Phytochemical analysis of olive flowers' hydroalcoholic extract and in vitro evaluation of tyrosinase, elastase and collagenase inhibition activity

A multilevel LC-HRMS and NMR correlation workflow towards foodomics advancement: Application in table olives

Foodomics employs advanced analytical techniques to provide answers regarding food composition, authenticity control, marker identification and issues related to food quality and safety. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry (MS) are the main analytical platforms used in this field. Nevertheless, they are rarely employed in an integrated manner, and even then, the contribution of each technique remains vague. Table olives (Olea europaea L.) are a food commodity of high economic and nutritional value with an increasing production tendency over the last two decades, which, however, suffers from extensive fraud incidents and quality determination uncertainties. Thus, the current attempt aims towards two axes with the first being the multilevel integration of LC-HRMS and NMR data of the same samples and table olives being the selected matrix. In more detail, UPLC-HRMS/MS-based analysis was compared at different stages within an untargeted metabolomics workflow with an NMR-based study and the complementarity of the two platforms was evaluated. Furthermore, statistical heterospectroscopy (SHY), rarely employed in foodomics, combining the spectroscopic with spectrometric datasets and aiming to increase the confidence level of annotated biomarkers was applied. Amongst these lines, the second parallel axis of this study was the detailed characterization of table olives' metabolome in search for quality markers considering the impact of geographical (from Northern to Southern Greece) and botanical origin (Kalamon, Konservolia, Chalkidikis cultivars), as well as processing parameters (Spanish, Greek). To that end, using deep dereplication tools including statistical methods, with SHY employed for the first time in table olives, different biomarkers, belonging to the classes of phenyl alcohols, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, secoiridoids and triterpenoids were identified as responsible for the observed classifications. The current binary pipeline, focusing on biomarkers' identification confidence, could be suggested as a meaningful workflow not only in olive-based products, but also in food quality control and foodomics in general.

Screening and characterization of cosmetic efficacy components of Terminalia chebula based on biological activity-guided methodology

Terminalia chebula exhibits a high level of antioxidant capacity and is highly valued in medicine and cosmetics. However, its main efficacy and active ingredients related to antioxidant, whitening, and anti-aging are still unclear. In this study, the active site responsible for its cosmetic efficacy was specified by the biological activity-guided method and further characterized by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). T. chebula was ultrasonically extracted by five solvents, and 30% ethanol extract was screened out for subsequent purification by 1,1-D-iphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS), hydroxyl, and superoxide anion free radical scavenging assays. Five elution fractions were obtained by column chromatography on D101 macroporous adsorbent resin eluted by an increased proportion of ethanol. The 30% ethanol elution fraction was specified as the enrichment site of active ingredients showing good antioxidant capacity and potent inhibitory activity against tyrosinase and elastase. A total of 30 compounds were identified by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS in the 30% ethanol elution fraction, including 11 gallotannins, 14 ellagitannins, and 5 other compounds, and these compounds may be the key ingredients in cosmetics beneficial for the skin. Such a biological activity-guided method has provided a simple and rapid venue for specifying the components of medicinal herbs responsible for cosmetic efficacy.

Bioassay-guided detection, identification and assessment of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds from olive tree flower extracts by high-performance thin-layer chromatography linked to spectroscopy

Olive trees are one of the most widely cultivated fruit trees in the world. The chemical compositions and biological activities of olive tree fruit and leaves have been extensively researched for their nutritional and health-promoting properties. In contrast, limited data have been reported on olive flowers. The present study aimed to analyse bioactive compounds in olive flower extracts and the effect of fermentation-assisted extraction on phenolic content and antioxidant activity. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) hyphenated with the bioassay-guided detection and spectroscopic identification of bioactive compounds was used for the analysis. Enzymatic and bacterial in situ bioassays were used to detect COX-1 enzyme inhibition and antibacterial activity. Multiple zones of antibacterial activity and one zone of COX-1 inhibition were detected in both, non-fermented and fermented, extracts. A newly developed HPTLC-based experimental protocol was used to measure the high-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for the assessment of the relative potency of the extracts in inhibiting COX-1 enzyme and antibacterial activity. Strong antibacterial activities detected in zones 4 and 7 were significantly higher in comparison to ampicillin, as confirmed by low IC50 values (IC50 = 57-58 µg in zone 4 and IC50 = 157-167 µg in zone 7) compared to the ampicillin IC50 value (IC50 = 495 µg). The COX-1 inhibition by the extract (IC50 = 76-98 µg) was also strong compared to that of salicylic acid (IC50 = 557 µg). By comparing the locations of the bands to coeluted standards, compounds from detected bioactive bands were tentatively identified. The eluates from bioactive HPTLC zones were further analysed by FTIR NMR, and LC-MS spectroscopy. Multiple zones of antibacterial activity were associated with the presence of triterpenoid acids, while COX-1 inhibition was related to the presence of long-chain fatty acids.

Antioxidant, antitumoral, antimetastatic effect and inhibition of collagenase enzyme activity of Eleutherine bulbosa (Dayak onion) extract: In vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb., known in Brazil as "marupazinho", is a medicinal plant native to the Amazon region. The bulbs of this species are traditionally used in the form of tea or consumed in natura (salads) for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, breast cancer, and female fertility. It has been reported that this species possess cytotoxic compounds with anticancer action and limited underlying mechanisms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to analyze extract of E. bulbosa bulbs and evaluate antioxidant activity, antitumor and antimetastatic effects against murine B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells, and collagenase inhibitory activity by in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Determination of total polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins content were performed. In addition, high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was carried out to identify phytoconstituents from extract. Antioxidant evaluation was performed using DPPH radical scavenging, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), Thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO) tests. Antitumoral and antimetastatic activities of extract on murine B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells were determined and inhibitory activity on collagenase was evaluated. Molecular interactions between compounds and DNA or collagenase was evaluated by molecular docking analyses.

RESULTS

Phytochemical evaluation demonstrated the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, and HPLC-MS identified the major presence of eleutherin, isoeleutherin and eleutherinol. Antioxidant evaluation showed that the extract present significant activity in all methods evaluated. In silico assay demonstrated interaction between bioactive compounds and DNA or collagenase. In addition, extract exhibited antitumor and antimetastatic actions promoted by melanoma cells and showed collagenase inhibitory activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that E. bulbosa bulb extract contains bioactive compounds as flavonoids, anthocyanins and quinones of which may be responsible for the antioxidant, antitumor, antimetastatic and collagenase enzyme inhibitory activity observed in this study by in vivo, in vitro and in silico bioassays.

Nutritional Composition, Mineral Profiling, In Vitro Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Selected Indian Guava Cultivars Leaf Extract

Psidium guajava L. is a small evergreen tree known for its magnificent medicinal and nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional profile and in vitro pharmacological potentialities of the different leaf extracts of four cultivars of Psidium guajava namely Surka chitti, Allahabad safeda, Karela, and Lucknow-49. The standard procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) were followed to carry out the nutritional analysis and all of the cultivars recorded the presence of elements at a nominal range. The highest presence of phenols (125.77 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (92.38 mg QE/g) in the methanolic leaf extract of the Karela cultivar was recorded. A wide range of minerals such as sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and boron were recorded with a higher percentage in the Karela cultivar of Psidium guajava. In the enzyme inhibitory assays, Allahabad safeda showed potential inhibition with an IC50 of 113.31 ± 1.07, 98.2 ± 0.66 and 95.73 ± 0.39 μg/mL in α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase inhibition assays, respectively. The strong antioxidant effect was established by Lucknow-49 (IC50 of 74.43 ± 1.86 μg/mL) and Allahabad safeda (IC50 of 78.93 ± 0.46 μg/mL) for ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. The ethyl acetate and methanolic leaf extracts of the Allahabad safeda cultivar showed better inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with an MIC of 14.84 and 28.69 µg/mL, respectively. A decent mean zone of inhibition was recorded in methanolic leaf extract that ranged from 21-25 mm in diameter against the tested bacterial strains (Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, and P. aeruginosa). This is the first scientific report on the comparative and comprehensive analysis of indigenous guava cultivars to evidently shortlist the elite cultivars with enriched dietary nutrition and biological activities.

Potential Anti-aging Components From Moringa oleifera Leaves Explored by Affinity Ultrafiltration With Multiple Drug Targets

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera), widely used in tropical and subtropical regions, has been reported to possess good anti-aging benefits on skincare. However, the potential bioactive components responsible for its anti-aging effects, including anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase activities, have not been clarified so far. In this study, M. oleifera leaf extracts were first conducted for anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities in vitro by spectrophotometric and fluorometric assays, and the results revealed that they possessed good activities against skin aging-related enzymes. Then, multi-target bio-affinity ultrafiltration coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (AUF-HPLC-MS) was applied to quickly screen anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-hyaluronidase ligands in M. oleifera leaf extracts. Meanwhile, 10, 8, and 14 phytochemicals were screened out as the potential anti-elastase, anti-collagenase, and anti-hyaluronidase ligands, respectively. Further confirmation of these potential bioactive components with anti-aging target enzymes was also implemented by molecule docking analysis. In conclusion, these results suggest that the M. oleifera leaves might be a very promising natural source of anti-aging agent for skincare, which can be further explored in the cosmetics and cosmeceutical industries combating aging and skin wrinkling.

Extraction Optimization, UHPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Ceramides from Sea Red Rice Bran

As a new type of salt-tolerant rice, sea red rice contains more minerals, proteins, and lipid compounds, and, in particular, its by-product rice bran may be used to replace other commercial rice brans as the main source of ceramides (Cers). However, the extraction rate of Cers is generally low, and it is crucial to seek an efficient extraction method. This study optimized the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of Cers from sea red rice bran using response surface methodology (RSM) and obtained a Cers yield of 12.54% under optimal conditions involving an extraction temperature of 46 °C, an extraction time of 46 min, and a material-to-liquid ratio of 5 g/mL. The Cers content in sea red rice bran was preliminarily analyzed using thin-layer chromatography, and the Cers content was determined via UHPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS after purification and separation using silica column chromatography. Forty-six different types of Cers were identified in sea red rice bran, of which Cer 18:0/24:0 (2OH), Cer 18:0/26:0, Cer 18:0/26:0 (2OH), and Cer 18:0/24:0 accounted for 23.66%, 17.54%, 14.91%, and 11.96%. Most of the Cers structures were mainly composed of sphingadienine. A biological activity assay indicated that Cers extracted from sea red rice bran had significant antioxidant and anti-aging properties. These findings indicate that the extracted Cers show great potential for applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

A New Xanthone Glycoside from Mangifera indica L.: Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Anti-Skin Aging Activities

A new xanthone glycoside, 1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone-C-4-β-d-glucopyranoside was isolated from the methanol extract of Mangifera indica leaves (Anacardiaceae) growing in Egypt. The structure was clarified by 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopic data. The physicochemical properties of the compound such as lipophilicity, solubility, and formulation considerations were predicted via in silico ADMET technique using the SwissADME server. This technique provided Lipinski’s rule of five, such as GIT absorption, distribution, metabolism, and skin permeation. The in vitro inhibitory activities against aging-mediated enzymes such as collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase were assessed. The compound exhibited remarkable anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-tyrosinase effects with IC₅₀ values of 1.06, 419.10, 1.65, and 0.48 µg/mL, respectively, compared to the positive control. The compound showed promising predicted aqueous solubility and reasonable skin penetration suggesting the suitability of the compound for topical formulation as an anti-aging agent for cosmetic preparations.

Optimization of Bioactive Phenolics Extraction and Cosmeceutical Activity of Eco-Friendly Polypropylene-Glycol-Lactic-Acid-Based Extracts of Olive Leaf

Olive leaf is a rich source of phenolic compounds with numerous activities related to skin health and appearance. In this study, a green extraction method was developed using eco-friendly solvents: polypropylene glycol (PPG), lactic acid (LA), and water. The optimal extraction conditions were established, including solvent, extraction time, technique (magnetic stirrer vs. ultrasound-assisted extraction), and herbal material/solvent ratio. The composition of the solvent mixture was optimized using a mixture design. The content of phenolic compounds, including oleuropein and verbascoside, was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometric methods. Using different extraction conditions, three extracts were prepared and their phytochemical compositions and antioxidant and skin-related bioactivities were investigated. The extracts were excellent inhibitors of elastase, collagenase, tyrosinase, and lipoxygenase. The best activity was shown by the extract richest in phenolics and prepared using magnetic-stirrer-assisted extraction for 20 min, with 0.8 g of herbal material extracted in 10 mL of PPG/LA/water mixture (28.6/63.6/7.8, w/w/w), closely followed by the extract prepared using the same extraction conditions but with 0.42 g of herbal material. The investigated PPG/LA/water mixtures contributed to the overall enzyme-inhibitory activity of the extracts. The prepared extracts were appropriate for direct use in cosmetic products, thus saving the time and energy consumption necessary for the evaporation of conventional solvents.

Phytochemical Analysis and Dermo-Cosmetic Evaluation of Cymbidium sp. (Orchidaceae) Cultivation By-Products

Cymbidium is one of the most popular genera in Orchidaceae family, commercialized either as loose flowers or as potted plants in floriculture worldwide. The non-marketable parts are typically discarded (e.g., unsuitable flowers, leaves, pseudobulbs, roots), generating an enormous quantity of unutilized biomass. The above by-products were studied through phytochemical analysis and investigated for their dermo-cosmetic potential. The initial antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-elastase, and anti-collagenase assays of the total extracts indicated that the pseudobulb and root ethyl acetate extracts were the most potent. Those extracts were then submitted to chromatographic separation leading to the isolation of 16 secondary metabolites (four phenanthrenes, three 1,4-phenanthrenquinones, three dibenzyls, two phenolic acid derivatives, two sterols, one dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol derivative, and one simple phenolic compound), including 6-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxy-1,4-phenanthrenequinone (cymbisamoquinone), which was identified as a new natural product. In parallel, 48 metabolites were identified by UPLC-HRMS analysis of the extracts. The biological evaluation of the isolated compounds revealed that gigantol and tristin present important anti-tyrosinase activity, while bulbophyllanthrin, 3-hydroxy-2,4,7-trimethoxy-phenanthrene, marylaurencinol A, 5-hydroxy-2-methoxy-1,4-phenanthrenequinone, and ephemeranthroquinone B show dose-dependent anti-collagenase activity. In contrast to isolated metabolites, which may act selectively on specific enzymes, the initial total extracts exhibited inhibitory activity against tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase enzymes, thus showing better prospects for use in dermo-cosmetic formulations.

Isolation of Volatile Compounds with Repellent Properties against Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Using CPC Technology

The present work describes the use of Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC) for the bio-guided isolation of repellent active volatile compounds from essential oils. Five essential oils (EOs) obtained from three Pinus and two Juniperus species were initially analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and evaluated for their repellent properties against Aedes albopictus. The essential oil from needles of P. pinea (PPI) presented the higher activity, showing 82.4% repellency at a dose of 0.2 μL/cm². The above EO, together with the EO from the fruits of J. oxycedrus subsp. deltoides (JOX), were further analyzed by CPC using the biphasic system n-Heptane/ACN/BuOH in ratio 1.6/1.6/0.2 (v/v/v). The analysis of PPI essential oil resulted in the recovery of (−)-limonene, guaiol and simple mixtures of (−)-limonene/β-pheladrene, while the fractionation of JOX EO led to the recovery of β-myrcene, germacrene-D, and mixtures of α-pinene/β-pinene (ratio 70/30) and α-pinene/germacrene D (ratio 65/45). All isolated compounds and recovered mixtures were tested for their repellent activity. From them, (−)-limonene, guaiol, germacrene-D as well the mixtures of (−)-limonene/β-pheladrene presented significant repellent activity (>97% repellency) against Ae. albopictus. The present methodology could be a valuable tool in the effort to develop potent mosquito repellents which are environmentally friendly.

Olive Fruit and Leaf Wastes as Bioactive Ingredients for Cosmetics-A Preliminary Study

Olea europaea cultivar, native in the Mediterranean basin, has expanded worldwide, mainly due to the olive oil industry. This expansion is attributed to the benefits of olive oil consumption, since this product is rich in nutritional and bioactive compounds. However, the olive industry generates high amounts of wastes, which could be related to polluting effects on soil and water. To minimize the environmental impact, different strategies of revalorization have been proposed. In this sense, the aim of this work was to develop high cosmetic value added oleuropein-enriched extracts (O20 and O30), a bioactive compound from olive byproducts, performing a comprehensive characterization using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and evaluate their bioactivity by in vitro assays. A total of 49 compounds were detected, with oleuropein and its derivatives widely found in O30 extract, whereas iridoids were mainly detected in O20 extract. Moreover, 10 compounds were detected for the first time in olive leaves. Both extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant and antiradical activities, although O30 showed higher values. In addition, radical oxygen and nitrogen species scavenging and enzyme inhibition values were higher in O30, with the exception of HOCl and hyaluronidase inhibition assays. Regarding cell viability, olive byproduct extracts did not lead to a decrease in keratinocytes viability until 100 µg/mL. All data reported by the present study reflect the potential of industrial byproducts as cosmetic ingredients.

Exploitation of Vitis vinifera, Foeniculum vulgare, Cannabis sativa and Punica granatum By-Product Seeds as Dermo-Cosmetic Agents

In the current study, by-product seed pastes (VSPs) from Vitis vinifera, Foeniculum vulgare, Cannabis sativa and Punica granatum, generated during the oil production process, were investigated for their potential exploitation as dermo-cosmetic agent. The extraction pipeline of all the raw materials was developed with emphasis on green methodologies and employed on laboratory scale based on industry-adopted techniques. Two different protocols were applied, Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE); the by-product pastes were defatted with supercritical CO2 and n-Hexane, respectively. Then, two SFE extracts (CO2 with 10% and 20% of ethanol as co-solvent) and two UAE extracts (with ethanol and ethanol/water 1:1 v/v) were obtained from each raw material. The providing yield range was between 2.6 to 76.3 mg/g raw material. The extracts were analyzed with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) and Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer (LC-HRMS), and the major compounds, were identified. All the extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant and inhibition activity against collagenase, elastase and tyrosinase enzymes. Grapevine by-product extracts found rich in proanthocyanidins and presented the higher inhibition activity. A holistic green experimental methodology is proposed for the obtainment of extracts from significant medicinal plants by-products that provides us with promising results concerning dermo-cosmetic properties, especially for grape seeds extracts.

Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Total Phenolic Content and Sideritis Extract in Female Mice

The aim of this study was to determine the cognitive and behavioral effects of extra virgin olive oil total phenolic content (TPC) and Sideritis (SID) extracts in female mice, and identify the associated neurochemical changes in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. All animals received intraperitoneal low or high doses of TPC, SID or vehicle treatment for 7 days and were subjected to the Open Field (OF), Novel Object Recognition (NOR) and Tail Suspension Test (TST). The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were dissected for analysis of neurotransmitters and aminoacids with high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). Both TPC doses enhanced vertical activity and center entries in the OF, which could indicate an anxiolytic-like effect. In addition, TPC enhanced non-spatial working memory and, in high doses, exerted antidepressant effects. On the other hand, high SID doses remarkably decreased the animals’ overall activity. Locomotor and exploratory activities were closely associated with cortical increases in serotonin turnover induced by both treatments. Cognitive performance was linked to glutamate level changes. Furthermore, TPC reduced cortical taurine levels, while SID reduced cortical aspartate levels. TPC seems to have promising cognitive, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, whereas SID has sedative effects in high doses. Both extracts act in the brain, but their specific actions and properties merit further exploration.