoporosis. SECO was fermented with human gut microbiota in anaerobic or micro-aerobic environments at different time points. Samples derived from microbial transformation were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomics approach for metabolite identification. Nine metabolites were identified and synthesized. Their effects on cell viability, osteoblastic differentiation, and gene expression were examined. The results showed that five of the microbial metabolites exerted potential osteogenic effects similar to those of SECO or better. The results suggested that the enterolignans might account for the osteoporotic effects of SECO in vivo. Thus, the presence of the gut microbiota could offer a good way to form diverse enterolignans with bone-protective effects. The current study improves our understanding of the microbial transformation products of SECO and provides new approaches for new candidate identification in the treatment of osteoporosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolites of Biofunctional Interest from Plant Sources)
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