Extraction, isolation and identification of four phenolic compounds from Pleioblastus amarus shoots and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro

Mild ultrasound-assisted alkali de-esterification modified pectins: Characterization and structure-activity relationships in immunomodulatory effects

Apple pectin (AP), a well-established dietary fiber, offers significant health benefits, particularly in immunomodulation. However, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) in this context remains poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of varying degrees of esterification (DE) on AP's SAR in immunomodulatory activity. AP-Es (AP-E1, AP-E2, AP-E3) with different DE were prepared using mild ultrasound-assisted alkali de-esterification, followed by SAR analysis. Results revealed that AP-E3, with the lowest DE (5.08 ± 0.22 %), demonstrated a significant reduction in homogalacturonan (HG) domains and a corresponding increase in rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) domains, which coincided with enhanced immunomodulatory effects. The molecular weights of AP-E1, AP-E2, and AP-E3 were determined to be 30.94 ± 0.83 kDa, 27.61 ± 0.65 kDa, and 22.17 ± 0.57 kDa, respectively. To further explore the underlying mechanism, transgenic zebrafish with fluorescent macrophages were utilized. A positive correlation was observed between AP-E3 concentration and the number of fluorescent microspheres engulfed by macrophages. Additionally, AP-E3 significantly upregulated the expression of key immune response genes (tnf-α, il-1β, il-6, cox-2, inos, and nf-κb) and restored the gut microbiota composition and abundance in chloramphenicol-induced immunocompromised zebrafish. Metabolomics analysis revealed that AP-E3 effectively restored metabolic homeostasis by activating multiple signaling pathways associated with signal transduction, immune regulation, and metabolism. These findings highlight the potential of low-esterified AP enriched with RG-I domains as a promising candidate for applications in immune modulation and gut health management.

Characterization and identification of the key volatile and non-volatile substances of Vangueria madagascariensis J.F. Gmel fruits (Kirkir) and exploration of their binding interactions with olfactory and taste receptors using computational chemistry methodology

Profiling of metabolites that contribute to the taste and odor of fruit products is important to produce the desired products. In this study, volatile and non-volatile compounds were analyzed using SPME/GC-MS and UHPLC-Q-Exactive-orbitrap-MS/MS, respectively. A total of 59 volatiles (including alcohols, aldehydes, acids, terpenes, ketones, phenols, and hydrocarbons et al.) and 18 non-volatiles (including phenolic acids, flavones, flavonoids, glucosides, phenols, and quinic acid derivatives et al.) were detected in dried Kirkir fruits. The binding interactions between the key volatiles and the detected non-volatiles with taste and olfactory receptors were also evaluated. Based on the molecular docking, 11 volatile compounds may contribute to the overall odor, while 16 non-volatile compounds may contribute to the taste of the Kirkir fruits. In conclusion, in silico studies can serve as a powerful technique for understanding mechanisms of interaction and predicting the key phytochemicals that contribute to the odor and taste of fruits.

Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid: An in vitro study on its anti-Helicobacter pylori effect

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phellodendron chinense C.K.Schneid(P. chinense Schneid) is known in TCM as Huang Bo, is traditionally used to support gastrointestinal function and alleviate stomach-related ailments, including gastric ulcer bleeding and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is classified by the WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen. However, the specific activity and mechanism of action of P. chinense Schneid against H. pylori infection remain unclear. It has been noted that Huangjiu processing may alter the bitter and cold properties of P. chinense Schneid, but its effect on antimicrobial activity requires further investigation. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether berberine is the sole antimicrobial active component of P. chinense Schneid.

AIM OF STUDY

This study aims to elucidate the anti-H. pylori infection activity of P. chinense Schneid, along with its mechanism of action and key antimicrobial active components.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical analysis was carried out by UPLC-MS/MS. HPLC was employed to quantify the berberine content of the extracts. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the micro broth dilution method. Morphology was observed using SEM. The impact on urease activity was analyzed through in vitro urease enzyme kinetics. RT-qPCR was employed to detect the expression of virulence genes, including adhesin, flagellum, urease, and cytotoxin-related genes. The adhesion effect was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and agar culture.

RESULTS

P. chinense Schneid exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against both antibiotic-sensitive and resistant H. pylori strains, with MIC ranging from 40 to 160 μg/mL. Combination with amoxicillin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin did not result in antagonistic effects. P. chinense Schneid induced alterations in bacterial morphology and structure, downregulated the expression of various virulence genes, and inhibited urease enzyme activity. In co-infection systems, P. chinense Schneid significantly attenuated H. pylori adhesion and urease relative content, thereby mitigating cellular damage caused by infection. Huangjiu processing enhanced the anti-H. pylori activity of P. chinense Schneid. Besides berberine, P. chinense Schneid contained seven other components with anti-H. pylori activity, with palmatine exhibiting the strongest activity, followed by jatrorrhizine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study sheds light on the potential therapeutic mechanisms of P. chinense Schneid against H. pylori infection, demonstrating its capacity to disrupt bacterial structure, inhibit urease activity, suppress virulence gene transcription, inhibit adhesion, and protect host cells. The anti-H. pylori activity of P. chinense Schneid was potentiated by Huangjiu processing, and additional components beyond berberine were identified as possessing strong anti-H. pylori activity. Notably, jatrorrhizine, a core component of P. chinense Schneid, exhibited significant anti-H. pylori activity, marking a groundbreaking discovery.

Structural and functional characteristics of pectins from three cultivars of apple (Malus pumila Mill.) pomaces

This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, structural properties, and biological properties of pectin polysaccharides (AP-FS, AP-QG, and AP-HG) isolated from different varieties of apple pomace. Based on the methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses, the structure of AP-FS was determined to be composed of an α-1,4-linked homogalacturonan backbone that exhibited high levels of O-6 methylation. All pectins exhibit potent inhibitory activity against human colon cancer and human liver cancer cells, along with immunostimulatory effects. Among them, AP-FS exhibited the highest activity level. Finally, we further investigated the underlying mechanism behind the effect of AP-FS on RAW 264.7 cells using proteomics analysis. Our findings revealed that AP-FS triggers RAW 264.7 macrophage activation via NOD-like receptor (NLR), NF-κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Therefore, our research contributes to a better understanding of the structure-function relationship among apple pectins, and AP-FS has the potential to be applied to dietary supplements targeting immunomodulation.

Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity of Linum trigynum

In this study, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), secondary metabolite composition (LC-HRMS/MS analyses) and antioxidant potential (DPPH, ABTS, GOR, CUPRAC, and phenanthroline assays) of Linum trigynum L. (LT) extracts were determined. Our results showed for the first time that the extracts (PE, CHCl3, AcOEt, and n-BuOH) of LT exert antioxidant activity. The AcOEt and n-BuOH extracts were the most antioxidant compared to the standards, and had a higher amount of TPC (323.51 ± 0.62; 229.98 ± 6.80 µg GAE/mL) and TFC (183.75 ± 1.17 and 157.50 ± 1.77 µg QE/mL), resectively. The high antioxidant properties of these extracts may be due to their major compounds (phenolic compounds) detected by LC-HRMS/MS analyses including flavonoids (40 compounds) and phenolic acids and derivatives (18 and 19 compounds, respectively). AcOEt and n-BuOH extracts of LT can be used as an excellent source of antioxidant phytochemicals to prevent or treat various diseases.

Bamboo shoots improve the nutritional and sensory quality, and change flavor composition of chicken soup

The effect of adding bamboo shoots to stewing on the quality and flavor of chicken soup has never been reported. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of 4 kinds of bamboo shoots on the edible quality, volatile and water-soluble flavor components of Chahua chicken soup. The results showed that adding bamboo shoots changed the sensory and nutritional quality of chicken soup. A total of 62 volatile flavor components were identified by HS-SPME-GC-MS, of which 12 were identified as characteristic volatile flavor components, and 9 were the main reasons for the flavor differences between bamboo shoot chicken soup with blank chicken soup. LC-MS found that after adding bamboo shoots, the differential water-soluble components in chicken soup significantly increased, and most of the increased components have been proven to have physiological functional activity. In conclusion, adding bamboo shoots improved the nutritional and sensory quality, and changed the flavor components of chicken soup.

Separation Methods of Phenolic Compounds from Plant Extract as Antioxidant Agents Candidate

In recent years, discovering new drug candidates has become a top priority in research. Natural products have proven to be a promising source for such discoveries as many researchers have successfully isolated bioactive compounds with various activities that show potential as drug candidates. Among these compounds, phenolic compounds have been frequently isolated due to their many biological activities, including their role as antioxidants, making them candidates for treating diseases related to oxidative stress. The isolation method is essential, and researchers have sought to find effective procedures that maximize the purity and yield of bioactive compounds. This review aims to provide information on the isolation or separation methods for phenolic compounds with antioxidant activities using column chromatography, medium-pressure liquid chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, counter-current chromatography, hydrophilic interaction chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, molecularly imprinted technologies, and high-performance thin layer chromatography. For isolation or purification, the molecularly imprinted technologies represent a more accessible and more efficient procedure because they can be applied directly to the extract to reduce the complicated isolation process. However, it still requires further development and refinement.

Sheathless CESI-MS versus LC-MS: Results of qualitative and quantitative analyses of the primary and secondary metabolites of Pleioblastus amarus bamboo shoots

The bamboo shoot of Pleioblastus amarus (Keng) Keng f. is a medicinal and edible resource in China. In this study, three separation techniques were applied to identify the primary and secondary metabolites component of P. amarus bamboo shoots, including sheathless capillary electrophoresis electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (CESI-MS), reverse-phase liquid chromatography-MS (RPLC-MS), and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-MS (HILIC-MS). A total of 201 metabolites were identified by the three methods. Among those metabolites, 146 were identified by RPLC-MS, 85 were identified by HILIC-MS, and 46 were identified by sheathless CESI-MS. These methods were complementary and had a linear coefficient. CESI-MS presented advantages in the identification of isomers, high sensitivity, very low sample usage, and good detection of polar and nonpolar metabolites, showing its unique applications in food analysis and prospects in metabolic research.

Modulation of mitochondrial activity by sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) top extract and its bioactive polyphenols: a comprehensive transcriptomics analysis in C2C12 myotubes and HepG2 hepatocytes

Age-related mitochondrial dysfunction leads to defects in cellular energy metabolism and oxidative stress defense systems, which can contribute to tissue damage and disease development. Among the key regulators responsible for mitochondrial quality control, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) is an important target for mitochondrial dysfunction. We have previously reported that bioactive polyphenols extracted from sugarcane top (ST) ethanol extract (STEE) could activate neuronal energy metabolism and increase astrocyte PGC-1α transcript levels. However, their potential impact on the mitochondria activity in muscle and liver cells has not yet been investigated. To address this gap, our current study examined the effects of STEE and its polyphenols on cultured myotubes and hepatocytes in vitro. Rhodamine 123 assay revealed that the treatment with STEE and its polyphenols resulted in an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential in C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, a comprehensive examination of gene expression patterns through transcriptome-wide microarray analysis indicated that STEE altered gene expressions related to mitochondrial functions, fatty acid metabolism, inflammatory cytokines, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, and cAMP signaling in both C2C12 myotubes and HepG2 hepatocytes. Additionally, protein-protein interaction analysis identified the PGC-1α interactive-transcription factors-targeted regulatory network of the genes regulated by STEE, and the quantitative polymerase chain reaction results confirmed that STEE and its polyphenols upregulated the transcript levels of PGC-1α in both C2C12 and HepG2 cells. These findings collectively suggest the potential beneficial effects of STEE on muscle and liver tissues and offer novel insights into the potential nutraceutical applications of this material.

Vetiver aerial parts and roots ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis in complete Freund's adjuvant rat model, a phytochemical profiling and mechanistic study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is indigenous to India where it is traditionally used to relief rheumatisms, lumbagos and sprains. Vetiver anti-inflammatory activity has not been previously investigated, and its specific interactions with body inflammation cascade remain largely unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present work was performed to validate the ethnobotanical use of the plant and compare the anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extracts of the most traditionally used part (aerial part) to that of the root. Furthermore, we attempt to reveal the molecular mechanism of this anti-inflammatory activity in correlation to the chemical composition of C. zizanioides aerial (CA) and root parts (CR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC/HRMS) was used for comprehensive analysis of both CA and CR. The anti-inflammatory effect of both extracts was evaluated in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA model in Wistar rats.

RESULTS

Phenolic metabolites were predominant in CA and 42 were identified for the first time, while only 13 were identified in CR. Meanwhile, triterpenes and sesquiterpenes were confined to the root extract. In CFA arthritis model, CA showed better anti-inflammatory activity than CR marked by an increase in serum level of IL-10 with simultaneous decrease in pro-inflammatory markers; IL-6, ACPA and TNF-α and was evident in histopathological examination. This anti-inflammatory effect was accompanied by down-regulation of JAK2/STAT3/SOCs3, ERK1/ERK2, TRAF6/c-FOS/NFATC1, TRAF6/NF-κB/NFATC1 and RANKL pathways which were all upregulated after CFA injection. These pathways were modulated to larger extent by CA, except for ERK1/ERK2 which was downregulated more effectively by CR. This differential effect between CA and CR can be explained by the variability in their phytoconstituents profile.

CONCLUSION

In agreement with the ethnobotanical preference, CA extract was more effective than CR extract in reducing the symptoms of RA probably due to its enrichment with flavonoids, lignans, and flavolignans. Both CA and CR reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines through modulating various biological signaling pathways. These findings support the traditional use of vetiver leaves as a remedy for RA and suggest that the use of the whole plant may offer advantage by synergistically affecting more inflammatory pathways.