Evaluation of the anti-osteoporosis and antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds from Euphorbia maculata

Factors Affecting the Extraction of (Poly)Phenols from Natural Resources Using Deep Eutectic Solvents Combined with Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Replacing conventional solvents with deep eutectic solvents (DES) has shown promising effects on the extraction yield of (poly)phenols. DES can be combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to further increase the extraction efficiency of (poly)phenols from natural resources compared to conventional methods. This review discusses the factors associated with DES (composition, solvent-to-sample ratio, extraction duration, and temperature) and UAE (ultrasound frequency, power, intensity, and duty cycle) methods that influence the extraction of (poly)phenols and informs future improvements required in the optimization of the extraction process. For the optimum (poly)phenol extraction from natural resources, the following parameters shall be considered: ultrasound frequency should be in the range of 20-50 kHz, ultrasound intensity in the range of 60-120 W/cm2, ultrasound duty cycle in the range of 40-80%, ultrasound duration for 10-30 minutes, and ultrasound temperature for 25-50 °C. Among the reported DES systems, choline chloride with glycerol or lactic acid, with a solvent-to-sample mass ratio of 10-30:1 shown to be effective. The solvent composition and solvent-to-sample mass ratio should be selected according to the target compound and the source material. However, the high viscosity of DES is among the major limitations. Optimizing these factors can help to increase the yield of extracted (poly)phenols and their applications.

New insights on Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. leaves and stem bark extracts: UPLC-ESI-TOF-MS profiles, and biopharmaceutical and in silico analysis

Our results could provide a great scientific starting point on the way from the bench to functional applications through the use of P. reticulatus, namely novel nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Triterpenoids from Euphorbia maculata and Their Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Euphorbia maculata is a medicinal plant of the Euphorbiaceae family, which can produce anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents of triterpenoids. The present study reports on the bioactive triterpenoids of this plant. Two new lanostane-type triterpenoids, named (3S,4S,7S,9R)-4-methyl-3,7-dihydroxy-7(8→9) abeo-lanost-24(28)-en-8-one (1) and 24-hydroperoxylanost-7,25-dien-3β-ol (2), together with 15 known triterpene derivatives, were isolated from Euphorbia maculata. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data (UV, MS, ¹H and ¹³C-NMR, and 2D NMR) analysis. All tetracyclic triterpenoids (1–11) were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects in the test of TPA-induced inflammation (1 μg/ear) in mice. The triterpenes exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activities.

The ameliorating effect of the combined extract from Greek Thymus vulgaris and bee's honey on the hydrocortisone-induced osteoporosis in rat bone cells via modulating the bone turnover, oxidative stress, and inflammation

Many of the functional foods are designed to decrease the risk of chronic diseases like osteoporosis (OP) which is the most common bone disorder affecting millions of people. For the first time, the present study evaluated the effect of the combination between the Greek Thymus vulgaris water extract (TVE) and bee's honey (BH) against hydrocortisone (HC)-induced OP in vitro. The characterization of TVE, BH, and their combined extract (TV-BH) was examined. In addition, the current work assessed the bone turnover, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in bone cells. The results revealed the presence of considerable amounts of phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols in TVE and BH as well as important minerals and vitamins for the bone health. The TV-BH showed a synergistic (combination index <1) attenuation effect for the HC-induced bone cell damage through significant (p < 0.05) up-regulation of the hydroxyapatite, osteocalcin, phosphorous, and collagen contents. In addition, it significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity and hydroxyproline level as well as the oxidative and inflammatory stress. Data also observed the more potent anti-osteoporotic effect of the combined extract than the commonly used bisphosphonate drug (alendronate). In conclusion, the administration of TV-BH improved the glucocorticoid-induced bone damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress and as a result, it might be a promising therapeutic option for the OP disorder.