Cytotoxic and Enzyme Inhibitory Potential of Two Potentilla species (P. speciosa L. and P. reptans Willd.) and Their Chemical Composition

A Comparative Study of Chemical Profiling and Biological Effects of Doronicum orientale Extracts

In this study, phytochemical and pharmacological screening of the aerial part and roots extracts from Doronicum orientale Hoffm. (Asteraceae) was carried out. Plant extracts were obtained using solvents of different polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water, water) for selection the most optimal solvent for the extraction of active compounds. For instance, the extracts yielded total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the range of 12.13-45.67 mg GAE/g and 0.75-12.44 mg QE/g, respectively, while the total antioxidant capacity of the extracts determined by the phosphomolybdenum assay ranged from 0.88-2.53 mmol TE/g. HPLC/MS/MS analysis revealed 5-caffeoylquinic acid (2.52-337.05 μg/g) and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3.12-299.36 μg/g) to be the major components present in the investigated extracts. Antioxidant activity in terms of radical scavenging ability of the extracts ranged from 0.82-45.56 mg TE/g in DPPH assay and from 5.07-104.58 mg TE/g in ABTS assay. The tested extracts were found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (aerial part: 0.50-2.33 mg GALAE/g; roots: 0.40-2.43 mg GALAE/g), while with the exception of the water extracts, the other extracts showed butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (aerial part: 2.46-5.02 mg GALAE/g; root: 2.93-4.17 mg GALAE/g). Overall, this study presented an interesting scope of this species in phytomedicine with preliminary data demonstrating some of the tested extracts to possess high bioactive contents, antioxidant potential and enzyme inhibitory activity. Thus, additional investigations are necessary to confirm their safety in herbal drug applications.

Antioxidant Capacity of Potentilla paradoxa Nutt. and Its Beneficial Effects Related to Anti-Aging in HaCaT and B16F10 Cells

Skin aging is a natural process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and many skin anti-aging strategies have been developed. Plants from the genus Potentilla has been used in Europe and Asia to treat various diseases. Potentilla paradoxa Nutt. has been used as a traditional medicinal herb in China and has recently been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Despite the biological and pharmacological potential of Potentilla paradoxa Nutt., its skin anti-aging effects remain unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the free radical scavenging, moisturizing, anti-melanogenic, and wound-healing effects of an ethanol extract of Potentilla paradoxa Nutt. (Pp-EE). Pp-EE was found to contain phenolics and flavonoids and exhibits in vitro antioxidant activities. α-Linolenic acid was found to be a major component of Pp-EE on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pp-EE promoted the expression of hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis-related enzymes and suppressed the expression of HA degradation-related enzymes in keratinocytes, so it may increase skin hydration. Pp-EE also showed inhibitory effects on the production and secretion of melanin in melanocytes. In a scratch assay, Pp-EE improved skin wound healing. Taken together, Pp-EE has several effects that may delay skin aging, suggesting its potential benefits as a natural ingredient in cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.

From Fish Scale Gelatin to Tyrosinase Inhibitor: A Novel Peptides Screening Approach Application

Bioaffinity ultrafiltration combined with LC-Orbitrap-MS/MS was applied for the first time to achieve rapid screening and identification of tyrosinase inhibitory peptides (TYIPs) from grass carp scale gelatin hydrolysates. The binding mode of TYIPs with tyrosinase was investigated by molecular docking technology. The whitening effect of TYIPs was further studied by evaluating the tyrosinase activity and melanin content in mouse B16F10 cells. Four new TYIPs were screened from hydrolysates, among which DLGFLARGF showed the strongest tyrosinase inhibition with an IC50 value of 3.09 mM. Molecular docking showed that hydrogen bonds were the main driving force in the interaction between the peptide DLGFLARGF and tyrosinase. The addition of DLGFLARGF significantly inhibited the tyrosinase activity and melanin production of B16F10 melanoma cells. These results suggest that DLGFLARGF is a promising skin whitening agent for the treatment of potential pigment-related diseases.

Phytochemical Insights into Ficus sur Extracts and Their Biological Activity

This study focused on the biological evaluation and chemical characterisation of Ficus sur Forssk. (F. sur) (Family: Moraceae). The methanolic and aqueous extracts’ phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties were investigated. The aqueous stem bark extract yielded the highest phenolic content (115.51 ± 1.60 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), while the methanolic leaves extract possessed the highest flavonoid content (27.47 ± 0.28 mg Rutin equivalent/g extract). In total, 118 compounds were identified in the tested extracts. The methanolic stem bark extract exhibited the most potent radical scavenging potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (475.79 ± 6.83 and 804.31 ± 4.52 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively) and the highest reducing Cu²⁺ capacity (937.86 ± 14.44 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract). The methanolic stem bark extract substantially depressed tyrosinase (69.84 ± 0.35 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), α-amylase (0.77 ± 0.01 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract), acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (2.91 ± 0.07 and 6.56 ± 0.34 mg galantamine equivalent/g extract, respectively) enzymes. F. sur extracts were tested for anticancer properties and antiviral activity towards human herpes virus type 1 (HHV-1). Stem bark infusion and methanolic extract showed antineoplastic activity against cervical adenocarcinoma and colon cancer cell lines, whereas leaf methanolic extract exerted moderate antiviral activity towards HHV-1. This investigation yielded important scientific data on F. sur which might be used to generate innovative phytopharmaceuticals.

Chemical Composition, Biological Activities and In Silico Analysis of Essential Oils of Three Endemic Prangos Species from Turkey

In this study, the essential oils (EOs) obtained from three endemic Prangos species from Turkey (P. heyniae, P. meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides, and P. uechtritzii) were studied for their chemical composition and biological activities. β-Bisabolenal (12.2%) and caryophyllene oxide (7.9%) were the principal components of P. heyniae EO, while P. meliocarpoides EO contained sabinene (16.7%) and p-cymene (13.2%), and P. uechtritzii EO contained p-cymene (24.6%) and caryophyllene oxide (19.6%), as the most abundant components. With regard to their antioxidant activity, all the EOs were found to possess free radical scavenging potential demonstrated in both DPPH and ABTS assays (0.43–1.74 mg TE/g and 24.18–92.99 mg TE/g, respectively). Additionally, while no inhibitory activity was displayed by P. meliocarpoides and P. uechtritzii EOs against both cholinesterases (acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases). Moreover, all the EOs were found to act as inhibitors of tyrosinase (46.34–69.56 mg KAE/g). Molecular docking revealed elemol and α-bisabolol to have the most effective binding affinity with tyrosinase and amylase. Altogether, this study unveiled some interesting biological activities of these EOs, especially as natural antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors and hence offers stimulating prospects of them in the development of anti-hyperpigmentation topical formulations.

Untargeted Phenolic Profiling and Functional Insights of the Aerial Parts and Bulbs of Drimia maritima (L.) Stearn

Drimia maritima (L.) Stearn (squill), belonging to the Asparagaceae family, is acknowledged as a medicinally valuable species from the Drimia genera. In this study, water, methanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of D. maritima aerial parts and bulbs were investigated for their polyphenols profile and evaluated for their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties. Phenolics were profiled through an untargeted metabolomics approach using an ultra-high pressure liquid chromatograph coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). This analysis revealed an enrichment of low molecular weight phenolics and flavonoids in the aerial parts of D. maritima, while lignans mainly characterized bulb extracts. Antioxidant capacity was investigated by different assays, including phosphomolybdenum assays, radical scavenging (DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; ABTS: 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), as well as reducing ability (CUPRAC: cupric reducing antioxidant capacity; FRAP: ferric reducing antioxidant power), and metal chelating. In radical scavenging and reducing power assays, the water extract of aerial parts exhibited the strongest ability (DPPH: 36.99 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g; ABTS: 85.96 mg TE/g; CUPRAC: 87.37 mg TE/g; FRAP: 55.43 mg TE/g). In general, the ethyl acetate extracts from aerial parts and bulbs provided the weakest antioxidant capacity. Concerning enzyme inhibitory activities, the water extracts of the bulb were poorly active, while the ethyl acetate extracts from both plant portions displayed the best α-amylase inhibitory abilities. The best acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) abilities were recorded by ethyl acetate extract of aerial parts (2.36 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g) and bulbs (5.10 mg GALAE/g), respectively. Overall, these results support the medicinal aptitude of D. maritima and its possible use as a natural source of antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors with functional potential.

Novel Perceptions on Chemical Profile and Biopharmaceutical Properties of Mentha spicata Extracts: Adding Missing Pieces to the Scientific Puzzle

Mentha spicata is one of the most popular species in the genus, and it is of great interest as a gastrointestinal and sedative agent in the folk medicine system. In this study, different M. spicata extracts, obtained by the use of four solvents (hexane, chloroform, acetone and acetone/water) were chemically characterized using HPLC-ESI-MS n, which allowed for identification of 27 phenolic compounds. The extracts' antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties were investigated. In addition, neuroprotective effects were evaluated in hypothalamic HypoE22 cells, and the ability of the extracts to prevent the hydrogen peroxide-induced degradation of dopamine and serotonin was observed. The best antioxidant effect was achieved for all the extraction methods using acetone/water as a solvent. These extracts were the richest in acacetin, eriodictyol, hesperidin, sagerinic acid, naringenin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, chrysoeriol and apigenin. The intrinsic antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties of the acetone/water extract could also explain, albeit partially, its efficacy in preventing prostaglandin E2 overproduction and dopamine depletion (82.9% turnover reduction) in HypoE22 cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Thus, our observations can provide a scientific confirmation of the neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects of M. spicata.

Leaf and Flower Extracts of Six Michelia L.: Polyphenolic Composition, Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activities and in Vitro Inhibition of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase

Methanolic extracts of the leaf and flower of Michelia L., an evergreen aromatic genus widely used in landscaping, industry and medicine of various countries, were analyzed. The UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis led to the identification of 28 polyphenols from six Michelia species that widely distributed and cultivated in southern China, among which quinic acid and chlorogenic acid were the main components. The flower extract of Michelia maudiae had the most abundant polyphenols content, as well as high contents of total phenolic (117.31 ± 7.26 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoid (251.60 ± 15.56 mg CE/g DW). Meanwhile, it also showed outstanding performance in three antioxidant indexes of DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. The leaf extracts of Michelia chapensis and Michelia floribunda exhibited excellent inhibition against four pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, certain inhibitory activities were displayed by Michelia macclurei extracts against α-amylase and α-glucosidase This study explored the biological activities of six Michelia species, and provided reference for variety selection with the aim of designing novel phyto-pharmaceuticals.

An Integrated NMR, LC-DAD-MS, LC-QTOF Metabolomic Characterization of Sartoria hedysaroides: Correlation of Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activity with Chemical Composition by Multivariate Data Analysis

Sartoria hedysaroides Boiss and Heldr. (Fabaceae) is an endemic plant of Turkey that has received little scientific consideration so far. In the present study, the chemical profiles of extracts from the aerial part and roots of S. hedysaroides obtained using solvents with different polarities were analyzed combining integrated NMR, LC-DAD-MSⁿ, and LC-QTOF methods. In vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities were evaluated, and the results were combined with chemical data using multivariate approaches. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, ellagitannins, and coumarins were identified and quantified in the extracts of aerial part and roots. Methanolic extract of S. hedysaroides aerial part showed the highest phenolic content and the highest antioxidant activity and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity. Dichloromethane extract of S. hedysaroides roots showed the highest inhibition of butyryl cholinesterase, while methanolic extract of S. hedysaroides aerial part was the most active tyrosinase inhibitor. Multivariate data analysis allowed us to observe a good correlation between phenolic compounds, especially caffeoylquinic derivatives and flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of extracts. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition was correlated with the presence of caffeoylquinic acids and coumarins. Overall, the present study appraised the biological potential of understudied S. hedysaroides, and provided a comprehensive approach combining metabolomic characterization of plant material and multivariate data analysis for the correlation of chemical data with results from multi-target biological assays.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of the Extracts from Two Oenanthe Species (O. aquatica and O. silaifolia)

This study presents the evaluation of biological activities and chemical profiling of Oenanthe aquatica (L.) Poir. and Oenanthe silaifolia M. Bieb. The phytochemical profile, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, cytotoxic and antiviral activities of the methanolic and aqueous extracts were investigated. The aqueous extract of O. aquatica possessing the highest content of phenolics (60.85 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), also exhibited the strongest radical scavenging potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (79.46 and 148.66 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively), the highest reducing ability (207.59 and 107.27 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, for cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant activity, respectively), metal chelating potential (33.91 mg ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalent/g extract) and total antioxidant ability (1.60 mmol Trolox equivalent/g extract). Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) permitted tentative identification of compounds from simple organic acids, phenolic acids, coumarins, flavonoids and their glycosides in O. aquatica and O. silaifolia extracts. The methanolic extract of O. aquatica substantially depressed acetylcholinesterase (3.67 mg galantamine equivalent/g extract), tyrosinase (126.66 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), and α-amylase (0.83 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract) enzymes. The methanolic extract of O. silaifolia showed highest enzymatic inhibitory property against butyrylcholinesterase, and its aqueous extract depressed α-glucosidase activity (0.26 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract). All tested extracts exerted selective toxicity towards cancer cell lines, and the highest anticancer potential was found for O. aquatica aqueous extract on FaDu and HeLa cells with CC₅₀ of 57.36 and 47.16 µg/mL, respectively. Significant antiviral activity against HSV-1 (HHV-1) was found for both aqueous extracts in concentrations of 1000 µg/mL, which inhibited the HSV-1 cytopathic effect (CPE) in virus infected VERO cells and reduced the virus infective titer by more than 3 log (logCCID₅₀/mL). This study has produced critical scientific data on O. aquatica and O. silaifolia, which are potential contenders for the development of novel phyto-pharmaceuticals.

LC-MS/HRMS Analysis, Anti-Cancer, Anti-Enzymatic and Anti-Oxidant Effects of Boerhavia diffusa Extracts: A Potential Raw Material for Functional Applications

Boerhavia diffusa is a great tropical plant and is widely used for various traditional purposes. In the present study, we examined the influence of solvents (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and infusion (water)) on chemical composition and biological capabilities of B. diffusa. An UHPLC-HRMS method was used to determine the chemical characterization. The biological ability was examined for antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and anti-cancer effects. To evaluate antioxidant effects, different chemical methods (ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP, metal chelating and phosphomolybdenum) were applied. With regard to enzyme inhibitory properties, cholinesterases, amylase, glucosidase and tyrosinase were used. The MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was chosen to determine anticancer activity. Based on the UHPLC-HRMS analysis, 37 specialized metabolites were dereplicated and identified in the studied extracts. Results revealed the presence of 15 hydroxybenzoic, hydroxycinnamic, acylquinic acids, and their glycosides, one rotenoid, seven flavonoids, 12 fatty acids and two other glycosides. Among the tested extracts, the methanol extract showed a stronger antioxidant ability compared with other extracts. The methanol extract also showed the best inhibitory effects on tyrosinase and glucosidase. In the anti-cancer evaluation, the methanol extract showed stronger anticancer effects compared with water extract. In summary, our observations can contribute to the establishment of B. diffusa as a potential candidate for functional applications in the preparation.

Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Enzymatic Activity of Five Common Spices: Focus on Their Essential Oils and Spent Material Extractives

The essential oil industry of aromatic herbs and spices is currently producing a significant amount of by-products, such as the spent plant materials remaining after steam or hydrodistillation, that are simply discarded. The aim of this study was to comparatively investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and multi-enzymatic inhibitory potential of the essential oils and spent plant material extractives obtained from cinnamon, cumin, clove, laurel, and black pepper. The essential oils were characterized by the presence of several phytochemical markers (cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, eugenol, eucalyptol, α-terpinene, limonene, β-caryophyllene or β-pinene). On the other hand, the LC-HRMS/MS profiling of the spent material extracts allowed the annotation of species specific and non-specific metabolites, such as organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, hydrolysable tannins, fatty acids, or piperamides. All samples exhibited very strong antioxidant effects, with the clove essential oil displaying the strongest radical scavenging (525.78 and 936.44 mg TE/g in DPPH and ABTS assays), reducing (2848.28 and 1927.98 mg TE/g in CUPRAC and FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (68.19 mmol TE/g). With respect to the anti-acetylcholinesterase (0.73-2.95 mg GALAE/g), anti-butyrylcholinesterase (0-3.41 mg GALAE/g), anti-tyrosinase (0-76.86 mg KAE/g), anti-amylase and anti-glucosidase (both 0-1.00 mmol ACAE/g) assays, the spice samples showed a modest activity. Overall, our study reports that, not only the volatile fractions of common spices, but also their spent plant materials remaining after hydrodistillation can be regarded as rich sources of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and multi-enzymatic inhibitory effects.

Potentilla reptans L. postconditioning protects reperfusion injury via the RISK/SAFE pathways in an isolated rat heart

Background

Our previous study indicated that Potentilla reptans root has a preconditioning effect by its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects in an isolated rat heart ischemia/reperfusion (IR) model. In the present study, we investigated the post-conditioning cardio-protective effects of Potentilla reptans and its active substances.

Methods

The ethyl acetate fraction of P. reptans root (Et) was subjected to an IR model under 30 min of ischemia and 100 min of reperfusion. To investigate the postconditioning effect, Et was perfused for 15 min at the early phase of reperfusion. RISK/SAFE pathway inhibitors, 5HD and L-NAME, were applied individually 10 min before the ischemia, either alone or in combination with Et during the early reperfusion phase. The hemodynamic factors and ventricular arrhythmia were calculated during the reperfusion. Oxidative stress, apoptosis markers, GSK-3β and SGK1 proteins were assessed at the end of experiments.

Results

Et postconditioning (Etpost) significantly reduced the infarct size, arrhythmia score, ventricular fibrillation incidence, and enhanced the hemodynamic parameters by decreasing the MDA level and increasing expression of Nrf2, SOD and CAT activities. Meanwhile, Etpost increased the BCl-2/BAX ratio and decreased Caspase-3 expression. The cardioprotective effect of Etpost was abrogated by L-NAME, Wortmannin (a PI3K/Akt inhibitor), and AG490 (a JAK/STAT3 inhibitor). Finally, Etpost reduced the expression of GSK-3β and SGK1 proteins pertaining to the IR group.

Conclusion

P. reptans reveals the post-conditioning effects via the Nrf2 pathway, NO release, and the RISK/SAFE pathway. Also, Etpost decreased apoptotic indexes by inhibiting GSK-3β and SGK1 expressions. Hence, our data suggest that Etpost can be a suitable natural candidate to protect cardiomyocytes during reperfusion injury.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03456-2.

Exploring the Chemical Profiles and Biological Values of Two Spondias Species (S. dulcis and S. mombin): Valuable Sources of Bioactive Natural Products

Spondias species have been used in traditional medicine for different human ailments. In this study, the effect of different solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) and extraction methods (infusion, maceration, and Soxhlet extraction) on the enzyme inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and antioxidant properties of S. mombin and S. dulcis leaves and stem bark were evaluated. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) yield in the identification and/or annotation of 98 compounds showing that the main secondary metabolites of the plant are gallic and ellagic acids and their derivatives, ellagitannins, hydroxybenzoic, hydroxycinnamic, acylquinic acids and flavonols, flavanones, and flavanonols. The leaves infusion of both Spondias species showed highest inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (10.10 and 10.45 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g, for S. dulcis and S. mombin, respectively). The ethyl acetate extracts of the stem bark of S. mombin and S. dulcis actively inhibited α-glucosidase. Methanolic extracts of the leaves and stem bark exhibited highest tyrosinase inhibitory action. Antioxidant activity and higher levels of phenolics were observed for the methanolic extracts of Spondias. The results suggested that the Spondias species could be considered as natural phyto-therapeutic agents in medicinal and cosmeceutical applications.

Insights into the Phytochemical and Multifunctional Biological Profile of Spices from the Genus Piper

Piper spices represent an inexhaustible reservoir of bioactive compounds that may act as drug leads in natural product research. The aim of this study was to investigate a series of methanolic fruit extracts obtained from P. nigrum (black, green, white and red), P. longum and P. retrofractum in comparative phytochemical and multi-directional biological (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-enzymatic and anti-melanogenic) assays. The metabolite profiling revealed the presence of 17 piperamides, with a total content of 247.75-591.42 mg piperine equivalents/g. Among the 22 tested microorganism strains, Piper spices were significantly active (MIC < 0.1 mg/mL) against the anaerobes Actinomyces israelii and Fusobacterium nucleatum. The antioxidant and anti-enzymatic activities were evidenced in DPPH (10.64-82.44 mg TE/g) and ABTS (14.20-77.60 mg TE/g) radical scavenging, CUPRAC (39.94-140.52 mg TE/g), FRAP (16.05-77.00 mg TE/g), chelating (0-34.80 mg EDTAE/g), anti-acetylcholinesterase (0-2.27 mg GALAE/g), anti-butyrylcholinesterase (0.60-3.11 mg GALAE/g), anti-amylase (0.62-1.11 mmol ACAE/g) and anti-glucosidase (0-1.22 mmol ACAE/g) assays. Several Piper extracts (10 μg/mL) inhibited both melanin synthesis (to 32.05-60.65% of αMSH+ cells) and release (38.06-45.78% of αMSH+ cells) in αMSH-stimulated B16F10 cells, partly explained by their tyrosinase inhibitory properties. Our study uncovers differences between Piper spices and sheds light on their potential use as nutraceuticals or cosmeceuticals for the management of different diseases linked to bacterial infections, Alzheimer's dementia, type 2 diabetes mellitus or hyperpigmentation.

Investigation on the Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Potential of Polygonum Plebeium R.Br: A Comprehensive Approach to Disclose New Nutraceutical and Functional Food Ingredients

The present work describes medicinal potential and secondary metabolic picture of the methanol extract (PP-M) of Polygonum plebeium R.Br. and its fractions; hexane (PP-H), ethyl acetate (PP-E) and water (PP-W). In total bioactive component estimation, highest contents of phenolic (89.38±0.27 mgGAE/g extract) and flavonoid (51.21±0.43 mgQE/g extract) were observed in PP-E, and the same fraction exhibited the highest antioxidant potential in DPPH (324.80±4.09 mgTE/g extract), ABTS (563.18±11.39 mgTE/g extract), CUPRAC (411.33±15.49 mgTE/g extract) and FRAC (369.54±1.70 mgTE/g extract) assays. In Phosphomolybdenum activity assay, PP-H and PP-E showed nearly similar potential, however, PP-H was the most active (13.54±0.24 mgEDTAE/g extract) in metal chelating activity assay. PP-W was the stronger inhibitor (4.03±0.05 mgGALAE/g extract) of the enzyme AChE, while PP-H was potent inhibitor of BChE (5.62±0.27 mg GALAE/g extract). Interestingly, PP-E was inactive against BChE. Against tyrosinase activity, PP-E was again the most active fraction with inhibitory value of 71.89±1.44 mg KAE/g extract, followed by the activity of PP-M and PP-W. Antidiabetic potential was almost equally distributed among PP-M, PP-H and PP-E. For mapping the chemodiversity of P. plebeium, PP-M was analyzed through UHPLC/MS, which led to the identification of more than 50 compounds. Flavonoids were the main components derived from isovitexin, kaempferol and luteolin however, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, gingerols and lyoniresinol 9'-sulfate were among important bioactive phenols. These findings prompted to conclude that Polygonum plebeium can be a significant source to offer new ingredient for nutraceuticals and functional foods.

LC-MS Based Analysis and Biological Properties of Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf.) Harms Extracts: A Valuable Source of Antioxidant, Antifungal, and Antibacterial Compounds

The impact of two extraction solvents on the phenolic composition, antioxidant, and enzymes inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of two parts (leaves and stem bark) of P. kotschyi was studied. Two different LC-DAD-MSⁿ approaches were used to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds in the different extracts. A total of thirty-two compounds were quantified, being the procyanidin the most abundant in stem bark while catechin and flavonoids are most abundant in leaves. Overall, the stem bark extraction using methanol showed higher amounts of total phenolic (131.83 ± 1.81 mg GAE/g) and flavanol (14.14 ± 0.11 mg CE/g) while the leaves extraction using water exhibited stronger levels of total flavonoid (44.95 ± 0.38 mg RE/g) and phenolic acid (63.58 ± 2.00 mg CAE/g). As regards the antioxidant assays, methanol stem bark extracts were characterized by the highest antioxidant activities (DPPH: 1.94 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g, ABTS: 3.31 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g, FRAP: 2.86 ± 0.02 mmol TE/g, CUPRAC: 5.09 ± 0.08 mmol TE/g, phosphomolybdenum: 5.16 ± 0.23 mmol TE/g and metal chelating: 17.12 ± 0.46 mg EDTAE/g). In addition, the methanolic extracts of stem bark had highest impact on acetylcholinesterase (2.54 mg GALAE/g), butyrylcholinesterase (5.48 mg GALAE/g). In contrast, the methanolic extracts of leaves was potent against tyrosinase (77.39 ± 0.21 mg KAE/g) and α-glucosidase (0.97 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g), while a higher anti-α–amylase (0.97 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g) was observed for water extracts of the same part. All of the tested extracts showed inhibitory effects on elastase, except methanolic leaves extracts. Additionally, the extracts exhibited appreciable antifungal toward A. ochraceus, A. fumigatus, P. ochrochloron, T. viride, and P. funiculosum and promising antibacterial activity against M. flavus, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, E. cloacae, and S. typhimurium. Taken together, the outcomes demonstrated P. kotschyi as a novel source of bioactive molecules of interest with an evident therapeutic value.

Phytochemical Constituents and Biological Activities of the Unexplored Plant Rhinanthus angustifolius subsp. grandiflorus

In the present study, a total of 12 extracts of Rhinanthus angustifolius subsp. grandiflorus, an understudied hemiparasitic species, were obtained using different extraction techniques, namely, homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE), maceration (MAC), soxhlet (SOX), infusion, and solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, and water), and were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant and enzyme-inhibiting properties. Additionally, untargeted profiling based on high-resolution mass spectrometry targeted different phytochemical classes, namely, polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were detected using methanol as the extraction solvent. Multivariate statistics following the untargeted profiling revealed that the extraction solvent had a hierarchically higher impact than the extraction method when considering the recovery of bioactive compounds. The methanolic extracts displayed the highest radical-scavenging antioxidant capacity, as provided by CUPRAC and FRAP assays. On the other hand, the water extracts (MAC and HAE) and the infusion extract showed the highest activity as metal chelators (25.66–27.51 mg EDTAE/g). Similarly, the water extract obtained by HAE and the infusion extract revealed the highest phosphomolybdenum activity (3.92 ± 0.14 and 3.71 ± 0.01 mmol TE/g, respectively). The different extracts also exhibited different enzyme inhibition potentials. For instance, HAE and MAC ethanolic extracts inhibited only α-amylase (0.69 ± 0.01 and 0.70 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g), while all the other extracts showed a dual inhibition against both carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes tested (i.e., α-amylase: 0.07–0.69 mmol ACAE/g; α-glucosidase: 0.03–1.30 mmol ACAE/g). Nevertheless, the other extracts inhibited acetyl-, butyryl-cholinesterases, or both; MAC–water extract displayed no inhibition against the enzymes. Additionally, all the studied extracts were found to inhibit tyrosinase, ranging from 10.62 to 52.80 mg KAE/g. In general, the water extracts showed weaker inhibition towards the enzymes than the other extracts. This study demonstrated that R. angustifolius is an excellent source of natural antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors that could be further investigated and exploited for pharmaceutical purposes.

Comprehensive Biological and Chemical Evaluation of Two Seseli Species (S. gummiferum and S. transcaucasicum)

Seseli L. is one of the largest genera of the Apiaceae family widely known for their traditional uses as herbal remedies. In the present study, the methanolic and water extracts of two Seseli species, S. gummiferum and S. transcaucasicum were evaluated for their bioactive contents and biological activities. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the extracts ranged from 19.09 to 24.33 mg GAE/g and from 0.45 to10.09 mg RE/g, respectively. Moreover, while narcissin was detected as the most abundant component in the methanolic extract of S. transcaucasicum (261.40 µg/g), chlorogenic acid was identified as the major component in all the other extracts, although a high amount was also present in the methanolic S. transcaucasicum extract (107.48-243.12 µg/g). The total antioxidant capacity was also determined by the phosphomolybdenum assay (0.66-1.18 mM TE/g). Other antioxidant assays such as the radical scavenging assays (DPPH: 5.51-11.45 mg TE/g; ABTS: 43.46-51.91 mg TE/g), reducing assays (CUPRAC: 41.67-53.20 mg TE/g; FRAP: 31.26-34.14 mg TE/g), as well as the metal chelating activity assay (14.38-38.57 mg EDTAE/g) were conducted. All the extracts showed inhibitory potential against the enzyme's amylase (0.12-0.78 mM ACAE/g), acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase (0.15-9.71 mg GALAE/g), while only the methanolic extracts acted as inhibitors of tyrosinase (107.15 and 109.37 mg KAE/g) and only the water extract of S. gummiferum displayed anti-glucosidase activity (0.13 mM ACAE/g). Interestingly, the methanolic extracts of both Seseli species showed lower cytotoxicity towards HaCaT cells (IC50: >500 µg/mL), compared to the water extracts (IC50: 267.8 and 321.41 µg/mL). Besides, only the methanolic extracts showed a slight wound healing effect (28.21 and 31.23%). All extracts showed antibacterial action against Staphylococcus lugdunensis (minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations: 0.025-2 mg/mL). S. gummiferum methanolic extract, which exhibited the highest antibacterial potency was found to inhibit adhesion and invasion of S. lugdunensis to HaCaT cells as well. Taken together, this study demonstrated the two Seseli species to harbour interesting bioactive components, in particular polyphenolics and to exhibit several biological properties that could be further investigated for their potential exploitation as healing agents as supported by various traditional medicinal uses.

Influence of the Post-Harvest Storage Time on the Multi-Biological Potential, Phenolic and Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Content of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) Roots Collected from Different European Regions

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) roots are well-known bioactive ingredients included in various cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical preparations. In this study, the influence of the post-harvest storage on the chemico-biological potential of roots collected from different European regions and stored for up to six months was investigated. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total phenolic acid content (TPAC) were spectrophotometrically estimated, whereas the levels of individual phenolic and pyrrolizidine alkaloidal markers were determined by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS, respectively. The changes in the biological potential was tracked via antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP) and anti-enzymatic (cholinesterase, tyrosinase, glucosidase, and amylase) assays. TPC and TPAC varied from 6.48–16.57 mg GAE/g d.w. root and from 2.67–9.03 mg CAE/g, respectively. The concentration of the four phenolics (rosmarinic acid, globoidnan A, globoidnan B, rabdosiin) and six pyrrolizidine alkaloids generally showed maximum values at 1–3 months, after which their levels significantly decreased. With respect to the bioassays, the samples showed a wide range of antioxidant and anti-enzymatic effects; however, a direct storage time–bioactivity relationship was not observed. Similar conclusions were also revealed by the multivariate and correlation analyses. Our study could improve the current knowledge of the shelf-life properties of comfrey-based products and enhance their industrial exploitation.

Shedding Light into the Connection between Chemical Components and Biological Effects of Extracts from Epilobium hirsutum: Is It a Potent Source of Bioactive Agents from Natural Treasure?

Epilobium hirsutum is extensively used as a traditional remedy in folk medicine, especially against prostate inflammation. Therefore, we evaluated the chemical profiles and biopharmaceutical potentials of different extracts of E. hirsutum aerial parts and roots. Metabolomic, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory profiles were investigated. Human prostate cancer PC3 cells were exposed to the extracts to evaluate antiproliferative effects. Gene expression and bioinformatics analyses were performed to investigate anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Oenothein B and myricetin were prominent compounds in the extracts. In scavenging/reducing assays, the methanol, infusion, and methanol/water extracts exhibited similar activities. We also observed the reduction of PC3 viability occurring following exposure to methanol and methanol/water extracts. According to bioinformatics analysis, myricetin was predicted to interact with COX-2 and TNFα. The interaction between TNFα and oxo-dihydroxy-octadecenoic acid was predicted as well. Intriguingly, the gene expression of COX-2 and TNFα was reduced in PC3 cells after exposure to methanol and methanol/water extracts. These effects were paralleled by the decreased gene expression of IL-8 and NFkB and the inhibition of PGE2 release. Therefore, the present findings suggest the potential use of E. hirsutum for the management of the burden of inflammation and oxidative stress occurring in lower urinary tract diseases, including prostatitis.

Two Medicinal Plants (Alkanna trichophila and Convolvulus galaticus) from Turkey: Chemical Characterization and Biological Perspectives

The aim of the present study was to quantify selected phenolic compounds, determine antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory effects of the aerial parts of Alkanna trichophylla Hub.-Mor. (A. trichophylla) and Convolvulus galaticus Rost.ex Choisy (C. galaticus) extracts prepared by homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE), maceration (MAC) and infusion techniques. This is the first time such study has been designed to validate the phytochemical composition and bioactivity of these plants. Multivariate analysis was conducted on collected data. Rutin and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives were the most significant compounds in A. trichophylla and C. galaticus, respectively. The highest antioxidant activity of A. trichophylla was mostly exhibited by HAE/methanolic extracts as determined by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP (51.39, 112.70 and 145.73 mg TE/g, respectively) and phosphomolybdenum (2.05 mmol TE/g) assays. However, significant antioxidant activities varied within the extracts of C. galaticus. HAE/methanolic extract of A. trichophylla significantly depressed AChE (2.70 mg GALAE/g), BChE (5.53 mg GALAE/g) and tyrosinase (26.34 mg KAE/g) activities and that of C. galaticus inhibited AChE (2.04 mg GALAE/g), tyrosinase (31.25 mg KAE/g) and α-amylase (0.53 mmol ACAE/g) activities significantly. We concluded that HAE was the most efficient extraction technique as high yield of compounds and promising bioactivities were recorded from extracts prepared. Multivariate analysis showed that types of solvents influenced recovery of compounds and biological activities. This research study can be used as one methodological starting point for further investigation on these plants as all results are clearly promising and open the door to further research challenges such as cytotoxicity evaluation, molecular docking analysis, and more screening of pharmacological actions.

The functional potential of nine Allium species related to their untargeted phytochemical characterization, antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory ability

In this study, the aerial parts and bulbs of nine Allium species were investigated for their functional phytochemical profile, in vitro antioxidant activities, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase inhibitory properties. Phenolics, alkaloids, glucosinolates and other sulfur-containing compounds were distinctively profiled in the different species. Maceration in methanol allowed recovering the highest cumulative phenolic content in A. scabrifolium (42.31 mg/g), followed by A. goekyigiti (33.15 mg/g) and A. atroviolaceum (28.35 mg/g). The aerial parts of all Allium species showed high in vitro antioxidant activity whereas methanolic extract of A. cappadocicum bulb showed the highest inhibition against AChE (2.44 mg galantamine equivalent/g) and the water extracts of A. isauricum aerial part were the best BChE inhibitors (4.31 mg galantamine equivalent/g). Bulbs were the richer source of oligosaccharides, and in vitro digestion determined an increase of oligosaccharides bioaccessibility. A promising nutraceutical potential could be highlighted in our understudied Allium species.

Comprehensive chemical characterization and biological evaluation of two Acacia species: A. nilotica and A. ataxacantha

The genus Acacia (Family Leguminosae) is composed of several medicinal plants used for treating miscellaneous diseases. Amid the important members of this genus, A. nilotica and A. ataxacantha are widely employed for their tremendous healing properties. Hence, this present work aimed to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and investigate the antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-enzyme and antimicrobial potentials of methanolic and water extracts of leaves and stem bark of A. nilotica and A. ataxacantha obtained by maceration and ultrasonication. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were obtained in the range of 33.35-116.60 mg GAE/g and 0.26-49.90 mg RE/g, respectively, with the methanolic leaf extracts of both species showing the highest contents. Moreover, the methanolic extracts were observed to display higher antioxidant potentials in almost all antioxidant assays performed compared to the water extracts (ABTS: 52.66-943.81 mg TE/g, DPPH: 8.51-493.90 mg TE/g, CUPRAC: 106.39-1193.75 mg TE/g; FRAP: 31.38-416.21 mg TE/g, and phosphomolybdenum: 0.90-4.17 mM TE/g). However, the water extracts were seen to be better metal chelators than the methanolic extracts (8.47-36.85 mg EDTAE/g). Additionally, all extracts were found to exhibit anti-tyrosinase (30.79-74.80 mg KAE/g) and anti-amylase (0.10-1.10 mM ACAE/g) properties. With the exception of a few extracts, glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitions (1.69-2.12 mg ACAE/g and 0.42-2.61 mg GALAE/g, respectively) were also demonstrated. While the methanolic extracts of both species showed antimicrobial potency against all the 18 tested microorganisms (gram positive, gram negative, and fungi), the water extracts were effective only against the gram positive bacteria. The extracts were also found to exhibit antiproliferative effects on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, with the methanolic extracts showing higher cytotoxic potential than the water extracts. Therefore, this study showed these species to be good sources of antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, antimicrobials and antiproliferative agents, which could be of great interest for their applications as natural bioactive ingredients in the development of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

UHPLC-MS Characterization and Biological Insights of Different Solvent Extracts of Two Achillea Species (A. aleppica and A. santolinoides) from Turkey

In the current study, Achillea santolinoides and Achillea aleppica aeral parts and root were extracted with ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. Detailed phytochemical profiles were obtained using UHPLC-MS, yielding the identification of hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids, phenolic acid glycosides and sugar esters, acylquinic acids, O-glycosyl flavones and flavonols, and flavonoid aglycons, among others. The antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracts were assayed with in vitro tests. The phenolic content of the water extracts was significantly higher as compared to the ethyl acetate and methanol ones. A. aleppica aerial parts methanol extract possessed highest flavonoid content (49.18 mg rutin equivalent/g). Antioxidant properties assessment revealed that the methanol extract of A. santolinoides roots actively scavenged DPPH (54.11 mg TE/g) and ABTS radicals (112.53 mg TE/g) and possessed highest reducing potential (183.55 and 129.92 mg TE/g, for CUPRAC and FRAP, respectively). The ethyl acetate extracts of aerial parts and roots of both species showed highest inhibition against BuCHE (6.07–6.76 mg GALAE/g). The ethyl acetate extract of A.santolinoides aerial part showed highest inhibition against tyrosinase (73.00 mg KAE/g). These results showed that the tested Achillea species might represent novel phytotherapeutic avenues for the management of Alzheimer’s disease and epidermal hyperpigmentation conditions, which are both associated with oxidative stress. This paper could shed light into future potential industrial applications using the tested Achillea species.

LC-HRMS/MS phytochemical profiling of Symphytum officinale L. and Anchusa ochroleuca M. Bieb. (Boraginaceae): Unveiling their multi-biological potential via an integrated approach

This study was aimed at providing a comprehensive phytochemical characterization and multi-biological assessment of Symphytum officinale L., a medicinal plant with a noteworthy traditional use, and Anchusa ochroleuca M. Bieb., a Boraginaceae species from the Romanian flora. The dichloromethane, methanol and 65 % ethanol extracts obtained from the roots and aerial parts of both plants revealed the presence of numerous phenolic acids, oxygenated fatty acids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and flavonoids, as assessed by LC-HRMS/MS analysis. Consistent with their higher total phenolic content, the polar aerial part extracts of S. officinale and root extracts of A. ochroleuca showed the most significant antioxidant activities, as evaluated by DPPH (173.22-216.98 mg TE/g) and ABTS (219.41-311.97 mg TE/g) radical scavenging, CUPRAC (387.18-626.40 mg TE/g), FRAP (199.36-299.86 mg TE/g) and total antioxidant capacity (2.28-2.68 mmol TE/g). Furthermore, both plants exhibited good tyrosinase (19.11-43.89 mg KAE/g) and α-glucosidase (2.45-12.54 mmol ACAE/g) inhibitory effects. The orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) allowed the objective differentiation between the roots and aerial parts of the two investigated species based on their phytochemical and biological profiles. The partial least square (PLS) analysis showed that several individual phenolic acids, such as danshensu, rabdosiin and rosmarinic acid, significantly contributed to the antioxidant potential of both Boraginaceae species, whilst the relative levels of sucrose were positively correlated with the anti-enzymatic properties. Overall, S. officinale and A. ochroleuca could be regarded as rich sources of bioactive phytochemicals that could further lead to developing novel phyto-pharmaceutical commodities.

Unravelling the Phytochemical Composition and the Pharmacological Properties of an Optimized Extract from the Fruit from Prunus mahaleb L.: From Traditional Liqueur Market to the Pharmacy Shelf

Prunus mahaleb L. fruit has long been used in the production of traditional liqueurs. The fruit also displayed scavenging and reducing activity, in vitro. The present study focused on unravelling peripheral and central protective effects, antimicrobial but also anti-COVID-19 properties exerted by the water extract of P. mahaleb. Anti-inflammatory effects were studied in isolated mouse colons exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Neuroprotection, measured as a blunting effect on hydrogen-peroxide-induced dopamine turnover, was investigated in hypothalamic HypoE22 cells. Antimicrobial effects were tested against different Gram+ and Gram- bacterial strains. Whereas anti-COVID-19 activity was studied in lung adenocarcinoma H1299 cells, where the gene expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was measured after extract treatment. The bacteriostatic effects induced on Gram+ and Gram- strains, together with the inhibition of COX-2, TNFα, HIF1α, and VEGFA in the colon, suggest the potential of P. mahaleb water extract in contrasting the clinical symptoms related to ulcerative colitis. The inhibition of the hydrogen peroxide-induced DOPAC/DA ratio indicates promising neuroprotective effects. Finally, the downregulation of the gene expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in H1299 cells, suggests the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus entry in the human host. Overall, the results support the valorization of the local cultivation of P. mahaleb.

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Analysis, Cytotoxic, Antiviral, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Four Extracts of Geranium pyrenaicum Burm. f.: A Good Gift from the Natural Treasure

This study focused on the biological evaluation and chemical characterization of Geranium pyrenaicum Burm. f. Different solvent extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts) were prepared. The phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activity were investigated. Cytotoxicity was assessed using VERO, FaDu, HeLa and RKO cells. The antiviral activity was carried out against HSV-1 (Herpes simplex virus 1) propagated in VERO cell line. The aqueous extract, possessing high phenolic content (170.50 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), showed the highest reducing capacity (613.27 and 364.10 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, for cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power, respectively), radical scavenging potential (469.82 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, against 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), metal chelating ability (52.39 mg ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalent/g extract) and total antioxidant capacity (3.15 mmol Trolox equivalent/g extract). Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) alloved to tentatively identify a total of 56 compounds in the extracts, including ellagitannins, gallic acid and galloyl derivatives amongst others. The ethyl acetate extracts substantially depressed cholinesterase enzymes (4.49 and 12.26 mg galantamine equivalent/g extract against AChE and BChE, respectively) and α-amylase enzyme (1.04 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract). On the other hand, the methanolic extract inhibited tyrosinase (121.42 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract) and α-glucosidase (2.39 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract) activities. The highest selectivity towards all cancer cell lines (SI 4.5-10.8) was observed with aqueous extract with the FaDu cells being the most sensitive (CC50 40.22 µg/mL). It can be concluded that the presence of certain bioactive antiviral molecules may be related to the high anti HSV-1 activity of the methanolic extract. This work has generated vital scientific data on this medicinal plant, which is a prospective candidate for the creation of innovative phyto-pharmaceuticals.

A Prospective of Multiple Biopharmaceutical Activities of Procyanidins-Rich Uapaca togoensis Pax Extracts: HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS Coupled with Bioinformatics Analysis

The article reports the chemical composition, antioxidant, six key enzymes inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of two solvent extracts (water and methanol) of leaves and stem bark of Uapaca togoensis. For chemical composition, methanol extract of stem bark exhibited significant higher total phenolic (129.86 mg GAE/g) and flavanol (10.44 mg CE/g) contents. Methanol extract of leaves and water extract of stem bark showed high flavonoids (20.94 mg RE/g) and phenolic acid (90.40 mg CAE/g) content, respectively. In addition, HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS analysis revealed that U. togoensis was rich in procyanidins. The methanol and water extracts of stem bark had overall superior antioxidant activity; however, only methanol extract of stem bark showed higher inhibition of cholinesterase (AChE: 2.57 mg GALAE/g; BChE: 4.69 mg GALAE/g), tyrosinase (69.53 mg KAE/g) and elastase (2.73 mmol CE/g). Potent metal chelating ability was showed by water extract of leaves (18.94 mg EDTAE/g), higher inhibition of amylase was detected for water extracts of leaves (0.94 mmol ACAE/g) and stem bark (0.92 mmol ACAE/g). The tested extracts have shown wide-spectrum antibacterial properties and these effects have shown to be more effective against Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium funiculosum, Trichoderma viride, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results revealed that the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and antimicrobial activities depended on the extraction solvents and the parts of plant. Bioinformatics analysis on the 17 major compounds showed modulation of pathway associated with cancer. In brief, U. togoensis might be valuable as potential source of natural agents for therapeutic application.

Phytochemical profile, enzyme inhibition activity and molecular docking analysis of Feijoa sellowiana O. Berg

Feijoa sellowiana leaves and fruits have been investigated as a source of diverse bioactive metabolites. Extract and eight metabolites isolated from F. sellowiana leaves were evaluated for their enzymatic inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, amylase, tyrosinase, acetylcholinestrerase and butyrylcholinesterase both in vitro and in silico. Feijoa leaves’ extract showed strong antioxidant activity and variable levels of inhibitions against target enzymes with a strong anti-tyrosinase activity (115.85 mg Kojic acid equivalent/g). Additionally, α-tocopherol emerged as a potent inhibitor of AChE and BChE (5.40 & 10.38 mmol galantamine equivalent/g, respectively). Which was further investigated through molecular docking and found to develop key enzymatic interactions in AChE and BChE active sites. Also, primetin showed good anti BChE (11.70 mmol galantamine equivalent/g) and anti-tyrosinase inhibition (90.06 mmol Kojic acid equivalent/g) which was also investigated by molecular docking studies.

Highlights

Isolation of eight bioactive constituents from Feijoa sellowiana leaves.

In vitro assays using different enzymatic drug targets were investigated.

In silico study was performed to define compound interactions with target proteins.

Feijoa leaf is an excellent source of anti-AChE and antityrosinase bioactives.

Chemical Profiling and Biological Evaluation of Nepeta baytopii Extracts and Essential Oil: An Endemic Plant from Turkey

Nepeta baytopii is a poorly studied, endemic Nepeta species (Lamiaceae) of Turkey. For the first time, the biological activities (antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxicity properties) of the hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, water/methanol, and water extracts and essential oil prepared from N. baytopii aerial parts were assessed. Hydro-methanol (41.25 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) and water extracts (50.30 mg GAE/g), respectively showed the highest radical scavenging (94.40 and 129.22 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g, for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging assays) and reducing (229.37 and 129.55 mg TE/g, for ferric-reducing antioxidant power and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity assays) capacities in vitro. An interestingly high inhibition was observed for ethyl acetate extract against butyrylcholinesterase (10.85 mg galantamine equivalent/g). The methanol extract showed high cytotoxicity (31.7%) against HepG2 cells. Caryophyllene oxide was identified in high concentrations in the essential oil (39.3%). Luteolin and apigenin and their derivatives were identified from the methanol and water extracts. The results obtained from this study highlighted that the abundance of highly bioactive compounds from Nepeta baytopii ensures the multiple biological activities of the tested extracts, and this suggests a potential use in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields, and therefore should be investigated further.

Comprehensive evaluation of two Astragalus species (A. campylosema and A. hirsutus) based on biological, toxicological properties and chemical profiling

Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) is an important genus with numerous species having various traditional medicinal uses making them of interest for scientific investigations to ascertain their therapeutic benefits. In the present study, the quantitative polyphenolic profiles of methanolic extracts from different parts (leaves, flowers, and roots) of two endemic Astragalus species growing in Turkey, i.e. A. campylosema Boiss. and A. hirsutus Vahl were determined, along with their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. A. campylosema and A. hirsutus extracts showed varying total phenolic (25.80-40.60 and18.59-29.46 mg GAE/g, respectively) and total flavonoid (11.21-105.91 and 16.06-131.91 mg RE/g, respectively) contents. HPLC-MS/MS revealed rutin to be the predominant phenolic compound in all the extracts of A. campylosema and leaf extract of A. hirsutus (133.53-752.42 μg g^-1), while hyperoside was the major one in the flower and root extracts of A. hirsutus (2014.07 and 123.13 μg g^-1, respectively). In DPPH and ABTS assays, radical scavenging capacity was demonstrated by all extracts of A. campylosema (47.13-48.10 and 87.03-115.36 mg TE/g, respectively) and A. hirsutus (17.82-38.67 and 47.84-57.29 mg TE/g, respectively). Reducing activity was also displayed by the extracts in CUPRAC and FRAP assays (A. campylosema: 83.06-135.20 and 59.15-90.19 mg TE/g, respectively; A. hirsutus: 53.02-83.42 and 31.25-43.25 mg TE/g, respectively). All extracts were also found to act as metal chelators (12.32-21.45 mg EDTAE/g) and exhibited total antioxidant capacity ranging from 1.16 to 1.60 mmol TE/g, in phosphomolybdenum assay. Acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase inhibitory effects were observed by all the extracts of the two species (1.56-4.99 mg GALAE/g). Anti-hyperpigmentation potential by inhibiting tyrosinase (54.55-67.35 mg KAE/g) was reported as well. Carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, amylase and glucosidase were also inhibited (0.22-1.03 mmol ACAE/g). Overall, A. campylosema extracts showed relatively better antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potentials compared to A. hirsutus extracts. Strikingly, A. hirsutus extracts was found to have higher AGE inhibition activity than A. campylosema. Although the cytotoxic effect of three different organs obtained from A. campylosema and A. hirsutus increased depending on the dose (from 10 to 200 μg/mL), it was found that both plant extracts did not show a genotoxic effect at the highest concentration of 200 μg/mL. Indeed, data amassed from this current scientific work showed the two selected Astragalus species to be rich in bioactive polyphenols that could be responsible for the various pharmacological activities and hence demands to be further explored for their possible applications as natural health promoting agents.

NMR and LC-MSn coupled with pharmacological network analysis for the assessment of phytochemical content and biopharmaceutical potential of Carapa procera extracts

The methanolic and water extracts of Carapa procera leaves and stem barks were screened for their phytochemical content using a multi-technique approach. The extracts were also assessed for their in vitro antioxidant capacity along with their anti-diabetic (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), anti-tyrosinase, anti-elastase and anti-cholinesterase (AChE, BChE) activities. Furthermore, antibacterial and antifungal effects were determined against several bacterial and fungal strains. Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent components (DIABLO) integrative analysis was conducted on collected data to determine the influence of extraction solvents and plant parts on phytochemical content, antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitory properties of C. procera samples. Additionally, the major identified compounds were screened as modulators of multiple pathways involved in human diseases via Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Results showed that methanolic stem bark extract exhibited the most potent ABTS scavenging, Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ reducing power, total antioxidant capacity and Fe²⁺ chelating power and displayed the highest total flavanol content. Methanolic extracts of leaves and stem barks were abounded with phenolics and had the greatest anti-AChE, anti-BChE, anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase activities. A significant antifungal activity was observed, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal values of 0.07 and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. DIABLO integrative analysis suggested that the phytochemical content and biological activities varied significantly within the plant parts and were influenced by types of solvent used. GO enrichment analysis on the main bioactive compounds showed modulation of multiple pathways associated with cancer. Obtained results demonstrated that stem bark and leaves of C. procera can be considered as promising sources of bioactive molecules with high pharmacological values.

Metabolomic profiling and biological properties of six Limonium species: novel perspectives for nutraceutical purposes

The genus Limonium includes important halophyte plants containing a variety of bioactive compounds of therapeutic interest. In the present work, the untargeted phytochemical profiles of both aerial part and root extracts from six Limonium species namely, L. bellidifolium, L. globuliferum, L. gmelinii, L. lilacinum, L. sinuatum and L. iconicum from Turkey were determined. Furthermore, several biological activities (in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects) were investigated. Overall, significant amounts of total phenolics (43.64-238.18 mg g-1) and flavonoids (1.61-129.69 mg g-1) were recorded. Particularly, the root extracts of L. gmelinii, L. iconicum and L. globuliferum showed the highest total phenolic content (204.13-238.18 mg g-1), whilst the highest total flavonoid content was recorded in the root extracts of L. gmelinii (129.69 mg g-1). Overall, the tested extracts demonstrated potent radical scavenging activities in both DPPH (2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (90.10-507.94 mg g-1 and 163.39-1175.34 mg g-1, respectively). However, the highest scavenging potential (p < 0.05) was displayed by the root extracts of L. iconicum. Conversely, the metal chelating ability assay revealed that L. lilacinum root extract showed the highest activity (21.03 mg g-1). Interestingly, all the extracts were found to be active inhibitors of cholinesterases (AChE (acetylcholinesterase): 4.20-5.11 mg GALAE (galantamine equivalent) per g; BChE (butyrylcholinesterase): 3.89-10.75 mg GALAE per g), amylase (0.52-1.09 mmol ACAE (acarbose equivalent) per g) and tyrosinase (119.41-155.67 mg KAE (kojic acid equivalent) per g), unlike for glucosidase (2.31-2.41 mmol ACAE per g). Taken together, these findings demonstrated a diverse chemical profiles and biological of the extracts, to be potentially considered as phytotherapeutic or functional ingredients due to their antioxidant properties and inhibition of key enzymes involved in several diseases.

Tanacetum vulgare L. (Tansy) as an effective bioresource with promising pharmacological effects from natural arsenal

The Tanacetum genus is a big treasure with the presence of biologically-active compounds and members of this genus are widely used for the treatment of several diseases in traditional medicine system. Considering this fact, we aimed to analyze the extracts from Tanacetum vulgare L. in case of chemical profiles and biological effects. Chemical characterization was performed by using UHPLC-HRMS technique and showed the presence of several phytochemical groups (107 compounds were identified, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids and fatty acids. Biological abilities were examined by using antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, metal chelating and phosphomolybdenum assays) and enzyme inhibition (tyrosinase, amylase, glucosidase and cholinesterase) properties. Pharmaco-toxicological investigations were also performed with the aim to identify limits of biocompatibility, anti-oxidant and neuromodulatory effects, in hypothalamic HypoE22 cells. A bioinformatic analysis was also carried to unravel the putative protein-targets for the observed biological effects. Generally, the tested hexane and hydroalcoholic extracts displayed stronger activities in antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory assays, when compared with water. In addition, multivariate analysis was performed to understand the differences in both solvents and plant parts and we clearly observed the separation of these parameters. The extracts (10 μg/mL) also stimulated DAT and inhibited TNFα and BDNF gene expression, in HypoE22 cells. In parallel, the extracts were also able to stimulate norepinephrine release from this cell line. By contrast, in the concentration range 50-100 μg/mL, the extracts reduced the HypoE22 viability, thus demonstrating cytotoxicity at concentrations 5-10 fold higher compared to those effective as neuromodulatory. Our observations manifested that T. vulgare has several beneficial effects and it can be used as a potential natural raw material for designing further health-promoting applications in nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical areas.

Chemical Composition, Diuretic, and Antityrosinase Activity of Traditionally Used Romanian Cerasorum stipites

Cherry stems (CS) represent a by-product intensively used in Eastern European countries as a traditional remedy for urinary tract disorders. Ethnopharmacological evidences sustain the use of CS as aqueous preparations (infusion and decoction), but few data were previously reported about phytochemical profile and pharmacological potential of CS hydroalcoholic extracts. In this regard, we aimed to evaluate the phenolic profile, in vitro antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory potential, and in vivo diuretic activity of 70% hydroethanolic cherry stems extract and cherry stems decoction (CSD). LC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ analysis revealed the presence of flavonoid-type compounds as main constituents for both preparations, especially flavanones (naringenin glycosides). Antioxidant activity evaluated through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods was superior for cherry stems extract, probably due to the presence of phenolic-derived compounds in higher amounts than CSD. On the other hand, tyrosinase inhibitory potential and diuretic effect exerted by CSD were stronger, highlighting that other types of hydrophilic secondary metabolites are responsible for this bioactivity. Overall, our findings indicate that CS preparations could be used as promising mild diuretic agents and encourage further investigations regarding the correlation between their chemical composition and bioactive potential.

Six new triterpenoids from the root of Potentilla reptans and their cardioprotective effects in silico

Tormentic acid ester glucosides derivatives (1, 2 and 4), 3-oxoursane ester glycoside (3) and 11-methoxy-ursane ester glycosides (5, 6) as six new triterpenoids, along with catechin were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Potentilla reptans root (Et) methanolic extract. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by 1D, 2D NMR, IR and MS spectroscopy. Additionally, isolated triterpenoid compounds (1-6) and catechin were evaluated for their cardioprotective effects via glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and glucocorticoid regulated kinase-1 (SGK1) protein kinase inhibition by Molecular Docking. Compound 1 and catechin (compound 7) exhibited significant inhibitory effects against GSK-3β and SGK1 protein kinases with a binding energy value -9.1 and -8.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Hence, Et can be a suitable natural candidate to protect cardiomyocytes injury.

Establishment of a Rapid Micropropagation System for Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker: Phytochemical Analysis of Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of Biological Activities

This study aimed to establish a rapid in vitro plant regeneration method from rhizome buds of Kaempferia parviflora to obtain the valuable secondary metabolites with antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties. The disinfection effect of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO NPs) on rhizome and effects of plant growth regulators on shoot multiplication and subsequent rooting were investigated. Surface sterilization of rhizome buds with sodium hypochlorite was insufficient to control contamination. However, immersing rhizome buds in 100 mg L⁻¹ AgO NPs for 60 min eliminated contamination without affecting the survival of explants. The number of shoots (12.2) produced per rhizome bud was higher in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 8 µM of 6-Benzyladenine (6-BA) and 0.5 µM of Thidiazuron (TDZ) than other treatments. The highest number of roots (24), with a mean root length of 7.8 cm and the maximum shoot length (9.8 cm), were obtained on medium MS with 2 µM of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). A survival rate of 98% was attained when plantlets of K. parviflora were acclimatized in a growth room. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine the chemical profile of K. parviflora leaf extracts. Results showed that several biologically active flavonoids reported in rhizomes were also present in leaf tissues of both in vitro cultured and ex vitro (greenhouse-grown) plantlets of K. parviflora. We found 40 and 36 compounds in in vitro cultured and ex vitro grown leaf samples, respectively. Greenhouse leaves exhibited more potent antioxidant activities than leaves from in vitro cultures. A higher acetylcholinesterase inhibitory ability was obtained for greenhouse leaves (1.07 mg/mL). However, leaves from in vitro cultures exhibited stronger butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory abilities. These results suggest that leaves of K. parviflora, as major byproducts of black ginger cultivation, could be used as valuable alternative sources for extracting bioactive compounds.

Supercritical and ultrasound-assisted extracts from Pleurotus pulmonarius mushroom: chemical profiles, antioxidative, and enzyme-inhibitory properties

BACKGROUND

This study provides an insight into the impact of ultrasound-assisted extraction with water as solvent (UAEW) and extraction by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂ ) with 5% EtOH on antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity in regard to the chemical profile of the edible and medicinal mushroom, Pleurotus pulmonarius.

RESULTS

Extraction efficiency was between 0.36% and 63.32%, depending on the extraction technique. The main compounds in the extracts were fatty acids. Supercritical CO₂ extraction with co-solvent was the most suitable method for obtaining extracts that were rich in ergosterol content, reaching a value of 40.1 mg g^-1 . The UAEW of crude mushroom powder ensured the highest yield, as well as the extracts with best antioxidative activity. The measurements of enzyme inhibitory activity revealed that all types of investigated extracts exhibited only tyrosinase and amylase inhibition at a significant level.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, the extraction methods significantly affected the chemical profile and bioactivity of P. pulmonarius. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

A comparative study of the HPLC-MS profiles and biological efficiency of different solvent leaf extracts of two African plants: Bersama abyssinica and Scoparia dulcis

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.