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Acorus calamus Linn. has many beneficial effects on humans. It is a semiaquatic and perennial herb with rhizomes. Acorus calamus is being used in traditional systems of medicine and also in folklore practices. Acorus calamus is used in treating many diseases like mental ailments such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, dysentery, chronic diarrhea, asthma, cough, etc. It has antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal, neuroprotective, anticholinesterase, antioxidant properties, etc. Many studies showed that A. calamus has been used as an insecticide and repellent for insects. The essential oils, dried powder as well as solvent extracts of A. calamus possess significant insecticidal activities. This review highlight the description of A. calamus morphologically, its distribution worldwide, its importance, and its insecticidal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Flavonoids are the most abundant functional compounds distributed in higher plants, and are used as important dietary components for human health protection. The development of natural flavonoids, such as functional food or medicinal food, has received extensive attention in recent years. The extraction, separation, and quantitation of flavonoids are the key techniques in the utilization of flavonoid resources. The traditional methods for flavonoid extraction and separation always used toxic solvents, which produce toxic residues and pollute the environment. Based on an analysis of the literature on flavonoid resources, the utilization, separation, quantitation, and green separation techniques of flavonoids were summarized. First, extraction by hot water or hot ethanol, assisted by pressurization and microwave-ultrasonication, then concentration and precipitation of flavonoids by cool water or cool ethanol or ethanol/water in specific ratios. This method could obtain over 85% purity in the first cycle and over 95% purity after three precipitation cycles in the separation of the most commonly used flavonoids, such as dihydromyricetin, rutin, and quercetin. In conclusion, flavonoids showed great prospects in human health protection and disease treatment. Chemical structure-based separation using the water–ethanol methods and assisted with microwave-ultrasonication, pressurization, and temperature regulation proved to be efficient and environmentally friendly, showing great potential for the flavonoid industry. These "green" processing techniques and mechanisms deserve further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Kumkum (Bixa orellana), belonging to the Bixaceae family, is native to the tropical regions of the Americas. The essential natural color obtained from the seeds, namely bixin, is broadly used in the food, medicinal, cosmetic, and textile industries. It is also important for landscaping and gardening due to its beautiful pinkish flowers. Various parts of this plant are used in curing various ailments like diarrhea, fever, skin infections, etc. It also possesses pharmacological effects like antifertility, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal activities, etc. This review highlights the food, medicinal, and ornamental significance of Kumkum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Honey got its significance, both as medical and non-medical purposes. Honey is a complex matrix of several carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals and many more. Honey's carbohydrate components include a variety of mono- and disaccharide forms such as fructose, glucose, sucrose and other reducing sugars. Proline, lysine, phenylalanine, β-alanine, arginine, serine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid are the main amino acids that are present in honey. Immense nutritional benefits make honey a high demanding item in food and in medical. It is a multivitamin tonic enriched with the antimicrobial, antioxidant, cough preventing, hepato-protective, wound healing and immune modulating properties. Being a high demand item, most of the honeys available in market are adulterated by several means. Eventually, human practices developed a number of ways for detection of adulteration in honey. Even modern instrumentation like NMR is becoming a powerful and reliable tool in detection of high-rising adulteration. The present article aims to highlight a thorough of review of medicinal applications of honey with special emphasis on the traditional practices along with an overview of the history, composition, physical and nutritional properties and testing of adulteration. more...

Honey got its significance, both as medical and non-medical purposes. Honey is a complex matrix of several carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals and many more. Honey's carbohydrate components include a variety of mono- and disaccharide forms such as fructose, glucose, sucrose and other reducing sugars. Proline, lysine, phenylalanine, β-alanine, arginine, serine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid are the main amino acids that are present in honey. Immense nutritional benefits make honey a high demanding item in food and in medical. It is a multivitamin tonic enriched with the antimicrobial, antioxidant, cough preventing, hepato-protective, wound healing and immune modulating properties. Being a high demand item, most of the honeys available in market are adulterated by several means. Eventually, human practices developed a number of ways for detection of adulteration in honey. Even modern instrumentation like NMR is becoming a powerful and reliable tool in detection of high-rising adulteration. The present article aims to highlight a thorough of review of medicinal applications of honey with special emphasis on the traditional practices along with an overview of the history, composition, physical and nutritional properties and testing of adulteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The Asian Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) is an economically important tree widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The multifaceted uses of the Palmyra palm fruit as food, wood, and medicine, make it a viable industrial crop. It is among the most beneficial species that have economic and medicinal value. It is found to posses antiinflammatory, anti-arthritic, cytotoxic, antibacterial, analgesic, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, and anti-oxidant properties. The plant has a very close connection with the rural livelihood, and cottage and agro-based industries of Indian economy. Unfortunately, over 60% of the annual fruit yield is often lost within ten days after harvesting due to rot in storage. The value of Palmyra fruit is not yet materialized, as no Palmyra products are commercialized so far. Even though Palmyra is an economically important palm for its nutritional aspects, it is underutilized and has not received proper attention in agricultural research, since it is a very slowly growing palm and is mostly found in the wild state. Hence, this paper attempts to give a view on Palmyra fruit’s historical importance, chemistry, nutritional properties, medicinal properties, and commercialization. more...

The genus Auricularia contains mushrooms that are known for their edibility, ecological value; as decomposers and nutrient cycling. They also contain medically useful bioactive compounds; mostly polysaccharides with numerous pharmacological activities (antioxidant, anti-tumour, immunomodulatory, hypolipodemic, antidiabetic, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective etc.). They also contain nutritive compounds useful as nutraceuticals and are cultivated worldwide. We set out to update the collecting localities of Auricularia in Ghana with the view to extend the list of national occurrence. Field trips were made from August 2022 to July 2023 to Ashanti, Oti, Western North and Eastern Regions to record new localities of Auricularia. A desktop study collated the nutritional, medicinal and other bioactive compounds resident in the mushroom to assess potential for economic exploitation for health delivery. Morphological, anatomical and other characteristics of the fruiting bodies were determined to authenticate the samples obtained. Auricularia cornea was recorded for the first time on cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao) and cassava (Manihot esculenta L) sticks in Adansi North (Ashanti Region), Bowiri Amanfro and Bowiri Kyiriahi (Oti Region); Baakokrom, Sefwi Bekwai in the Bibiani-Anwhiaso Bekwai Municipality (Western North Region) as well as the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana-New Tafo Akim (Eastern Region). There are seven Auricularia (A. auricula-judae, A. delicata, A. fuscosuccinea, A. hunteri, A. mesenterica, A. polytricha and A. cornea) in Ghana. The morphometric, anatomical and other physical characteristics agree with the reported data in the pertinent literature for A. cornea. The plethora of bioactive, nutritive and pharmacologically useful ingredients of the basidiomata makes the mushroom a potential source of economic value and gives credence to its exploitation for health delivery in our developing economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The Asian Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) is an economically important tree widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The multifaceted uses of the Palmyra palm fruit as food, wood, and medicine, make it a viable industrial crop. It is among the most beneficial species that have economic and medicinal value. It is found to posses antiinflammatory, anti-arthritic, cytotoxic, antibacterial, analgesic, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, and anti-oxidant properties. The plant has a very close connection with the rural livelihood, and cottage and agro-based industries of Indian economy. Unfortunately, over 60% of the annual fruit yield is often lost within ten days after harvesting due to rot in storage. The value of Palmyra fruit is not yet materialized, as no Palmyra products are commercialized so far. Even though Palmyra is an economically important palm for its nutritional aspects, it is underutilized and has not received proper attention in agricultural research, since it is a very slowly growing palm and is mostly found in the wild state. Hence, this paper attempts to give a view on Palmyra fruit's historical importance, chemistry, nutritional properties, medicinal properties, and commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) and chia (Salvia hispanica) are essential traditional crops with excellent nutritional properties. Quinoa is known for its high and good quality protein content and nine essential amino acids vital for an individual's development and growth, whereas chia seeds contain high dietary fiber content, calories, lipids, minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc), and vitamins (A and B complex). Chia seeds are also known for their presence of a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Both quinoa and chia seeds are gluten-free and provide medicinal properties due to bioactive compounds, which help combat various chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic diseases such as cancer. Quinoa seeds possess phenolic compounds, particularly kaempferol, which can help prevent cancer. Many food products can be developed by fortifying quinoa and chia seeds in different concentrations to enhance their nutritional profile, such as extruded snacks, meat products, etc. Furthermore, it highlights the value-added products that can be developed by including quinoa and chia seeds, alone and in combination. This review focused on the recent development in quinoa and chia seeds nutritional, bioactive properties, and processing for potential human health and therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Herbs and plant metabolites/extracts are gaining wide attention owing to their multiple beneficial health effects, medicinal values, and nutraceutical properties, particularly in the present era of emerging drug resistance and untold side effects of chemical drugs. Ocimum basilicum L., known as sweet basil, has been studied for its various potent effects including, antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-osteoporotic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and other beneficial health effects. Thus, this herb has the potential for treating a myriad of ailments/diseases and disorders in both humans and animals. Different bioactive chemical compounds have been identified from O. basilicum, such as linalool, geraniol, methyl eugenol, methyl chavicol, p-allylanisole, 1,8–cineole, trans–α–bergamotene, and neryl acetate. Recent advances in nanotechnology can further be utilized for improving the multiple beneficial activities of the crude extract of O. basilicum. This review highlights the phytoconstituent profile, medicinal values, therapeutic applications, and salient beneficial health aspects of O. basilicum, which would help in further exploring this wonderful herb for designing effective pharmaceuticals, drugs and medicines for safeguarding various health issues of humans and animals, while supporting its traditional use in curing various ailments, diseases and health-promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In this article, we elaborate on why the cultivation of the Ziziphus is important in the arid regions of Pakistan and how it can alleviate the poverty and food insecurity in these areas. The recent impact of climate change has resulted in the spread of hot and dry regions. The cultivation of Ziziphus species could be a solution to food insecurity and income for the residents of arid and semi-arid regions in Pakistan. Furthermore, Ziziphus species are offering extremely nutrient-dense foods. Six species of Ziziphus are found in Pakistan, but production statistics are not available for all species. The most economically important species are Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana, followed by Z. nummularia, based on the consumption of their fruits. A framework of policy and practical proposals required for the cultivation of these species in Pakistan has been provided. Ziziphus, an economically important genus of fruit-bearing plant species, is cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Therefore, the species of this genus could be efficiently and successfully cultivated in marginal ecosystems for alleviating food insecurity and poverty reduction in Pakistan. Furthermore, Ziziphus species like Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana have promise as a cash and food crop, especially in water-deficient areas of Pakistan, and their production and conservation must be encouraged by state policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Moringa oleifera, a perennial tree of Indian origin, is cultivated in several tropical and sub-tropical countries because of its ability to grow under unfavourable conditions such as poor soil, lower requirement of water and managemental practices. The leaves and pods of the plant are highly rich in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin, essential amino acids, macro and micro elements in addition to the presence of diverse nutraceutical molecules such as antioxidant, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, phenolics etc. The presence of bioactive principles in different parts of the Moringa plant prompted the people to use it as part of traditional medicines for the cure of several human ailments such as diabetes, intestinal worms, hyperlipidaemia, high blood pressure, muscle spasm, constipation, ringworm, etc. With the growing health consciousness coupled with phobia against modern chemical based therapeutic, there is increasing demands for plant sourced nutraceuticals. Evidently, this gives opportunity for development of Moringa based product for welfare of human society. The current review made an effort to summarize the research advancement on different aspects of Moringa oleifera focussing on taxonomy, cultivation, nutritional attributes, therapeutic values, and valueadded products of this divine tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Herbal medicines are in great demand for preliminary health care due to their wide medicinal values without any side effects. Since many species are used in the system of traditional medicine, scientists have great opportunities to develop appropriate packages of practices for their multiplication and conservation. It is reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects, like anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-diabetic, anti-serotonergic, anti-migraine, including treatment of inflammation, ulcers, wounds, throat scratches and sores. Abrus precatorius is the native plant of this Indian subcontinent and used in many ways in the ayurvedic system of medicine. Ayurved recommends the administration of the Abrus precatorius in disease like alopecia, edema, helminths, skin diseases, itching, urinary dsorders, and anti-fertility. This review will help to explore the medicinal effects of the Abrus precatorius especially in the field of contraception which might be a remarkable activity in this realm. Therefore the present review is aimed to compile up the updated data and highlighting the special features on its pharmacological activities in various diseases. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2020; 3(2.000): 84-91] more...

Natural product screening in plants has always been a difficult task due to the complex nature of the plant material and diverse structures of the compounds present in them. Flavonoids are important and diverse class of plant secondary metabolites with numerous medicinal activities. The present study focuses on the development of a high-resolution tandem mass spectral library for the rapid and authentic identification of common flavonoids. A total of forty flavonoid standards belong to class flavones, isoflavones, flavanones, flavanols and anthocyanins were pooled into two solutions applying logP-based strategy. The flavonoids were analyzed using LC-QTOF-MS high-resolution mass spectrometer with optimization of different instrumental parameters to achieve good sensitivity. The library was built by incorporating names, molecular formulae, exact masses, and MS, and MS/MS spectra of analyzed flavonoids using Bruker Library Editor tool. The fragmentation pattern observed for the standard compounds were compared to the fragments reported in the literature. To assess the practical implications, an extract of tea sample was analyzed and screened using the developed library, which resulted in the identification of three common flavonoids based on their HR-ESI-MS/MS spectral features. The established LC-HR-MS/MS method can be used for the targeted identification of flavonoids in complex samples like food material from different botanical families. more...

This review is planned to discuss the cultivation technology, nutritional values and health benefits of Dragon fruit. Dragon fruit plant has wide adaptability and grown well in slightly heavy texture soils. Plants are commonly propagated by stem cuttings. Flower buds are emerging after 15-18 months of planting and required 28-30 days for blooming. This fruit is popular due to its nutritional value, which is a good source of minerals, glucose, fructose, dietary fiber and vitamins. It strengthens the immune system of the human body and is also used in the treatment of diabetes, heart diseases and in maintaining healthy body weight. The yield and nutritional value of Dragon fruit vary depending on the species, cultivation practices, growing area and harvesting time. Dragon fruit peel has a high potential to be used as a natural dye. Numbers of commercial growers are gradually increasing in different countries due to getting a lucrative price of their product in the markets. At present, little information is available on production aspects of Dragon fruit. Research on different aspects of cultivation and health benefits of this fruit can help to maximize the benefits to worldwide growers and consumers and to expand the market of Dragon fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In this article, we elaborate on why the cultivation of the Ziziphus is important in the arid regions of Pakistan and how it can alleviate the poverty and food insecurity in these areas. The recent impact of climate change has resulted in the spread of hot and dry regions. The cultivation of Ziziphus species could be a solution to food insecurity and income for the residents of arid and semi-arid regions in Pakistan. Furthermore, Ziziphus species are offering extremely nutrient-dense foods. Six species of Ziziphus are found in Pakistan, but production statistics are not available for all species. The most economically important species are Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana, followed by Z. nummularia, based on the consumption of their fruits. A framework of policy and practical proposals required for the cultivation of these species in Pakistan has been provided. Ziziphus, an economically important genus of fruit-bearing plant species, is cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Therefore, the species of this genus could be efficiently and successfully cultivated in marginal ecosystems for alleviating food insecurity and poverty reduction in Pakistan. Furthermore, Ziziphus species like Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana have promise as a cash and food crop, especially in water-deficient areas of Pakistan, and their production and conservation must be encouraged by state policy. more...

Dioscorea bulbifera (Pita aalu) is a medicinal plant belongs to famility Dioscoreaceae, used to cure various diseases like malaria, diarrhoea, diabetes, dysentery, cancer, piles and skin infections. We designed the present study to analyse phytochemical and antibacterial activity of D. bulbifera fruit so as to conform its edible property. For this we followed phytochemical screening of the fruit extracts and found that it is consist of tannin, saponin, phenols, steroids, terpenoids and some carbohydrates in high concentration. The antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of the fruit against Streptococcus mutans pathogen was determined by using agar well diffusion, disc diffusion and broth dilution assay. From the results it was confirmed that the aqueous extract of the fruits of D. bulbifera showed high inhibition zone at 100µg/ml is 19 mm in agar well diffusion, 14 mm in disc diffusion assay. The minimum inhibitory concentratiom (MIC) of extract of D. bulbifera arranged in respect to the parts from 100 µg/ml, 200 µg/ml, 300 µg/ml, 400 µg/ml, 500µg/ml and inoculums control showed visible growth due to no antimicrobial agents, whereas the broth control showed no growth due to absence of bacteria. Presence of primary and secondary metabolites indicates the nutraceutical value of D. bulbifera fruits. So the fruits of D. bulbifera can be used as a tool against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Camel milk has unique benefits for human health. Protein is the main component which gives special properties to camel milk and effectively influences its nutritional value. Due to lack of β-lactoglobulin in the camel milk, it may be as a proper alternative for human milk. Camel milk is rich in vitamins C, manganese and iron. There are high amount of unsaturated fatty acids, immunoglobulin’s, insulin like protein and protective enzymes like lactoferrin and lysozyme in the camel milk. The lactoferrin has the effects or properties of antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatorry. Also, it has been proven that camel milk has beneficial application in disorders of stomach and intestinal, food allergy, diabetes mellitus, cancer, autism, and viral hepatitis. Camel milk containing insulin like protein and may help to heal diabetes of Type 1 and 2 and gestational diabetes. It contains small size immunoglobulins which strengthens the immune system. In addition, camel milk reduces blood cholesterol amount, avoiding of psoriasis disease, healing of inflammation and improving of tuberculosis patients. Camel milk may be effective as unique miracle in many healthy issues of human and especially cardiovascular system. Therefore, it is not only food, but also it is as amazing remedy for treatment and healthy issues. more...

Four different rice straw substrate volumes (0.5, 1, 2 and 5 kgs) were assessed for cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). The mushroom grown in 2 kgs substrate volume exhibited the highest biological efficiency and produced the highest fruiting bodies yield. This treatment gave the greatest average weight for the whole fruiting body and for the fruiting body cap. However, mushroom grown in 1 kg substrate volume was earlier than 2 kgs volume to colonize. Both treatments were statistically alike concerning days lapsed to harvest the fruiting bodies, the diameter of the fruiting bodies and the weight and the length of the stem. Further, the mushroom in these treatments degraded the least amount of substrate as shown by both the colonized substrate and spent weight while producing high fruiting bodies yield. Thus a more efficient bioconversion is suggested for the mushroom grown in 1 or 2 kgs substrate. The overall data, however, propose the production of the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in substrate media of 2 kgs volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Medicinal plant plays a vital role in our life. We have been using plants since ancient time, for food, clothes, shelters and medicine. India has been traditionally rich in different types of medicinal plants and many useful drugs obtained from the screening of such medicinal plants. Andrographis paniculata is an annual Herb. It grows roadside, shady places and moist places. The plant is also known as king of bitter, because it is extremely bitter in taste. Andrographis paniculata is one of the most important medicinal plants which are used in many kinds of diseases like leprosy, bronchitis, ulcers, cancer and dysentery etc. In our study we have investigated different phytochemicals in whole plant by using different solvents for extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Consumption of pigmented rice as a staple food is rapidly increasing due to their healthy prospective and considered as functional food ingredients. Greater interest has been shown in many color rice varieties due to their multiple biological activities. The phenolic compounds have been found to consist of anthocyanidins, ferulic acid, diferulates, anthocyanins and polymeric proanthocyanidins. Anthocyanin is located in the bran layers of the rice kernel, while phenolic acids are mainly present in the bran layers of rice, existing as free, conjugated and bound forms. Keeping in view the several health benefits associated with the functional ingredients, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anticancer effects, pigmented rice is considered as a functional food and food ingredient in many Asian countries. The application and incorporation of bran into food products for the preparation of functional foods is increasing. Within the scope of this review, we highlighted the significant bioactive compounds from pigmented rice varieties and their potentials for medicinal and nutraceutical ingredients. The information provided from this could be of high benefit to the functional food industry and further research advance medicinal products. more...

Polyalithagenus is predominantly rich with medicinal properties. The herbs, leaves, stems, twigs and other part of the plants are potentially rich with antibacterial properties. Many research works have proved that the polyalitha genus have been used by medicines to cure different types of diseases. The biological activities have provided antibacterial activity in patients and demonstrated successful results. Paleolithic genus has active antimicrobial agents with MIC values. Polyalthialongifolia leaves are rich with acetone, methanol and dioxin medicinal values. Predominantly Polyalthiagenus has been identified with important pathogenic microbial strains. The usage of Polyalthia genus is predominantly found in Ayurveda, siddha and Unani medicines to cure various diseases. These are also predominantly used for protecting the humans from environmental hazards. The biological activities of Polyalthia genus are predominantly used as foundations for modern and alternative medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Hylocereus sp. or commonly referred to as dragon fruit (pitaya) has its origin from Central and Northern South America, and it is widely present in regions of Florida coast to Brazil. Pitaya is a night flowering ornamental plant and also as a fruit crop. It is widely grown in Vietnam and Asian countries in southeastern countries. It is found in subtropical and tropical American rain forests. It is a rich source of nutrition such as Vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorous. It has higher medicinal values like reducing hypertension, diabetes. It has greater anti-oxidant activity. Also it has beneficial effects in carbohydrate metabolism, strengthening of teeth and bones, helps in formation of heart tissues. It balances blood production and its compositional value of total ascorbic acid, total dietary fibre, pectin and iron content to increase haemoglobin and erythrocyte level. It also reduces aortic stiffness. They also can improve the function of kidneys and sharpness of eyes and strengthen the brain function; it also prevents colon and prostate cancer. This draws an attention of medical studies toward its role in controlling various diseases and vital health-promoting factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Highlights • Chemical composition and biological effect of Ferula halophila extracts were investigated. • Antioxidant, antimutagenic and enzyme inhibitory effects were tested for biological potentials. • HPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of cinnamic acid derivatives such as methyl cinnamete and ferulic acid. • F. halophila has a good pharmacological potential for designing novel drug formulations. Abstract The inhibitory action of F. halophila extracts (acetone, chloroform, and methanol) against key enzymes linked to diabetes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), cognitive functions (acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), butyryl cholinesterase (BChE)), and hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase) was assessed. The mutagenic/antimutagenic activities were assessed and the phytochemical profile established by HPLC-MS/MS. The acetone extract showed the highest phenolic (55.22 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (34.52 mg RE/g extract) contents. The chloroform extract was a potent inhibitor of cholinesterases (4.86 and 6.13 mg GALAE/g extract, against AChE and BChE, respectively). Cinnamic acid derivatives (methyl cinnamate, ferulic acid, methoxycinnamic acid isomer) were identified in the chloroform extract. Methanol extract showed potent inhibitory action against tyrosinase (137.63 mg KAE/g extract) and glucosidase (43.02 mmol ACAE/g extract). The chloroform extract (32.07 mg EDTAE/g extract) showed potent metal chelating potential. The neuroprotective action of the chloroform extract might be attributed to the metal chelating action coupled by the cholinesterase inhibitory potential. F. halophila showed no mutagenic capacity. When combined with 2-aminoflouren and 2-aminoanthracene, the acetone and chloroform extracts revealed excellent antimutagenicity in the presence of metabolic activation enzymes for Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains. The observed inhibitory effects of F. halophila against the studied enzyme suggest that this plant could be a promising source of bioactive phytochemicals for the management of clinical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: The genus Eucalyptus L'Heritier comprises about 900 species, of which more than 300 species contain volatile essential oil in their leaves. About 20 species, within these, have a high content of 1,8‐cineole (more than 70%), commercially used for the production of essential oils in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. However, Eucalyptus is extensively planted for pulp, plywood and solid wood production, but its leaf aromatic oil has astounding widespread biological activities, including antimicrobial, antiseptic, antioxidant, chemotherapeutic, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorder treatment, wound healing, and insecticidal/insect repellent, herbicidal, acaricidal, nematicidal, and perfumes, soap making and grease remover. In the present review, we have made an attempt to congregate the biological ingredients of leaf essential oil, leaf oil as a natural medicine, and pharmacological and toxicological values of the leaf oil of different Eucalyptus species worldwide. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Phenolic acids have recently gained substantial attention due to their various practical, biological and pharmacological effects. Chlorogenic Acid (CGA, 3-CQA) is a most abundant isomer among caffeoylquinic acid isomers (3-, 4-, and 5-CQA), that currently known as 5-CQA as per guidelines of IUPAC. It is one of the most available acids among phenolic acid compounds which can be naturally found in green coffee extracts and tea. CGA is an important and biologically active dietary polyphenol, playing several important and therapeutic roles such as antioxidant activity, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-hypertension, free radicals scavenger and a central nervous system (CNS) stimulator. In addition, it has been found that CGA could modulate lipid metabolism and glucose in both genetically and healthy metabolic related disorders. It is speculated that CGA can perform crucial roles in lipid and glucose metabolism regulation and thus help to treat many disorders such as hepatic steatosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity as well. Furthermore, this phenolic acid (CGA) causes hepatoprotective effects by protecting animals from chemical or lipopolysaccharide-induced injuries. The hypocholesterolemic influence of CGA can result from the altered metabolism of nutrients, including amino acids, glucose and fatty acids (FA). The purpose of this review was to broaden the scope of knowledge of researchers to conduct more studies on this subject to both unveil and optimize its biological and pharmacological effects. As a result, CGA may be practically used as a natural safeguard food additive to replace the synthetic antibiotics and thereby reduce the medicinal cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...