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A bioassay-guided isolation on the plant Zanthoxylum armatum DC yielded compounds tambulin ( 1 ), and prudomestin ( 2 ), from ethyl acetate fraction which showed the highest ROS inhibiting activity (IC 50 = 17.8 ± 1.1 µg/mL). Structure elucidation of pure compounds was done using mass and NMR spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1 and 2 revealed potent ROS inhibition with IC 50 = 7.5 ± 0.3 and 1.5 ± 0.3 µg/mL, respectively, as compared to standard ibuprofen (IC 50 = 11.2 ± 1.9 µg/mL). Likewise, both compounds 1 and 2 showed potent antioxidant activity with IC 50 = 32.65 ± 0.31 and 26.96 ± 0.19 µg/mL, respectively. In vitro studies were supported by molecular docking and drug-likeliness properties. In silico studies of 1 and 2 with cyclooxygenase - 2 (COX-2) showed perfect binding affinity with binding energies of -8.4 and -8.6 kcal/mol, respectively, comparable to standard ibuprofen (-7.7 kcal/mol). Drug likeness and ADMET showed higher gastrointestinal absorption of 1 and 2 and no toxic impact.

Twenty flavonoids (1-20) were isolated from the leaves and stems of Sedum japonicum var. senanense endemic to Japan. Among them, nine compounds were reported in nature for the first time, and identified as herbacetin 3-O-neohesperidoside-8-O-(2‴-acetylxyloside) (2), gossypetin 8-O-(2″-acetylxyloside) (4), gossypetin 8-O-(3″-acetylxyloside) (5), gossypetin 3-O-glucoside-8-O-(3‴-acetylxyloside) (9), gossypetin 3-O-glucoside-8-O-(2‴,3‴-diacetylxyloside) (10), gossypetin 3-O-neohesperidoside-8-O-xyloside (11), gossypetin 3-O-neohesperidoside-8-O-(2⁗-acetylxyloside) (12), gossypetin 3-O-neohesperidoside-8-O-(3⁗-acetylxyloside) (13) and gossypetin 3-O-glucoside-8-O-xylofuranoside (14) by UV spectral survey, HR-MS, LC-MS, acid hydrolysis, NMR including 1 H and 13 C NMR, COSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC. Moreover, nine major flavonoids were surveyed for antioxidant activity by H-ORAC method. As the results, gossypetin 3-O-glucoside-8-O-(2‴-acetylxyoside) (8) showed the highest antioxidant activity. Conversely, gossypetin 3-O-neohesperidoside-8-O-xyloside (11) and gossypetin 3-O-neohesperidoside-8-O-(2⁗-acetylxyloside) (12) which attach neohesperidose showed the lowest values., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this article., (Crown Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Plant-derived compounds, specifically antioxidants, have played an important role in scavenging the free radicals present under diseased conditions. The persistent generation of free radicals in the body leads to inflammation and can result in even more severe diseases such as cancer. Notably, the antioxidant potential of various plant-derived compounds prevents and deregulates the formation of radicals by initiating their decomposition. There is a vast literature demonstrating antioxidant compounds' anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer potential. This review describes the molecular mechanism of various flavonoids, such as quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, epicatechin, and epicatechin gallate, against different cancers. Additionally, the pharmaceutical application of these flavonoids against different cancers using nanotechnologies such as polymeric, lipid-based nanoparticles (solid-lipid and liquid-lipid), liposomes, and metallic nanocarriers is addressed. Finally, combination therapies in which these flavonoids are employed along with other anti-cancer agents are described, indicating the effective therapies for the management of various malignancies.

Genus Iris comprises numerous and diverse phytoconstituents displaying marked biological activities. The rhizomes, and aerial parts of Iris pseudacorus L. cultivars from Egypt and Japan were subjected to comparative metabolic profiling using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The antioxidant capacity was determined using DPPH assay. In vitro enzyme inhibition potential against α-glucosidase, tyrosinase and lipase was evaluated. In silico molecular docking was conducted on the active sites of human α-glucosidase and human pancreatic lipase. Forty-three compounds were tentatively identified including flavonoids, isoflavonoids, phenolics and xanthones. I. pseudacorus rhizomes extracts (IPR-J and IPR-E) exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity with IC 50 values of 40.89 µg/mL and 97.97 µg/mL, respectively (Trolox IC 50 value was 14.59 µg/mL). Moreover, IPR-J and IPR-E exhibited promising α-glucosidase inhibitory activity displaying IC 50 values of 18.52 µg/mL, 57.89 µg/mL, respectively being more potent as compared to acarbose with IC 50 value of 362.088 µg/mL. All extracts exerted significant lipase inhibitory activity exhibiting IC 50 values of 2.35, 4.81, 2.22 and 0.42 µg/mL, respectively compared to cetilistat with IC 50 value of 7.47 µg/mL. However, no tyrosinase inhibitory activity was observed for all I. pseudacorus extracts up to 500 µg/mL. In silico molecular modelling revealed that quercetin, galloyl glucose, and irilin D exhibited the highest fitting scores within the active sites of human α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. ADMET prediction (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) showed that most of the phytoconstituents exhibited promising pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics and tolerable toxicity properties. According to our findings, I. pseudacorus might be considered as a valuable source for designing novel phytopharmaceuticals., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Sea buckthorn has the functions of antioxidation, antitumor, anti-inflammation and regulating energy metabolism. In order to investigate the effects of sea buckthorn powder and sea buckthorn flavonoids on the antioxidant properties, immune function and muscle fatty acid composition of common carp, an oral feeding experiment was carried out., Results: The administration of glucose significantly reduced the levels of glutathione and the activity of total antioxidant capacity enzyme in serum and hepatopancreas, while concurrently upregulating the level of malondialdehyde (MDA)(P < 0.05). Conversely, oral intake of sea buckthorn powder and flavonoids increased antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased MDA levels. In terms of antioxidant molecular indicators, sea buckthorn powder and sea buckthorn flavonoids significantly increased the mRNA levels of nuclear factor NF-E2-related factor (nrf2) in the hepatopancreas and muscle. Meanwhile, mRNA expression levels of downstream antioxidant-related genes (gr, cat, gpx, and sod) regulated by Nrf2 were also upregulated. In the immune aspects, the mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (il-6), interleukin-1β (il-1β) and nuclear factor-κB (nf-κb), were reduced but the expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as growth factor-β (tgf-β) and interleukin-10 (il-10), were enhanced in the head kidney and spleen tissues after oral administration with sea buckthorn. In terms of muscle fatty acid composition, the ratio of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/n-6 PUFA was notably higher after administering sea buckthorn flavonoids than that of the glucose group (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that oral administration of sea buckthorn powder and sea buckthorn flavonoids significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immune response and improved the muscle fatty acid compositions in common carp, and also mitigated the adverse effects of glucose treatment to a certain extent. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Anacardium plants have received increasing recognition due to its nutritional and biological properties. A number of secondary metabolites are present in its leaves, fruits, and other parts of the plant. Among the diverse Anacardium plants' bioactive effects, their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities comprise those that have gained more attention. Thus, the present article aims to review the Anacardium plants' biological effects. A special emphasis is also given to their pharmacological and clinical efficacy, which may trigger further studies on their therapeutic properties with clinical trials., (Copyright © 2020 Salehi, Gültekin-Özgüven, Kirkin, Özçelik, Morais-Braga, Carneiro, Bezerra, Silva, Coutinho, Amina, Armstrong, Selamoglu, Sevindik, Yousaf, Sharifi-Rad, Muddathir, Devkota, Martorell, Jugran, Cho and Martins.)

Background: Lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes are steadily increasing worldwide. In Sudan, there are a variety of plant species used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and other symptoms which need to be validated through scientific studies for their claimed traditional uses. Therefore, in the current study, the free radical scavenging activity, α-glucosidase inhibitory and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of 70% ethanol and water extracts of eighteen Sudanese medicinal plants were investigated using various in vitro assays. Moreover, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were assessed for the bioactive plant extracts., Methods: Eighteen plants were selected on the basis of their traditional uses and extracted with 70% ethanol and water to obtain thirty-six extracts. The obtained extracts were screened using different in vitro bioassays namely, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, α-glucosidase inhibitory and pancreatic lipase inhibitory assays. Furthermore, the active plant extracts were investigated for their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity on HeLa cell line using HCS DNA Damage Assay., Results: Both 70% ethanol and water extracts of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Abrus precatorius, and Geigeria alata along with the 70% ethanol extract of Martynia annua showed potent free radical scavenging activity. Regarding the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, both extracts of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Geigeria alata, and Cyperus rotundus showed potent activity. In general, 70% ethanol extracts were more potent compared to water extracts with exception of Cordia sinensis and Cymbopogon proximus, for which water extracts also showed potent enzyme inhibitory activity. Similarly, water extracts of Acacia nilotica and Ziziphus spina-christi showed potent inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase enzyme. Some of the extracts also showed significant genotoxicity and cytotoxicity at the concentration range used for bioactivities., Conclusion: The extracts of Acacia nilotica, Ziziphus spina-christi, Geigeria alata, Martynia annua and Abrus precatorius exhibited an appreciable range of activity on antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory assays.

The rhizomes of Astilbe rivularis, commonly known as 'Thulo Okhati' are widely used in Nepal as tonic for uterine and menstrual disorders. In our preliminary study, the 70% MeOH extract of the rhizomes showed potent antioxidant activity. Hence, present study was aimed for the isolation of potent antioxidant constituents. Bergenin (1), 11-O-galloylbergenin (2), (+)-catechin (3), (-)-catechin (4), (-)-afzelechin (5), (-)-epiafzelechin (6) and 2-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-4-hydroxylbenzenacetonitrile (7) were isolated from the rhizomes. Structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. All these isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. 11-O-Galloylbergenin (2), (+)-catechin (3), (-)-catechin (4), (-)-afzelechin (5) and (-)-epiafzelechin (6) showed potent antioxidant activity.

Eleven phenolic compounds, quercetin (1), quercetin 3-O-β-d-galactopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-(6″-O-galloyl)-β-d-galactopyranoside (3), quercetin 3-O-(6″-O-caffeoyl)-β-d-galactopyranoside (4), quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (5), rutin (6) quercetin 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside (7), quercetin 3-O-α-l-arabinofuranoside (8), protocatechulic acid (9), gallic acid (10) and chlorogenic acid (11), were isolated from the flowers of Aconogonon molle, a Nepalese medicinal plant. Structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. All these compounds were isolated for the first time from flowers, and five compounds (4, 5, 8, 9 and 11) were isolated for the first time from A. molle. All of these isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging method. Quercetin (1), quercetin glycosides (2-8) and gallic acid (10) exhibited potent antioxidant activity.

Three new glycosides: thotneoside A (quercetin 3-O-(6″-O-phenylacetyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside) (1), thotneoside B (quercetin 3-O-(6″-O-phenylacetyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside) (2) and thotneoside C (3-methyl-2-butenoic acid 1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) (3), together with nine known compounds; quercetin (4), quercetin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (5), quercetin 3-O-(6″-O-galloyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside (6), quercetin 3-O-β-D-galacturonopyranoside (7), quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (8), quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (9), rutin (10), quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside (11) and 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (12) have been isolated from the shade dried leaves of Aconogonon molle, commonly known as "Thotne″ in Nepal. The structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods. All of these compounds were isolated for the first time from A. molle and their in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Quercetin (4) and its glycosides (1-2, 5-11) showed potent free radical scavenging activity.

Exploring and synthesizing the compounds with stronger antioxidant activity have always been the goal of researchers. Herein, the substitution effects of the amino (NH 2 -) group with the excellent electron-donating ability in different positions on the antioxidant activity of Honokiol (Hon) were systematically explored by using the quantum chemistry calculation based on the density functional theory method. The three possible antioxidant mechanisms of Hon and its four NH 2 -substituted derivatives (Hon1-Hon4), containing the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT), and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET), were explored in depth considering the gas and solvent phases. In addition, the frontier molecular orbital energies, natural bond orbital (NBO) charge population, and global descriptive parameters were used to study their antioxidant activity. The results indicate that compared with the original molecule Hon, the NH 2 substituents would have the stronger antioxidant activity. Moreover, the radical scavenging process of Hon and its derivatives has a disposition to the HAT and SPLET mechanisms in the gas and solvent phases, respectively. Meaningfully, owing to the lowest bond dissociation enthalpy and proton affinity values, Hon4 would show the most prominent antioxidant activity by comparison with the other compounds. In conclusion, this work will provide the purposeful reference for designing and synthesizing the antioxidants with more outstanding performance., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Sanghuang mushrooms are medicinal fungi widely used in eastern Asia. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of a novel extracellular polysaccharopeptide, sanghuang extracellular polysaccharopeptide (SePSP) was investigated. The SePSP was purified from the submerged fermentation broth of a sanghuang mycelium, Sanghuangporus lonicericola strain CBS17, which was isolated from a wild sanghuang fruiting body., Results: The SePSP was extracted using an ethanol precipitation procedure, followed by diethylaminoethanol (DEAE) anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. The mass ratio of the polysaccharide and peptide components in the purified SePSP was approximately 4.87:1. By determining its free radical scavenging abilities using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the hydroxyl free radical, and the superoxide anion free radical, as well as its total reducing power, SePSP was shown to have strong concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in vitro. Further, SePSP effectively alleviated dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Administration of 200 mg kg -1 SePSP by gavage for 7 days prevented body weight loss; significantly reduced the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β; increased mRNA level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the colon, and decreased the malondialdehyde concentration from 6.42 to 4.82 μmol L -1 in the blood in UC mice., Conclusion: The SePSP had strong concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in vitro and effectively alleviated DSS-induced UC in mice. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy in DSS-induced UC may be mediated by modulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting oxidative stress. The findings provide a scientific rationale for the use of bioactive nutraceuticals from sanghuang mushrooms to develop functional foods for the prevention and treatment of UC. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.)

The incidence of diabetes mellitus, a pressing global health concern that is rapidly increasing, has prompted the exploration of medicinal plants for potential remedies, particularly those within the Rubus genus. This comprehensive review aims to connect traditional knowledge with scientific insights, shedding light on the antidiabetic properties of various Rubus species. An exhaustive exploration of the literature revealed that Rubus chingii Hu, Rubus idaeus, Rubus ulmifolius, Rubus fruticosus, Rubus amabilis, and some other Rubus species exhibited noteworthy antidiabetic effects, each operating via distinct mechanisms. Furthermore, Rubus species serve as abundant reservoirs of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, antioxidants, triterpenoids, and sterols. As indicated by various in vivo and in vitro studies, these compounds notably improve insulin secretion, increase hepatic glycogen synthesis, inhibit key digestive enzymes, enhance the functions of β-cells in the pancreas, and effectively reduce blood glucose levels. This review, which describes the antidiabetic potential of Rubus species in terms of both pharmacological effects and traditional uses, offers valuable insights for future scientific initiatives in the development of innovative antidiabetic therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expanding use of phytopharmaceuticals, as a more safe and efficient remedies for different pharmacological activities, and as dietary and nutritional supplements, has created a need for having efficient, eco-friendly, and selective extraction techniques to enhance the economic and environmental greenness of the applied traditional extraction methods. Recently, the application of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), has grasped the attention in the field of natural products due to their ease of design and preparation with specific recognition cavities that can selectively bind to a target analyte. The present review aims not only to discuss the application of MIPs with the past ten years in the field solid phase extraction of different classes of natural products (NPs) but also their impact on the effectiveness of chromatographic separation and detection will be elaborated. Based on their performance, MIPs represent a promising class of artificial adsorbents that can be commercialized for beneficiary extraction of natural products with much less consumption of solvents and higher selectivity when compared to the traditional types of chromatographic adsorbents besides the possibility of their 3D printing to create more optimized and uniform manifolds to match the different types of extraction and detection applications of natural products (NPs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their overlooked status, weeds are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic value, aligning with historical reliance on plants for medicine and nutrition. This study investigates the medicinal potential of native weed species in Bangladesh, specifically pigments, antioxidants, and free radical scavenging abilities. Twenty different medicinal weed species were collected from the vicinity of Khulna Agricultural University and processed in the Crop Botany Department Laboratory. Pigment levels were determined using spectrophotometer analysis, and phenolics, flavonoids, and DPPH were quantified accordingly. Chlorophyll levels in leaves ranged from 216.70 ± 9.41 to 371.14 ± 28.67 µg g−1 FW, and in stems from 51.98 ± 3.21 to 315.89 ± 17.19 µg g−1 FW. Flavonoid content also varied widely, from 1,624.62 ± 102.03 to 410.00 ± 115.58 mg CE 100 g−1 FW in leaves, and from 653.08 ± 32.42 to 80.00 ± 18.86 mg CE 100 g−1 FW in stems. In case of phenolics content Euphorbia hirta L. displaying the highest total phenolic content in leaves (1,722.33 ± 417.89 mg GAE 100 g−1 FW) and Ruellia tuberosa L. in stems (977.70 ± 145.58 mg GAE 100 g−1 FW). The lowest DPPH 2.505 ± 1.028 mg mL−1was found in Heliotropium indicum L. leaves. Hierarchical clustering links species with pigment, phenolic/flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. PCA, involving 20 species and seven traits, explained 70.07% variability, with significant PC1 (14.82%) and PC2 (55.25%). Leaves were shown to be superior, and high-performing plants such as E. hirta and H. indicum stood out for their chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Thus, this research emphasizes the value of efficient selection while concentrating on the therapeutic potential of native weed species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species from genus Artemisia are widely distributed throughout temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and many cultures have a long-standing traditional use of these plants as herbal remedies, liquors, cosmetics, spices, etc. Nowadays, the discovery of new plant-derived products to be used as food supplements or drugs has been pushed by the exploitation of bioprospection approaches. Often driven by the knowledge derived from the ethnobotanical use of plants, bioprospection explores the existing biodiversity through integration of modern omics techniques with targeted bioactivity assays. In this work we set up a bioprospection plan to investigate the phytochemical diversity and the potential bioactivity of five Artemisia species with recognized ethnobotanical tradition (A. absinthium, A. alba, A. annua, A. verlotiorum and A. vulgaris), growing wild in the natural areas of the Verona province. We characterized the specialized metabolomes of the species (including sesquiterpenoids from the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway) through an LC–MS based untargeted approach and, in order to identify potential bioactive metabolites, we correlated their composition with the in vitro antioxidant activity. We propose as potential bioactive compounds several isomers of caffeoyl and feruloyl quinic acid esters (e.g. dicaffeoylquinic acids, feruloylquinic acids and caffeoylferuloylquinic acids), which strongly characterize the most antioxidant species A. verlotiorum and A. annua. Morevoer, in this study we report for the first time the occurrence of sesquiterpenoids from the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway in the species A. alba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species reacts with numerous molecules in the body system causing oxidative damage, which requires antioxidants to ameliorate. Pleurotus ostreatus, a highly nutritious edible mushroom, has been reported to be rich in bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the comparative antioxidant activity and phytochemical contents of five extracts of P. ostreatus: aqueous (AE), chloroform (CE), ethanol (EE), methanol (ME) and n-hexane (HE). The phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined using standard in-vitro antioxidant assay methods. Results showed that the extracts contained alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, anthrocyanins, and betacyanins in varied amounts. CE had the highest flavonoid content (104.83 ± 29.46 mg/100 g); AE gave the highest phenol content of 24.14 ± 0.02 mg/100 g; tannin was highest in EE (25.12 ± 0.06 mg/100 g); HE had highest amounts of alkaloids (187.60 ± 0.28 mg/100 g) and saponins (0.16 ± 0.00 mg/100 g). Antioxidant analyses revealed that CE had the best hydroxyl radical activity of 250% at 100 µg/ml and ferric cyanide reducing power of 8495 µg/ml; ME gave the maximum DPPH activity (87.67%) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (65.58%) at 500 µg/ml; EE had the highest nitric oxide radical inhibition of 65.81% at 500 µg/ml and ascorbate peroxidase activity of 1.60 (iU/l). AE had the best total antioxidant capacity (5.27 µg/ml GAE at 500 µg/ml) and ferrous iron chelating activity (99.23% at 100 µg/ml) while HE gave the highest guaiacol peroxidase activity of 0.20(iU/l). The comparative phytochemical and antioxidant characteristics (IC50) of the extracts followed the order: CE > AE > EE > ME > HE. Overall, chloroform was the best extraction solvent for P. ostreatus. The high content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and alkaloids in P. ostreatus makes it a rich source of antioxidants and potential candidate for the development of new therapies for a variety of oxidative stress-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphorbiaceae is a large family of dicotyledonous angiosperms with diverse genera including Euphorbia prostrata (E. prostrata). Current research has provided scientific evidence for traditional uses of E. prostrata against diverse pathological conditions such as anti-hemorrhoidal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, wound healing, antioxidant, antibacterial, leishmanicidal, antitumor activity, and so on. The phytochemical screening has revealed the presence of glycosides, phytosterols, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and anthraquinones with chemical structures elucidation of their respective compounds. The uniqueness of such multifactorial compounds present in this species endorses it as the potent therapeutic or prophylactic choice for several fatal diseases. Although ethnomedical applications served as a significant citation for pharmacology, the molecular mechanism has not been reviewed yet. The present paper provides a comprehensive review of research outcomes, pharmacology, toxicology, and molecular signaling of phytochemicals of E. prostrata species as a reference for relevant researchers. The study of bioactive compounds in crude extracts and fractions, the demonstration of primary mechanisms of pharmacology, along with the addition of toxicity, and clinical trials, should be conceded in depth. This review underlines the E. prostrata species that can be a promising phytomedicine since we are committed to excavating more intensely into their pharmacological role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the past two decades, the correlation between oxidative stress and a variety of serious illnesses such as atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Alzheimer disease (AD) and cancer has been established. Medicinal plants and their derived phytochemicals have proven efficacy against free radicals and their associated diseases. The current work was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of Rhamnus pentapomica R. Parker via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and its antioxidant and anti-glioblastoma potentials. Methods: The bioactive compounds were analysed in Rhamnus pentapomica R. Parker stem bark extracts by GC–MS analysis, and to evaluate their antioxidant and anti-glioblastoma effects following standard procedures. The stem bark was extracted with 80% methanol for 14 days to get crude methanolic extract (Rp.Cme) followed by polarity directed fractionation using solvents including ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol to get ethyl acetate fraction (Rp.EtAc), chloroform fraction (Rp.Chf) and butanol fraction (Rp.Bt) respectively. Antioxidant assay was performed using DPPH free radicals and cell viability assay against U87 glioblastoma cancer cell lines was performed via MTT assay. Results: In GC-MS analysis, thirty-one compounds were detected in Rp.Cme, 22 in Rp.Chf, 24 in Rp.EtAc and 18 compounds were detected in Rp.Bt. Among the identified compounds in Rp.Cme, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-methyl ester (7.73%), Octasiloxane (5.13%) and Heptasiloxane (5.13%), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3.76%) and Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl Ester (3.76%) were highly abundant.. In Rp.Chf, Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl- (3.24%) and in Rp.EtAc Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl-(11.29%) were highly abundant compounds. Antioxidant studies revealed that Rp.Cme and Rp.EtAc exhibit considerable antioxidant potentials with IC50 values of 153.53 μg/ml and 169.62 μg/ml respectively. Both fractions were also highly effective against glioblastoma cells with IC50 of 147.64 μg/ml and 76.41ug/ml respectively. Conclusion: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of important metabolites which might be active against free radicals and glioblastoma cells. Various samples of the plant exhibited considerable antioxidant and anti-glioblastoma potentials warranting further detailed studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multipurpose tree Diploknema butyracea (Roxb. H.J. Lam), known locally as chiuri, is vital for food security and beekeeping in rural Nepal. This study examines its nutritional and phytochemical traits sourced from a Chepang community in Makwanpur, Nepal. This research focuses on macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, fat, and ash alongside phytochemicals such as phenolic content, vitamin C, β-carotene, and lycopene. The study aimed to estimate this fruit's antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics. The pulp and seed samples were analyzed for their nutritional and phytochemical components using standard methods (AOAC 1995). We determined the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity using the DPPH assay and agar diffusion method respectively. This fruit has a high-fat content: 30.29% in the seed and 20.23% in the pulp. The pulp and seed also contain noteworthy levels of the total phenolic content (486.08 ± 0.006 and 182. 26 ± 0.001 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAEs) /100 g), vitamin C (20.70 ± 0.002 and 19.08 ± 0.005 mg Ascorbic Acid (AA)/100 g) with trace extents of compounds lycopene, β-carotene and carotenoids. We observed the antioxidant activity at 2207 ± 0.01 g/mL in pulp and 1841.05 ± 0.77 g/mL in seed, which is a substantial value. Both were discovered to be effective against Candida albicans at doses ranging from 25 to 100 mg/mL. By performing this study, we concluded that D. butyracea is a significant food source that can also be used medically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a plant used by Indonesian people a traditional medicine. The leaves are consumed as fresh vegetables and to treat various diseases. Endophytic fungi can live symbiotically in plant tissue and have the ability to produce substances called secondary metabolites. The research aims to isolate endophytic fungi from cashew leaves and identify them morphologically and molecularly as well as identify the secondary metabolite from the most active antioxidant extract. The identification of endophytic fungal species was done using morphological and molecular techniques. Both the culture and extraction processes used Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) media and ethyl acetate as a solvent. The ethyl acetate extract, which is included in the strong antioxidant category, was continued to the stage of isolating the pure compound and then its chemical structure was analyzed using spectroscopic methods. A total of eight endophytic fungus (RDM1-RDM8) were found on cashew leaves. Ethyl acetate extract from the endophytic fungi RDM4 has the strongest antioxidant activity with an IC50= 13.80 µg/mL. Morphological and molecular identification through phylogenetic analysis shows that RDM4 is Neopestalotiopsis clavispora. This endophytic fungus produces 5-isopropyl-4- methylfuran-2-one as a secondary metabolite. Ethyl acetate extract of the Neopestalotiopsis clavispora has more potential to be developed as a new source of antioxidants than the pure compound because it is thought that there is a synergistic effect between the compound components contained in the extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds have been identified as a valuable source of natural ingredients and their use in cosmetics is being studied increasingly. This work sought to understand the possible uses of three species of brown algae present along the Portuguese coast: Bifurcaria bifurcata, Saccorhiza polyschides and Fucus spiralis. Considering the idea of more sustainable use of resources, two extracts (water (W) and ethanol (E)) and two fractions (polysaccharides (P) and residues (R)) were obtained employing a biorefinery process. The extracts and fractions were evaluated in terms of antioxidant capacity (ABTS•+, DPPH•, •NO, O2•− and FRAP assays), anti-hyperpigmentation capacity (tyrosinase inhibition), and evaluated in terms of biocompounds (phenolic compounds and pigment content). The biochemical analysis revealed that F. spiralis contain more lipids and carbohydrates than the other species, while S. polyschides has more proteins and ashes. Fucus spiralis showed the most promising results, regarding the antioxidant assays, tyrosinase inhibition, highest phenolic compound concentration, total chlorophylls and total carotenoids. In a biorefinery concept, F. spiralis from the autumn season would be the most promising candidate as all extracts and fractions have potential commercial value. Bifurcaria bifurcata also has its merits in antioxidant activities and the content of phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Panax japonicus C.A. Meyer (Zhujieshen) is widely used in traditional medicine as a tonic hemostatic and anti-inflammatory agent in China, Japan, and Korea. Furthermore, it is used as an important substitute for ginseng roots by minority ethnic groups in China. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest research on Zhujieshen in recent years, aiming at providing a systematic overview of the current knowledge, and perspectives for future research and exploitation. Main body: This review examines the research advances in botanical profile, phytochemicals, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and authentication of Zhujieshen. Various compounds have been reported as active components, mainly including saponins, volatile oils, and polysaccharides. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that Zhujieshen is an important herb with significant bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, cardio-protective, neuro-protective, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-thrombotic and immunomodulatory activities. Conclusion: Currently, research on Zhujieshen is in the preliminary stages, and further research is required to understand the active compounds present and mechanisms of action. We hope that this comprehensive review of Zhujieshen will serve as a background for future research and exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paris polyphylla Smith (Melanthiaceae) is a medicinal plant for treating inflammatory, cancer, and liver-related diseases. Information on in vivo hepatoprotective effects of P. polyphylla rhizome extract has not been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to determine the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of P. polyphylla rhizome extract in cyclophosphamide-induced hepatic damaged mice. The beneficial effects on the liver of P. polyphylla extract have been evaluated through biochemical indicators (AST, ALT). Antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring levels of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant glutathione (GSH). A histopathological examination was also performed. P. polyphylla extract had DPPH free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 389.15 ± 9.09 μg/mL, 164.06 ± 8.32 μg/mL, respectively. Simultaneously, ALT, AST, and MDA contents decreased, whereas that of liver GSH of mice increased when they received oral doses of 0.75 and 1.5 mg/g. Histopathological analysis of the liver revealed a significant hepatoprotective effect of P. polyphylla extract (1.5 mg/g) with evidence that no histopathological damage was found, there was a reduction in lipid changes, and the degree of necrosis in the cells was reduced. The findings in my control study are evidence of the hepatoprotective potential of P. polyphylla extract, indicating that it might be used to prevent and treat liver-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, Streptomyceslevis strain HFM-2 has been isolated from healthy human gut. Streptomyces sp. HFM-2 was identified based on the polyphasic approach that included cultural, morphological, chemotaxonomical, phylogenetic, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain HFM-2 exhibited 100% similarity with Streptomyceslevis strain 15423 (T). The EtOAc extract of Streptomyceslevis strain HFM-2 showed potential antioxidant activity, along with 69.53 ± 0.19%, 64.76 ± 0.13%, and 84.82 ± 0.21% of scavenging activity for ABTS, DPPH, and superoxide radicals, respectively at 600 µg/mL. The IC50 values i.e. 50% scavenging activity for DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide radicals were achieved at 497.19, 388.13, and 268.79 (µg/mL), respectively. The extract's reducing power and total antioxidant capacity were determined to be 856.83 ± 0.76 and 860.06 ± 0.01 µg AAE/mg of dry extract, respectively. In addition, the EtOAc extract showed protection against DNA damage from oxidative stress caused by Fenton's reagent, and cytotoxic activity against HeLa cervical cancer, Skin (431) cancer, Ehrlich-Lettre Ascites-E (EAC) carcinoma, and L929 normal cell lines. The IC50 values against HeLa, 431 skin, and EAC carcinoma cell lines were found to be 50.69, 84.07, and 164.91 µg/mL, respectively. The EtOAc extract showed no toxicity towards L929 normal cells. In addition, flow cytometric analysis exhibited reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The EtOAc extract was chemically analyzed using GCMS to determine the components executing its bioactivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to explore the anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-obesity potential of saffron petal extract (SPE) prepared through the hydro-alcoholic extraction method. Further partitioning was done with a series of polar and non-polar solvents to find out the most potent fraction of SPE against HCC. Organoleptic characterization depicted the color, odor, taste, and texture of the sub-fractions of SPE. Phytochemical, and pharmacognostic screening of these fractions revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, and phenols. The quantitative assessment demonstrated that the n-butanol fraction showed maximum phenolic (60.8 mg GAE eq./mg EW), and flavonoid (23.3 mg kaempferol eq./mg EW) content. The anti-oxidant study revealed that the n-butanol fraction exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity, as assessed through DPPH and FRAP assay. The results of the comparative cytotoxic potential also showed n-butanol as the best against liver cancer cells (Huh-7), as it has the least IC50 value (462.8 µg/ml). While other extracts viz., chloroform, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions have IC50 values as 1088, 733.9, 1043, and 1245 µg/ml, respectively. Additionally, the n-butanol fraction exerted the highest inhibitory potential against α-amylase (92.5%) and pancreatic lipase enzymes (78%), indicating its anti-adipogenesis property. Based on the current finding, we can deduce that the n-butanol fraction of SPE has better cytotoxic, anti-oxidant, and anti-obesity potential than the other fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing interest in medicinal plants to find natural remedies relatively safer than synthetic alternatives. The present study reports the evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo biological properties of crude extract (CrE), hexane (HeE), ethyl acetate (EAE) and aqueous (AqE) fractions of Aristolochia clematitis. The polyphenol and flavonoid content were determined and varied from 15.77 ± 0.28 to 93.62 ± 1.63 mg EGA/g, and 5.71 ± 0.1 to 13.53 ± 0.15 µg EQ/mg, respectively. Crude extract (CrE) and ethyl acetate (EaE) showed the highest scavenging activity of DPPH radicals (IC50 = 50.66 ± 1.41 and 69.57 ± 0.38 µg/mL) and hydroxyl radicals (IC50 = 0.894 ± 0.042 and 0.905 ± 0.890 mg/mL), reducing power (113.85 ± 0.5 and 82.45 ± 0.13 mg/mL) and the ability to inhibit β-carotene oxidation (76.13 ± 0.93, 69.18 ± .95 %). All extracts have the ability to protect red blood cells from AAPH peroxyl radicals and significantly increase hemolysis time compared to vitamin C. Tested on normal human plasma at a concentration of 50 and 100 mg/mL, these extract prolonged prothrombin (PT) and partial thromboplastin (aPTT) times. In addition, CrE tested at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg, showed potent antinociceptive effect (40.68 ± 3.84 and 66.61 ± 4.71%) and anti-inflammatory activity (65.71 ± 1.41 and 63.89 ± 2.17%). The results support the use of this plant in traditional medicine and suggest that it may contain phytochemicals that have the potential to be active agents as antioxidants, anticoagulants and analgesics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although curcumin is a commonly used antioxidant in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, the dermal efficacy of curcumin is limited due to its very low solubility and poor permeability. Considering dermal application, lipid-based nanocarriers (LbNs) are highlighted as promising delivery systems for enhancing the efficacy of active substances. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the components of LbNs on the antioxidant activity of curcumin. For this purpose, the mixture of Precirol® ATO5 and Tristearin was selected as solid lipid; while vitamin E, pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and Labrafac® Lipophile WL 1349 were used as liquid lipids. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and nanoemulsion (NE) formulations were designed by using different combination of these lipids and Gelucire®50/13 as an amphiphilic surfactant. The particle size, PDI, zeta potential analysis, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro release studies were performed as particle characteristics. The contribution of LbNs with different structures to the antioxidant capacity of curcumin was evaluated by in-vitro ABTS scavenging experiment. While SLN has an average particle size of 106.7 nm with negative zeta potential, the size of NLC and NE formulations were below 100nm. The highest curcumin release upon 24h was obtained by NLC formulation prepared with PSO. A significant contribution to the antioxidant activity of curcumin was obtained when vitamin E and PSO were used as liquid lipid in NLC and NE formulations. In conclusion, it is possible to improve the antioxidant effect of curcumin by the modification of the structure of LbNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For obtaining bioactive compounds, decoction of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM) plant materials was interactively evaluated and compared with the modern method of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The interactive effects of several parameters including; liquid to solid (L/S) ratio, extraction time, extraction method, and plant material size were studied and optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). Interpretation of the model outputs revealed that total phenolic content (TPC) of the resulting extracts is mostly affected by the interactive effect of plant material size and the extraction time, while rosmarinic acid (RA) content is only affected by the extraction method. Decoctions was found to have higher RA content (21.19 (mg/g E)) in comparison to UAE extractions (11.64 (mg/g E)), statistically significant at (p = 0.05). In addition, UAE as the modern method of extraction showed no privilege over the conventional method in the case of RA and TPC extraction. However, results suggest higher efficiency of UAE compared to decoction for extraction of antioxidant compounds by water. Eventually, ZM decoction obtained by the optimal extraction conditions was chemically characterized for the first time by the aid of LC-MS/MS chromatography. Naringenin, which is almost exclusively found in Citrus fruits, besides luteolin-7-O-rutinoside and a natural derivative of citric acid were shown to be the major constituents of ZM decoction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal medicines are gaining wide recognition and acceptance due to their versatility in usage as condiments, dietary supplements, therapeutics, flavoring agents, etc. Medicinal herbs are a broad reservoir for biological and pharmacological active bio-compounds exhibiting therapeutic activities and can be implemented to diagnose and manage various disorders and ailments. This review emphasizes on the photo assembly and therapeutic properties of Spondias pinnata which is extensively utilized in folklore and traditional medicine. The greater disadvantage of herbal medicine is the scarcity of scientific affirmation of the safety, potency, purity, and dosage of the herbal drug. Spondias pinnata demonstrates various pharmacological properties like antihyperglycemic, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, etc. which indicates their potential to address numerous maladies. This review concentrates on the pharmacological effectiveness of Spondias pinnata to provide substantial evidence from past research in order to insinuate this medicinal herb as a potential drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Acerola cherry is a famous functional fruit containing plentiful antioxidants and other nutrients. However, studies on the variations among nutrients during the ripening process of acerola fruit are scare. RESULTS: Comparative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed and identified 31 331 unigenes and 1896 annotated metabolite features in acerola cherry fruit. K Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that several antioxidant and nutrient‐related metabolic pathways, such as the flavonoids, vitamins, carotenoids, amino acids, and fatty acids metabolic pathways, were significantly changed during the ripening process. The metabolites related to the vitamin, carotenoid, and fatty acid metabolic pathways were downregulated during the ripening process. Several flavonoid biosynthesis‐related genes (including dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase, chalcone synthase, flavanone 3‐hydroxylase, and anthocyanidin synthase), were significantly upregulated, suggesting their essential functions in the accumulation of flavonoids in mature fruit. CONCLUSION: Most of the vitamin and carotenoid metabolism‐related metabolites significantly accumulated in immature fruit, suggesting that immature acerola fruit is a good material for the extraction of vitamins and carotenoids. For macronutrients, most of the amino acids accumulated in mature fruit and most of the fatty acids greatly accumulated in immature fruit. Our data revealed the differential accumulation of antioxidants and nutrients during the ripening process of acerola cherry fruit. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Formulate a traditional mask powder with the mixture of Coffea robusta (CR) green bean, Angelica keiskei (AK) leaf and Oryzae sativa (OS) and evaluate its activity as an inhibitor of the enzyme tyrosinase. Methods: The traditional mask powder was formulated by mixing homogeneously CR bean, AK leaf and OS, which is sieved by 125-µm sieve and sealed by foil aluminium. Subsequently, the traditional mask powder was evaluated including organoleptic, pH and microbial contamination test. The total phenolic content of CR bean, AK leaf and OS was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu test, and the inhibitory activities of the tyrosinase enzyme was determined using L-Tyrosine as substrate. Results: The physical stability of the traditional mask powder containing CR bean, AK leaf and OS was stable after 7 days of storage. The total phenolic content of CR bean, AK leaf and OS were 9.51, 2.80 and 2.2 gGAE/100g, respectively. The CR bean, AK leaf and OS had tyrosinase enzyme inhibitor activity with IC50 value 321.52, 930.10 and 339.55 µg/mL, respectively, while the IC50 of traditional mask powder was 127.60 µg/mL, and the IC50 kojic acid used as a positive control was 573.10 µg/mL. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the traditional mask powder made the mixture of the CR bean, AK leaf and OS has a potential as a skin lightening agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Edible oils have proven health benefits in the prevention and treatment of various disorders since the establishment of human era. This study was aimed to appraise neuropharmacological studies on the commonly used edible oils including Cinnamomum verum (CV), Zingiber officinale (ZO) and Cuminum cyminum (CC). Methods: The oils were analyzed via GC-MS for identifications of bioactive compounds. Anti-radicals capacity of the oils were evaluated via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals scavenging assays. The samples were also tested against two important acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) which are among the important drug targets in Alzheimer's disease. Lineweaver-Burk plots were constructed for enzyme inhibition studies which correspond to velocity of enzymes (Vmax) against the reciprocal of substrate concentration (Km) in the presence of test samples and control drugs following Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Docking studies on AChE target were also carried out using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE 2016.0802) software. Results: (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of thirty-four compounds in Cinnamon oil (Cv.Eo), fourteen in ginger oil (Zo.Eo) and fifty-six in cumin oil (Cc.Eo). In the antioxidant assays, Cv.Eo, Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo exhibited IC50 values of 85, 121, 280 μg/ml sequentially against DPPH radicals. Whereas, in ABTS assay, Cv.Eo, Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo showed considerable anti-radicals potentials with IC50 values of 93, 77 and 271 μg/ml respectively. Furthermore, Cv.Eo was highly active against AChE enzyme with IC50 of 21 μg/ml. Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo exhibited considerable inhibitory activities against AChE with IC50 values of 88 and 198 μg/ml respectively. In BChE assay, Cv.Eo, Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo exhibited IC50 values of 106, 101 and 37 μg/ml respectively. Our results revealed that these oils possess considerable antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory potentials. As functional foods these oils can be effective remedy for the prevention and management of neurological disorders including AD. Synergistic effect of all the identified compounds was determined via binding energy values computed through docking simulations. Binding orientations showed that all the compounds interact with amino acid residues present in the peripheral anionic site (PAS) and catalytic anionic site (CAS) amino acid residues, oxyanion hole and acyl pocket via π-π stacking interactions and hydrogen bond interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musk, the dried secretion from the musk sac gland which is located between the navel and genitals of mature male musk deer, is utilized as oriental medicine in east Asia. It has been utilized to treat conditions such as stroke, coma, neurasthenia, convulsions, and heart diseases in China since ancient times. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of musk in zoology, chemical composition, pharmacology, clinical applications, and quality control according to the up-to-date literature. Studies found that musk mainly contains macrocyclic ketones, pyridine, steroids, fatty acids, amino acids, peptides, and proteins, whilst the main active ingredient is muscone. Modern pharmacological studies have proven that musk possesses potent anti-inflammatory effects, neuroprotective effects, anti-cancer effects, antioxidant effects, etc. Moreover, muscone, the main active ingredient, possesses anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. In the quality control of musk, muscone is usually the main detection indicator, and the common analytical method is GC, and researchers have established novel and convenient methods such as HPLC-RI, RP-UPLC-ELSD, and Single-Sweep Polarography. In addition, quality evaluation methods based on steroids and the bioactivity of musk have been established. As for the identification of musk, due to various objective factors such as the availability of synthetic Muscone, it is not sufficient to rely on muscone alone as an identification index. To date, some novel technologies have also been introduced into the identification of musk, such as the electronic nose and DNA barcoding technology. In future research, more in vivo experiments and clinical studies are encouraged to fully explain the pharmacological effects and toxicity of musk, and more comprehensive methods are needed to evaluate and control the quality of musk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, two medicinal plants from Africa, namely Bersama abyssinica Fresen. and Scoparia dulcis L., were extracted using ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. The antioxidant, enzyme (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase, lipase, and tyrosinase) inhibitory action, and phytochemical profiles of extracts of Bersama abyssinica and Scoparia dulcis were determined. The aqueous (180.62 and 61.81 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, for B. abyssinica and S. dulcis respectively) and methanol (75.21 and 57.81 mg rutin equivalent/g extract, for B. abyssinica and S. dulcis, respectively) extracts contained high concentrations of phenolic and flavonoids, respectively. The ethyl acetate extracts of both plants were potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase and tyrosinase. Several phytochemical groups were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The study tend to suggest that B. abyssinica and S. dulcis are potential candidates for the development of novel therapeutical agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergothioneine (ERG) is an unusual thio-histidine betaine amino acid that has potent antioxidant activities. It is synthesised by a variety of microbes, especially fungi (including in mushroom fruiting bodies) and actinobacteria, but is not synthesised by plants and animals who acquire it via the soil and their diet, respectively. Animals have evolved a highly selective transporter for it, known as solute carrier family 22, member 4 (SLC22A4) in humans, signifying its importance, and ERG may even have the status of a vitamin. ERG accumulates differentially in various tissues, according to their expression of SLC22A4, favouring those such as erythrocytes that may be subject to oxidative stress. Mushroom or ERG consumption seems to provide significant prevention against oxidative stress in a large variety of systems. ERG seems to have strong cytoprotective status, and its concentration is lowered in a number of chronic inflammatory diseases. It has been passed as safe by regulatory agencies, and may have value as a nutraceutical and antioxidant more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Bergenia species are perennial herbs native to central Asia, and one of the most promising medicinal plants of the family Saxifragaceae which are popularly known as 'Pashanbheda'. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant and α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, tyrosinase, elastase, and cholinesterases inhibition potential of Bergenia pacumbis of Nepali origin collected from the Karnali region of Nepal. Methods: The sequential crude extracts were made in hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. Antioxidant activities were analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay. The α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, tyrosinase, elastase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition were analyzed by the 3,5-Dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA), p-Nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (p-NPG), 4-nitrophenyl butyrate (p-NPB), l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), N-Succinyl-Ala-Ala-p-nitroanilide (AAAPVN), acetylthiocholine, and butyrylcholine as a respective substrate. The major metabolites were identified by high performance liquid chromatography with electron spray ionization- quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) profiling. Results: Our results revealed the great antioxidant ability of crude extract of B. pacumbis in ethyl acetate extract against both DPPH (IC50 = 30.14 ± 0.14 μg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 = 17.38 ± 1.12 μg/mL). However, the crude methanol extract of B. pacumbis showed the comparable enzymes inhibitions with standard drugs; α-amylase (IC50 = 14.03 ± 0.04 μg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50 = 0.29 ± 0.00 μg/mL), lipase (IC50 = 67.26 ± 0.17 μg/mL), tyrosinase (IC50 = 58.25 ± 1.63 μg/mL), elastase (IC50 = 74.00 ± 3.03 μg/mL), acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 31.52 ± 0.58 μg/mL), and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 = 11.69 ± 0.14 μg/mL). On the basis of HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS profiling of metabolites, we identified major compounds such as Bergenin, Catechin, Arbutin, Gallic acid, Protocatechuic acid, Syringic acid, Hyperoside, Afzelechin, Methyl gallate, Paashaanolactone, Astilbin, Quercetin, Kaempferol-7-O-glucoside, Diosmetin, Phloretin, and Morin in methanol extract which has reported beneficial bioactivities. Conclusion: Our study provides a plethora of scientific evidence that the crude extracts of B. pacumbis from Nepalese origin in different extracting solvents have shown significant potential on inhibiting free radicals as well as enzymes involved in digestion, skin related problems, and neurological disorders compared with the commercially available drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of flavonoids with maximal antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities and identification of the principal individual flavonoids compounds of Semen Oroxyli by UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS was proposed. The method was optimized by a three-factor-three-level Box–Behnken design (BBD) and Derringer's desirability function using methanol concentration, extraction time, and liquid/solid ratio as factors, while, the total flavonoids content (TFC), antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals) and tyrosinase inhibitory activity as responses. The experimental results showed that the optimal extraction conditions were as followed: a solvent of 69.90% methanol, an extraction time of 30.64 min and a liquid/solid ratio of 31.30 mL/g, which give individual response values of 19.79 mg RE/g, 78.66%, 99.92%, 19.05 mM FE/g, 20.49%, and 13.37% for TFC, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals, respectively. In addition, the tyrosinase inhibition assay showed that the extract of Semen Oroxyli exhibited strong inhibitory activity against the tyrosinase. There were no significant differences between the results of the optimization experiments and those predicted by the models. By UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, the main flavonoids identified in the optimized UAE extracts of Semen Oroxyli were oroxin B, oroxin A, chrysin-7-O-β- d-glucuronid, baicalein and chrysin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonication technology was utilized for extraction of effective components from Nepeta (Nepeta binaludensis Jamzad). Response surface methodology was employed in order for investigation the effects of independent process variables (ultrasonic extraction time (UET, min): 5, 10 and 15 min, ultrasound amplitude (UA, %): 20, 60 and 100%, ultrasonic extraction temperature (UEC, °C): 25, 35 and 45 °C and ultrasonic duty cycle (UDC, %): 20, 60 and 100%) on the yield (Y), total phenolic compounds (TPC), half maximal of radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl, DPPH) scavenging activity (IC50) and ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) of ethanolic Nepeta extract. According to Derringer's desired function approach, the optimal conditions based on both individual and combinations of all process variables were UET 15 min, UA 60%, UEC 25 °C and UDC 60%. At this optimum condition, the Y, TPC, IC50 and FRAP of the ultrasound-assisted extract (USx) were found to 10.93%, 402.63 mg GA/kg, 0.33 mg/mL and 2838.34 µmol Fe2+/kg, respectively which were well matched with the predicted values. The evaluation of antioxidant activity (IC50 and FRAP) indicates that the phenolic compounds from Nepeta possess significant antioxidant activity. Also, HPLC analysis revealed that at optimal condition of UAE, the quantity of caffeic acid (85.71%), rutin (3550%) and rosemarinic acid (468.62%) in extract increased in comparison with conventional method (solvent extraction). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain fennel (Zaravschanicamembranacea) and Ferulagoangulata belonging to the Apiaceae family are important aromatic and spice plants in Iran, which the aerial parts of these herbs are used as flavoring agents in dairy foods. This investigation was devoted to the determination of total phenols and flavonoids contents of Z.membranacea and F.angulata after their extraction using three solvents (ethanol, n-hexane, and methanol), as well as the determination of the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of all obtained extracts. The results indicated that methanol appeared the most effective solvent for polyphenols and flavonoids' extraction for both herbs. In fact, the highest total phenols and flavonoids contents among the six prepared extracts from two herbs were found in the methanol extract of Z.membranacea. The results indicated that the extracts of have diverse antioxidant capacities, however, the methanol extract of Z.membranacea exhibited the highest antioxidant activities by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of different extracts was evaluated using the disk diffusion agar method against Salmonellaenterica and Pseudomonasaeruginosa, and Bacillussubtilis and Staphylococcusepidermidis. The highest inhibition zone was obtained from the methanol extract of Z.membranacea for four bacteria. Similarly, the maximum antibacterial activity (MIC) also was obtained from the methanol extract of Z.membranacea for four bacteria. Positive and significant correlations were noted between the phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities by DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC assays. In conclusion, methanol was found to be the best solvent of choice for the extraction of phenolic and flavonoid compounds rich extracts with free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. Further studies should focus on the isolation and identification of active secondary metabolites from the extracts from Iranian herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen fruits commonly used by the ethnic population in Nepal were studied for the antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content (TPC). Among them, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, Phyllanthus emblica and Spondias pinnata were the most potent antioxidants as compared with vitamin C based on the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical assay. These fruits also contained high TPCs. Spondias pinnata, Pyrularia edulis, Melastoma malabathricum, Cipadema bacifera and Choerospondias axillaries fruits were evaluated for the first time. Moreover, Spondias pinnata was found to be more potent (16% radical scavenging activity at 5 μg/ml) than vitamin C (5% radical scavenging activity at 5 μg/ml). Antioxidant activity showed correlation to TPC with the correlation coefficients ( R2) as 0.7189 and 0.7246 for the methanol and water extracts, respectively. This study suggests that a number of these fruits may have the potential to confer beneficial health effects due to their antioxidant activity and TPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]