Extraction and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Bamboo Shoot Shell Under Optimized Ultrasonic-Assisted Conditions: a Potential Source of Nutraceutical Compounds

Uncovering Metabolic Alterations in HCT-116 Colon Cancer Cells upon Exposure to Bamboo Leaf Extract Obtained from Guadua incana Londoño

Metabolic alterations are increasingly recognized as important aspects of colorectal cancer (CRC), offering potential avenues for identifying therapeutic targets. Previous studies have demonstrated the cytotoxic potential of bamboo leaf extract obtained from Guadua incana (BLEGI) against HCT-116 colon cancer cells. However, the altered metabolic pathways in these tumor cells remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to employ an untargeted metabolomic approach to reveal the metabolic alterations of the endometabolome and exometabolome of HCT-116 cells upon exposure to BLEGI treatment. First, a chemical characterization of the BLEGI was conducted through liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Next, we assessed cell viability via MTT and morphological analysis using an immunofluorescence assay against colon cancer cells, and anti-inflammatory activity using an LPS-stimulated macrophage model. Subsequently, we employed LC-MS and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) to investigate intra- and extracellular changes. Chemical characterization primarily revealed the presence of compounds with a flavone glycoside scaffold. Immunofluorescence analysis showed condensed chromatin and subsequent formation of apoptotic bodies, suggesting cell death by apoptosis. The results of the metabolomic analysis showed 98 differential metabolites, involved in glutathione, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and lipoic acid metabolism, among others. Additionally, BLEGI demonstrated significant nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory capacity in macrophage cells. This study enhances our understanding of BLEGI's possible mechanism of action and provides fresh insights into therapeutic targets for treating this disease.

Enhancing quality of ruminant feed through fungal treatment: Usage of bamboo shoot residues

In this investigation, we explore the harnessing of bamboo shoot residues (BSR) as a viable source for ruminant feed through fungal treatment, with the overarching objective of elevating feed quality and optimizing bamboo shoot utilization. The white-rot fungi (Wr.fungi), Aspergillus niger (A.niger), and its co-cultures (A.niger&Wr.fungi) were employed to ferment BSR. And the impact of different fermentation methods and culture time on the chemical composition (Crude protein Ash, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibers), enzyme activity (Cellulase, Laccase, Filter paperase and Lignin peroxidase activities), and rumen digestibility in vitro were assessed. The findings reveal a nota ble 30.39% increase in crude protein in fermented BSR, accompanied by respective decreases of 13.02% and 17.31% in acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fibre content. Enzyme activities experienced augmentation post-fermentation with A.niger&Wr.fungi. Specifically, the peak Cellulase, Laccase, and Lignin peroxidase activities for BSR with Wr.fungi treatment reached 748.4 U/g, 156.92 U/g, and 291.61 U/g, respectively, on the sixth day of fermentation. Concurrently, NH3-N concentration exhibited an upward trend with prolonged fermentation time. Total volatile fatty acids registered a decline, and the Acetate/Propionate ratio reached its nadir after 6 days of fermentation under the A.niger&Wr.fungi treatment. These outcomes furnish a theoretical foundation for the development of ruminant feeds treated via fungal co-culture.

Quercetin-loaded sodium alginate/collagen/h-boron nitride potential wound dressings prepared using the Box-Behnken experimental design

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Natural and synthetic biocompatible polymers have received significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry due to their rapid and effective healing properties in the wound healing process. The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction of onions, the preparation of sodium alginate/collagen/hydrogen boron nitride (NaAlg/Col/h-BN) membranes using the Box-Behnken experimental design, and determine the optimal conditions for quercetin release. The study also aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the prepared membranes and their therapeutic properties.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The prepared membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Antimicrobial activities were tested against Gram-negative (Gr-) Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter aerogenes, Gram-positive (Gr+) Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 pathogens. In vitro release studies were conducted to examine the therapeutic properties of the prepared membranes. The optimum conditions for the extraction of onions and the preparation of NaAlg/Col/h-BN membranes were found to be EtOH = 75 mL, t = 2 h, T = 45°C, and NaAlg = 1.0 g, Col = 2.0 g, and h-BN = 6% wt, respectively. The prepared membranes exhibited serious antimicrobial properties against S. aureus and C. albicans. The membranes also promoted the controlled release of quercetin for 24 h in vitro, indicating their potential as a new approach in wound treatment.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that quercetin-filled NaAlg/Col/h-BN membranes have promising therapeutic properties for wound healing. The membranes exhibited significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and their controlled release of quercetin suggests their potential for use in wound healing applications.

Green extraction of phenolics and flavonoids from black mulberry fruit using natural deep eutectic solvents: optimization and surface morphology

This study deployed ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), combined with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), to extract phenolics and flavonoids from the black mulberry fruit, and the antioxidant activity was examined. The extraction yields of NADES-based UAE were assessed based on the yields of phenolics and flavonoids extracted from the black mulberry fruit. This study selected the molar ratios of hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors HBD at 1:2 from previous studies. Choline chloride-lactic acid showed the highest solubility with phenolics and flavonoids among NADES systems. One-factor experiments evaluated the effect of UAE conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), water content in NADES, temperature, and time) on TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. The suitable NADES-based UAE conditions for extracting phenolics and flavonoids from the black mulberry fruit were 60 ml/g of LSR, 40% water content, 70 °C, and 15 min. Response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken design model optimized the NADES-based UAE process based on response (TPC, TFC, ABTS, OH, and DPPH). The optimal conditions for the NADES-based UAE process were 70 ml/g of LSR, 38.9% water content in NADES, 67.9 °C, and 24.2 min of extraction time. The predicted values of the Box-Behnken design were compatible with the experimental results. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to survey the surface of black mulberry fruit with and without sonication. SEM can assist in demonstrating the destructive effect of NADES and ultrasonic waves on material surfaces. SEM findings indicated the high surface destruction capacity of NADES, which partially contributed to a superior extraction yield of NADES than conventional organic solvents. The study proposes an efficient and green method for extracting bioactive compounds from black mulberry fruits. The black mulberry fruit extracts can be applied to meat preservation and beverages with high antioxidants.

Antimicrobial Activity against Foodborne Pathogens and Antioxidant Activity of Plant Leaves Traditionally Used as Food Packaging

In accordance with Thai wisdom, indigenous plant leaves have been used as food packaging to preserve freshness. Many studies have demonstrated that both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities contribute to protecting food from spoilage. Hence, the ethanolic extracts of leaves from selected plants traditionally used as food packaging, including Nelumbo nucifera (1), Cocos nucifera (2), Nypa fruticans (3), Nepenthes mirabilis (4), Dendrocalamus asper (5), Cephalostachyum pergracile (6), Musa balbisiana (7), and Piper sarmentosum (8), were investigated to determine whether they have antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens that might be beneficial for food quality. Extracts 1-4 exhibited high phenolic content at 82.18-115.15 mg GAE/g and high antioxidant capacity on DPPH, FRAP and SRSA assay at 14.71-34.28 μg/mL, 342.92-551.38 μmol Fe²⁺/g, and 11.19-38.97 μg/mL, respectively, while leaf extracts 5-8 showed lower phenolic content at 34.43-50.08 mg GAE/g and lower antioxidant capacity on DPPH, FRAP, and SRSA at 46.70-142.16 μg/mL, 54.57-191.78 μmol Fe²⁺/g, and 69.05->120 μg/mL, respectively. Extracts 1-4 possessed antimicrobial activities against food-relevant bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli. Only N. mirabilis extract (4) showed antimicrobial activities against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Abony and Candida albicans. Extracts 5-8 showed slight antimicrobial activities against B. cereus and E. coli. As the growth and activity of microorganisms are the main cause of food spoilage, N. fruticans (3) was selected for bioassay-guided isolation to obtain 3-O-caffeoyl shikimic acid (I), isoorientin (II) and isovitexin (III), which are responsible for its antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. N. fruticans was identified as a new source of natural antimicrobial compounds I-III, among which 3-O-caffeoyl shikimic acid was proven to show antimicrobial activity for the first time. These findings support the use of leaves for wrapping food and protecting food against oxidation and foodborne pathogens through their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, respectively. Thus, leaves could be used as a natural packaging material and natural preservative.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Leaves and Sheath from Bamboo (Phyllostacys edulis J. Houz)

Bamboo (Phyllostacys edulis J. Houz) has become an emerging forest resource of economic and ecological significance with health benefits. Since the beneficial effects of the non-edible parts of bamboo have not been thoroughly explored, we characterized in this study bamboo leaf (BL) and sheath (BS) extracts. The total phenol and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC), antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching test) and anti-inflammatory properties were determined. Leaves exhibited a TPC value of 73.92 mg equivalent (eq) gallic acid/g fresh weight (FW) and a TFC value of 56.75 mg eq quercetin/g FW. Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with photo diode array detector (PDA) analysis revealed evidence for the presence of protocatechuic acid, isoorientin, orientin and isovitexin in BL, whereas BS was rich in phenolic acids. Both samples demonstrated a significant ability to scavenge radicals against ABTS^·+, with an inhibitory concentration of 50% of 3.07 μg/mL for BL and 6.78 μg/mL for BS. At a concentration of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL, BS decreased reactive oxygen species production without hampering cell viability in HepG2 liver cells, while at the same concentrations, BL exhibited cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. In addition, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL BS and BL reduced Interleukin-6 and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 production in human lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages, without affecting cell viability. These findings highlight the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of BL and BS, corroborating their different potential applications in the nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction of Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Compounds from Bee Pollen with Deep Eutectic Solvents Using Response Surface Methodology

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in green extraction methods and green solvents due to their many advantages. In this study, the effects of an ultrasonic extraction method and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) on the extraction of different bioactive substances from bee pollen were investigated. In this regard, the effects of process variables such as the molar ratio of the DES (1, 1.5, and 2), sonication time (15, 30, and 45 min), and ultrasonic power (90, 135 and 180 W) on total individual amino acids, total individual organic acids, and total individual phenolic compounds were investigated by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions were found to be a molar ratio of 2, sonication time of 45 min, and ultrasonic power of 180 W (R² = 0.84). Extracts obtained via the maceration method using ethanol as a solvent were evaluated as the control group. Compared with the control group, the total individual amino acid and total individual organic acid values were higher using DESs. In addition, compounds such as myricetin, kaempferol, and quercetin were extracted at higher concentrations using DESs compared to controls. The results obtained in antimicrobial activity tests showed that the DES groups had broad-spectrum antibacterial effects against all bacterial samples, without exception. However, in yeast-like fungus samples, this inhibition effect was negligibly low. This study is the first to evaluate the impact of DESs on the extraction of bioactive substances from bee pollen. The obtained results show that this innovative and green extraction technique/solvent (ultrasonic extraction/DES) can be used successfully to obtain important bioactive compounds from bee pollen.

Development of an Effective Sonotrode Based Extraction Technique for the Recovery of Phenolic Compounds with Antioxidant Activities in Cherimoya Leaves

The leaves of Annona cherimola Mill (cherimoya) are a potential source of phenolic compounds that have been shown to have beneficial properties. Therefore, this study focuses on establishing an ultrasonic-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds in cherimoya leaves using a sonotrode. For that purpose, a Box-Behnken design based on a response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize factors, such as amplitude, extraction time and solvent composition to obtain the maximum content of phenolic compounds by HPLC-MS and the maximum in-vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays in ‘Fino de Jete’ cherimoya leaves. The optimal conditions were 70% amplitude, 10 min and 40:60 ethanol/water (EtOH/H₂O) (v/v). The results obtained under these optimum conditions by using a sonotrode were compared with those from an ultrasonic bath; briefly, recovery of phenolic compounds by sonotrode was 2.3 times higher than a bath. Therefore, these optimal conditions were applied to different varieties ‘Campas’, ‘Fino de Jete’ and ‘Negrito Joven’ harvested in the Tropical Coast of Granada (Spain). A total of 39 phenolic compounds were determined in these cherimoya leaf extracts, 24 phenolic compounds by HPLC-MS and 15 proanthocianidins by HPLC-FLD. 5-p-coumaroylquinic acid, lathyroside-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside and quercetin hexose acetate were first identified in cherimoya leaves. The most concentrated phenolic compounds were the flavonoids, such as rutin and quercetin hexoside and proanthocyanidins including monomers. Almost no significant differences in the phenolic content in these cultivars were found (11–13 mg/g d.w. for phenolic compounds and 11–20 mg/g d.w. for proanthocyanidins). In addition, sonotrode ultrasonic-assisted extraction has been shown to be an efficient extraction technique in the phenolic recovery from cherimoya leaves that could be implemented on an industrial scale.

Bamboo Lignin Fractions with In Vitro Tyrosinase Inhibition Activity Downregulate Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells via PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway

Cosmetic ingredients originating from natural resources have garnered considerable attention, and the demand for whitening ingredients is increasing, particularly in Asian countries. Lignin is a natural phenolic biopolymer significantly effective as a natural sunscreen, as its ultraviolet protection efficacy ranges from 250 to 400 nm. However, using different types of lignin as cosmetic ingredients is difficult owing to the heterogeneity of lignin and the lack of in vitro and in vivo safety and efficacy data. Thus, steam-exploded lignin (SEL) was prepared from bamboo, fractionated via successive organic solvent extraction, and sequentially fractionated using ethyl acetate, methanol, and acetone to investigate its potential as a natural whitening material. Gel permeation chromatography showed that the molecular weight of acetone-soluble and acetone-insoluble SEL fractions were the lowest and the highest, respectively. Monomer structures of the four lignin fractions were elucidated using 1H, 13C, and 2D heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance and pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activities of the four fractions were compared. The methanol-soluble SEL fraction (SEL-F2) showed the highest antioxidant activity (except 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity), and the enzyme inhibition kinetics were confirmed. In this study, the expression pattern of the anti-melanogenic-related proteins by SEL-F2 was confirmed for the first time via the protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP-response element-binding (CREB) protein signaling pathway in B16F10 melanoma cells. Thus, SEL may serve as a valuable cosmetic whitening ingredient.

Reflux Extraction Optimization and Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Compounds from Pleioblastus amarus (Keng) Shell

Phenols were extracted from the Pleioblastus amarus (Keng) shell (PAS) using ethanol. A Plackett-Burman assessment indicated that the factors affecting polyphenol extraction included the ethanol concentration, extraction temperature, liquid to solid ratio, extraction time, and reflux extraction times; the best extraction parameters were the ethanol concentration of 75%, a 20:1 liquid to solid ratio, and an extraction time of 2.1 h. The number of polyphenols was 7.216 mg/g. Furthermore, the phenol composition analysis showed the presence of p-Coumaric acid (196.88 mg /mL) and rutin (312.9 mg /mL), which were used for the in vitro extraction and determination of the antioxidant activity. According to the A, B, C, and D antioxidant activity assays, the ethyl acetate phase was the strongest with low IC50 values of 0.169 ± 0.01 mg/mL, 0.289 ± 0.01 mg/mL, 0.372 ± 0.01 mg/mL, and 1.029 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively, confirming high antioxidant activity. For the n-butanol and petroleum ether phases, antioxidant activity was lower. This study showed that the polyphenol extract from Pleioblastus amarus (Keng) shell displayed excellent antioxidant activity, enhancing its practical application.

Comparative analysis of absorbed ingredients and metabolites, and pharmacokinetic studies of Zhimu-Huangbai herb pair in the plasma of normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats by UHPLC-linear trap quadrupole-orbitrap MS and LC-MS/MS

A new rapid ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry method was established for the qualitative analysis of absorbed ingredients and metabolites of Zhimu-Huangbai herb pair, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 16 absorbed ingredients and 11 metabolites were identified in normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats, respectively. Such findings indicated that the diabetic model had no effect on the type of components in plasma. Seven absorbed ingredients and 11 metabolites were first identified after the oral administration of Zhimu-Huangbai herb pair. Thereafter, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-API4000⁺ triple quadrupole mass spectrometer methods were established and validated for pharmacokinetic comparative studies of seven major bioactive components in normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Partial pharmacokinetic parameters in the plasma of type 2 diabetes mellitus rats were significantly different from those in normal rats. To our knowledge, this is the first comparison of absorbed ingredients and metabolites of Zhimu-Huangbai herb pair, and its use in pharmacokinetic studies between normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Ultimately, our findings provide insights into the clinical usage of Zhimu-Huangbai herb pair.

Bioconversion of bamboo shoot shells through the cultivation of the edible mushrooms Volvariella volvacea

Bamboo shoot shell (BSS), as agricultural waste, is mostly burned or discarded, causing serious environment pollution. In this study, the degradation and utilization of BSS by the edible fungus Volvariella Volvacea was investigated. The composition of V. volvacea fruit body was determined by HPLC-MS, GC-MS and ICP-OES. The activities of CMCase and xylanase were monitored by DNS (3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid) method. Laccase activity was assayed by the oxidation reaction of ABTS [2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate)]. The degraded bamboo shoot shell powder was characterized by FTIR and SEM. The results showed that the mycelium of V. volvacea could degrade and utilize BSS for growth. The activities of carboxymethyl cellulase and laccase were increased during the cultivation. At the same time, the physical structure of the shell fiber becames porous and rough. Most of the products of decayed fibers contain alkanes, ethyl or methyl groups. Moreover, the biological efficiency (fruiting body yield) of V. volvacea cultivated on BSS was 1.52-fold higher than that of straw cultivation. The contents of total lipid, elaidic acid (C18:1n-9), total essential amino acids, total amino acids and iron in V. volvacea fruit bodies grown on BSS were 1.11, 1.66, 1.52, 1.60 and 1.30-fold higher than those of straw treatment, respectively. This study provides an effective method to solve the environmental pollution caused by BSS, and provides a new way for the potential utilization of BSS in edible fungi cultivation.

Evaluation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Bamboo Shoots from Soil

The toxicity, carcinogenicity and persistence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose a great threat to the ecological system and human health. The contamination levels, translocation and source analysis of 16 PAHs in bamboo shoot and its planted soil were investigated. The average concentrations of total PAHs were 18.80 ± 1.90 µg/kg and 123.98 ± 113.36 µg/kg in bamboo shoots and soils, respectively. The most abundant PAH was Phenanthrene (PHE), with the detected average concentrations of 5.85 µg/kg in bamboo shoots and 19.28 µg/kg in soils. The highest detected types of PAHs were 3 rings and 4 rings, with the proportions of 80.69% (bamboo shoots) and 35.23% (soils). The transfer factors of PAHs were ranged from 0.011 to 0.895, in which PAHs with 3 rings showed the strongest transfer ability. The combustion of biomass and petroleum might be the main source of PAHs in the planted soils of bamboo shoots.

Partial substitution of whole-crop corn with bamboo shoot shell improves aerobic stability of total mixed ration silage without affecting in vitro digestibility

To evaluate the feasibility of bamboo shoot shell (BSS) application in total mixed ration silage (TMR) production, the effects of BSS substitution for whole-crop corn on the fermentation characteristics, nutritive value, aerobic stability and in vitro parameters of TMR silage were studied. Four TMR formulations were designed based on dry matter: (1) 0% bamboo shoot shell + 23% whole-crop corn (BSS₀ ); (2) 4% bamboo shoot shell + 19% whole-crop corn (BSS₄ ); (3) 8% bamboo shoot shell + 15% whole-crop corn (BSS₈ ); and (4) 12% bamboo shoot shell + 11% whole-crop corn (BSS₁₂ ). After 90 days of ensiling, the silos were opened and sampled for fermentation characteristics, nutritive value and in vitro analyses, and subsequent 14-day aerobic stability test. All TMR silages were well preserved except BSS₁₂ , characterized by high lactic acid content and V-score, low pH and NH₃ -N and butyric acid content. With increasing proportion of BSS, crude protein increased (p <.05), and water soluble carbohydrate decreased (p < .05). Under aerobic exposure, BSS-substituted (BSS₄ , BSS₈ and BSS₁₂ ) silages were more stable than BSS₀ silage, as characterized by relatively low silage temperature and high water soluble carbohydrate content. No obvious (p> .05) difference of BSS substitution was observed on in vitro ruminal gas production, digestibility, metabolizable energy and net energy for lactation. The substitution of whole-crop corn with 4% BSS and 8% BSS had no undesired effect on the fermentation characteristics and in vitro digestibility, and efficiently improving the aerobic stability of TMR silages. The BSS₈ substitution level is recommended to maximize the BSS utilization.