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The present work demonstrates the milk whey extraction, proximate analysis, and biochemical characterization of bioactive compounds in MWE. Effects of MWE on plasma coagulation and platelet aggregation. Proximate analysis of MWE was done according to AOAC. Whey protein banding was confirmed in 12%, 15%, and 18% SDS-PAGEs. A quantitative analysis of bioactive compounds was done. The anticoagulant effects of MWE were tested using plasma recalcification time in both PRP and PPP, further confirmed by PT and APTT assays and in tail bleeding assays at concentrations of 0-100 pg. The non-toxic property of MWE was screened by edema, hemorrhage, and direct hemolytic activities. MWE proximate analysis showed the presence of both micro- and macronutrients. Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of proteins and carbohydrates. A similar protein-banding pattern was observed in 12%, 15%, and 18% SDS-PAGE's in both reduced and non-reduced conditions. MWE prolonged the clotting time of human citrated plasma, both PRP and PPP, against the control 210 sec to 770 sec, suggesting its anticoagulant property. MWE delayed the clot progress of only the APTT ratio (8.99 ± 0.09), and PT was not altered, suggesting its role in an intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation. MWE exhibited antiplatelet activity in PRP against ADP and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. The percentage of inhibition was 74% and 100% for ADP and epinephrine, respectively. Interestingly, MWE exhibits nontoxic properties, it does not cause hemolysis, hemorrhage, or edema. Milk whey extraction and studies confirm bioactive compounds, and these exhibit antithrombotic, antiplatelet, and non-toxic properties. Hence, MWE not only acts as a good nutritive source but also may prove tobe a therapeutic bioactive compound in the management of cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fagopyrum dibotrys (F. dibotrys) (D.Don) H.Hara is a well-known edible herbal medicine in Asian countries. It has been widely used for the treatment of lung diseases, swelling, etc., and is also an important part of many Chinese medicine prescriptions. At present, more than 100 compounds have been isolated and identified from F. dibotrys, and these compounds can be primarily divided into flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, steroids, and fatty acids. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are considered to be the main active ingredients of F. dibotrys. Previous pharmacological studies have shown that F. dibotrys possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetic activities. Additional studies on functional genes have led to a better understanding of the metabolic pathways and regulatory factors related with the flavonoid active ingredients in F. dibotrys. In this paper, we systemically reviewed the research advances on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of F. dibotrys, as well as the functional genes related to the synthesis of active ingredients, aiming to promote the development and utilization of F. dibotrys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Crataegus (hawthorn), a member of the Rosaceae family, encompasses several species with broad geographical distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Hawthorn is recognized as an edible medicinal plant with applications related to strengthening the digestive system, promoting blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis. This study critically summarized the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties to provide a theoretical basis for further studies on hawthorn and its applications in medicine and food. The available information on hawthorn was gathered from scientific databases (including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, online ethnobotanical databases, and ethnobotanical monographs, and considered data from 1952 to 2023). Information about traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety concerns of the collected data is comprehensively summarized in this paper. The literature review revealed that hawthorn includes more than 1000 species primarily distributed in the northern temperate zone. Traditional uses of hawthorn have lasted for millennia in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Within the past decade, 337 chemical compounds, including flavonoids, lignans, fatty acids and organic acids, monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, terpenoids and steroids, have been identified from hawthorn. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed numerous bioactivities, such as cardiovascular system influence, antitumor activity, hepatoprotective activity, antimicrobial properties, immunomodulatory functions, and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, evaluations have indicated that hawthorn lacks toxicity. Based on its traditional uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological studies, hawthorn has significant potential as a medicinal and edible plant with a diverse range of pharmacological activities. Traditional uses of the hawthorn include the treatment of indigestion, dysmenorrhea, and osteoporosis. However, modern pharmacological research primarily focuses on its cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system effects, antitumor effects, and liver protection properties. Currently, there is a lack of correlative research involving its traditional uses and pharmacological activities. Moreover, phytochemical and pharmacological research has yet to focus on many types of hawthorn with traditional applications. Therefore, it is imperative to research the genus Crataegus extensively. [Display omitted] • Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety concerns of hawthorn. • The medicinal uses and edible value of hawthorn. • The application and medicinal value of hawthorn in ethnopharmacology. • The challenges and opportunities of hawthorn were envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunological abnormalities are implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Due to the drug-related adverse effects of currently available orthodox immunomodulators, natural immunomodulators are being looked upon as potential agents to replace them in therapeutic regimens. This research aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of L. micranthus extracts epiphytic on Psidium guajava (LMPGE) and Parkia biglobosa (LMPBE). Methods: Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity testing were carried out to identify the phytoconstituents and safety profiles of the extracts. The extracts' innate and adaptive immunomodulatory potentials were determined in experimental animals using in vivo leucocyte mobilization, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hemagglutination antibody titre, and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression models. Levamisole was used as the standard drug throughout the study. Results: Compared to LMPBE, LMPGE contained significantly (p < 0.05) more tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, saponins, reducing sugars, glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Furthermore, the groups treated with the extracts had a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the total number of leucocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and antibody titers relative to the untreated control. In the same way, the treatment raised TLC in cyclophosphamide-intoxicated rats, with 250 mg/kg b. w. of LMPGE and LMPBE recording 9712.50 ± 178.00 and 8000.00 ± 105.00 × 109 /L, respectively, compared to 3425.00 ± 2 5.00 × 109 /L in the untreated group. Overall, LMPGE was more effective. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that L. micranthus epiphytic in Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa has possible immune stimulating potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plants are able to deliver a huge number of differing bioactive compounds which may supplement the requirements of the human body by acting as natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are mindful for the defense component of the life form against the pathologies related to the assault of free radicals. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the qualitative phytochemical composition of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and its antioxidant activity. Method: The powdered plant sample was successively extracted with aqueous, methanol and ethanol solvents using Soxhlet apparatus. The antioxidant activities of the crude leaf extract were determined using 1, 1- diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical, phosphomolybdate (PM) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging assay. All the examinations were drained triplicates and average values of each test were taken. Results: Phytochemical investigation of the plant revealed that the three solvent extracts contained numerous bioactive compounds namely alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides and sugars. The result showed that, the leaf extracts of V. amygdalina obtained from methanol extract exhibit the maximum antioxidant activity compared ethanol and aqueous extracts. The IC50 values of DPPH assay for the H2O, MeOH and EtOH extracts were 111.4, 94.92 and 94.83 μg/ml; of ABTS assay were 334.3, 179.8 and 256.9 μg/ml; of H2O2 assay were 141.6, 156 and 180.6 μg/ml, respectively. The maximum radical scavenging activity was obtained in DPPH assay while the lowest scavenging activity was obtained in ABTS assay method. The data obtained in the in vitro models clearly suggest that methanol extract has higher antioxidant activity due to a higher presence of phenolic constituents in the extract. Conclusion: This study revealed that V. amygdalina leaf has a noteworthy antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity mitigating the traditional use of the plant for different aliments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of 17 edible wild fruits that are widely distributed and consumed in Malawi for pharmacological value exploration. Qualitative phytochemical analysis, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant activity (TAA), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) were performed in aqueous and methanolic fruit extracts. The results showed that the extracts contained alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and quinones. Piliostigma thonningii had the highest total phenolic content (1675.33 ± 12.34 mg GAEg-1 FW) in methanolic extracts, and Annona senegalensis gave the highest levels of total flavonoid content (649.67 ± 2.08 mg RE g-1 FW) in aqueous extracts. The results of antioxidant activities (FRAP, TAA, and DPPH) varied widely, and the variations were significant (P < 0.05). Thespesia garckeana and Mangifera indica exhibited a high ability to chelate metal cations in methanolic extracts and in aqueous extracts, respectively. DPPH levels were higher in aqueous extracts and ranged from 11.07% to 99.61%. This study provides evidence that the studied edible fruits of Malawi have potential as value-added products for various treatments of oxidative stress-associated ailments as they contain more phytochemical constituents. We recommend further studies to determine if the presence of a particular class of phytochemicals would translate into the bioactivity capability of these edible fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberis baluchistanica Ahrendt is a medicinal plant potentially known for the treatment of different diseases. The bioactive, antioxidant, nutritional components, and antimicrobial properties of crude ethanolic root extract of Berberis baluchistanica were evaluated in this study. The extract was analyzed for total phenolic, flavonoid, DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) scavenging ability, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), nutritional, and antimicrobial potentials. The alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, coumarin, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, and terpenoids were confirmed. The extract possessed DPPH radical inhibition with the IC50 of 1.125 mg/mL and FRAP % reduction activity with IC50 (0.912 mg/mL). Total phenolic 19.897 ± 4.8141 mg GAE/g and flavonoid 12.9876 ± 0.8388 mg QE/g contents were confirmed in the root. The extracts exhibit good antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of food borne pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The highest inhibitory activity was against Escherichia coli 23.30 ± 1.16 mm and lowest against Klebsiella pneumoniae 7 ± 0.01 mm. Furthermore, the presence of various phytochemical constituents (plant secondary metabolites) was also confirmed with gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy analysis. Results disclosed the occurrence of more than 70 compounds possessing various medicinal properties supporting the traditional uses of root of Berberis baluchistanica in various medical complications indigenously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pogostemonis Herba (PH) is the dried aerial parts of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth, which is mainly distributed and used in Asian countries. PH is an aromatic damp-resolving drug in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is usually used for the treatment of vomiting, chest tension, tiredness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and headache. In this review, the summary of chemical constituents in the aerial parts, biological activities, history of uses, quality control methods, industrial applications, pharmacokinetics and network pharmacology are reported. By collating the chemical constituents of various parts of PH, a total of 174 components were identified, including 66 terpenes, 6 pyrones, 40 flavonoids, 21 phenylpropanoids, 9 steroids, 4 polysaccharides and 28 others. Pharmacological research has found that PH possesses multi-pharmacological activities, including regulating the gastrointestinal tract, inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, and anti-inflammation, which provide more scientific interpretation for the clinical usage of PH. In addition, the shortcomings of the current research on PH and the recommendation of future studies on PH are analyzed. We hope this review can provide some insight for further research and applications of PH in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gushuling (GSL), a well-known hospital preparation composed of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used in the clinical treatment of osteoporosis (OP) for decades due to its remarkable therapeutic effect. However, the chemical constituents of GSL are still unclear so far, which limits the in-depth study of its pharmacodynamic material basis and further restricts its clinical application. In this study, we developed a strategy for qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents of GSL in vitro and in vivo. Based on the results of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and the UNIFI informatics platform, the chemical constituents of GSL can be determined quickly and effectively. By comparing the retention time, accurate mass, and fragmentation spectrum of the compounds in GSL, a total of 93 compounds were identified or preliminarily identified, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, steroids, etc. Among them, nine compounds have been confirmed by standard substances, namely epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariin, ecdysterone, calycosin, calycosin-7-glucoside, ononin, and ginsenoside Ro. Fragment patterns and characteristic ions of representative compounds with different chemical structure types were analyzed. At the same time, 20 prototype compounds and 42 metabolites were detected in rat serum. Oxidation, hydration, reduction, dehydration, glutathione S-conjugation, and acetylcysteine conjugation were the main transformation reactions of GSL in rat serum. In this research, the rapid method to characterize the in vitro and in vivo chemical constituents of GSL can not only be used for the standardization and quality control of GSL but also be helpful for further research on its pharmacodynamic material basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]