Search

The sage is a perennial medicinal and aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Macro-micro elements have an important place in the development of this plant. One of these elements is selenium. This study aims to examine the effect of foliar selenium (Se) application on the agronomic, biochemical, and bioactive properties of sage. The plant height (PH), fresh herb yield (FHY), dry herb yield (DHY), and dry leaf yield (DLY) as agronomic properties, and Se content in the plant (SCP), ascorbic acid content (AAC), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) and mineral composition (MC) as biochemical and bioactive properties were investigated in this context. The experiment was carried out in four replications over three years in 2018, 2019, and 2020. In the study, 0 (control), 100, 200, 400, and 800 g ha−1 Se were applied to sage leaves. At the end of the study, it was determined that Se application was effective on the agronomic characteristics of the sage, except for the first year. The application of 100 g ha−1 Se in FHY, DHY, DLY, AA, and TPC properties emerged as the recommended dose since it reached the highest values. In addition, it was evaluated that the Se application did not have a statistically significant effect on the SCP. For years with statistical significance, 400 g ha−1 Se application was recommended in terms of AAC and 100 g ha−1 Se application in terms of AA and TPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant-related parameters and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities against Listeria monocytogenes were assessed in eight North East Spain poplar propolis samples. Propolis extracts (PEs) were obtained using 70% ethanol (PEE) and methanol (PME). Yield and total phenol compounds were higher in PEE. Phenolic acids were analyzed by a high-performance liquid chromatograph–diode array detector. Caffeic and ferulic acids were quantified in all PEE and PME. All samples contained p-coumaric acid (quantified in 6 PEE and in 3 PME). Ascorbic acid was detected in all propolis, but mainly quantified in PME (≤0.37 mg/g PE). Biological properties were tested on PEE. As for antiradical activities, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) [against 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)•+], ranged between 578 and 4620 µmol trolox/g, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (against DPPH free radical), between 0.049 and 0.094 mg/mL, antioxidant activity against hydroxyl (•OH) radical (AOA), between 0.04 and 11.01 mmol uric acid/g, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) against peroxyl (ROO•) radical between 122 and 3282 µmol trolox/g. Results of TEAC, AOA, and ORAC were significantly correlated. IC50 anti-inflammatory activity ranged from 1.08 to 6.19 mg/mL. Propolis showed higher inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes CECT934 and L. monocytogenes CP101 by agar well diffusion (P <.05) (10.5 and 10.2 mm, respectively) than against L. monocytogenes CP102 (7.0 mm). Data of this research show that North East Spain propolis may be of interest for pharmaceutical and food industry use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell. fruit have been used by the First Australians as a nutritious food and as a medicine for thousands of years. The antibacterial properties of T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts are well reported. However, the therapeutic potential of plants growing in different locations and environmental conditions have not previously been compared. Aim: This study compares the antibacterial efficacy of fruit harvested from two distinct locations in Australia and correlates these activities with their physiochemical properties. Materials and Methods: The growth inhibitory activity of the T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts were evaluated using solid phase disc diffusion and liquid microdilution MIC assays. Artemia nauplii bioassays were used to screen and compare the extracts from both locations. Results: The T. ferdinandiana extracts prepared from fruits sourced from the two distinct regions of Australia inhibited the growth of the panel of bacteria screened, including a highly antibiotic MRSA strain. In general, the methanolic extracts were substantially better inhibitors of bacterial growth than the aqueous extracts, and extracts prepared using the Northern Territory (NT)-derived fruit were substantially more potent than the Western Australian (WA) fruit extracts. MICs substantially <1000 μg/mL were noted for the NT methanolic fruit extract against the reference S. aureus and MRSA bacterial strains respectively. The potency of this extract against the MRSA strain indicates that this extract may function via a distinct mechanism compared to the standard antibiotics tested. Interestingly, the greater antibacterial potency of the NT fruit extracts correlated to high ascorbic acid levels, indicating that the antibacterial mechanism may involve modulation of the redox state. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia nauplii toxicity assay, indicating their safety for therapeutic usage. Conclusion: The T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts prepared from both NT and WA each had noteworthy antibacterial activity, although greater activity was noted for the NT fruit extracts. This activity correlated with the antioxidant/ascorbic acid content of the extracts. All extracts were also nontoxic in the Artemia nauplii bioassay, although future studies using mammalian cell lines are required to confirm their safety for therapeutic use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is one of the medicinal plants of Anacardiaceae family and widely used as a spice in Iran and Arab countries. Rhus coriaria var. zebaria is a small tree or large shrub, wildly growing in Iraq and described as a new variety with special characteristics. These increase the importance of studying sumac in these areas. Here, the phytochemical variations and the antibacterial activity of 50 accessions of this variety from five different climatic conditions was evaluated in order to identify the best accession to use and the best area for its cultivation. This is the most comprehensive study on this plant. Essential oil compounds were identified using GC–MS method and according to the results, Z, E-2,13-octadecadien, caryophyllene oxide, 2,4-decadienal, E-caryophyllene and nonanoic acid were among the main compounds. Also, the variety is a rich source of minerals including K, Ca, Mg, Na, P, and N. Sumac fruit extract from Akre Xerds had the highest anthocyanin and the lowest amount was from Kavilca region. The radical scavenging effect of extract from Dostic area in the concentration of 400 µg/mL is closer to the effect of ascorbic acid. The largest inhibition was found in the sumac extracted oil of Xasto Zhere area against S. aureus in compared with penicillin and amoxicillin and enrofloxacin antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy via intravitreal injection is an effective treatment for patients with abnormal ocular neovascularization, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). However, prolonged and frequent anti-VEGF treatment is associated with a risk of local and systemic adverse events, including geographic atrophy, cerebrovascular disease, and death. Furthermore, some patients do not adequately respond to anti-VEGF therapy. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a transcription factor that controls the expression of hypoxia-responsive genes involved in angiogenesis, inflammation, and metabolism. The HIF/VEGF pathway plays an important role in neovascularization, and the inhibition of HIF activation could be an effective biomolecular target for neovascular diseases. The demand for disease prevention or treatment using functional foods such as superfoods has increased in recent years. Few reports to date have focused on the antineovascular effects of superfoods in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In light of the growing demand for functional foods, we aimed to find novel HIF inhibitors from superfoods worked in RPE cells, which could be an adjuvant for anti-VEGF therapy. Methods. Seven superfoods were examined to identify novel HIF inhibitor candidates using luciferase assay screening. We used the human RPE cell line ARPE-19 and fetal human RPE (fhRPE) to investigate the biomolecular actions of novel HIF inhibitors using quantitative PCR and western blotting. Results. Under CoCl2-induced pseudohypoxic condition and 1% oxygen hypoxic incubation, camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) showed HIF inhibitory effects determined by luciferase assays. Camu-camu downregulated HIF-1α and VEGFA mRNA expressions in a concentration-dependent manner. Camu-camu also inhibited HIF-1α protein expressions, and its inhibitory effect was greater than that of vitamin C, which is present at high levels in camu-camu. Conclusion. The camu-camu extract suppressed the activation of HIF and VEGF in RPE cells. This could assist anti-VEGF therapy in patients with abnormal ocular neovascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pseudo-fruits of Dog Rose are a rich source of L-ascorbic acid and several other active substances, which means their high supportive therapeutic potential. The study aimed to examine the impact of the chosen technological procedure for the preparation of tablets containing rosehip powder on the amount of L-ascorbic acid in the final pharmaceutical form. Drying of the plant drug was performed at room temperature to avoid possible thermal degradation of this heat-sensitive compound. Similarly, drying of the granules after wet granulation in the oven was replaced by natural drying at room temperature. The composition of two types of prepared granule formulations differed in the filler – lactose (LAC) or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Apart from the disintegration test, they meet the technological requirements for granules or tablets. Lactose was confirmed as a more suitable filler, which despite the unsuccessful disintegration of the granules, ensures the disintegration of tablets within 15 minutes even without the addition of a special excipient acting as a disintegrant. The content of L-ascorbic acid detected using isotachophoresis – capillary zone electrophoresis was 87.16 ± 5.06 µg in LAC tablets and 63.33 ± 2.83 µg in MCC tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of three medicinal plants: thyme (Thymus callieri Borbás ex Velen), cotton thistle (Onopordum acanthium L.), and hawthorn fruit (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) from the Western Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria. The first stage determined the physicochemical characteristics (moisture, ash, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamin C) of the three herbs. The second stage investigated four types of extracts (aqueous, oil, methanolic, and ethanolic) of each herb and evaluated their total phenolic content, the presence of phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids), their antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties. Thyme was characterised by the highest ash, protein, and vitamin C content (6.62%, 11.30%, and 571 mg/100 g, respectively). Hawthorn fruit showed the highest moisture and carbohydrate content (8.50% and 4.20%, respectively). The 70% ethanolic extracts of the three herbs exhibited the highest levels of phenolic compounds and, consequently, pronounced antioxidant activity, compared to the other three types of extracts. The aqueous, oil, methanolic, and ethanolic thyme extracts demonstrated the highest total phenolic content—TPC (27.20 mg GAE/g, 8.20 mg GAE/g, 31.70 mg GAE/g, and 310.00 mg GAE/g, respectively), compared to the extracts of the other two plants. These results were consistent with the highest antioxidant activity of the thyme extracts determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, and the hydroxyl radical averting capacity (HORAC) assay (except for the oil extract examined using the DPPH method). The results from the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that the flavonoid quercetin-3-ß-glucoside had the highest concentration in thyme (374.5 mg/100 g), while myricetin dominated in the cotton thistle (152.3 mg/100 g). The phenolic acid content analysis showed prevalence of rosmaric acid in the thyme (995 mg/100 g), whereas chlorogenic acid was detected in the highest concentration in the cotton thistle and hawthorn fruit (324 mg/100 g and 27.7 mg/100 g, respectively). The aqueous, methanolic, and ethanolic extracts showed moderate to high antibacterial potential but limited antifungal activity. None of the oil extracts inhibited the test microorganisms used in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Podocarpus gracilis is an evergreen, dioecious tree found in Ethiopia and other African nations. It can reach a height of 60 meters. Without any scientific validation, ethnobotanical studies conducted in Ethiopia revealed that the Podocarpus gracilis plant's leaf is consumed orally to treat diabetes mellitus. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the in vivo blood glucose level lowering, lipid-lowering, and in vitro-free radical scavenging responses of Podocarpus gracilis leaf extract and fractions on experimental mice induced with diabetes. Methods. The in vitro antioxidant activity of PGC (Podocarpus gracilis) leaf extract was assessed by using a diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The oral glucose-loaded, normoglycemic, and streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic mouse models were employed. In the STZ-induced mice model, the leaf extract and solvent fractions activity on serum lipid and weight were also measured. The extract and fractions were tested at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg dosages. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the statistical significance of BGL (blood glucose level) changes within and between groups, and Tukey's post hoc multiple comparisons were then performed. Results. In the acute toxicity study of Podocarpus gracilis leaf extract and fractions, there was no evidence of animal mortality at the maximum dose of 2 g/kg during the observation period. The extract-treated group with normoglycemia revealed a significant lowering in BGL at the 4-hour mark of 27.4% (p < 0.001) and 25.2% (p < 0.01) at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively, compared to that in negative control. In the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) model, only 400 mg/kg treated groups at 120 min after exposure showed a BGL reduction of 31.17% which was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in comparison to the negative control. In the single-dose STZ-induced model, eighth-hour BGL measurements from CE 100, CE 200, CE 400, and GLC5 showed drops in BGL of 43.1%, 44.1%, 45%, and 47.3% from baseline fasting BGL values. In the repeated streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model, at all doses of leaf extract and fractions, the fasting BGL was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced. Moreover, the leaf extract and solvent fractions have shown a significant (p < 0.001) reduction of serum lipids such as LDL, TC, and VLDL, and at the same time, it increases HDL at 14 days with body weight gained. In the test for antioxidant activity, the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for leaf extract and the standard medication (ascorbic acid) were 8.2 μg/ml and 3.3 μg/ml, respectively. The IC50 value denotes the concentration of the sample required to scavenge 50% DPPH radicals. Conclusion. The 80% hydromethanolic leaf extract and fractions of Podocarpus gracilis exhibited blood glucose lowering, lipid-lowering activity in normoglycemic, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) mode, and STZ-induced diabetic mice with weight gains. There is scientific support for the alleged traditional use as an antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and antioxidant activity. The results need to be confirmed by future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most important research activities around the world is the screening of various plant components for novel anticancer medicines. The anticancer activities of Aconitum heterophyllum were studied in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells in this study. Since tumorigenesis is thought to be the result of a series of progressive gene alterations, including oncogene activation and tumour suppressor gene in-activation, the expression of genes like p53, p21, STAT, and Bcl-2, which are thought to be important in tumorigenesis and cell death, was determined. In the present study there was an upregulation in the level expression of p53and p21 and down regulation in the expression of BCL2 and STAT. However, there is increase and decrease level of gene expression in Aconitum heterophyllum roots loaded Phyto-Niosomes (nEEAH), when compared to ethanolic root extract of Aconitum heterophyllum EEAH extract treated MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Methods: The enzymatic antioxidants such as CAT, SOD, GR, GST, and GPX as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione, Vitamin E and Vitamin C were estimated in the treated MDA-MB-231 cells at the end of incubation. The RT-PCR technique was performed to study the expression patterns of apoptotic genes such as p53 and p21 and anti-apoptotic genes BCL2 and STAT in the drug treated MDA-MB-231 cells Results: In the present study there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in CAT and glu-tathione levels and a decrease in Vit C, Vit E and SOD, GR, GST, GPX levels in the untreated MDA-MB-231 cells. Increased apoptotic gene expression and decreased anti-apoptotic gene expression suggest the anti-proliferative nature of the drug extract was comparable to the doxorubicin the positive drug used in the present study. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of Aconitum heterophyllum roots loaded Phyto-Niosomes (nEEAH), when compared to ethanolic root extract of Aconitum heterophyllum EEAH extract treated MDA-MB-231 cell lines exert its anti-cancer activity by activating the apoptotic genes, suppressing anti-apoptotic genes as well as modulating the antioxidant enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desmodium gangeticum is an important medicinal plant with several pharmacological properties. Seed dormancy is a major constraint in the propagation and cultivation of this plant. This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different dormancy breaking treatments on the germination rate of Desmodium gangeticum seeds using a t-test approach. The seeds were treated with water, warm water, chilled ascorbic acid 1%, H SO, GA 3, damaged seed coat away from embryo, 2 4 and control untreated in three replications. The treated seeds were surface sterilized and inoculated on Murashige and Skoog medium. And some of them were transferred to Petri plate containing wet filter paper. The germination rate was evaluated after 10 days of inoculation, and the data obtained was analyzed using the t-test. The results showed that the treatment with warm water (30 minutes) + Ascorbic acid 1% (2 hours) was significantly more effective in breaking seed dormancy than the other treatments, with a higher germination rate (p < 0.05). The study provides useful information for the propagation and cultivation of Desmodium gangeticum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious chronic metabolic disease that is associated with hyperglycemia and several complications including cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. DM is caused by high levels of blood sugar in the body associated with the disruption of insulin metabolism and homeostasis. Over time, DM can induce life-threatening health problems such as blindness, heart disease, kidney damage, and stroke. Although the cure of DM has improved over the past decades, its morbidity and mortality rates remain high. Hence, new therapeutic strategies are needed to overcome the burden of this disease. One such prevention and treatment strategy that is easily accessible to diabetic patients at low cost is the use of medicinal plants, vitamins, and essential elements. The research objective of this review article is to study DM and explore its treatment modalities based on medicinal plants and vitamins. To achieve our objective, we searched scientific databases of ongoing trials in PubMed Central, Medline databases, and Google Scholar websites. We also searched databases on World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform to collect relevant papers. Results of numerous scientific investigations revealed that phytochemicals present in medicinal plants (Allium sativum, Momordica charantia, Hibiscus sabdariffa L., and Zingiber officinale) possess anti-hypoglycemic activities and show promise for the prevention and/or control of DM. Results also revealed that intake of vitamins C, D, E, or their combination improves the health of diabetes patients by reducing blood glucose, inflammation, lipid peroxidation, and blood pressure levels. However, very limited studies have addressed the health benefits of medicinal plants and vitamins as chemo-therapeutic/preventive agents for the management of DM. This review paper aims at addressing this knowledge gap by studying DM and highlighting the biomedical significance of the most potent medicinal plants and vitamins with hypoglycemic properties that show a great potential to prevent and/or treat DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune system protects the body from infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Once encountered with pathogens or antigens, the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system trigger a strong immune response to eliminate them from the system and protect the body. Thus, well-balanced immunity is pivotal for maintaining human health, as an insufficient level of immune defense leads to infections and tumors. In contrast, the excessive functioning of the immune system causes the development of autoimmune diseases and allergies. Strong immunity requires adequate nutrition, dietary interventions, and sufficient intake of certain vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin D, and folic acid) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, and selenium). Therefore, nutritional and micronutrient deficiencies lead to compromised immunity. Several natural ingredients have shown potent immunomodulatory properties. The immune-enhancing properties of many plants and fungi are due to containing bioactive phytoconstituents such as polyphenols, terpenoids, β-glucans, vitamins, etc. Probiotics and prebiotics can be used as innovative tools to reduce intestinal inflammation and downregulate hypersensitivity reactions. Plant sources of melatonin, a multifunctional molecule with proven anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, have been discovered relatively recently. The bioactive compounds augment the immune response by directly increasing the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Many phytoconstituents prevent cell damage due to their powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The present review attempts to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune-enhancing properties of some bioactive compounds from plants, fungi, animals, microorganisms, and other natural sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a major health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, plants are a source of metabolites with diverse biological properties, including antitumor potential. In this study, we investigated the in vitro murine lymphoma L5178Y-R cell growth inhibition, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) toxicity and proliferation, and antioxidant, hemolytic, and anti-hemolytic activities of methanol extracts from 15 plants of traditional use in Mexico. Justicia spicigera caused the highest tumor cell growth inhibition with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 29.10 µg/mL and a selectivity index >34.36 compared with those of PBMC, whereas Mimosa tenuiflora showed the highest lymphoproliferative activity from 200 µg/mL compared with that induced by concanavalin A. In addition, M. tenuiflora showed an antioxidant effect (IC50 = 2.86 µg/mL) higher than that of ascorbic acid. Regarding the hemolytic and anti-hemolytic activity, all extracts presented significant anti-hemolytic activity. The extract of J. spicigera is emerging as a possible source of effective antineoplastic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Herbal products have been widely used for the treatment of diseases throughout the ages. In this research, we investigated antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-adipogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities of methanolic extracts of five ethnomedicinally important plants; namely, Alnus nepalensis, Dryopteris sparsa, Artocarpus lacucha, Litsea monopetala, and Lyonia ovalifolia. Methods: We investigated the DPPH free radical scavenging potential, sensitivity of selected bacterial strains towards the extracts using a disc diffusion assay, anti-inflammatory activity in RAW-264.7 cells, and anti-adipogenic activity by the ORO assay in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Results and discussion: The extract of A. nepalensis showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50=4.838 μg/mL), followed by A. lacucha, L. monopetala, and L. ovalifolia, exhibiting comparable IC50 values to that of ascorbic acid (IC50=5.063 μg/mL). Alnus nepalensis also showed good antibacterial activity in disc diffusion methods, with remarkable zones of inhibition in A. baumannii (14.66 mm) and P. mirabilis (15.50 mm) bacterial species. In addition, A. nepalensis was found to increase adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells, evidenced by increased lipid deposition in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. A similar pattern of increased adipogenesis was observed on treatment with L. ovalifolia extracts. On the other hand, A. lacucha effectively reduced lipid deposition in 3T3-L1 cells at 100 μg/mL (75.18± 6.42%) by inhibiting adipogenesis, showing its potential use in the management of obesity. Furthermore, A. lacucha 100 μg/mL (15.91± 0.277 μM) and L. monopetala 75 μg/mL (12.52± 0.05 μM) and 100 μg/mL (11.77± 0.33 μM) significantly inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells. Also, A. nepalensis and L. ovalifolia inhibited NO production significantly, endorsing their anti-inflammatory potential. Conclusion: The findings from these in-vitro studies suggest that the selected five plants possess remarkable antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-adipogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study opens the door to conduct further advanced in-vivo experiments to find possible lead compounds for the development of valuable therapeutic agents for common health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lilium polyphyllum D.Don ex Royle belonging to family Liliaceae is a medicinal plant distributed in temperate to high altitude regions of Himalaya. Its bulbs have been used for anti-aging and vitality properties in >30 formulations of Ayurveda. Therefore, the knowledge on various traits of the plant is necessary so that quality of the finished products could be maintained. Present study investigates, morphological, biochemical and antioxidant properties in different populations of L. polyphyllum. A significant variation was recorded in different morphological parameters (Plant height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, bulb diameter, bulb fresh weight). Variation was also recorded for total soluble protein (7.81-11.35 mg/g), soluble sugar (96.14-116.14 mg/g), starch (116.37-122.43 mg/g) and total free amino acid (18.22-26.00 mg/g). Antioxidant properties in the bulb were determined and ABTS activity was 4.22 mM/100 g, DPPH activity recorded 0.85 mM/100 g and FRAP activity was 1.50 mM/100 g dw ascorbic acid equivalent, respectively. The diversity in wild populations of the species may serve as a baseline data for future breeding, domestication and conservation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daucus carota L. is locally known as "Kali Gajar" (black carrot) and is found abundantly in Pakistan. The aim of the current study is to investigate in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of Daucus carota L. seed extracts. The hot extraction method was used to obtain different extracts. The physiochemical testing, FTIR and mineral content estimation of the seed powder were conducted. UV Visible profiling of the extracts was also done. The in vitro antioxidant activity was performed by using the variety of assays included DPPH, ferric reducing power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity, and phosphomolybdenum test and ascorbic acid was used as a reference. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by inhibition of protein denaturation method and the diclofenac sodium was taken as a standard. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was examined by using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model by taking aspirin as a standard. The results of the UV Visible spectroscopy and FTIR scans showed the presence of various functional groups. The existence of many important primary and secondary metabolites was also confirmed by phytochemical analysis. The physicochemical parameters of seed powder were found to be within the recommended range as stated in USP, 2015. The present study has verified the antioxidant effect of the plant seeds and methanolic extract was found to be more active as compared to the other extracts. The study outcomes have confirmed a significant in vitro inhibition of the protein denaturation and in vivo reduction of carrageenan-induced inflammation in the rat paw. It is concluded that the plant seeds have the potential to reduce inflammation, however toxicological and clinical studies are desired in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• South African medicinal plants and bioactive compounds demonstrate antihypertensive potential via inhibitory effects on ACE in the RAAS pathway. • D. rotundifolia , 3β-taraxerol, β-amyrin, oleanolic acid, and quercetin exhibited strong nitric oxide inhibition. • D. rotundifolia, R. chirendensis and S. birrea demonstrates strong ACE inhibitory activity. Plants used in African traditional medicine to manage hypertension are potential angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. We, therefore, aimed to determine the antioxidant and anti-hypertensive properties of the methanol extracts of six plants, namely, Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd., Clausena anisata, Dombeya rotundifolia, Sclerocarya birrea, Rhus chirindensis, and Warbugia salutaris and selected compounds, viz., 3β-taraxerol, β-amyrin, oleanolic acid, hesperidin, nicotinamide, and quercetin. The antioxidant and anti-hypertensive activities were determined using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, the nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assay and the ACE inhibition assay respectively. D. rotundifolia (IC 50 : 63.02 ± 0.5 µg/mL), 3β-taraxerol (IC 50 : <1 µg/mL), β-amyrin (IC 50 : 105.04 ± 1.36 µg/mL), oleanolic acid (IC 50 : 32.20 ± 0.20 µg/mL) and quercetin (IC 50 : <1 µg/mL) displayed strong DPPH free radical scavenging activity ranging from 80 to 90%. Additionally, D. rotundifolia demonstrated 72% inhibition against NO displaying the lowest IC 50 of 63.45 ± 2.9 µg.mL. A 75–87% inhibition was noted for 3β-taraxerol (IC 50 : <1 µg/mL), β-amyrin (IC 50 : <1 µg/mL), oleanolic acid (IC 50 : <1 µg/mL) and quercetin (IC 50 : 125.02 ± 1.77 µg/mL), similar to ascorbic acid (standard). A significant ACE inhibitory activity of 92% with the lowest IC 50 (110.16 ± 0.12 µg.mL) was demonstrated for D. rotundifolia followed by R. chirendensis (79%), S. birrea (67%), A. afra (54%) and C. anisata (54%). Our findings suggest that these medicinal plants and bioactive compounds have great antihypertensive potential via inhibitory effects on ACE in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.) fruit is well known for its nutritional and medicinal values. The current study analyzed the chemical composition of Salvadora oleoides fruit. Fresh Peelu fruits were harvested, and physicochemical properties, proximate composition, macro- and micronutrients, and phytochemical properties were determined. Moreover, ethanol and methanol fruit extract was analyzed for physicochemical properties. The Peelu fruit seemed to be a potential source of essential macro- ((nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)). The fruit had significant biochemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), and TSS : TA ratio) with appreciable moisture, crude fiber, and ash contents. The fruit extracts demonstrated significantly higher antioxidants and phenolics, ascorbic acid contents, and carotenoids. Phytochemical screening of fruit revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, phlobatannins, tannins, and terpenoids. Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of extracts indicated its potential for further in vivo study trials. The Peelu fruit was found to be a good source of mineral nutrients, proximate contents, vitamins (ascorbic acid and carotenoid), phytochemicals (total phenolic sand antioxidant contents), and pharmaceutically important metabolites that can be used as functional drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The present study shed light on the effect of salinity on the plant growth and secondary metabolites of medicinally important milk thistle plant ecotypes. At the same time, we also studied the effect of external supplementation with ascorbic acid, thiourea, and moringa leaf extract on improving growth-related attributes and secondary metabolites under salinity stress. Various parameters were studied related to stress alleviation. Ascorbic acid, followed by moringa leaf extract, was the most effective in improving growth under salt stress conditions. The present study demonstrated that milk thistle could withstand moderate doses of salt stress, while externally supplemented media improved all the growth parameters by increasing the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.)) is a wild medicinal herbal plant that is widely used in folk medicine due to its high content of secondary metabolites (SMs) and silymarin; however, the data regarding the response of milk thistle to salinity are still scarce and scanty. The present study evaluated the effect of salinity on a geographically diverse population of milk thistle and on the role of medium supplementation (MS) with ascorbic acid, thiourea, and moringa leaf extract in improving the SMs and growth-related attributes under salinity stress (SS). For germination, a 120 mM level of salinity was applied in the soil during the seedling stage. After salinity development, predetermined levels of the following compounds were used for MS: thiourea (250 µM), moringa leaf extract (3%), and ascorbic acid (500 µM). The data regarding growth attributes showed that SS impaired plant growth and development and increased SM production, including alkaloids, anthocyanin, and saponins. Moreover, ascorbic acid, followed by moringa leaf extract, was the most effective in improving growth by virtue of increased SMs, especially under salt stress conditions. The present study demonstrated that milk thistle could withstand moderate doses of SS, while MS improved all the growth parameters by increasing the accumulation of SMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hormonal changes during pregnancy will impact the skin so that the skin of pregnant women will be vulnerable and at significant risk for striae gravidarum in several areas of the body, including the abdomen, breasts, calves, and thighs. This will impact the quality of life, the incidence of pelvic organ prolapses, and rupture of the perineum due to a lack of collagen in the body. Techniques for treating striae gravidarum have been developed in several methods, including micro-needling and fractional CO2 laser, vitamin C, the use of 0.1% tretinoin cream to the use of frequency radio microneedle (FMR). This treatment aims to help increase, maintain and stabilize collagen in the skin. Gotu kola leaf (Centella Asiatica) is one of the plants that can stimulate the production of collagen I and moisturize the skin because it contains compounds such as saponins, asiaticoside, Asiatic acid, madecassoside, and triterpenes. This plant is also anti-infectious, antileprosy, anti-syphilis, and skin cell revitalization. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a gel based on Gotu kola leaf with a concentration of 15% for treating striae gravidarum. This research method is quasi-experimental with a one-group pre-test post-test design. The population and research sample consisted of 3 respondents; each respondent was assessed in 4 areas: the breast, abdomen, thigh, and calf. The results show that because the significance level is more significant than a (0.130 > 0.05), there is not enough reason to accept H0, and we also get the difference between the average value before and after being given a 15% concentration, which is 1.5, which means the average decreases. Conclusion Gel preparations of Gotu kola leaf extract (Centella Asiatica) with a concentration of 15% are effective in treating striae gravidarum degrees 1,2, and 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera and strawberry are cultivated extensively worldwide and are divinely blessed with an enormous amount of nutritional and medicinal constituents, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, potassium, and phenolic antioxidants that play a pivotal role in treating, confining, and preventing diabetes and many kinds of cancer. The focus of the study is to develop different samples of highly acceptable ready to serve (RTS) Moringa strawberry juice blend by underutilizing Moringa and strawberry juice in different proportions. Moringa oleifera's bitter taste and green color steeply limits its acceptability and counter this drawback utilized with strawberry juice. The physicochemical analysis of blended juice was performed to investigate the suitability and keeping quality of the juice mixture. The collected data signify that pH titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) the slight modification after the inclusion of Moringa juice extract and throughout the storage. The Moringa treatment positively improved the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, and vitamin C from 12 to 49.17 mg GAE/100g, 61.41 to 87.69%, and 64.03 to 86.65 mg/100 mL, respectively, but there was a slight decline in antioxidant quantity while stored under refrigerated conditions for one month. An assimilative trend was noticed in TPC and vitamin C, which collapsed from 49.17–36.32 mg GAE to 86.65–79.19 mg, respectively. In accordance with sensory analysis T2 (90% strawberry juice and 10% Moringa extract), the juice blend was rated best in context to flavor, color, and taste. This juice blend proved to be greatly effective especially for children suffering from malnutrition as well as women to counter with its appreciable number of nutritional constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic can downregulate ECE1, a gene that regulates the production of candidalysin as a virulence factor for C. albicans. Allicin in garlic has antifungal properties because allicin can penetrate cell membranes and damage cell organelles such as vacuoles and mitochondria, causing irreversible structural and functional damage that leads to cell death. Garlic that is processed into extracts also has antifungal abilities. Purely squeezed garlic extract had a MIC of 50%, while the ethanol extract of garlic had a MIC of 40%. This difference is thought to be due to differences in the use of concentrations used and the use of extract solvents. Vitamin C can inhibit C. albicans in PBS media, there is an active metabolism and oxygen, low free iron concentration, there is mitochondrial inhibition ongoing, and in the early stationary growth phase. However, the combination of garlic petroleum ether extract and vitamin C did not show significant MIC due to the presence of glucose in the media, which could increase the growth of C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphorbia himalayensis Boiss. is an alpine member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Its dried roots have been used to treat digestive problems and chest congestion in traditional Tibetan and Mongolian medicine. Despite thousands of years of use in medicine, the bioactive compounds of the root remain unknown. Herein, we isolated a novel aqueous-soluble polysaccharide (EHP2) from the E. himalayensis root and determined its structural characteristics via high-performance gel permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. The homogeneous molecular weight of EHP2 was 23.6 kDa with narrow polydisperity (Mw/Mn = 1.4), and EHP2 mainly comprised of glucose (86.4%), galactose (11.9%) and mannose (1.7%). The major backbone of EHP2 was →4)-α-D-GalAp-(1 → 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → and the branch chain was α-D-Glcp-(1→. The antioxidant activity of the EHP2 was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion radical scavenging assays, and antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, GSH and MDA) was determined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The EHP2 demonstrated lower potential scavenging effects on DPPH and superoxide free radical scavenger than ascorbic acid, and in HUVECs, it led to increased SOD and GSH activities and decreased MDA levels. This study is the first to describe an E. himalayensis polysaccharide compound with potential antioxidant activity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to treat various types of inflammation and tumors of the digestive system. Portulaca oleracea L. (POL), has been used in TCM for thousands of years. The chemical composition of POL is variable and includes flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and organic acids and other classes of natural compounds. Many of these compounds exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer-transforming effects in the digestive system. In this review, we focus on the potential therapeutic role of POL in NASH, gastritis and colitis and their associated cancers, with a focus on the pharmacological properties and potential mechanisms of action of the main natural active compounds in POL. The information and data on Portulaca oleracea L. and its main active ingredients were collated from various resources like ethnobotanical textbooks and literature databases such as CNKI, VIP (Chinese literature), PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier and Google Scholar (English literatures), Wiley, Springer, Tailor and Francis, Scopus, Inflibnet. Kaempferol, luteolin, myricetin, quercetin, genistein, EPA, DHA, and melatonin were found to improve NASH and NASH-HCC, while kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin played a therapeutic role in gastritis and gastric cancer. Apigenin, luteolin, myricetin, quercetin, genistein, lupeol, vitamin C and melatonin were found to have therapeutic effects in the treatment of colitis and its associated cancers. The discovery of the beneficial effects of these natural active compounds in POL supports the idea that POL could be a promising novel candidate for the treatment and prevention of inflammation-related cancers of the digestive system. The discovery of the beneficial effects of these natural active compounds in POL supports the idea that POL could be a promising novel candidate for the treatment and prevention of inflammation-related cancers of the digestive system. However, clinical data describing the mode of action of the naturally active compounds of POL are still lacking. In addition, pharmacokinetic data for POL compounds, such as changes in drug dose and absorption rates, cannot be extrapolated from animal models and need to be measured in patients in clinical trials. On the one hand, a systematic meta-analysis of the existing publications on TCM containing POL still needs to be carried out. On the other hand, studies on the hepatic and renal toxicity of POL are also needed. Additionally, well-designed preclinical and clinical studies to validate the therapeutic effects of TCM need to be performed, thus hopefully providing a basis for the validation of the clinical benefits of POL. [Display omitted] • POL is a traditional plant that can treat cancers associated with inflammation of the digestive system. • POL exerts its functions in relation to its active ingredients kaempferol, luteolin, myricetin, quercetin, genistein, EPA, DHA, melatonin, apigenin, genistein, lupeol, vitamin C and others. • The natural active ingredients in POL exhibit primarily antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, inhibiting the transformation of inflammation into cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Michelia champaca L. (Magnoliaceae) was cultivated in large scale for flowers as cosmetic raw materials, whereas the value of its leaves remains to be discovered. Our chemical study on the leaves yielded four new flavonol diglycosides, champaflavosides A–D (1 – 4), together with twenty-three known flavonoid glycosides (5 – 27). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods. Compounds 5 – 21 and 23 – 27 were not previously reported from the genus Michelia , and kaempferol 3- O -rutinoside (22) was obtained from this species for the first time. All the compounds were evaluated for antioxidant activity by four in vitro assays. Compounds 3 – 12 and 20 showed more potent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than l -ascorbic acid (l -AA). Compounds 2 – 23 , 25 , and 27 exhibited 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation scavenging activity superior to l -AA. The ferric reducing antioxidant powers (FRAP) of compounds 2 – 13 , 17 , and 19 were higher than l -AA. Further, eighteen compounds demonstrated cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, of which champaflavoside D (4), rhamnetin 3- O -neohesperidoside (8), quercetin 3- O -(6- O - E - p -coumaroyl)-neohesperidoside (9), and liquiritin (27) were more potent than curcumin. The results revealed that the renewable leaves of M. champaca are a rich source of flavonoids and antioxidants. [Display omitted] • Michelia champaca has been widely cultivated for flowers as cosmetic raw materials. • The chemical constituents other than volatile oil in the leaves remain unknown. • Four new and 23 known flavonoid glycosides were isolated from the leaves. • Our research results revealed that the leaves are a rich source of antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative disease affecting a large portion of the world's aging population. Currently, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen are first-line medications for treating osteoarthritis patients' pain. However, several studies have noted that while these medications control pain they do not halt progressive degeneration and tend to have an unfavorable side-effect profile with prolonged use. Recently, due to their more favorable side-effect profiles, herbal alternatives for controlling osteoarthritis symptoms and for alleviating the progression of the disease are being increasingly studied. Synogesic is a newly developed herbal supplement blend by renowned orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists consisting of turmeric, rutin, ginger root, vitamin C, vitamin D, and boswellia extracts. A study by Sharkey et al. has commented on the efficacy of the blend on the patients with knee osteoarthritis. So far, a review on the ingredients of the blend has not yet carried outbeen. By exploring prominent literature databases including PubMed and ScienceDirect, our aim is to write a narrative review to explore the individual ingredients of this blend and delve into their characteristics, as well as the most recent literature on their mechanism and efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis. Through this, we hope to inform clinicians and patients alike on relevant up-to-date research on the supplement and provide insight on the potential for this supplement for alleviating the disease course of patients with osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new cyclic polyketide 7,9,11-trihydroxytetracos-2-eneoic acid d-lactone (1), together with other eleven known compounds, were isolated from Ononis spinosa, growing wildly in Jordan. All isolated compounds were identified by thorough investigation of their spectral data including NMR and HRESIMS. Antioxidant activity testing of puerol B, specionin and the new cyclic polyketide revealed that puerol B had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 0.09 ± 0.006mg/ml) as compared to α-tocopherol (IC50 0.039 ± 0.0006mg/ml), while specionin had the highest ABTS radical scavenging power (IC50 0.013 ± 0.0008mg/ml) as compared to α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid (IC50 0.042 ± 0.0004; 0.026 ± 0.0007mg/ml; respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd) was evaluated in vitro for antioxidant and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes (as a preliminary screening assessment) by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC)-Direct bioautography. A study was performed in vivo to evaluate the effects of Damiana enriched diets at 0.5 % on immune parameters in mucus and serum and gene expression in Almaco Jack (Seriola rivoliana) intestine after two and four weeks; an infection with Aeromonas hydrophila at 1x107 colony forming units (CFU) followed and an ex vivo study was carried out using head-kidney leukocytes. Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays showed high antioxidant activities in Damiana leaves; even in the ABTS assay, Damiana at 300 μg/mL showed similar activity to ascorbic acid – the standard control. Damiana exhibited strong in vitro antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and S. pyogenes. In vivo studies showed a strong enhancement of myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in mucus and serum of S. rivoliana supplemented with Damiana; their immunological response enhanced after infection with A. hydrophila. IL-1β , TNF-α , and IL-10 gene expressions upregulated in the fish intestine challenged with the bacterium. Piscidin and macrophage (MARCO) receptor gene expression up-regulated at week 4 and down-regulated after infection. Intestinal histology results confirm that Damiana not cause inflammation or damage. Finally, the ex vivo study confirmed the immunostimulant and protective effects of Damiana through increased phagocytic, respiratory burst, myeloperoxidase activities and nitric oxide generation before and upon the bacterial encounter. These results support the idea that Damiana has the potential as an immunostimulant additive for diets in aquaculture by enhancing immune parameters and protecting Almaco Jack against A. hydrophila infections upon four weeks of supplementation. [Display omitted] • Damiana Turnera diffusa (Td) is rich in antioxidants. • HPTLC show antibacterial activity of Td against S. aureus and S. pyogenes. • Td diets increase mucosal immunological parameters in fish. • Td diets enhance the immunoprotective effect against A. hydrophila in in vivo and ex vivo studies in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have phytotherapeutic properties such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and their rare use remains a very interesting task in medicine. The present work addresses the new natural substances extracted from the plant Warionia saharae, and the study of their biological, antioxidant and antifungal activities in vitro. A qualitative analysis was performed by a phytochemical screening of the plants. The direct contact method in solid medium carried a study of the antifungal activity of organic and aqueous extracts against four fungal strains. After, an estimation of the antioxidant power of these extracts and that of ascorbic acid by the DPPH free radical reduction method was performed. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing compounds, saponosides with a foam index of 120, tannins, alkaloids, anthocyanosides. The antifungal activity results show that the hexane extract has potent inhibitory activity against fungal strains. The MIC is 2.42 mg/ml for Penicillium sp. and 3.5 mg/ml for Fusarium sp., followed by the ethanolic extract. The antioxidant activity estimates IC50% of 6.09 µg/ml for the ethanolic extract, while the positive control, ascorbic acid, is 1.02 µg/ml. These preliminary in vitro results show that natural extracts of W. saharae Benth & Coss exhibit significant antifungal activity and antiradical power. In conclusion, this work is part of the valorization of a medicinal plant W. saharae grown spontaneously in the region of Bechar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative disease affecting a large portion of the world's aging population. Currently, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen are first-line medications for treating osteoarthritis patients' pain. However, several studies have noted that while these medications control pain they do not halt progressive degeneration and tend to have an unfavorable side-effect profile with prolonged use. Recently, due to their more favorable side-effect profiles, herbal alternatives for controlling osteoarthritis symptoms and for alleviating the progression of the disease are being increasingly studied. Synogesic is a newly developed herbal supplement blend by renowned orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists consisting of turmeric, rutin, ginger root, vitamin C, vitamin D, and boswellia extracts. A study by Sharkey et al. has commented on the efficacy of the blend on the patients with knee osteoarthritis. So far, a review on the ingredients of the blend has not yet carried outbeen. By exploring prominent literature databases including PubMed and ScienceDirect, our aim is to write a narrative review to explore the individual ingredients of this blend and delve into their characteristics, as well as the most recent literature on their mechanism and efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis. Through this, we hope to inform clinicians and patients alike on relevant up-to-date research on the supplement and provide insight on the potential for this supplement for alleviating the disease course of patients with osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orcinol-β-D-glucoside, which is also known as orcinol glucoside, is a major phenolic glucoside compound in the rhizome of the Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. This compound has many medicinal properties such as being antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiosteoporosis, stress relief, antidepressant, etc. Methods: Determination of reducing sugar content by Bertrand's method, determination of lipid content by Soxhlet method, determination of vitamin C content by iodine titration, determination of enzyme activity catalase by titration with KMnO4. Quantification of Orcinol-β-D-glucoside was conducted by HPLC analysis. Results: The Orcinol-β-D-glucoside of C. orchioides in Thuy Bang mountain was highest. Besides, the content of reducing sugars, vitamin C, enzyme catalase, and lipids of C. orchioides differed significantly among sites. In which, the reducing sugar and vitamin C of C. orchioides in Ngu Binh mountain was highest. Whereas, enzyme catalase was also highest in Thuy Bang mountain. However, the lipid content of C. orchioides was also highest in Huong Tho mountain. Conclusions: The result will contribute to providing the scientific basis for the selection of breeding, planting, development of C. orchioides in Thua Thien Hue province, as well as other provinces in Vietnam and opening new research directions for applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meniran (Phyllanthus niruri), patikan kebo (Euphorbia hirta), and benalu (Loranthus sp.) have often been used by people as medicinal plants. This research aimed to measure the levels of flavonoids, phenolics, and ascorbic acid compounds, as well as the Free Radical Scavenging (FRS) activity of ethyl acetate extract from the mixture of P. niruri, E. hirta, and Loranthus sp. The FRS activity was measured with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The level of compounds was measured by using the spectrophotometry method with specific reagents. The result of the FRS activity in ethyl acetate extract from the mixture of P. niruri, E. hirta, and Loranthus sp. varied depending on its dose. The measure of FRS in the P. niruri: E. hirta: Loranthus sp 0:0:1 (K-OOL) composition showed a strong result with a value of IC50 97.2 ± 2.1 ppm, while in the 0:0.5:0.5 (K-OEL) composition it was moderate with a value of IC50 147.6 ± 6.5 ppm. The other compositions showed weak and inactive results. The K-OOL composition had the highest flavonoid and phenolic content that were 298.8±0.00 mg QE/g extract and 141.5±2.85 mg GAE/g extract respectively. The composition with the highest ascorbic acid content (298.8±0.00 mg/g extract) was K-OEO composition. So far, research on medicinal plants is still limited to one type of plant. The combination of several types of plants in several formulations allows obtaining a composition that can produce maximum antioxidant capacity. Therefore, this research is expected to produce a combination formulation of various types of medicinal plants that have the K-OOL composition very strong antioxidant activity and can be used as herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the rural Kenyan diet, the bioavailability of iron is low and predisposes the population to iron deficiency. Fruit pulp of the indigenous baobab tree contains significant amounts of vitamin C, which enhances non-heme iron bioavailability. We studied the impact of baobab fruit pulp (BFP) consumption on the hemoglobin (Hb) and iron status of Kenyan schoolchildren. Methods: The single-blind randomized controlled intervention trial was implemented daily among apparently healthy schoolchildren aged 6–12 years with hemoglobin level < 12.2 g/dl. For 12 weeks, children in the intervention group (n = 29) received a drink with BFP, while the control group (n = 29) received an isoenergy drink without BFP. At baseline and endline, blood samples were taken. Results: The development of hemoglobin, ferritin (FER) and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) did not differ significantly between the intervention and control groups. However, in the intervention group, Hb levels improved slightly (2.2%), while they decreased slightly (1.2%) in the control group. Levels of geometric means of sTfR remained almost unchanged (0.7%) in the intervention group and slightly worsened (2.7%) in the control group. In both the groups, geometric mean of FER levels decreased, yet to a smaller extent in the intervention (17.3%) than in the control (26.0%) group. Conclusion: Even though no significant effects of BFP could be detected in this study, the identification of products such as BFP remains pertinent to help improve non-heme iron absorption in the most vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In humans, especially in elderly patients, free radicals and oxidative stress are one of the main reasons behind a number of diseases/disorders, such as cardiovascular, pulmonary and neuronal in nature. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate substances/compounds that possess potent free radical scavenging activity, especially, from the indigenous flora. Methods: The present study was aimed to screen the free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of three medicinal plants: Syzygium cumini, Psidium guajava and Callicarpa dichotoma. The antioxidant activity was determined using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) and Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging assays. Various concentrations (250, 500, 750 and 1000µg/ml) of plant extract were used to carry out the assays and Ascorbic acid was used as the standard. The free radical quenching potential was expressed in inhibition percentage (%) and concentrations were expressed in µg/ml. Optical density of DPPH and H2O2 was measured using spectrophotometer at 517 and 230 nm, respectively. Results: Results from the DPPH and H2O2 assays showed that antioxidant activities were observed to be highest in P. guajava (89 and 81% respectively) followed by S. cumini (84 and 72% respectively) and C. dichotoma (83 and 70% respectively) in the ethanolic extracts. Conclusion: It is concluded that the selected plant materials used for the study have a powerful antioxidant potential and could be used in various therapeutic and medicinal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caçari is a fruit tree that is native to the Amazon region of Brazil. The fruit is considered to have the highest vitamin C content of any edible fruit (13.757 mg 100 g-1 dry weight). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 2,4-D and 6-BAP alone or in combination on in vitro callus induction and pro-embryogenic mass formation in caçari stem segments in different culture media as a precursor for caçari micropropagation. The experiment consisted of two culture media (MS and WPM) and combinations of four concentrations of 2,4-D (0, 1, 2 and 4 mg L-1) and BAP (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg L-1). The results showed that the highest percentage of callus formation (99%) was obtained in WPM supplemented with 4 mg L-1, 2,4-D and 1 mg L-1 BAP, and this combination resulted in 93% pro-embryogenic mass formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atriplex lindleyi Moq. subsp. inflata from Algeria is known for its traditional use for therapeutic properties. We analysed quantitatively and qualitatively the infusion and diethyl ether, n-butanol and ethereal extracts of A. lindleyi , as well as assessed their acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant activities. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed using a carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay and the antinociceptive effect was evaluated using an acetic acid-induced writhing method. In addition, antioxidant activity was examined by three tests: DPPH, reducing power and phenanthroline assays. The quantity of total phenols in the roots of A. lindleyi was larger than in the aerial parts, while the amounts of total flavonoids were larger in the aerial parts than in the roots. The HPLC profiles allowed us to identify 32 compounds belonging to the phenolic acid and flavonoid classes. Intraperitoneal administration of the infusions and phenolic extracts in mice did not cause any symptoms of toxicity or mortality. Results revealed that the aerial parts and roots of A. lindleyi had potential anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities and were higher than diclofenac and paracetamol, respectively. The diethyl ether extract (DEE) of aerial parts and roots showed the greatest antioxidant activity in comparison to the other tested extracts. The phenolic composition attempted to be identified by HPLC confers this plant's pharmacological potential. The antioxidant potential may be due to active ingredients, including ascorbic acid, in the two studied parts of A. lindleyi , which is a bioactive molecule with strong antioxidant properties. Also, detecting salicylic acid, the active antinociceptive ingredient of aspirin, gallic and ferulic acids may justify this subspecies' antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potentials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malpighia emarginata has a high amount of vitamin C with pharmacological or food preservation potential. However, despite its wide use and application possibilities its toxicity in repeated doses and for a long time (6 months) has not yet been studied. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and repeated doses from fruits of this plant. The extract was produced with the pulp (EMe) of the lyophilized fruit and submitted to chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis (HPLC and ESI-IT-MSn). In the acute test, the EMe was administered orally and parenterally to rodents (mice and rats) for 14 days, at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Subsequently, the repeated dose toxicity test was administered orally for 180 days at doses of 50, 300 or 1000 mg/kg. The HPLC assay revealed a high concentration of vitamin C (16.3%), and spectroscopic analyses pointed to the presence of five other polyphenolic compounds. In the acute test, the plant extract showed no apparent toxicity or lethality in rodents. The LD 50 was estimated to be greater than 2000 mg/kg and falls into category 5 (low toxicity). In the repeated dose assay, there was no evidence of toxicity, and no differences were observed in water intake, food, weight development, or behavior of the animals in relation to the vehicle group (water). However, hematological and biochemical evaluations pointed out some nonconformities in the levels of cholesterol, leukocytes, and neutrophils of the male rats, but overall, these results did not reveal significant toxicity. Therefore, the Level of Unobserved Adverse Effects (NOAEL) was 1000 mg/kg. Together, the results suggest that the extract obtained from the fruits of M. emarginata does not present representative toxicity in rodents. [Display omitted] • Data on oral and parenteral acute toxicity of M. emarginata in rodents. • Toxicological findings of M. emarginata in rodents of both sexes submitted the study of repeated doses (180 days). • Despite the nonconformities, the fruits of M. emarginata (high vit C values) do not promote toxicity in repeated. • NOAEL was determined at a dose of 1000 mg/kg/day body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new phenolic glycosides (1 – 3) and a new lignan glycoside (4), together with five known compounds (5 – 9) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the aerial part of Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis (Franch.) T.Z.Hsu & R.C.Fang. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic techniques, experimental and calculated ECD spectra, acid hydrolysis, and enzymatic hydrolysis experiments. All the isolates were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Compounds 7 and 8 exhibited inhibitory effects against the LPS-induced production of NO with IC 50 of 63.71 and 10.66 μM, respectively, compared to L-NMMA having an IC 50 of 6.95 μM. Besides, compound 7 also represented significant DPPH radical scavenging activity with EC 50 of 18.75 μM, comparable with vitamin C (EC 50 = 15.77 μM). [Display omitted] • Four new (1 – 4) and five known (5 – 9) compounds were isolated from Gaultheria leucocarpa var. yunnanensis. • Compounds 7 and 8 exhibited moderate inhibition against LPS-induced NO production. • Compound 7 showed a comparable DPPH radical scavenging effect to vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease linked to memory impairment. A current investigation was performed to assess the neuroprotective effect of Diospyrin, a novel therapeutic agent, for the curing of Alzheimer's disease. For this purpose, in-vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory assays and antioxidant studies were conducted, whereas in-vivo studies involved different behavioral animal models tests such as elevated plus maze (EPM), morris water maze (MWM) and paddling Y-maze test. Results of the in-vitro analysis showed IC 50 values of 95 μg/mL for AChE and 110 μg/mL for BChE as compared to the standard drug donepezil (IC 50 : 95 & 85 μg/mL, respectively). DPPH antioxidant assay showed a maximum of 72.85% inhibition (IC 50 : 139.74 μg/mL) of DPPH-free radicals at the highest concentration of 1000 μg/mL as compared to the ascorbic acid (IC 50 : 13.72 μg/mL). Moreover, the in-vivo analysis revealed that diospyrin treatment demonstrated gradual betterment in memory and enhanced motor functionality. On the other hand, the computational analysis also showed that the diospyrin had exceptional binding affinities for both AChE and BChE enzymes. In the net shell, it may be deduced that our compound diospyrin could be a valuable drug candidate in managing neurodegenerative disorders like AD. [Display omitted] • Diospyrin was extracted and isolated from the roots of Diospyros lotus. • Diospyrin had a strong intermolecular affinity with the human acetylcholinesterase enzyme. • Diospyrin showed significant DPPH scavenging potential. • Diospyrin treatment improved memory and enhanced motor functionality. • Diospyrin inhibited the activity of AChE enzyme in the Hippocampus and Frontal Cortex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tylophora yunnanensis Schltr (TYS) is widely distributed in Yunnan, Guizhou, and other places in China. It is commonly used by folks to treat hepatitis and other liver-related diseases; however, its mechanism of action is still unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects of TYS on regulating gut microbiota and its metabolites in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rats by inhibiting the activation of NOD-like receptor protein3 (NLRP3). An HFD-induced rat model was established to investigate if the intragastric administration of TYS could mediate gut microbiota and their metabolites to ultimately improve the symptoms of NASH. The improving effects of TYS on NASH rats were assessed by measuring their body weight, lipid levels, histopathology, and inflammatory factor levels in the rat models. The regulatory effects of TYS on NLRP3 in the NASH rats were analyzed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which determined the levels of NLRP3-related factors. The changes in the composition of the gut microbiota of NASH rats were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. Meanwhile, the Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used for the non-targeted analysis of metabolites in the cecum contents. The results showed that TYS could improve NASH by decreasing the body weight and levels of lipid, AST, ALT, LPS, FFA, VLDL, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in the NASH rats. The analysis of gut microbiota showed that TYS could improve the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota and alter their composition by decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae, Blautia, etc. while increasing those of Muribaculaceae, Rumiaococcus, Ruminococcaceae, etc. The analysis of metabolites in the cecum contents suggested that the arachidonic acid metabolism, bile secretion, serotonergic synapse, Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway, etc. were regulated by TYS. The metabolites enriched in these pathways mainly included chenodeoxycholic acid, prostaglandin D2, TXB2, 9-OxoODE, and 13(S)-HOTrE. These findings suggested that TYS could alleviate the NASH symptoms by decreasing the body weight, regulating the lipid levels, reducing the inflammatory response, and inhibiting the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in the NASH rats. The changes in the composition of gut microbiota and their metabolic disorder were closely related to the activation of NLRP3. TYS could significantly inhibit the activation of NLRP3 and regulate the composition of gut microbiota and the disorder of metabolites during NASH modeling. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant Senecio nutans SCh. Bip. is used by Andean communities to treat altitude sickness. Recent evidence suggests it may produce vasodilation and negative cardiac inotropy, though the cellular mechanisms have not been elucidated. To determinate the mechanisms action of S. nutans on cardiovascular function in normotensive animals. The effect of the extract on rat blood pressure was measured with a transducer in the carotid artery and intraventricular pressure by a Langendorff system. The effects on sheep ventricular intracellular calcium handling and contractility were evaluated using photometry. Ultra-high-performance liquid-chromatography with diode array detection coupled with heated electrospray-ionization quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometric detection (UHPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-OT-MSn) was used for extract chemical characterization. In normotensive rats, S. nutans (10 mg/kg) reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 40% (p < 0.05), causing a dose-dependent coronary artery dilation and decreased left ventricular pressure. In isolated cells, S. nutans extract (1 μg/ml) rapidly reduced the [Ca2+] i transient amplitude and sarcomere shorting by 40 and 49% (p < 0.001), respectively. The amplitude of the caffeine evoked [Ca2+] i transient was reduced by 24% (p < 0.001), indicating reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content. Sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) activity increased by 17% (p < 0.05), while sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity was decreased by 21% (p < 0.05). LC-MS results showed the presence of vitamin C, malic acid, and several antioxidant phenolic acids reported for the first time. Dihydroeuparin and 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyl) acetophenone were abundant in the extract. In normotensive animals, S. nutans partially reduces MAP by decreasing heart rate and cardiac contractility. This negative inotropy is accounted for by decreased SERCA activity and increased NCX activity which reduces SR Ca2+ content. These results highlight the plant's potential as a source of novel cardio-active phytopharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals. [Display omitted] • This study showed the hypotensive properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of S. nutans are associated with [Ca2+] i handling and contractility in cardiac myocytes. • The reduction of mean arterial pressure (MAP) by S. nutans was partly a result of decreased heart rate (HR) and ventricular contractility. • Negative inotropy; decreased Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity and increased Sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) activity, reducing Ca2+ content. • Mass spectrometric detection showed the presence of the acetophenones dihydroeuparin and 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyl) acetophenone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruits of Phyllanthus emblica Linn or Emblica officinalis Gaertn (Phyllanthaceae), (FPE) commonly known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, gained immense importance in indigenous traditional medicinal systems, including Ayurveda, for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. It is used to cure several diseases such as common cold, fever, cough, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, cephalalgia, ophthalmopathy, dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, hyperacidity, peptic ulcer, erysipelas, skin diseases, leprosy, hematogenesis, inflammation, anemia, emaciation, hepatopathy, jaundice, diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhages, leucorrhea, menorrhagia, cardiac disorders, and premature greying of hair. In the present review, we presented a comprehensive analysis of the ethnopharmacology, bioactive composition, and toxicity of P. emblica to identify the gap between research and the current applications and to help explore the trends and perspectives for future studies. We collected the literature published before April 2021 on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of FPE. Literature in English from scientific databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, and Google Scholar, books. These reports were analyzed and summarized to prepare this review. The plant taxonomy was verified by "The Plant List" database (http://www.theplantlist.org). s: FPE have been used as a rich source of vitamin C, minerals, and amino acids. Several bioactive molecules were isolated and identified from FPE such as tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, ascorbic acid etc. The in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies on FPE revealed its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticancer, radioprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, hypolipidemic, anti-venom, wound healing, HIV-reverse transcriptase effect. Toxicological studies on fruits indicated the absence of any adverse effect even at a high dose after oral administration. Although FPE showed remarkable therapeutic activities against several diseases such as diabetes, cancer, inflammation, hepatitis B virus, and malaria, there were several drawbacks in some previous reports including the lack of information on the drug dose, standards, controls, and mechanism of action of the extract. Further in-depth studies are required to explain the mechanism of action of the extracts to reveal the role of the bioactive compounds in the reported activities. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]