Rutin: A review on extraction, identification and purification methods, biological activities and approaches to enhance its bioavailability

A Comparative Study of Rutin and Rutin Glycoside: Antioxidant Activity, Anti-Inflammatory Effect, Effect on Platelet Aggregation and Blood Coagulation

The effects of rutin and rutin glycoside with different solubility were compared on antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and the effects on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation in vitro and in vivo. Rutin glycoside (consisting of rutin mono-glucoside and rutin di-glucoside) was prepared via enzymatic transglycosylation from rutin. Rutin glycoside showed a higher effect than rutin on radical scavenging activity in antioxidant assays. Rutin showed a higher toxicity than rutin glycoside in murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. They had similar effects on the levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E (PGE) 2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6) in the cells. Both rutin and rutin glycosides similarly reduced the rate of platelet aggregation compared to controls in vitro. They also similarly delayed prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in an in vitro blood coagulation test. The effect of repeated administration of rutin and rutin glycoside was evaluated in vivo using SD rats. The platelet aggregation rate of rutin and the rutin glycoside administered group was significantly decreased compared to that of the control group. On the other hand, PT and APTT of rutin and rutin glycoside group were not significantly delayed in vivo blood coagulation test. In conclusion, rutin and rutin glycoside showed differences in antioxidant activities in vitro, while they were similar in the reduction of NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 in vitro. Rutin and rutin glycoside also showed similar platelet aggregation rates, and blood coagulation both in vitro and in vivo condition. Comparing in vitro and in vivo, rutin and rutin glycoside were effective on platelet aggregation both in vitro and in vivo, but only in vitro on blood coagulation.

Nanophytosomes for enhancement of rutin efficacy in oral administration for diabetes treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Rutin is a natural antioxidant compound with several therapeutic benefits. However, the application of this bioactive compound is limited due to its low stability and bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to encapsulate rutin into nanophytosomes (NPs) and evaluate the therapeutic potency of this nanocarrier in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency of the prepared NPs were 72.72 nm, -22 mV, and 93.7%, respectively. The in vivo study showed that the oral administration of rutin-loaded NPs (containing 25 mg rutin/kg per day) for 4 weeks was more effective than free rutin in the control of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, the administration of rutin-loaded NPs regulated the activities of liver marker enzymes and the levels of total hemoglobin and glycated hemoglobin in the diabetic rats. The antioxidant defenses in the diabetic rats were increased by the administration of rutin-loaded NPs more than free rutin. Moreover, the histopathological study showed that the administration of rutin-loaded NPs restored the diabetes-induced damages in kidney, liver, and pancreas. In conclusion, encapsulation of rutin with phytosomes is an effective technique to benefit from its therapeutic potential, especially to attenuate diabetic complications.

Two fungal flavonoid-specific glucosidases/rutinosidases for rutin hydrolysis and rutinoside synthesis under homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction conditions

The glycosidases within GH5-23 cleave the glycosidic bond of β-glucosylated or rutinosylated flavonoids. Moreover, by virtue of their transglycosylation activity, glycoconjugates with glucosyl and rutinosyl moieties are accessible. Here we report the biochemical characterization and biotechnological assessment of two heterologously expressed members of GH5-23—McGlc from Mucor circinelloides and PcGlc from Penicillium chrysogenum. Both enzymes exhibited the highest hydrolytic activities with quercetin-3-β-O-glucopyranoside, whereas lower specificity constants were determined with the rutinosides narcissin, rutin and hesperidin. High stabilities against thermal, ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide-induced inactivation, a very limited secondary hydrolysis of the formed transglycosylation products, and no detectable product inhibition were additional features appropriate for biotechnological applications. The enzymes were compared in their efficiencies to hydrolyze rutin and to synthesize 2-phenylethyl rutinoside under homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction conditions using high rutin concentrations of 100 and 300 mM. Highest transglycosylation efficiencies were achieved with fully dissolved rutin in reaction mixtures containing 25% dimethyl sulfoxide. Molecular docking and multiple sequence alignments suggest that the hydrophobic environment of aromatic residues within the + 1 subsite of GH5-23 glycosidases is very important for the binding of flavonoid glucosides and rutinosides.

Identification and Recovery of Valuable Bioactive Compounds from Potato Peels: A Comprehensive Review

Nowadays, the potato is one of the most cultivated and consumed food crops in the world and, in recent years, its production has experienced a sharp increase. Its industrial processing generates several by-products that are wasted and cause economic and environmental problems. Among them, potato peel stands out, representing up to 10% of the total potato residues obtained in the processing. On the other hand, these wastes, in addition to presenting antioxidant compounds, are rich in interesting chemical compounds of great value in a biorefinery model. This review summarizes the main compounds present in potato skins as well as the most used and innovative extraction methods employed for their isolation, with special emphasis on the fractions with biological activities. In addition, a sustainable biorefinery proposal focused on obtaining high added-value products with potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, nutraceutical, or cosmetic industries is included.

Identification of Flavonoids in the Leaves of Eranthis longistipitata (Ranunculaceae) by Liquid Chromatography with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS)

Eranthis longistipitata Regel is an endemic plant of Central Asia. The flavonoid profile of E. longistipitata leaves was studied by mass spectrometry for the first time (natural populations of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, in 70% aqueous–ethanol extracts by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry). Mass spectrometry revealed 18 flavonoid compounds. Flavonols featured the highest diversity, and 10 such substances were identified: 2 free aglycones (quercetin and kaempferol), 6 quercetin glycosides (peltatoside, hyperoside, reynoutrin, quercetin 3-sambubioside, rutin, and isoquercitrin), and 2 kaempferol glycosides (juglalin and trifolin). Two flavans (cianidanol and auriculoside), two hydroxyflavanones (6-methoxytaxifolin and aromadendrin), and one C-glycoside flavone—carlinoside—were identified. Dihydroxychalcones aspalathin, phloridzin, and phloretin were found too. Levels of rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and hyperoside were confirmed by means of standards and high-performance liquid chromatography. Rutin concentration was the highest among all other identified flavonoid compounds: in the leaf samples from Kyrgyzstan, it ranged from 2.46 to 3.20 mg/g, and in those from Uzbekistan, from 1.50 to 3.01 mg/g. The diversity of flavonoid compounds in E. longistipitata leaves is probably due to external ecological and geographic factors and adaptive mechanisms.

Citrus flavonoids as potential therapeutic agents: A review

The plants Rutaceae family are known to have contributed a lot toward food and medicine. The most important metabolites of the family are flavonoids. A systematic review was conducted to collect chemical and pharmacological information of flavonoids isolated from family Rutaceae till 2018. A plethora of flavonoids have been isolated and studied systematically for various bioactivities, including anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, in bronchitis, ulcers, and so on. The important groups of flavonoids isolated are naringin, poncirin, rhoifolin, marmesin, hesperidin, tangeretin, nobiletin, glychalcone, glyflavanone, lemairone, acacetin 3,6-di-C-glucoside, vicenin-2, lucenin-2 4'-methyl ether, narirutin 4'-O-glucoside, apigenin 8-C-neohesperidoside, phloretin 3',5'-di-C-glucoside, rutin, rhamnetin, dihydrokaempferol, dihydrokaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside (engeletin) and kaempferol, excavaside A and B, myricetin 3-O-β-D-rutinoside, myricetin 3,3'-di-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, myricetin 3'-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, and others. The flavonoids isolated from the citrus family need to be considered from a nutraceutical, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical point of view for future medicine.

Multifaceted antiviral therapeutic potential of dietary flavonoids: Emerging trends and future perspectives

Phytochemicals are the natural biomolecules produced by plants via primary or secondary metabolism, which have been known to have many potential health benefits to human beings. Flavonoids or phytoestrogens constitute a major group of such phytochemicals widely available in variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, tea, and so forth, implicated in a variety of bio-pharmacological and biochemical activities against diseases including bacterial, viral, cancer, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders. More recently, these natural biomolecules have been shown to have effective antiviral properties via therapeutically active ingredients within them, acting at different stages of infection. Current review emphasizes upon the role of these flavonoids in physiological functions, prevention and treatment of viral diseases. More so the review focuses specifically upon the antiviral effects exhibited by these natural biomolecules against RNA viruses including coronaviruses. Furthermore, the article would certainly provide a lead to the scientific community for the effective therapeutic antiviral use of flavonoids using potential cost-effective tools for improvement of the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and biodistribution of such compounds for the concrete action along with the promotion of human health.

A Novel Approach to Unraveling the Apoptotic Potential of Rutin (Bioflavonoid) via Targeting Jab1 in Cervical Cancer Cells

Rutin has been well recognized for possessing numerous pharmacological and biological activities in several human cancer cells. This research has addressed the inhibitory potential of rutin against the Jab1 oncogene in SiHa cancer cells, which is known to inactivate various tumor suppressor proteins including p53 and p27. Further, the inhibitory efficacy of rutin via Jab1 expression modulation in cervical cancer has not been yet elucidated. Hence, we hypothesized that rutin could exhibit strong inhibitory efficacy against Jab1 and, thereby, induce significant growth arrest in SiHa cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. In our study, the cytotoxic efficacy of rutin on the proliferation of a cervical cancer cell line (SiHa) was exhibited using MTT and LDH assays. The correlation between rutin and Jab1 mRNA expression was assessed by RT-PCR analysis and the associated events (a mechanism) with this downregulation were then explored via performing ROS assay, DAPI analysis, and expression analysis of apoptosis-associated signaling molecules such as Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 and -9 using qRT-PCR analysis. Results exhibit that rutin produces anticancer effects via inducing modulation in the expression of oncogenes as well as tumor suppressor genes. Further apoptosis induction, caspase activation, and ROS generation in rutin-treated SiHa cancer cells explain the cascade of events associated with Jab1 downregulation in SiHa cancer cells. Additionally, apoptosis induction was further confirmed by the FITC-Annexin V/PI double staining method. Altogether, our research supports the feasibility of developing rutin as one of the potent drug candidates in cervical cancer management via targeting one such crucial oncogene associated with cervical cancer progression.

Halophytes as source of bioactive phenolic compounds and their potential applications

Halophytes are salt-tolerant plants that inhabit environments in which they are exposed to extreme stress, wherefore they exhibit conserved and divergent metabolic responses different from those of conventional plants. Thus, the synthesis and accumulation of metabolites, especially of those oxidative stress-related such as phenolic compounds, should be investigated. The potential of halophytes as a source of phenolics and their prospective industrial applications are evaluated based on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on the phenolic compounds of more than forty halophytes and their biological activities. Additionally, an overview of the analytical methodologies adopted for phenolics determination in halophytes is provided. Finally, the prospective uses and beneficial effects of the phenolic preparations from these plants are discussed. Halophytes are complex matrices, exhibiting a wide variety of phenolics in their composition, wherefore the results can be greatly affected depending on the organ plant under analysis and the extraction methodology, especially the extraction solvent used. High-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) or mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), are the most used technique. Halophytes biosynthesize phenolics in concentrations that justify the remarkable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities shown, making them ideal sources of bioactive molecules to be employed in a multitude of sectors.

Antimicrobial activity of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC and its synergistic interaction with nisin against food-related bacteria

The antimicrobial activities of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC essential oil (EO) and hydroalcoholic extract (HE) were evaluated. The EO showed broad antimicrobial activity and its synergistic combination with nisin was tested. Major components of EO were nerolidol, beta-pinene and D-limonene, while artepillin C, rutin and cafeic acid were major phenolics of HE. EO and HE were tested by agar diffusion assay against several strains of bacteria and yeasts, and mixed cultures of bacterial strains. The EO presented the largest spectrum of antimicrobial activity inhibiting all Gram-positive bacteria tested. Yeasts were not inhibited. The effect of EO against mixtures of sensitive and non-sensitive bacteria was tested on milk agar, being the inhibitory effect only observed on mixtures containing susceptible strains. The combination of EO and nisin at ½ MIC was evaluated on the growth curve of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis during 24 h at 37 °C. The combination EO-nisin was effective and no viable counts of B. cereus, L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis was observed, while the individual antimicrobials caused no inhibition. The counts of S. aureus were about 4 log CFU/mL lower in comparison with EO or nisin alone. B. dracunculifolia DC may be a potential source of natural antimicrobials, and its synergistic effect with nisin would reduce the working concentration, minimizing the organoleptic effects associated with this plant antimicrobial.

Molecularly imprinted polymers for arbutin and rutin by modified precipitation polymerization and their application for selective extraction of rutin in nutritional supplements

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for glycosides, arbutin (ARB) and rutin (RUT), were prepared using methacrylamide (MAM) and 4-vinylpyridine (4-VPY) as functional monomers and divinylbenzene as a crosslinker by modified precipitation polymerization. The template molecule, ARB or RUT, was first dissolved in methanol, followed by precipitation polymerization using a mixture of acetonitrile and toluene as a porogenic solvent. The molar ratios of the template molecule, MAM and 4-VPY were optimized to achieve a high molecular recognition ability for ARB and RUT. The retention and molecular recognition properties of these MIPs were evaluated in HILIC or normal-phase mode. With an increase in the acetonitrile content in the mobile phase, the retention factor of ARB or RUT was increased. Furthermore, the MIPs for ARB and RUT showed the highest imprinting factors of 3.65 and 66.5 for the template molecules, respectively. Hydrogen bonding interactions such as N⋯H-O, C=O⋯H-O and NH⋯O-H between 4-VPY or MAM and hydroxy groups of d-glucose or d-rutinose could function in the recognition of a glycone. Furthermore, hydrogen bonding interactions between functional monomers and the hydroxy group(s) of hydroquinone or quercetin could function in the recognition of an aglycone. These results suggest that the MIPs could recognize both a glycone and aglycone via hydrogen bonding interactions. Furthermore, MIPs for RUT were successfully applied to extract RUT in nutritional supplements.

Rutin Mediated Apoptotic Cell Death in Caski Cervical Cancer Cells via Notch-1 and Hes-1 Downregulation

Natural dietary molecules such as flavonoids have been recognized for their immense potential in cancer therapeutics with several health benefits. Hes-1 and Notch-1 overexpression has been associated with the progression of cervical cancer. However, the apoptosis-inducing potential of one such potent flavanol against these two key components of the Notch signaling pathway in cervical cancer has not been elucidated to date. Therefore, in this study, we performed several in vitro assays to gain detailed insight about the apoptotic inducing effect of rutin as well as its modulatory effect on Notch-1 and Hes-1 in cervical cancer cells. The results indicated that rutin led to a dose-dependent antiproliferative effects on Caski cervical cancer cells. DAPI and Mitotracker red staining revealed that rutin induced significant apoptotic effects via caspase-3/9 activation, ROS generation, and alteration in Bax/Bcl2 mRNA expression. Cell cycle analysis resulted in the arrest of cell cycle progression in G0/G1 that was associated with a reduced expression of CDK4 and Cyclin D1. The gene expression analysis further revealed that rutin treatment decreases Notch-1 and Hes-1 mRNA expression. Altogether, these results showed that rutin showed potent anticancer effects in human cervical cancer Caski cells by triggering apoptosis, G0/G1 phase arrest, and downregulating the level of Notch-1 and Hes-1 of the Notch signaling pathway.

A Comprehensive Review on Varicose Veins: Preventive Measures and Different Treatments

The purpose of this article was to review the different preventive measures and treatments for varicose veins disease. Varicose veins are tortuous, enlarged veins that are usually found in the lower extremities damages blood vessels leading to its painful swelling cause's blood clots, affecting people over increasing prevalence with age and affects the proficiency, productivity, and life quality of a person. Prolonged standing and obesity are the major reason for varicose vein disease. The mechanisms, prevention, risk factors, complications, and treatment of varicose veins are explained in this review. Various types of treatments such as endovascular, surgical, and herbal treatments improve quality of life and reduce the secondary complications of varicose veins. Besides these methods of treatments, varicose vein disease can be prevented by doing regular yoga/exercise and consumption of several fruits and vegetables such as Grapes, blackberries, avocados, ginger, and rosemary. Typically, varicose veins can be a benign process with several problems that can influence the life quality of an individual that can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. However, there are numerous surgical, endovascular, and chemical treatments that improve quality of life and decrease secondary complications of varicose veins. Patients with varicose veins should take an antioxidant medicament from the flavonoid groups to reduce the arterial blood pressure value, risk of atherosclerosis development, prevent thrombotic incidents.Key teaching pointsChronic venous disease is a pathological state of vein circulatory systems of the lower limbsProlonged standing and obesity are the major reason for varicose vein diseaseEndovascular, surgical, and herbal treatments improve quality of life and reduce the secondary complications of varicose veinsVenoactive drugs such as flavonoids, saponins, and others have a therapeutic effect on chronic venous disordersPhlebotropic drugs are semi-synthetic substances widely used in different states of chronic venous insufficiencyFood rich in phytoconstituents are more effective in varicose veins.

Application of graphene oxide in the adsorption and extraction of bioactive compounds from lemon peel

The bioactive compounds like rutin, naringin, and gallic acid have been separated from lemon peel by graphene oxide (GO). The different influences such as pH values and separation conditions were investigated. Moreover, the samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The findings of high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the adsorbed proportion of rutin by GO was more than naringin and gallic acid so that 66.7% of rutin, 34% of naringin, and 19% of gallic acid from the extract were remarkably adsorbed and separated. Besides, adsorption percentage of these materials by GO was considered 74.8% after five cycles of adsorption-desorption process. On the other hand, we carried out batch experiments in order to study the adsorption mechanism of rutin on the GO since rutin was the highest quantity of bioactive substance in lemon peel. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm were the best models for describing adsorption process of rutin by GO. Adsorption capacity of rutin by GO was obtained about 21.08 mgg-1. In addition, the physical adsorption of rutin by GO was confirmed by Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm. This research confirmed that this method for separation of flavonoids is simple and less cost.

The micronutrient profile of medicinal plant extracts

Medicinal plants contain biologically active substances that have a physiological effect on the human body. In the territory of Ukraine, 15 of the most important medicinal plants grow from a medical point of view, among which are Melissa officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis. Micronutrients are necessary for the body in small quantities, not being a source of energy, they take part in their assimilation, as well as in the regulation of various functions and the implementation of the processes of growth and development of the human body. The study aims to establish the micronutrient profile of extracts and infusions from medicinal raw materials – Сalendula officinalis and Melissa officinalis. The established micronutrient profile includes data on the content of such macro- and microelements as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, and copper in extracts and infusions from Melissa officinalis L officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis. Sodium predominates from certain macronutrients, the superiority of which is manifested in Сalendula officinalis when infused. A large amount of calcium also passes into the aqueous-alcoholic infusion from Сalendula officinalis. Copper and zinc prevail among the determined microelements in water extracts of Сalendula officinalis. Comparing the results obtained, we can say in the affirmative about the micro- and macro elements that have passed into extracts that Сalendula officinalis is richer in these substances. Because infusions and extracts are recommended to be added as an additional ingredient to vegetable and fruit juices, their positive infusion on the human body will increase the recommended daily requirement of potassium and sodium. Based on the results of this study, extracts and infusions of Melissa officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis can be considered as an essential source of micronutrients for enriching fruit and vegetable juices in canned food for health purposes

Characterization and Stability of a Formulation Containing Antioxidants-Enriched Castanea sativa Shells Extract

The cosmetic industry is a field on rise where the search for novel antioxidant ingredients, preferably from natural matrixes, became a new challenge. The reuse of Castanea sativa shells as a source of phytochemicals with pro-healthy effects in skin care products may be a valuable alternative to valorize this underexploited agro-industrial by-product. A previous study of our research group demonstrated the antioxidant properties of chestnut shells extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), as well as its safeness on skin cell lines, namely keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Based on the extract richness in antioxidants, a formulation containing C. sativa shells extract obtained by this environmentally friendly technology was successfully developed in the present study. The oil-in-water (O/W) cream incorporating the chestnut shells extract was further characterized regarding organoleptic and technological properties, namely color, pH, droplets size, and viscosity. A stability study over time was also accomplished. The results demonstrate that the formulation not only displayed pleasant organoleptic characteristics attractive to consumers but also a pH compatible with skin and a suitable viscosity for topical application. The stability study revealed minor changes to droplet size and color, without affecting the general stability of the formulation. In conclusion, this study emphasized the prominent benefits of chestnut shells extract as a novel ingredient for skin care formulations.

Polyphenols of the Mediterranean Diet and Their Metabolites in the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

The Mediterranean diet is a central element of a healthy lifestyle, where polyphenols play a key role due to their anti-oxidant properties, and for some of them, as nutripharmacological compounds capable of preventing a number of diseases, including cancer. Due to the high prevalence of intestinal cancer (ranking second in causing morbidity and mortality), this review is focused on the beneficial effects of selected dietary phytophenols, largely present in Mediterranean cooking: apigenin, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin-rutine, and resveratrol. The role of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention of colorectal cancer and future perspectives are discussed in terms of food polyphenol content, the effectiveness, the plasma level, and the importance of other factors, such as the polyphenol metabolites and the influence of the microbiome. Perspectives are discussed in terms of microbiome-dependency of the brain-second brain axis. The emergence of polyphenol formulations may strengthen the efficiency of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention of cancer.

Ameliorating effects of metabolic syndrome with the consumption of rich-bioactive compounds fruits from Brazilian Cerrado: a narrative review

Evidence suggests that bioactive compounds present in fruits and vegetables, including carotenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols, may have beneficial effects against the development of obesity and other diseases. The fruits of the Brazilian Cerrado are rich in biologically active compounds but are underexplored by the population being used only locally dietary consumption. The objective of this review is to direct attention to the bioactive compounds already elucidated for the fruits of "Cerrado" cashew (Anacadium othanianum Rizz.), baru almond (Dipteryx alata Vogel), cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.), "Cerrado" pear (Eugenia klotzschiana Berg), mangaba (Hancornia speciosa), and pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb), demonstrating possible metabolic effects of the consumption of these fruits on the metabolic syndrome and its risk factors. Studies have shown that Cerrado native fruits have a high content of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, which also demonstrate high antioxidant capacity and may be related to the protective effect in metabolic syndrome-related diseases by act as inhibitors in various processes in lipid metabolism and glucose transport. Although more scientific evidence is still needed, the consumption of native fruits from the Cerrado seems to be a promising strategy which -along with other strategies such as nutritional therapy- can ameliorate the effects of the metabolic syndrome.

Valorisation of Olea europaea L. Olive Leaves through the Evaluation of Their Extracts: Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity

Olea europaea L. leaves constitute a source of bioactive compounds with recognized benefits for both human health and technological purposes. In the present work, different extracts from olive leaves were obtained by the application of two extraction methods, Soxhlet and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and six solvents (distilled water, ethanolic and glycerol mixtures solvents). MAE was applied under 40, 60 and 80 °C for 3, 6.5 and 10 min. The effect of the extraction method, solvent and treatment factors (the latter in MAE) on the total phenol content (TPC), the antioxidant activity (AA) and the phenolic profile of the extracts were all evaluated. The extracts showed high values of TPC (up to 76.1 mg GAE/g DW) and AA (up to 78 mg TE/g DW), with oleuropein being the most predominant compound in all extracts. The Soxhlet extraction method exhibited better yields in TPC than in MAE, although both methods presented comparable AA values. The water MAE extract presented the strongest antimicrobial activity against five foodborne pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 2.5 to 60 mg/mL. MAE water extract is proposed to be exploited in the food and nutraceutical industry in the frame of a sustainable economy.

Matrix Effects of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Calyces of Physalis peruviana L. on Rutin Pharmacokinetics in Wistar Rats Using Population Modeling

Rutin is the rutinose conjugate of quercetin. It presents several biological activities and is the major flavonoid in the hydroalcoholic extract of the calyces of Physalis peruviana L. It also shows hypoglycemic activity after oral administration. The aim of this work was to study the matrix effects of the extract from P. peruviana calyces on the pharmacokinetics of rutin and its metabolites in Wistar rats, using non-compartmental and population pharmacokinetic analyses. A pharmacokinetic study was performed after intravenous and oral administration of different doses of pure rutin and the extract. In the non-compartmental analysis, it was found that rutin from the extract exhibited higher distribution and clearance, as well as an 11-fold increase in the bioavailability of its active metabolites. A population pharmacokinetic model was also carried out with two compartments, double absorption and linear elimination, in which the extract and the doses were the covariates involved. This model correctly described the differences observed between rutin as a pure compound and rutin from the extract, including the dose dependency.

Rutin: A Potential Antiviral for Repurposing as a SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) Inhibitor

Various computational studies, including in silico ones, have identified several existing compounds that could serve as effective inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), and thus preventing replication of the virus. Among these, rutin has been identified as a potential hit, having prominent binding affinity to the virus. Moreover, its presence in several traditional antiviral medicines prescribed in China to infected patients with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 justify its promise as a repurposed bioactive secondary metabolite against SARS-CoV-2.

Rutin Is a Low Micromolar Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease 3CLpro: Implications for Drug Design of Quercetin Analogs

The pandemic, due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has stimulated the search for antivirals to tackle COVID-19 infection. Molecules with known pharmacokinetics and already approved for human use have been demonstrated or predicted to be suitable to be used either directly or as a base for a scaffold-based drug design. Among these substances, quercetin is known to be a potent in vitro inhibitor of 3CLpro, the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. However, its low in vivo bioavailability calls for modifications to its molecular structure. In this work, this issue is addressed by using rutin, a natural flavonoid that is the most common glycosylated conjugate of quercetin, as a model. Combining experimental (spectroscopy and calorimetry) and simulation techniques (docking and molecular dynamics simulations), we demonstrate that the sugar adduct does not hamper rutin binding to 3CLpro, and the conjugated compound preserves a high potency (inhibition constant in the low micromolar range, K_i = 11 μM). Although showing a disruption of the pseudo-symmetry in the chemical structure, a larger steric volume and molecular weight, and a higher solubility compared to quercetin, rutin is able to associate in the active site of 3CLpro, interacting with the catalytic dyad (His41/Cys145). The overall results have implications in the drug-design of quercetin analogs, and possibly other antivirals, to target the catalytic site of the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro.

LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis and cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of chlorogenic acid derivative rich extract from Nerium oleander L. pink flowers

Nerium oleander L. is a widely used medicinal plant for pharmaceutical purposes. In this work, an extract of the pink flowers of this plant (FE) was characterized in terms of phenolic composition by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and bioactivity, namely, antioxidant and antiproliferative effects. A total of 20 compounds from different classes, including derivatives of phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosylated derivatives, were identified in FE. Chlorogenic acid was the dominant phenolic compound in the extract (62.28 ± 1.74 μg mg^-1 of dry extract). The antioxidant activity was assessed by ORAC assay, and FE showed an ability to reduce peroxyl radicals (ORAC value of 791.26 μmol TEAC per g DE). Additionally, the FE inhibited the proliferation of a colorectal cancer cell line (HT29 cells, EC₅₀ = 11.72 ± 0.02 μg mL^-1) and showed no cytotoxicity to confluent Caco-2 cells, a model of human intestinal epithelium. These results provide new information about the phenolic composition of Nerium oleander pink flowers and the bioactivity of the extracts.

Characterization, techno-functional properties, and encapsulation efficiency of self-assembled β-lactoglobulin nanostructures

Whey is a cheese co-product with high protein content used in the food industry due to its techno-functional properties and nutritive value. This study aims to optimize the production of β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) nanostructures, to characterize their techno-functional properties and stability, and to apply them as a carrier of bioactive molecules. Box-Behnken planning was applied to determine the best conditions to obtain the β-lg nanostructure, which consists in treatment at 100 °C in NaCl 50 mmol·L^-1 for 60 min. TEM analysis showed a fibril structure in the observed nanostructures. The nanostructured systems formed foam and emulsion with higher stability than the systems composed of the native protein. The results for encapsulation efficiency of bioactive compounds were 96.50%, 89.04%, 67.78%, and 36.39% for quercetin, rutin, naringin, and vitamin B_2, respectively. Thus, β-lg nanostructure's great capacity to encapsulate hydrophobic molecules was verified.

Comparative study of antioxidant and anticancer activities and HPTLC quantification of rutin in white radish (Raphanus sativus L.) leaves and root extracts grown in Saudi Arabia

The nutrient contents of Raphanus sativus L. (white radish) leaves (RSLs) and roots are known to have promising vital effects. We comparatively investigated the leaves and roots of R. sativus grown in Saudi Arabia to estimate the total phenol and flavonoid contents using the standard colorimetric methods. The antioxidant activity of RSLs and R. sativus roots (RSRs) were measured by 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Both extracts’ cytotoxic activity was assessed by MTT assay against several human cancer cell lines (A549, HepG2, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7). High-performance thin-layer chromatography was used to identify and quantify the biomarker compound rutin in both extracts. The total phenolic content in RSLs (125.3 mg of gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g) was higher than that in roots (95.8 of GAE/g), whereas the flavonoid content (44.5 mg of quercetin equivalent [QE]/g) was almost double compared in RSR extract (24.4 of QE/g). Similarly, RSLs exhibited a higher antioxidative activity than RSRs in both DPPH (IC50 216.8 vs 359.7 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 326.7 vs 549 µg/mL) models. RSLs also demonstrated the highest antiproliferative efficiency against all cell lines, with IC50 values of 217–453 µg/mL. The reversed-phase-high-performance thin-layer chromatography results showed the presence of rutin (5.2 µg/mg) only in RSLs. Our study indicates RSLs as a promising source of bioactive compounds compared with roots.

Novel Processes for the Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Olive Pomace and Their Protection by Encapsulation

Olive pomace, the solid by-product derived from olive oil production consists of a high concentration of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, such as phenolic compounds, and their recovery by applying innovative techniques is a great opportunity and challenge for the olive oil industry. This study aimed to point out a new approach for the integrated valorization of olive pomace by extracting the phenolic compounds and protecting them by encapsulation or incorporation in nanoemulsions. Innovative assisted extraction methods were evaluated such as microwave (MAE), homogenization (HAE), ultrasound (UAE), and high hydrostatic pressure (HHPAE) using various solvent systems including ethanol, methanol, and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs). The best extraction efficiency of phenolic compounds was achieved by using NADES as extraction solvent and in particular the mixture choline chloride-caffeic acid (CCA) and choline chloride-lactic acid (CLA); by HAE at 60 °C/12,000 rpm and UAE at 60 °C, the total phenolic content (TPC) of extracts was 34.08 mg gallic acid (GA)/g dw and 20.14 mg GA/g dw for CCA, and by MAE at 60 °C and HHPAE at 600 MPa/10 min, the TPC was 29.57 mg GA/g dw and 25.96 mg GA/g dw for CLA. HAE proved to be the best method for the extraction of phenolic compounds from olive pomace. Microencapsulation and nanoemulsion formulations were also reviewed for the protection of the phenolic compounds extracted from olive pomace. Both encapsulation techniques exhibited satisfactory results in terms of encapsulation stability. Thus, they can be proposed as an excellent technique to incorporate phenolic compounds into food products in order to enhance both their antioxidative stability and nutritional value.

Marama bean [Tylosema esculentum (Burch.) A. Schreib.]: an indigenous plant with potential for food, nutrition, and economic sustainability

Developing countries need to explore undervalued indigenous plants to fully enhance their food and nutrition security, health, and economic viability. This review explores the nutritional, phytochemical, and economic potential of marama bean (Tylosema esculentum, Fabaceae), a non-nodulating indigenous legume that can be cultivated in and is well-adapted to dry or low moisture conditions. Marama bean is popularly referred to as 'green gold' due to the considerable value derived from its above ground and underground organs. The seeds have nutritional value comparable to legumes such as groundnut and soybean. In addition, the seeds are a rich source of phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, phytosterols, flavonoids, behenic acid and griffonilide while carbohydrates are abundant in the tubers. Based on the existing literature, marama bean remains poorly explored, mainly anecdotal with limited scientific evidence available to support its nutritional and medicinal uses as well as economic benefits. This has been ascribed to a shortage of clear research goals and limited resources specifically directed to this underutilized indigenous plant. From an economic and commercial perspective, the high phytochemical content suggests the possibility of developing a functional health drink and associated value-added products. However, efficient cultivation protocols for marama bean, especially to ensure the sustainable supply of the plant material, remain crucial. Furthermore, novel approaches, especially the use of molecular techniques that can facilitate rapid selection of desired traits in marama, are recommended. These anticipated improved agronomical traits will enhance the commercial and economical potential of marama and also contribute to rural-urban food-nutrition sustainability globally.

Quantitative Analysis of Rutin by HPTLC and In Vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Phenolic-Rich Extracts from Verbesina sphaerocephala

Verbesina sphaerocephala A. Gray, like other wild plants of the genus Verbesina, has been used in herbal medicine. There is information for other species of the genus related to their phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and isolation of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity. However, there are no reports for V. sphaerocephala, although it has an important presence in the state of Michoacán, México. In this study, the phenolic composition, quantification of rutin, and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of methanolic extracts from V. sphaerocephala leaves and flowers were determined. The results showed that all the investigated extracts have high phenolic and flavonoid contents. The flavonoid rutin was identified in all the extracts from V. sphaerocephala by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The V. sphaerocephala extracts showed scavenging activity against DPPH^• and ABTS^•+ radicals (IC₅₀ and 5.83 ± 0.50 and 0.93 ± 0.01 mg/mL, respectively) as well as relevant antioxidant capacity (51.05 ± 0.36 mg of ascorbic acid/g of dry tissue). The experimental results show that V. sphaerocephala extracts possessed a strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This research indicates that V. sphaerocephala could be considered as a potential source of natural compounds from the point of ethnopharmacological usage.

Rutin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation

This study was aimed at preparing and characterizing solid lipid nanoparticles loading rutin (RT-SLNs) for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced diseases. Phospholipon 80H® as a solid lipid and Polysorbate 80 as surfactant were used for the SLNs preparation, using the solvent emulsification/diffusion method. We obtained spherical RT-SLNs with low sizes, ranging from 40 to 60 nm (hydrodynamic radius) for the SLNs prepared starting from 2% and 5% (w/w) theoretical amount. All prepared formulations showed negative zeta-potential values. RT was efficiently encapsulated within SLNs, obtaining high encapsulation efficiency and drug content percentages, particularly for SLNs prepared with a 5% theoretical amount of RT. In vitro release profiles and analysis of the obtained data applying different kinetic models revealed Fickian diffusion as the main mechanism of RT release from the SLNs. The morphology of RT-SLNs was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas the interactions between RT and the lipid matrix were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, evidencing spectral modifications of characteristic bands of RT due to the establishment of new interactions. Finally, antioxidant activity assay on human glioblastoma astrocytoma (U373) culture cells showed a dose-dependent activity for RT-SLNs, particularly at the highest assayed dose (50 μM), whereas the free drug showed the lesser activity.

Role of Flavonoids in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Limitations and Future Perspectives

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids, a group of natural dietary polyphenols, are known for their beneficial effects on human health. By virtue of their various pharmacological effects, like anti-oxidative, antiinflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and neuroprotective effects, flavonoids have now become an important component of herbal supplements, pharmaceuticals, medicinals and cosmetics. There has been enormous literature supporting neuroprotective effect of flavonoids. Recently their efficacy in various neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson diseases, has received particular attention.

OBJECTIVE

The mechanism of flavanoids neuroprotection might include antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antineuroinflammatory and modulation of various cellular and intracellular targets. In in-vivo systems, before reaching to brain, they have to cross barriers like extensive first pass metabolism, intestinal barrier and ultimately blood brain barrier. Different flavonoids have varied pharmacokinetic characteristics, which affect their pharmacodynamic profile. Therefore, brain accessibility of flavonoids is still debatable.

METHODS

This review emphasized on current trends of research and development on flavonoids, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, possible challenges and strategies to encounter using novel drug delivery system.

RESULTS

Various flavonoids have elicited their therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative diseases, however by using nanotechnology and novel drug delivery systems, the bioavailability of favonoids could be enhanced.

CONCLUSION

This study bridges a significant opinion on medicinal chemistry, ethanopharmacology and new drug delivery research regarding use of flavonoids in management of neurodegeneration.

Flaxseed and Camelina Meals as Potential Sources of Health-Beneficial Compounds

Seed meals and cakes, deriving from minor oilseed crops, represent interesting co-products for the presence of a high content of proteins and bioactive compounds that could be successfully explored as valuable plant-derived feedstocks for food and non-food purposes. In this contest, flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) are becoming increasingly important in the health food market as functional foods and cosmetic ingredients. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of genetic characteristics and cultivation sites on the chemical features of seed meals deriving from two flaxseed varieties (Sideral and Buenos Aires) and a camelina cultivar (Italia), cultivated in Central and Northern Italy (Pisa and Bologna). The content of total phenols and flavonoids, seed oil, proteins and fatty acids have been evaluated, together with the chemical profiles of flaxseed and camelina meals. In addition, radical-scavenging activity has been investigated. All the examined seed meals resulted as rich in bioactive compounds. In particular, flaxseed meal is a good source of the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and hydroxycinnamic acid glucosides, while camelina meal contains glucosinolates and quercetin glycosides. Furthermore, all extracts exhibited a very strong radical-scavenging activity, that make these plant-derived products interesting sources for food or cosmetic ingredients with health outcomes.

Protective role of rutin against combined exposure to lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine-induced dysfunctions in liver, kidney, and brain: Hematological, biochemical, and histological evidences

Protective efficacy of rutin over liver, kidney, and brain dysfunctions was evaluated in this investigation. Rutin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) was administered continuously for 6 days followed by single dose of D-galactosamine (300 mg/kg I.P.) and lipopolysaccharide (50 µg/kg I.P.) on the 6th day. Hematological, serological, biochemical, and histological aspects were considered for this study. One-way ANOVA (p ≤ .05) followed by Tukey's HSD post hoc test determined the statistical significance. Serum AST, ALT, ALP, urea, uric acid, and creatinine were increased significantly, whereas albumin and glucose were significantly decreased after combined exposure to LPS and D-GalN. Glutathione level and activity of SOD and catalase were decreased, whereas lipid peroxidation, triglycerides, and cholesterol were increased in tissue samples due to LPS- and D-GalN-induced toxicity. Prophylactic treatment of rutin maintained studied variables toward control claiming the protective role of rutin. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Rutin is plenteous in a variety of commonly ingested foods such as onion, wine, grape, citrus fruits, tea, and buckwheat. Rutin supplement is recommended for the treatment of various diseases such as varicose veins, internal bleeding, or hemorrhoids. Rutin is better than well-known antithrombic agent, Juniferdin, or Bacitracin. In the present study, rutin showed protective effects against LPS- and D-GalN-induced multiorgan dysfunctions due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, rutin may be developed and practiced as a food supplement to cope with acute organ dysfunctions caused by inflammatory and oxidative damage.

Behavioral impairment and neurotoxic responses of silver catfish Rhamdia quelen exposed to organophosphate pesticide trichlorfon: Protective effects of diet containing rutin

Trichlorfon is an organophosphate pesticide used extensively for controlling ectoparasites in aquaculture. Studies have found that trichlorfon caused environmental pollution and severe neurotoxic effects in several freshwater species. Feed additives such as flavonoids may reduce or prevent pesticide-induced toxicity in fish. The aim of the present study was to determine whether acute exposure to trichlorfon impairs behavior and causes oxidative damage in brains of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). We also sought to determine whether rutin would be capable of preventing or reducing these effects. Silver catfish were divided into four groups: groups A and C received basal feed, while groups B and D received feed containing 3 mg rutin/kg diet for 21 days. After 21 days, groups C and D were exposed for 48 h to a nominal concentration of 11 mg trichlorfon/L water. Fish exposed to trichlorfon showed significantly longer distances travelled and swimming performances than did unexposed fish. Cerebral levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation were significantly higher in fish exposed to trichlorfon than in unexposed fish, while cerebral superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities were significantly lower. Taken together, our findings suggest that dietary supplementation rutin completely prevented all alterations elicited by trichlorfon, except for cerebral AChE activity; the latter remained significantly lower compared to the unexposed group. In summary, rutin prevents trichlorfon-induced neurotoxicity in silver catfish.