Protective effects of p-coumaric acid against oxidant and hyperlipidemia-an in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Bioactive compounds from nature: Antioxidants targeting cellular transformation in response to epigenetic perturbations induced by oxidative stress

Oxidative stress results from a persistent imbalance in oxidation levels that promotes oxidants, playing a crucial role in the early and sustained phases of DNA damage and genomic and epigenetic instability, both of which are intricately linked to the development of tumors. The molecular pathways contributing to carcinogenesis in this context, particularly those related to double-strand and single-strand breaks in DNA, serve as indicators of DNA damage due to oxidation in cancer cases, as well as factors contributing to epigenetic instability through ectopic expressions. Oxidative stress has been considered a therapeutic target for many years, and an increasing number of studies have highlighted the promising effectiveness of natural products in cancer treatment. In this regard, we present significant research on the therapeutic targeting of oxidative stress using natural molecules and underscore the essential role of oxidative stress in cancer. The consequences of stress, especially epigenetic instability, also offer significant therapeutic prospects. In this context, the use of natural epi-drugs capable of modulating and reorganizing the epigenetic network is beginning to emerge remarkably. In this review, we emphasize the close connections between oxidative stress, epigenetic instability, and tumor transformation, while highlighting the role of natural substances as antioxidants and epi-drugs in the anti-tumoral context.

Sinomenine protects against atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice by inhibiting of inflammatory pathway

Atherosclerosis, a multifaceted and persistent inflammatory condition, significantly contributes to the progression of cardiocerebrovascular disorders, such as myocardial infarctions and cerebrovascular accidents. It involves the accumulation of cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium and cellular debris in the walls of arteries, leading to the formation of plaques. Our aim is to investigate the potential of sinomenine to counteract atherosclerosis in mice lacking Apolipoprotein E (ApoE-/-) Mice. We employed the high-fat diet-induced method to induce atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice, and the mice were treated with sinomenine (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) and simvastatin (0.5 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. Body weight, water intake, and food intake were assessed. Lipid parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and mRNA levels were estimated. Sinomenine treatment remarkably (P < 0.001) suppressed body weight, along with food and water intake. Sinomenine altered the levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), which were modulated in the atherosclerosis group. Sinomenine treatment also altered the levels of oxidative stress parameters such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). In addition, it modulated cardiac parameters like C-reactive protein (CRP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), nitric oxide (NO), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB). Inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were also affected. Sinomenine further suppressed the mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-17, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Il-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), MCP-2, MCP-3, transforming Growth Factor-1β (TGF-1β), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The results suggest that sinomenine remarkably suppressed the development of atherosclerosis in the early stage.

Transformation process and phytotoxicity of sulfamethoxazole and N4-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole in rice

Sulfonamide antibiotics, extensively used in human and veterinary therapy, accumulate in agroecosystem soils through livestock manure and sewage irrigation. However, the interaction between sulfonamides and rice plants remains unclear. This study investigated the transformation behavior and toxicity of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and its main metabolite, N4-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole (NASMX) in rice. SMX and NASMX were rapidly taken up by roots and translocated acropetally. NASMX showed higher accumulating capacity, with NASMX concentrations up to 20.36 ± 1.98 μg/g (roots) and 5.62 ± 1.17 μg/g (shoots), and with SMX concentrations up to 15.97 ± 2.53 μg/g (roots) and 3.22 ± 0.789 μg/g (shoots). A total of 18 intermediate transformation products of SMX were identified by nontarget screening using Orbitrap-HRMS, revealing pathways such as deamination, hydroxylation, acetylation, formylation, and glycosylation. Notably, NASMX transformed back into SMX in rice, a novel finding. Transcriptomic analysis highlights the involvements of cytochrome P450 (CYP450), acetyltransferase (ACEs) and glycosyltransferases (GTs) in these biotransformation pathways. Moreover, exposure to SMX and NASMX disrupts TCA cycle, amino acid, linoleic acid, nucleotide metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways of rice, with NASMX exerting a stronger impact on metabolic networks. These findings elucidate the sulfonamides' metabolism, phytotoxicity mechanisms, and contribute to assessing food safety and human exposure risk amid antibiotic pollution.

Linear association of compound dietary antioxidant index with hyperlipidemia: a cross-sectional study

Background

There is growing evidence that antioxidant-rich diets may prevent hyperlipidemia. However, the relationship between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and hyperlipidemia is unclear. The CDAI is a composite score reflecting the antioxidant content of an individual's diet, and this study aimed to investigate the relationship between CDAI and hyperlipidemia.

Methods

The study used the 2003-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for cross-sectional analyses and included 27,626 participants aged 20 years and older. The CDAI, which includes vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, selenium, and carotenoids, was calculated based on dietary intake reported in a 24-h recall interview. Hyperlipidemia was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Covariates included age, sex, race, education, marriage, household poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), body mass index (BMI), energy, carbohydrates, total fat, cholesterol, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and lipid-lowering medications. The association between CDAI and hyperlipidemia was explored through multiple logistic regression analyses and smoothed curve fitting. We also performed subgroup analyses and interaction tests to verify the relationship's stability.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, CDAI was negatively associated with the risk of developing hyperlipidemia (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, p < 0.01). The results of weighted regression models stratified by quartiles of CDAI (-8.664 ≤ Q1 ≤ -2.209, -2.209 < Q2 ≤ -0.002, -0.002 < Q3 ≤ 2.774, 2.774 < Q4 ≤ 124.284), fully adjusted for confounding variables, indicated that compared with the bottom quartile (Q1) of the CDAI, Q2, Q3, and Q4 of participants had a lower advantage ratio (Q2: OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.78-1.06, p < 0.21; Q3: OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-1.00, p < 0.05; and Q4: OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.94, p < 0.01), which was confirmed by a test for trend (p < 0.05). Smoothed curve fit analysis showed linearity (p for non-linear = 0.0912). In summary, there is a linear negative relationship between CDAI and the risk of developing hyperlipidemia. Subgroup analyses by age, sex, ethnicity, education level, marriage, tobacco status, alcoholic drinking, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, and diabetes did not indicate strong interactions.

Conclusion

In this large cross-sectional study, there was a linear negative association between CDAI and hyperlipidemia among US adults. Therefore increase antioxidant rich foods in your life as a prevention of hyperlipidemia.

Hydroalcoholic extract from Sechium edule (Jacq.) S.w. root reverses oleic acid-induced steatosis and insulin resistance in vitro

Steatosis is characterized by fat accumulation and insulin resistance (IR) in hepatocytes, which triggers a pro-oxidant, pro-inflammatory environment that may eventually lead to cirrhosis or liver carcinoma. This work was aimed to assess the effect of Sechium edule root hydroalcoholic extract (rSe-HA) (rich in cinnamic and coumaric acid, among other phenolic compounds) on triglyceride esterification, lipid degradation, AMPK expression, and the phosphorylation of insulin receptor in a Ser312 residue, as well as on the redox status, malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and the production of proinflammatory cytokines in an in vitro model of steatosis induced by oleic acid, to help develop a phytomedicine that could reverse this pathology. rSe-HA reduced triglyceride levels in hepatocyte lysates, increased lipolysis by activating AMPK at Thr172, and improved the redox status, as evidenced by the concentration of glycerol and formazan, respectively. It also prevented insulin resistance (IR), as measured by glucose consumption and the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor at Ser312. It also prevented TNFα and IL6 production and decreased the levels of MDA and nitric oxide (ON). Our results indicate that rSe-HA reversed steatosis and controlled the proinflammatory and prooxidant environment in oleic acid-induced dysfunctional HepG2 hepatocytes, supporting its potential use to control this disorder.

Isolation and structural determination of cis- and trans-p-coumaroyl-secologanoside (comselogoside) from olive oil waste (alperujo). Photoisomerization with ultraviolet irradiation and antioxidant activities

p-Coumaroyl-6́-secologanoside (comselogoside) is a secoiridoid identified in large amounts in olive fruits, although no studies in vitro or in vivo of comselogoside have been reported. This work focuses on the recovery and purification of this compound from olive mill waste (alperujo). The successive isolation on Amberlite XAD-16 and Sephadex LH-20 resins, allowed a comselogoside extract with 80-85% of purity. A photoisomerization of the vinyl-double bond in the p-coumaroyl moiety occurred when the extract was exposed to ultraviolet radiation and a mixture of the trans and cis-isomers was obtained. Both isomers were characterized using NMR, mass spectroscopy, and UV spectrometry. The J (coupling constant) of the protons on the C7 and C8 on the unsaturated chain were found to be the difference between cis (12.8 Hz) and trans- (15.9 Hz) comselogoside. Cis-isomer exhibited lower radical-scavenging activity than trans, although a synergistic effect occurred when the cis-isomer was supplement by the trans-isomer.

P-coumaric Acid: Advances in Pharmacological Research Based on Oxidative Stress

P-coumaric acid is an important phenolic compound that is mainly found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and fungi and is also abundant in Chinese herbal medicines. In this review, the pharmacological research progress of p-coumaric acid in recent years was reviewed, with emphasis on its role and mechanism in oxidative stress-related diseases, such as inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and nervous system diseases. Studies have shown that p-coumaric acid has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of these diseases by inhibiting oxidative stress. In addition, p-coumaric acid also has anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-aging skin and other pharmacological effects. This review will provide reference and inspiration for further research on the pharmacological effects of p-coumaric acid.

Root Exposure of Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) Modulates Metabolite Profile and Endophytic Bacterial Community to Alleviate Cadmium- and Arsenate-Induced Phytotoxicity to Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

To investigate the mechanisms by which g-C3N4 alleviates metal(loid)-induced phytotoxicity, rice seedlings were exposed to 100 and 250 mg/kg graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) with or without coexposure to 10 mg/kg Cd and 50 mg/kg As for 30 days. Treatment with 250 mg/kg g-C3N4 significantly increased shoot and root fresh weight by 22.4-29.9%, reduced Cd and As accumulations in rice tissues by 20.6-26.6%, and elevated the content of essential nutrients (e.g., K, S, Mg, Cu, and Zn) compared to untreated controls. High-throughput sequencing showed that g-C3N4 treatment increased the proportion of plant-growth-promoting endophytic bacteria, including Streptomyces, Saccharimonadales, and Thermosporothrix, by 0.5-3.30-fold; these groups are known to be important to plant nutrient assimilation, as well as metal(loid) resistance and bioremediation. In addition, the population of Deinococcus was decreased by 72.3%; this genus is known to induce biotransformation As(V) to As(III). Metabolomics analyses highlighted differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) involved in the metabolism of tyrosine metabolism, pyrimidines, and purines, as well as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis related to Cd/As-induced phytotoxicity. In the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, the increased expression of 4-coumarate (1.13-fold) and sinapyl alcohol (1.26-fold) triggered by g-C3N4 coexposure with Cd or As played a critical role in promoting plant growth and enhancing rice resistance against metal(loid) stresses. Our findings demonstrate the potential of g-C3N4 to enhance plant growth and minimize the Cd/As-induced toxicity in rice and provide a promising nanoenabled strategy for remediating heavy metal(loid)-contaminated soil.

Hepatoprotective effect of p-Coumaric acid against KBrO3 -induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells

In the present study, we investigated the effect of the p-Coumaric acid (PCA), a phenolic acid, on potassium bromate (KBrO3 ) induced oxidative damage, Ras/Raf/MEK signaling, and apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Our findings showed that PCA-treated cells prevented cytotoxicity compared with KBrO3- treated cells. Furthermore, KBrO3 -induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation was attenuated by PCA and it also increased the antioxidant levels such as SOD, CAT, and GPX. Additionally, PCA inhibited the KBrO3 -induced DNA damage in HepG2 cells. Moreover, PCA treatment suppressed the activation of Ras/Raf/MEK signaling and increased the expression of PRDX-1. In addition, PCA prevented the KBrO3 -induced apoptosis cascade by altering the expression of proapoptotic, Bax, caspase-3, and antiapoptotic, Bcl-2 proteins. The present study proves that PCA inhibited the KBrO3 -induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptotic signaling cascade in HepG2 cells.

The Supplementation of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (Chayote) Promotes Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Protection in Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

The aim was to determine the effect of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum (chayote) on gene expression related to antioxidant protection mechanisms and the inflammatory process in older adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A quasi-experimental study was carried out in a convenience sample of 46 older adults diagnosed with MetS: (i) placebo group (PG; n = 20); (ii) experimental group (EG; n = 26). The clinical, biochemical, anthropometric parameters and SOD, GPx, and CAT enzyme activity, alongside total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), and mRNA expression of SOD, GPx, CAT, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, Nrf2, NFkB p50, and NFkB p65, were measured at baseline and 6 months post-intervention. A statistically significant decrease was observed in TOS (baseline, 28.9 ± 3.6 vs. post, 23.7 ± 3.4, p < 0.01) and OSI (baseline, 24.1 ± 3.8 vs. post, 17.7 ± 4), as well as an increase in IL-6 (baseline, 10.7 ± 1.1 vs. post, 12.3 ± 2, p = 0.03), SOD activity (baseline, 167.1 ± 11.9 vs. post, 180.6 ± 7.6, p < 0.05), CAT activity (baseline, 1.0 ± 0.2 vs. post, 1.3 ± 0.2, p < 0.01), and TAS (baseline, 1.1 ± 0.1 vs. post, 1.4 ± 0.1, p < 0.01) in the EG compared to the PG. Regarding the expression of Nrf2, SOD, and IL-6, the EG showed a significant increase vs. basal levels (47%, 44%, and 43%, respectively). Our findings suggest that Sechium edule supplementation promotes the antioxidant response and decreases oxidative stress via Nrf2.

Structures, Antioxidant Properties, and Antimicrobial Properties of Eu(III), Gd(III), and Dy(III) Caffeinates and p-Coumarates

In this study, we investigated the structures of lanthanide (Eu(III), Dy(III), and Gd(III)) complexes with p-coumaric (p-CAH2) and caffeic (CFAH3) acids using the FTIRKBr, FTIRATR, and Raman spectroscopic methods. The compositions of the solid phase caffeinates and p-coumarates were obtained on the basis of the amounts of hydrogen and carbon determined using an elemental analysis. The degree of hydration and the thermal decomposition of each compound were examined via a thermal analysis of TG, DTG, and DSC. Antioxidant spectroscopic tests were performed using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant activity), and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (diammonium salt radical cation) methods. The antimicrobial activity of each compound against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans was investigated. The electrical properties of the liposomes which mimicked the microbial surfaces formed in the electrolyte containing the tested compounds were also investigated. The above biological properties of the obtained complexes were compared with the activities of p-CAH2 and CFAH3. The obtained data suggest that lanthanide complexes are much more thermally stable and have higher antimicrobial and antioxidant properties than the ligands (with the exception of CFAH3 in the case of antioxidant activity tests). The Gd(III) complexes revealed the highest biological activity among the studied lanthanide complexes.

In vitro cholesterol lowering activity of Ganoderma australe mycelia based on mass spectrometry, synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared analysis and liver-spheroid bioactivity

Mycelia were cultivated from a Thai wild mushroom identified as Ganoderma australe based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and morphological analyses. The mycelial extracts were examined for their active ingredients using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS) method. This revealed the presence of lovastatin and tentative compounds including p-coumaric, nicotinamide, gamma-aminobutyric acid, choline, nucleosides, amino acids, and saccharides. The extracts had an inhibitory effect on the activity of HMG-CoA reductase in a concentration-dependent manner. At 2.5 mg/mL, the G. australe extracts did not interfere with the viability of HepG2 spheroids, but their biochemical composition was altered as determined by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The lipid profile of the spheroids treated with the mycelial extract was distinct from that of the control and the 5 µM lovastatin treatment, corresponding with the production of cholesterol by the spheroids. The mycelia of G. australe increased the percentage of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) production to 71.35 ± 2.74%, compared to the control and lovastatin-treated spheroids (33.26 ± 3.15% and 32.13 ± 3.24%, respectively). This study revealed the superior effect of natural compound mixtures to pure lovastatin, and the potential use of Thailand's wild G. australe as a functional food to prevent or alleviate hypercholesterolemia.

Novel Effect of p-Coumaric Acid on Hepatic Lipolysis: Inhibition of Hepatic Lipid-Droplets

p-coumaric acid (p-CA), a common plant phenolic acid with multiple bioactivities, has a lipid-lowering effect. As a dietary polyphenol, its low toxicity, with the advantages of prophylactic and long-term administration, makes it a potential drug for prophylaxis and the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanism by which it regulates lipid metabolism is still unclear. In this study, we studied the effect of p-CA on the down-regulation of accumulated lipids in vivo and in vitro. p-CA increased a number of lipase expressions, including hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) and hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL), as well as the expression of genes related to fatty acid oxidation, including long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1), by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, and γ (PPARα and γ). Furthermore, p-CA promoted adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and enhanced the expression of the mammalian suppressor of Sec4 (MSS4), a critical protein that can inhibit lipid droplet growth. Thus, p-CA can decrease lipid accumulation and inhibit lipid droplet fusion, which are correlated with the enhancement of liver lipases and genes related to fatty acid oxidation as an activator of PPARs. Therefore, p-CA is capable of regulating lipid metabolism and is a potential therapeutic drug or health care product for hyperlipidemia and fatty liver.

The protective effect of p-Coumaric acid on hepatic injury caused by particulate matter in the rat and determining the role of long noncoding RNAs MEG3 and HOTAIR

Increasing air pollution is associated with serious human health problems. P-coumaric acid (PC) is a herbal phenolic compound that exhibits beneficial pharmacological potentials. Here, the protective effect of PC on liver injury induced by air pollution was examined. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided randomly into four groups (n = 8). The groups were; Control (rats received DMSO and then exposed to clean air), PC (rats received PC and then exposed to clean air), DMSO + Dust (rats received DMSO and then exposed to dust), and PC + Dust (the animals received PC and then exposed to dust). The clean air, DMSO, PC, and dust were administrated 3 days a week for 6 consecutive weeks. The rats were anesthetized and their blood samples and liver sections were taken to conduct molecular, biomedical, and histopathological tests. Dust exposure increased the liver enzymes, bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and the production of liver malondialdehyde, and decreased in liver total anti-oxidant capacity and serum high-density lipoprotein. It also increased the mRNA expression of inflammatory-related cytokines, decreased the mRNA expression of SIRT-1, decreased the expression levels of miR-20b5p, and MEG3 while increased the expression levels of miR-34a, and HOTAIR. Dust exposure also increased the liver content of three cytokines TNF-α, NF-κB, HMGB-1, and ATG-7 proteins. PC enhanced liver function against adverse effects of dust through recovering almost all the studied variables. Exposure to dust damaged the liver through induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagy. PC protected the liver against dust-induced cytotoxicity.

The coumaric acid and syringic acid ameliorate acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats via modulator of Nrf2/HO-1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes uncontrolled inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract. The coumaric acid and syringic acid are phenolic derivative found in many fruits and vegetables and is widely recognized for the ability of anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of coumaric acid and syringic acid on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

METHODS

A total of 64 male Wistar rats were divided into eight equal groups (n = 8). Colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of acetic acid, and rats orally received coumaric acid (100 and 150 mg/kg), syringic acid (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg), and dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) once per day for four days after colitis induction. Then, HO-1, Nrf2, and NQO1 mRNA expression were quantified by real time-PCR. Finally, the tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1β protein were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Colitis led to a decrease in HO-1, Nrf2, and NQO1 mRNA expression and an increase in the tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1β protein in the colon tissue. Treatment with dexamethasone significantly increased HO-1, Nrf2, and NQO1 mRNA expression and decreased the tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1β protein compared to the UC group. Treatment with 150 mg/kg of coumaric acid and 50 mg/kg of syringic acid significantly increased HO-1, Nrf2, and NQO1 mRNA expression compared to the UC group. Also, treatment with 100 and 150 mg/kg of coumaric acid and 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg of syringic acid significantly decreased the tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-1β protein compared to the UC group.

CONCLUSION

The coumaric acid and syringic acid, especially at high doses, may be an alternative strategy for the treatment of UC by the reduction of TNF-α and IL-1β levels and upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

The Effect of Ethanol Extract from Mesua ferrea Linn Flower on Alzheimer's Disease and Its Underlying Mechanism

The effects of Mesua ferrea Linn flower (MFE) extract on the pathogenic cascade of Alzheimer's disease (AD) were determined by an in vitro and cell culture model in the search for a potential candidate for the treatment of AD. The 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay exhibited that the MFE extract had antioxidant activities. According to the Ellman and the thioflavin T method's result, the extracts could inhibit acetylcholinesterase and β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation. Studies on neuroprotection in cell culture found that the MFE extract could reduce the death of human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) caused by H₂O₂ and Aβ. Western blot analysis exhibited that the MFE extract alleviated H₂O₂-induced neuronal cell damage by downregulating the pro-apoptotic proteins, including cleaved caspase-3, Bax, and by enhancing the expression of anti-apoptotic markers including MCl₁, BCl_xl, and survivin. Moreover, MFE extract inhibited the expression of APP, presenilin 1, and BACE, and increased the expression of neprilysin. In addition, the MFE extract could enhance scopolamine-induced memory deficit in mice. Overall, results showed that the MFE extract had several modes of action related to the AD pathogenesis cascade, including antioxidants, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-Aβ aggregation, and neuroprotection against oxidative stress and Aβ. Therefore, the M. ferrea L. flower might be a possibility for further development as a medication for AD.

A bio-polymeric scaffold incorporated with p-Coumaric acid enhances diabetic wound healing by modulating MMP-9 and TGF-β3 expression

Diabetic wounds lead to severe health complications as the tissue regeneration process fails predominantly due to prolonged inflammation, reactive oxygen species generation, and imbalance in collagen turnover. Modern wound dressings that can aid in wound management thus improving the public healthcare system, is the present need. This study aims to fabricate an effective wound dressing using plant polyphenol to treat chronic wounds as polyphenols possess excellent wound-healing ability. The collagen scaffold enriched with the polyphenol, p-Coumaric acid, was fabricated by freeze-drying method (Col-OxP3-Ca) and examined for its wound-healing ability by in vitro and in vivo analyses. Col-OxP3-Ca scaffold exhibited 85% antioxidant activity, biocompatibility in fibroblast cells, enhanced cell proliferation and migration rate. The diabetic excision wound treated with Col-OxP3-Ca scaffold healed within 21 days and a well-developed epidermis, blood vessels, hair follicle formation, fewer inflammatory cells and collagen deposition was observed in histological analysis. The immunohistochemical results depicted the enhanced expression of TGF-β3 and lessened expression of the MMP-9 in Col-OxP3-Ca scaffold treatment group. p-Coumaric acid shortened the inflammatory stage, enhanced angiogenesis, tissue regeneration and balanced collagen turnover during healing. From this, we can accomplish that the Col-OxP3-Ca wound dressing could be an outstanding alternative to treat chronic wounds.

Combination Therapy of Metformin and p-Coumaric Acid Mitigates Metabolic Dysfunction Associated with Obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in High-Fat Diet Obese C57BL/6 Mice

Metformin (MET) has been demonstrated to have favorable impact on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the combined effect of this drug with p-coumaric acid (PCA) on liver steatosis is unclear. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the combined effects of MET and PCA on NAFLD in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mouse model. The obese mice received MET (230 mg/kg), PCA (200 mg/kg) monotherapies, and MET combination with PCA in the diet for 10 weeks. Our results showed that the combination of MET and PCA markedly ameliorated weight gain and fat deposition in HFD fed mice. Furthermore, the combination of MET and PCA lowered liver triglyceride (TG) content which was accompanied by decreased expression of lipogenic and increased expression of β-oxidation related genes and proteins. In addition, combination therapy of MET and PCA mitigated liver inflammation through inhibiting hepatic macrophage infiltration (F4/80), switching macrophage from M1 into M2 phenotype, and ameliorating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity in comparison with the monotherapy of MET or PCA. Furthermore, we found that MET and PCA combination therapy upregulated thermogenesis-related genes in BAT and sWAT. Combination therapy results in stimulating brown-like adipocyte (beige) formation in the sWAT of HFD mice. Taken together, these findings indicate that MET combined with PCA can improve NAFLD through decreasing lipid accumulation, inhibiting inflammation and inducing thermogenesis, and adipose tissue browning.

Sideritis scardica Extracts Demonstrate Neuroprotective Activity against Aβ25-35 Toxicity

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative condition, primarily affecting seniors. Despite the significant time and money spent over the past few decades, no therapy has been developed yet. In recent years, the research has focused on ameliorating the cytotoxic amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide aggregates and the increased elevated oxidative stress, two interconnected main AD hallmarks. Medicinal plants constitute a large pool for identifying bioactive compounds or mixtures with a therapeutic effect. Sideritis scardica (SS) has been previously characterized as neuroprotective toward AD. We investigated this ability of SS by generating eight distinct solvent fractions, which were chemically characterized and assessed for their antioxidant and neuroprotective potential. The majority of the fractions were rich in phenolics and flavonoids, and all except one showed significant antioxidant activity. Additionally, four SS extracts partly rescued the viability in Aβ_25-35-treated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, with the initial aqueous extract being the most potent and demonstrating similar activity in retinoic-acid-differentiated cells as well. These extracts were rich in neuroprotective substances, such as apigenin, myricetin-3-galactoside, and ellagic acid. Our findings indicate that specific SS mixtures can benefit the pharmaceutical industry to develop herbal drugs and functional food products that may alleviate AD.

Extraction of Antioxidant Compounds from Brazilian Green Propolis Using Ultrasound-Assisted Associated with Low- and High-Pressure Extraction Methods

The demand for bee products has been growing, especially regarding their application in complementary medicine. Apis mellifera bees using Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae) as substrate produce green propolis. Among the examples of bioactivity of this matrix are antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral actions. This work aimed to verify the impact of the experimental conditions applied in low- and high-pressure extractions of green propolis, using sonication (60 kHz) as pretreatment to determine the antioxidant profile in the extracts. Total flavonoid content (18.82 ± 1.15-50.47 ± 0.77 mgQE·g^-1), total phenolic compounds (194.12 ± 3.40-439.05 ± 0.90 mgGAE·g^-1) and antioxidant capacity by DPPH (33.86 ± 1.99-201.29 ± 0.31 µg·mL^-1) of the twelve green propolis extracts were determined. By means of HPLC-DAD, it was possible to quantify nine of the fifteen compounds analyzed. The results highlighted formononetin (4.76 ± 0.16-14.80 ± 0.02 mg·g^-1) and p-coumaric acid (<LQ-14.33 ± 0.01 mg·g^-1) as majority compounds in the extracts. Based on the principal component analysis, it was possible to conclude that higher temperatures favored the release of antioxidant compounds; in contrast, they decreased the flavonoid content. Thus, the obtained results showed that samples pretreated with 50 °C associated with ultrasound displayed a better performance, which may support the elucidation of the use of these conditions.

Nano-Biocomposite Materials Obtained from Laser Ablation of Hemp Stalks for Medical Applications and Potential Component in New Solar Cells

The study in this paper presents a new material that was produced as a thin film by the Pulsed Laser Deposition technique (PLD) using a 532 nm wavelength and 150 mJ/pulse laser beam on the hemp stalk as target. The analyses performed by spectroscopic techniques (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-FTIR, Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy-LIF, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray-SEM-EDX, Atomic Force Microscopy-AFM and optical microscope) evidenced that a biocomposite consisting of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, waxes, sugars and phenolyc acids p-coumaric and ferulic, similar to the hemp stalk target was obtained. Nanostructures and aggregated nanostructures of 100 nm to 1.5 μm size were evidenced. Good mechanical strength and its adherence to the substrate were also noticed. It was noticed that the content in calcium and magnesium increased compared to that of the target from 1.5% to 2.2% and from 0.2% to 1.2%, respectively. The COMSOL numerical simulation provided information on the thermal conditions that explain phenomena and processes during laser ablation such as C-C pyrolisis and enhanced deposition of calcium in the lignin polymer matrix. The good gas and water sorption properties due to the free OH groups and to the microporous structure of the new biocomposite components recommends it for studies for functional applications in medicine for drug delivery devices, filters in dialysis and for gas and liquid sensors. Functional applications in solar cells windows are also possible due to the conjugated structures of the contained polymers.

Phenolic Acids-Mediated Regulation of Molecular Targets in Ovarian Cancer: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives

Cancer is a global health concern with a dynamic rise in occurrence and one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Among different types of cancer, ovarian cancer (OC) is the seventh most diagnosed malignant tumor, while among the gynecological malignancies, it ranks third after cervical and uterine cancer and sadly bears the highest mortality and worst prognosis. First-line treatments have included a variety of cytotoxic and synthetic chemotherapeutic medicines, but they have not been particularly effective in extending OC patients' lives and are associated with side effects, recurrence risk, and drug resistance. Hence, a shift from synthetic to phytochemical-based agents is gaining popularity, and researchers are looking into alternative, cost-effective, and safer chemotherapeutic strategies. Lately, studies on the effectiveness of phenolic acids in ovarian cancer have sparked the scientific community's interest because of their high bioavailability, safety profile, lesser side effects, and cost-effectiveness. Yet this is a road less explored and critically analyzed and lacks the credibility of the novel findings. Phenolic acids are a significant class of phytochemicals usually considered in the nonflavonoid category. The current review focused on the anticancer potential of phenolic acids with a special emphasis on chemoprevention and treatment of OC. We tried to summarize results from experimental, epidemiological, and clinical studies unraveling the benefits of various phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid) in chemoprevention and as anticancer agents of clinical significance.

The Influence of Exogenous Phenylalanine on the Accumulation of Secondary Metabolites in Agitated Shoot Cultures of Ruta graveolens L

This study aimed to examine the influence of the addition of a precursor (phenylalanine) on the accumulation of secondary metabolites in agitated shoot cultures of Ruta graveolens. Cultures were grown on Linsmaier and Skoog (LS) medium, with plant growth regulators (0.1 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid-NAA-and 0.1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine-BAP). Phenylalanine was added to the cultures at a concentration of 1.25 g/L after 4 and 5 weeks of growth cycles. Biomass was collected after 2, 4, and 7 days of precursor addition. Both control and experimental cultures had the same secondary metabolites accumulated. Using the HPLC method, linear furanocoumarins (bergapten, isoimperatorin, isopimpinellin, psoralen, and xanthotoxin), furoquinoline alkaloids (γ-fagarine, 7-isopentenyloxy-γ-fagarine, and skimmianine), and catechin were detected and quantified in the methanolic extracts. In turn, phenolic acids, such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid were detected in hydrolysates. The production of phenolic acids and catechin (1.5-fold) was significantly increased by the addition of precursor, while there was no significant effect on the production of coumarins and alkaloids. The highest total content of phenolic acids (109 mg/100 g DW) was obtained on the second day of phenylalanine addition (the fourth week of growth cycles). The dominant phenolic compounds were p-coumaric acid (maximum content 64.3 mg/100 g DW) and ferulic acid (maximum content 35.6 mg/100 g DW). In the case of catechins, the highest total content (66 mg/100 g DW) was obtained on the third day of precursor addition (the fourth week of growth cycles). This study is the first to document the effect of feeding the culture medium with phenylalanine on the accumulation of bioactive metabolites in in vitro cultures of R. graveolens.

Suppression of Chronic Unpredictable Stress-Persuaded Increased Monoamine Oxidase Activity by Taurine Promotes Significant Neuroprotection in Zebrafish Brain

Neuropsychiatric upshots following chronic exposure to unpredictable adverse stressors have been well documented in the literature. Considering the significant impact of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), the literature is elusive regarding the neuroprotective efficacy of taurine against CUS-induced oxidative stress and chromatin condensation in the zebrafish brain. In this study, to ameliorate CUS-persuaded neurological outcomes, waterborne treatment of taurine as a prophylactic intervention was undertaken. Further, our approach also focused on the gross neurobehavioral response of zebrafish, oxidative stress indices and neuromorphology of the zebrafish brain following CUS exposure with taurine treatment. Because taurine provides significant neuroprotection against oxidative insult, the cytosolic level of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the zebrafish brain following CUS exposure is worth investigating. Further, as heightened MAO activity is associated with augmented oxidative and chromatin condensation, the focus of this study was on whether taurine provides neuroprotection by downregulating MAO levels in the brain. Our findings show that CUS-persuaded altered neurobehavioral response was significantly rescued by taurine. Moreover, our findings firmly support the hypothesis that taurine acts as a radical neuroprotector by restoring glutathione biosynthesis in the zebrafish brain subsequent to CUS exposure. Additionally, the rising level of brain MAO following chronic exposure to CUS is ameliorated by taurine treatment. These findings strongly advocate the role of taurine as a natural MAO inhibitor through the neuroprotection it provides against CUS-instigated oxidative stress in zebrafish. However, the fundamental neuroprotective mechanism of such natural compounds needs to be elucidated to determine their neuroprotective efficacy against stress regimens.

The effect of different ammonium to nitrate ratios on antioxidant activity, morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica)

Improving yield and secondary metabolites production of medicinal plants through nutrition management recently has been considered. The present study was done to determine the effects of different ammonium (NH₄⁺) to nitrate (NO₃^-) ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) on morphophysiological, nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), phenolic compounds (Total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents and individual phenolics including chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, p-Coumaric acid, apigenin, and quercetin by HPLC-DAD), essential oil composition (by GC and GC-MS), and antioxidant capacity (by DPPH and FRAP assays) of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) in deep water culture (DWC) system. The highest biomass and morphological traits values of D. moldavica observed in 0:100 ratio of NH₄⁺:NO₃^-. Also, the highest TPC and TFC was earned in plants that supplied with 0:100 ratio of NH₄⁺:NO₃^-. Using the 25:75 ratio of NH₄⁺:NO₃^- caused the highest nutrient contents (N, Ca and Mg) in the leaves. p-Coumaric acid was detected as the major abundant phenolic compound in extracts and the application of 75:25 ratio of NH₄⁺:NO₃ resulted in the highest amounts of p-Coumaric acid, gallic acid, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, and rutin. The highest antioxidant capacity by both FRAP and DPPH assays was obtained in 75:25 ratio of NH₄⁺:NO₃^-. Also, the highest geranial and geranyl acetate, geraniol, and neral were obtained in 75:25, 25:75, and 50:50 ratios of NH₄⁺:NO₃^-, respectively. Plants supplied with the 0:100 ratio of NH₄⁺:NO₃^-, had the highest total carotenoids, while the highest chlorophyll a and b content gained with 75:25 ratio of NH₄⁺:NO₃^-. These results suggest that the management of N source in nutrient recipe could contribute to enhance of morphophysiological traits, antioxidant activity and phytochemical compounds in Moldavian balm.

Coumaric acid ameliorates experimental colitis in rats through attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

Due to the high side effects of commonly used drugs and according to the pharmacological properties reported for coumaric acid (CA), this study was designed to determine the impact of CA on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats, considering its possible anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into 6 equal groups (n = 8). Colitis was induced by acetic acid intrarectally. CA in three different doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) was administrated for 5 days. Finally, the macroscopic and histopathological changes in the colon tissue were examined. The expression of inflammatory and apoptotic genes, including NF-κB, TNF-α, INOS, IL-1β, IL-6, TLR4, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Bax, Bcl-2 was assessed. In addition, changes in the levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in the colon tissue.

RESULTS

Colitis led to a decrease in TAC and the activity levels of CAT and SOD and an increase in the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic genes, MDA, and nitrite levels in the colon. Colitis was also associated with edema and severe damage to the epithelium, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and the presence of ulcers and necrosis in the colon tissue. CA significantly improved the inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histopathological indices caused by acetic acid-induced colitis on the colon.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that CA probably exerts its positive effects in the management of colitis, through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties.

Phytochemical Properties and In Vitro Biological Activities of Phenolic Compounds from Flower of Clitoria ternatea L

Phenolic compounds from the flower of Clitoria ternatea L. (PCFCTL) were extracted using a high-speed shearing extraction technique and purified by AB-8 macroporous resins, and the phytochemical composition of the purified phenolic compounds from the flower of Clitoria ternatea L. (PPCFCTL) was then analyzed. Subsequently, its bioactivities including antioxidant properties, enzyme inhibitory activities, and antiproliferative activities against several tumor cell lines were evaluated. Results indicated that the contents of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, flavanols, and phenolic acids in PPCFCTL were increased by 3.29, 4.11, 2.74, 2.43, and 2.96-fold, respectively, compared with those before being purified by AB-8 macroporous resins. The results showed PPCFCTL have significant antioxidant ability (measured by reducing power, RP, and ferric reducing antioxidant power method, FRAP) and good DPPH, ABTS⁺, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities. They can also significantly inhibit lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. In addition, morphological changes of HeLa, HepG2, and NCI-H460 tumor cells demonstrated the superior antitumor performance of PPCFCTL. However, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was relatively weak. These findings suggest that PPCFCTL have important potential as natural antioxidant, antilipidemic, anti-glycemic and antineoplastic agents in health-promoting foods.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Research in Agrimonia eupatoria L. Herb Extract with Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Properties

The most promising plant from the genus Agrimony (Agrimonia L.) of the Rosaceae family for use in medical practice is Agrimonia eupatoria L. Phytochemical and pharmacological research in Agrimonia eupatoria L. herb extract, obtained with using 40% ethanol solution as an extractant were carried out. A total of 11 free and 17 bound monosaccharides, 17 amino acids were found in the studied extract, 9 of which are essential. Gallic and ellagic acids, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin, epicatechin, and epicatechin gallate were identified in the extract of A. eupatoria by the HPLC method; as well as hydroxycinnamic acids: hydroxyphenylacetate, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, cinnamic and quinic acid; flavonoids: quercetin-3-D-glucoside (isoquercitrin), neohesperidin, naringenin, luteolin were found, and their quantitative content was determined, as well by spectrophotometric methods. The herb extract of A. eupatoria belongs to practically non-toxic substances and has pronounced anti-inflammatory (at a dose of 10.0 mg/kg anti-exudative activity reached a maximum in 5 h (88.17%)) and hepatoprotective activity (at a dose of 25 mg/kg it reduce AlAt level by 1.1 and 1.2 times, respectively; AsAt by 1.2 and 1.1 times, respectively), reduces the level of lipid peroxidation and stabilizes the membrane structures of liver cells. Thus, the herb extract of A. eupatoria is a promising substance for the creation of phytomedicines with anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity.

The effect of ciprofloxacin on doxorubicin cytotoxic activity in the acquired resistance to doxorubicin in DU145 prostate carcinoma cells

The present study aimed to assess the influence of ciprofloxacin (CIP) against the doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant androgen-independent prostate cancer DU145 cells. The DOX-resistant DU145 (DU145/DOX20) cells were established by exposing DU145 cells to the increasing concentrations of DOX. The antiproliferative effect of CIP was examined through employing MTT, colony formation, and 3D culture assays. DU145/DOX20 cells exhibited a twofold higher IC₅₀ value for DOX, an increased ABCB1 transporter activity, and some morphological changes accompanied by a decrease in spheroid size, adhesive and migration potential compared to DU145 cells. CIP (5 and 25 µg mL^-1) resulted in a higher reduction in the viability of DU145/DOX20 cells than in DU145 cells. DU145/DOX20 cells were more resistant to CIP in 3D culture compared to the 2D one. No spheroid formation was observed for DU145/DOX20 cells treated with DOX and CIP combination. CIP and DOX, alone or in combination, significantly reduced the growth of DU145 spheroids. CIP in combination with 20 nM DOX prevented the colony formation of DU145 cells. The clonogenicity of DU145/DOX20 cells could not be estimated due to their low adhesive potential. CIP alone caused a significant reduction in the migration of DU145 cells and resulted in a more severe decrease in the wound closure ability of DOX-exposed ones. We identified that CIP enhanced DOX sensitivity in DU145 and DU145/DOX20 cells. This study suggested the co-delivery of low concentrations of CIP and DOX may be a promising strategy in treating the DOX-resistant and -sensitive hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Virgin coconut oil: A comprehensive review of antioxidant activity and mechanisms contributed by phenolic compounds

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is obtained by processing mature coconut cores with mechanical or natural methods. In recent years, VCO has been widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because of its excellent functional activities. VCO has biological functions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral, and also has potential therapeutic effects on many chronic degenerative diseases. Among these functions, the antioxidant is the most basic and important function, which is mainly determined by phenolic compounds and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). This review aims to elucidate the antioxidant functions of each phenolic compound in VCO, and discuss the antioxidant mechanisms of VCO in terms of the role of phenolic compounds with fat, intestinal microorganisms, and various organs. Besides, the composition of VCO and its application in various industries are summarized, and the biological functions of VCO are generalized, which should lay a foundation for further research on the antioxidant activity of VCO and provide a theoretical basis for the development of food additives with antioxidant activity.

Bioactive synergism between zinc mineral and p-coumaric acid: A multi-mode glycemic control and antioxidative study

Natural supplements are important in diabetes and oxidative stress management. A complexation-mediated antihyperglycemic and antioxidant synergism between zinc(II) and p-coumaric acid was investigated. p-Coumaric acid was complexed with ZnSO₄ and characterized by FT-IR, ¹ H NMR, and mass spectroscopy. The antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential of the complex and precursors were evaluated with different experimental models. Molecular docking with target proteins linked to diabetes was performed. A Zn(II)-bicoumarate.2H₂ O complex was formed. The in vitro radical scavenging, α-glucosidase inhibitory, antiglycation, and anti-lipid peroxidative activities of the complex were several folds stronger than p-coumaric acid. In Chang liver cells and rat liver tissues, the complex inhibited lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀  = 56.2 and 398 μM) and GSH depletion (IC₅₀  = 33.9 and 38.7 μM), which was significantly stronger (2.3-5.4-folds) than p-coumaric acid and comparable to ascorbic acid. Zn(II) and p-coumaric synergistically modulated (1.7- and 2.8-folds than p-coumaric acid) glucose uptake in L-6 myotubes (EC₅₀  = 10.7 μM) and rat muscle tissue (EC₅₀  = 428 μM), which may be linked to the observed complexation-mediated increase in tissue zinc uptake. Glucose uptake activity was accompanied by increased hexokinase activity, suggesting increased glucose utilization. Docking scores α-glucosidase, GLUT-4, and PKB/Akt showed stronger interaction with the complex (-6.31 to -6.41 kcal/mol) compared to p-coumaric acid (-7.18 to -7.74 kcal/mol), which was influenced by the Zn(II) and bicoumarate moieties of the complex. In vitro, the complex was not hepatotoxic or myotoxic. Zn(II) complexation may be a therapeutic approach for improving the antioxidative and glycemic control potentials of p-coumaric acid. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In functional medicine, natural supplements, plant-derived phenolics, and nutraceuticals are becoming popular in the management of diseases, including diabetes and oxidative stress. This has been largely attributed to their perceived holistic medicinal profile and the absence of notable toxicity concerns. In the past two decades, considerable attention has been drawn toward zinc mineral as a possible therapeutic supplement for diabetes due to its role in insulin secretion and reported insulin mimetic potentials. p-Coumaric acid is a known natural antioxidant with reported diabetes-related pharmacological effects. In this study, we took advantage of these properties and complexed both natural supplements, which resulted in a more potent nutraceutical with improved glycemic control and antioxidant potential. The complexation-mediated synergistic interaction between zinc and p-coumaric acid could be an important therapeutic approach in improving the use of these natural supplements or nutraceuticals in managing diabetes and associated oxidative complications.

Dose-dependent Action of Zingiber officinale on Colonic Dysmotility and Ex Vivo Spontaneous Intestinal Contraction Modulation

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizomes are commonly used in foods and employed for many ailments including gastrointestinal disorders. Our main objective was to evaluate the effect of Zingiber officinale aqueous extract (ZOAE) on gastrointestinal (GI) physiological motility and colonic dysmotility. Thereby, Wistar rats were given loperamide (LP, 3 mg/kg, b.w.) and ZOAE (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg, b.w.) or yohimbine (YOH, 2 mg/kg, b.w.). ZOAE-action on intestinal secretion was assessed using Ussing chamber technique and intestinal motility with isometric transducer. GI-transit (GIT) and gastric emptying (GE) were evaluated with the charcoal meal test and the red phenol methods. ZOAE-bioactive components were analyzed by liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-HRESIMS). Constipation was induced with LP and the different indicators such as stool composition, GIT, oxidative stress biological parameters, and colonic mucosa histological alteration were performed. Anti-constipation effect of ZOAE was confirmed on stool composition, GIT (53.42% to 85.57%), GE (55.47% to 98.88%), and re-established oxidative balance. ZOAE induces an amplitude increase of spontaneous intestinal contraction with EC50 of 10.52 μg/mL. No effect of ZOAE was observed on electrogenic transport of intestinal fluid. These findings suggest that ZOAE-bioactive candidates might exert an anti-constipation action and spontaneous intestinal contraction modulation.

Polyphenol and Tannin Nutraceuticals and Their Metabolites: How the Human Gut Microbiota Influences Their Properties

Nutraceuticals have been receiving increasing attention in the last few years due to their potential role as adjuvants against non-communicable chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.). However, a limited number of studies have been performed to evaluate the bioavailability of such compounds, and it is generally reported that a substantial elevation of their plasma concentration can only be achieved when they are consumed at pharmacological levels. Even so, positive effects have been reported associated with an average dietary consumption of several nutraceutical classes, meaning that the primary compound might not be solely responsible for all the biological effects. The in vivo activities of such biomolecules might be carried out by metabolites derived from gut microbiota fermentative transformation. This review discusses the structure and properties of phenolic nutraceuticals (i.e., polyphenols and tannins) and the putative role of the human gut microbiota in influencing the beneficial effects of such compounds.

The Role of Antioxidants in the Interplay between Oxidative Stress and Senescence

Cellular senescence is an irreversible state of cell cycle arrest occurring in response to stressful stimuli, such as telomere attrition, DNA damage, reactive oxygen species, and oncogenic proteins. Although beneficial and protective in several physiological processes, an excessive senescent cell burden has been involved in various pathological conditions including aging, tissue dysfunction and chronic diseases. Oxidative stress (OS) can drive senescence due to a loss of balance between pro-oxidant stimuli and antioxidant defences. Therefore, the identification and characterization of antioxidant compounds capable of preventing or counteracting the senescent phenotype is of major interest. However, despite the considerable number of studies, a comprehensive overview of the main antioxidant molecules capable of counteracting OS-induced senescence is still lacking. Here, besides a brief description of the molecular mechanisms implicated in OS-mediated aging, we review and discuss the role of enzymes, mitochondria-targeting compounds, vitamins, carotenoids, organosulfur compounds, nitrogen non-protein molecules, minerals, flavonoids, and non-flavonoids as antioxidant compounds with an anti-aging potential, therefore offering insights into innovative lifespan-extending approaches.

Efficacy of green coffee as an antioxidant in beef meatballs compared with ascorbic acid

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Anti-oxidative effect of green coffee versus ascorbic acid (Asc) was compared.

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Green coffee (GC) has a negative effect on a* due to its chlorogenic acid content.

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Addition of ≥ 500 ppm GC was more effective than Asc in improving oxidative stability.

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GC addition lowered hydrocarbons by 87.6%, compared with 84% in Asc-containing samples.

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GC improved the nutritional value indices of fats in meatballs preserved for 14 days.

The effect of green coffee addition on the physicochemical attributes, fatty acid profile, and volatiles of beef meatballs was investigated. Five batches were prepared; no antioxidant (control), ascorbic acid (Asc, 500 ppm), and three concentrations of green coffee (GC) powder (250, 500, and 1000 ppm), then aerobically stored onto polypropylene trays at 4 °C for 14 days. The physicochemical properties (pH, color, metmyoglobin, and antioxidant stability) were assessed at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days. Free fatty acids and hydrocarbons were detected by GC–MS as well. GC addition, compared with control and Asc samples, significantly (p < 0.05) improved the oxidative stability and scavenging ability, decreased the microbial count by 30.8 %, and negatively affected the redness and metmyoglobin content. Remarkably, at ≥ 500 ppm, GC outperformed ascorbic acid in lowering the aliphatic hydrocarbons (877% reduction). Under the conditions tested, GC at 1000 ppm could be recommended to inhibit meat deterioration, particularly fat oxidation.

Antioxidant, Antihypertensive, Hypoglycaemic and Nootropic Activity of a Polyphenolic Extract from the Halophyte Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum)

This study aims to determine the potential antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycaemic and nootropic activity of a purified polyphenolic extract from the halophyte ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum). The ice plant extract showed good antioxidant activity measured by DPPH, ORAC, TEAC, FRAP and ferrous ion chelating activity. Moreover, the extract showed potent ACE, DPP-IV and PEP-inhibitory activity (90.5%, 98.6% and 73.1%, respectively, at a final concentration of 1 mg/mL). The extract was fractionated and the fraction with the highest content of total phenolic compounds showed the highest bioactivity, suggesting that polyphenols could be mainly responsible for the abovementioned activities. The tentative polyphenol identification by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS in this fraction revealed that flavones (>65%) are the major group, with apigenin (38%) predominating, followed by diosmin (17.7%) and luteolin (11.9%). They could presumably be the main elements responsible for the enzymatic inhibition activity. Additionally, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid and a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative (2-O-(p-cumaroyl)-l-malic acid) were found in the extract. To our knowledge, this is the first time that some of these activities have been reported for halophyte extracts.

New Approaches and advancement in drug development from phenolic p-coumaric acid

P-coumaric acid occurs as a common dietary polyphenol distributed in fruits, vegetables, and cereals in associated and free form. The toxicity profile of the drug is very low and it exhibits many pharmacological actions (antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial activity, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antioxidant effect). P-coumaric acid also acts as a free radical scavenger and inhibits various enzymes which generate free radicals. It is also used as the raw material for the preparation of preservatives, vanillin, sports foods, skin defense agents, and as a cross-linker for the formation of edible films and food gels. The current study is based upon biological effectiveness, molecular docking, SAR, sources of p-coumaric acid, and related derivatives.

Food-Derived Bioactive Molecules from Mediterranean Diet: Nanotechnological Approaches and Waste Valorization as Strategies to Improve Human Wellness

The beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), the most widely followed healthy diet in the world, are principally due to the presence in the foods of secondary metabolites, mainly polyphenols, whose healthy characteristics are widely recognized. However, one of the biggest problems associated with the consumption of polyphenols as nutraceutical adjuvant concerns their bioavailability. During the last decades, different nanotechnological approaches have been developed to enhance polyphenol bioavailability, avoiding the metabolic modifications that lead to low absorption, and improving their retention time inside the organisms. This review focuses on the most recent findings regarding the encapsulation and delivery of the bioactive molecules present in the foods daily consumed in the MedDiet such as olive oil, wine, nuts, spice, and herbs. In addition, the possibility of recovering the polyphenols from food waste was also explored, taking into account the increased market demand of functional foods and the necessity to obtain valuable biomolecules at low cost and in high quantity. This circular economy strategy, therefore, represents an excellent approach to respond to both the growing demand of consumers for the maintenance of human wellness and the economic and ecological exigencies of our society.

Phytochemical Profiling, Antimicrobial and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential of Phenolic-Enriched Extracts of the Aerial Parts from Echium humile Desf.: In Vitro Combined with In Silico Approach

The current study aimed to evaluate the naturally occurring antimicrobial and antidiabetic potential of various Echium humile (E. humile) solvent extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous). The bioactive compounds were identified using HPLC-MS, revealing the presence of sixteen phytochemical compounds, with the most abundant being p-coumaric acid, followed by 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, trans-ferulic acid and acacetin. Furthermore, E. humile extracts showed marked antimicrobial properties against human pathogen strains, with MIC values for the most relevant extracts (methanol and ethyl acetate) ranging from 0.19 to 6.25 mg/mL and 0.39 to 12.50 mg/mL, respectively. Likewise, methanol was found to be bactericidal towards S. aureus, B. cereus and M. luteus, fungicidal against P. catenulatum and F. oxysporum and have a bacteriostatic/fungicidal effect for the other strains. In addition, the E. humile methanolic extract had the greatest α-glucosidase inhibitory effect (IC₅₀ = 0.06 ± 0.29 mg/mL), which is higher than the standard drug, acarbose (IC₅₀ = 0.80 ± 1.81 mg/mL) and the aqueous extract (IC₅₀ = 0.70 ± 0.67 mg/mL). A correlation study between the major phytochemicals and the evaluated activities was investigated. Docking studies evidenced that most of the identified phenolic compounds showed strong interactions into the binding sites of S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and human lysosomal acid-α-glucosidase, confirming their suitable inhibitory effect. In summary, these results may provide rational support to explore the clinical efficacy of E. humile and its secondary metabolites in the treatment of dual diabetes and infections.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) sprout prevents high-fat diet-induced cognitive impairment by improving mitochondrial function

This study was performed to evaluate the improvement effect of the ethyl acetate fraction from peanut (Arachis hypogaea) sprout (EFPS) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced cognitive deficits in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were randomly divided four groups (n = 13) as control (normal chow), HFD, EFPS 20 (20 mg/kg of body weight; intragastric administration) and EFPS 50 (50 mg/kg of body weight; intragastric administration) groups. HFD was provide for 15 weeks excepting control group. EFPS ameliorated cognitive dysfunction in Y-maze, passive avoidance test and Morris water maze test. EFPS significantly improved glucose tolerance and serum lipid profile, and reduced body weight. EFPS ameliorated oxidative stress by regulating MDA levels and SOD activity in liver and brain tissues. In addition, EFPS restored brain mitochondrial dysfunction related to energy metabolism. Moreover, the bioactive compounds of EFPS were identified as di-caffeic acid, caffeic acid, dihydrokaempferol-hexoside, di-p-coumaroyl tartaric acid isomer and group B soyasaponins using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight (UPLC-Q-TOF) mass spectrometry. These results show that EFPS can improve cognitive functions in HFD-induced diabetic mice.

Brain-Penetration and Neuron-Targeting DNA Nanoflowers Co-Delivering miR-124 and Rutin for Synergistic Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia that affects millions of old people. Despite significant advances in the understanding of AD pathobiology, no disease modifying treatment is available. MicroRNA-124 (miR-124) is the most abundant miRNA in the normal brain with great potency to ameliorate AD-like pathology, while it is deficient in AD brain. Herein, the authors develop a DNA nanoflowers (DFs)-based delivery system to realize exogenous supplementation of miR-124 for AD therapy. The DFs with well-controlled size and morphology are prepared, and a miR-124 chimera is attached via hybridization. The DFs are further modified with RVG29 peptide to simultaneously realize brain-blood barrier (BBB) penetration and neuron targeting. Meanwhile, Rutin, a small molecular ancillary drug, is co-loaded into the DFs structure via its intercalation into the double stranded DNA region. Interestingly, Rutin could synergize miR-124 to suppress the expression of both BACE1 and APP, thus achieving a robust inhibition of amyloid β generation. The nanosystem could pro-long miR-124 circulation in vivo, promote its BBB penetration and neuron targeting, resulting in a significant increase of miR-124 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and robust therapeutic efficacy in vivo. Such a bio-derived therapeutic system shows promise as a biocompatible nanomedicine for AD therapy.

A Comparative Study of the Antihypertensive and Cardioprotective Potentials of Hot and Cold Aqueous Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in Relation to Their Metabolic Profiles

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Since ancient times, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces have been used as a folk remedy for the treatment of hypertension. However, it is questionable as to whether there is a difference in the antihypertensive activity of the hot or cold aqueous extracts.

Aim of the study: We designed this study to specify the best method for water extraction of the antihypertensive metabolites of H. sabdariffa and to confirm their in vivo antihypertensive capabilities.

Materials and methods: The powdered dried calyces of H. sabdariffa were independently extracted with cold and hot water. A comparative study was performed between the cold and hot aqueous extracts of H. sabdariffa based on evaluation of the in vitro renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activities. Additionally, both extracts were subjected to an in vivo study for the evaluation of their antihypertensive activities in L-N^w-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)–induced hypertensive rats. Further, a metabolomics study was also performed for both extracts to identify their chemical constituents.

Results: The cold and hot extracts significantly reduced the angiotensin II, ACE, and aldosterone levels in the plasma. Furthermore, in the myocardium and aorta, decreased iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) levels and elevated eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), as well as the rise in plasma NO levels, were reported with both extracts, but better results were displayed with the hot extract, leading to a potential antihypertensive effect. Additionally, the cold and hot Hibiscus extracts induced a cardioprotective effect through reducing necrosis, inflammation, and vacuolization that results from the induction of hypertension, an effect that was more prominent with the hot extract. Moreover, a comprehensive metabolomics approach using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was able to trace the metabolites in each extraction.

Conclusion: The extracts showed different anthocyanin and phenolic compounds, but the hot extract showed higher contents of specific phenolics to which the superior antihypertensive and cardioprotective activities could be related.

Ultrasensitive Pd nano catalyst as peroxidase mimetics for colorimetric sensing and evaluation of antioxidants and total polyphenols in beverages and fruit juices

Herein, we developed a new Pd NP from the aq extract of Elsholtzia blanda Benth. flower that showed efficient peroxidase mimetic activity. The catalytic mechanism was confirmed through colorimetric analysis. The optimizations of temperature, concentration, P^H and time were done to find out the best procedure to implement the intrinsic catalytic activity in practical applications. Michaelis-Menten constants were evaluated for both TMB and H₂O₂ substrate to investigate the affinity of Pd NP towards them. K_m was observed to be 42.35 mM for H₂O₂ and 0.0076 mM for TMB. Antioxidants were sensed using the peroxidase mimetic property up to nanomolar levels with a LOD = 0.78 nM for Gallic acid 0.85 nM for Tannic acid. The method was further implemented in comparing the radical scavenging power of different phenolic compounds. Smart-phone based analysis was done for observing the change in colour which could further be utilized as an analytical tool for study the antioxidant activity. R-Square values of 0.97 and 0.96 for detection of gallic acid and tannic acid respectively suggest good linearity of the plot. Lastly, the system was utilized in the evaluation of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total phenolic content (TPC) in commercially available juices and beverages.

HPLC-MS Profiling, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, and Cytotoxicity Activities of Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq. Extracts

The purpose of this study was to evaluate for the first time the phytochemical constituents and biological properties of three (ethanol, acetone, and hexane) Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq. (A. indicum) extracts. Quantitative analysis revealed the significantly (p < 0.05) dominance of ethanolic extract on total polyphenol (TPC; 303.67 ± 4.16 mg GAE/g DR) and flavonoid (TFC; 55.33 ± 2.52 mg CE/g DR) contents than the other extracts, also displaying high and equipotent condensed tannin (TCTC) contents as the acetone extract. The qualitative HPLC-MS analysis elucidates 19 and 18 compounds in ethanolic and acetonic extracts, respectively, belonging to the phenolics and flavonoids chemical classes. The extracts were also screened for their in vitro antioxidant activities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide anion, and ferric ion (Fe³⁺) reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), demonstrating the potent antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract, due to its stronger scavenging DPPH^• (IC₅₀ = 7.17 ± 1.26 μg/mL) which is not significantly (p > 0.05) different from the positive control, BHT (IC₅₀ = 10.70 ± 0.61 μg/mL), however moderate activity through FRAP and superoxide anion radicals have been observed. Four Gram-positive, four Gram-negative bacteria, and four pathogenic fungi were used for the antimicrobial activity. In addition, S. epidermidis, M. luteus, E. faecalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei were found to be the most susceptible strains towards ethanolic extract. Cytotoxicity values against human colon adenocarcinoma cells (HT29) and human epidermoid cancer cells (Hep2), and one continuous cell lineage control (Vero) revealed that the HT29 cancer cell line was the most responsive to A. indicum shoot extract treatment and significantly (p < 0.05) different from the other cancer cells. Moreover, when tested for their antidiabetic inhibitory effect, ethanol extract recorded the highest antidiabetic effect with IC₅₀ = 13.17 ± 1.04 mg/mL, which is 8.4-fold higher than acetone extract. Therefore, the present study provides new findings on the use of A. indicum shoot ethanolic extract to cure many incurable diseases.

Plant Secondary Metabolites Produced in Response to Abiotic Stresses Has Potential Application in Pharmaceutical Product Development

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are vital for human health and constitute the skeletal framework of many pharmaceutical drugs. Indeed, more than 25% of the existing drugs belong to PSMs. One of the continuing challenges for drug discovery and pharmaceutical industries is gaining access to natural products, including medicinal plants. This bottleneck is heightened for endangered species prohibited for large sample collection, even if they show biological hits. While cultivating the pharmaceutically interesting plant species may be a solution, it is not always possible to grow the organism outside its natural habitat. Plants affected by abiotic stress present a potential alternative source for drug discovery. In order to overcome abiotic environmental stressors, plants may mount a defense response by producing a diversity of PSMs to avoid cells and tissue damage. Plants either synthesize new chemicals or increase the concentration (in most instances) of existing chemicals, including the prominent bioactive lead compounds morphine, camptothecin, catharanthine, epicatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), quercetin, resveratrol, and kaempferol. Most PSMs produced under various abiotic stress conditions are plant defense chemicals and are functionally anti-inflammatory and antioxidative. The major PSM groups are terpenoids, followed by alkaloids and phenolic compounds. We have searched the literature on plants affected by abiotic stress (primarily studied in the simulated growth conditions) and their PSMs (including pharmacological activities) from PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE Ovid, Google Scholar, Databases, and journal websites. We used search keywords: "stress-affected plants," "plant secondary metabolites, "abiotic stress," "climatic influence," "pharmacological activities," "bioactive compounds," "drug discovery," and "medicinal plants" and retrieved published literature between 1973 to 2021. This review provides an overview of variation in bioactive phytochemical production in plants under various abiotic stress and their potential in the biodiscovery of therapeutic drugs. We excluded studies on the effects of biotic stress on PSMs.

Development of poly (p-coumaric acid) as a self-anticancer nanocarrier for efficient and biosafe cancer therapy

Biocompatible polymers with potential therapeutic activity present an appealing strategy for the development of new functional drug carriers. In this study, we report the synthesis of therapeutic poly(p-coumaric acid) (PCA)...

Amelioration of oxidative stress by trans-Anethole via modulating phase I and phase II enzymes against hepatic damage induced by CCl4 in male Wistar rats

The current study was designed to assess the in vivo hepatoprotective properties of trans-Anethole, which is a principal aromatic component of star anise. The hepatoprotective effects of trans-Anethole were evaluated at three doses [40, 80, and 160 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.)] against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic damage in male Wistar rats for 4 weeks. Forty-two male Wistar rats were equally divided into seven groups; the control (group I) received only distilled water. Rats of group II received CCl₄ (1 ml/kg b.wt.) in a 1:1 ratio of CCl₄ and olive oil via intraperitoneal doses, while rats of group III received silymarin (50 mg/kg b.wt.), followed by CCl₄ intraperitoneal doses, 3 days in a week. Rats of group IV received trans-anethole (160 mg/kg b.wt.) for 28 days as a negative control. Trans-anethole at the doses of 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg b.wt. was administered to groups V, VI, and VII, respectively, for 28 days, followed by CCl₄ (i.p). Results showed that CCl₄ treatment (group II) elevated the levels of different serum markers like aspartate aminotransferase (AST) by 4.74 fold, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by 3.47 fold, aspartate alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by 3.55 fold, direct bilirubin by 3.48 fold, and total bilirubin by 2.38 fold in contrast to control. Furthermore, it was found that the decreased levels of liver antioxidant enzymes viz. catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) were significantly modulated by the pre-administration of rats with different doses (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg b.wt.) of trans-anethole. Furthermore, pre-treatment of trans-anethole reduced the level of phase I enzymes and elevated the level of phase II detoxifying enzymes. Histopathological investigations showed that the treatment with trans-anethole was effective in ameliorating CCl₄-induced liver injury and restored the normal hepatic architecture. Moreover, trans-anethole restored p53 and cyclin D levels in liver tissue relative to group II. Western blot analysis revealed that the trans-anethole treatment downregulated the expression of Bax and caspase-3 while upregulated the expression of Bcl-xL. Collectively, the findings of the study showed the strong efficacy of trans-anethole in ameliorating the hepatic damage caused by CCl₄ through the modulation of antioxidants and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes.