Comprehensive metabolite profiling of Solanum tuberosum L. (potato) leaves by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS

LC-qTOF-MS/MS phytochemical profiling of Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. Ex DC.) Standl. leaf and assessment of its neuroprotective potential in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tabebuia impetiginosa (Bignoniaceae) was traditionally used for memory enhancement and central nervous system (CNS) stimulation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to create a metabolic profile of the ethyl acetate fraction of T. impetiginosa (TEF) and investigate for the first time its neuroprotective potential on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced chemobrain, validating its traditional use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Metabolite profiling of TEF was performed using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass/Mass Spectrometry (LC-qTOF-MS/MS). For the in vivo study, CP (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to induce cognitive impairment in rats; TEF (30 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered throughout the 14 days of the experiment to assess its role in mitigating CP-induced neuronal deficits. Behavioral tests including locomotor, Y-maze, and passive avoidance tests were conducted. Additionally, biochemical markers such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and caspase-3 immunoexpression were assessed in the hippocampus area.

RESULTS

Forty-four phytoconstituents were tentatively identified in TEF, mainly iridoids and organic acids. TEF showed significant memory enhancement as evidenced by the increase in step-through latency in the passive avoidance test by 1.5 folds and the increase in sequence alternation percentage (SAP) in the Y-maze test by 67.3%, as compared to CP-group. Moreover, it showed pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials evidenced by the significant elevation in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels by 80% and a pronounced decline in MDA and TNF-α levels by 24% and 45%, respectively relative to the CP group. TEF treatment restored normal hippocampal histological features and attenuated apoptotic caspase-3 expression by 70% compared to the CP group.

CONCLUSIONS

TEF can act as a promising natural scaffold in managing the chemobrain induced by CP in cancer patients.

Nitrophenols in the environment: An update on pretreatment and analysis techniques since 2017

Nitrophenols, a versatile intermediate, have been widely used in leather, medicine, chemical synthesis, and other fields. Because these components are widely applied, they can enter the environment through various routes, leading to many hazards and toxicities. There has been a recent surge in the development of simple, rapid, environmentally friendly, and effective techniques for determining these environmental pollutants. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress on the pretreatment and analysis methods of nitrophenols since 2017, with a focus on environmental samples. Pretreatment methods include liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, dispersive extraction, and microextraction methods. Analysis methods mainly include liquid chromatography-based methods, gas chromatography-based methods, supercritical fluid chromatography. In addition, this review also discusses and compares the advantages/disadvantages and development prospects of different pretreatment and analysis methods to provide a reference for further research.

CropMetabolome: a comprehensive metabolome database for major crops cross eight categories

Chemical compositions of crops are of great agronomical importance, as crops serve as resources for nutrition, energy, and medicines for human and livestock. For crop metabolomics research, the lack of crop reference metabolome and high-quality reference compound mass spectra, as well as utilities for metabolic profiling, has hindered the discovery and functional study of phytochemicals in crops. To meet these challenging needs, we have developed the Crop Metabolome database (abbreviated as CropMetabolome) that is dedicated to the construction of crop reference metabolome, repository, and dissemination of crop metabolomic data, and profiling and analytic tools for metabolomics research. CropMetabolome contains a metabolomics database for more than 50 crops (belonging to eight categories) that integrated self-generated raw mass spectral data and public-source datasets. The reference metabolome for 59 crop species was constructed, which have functions that parallel those of reference genome in genomic studies. CropMetabolome also contains 'Standard compound mass spectral library', 'Flavonoids library', 'Pesticide library', and a set of related analytical tools that enable metabolic profiling based on a reference metabolome (CropRefMetaBlast), annotation and identification of new metabolites (CompoundLibBlast), deducing the structure of novel flavonoid derivatives (FlavoDiscover), and detecting possible residual pesticides in crop samples (PesticiDiscover). In addition, CropMetabolome is a repository to share and disseminate metabolomics data and a platform to promote collaborations to develop reference metabolome for more crop species. CropMetabolome is a comprehensive platform that offers important functions in crop metabolomics research and contributes to improve crop breeding, nutrition, and safety. CropMetabolome is freely available at https://www.cropmetabolome.com/.

Phytochemical profile and anti-inflammatory activity of the hull of γ-irradiated wheat mutant lines (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum Linn.; Poaceae) is the second most cultivated food crop among all global cereal crop production. The high carbohydrate content of its grains provides energy, multiple nutrients, and dietary fiber. After threshing, a substantial amount of wheat hull is produced, which serves as the non-food component of wheat. For the valorization of these by-products as a new resource from which functional components can be extracted, the hull from the seeds of cultivated wheat mutant lines bred after γ-irradiation were collected. Untargeted metabolite analysis of the hull of the original cultivar (a crossbreeding cultivar., Woori-mil × D-7) and its 983 mutant lines were conducted using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry technique. A total of 55 molecules were tentatively identified, including 21 compounds found in the Triticum species for the first time and 13 compounds not previously described. Among them, seven flavonolignans with a diastereomeric structure, isolated as a single compound from the hull of T. aestivum in our previous study, were used as the standards in the metabolite analysis. The differences in their collision cross-section values were shown to contribute to the clear distinction between tricine-lignan stereoisomers. To select functionally active agents with anti-inflammatory activity among the identified compounds, the wheat hull samples were evaluated for their inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. As a result of multivariate analysis based on the results of chemical and biological profiles of the wheat hull samples, 10 metabolites were identified as key markers, contributing to the distinction between active and inactive mutant lines. Considering that one of the four key markers attributed to anti-inflammatory activity has been identified to be a flavonolignan, the wheat hull could be a valuable source of diverse tricin-lignan type compounds and used as a natural health-promoting product in food supplements.

UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Profiling of Phytochemicals from Araticum Fruit (Annona crassiflora Mart.) and Its Antioxidant Activity

Araticum is a native species of the Brazilian Cerrado with a high potential for exploitation. Several studies have stated that araticum is a rich source of phytochemicals with multifaceted biological actions. However, little information is available regarding the characterization of phytochemicals found in the pulp of this fruit. In this context, this study aimed to carry out a comprehensive characterization of phytochemicals present in the araticum pulp using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS). The antioxidant potential of araticum pulp was also evaluated. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS profiling of the phytochemicals allowed for the identification and annotation of 139 phytochemicals, including organic acids, jasmonates, iridoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, annonaceous acetogenins, fatty acid derivatives, and other compounds. Among them, 116 compounds have been found for the first time in araticum pulp. Phenolic compounds and their derivatives represented about 59% of the phytochemicals identified in the extract. Moreover, araticum pulp showed high total phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity. The majority of identified phytochemicals have been associated with key roles in the plant's defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stress factors in the Cerrado environment. Furthermore, many of these phytochemicals found in the araticum pulp are already widely recognized for their beneficial effects on human health. Our findings showed that the araticum fruit contains different classes of phytochemicals that exert various biological activities, both in the plant itself and in humans.

Metabolite Profiling for Typization of "Rucola della Piana del Sele" (PGI), Eruca sativa, through UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS Analysis

In August 2020, the Eruca sativa cultivar "Rucola della Piana del Sele" obtained from the European Union the prestigious PGI (protected geographical indication) label, which certifies the uniqueness of its characteristics and increases its prestige both nationally and, above all, internationally. This plant is recognized as a product of excellence, with a unique flavor and unmistakable aroma. Therefore, since there are no methods to characterize the PGI product, a metabolomic approach was applied to characterize E. sativa grown in the Piana del Sele and different geographical areas. As E. sativa has very wide cultivation, this study sought to compare the metabolite profiles of rocket grown in Piana del Sele, Bergamo, and Brescia, as well as in Switzerland, making a comparison also with the metabolite profile of E. sativa grown spontaneously. To determine the best procedure to distinguish "Rucola della Piana del Sele" from the others, different extraction procedures were carried out using different solvents and fresh or freeze-dried plant matrices. The different extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry experiments, using chemometric analyses to identify biomarker metabolites that characterize the PGI product. The LC-ESI-Q-Exactive-MS/MS profiles of methanol and hydroalcoholic extracts of different cultivars of E. sativa were found to be rich in bioactive compounds such as glucosinolates, glycosylated flavonoids, fatty acids, and lipids. The LCMS data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA); the score scatter plot shows significant separation among Eruca samples grown in different geographical areas. In detail, loading the scatter plot revealed Eruca grown in Piana del Sele to be richer than other cultivars in glycosylated quercetin 3,3',4'-O-triglucoside (7), quercetin-3,4'-O-diglucoside-3'-O-(6-sinapoyl-glucoside) (10), and quercetin diglucoside (30). Finally, considering the biological interest in erucin, the myrosinase product of glucoerucin, the latter was quantified in the extracts by LC-ESI/QTrap/MS/MS using the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method; E. sativa from Piana del Sele showed the highest content of glucoerucin.

Comparative Chemical Characterization of Potato Powders Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics

This study presents the metabolic profiling of potato powders obtained through various processing procedures and commercially available potato powders. The metabolic fingerprinting was conducted using 1H NMR-based metabolomics coupled with machine learning projections. The results indicate hot air-dried potatoes have higher fumarate, glucose, malate, asparagine, choline, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), alanine, lactate, threonine, and fatty acids. In comparison, steam-cooked potatoes have higher levels of phenylalanine, sucrose, proline, citrate, glutamate, and valine. Moreover, the contents of metabolites in processed potatoes in this study were higher than those found in commercial potato powders, regardless of the drying or cooking methods used. The results indicate that a new processing technique may be developed to improve the nutritional value of potatoes.

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova from Yakutia: Extraction and Mass Spectrometric Characterization of 128 Chemical Compounds

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova is a rare and endangered species of the genus Dracocephalum of the Lamiaceae family. The species was first described in 1997 and listed in the Red Data Book of Yakutia. Significant differences in the multicomponent composition of extracts from D. jacutense collected in the natural environment and successfully introduced in the Botanical Garden of Yakutsk were identified by a team of authors earlier in a large study. In this work, we studied the chemical composition of the leaves, stem, and inflorescences of D. jacutense using the tandem mass spectrometry method. Only three cenopopulations of D. jacutense were found by us in the territory of the early habitat-in the vicinity of the village of Sangar, Kobyaysky district of Yakutia. The aboveground phytomass of the plant was collected, processed and dried as separate parts of the plant: inflorescences, stem and leaves. Firstly, a total of 128 compounds, 70% of which are polyphenols, were tentatively identified in extracts of D. jacutense. These polyphenol compounds were classified as 32 flavones, 12 flavonols, 6 flavan-3-ols, 7 flavanones, 17 phenolic acids, 2 lignans, 1 dihydrochalcone, 4 coumarins, and 8 anthocyanidins. Other chemical groups were presented as carotenoids, omega-3-fatty acids, omega-5-fatty acids, amino acids, purines, alkaloids, and sterols. The inflorescences are the richest in polyphenols (73 polyphenolic compounds were identified), while 33 and 22 polyphenols were found in the leaves and stems, respectively. A high level of identity for polyphenolic compounds in different parts of the plant is noted for flavanones (80%), followed by flavonols (25%), phenolic acids (15%), and flavones (13%). Furthermore, 78 compounds were identified for the first time in representatives of the genus Dracocephalum, including 50 polyphenolic compounds and 28 compounds of other chemical groups. The obtained results testify to the unique composition of polyphenolic compounds in different parts of D. jacutense.

Green Biorefinery systems for the production of climate-smart sustainable products from grasses, legumes and green crop residues

Grasses, legumes and green plant wastes represent a ubiquitous feedstock for developing a bioeconomy in regions across Europe. These feedstocks are often an important source of ruminant feed, although much remains unused or underutilised. In addition to proteins, these materials are rich in fibres, sugars, minerals and other components that could also be used as inputs for bio-based product development. Green Biorefinery processes and initiatives are being developed to better capitalise on the potential of these feedstocks to produce sustainable food, feed, materials and energy in an integrated way. Such systems may support a more sustainable primary production sector, enable the valorisation of green waste streams, and provide new business models for farmers. This review presents the current developments in Green Biorefining, focusing on a broad feedstock and product base to include different models of Green Biorefinery. It demonstrates the potential and wide applicability of Green Biorefinery systems, the range of bio-based product opportunities and highlights the way forward for their broader implementation. While the potential for new products is extensive, quality control approval will be required prior to market entry.

Solanum dulcamara L. Berries: A Convenient Model System to Study Redox Processes in Relation to Fruit Ripening

The present study provides, for the first time, a physicochemical and biochemical characterization of the redox processes associated with the ripening of Solanum dulcamara L. (bittersweet) berries. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (EPRS) and Imaging (EPRI) measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed in parallel with the tissue-specific metabolic profiling of major antioxidants and assessment of antioxidant enzymes activity. Fruit transition from the mature green (MG) to ripe red (RR) stage involved changes in the qualitative and quantitative content of antioxidants and the associated cellular oxidation and peroxidation processes. The skin of bittersweet berries, which was the major source of antioxidants, exhibited the highest antioxidant potential against DPPH radicals and nitroxyl spin probe 3CP. The efficient enzymatic antioxidant system played a critical protective role against the deleterious effects of progressive oxidative stress during ripening. Here, we present the EPRI methodology to assess the redox status of fruits and to discriminate between the redox states of different tissues. Interestingly, the intracellular reoxidation of cell-permeable nitroxide probe 3CP was observed for the first time in fruits or any other plant tissue, and its intensity is herein proposed as a reliable indicator of oxidative stress during ripening. The described noninvasive EPRI technique has the potential to have broader application in the study of redox processes associated with the development, senescence, and postharvest storage of fruits, as well as other circumstances in which oxidative stress is implicated.

Assessment of metabolic, mineral, and cytotoxic profile in pineapple leaves of different commercial varieties: A new eco-friendly and inexpensive source of bioactive compounds

Pineapple is among the most produced and consumed fruits worldwide, and consequently, its agroindustrial production/processing generates high amounts of agricultural waste, which are routinely discarded. Thus, it is crucial to seek alternatives to reuse this agricultural waste that are in high availability. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the chemical composition of a specific residue (leaves) of seven commercial varieties of pineapples, to attribute high added value uses, and to evaluate its potential as a source of secondary metabolites and minerals. Thereby, twenty-eight metabolites were annotated by UPLC-QTOF-MS^E, including amino acids, organic acids, and phenolic compounds. The following minerals were quantitatively assessed by ICP-OES: Zn (5.30-19.77 mg kg^-1), Cr, Cd, Mn (50.80-113.98 mg kg^-1), Cu (1.05-4.01 mg kg^-1), P (1030.77-6163.63 mg kg^-1) and Fe (9.06-70.17 mg kg^-1). In addition, Cr and Cd (toxic materials) present concentration levels below the limit of quantification of the analytical method (LOQ_Cr and LOQ_Cd = 0.02 mg kg^-1) for all samples. The multivariate analysis was conceived from the chemical profile, through the tools of PCA (principal component analysis) and HCA (hierarchical cluster analysis). The results show that pineapple leaves have similarities and differences concerning their chemical composition. In addition, the cytotoxicity assays of the extracts against tumor and non-tumor strains shows that the extracts were non-toxic. This fact can corroborate and enhance the prospection of new uses and applications of agroindustrial co-products from pineapple, enabling the evaluation and use in different types of industries, such as pharmacological, cosmetic, and food, in addition to the possibility of being a potential source of bioactive compounds.

Autofluorescence-Based Investigation of Spatial Distribution of Phenolic Compounds in Soybeans Using Confocal Laser Microscopy and a High-Resolution Mass Spectrometric Approach

In this research, we present a detailed comparative analysis of the bioactive substances of soybean varieties k-11538 (Russia), k-11559 (Russia), k-569 (China), k-5367 (China), k-5373 (China), k-5586 (Sweden), and Primorskaya-86 (Russia) using an LSM 800 confocal laser microscope and an amaZon ion trap SL mass spectrometer. Laser microscopy made it possible to clarify in detail the spatial arrangement of the polyphenolic content of soybeans. Our results revealed that the phenolics of soybean are spatially located mainly in the seed coat and the outer layer of the cotyledon. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used in combination with an amaZon SL BRUKER DALTONIKS ion trap (tandem mass spectrometry) to identify target analytes in soybean extracts. The results of initial studies revealed the presence of 63 compounds, and 45 of the target analytes were identified as polyphenolic compounds.

Fructus Zanthoxyli extract improves glycolipid metabolism disorder of type 2 diabetes mellitus via activation of AMPK/PI3K/Akt pathway: Network pharmacology and experimental validation

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the potential mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of Fructus Zanthoxyli (FZ) against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.

METHODS

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to identify the constituents of FZ. Next, the differentially expressed genes linked to the treatment of diabetes with FZ were screened using online databases (including Gene Expression Omnibus database and Swiss Target Prediction online database), and the overlapping genes and their enrichment were analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Finally, the pathway was verified by in vitro experiments, and cell staining with oil red and Nile red showed that the extract of FZ had a therapeutic effect on T2DM.

RESULTS

A total of 43 components were identified from FZ, and 39 differentially expressed overlapping genes were screened as the possible targets of FZ in T2DM. The dug component-target network indicated that PPARA, PPARG, PIK3R3, JAK2 and GPR88 might be the core genes targeted by FZ in the treatment of T2DM. Interestingly, the enrichment analysis of KEGG showed that effects of FZ against T2DM were closely correlated with the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways. In vitro experiments further confirmed that FZ significantly inhibited palmitic acid-induced lipid formation in HepG2 cells. Moreover, FZ treatment was able to promote the AMPK and PI3K/Akt expressions in HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Network pharmacology combined with experimental validation revealed that FZ extract can improve the glycolipid metabolism disorder of T2DM via activation of the AMPK/PI3K/Akt pathway.

In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the Euclea natalensis crude extract and fractions against oral infection agents

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed (i) to evaluate the antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the crude extract and fractions obtained from Euclea natalensis A.D.C. roots against bacteria that cause periodontal disease and caries and (ii) to identify the isolated compounds.

DESIGN

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract and fractions were determined by the microplate dilution assay. The cytotoxicity of the extract and fractions was evaluated by using the XTT colorimetric assay and normal human fibroblast cells (GM07492A, lung fibroblasts). The compounds present in the most promising fraction were determined by qualitative analysis through liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-ESI).

RESULTS

The MIC results ranged from 25 to > 400 μg/mL for the extract and from 1.56 to > 400 μg/mL for the fractions. To evaluate cytotoxicity, the tested concentrations of the extract and fractions ranged from 19.5 to 2500 μg/mL; IC₅₀ values between 625 and 1250 μg/mL were obtained. Analysis of the main bioactive fraction by HPLC-MS-ESI identified phenolic acids, coumarins, naphthoquinones, lignans, and fatty acids.

CONCLUSIONS

The E. natalensis root extract and fractions displayed good antibacterial activity against periodontal pathogenic and cariogenic bacteria. The antibacterial activity may be due to compounds present in the extract and fractions, which also showed low cytotoxicity to normal human cells. These data are relevant and encourage further research into this plant species, which may contribute to the discovery of new herbal medicines that will help to mitigate the problems caused by oral pathogenic bacteria.

Identification and Spatial Distribution of Bioactive Compounds in Seeds Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. by Laser Microscopy and Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The research presents a comparative metabolomic study of extracts of Vigna unguiculata seed samples from the collection of the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources. Analyzed samples related to different areas of use in agricultural production, belonging to different cultivar groups sesquipedalis (vegetable accessions) and unguiculata (grain accessions). Metabolome analysis was performed by liquid chromatography combined with ion trap mass spectrometry. Substances were localized in seeds using confocal and laser microscopy. As a result, 49 bioactive compounds were identified: flavonols, flavones, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanidin, phenolic acids, amino acids, monocarboxylic acids, aminobenzoic acids, fatty acids, lignans, carotenoid, sapogenins, steroids, etc. Steroidal alkaloids were identified in V. unguiculata seeds for the first time. The seed coat (palisade epidermis and parenchyma) is the richest in phenolic compounds. Comparison of seeds of varieties of different directions of use in terms of the number of bioactive substances identified revealed a significant superiority of vegetable accessions over grain ones in this indicator, 36 compounds were found in samples from cultivar group sesquipedalis, and 24 in unguiculata. The greatest variety of bioactive compounds was found in the vegetable accession k-640 from China.

Zostera marina L.: Supercritical CO2-Extraction and Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Chemical Constituents Recovered from Seagrass

Three types of Zostera marina L. collection were extracted using the supercritical CO2-extraction method. For the purposes of supercritical CO2-extraction, old seagrass ejection on the surf edge, fresh seagrass ejection on the surf edge and seagrass collected in water were used. Several experimental conditions were investigated in the pressure range 50–350 bar, with the used volume of co-solvent ethanol in the amount of 1% in the liquid phase at a temperature in the range of 31–70 °C. The most effective extraction conditions are: pressure 250 Bar and temperature 60 °C for Z. marina collected in sea water. Z. marina contain various phenolic compounds and sulfated polyphenols with valuable biological activity. Tandem mass-spectrometry (HPLC-ESI–ion trap) was applied to detect target analytes. 77 different biologically active components have been identified in Z. marina supercritical CO2-extracts. 38 polyphenols were identified for the first time in Z. marina.

Spatial Distribution of Polyphenolic Compounds in Corn Grains (Zea mays L. var. Pioneer) Studied by Laser Confocal Microscopy and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Desirable changes in the biochemical composition of food plants is a key outcome of breeding strategies. The subsequent localization of nutritional phytochemicals in plant tissues gives important information regarding the extent of their synthesis across a tissue. We performed a detailed metabolomic analysis of phytochemical substances of grains from Zea mays L. (var. Pioneer) by tandem mass spectrometry and localization by confocal microscopy. We found that anthocyanins are located mainly in the aleurone layer of the grain. High-performance liquid chromatography in combination with ion trap tandem mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 56 compounds, including 30 polyphenols. This method allows for effective and rapid analysis of anthocyanins by plotting their distribution in seeds and grains of different plants. This approach will permit a more efficient screening of phenotypic varieties during food plant breeding.

Dracocephalum palmatum S. and Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. Originating from Yakutia: A High-Resolution Mass Spectrometric Approach for the Comprehensive Characterization of Phenolic Compounds

Dracocephalum palmatum S. and Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. contain a large number of target analytes, which are biologically active compounds. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in combination with an ion trap (tandem mass spectrometry) was used to identify target analytes in extracts of D. palmatum S. and D. ruyschiana L. originating from Yakutia. The results of initial studies revealed the presence of 114 compounds, of which 92 were identified for the first time in the genus Dracocephalum. New identified metabolites belonged to 17 classes, including 16 phenolic acids and their conjugates, 18 flavones, 5 flavonols, 2 flavan-3-ols, 1 flavanone, 2 stilbenes, 10 anthocyanins, 1 condensed tannin, 2 lignans, 6 carotenoids, 3 oxylipins, 2 amino acids, 3 sceletium alkaloids, 3 carboxylic acids, 8 fatty acids, 1 sterol, and 3 terpenes, along with 6 miscellaneous compounds. It was shown that extracts of D. palmatum are richer in the spectrum of polyphenolic compounds compared with extracts of D. ruyschiana, according to a study of the presence of these compounds in extracts, based on the results of mass spectrometric studies.

Green extraction and characterization of leaves phenolic compounds: a comprehensive review

Although containing significant levels of phenolic compounds (PCs), leaves biomass coming from either forest, agriculture, or the processing industry are considered as waste, which upon disposal, brings in environmental issues. As the demand for PCs in functional food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic sector is escalating day by day, recovering PCs from leaves biomass would solve both the waste disposal problem while ensuring a valuable "societal health" ingredient thus highly contributing to a sustainable food chain from both economic and environmental perspectives. In our search for environmentally benign, efficient, and cost-cutting techniques for the extraction of PCs, green extraction (GE) is presenting itself as the best option in modern industrial processing. This current review aims to highlight the recent progress, constraints, legislative framework, and future directions in GE and characterization of PCs from leaves, concentrating particularly on five plant species (tea, moringa, stevia, sea buckthorn, and pistacia) based on the screened journals that precisely showed improvements in extraction efficiency along with maintaining extract quality. This overview will serve researchers and relevant industries engaged in the development of suitable techniques for the extraction of PCs with increasing yield.

β-D-galactopyranoside Seco-phytoporphyrin from Atropa Belladonna and Solanum Tuberosum Yellow Leaves Determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

The study described the isolation of β-D-galactopyranoside seco-phytoporphyrin from Atropa belladonna and Solanum tuberosum yellow leaves. Column chromatography was applied for its isolation. The UV-Vis, mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy were used for the structure confirmation. The results demonstrate that the two plants that the same chlorophyll catabolite structure.

Phytochemical Analysis of Phenolics, Sterols, and Terpenes in Colored Wheat Grains by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The colored grain of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) contains a large number of polyphenolic compounds that are biologically active ingredients. The purpose of this work was a comparative metabolomic study of extracts from anthocyaninless (control), blue, and deep purple (referred to here as black) grains of seven genetically related wheat lines developed for the grain anthocyanin pigmentation trait. To identify target analytes in ethanol extracts, high-performance liquid chromatography was used in combination with Bruker Daltonics ion trap mass spectrometry. The results showed the presence of 125 biologically active compounds of a phenolic (85) and nonphenolic (40) nature in the grains of T. aestivum (seven lines). Among them, a number of phenolic compounds affiliated with anthocyanins, coumarins, dihydrochalcones, flavan-3-ols, flavanone, flavones, flavonols, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, isoflavone, lignans, other phenolic acids, stilbenes, and nonphenolic compounds affiliated with alkaloids, carboxylic acids, carotenoids, diterpenoids, essential amino acids, triterpenoids, sterols, nonessential amino acids, phytohormones, purines, and thromboxane receptor antagonists were found in T. aestivum grains for the first time. A comparative analysis of the diversity of the compounds revealed that the lines do not differ from each other in the proportion of phenolic (53.3% to 70.3% of the total number of identified compounds) and nonphenolic compounds (46.7% to 29.7%), but diversity of the compounds was significantly lower in grains of the control line. Even though the lines are genetically closely related and possess similar chemical profiles, some line-specific individual compounds were identified that constitute unique chemical fingerprints and allow to distinguish each line from the six others. Finally, the influence of the genotype on the chemical profiles of the wheat grains is discussed.

LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS Metabolomic Analysis of Fennel Waste (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) as a Byproduct Rich in Bioactive Compounds

Food industries produce a high amount of waste every year. These wastes represent a source of bioactive compounds to be used to produce cosmetic and nutraceutical products. In this study, the possibility to retrain food waste as a potential source of bioactive metabolites is evaluated. In particular, metabolite profiles of different parts (bulb, leaves, stems and little stems) of fennel waste were investigated by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/LTQ Orbitrap MS). To discriminate the different plant parts, a Multivariate Data Analysis approach was developed. Metabolomic analysis allowed the identification of different metabolites mainly belonging to hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoid aglycons, phenolic acids, iridoid derivatives and lignans. The identification of compounds was based on retention times, accurate mass measurements, MS/MS data, exploration on specific metabolites database and comparison with data reported in the literature for F. vulgare. Moreover, the presence of different oxylipins was relieved; these metabolites for the first time were identified in fennel. Most of the metabolites identified in F. vulgare possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory properties. Considering that polyphenols are described to possess antioxidant activity, spectrophotometric tests were performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of each part of the fennel.

Anti-browning effect of Rosa roxburghii on apple juice and identification of polyphenol oxidase inhibitors

Enzymatic browning control of cloudy fruit juice with natural substances has received much attention for improving its nutritional and commercial value. This study explored the anti-browning potential of Rosa roxburghii in apple juice. The anti-browning effects and mechanisms were evaluated by serial measurements of appearance, browning index, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS identification, inhibition kinetics and molecular docking. The results showed that Rosa roxburghii juice (0.25%-1.25% w/w) could effectively inhibit browning and PPO activity of apple juice. Ascorbic acid (1.67 g/100 g) as a reducing agent was a main anti-browning factor. Furthermore, seven phenolic compounds in Rosa roxburghii were screened as PPO inhibitors. Representative phenolic inhibitors induced mixed or competitive inhibition of PPO, mainly driven by hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonds. This work demonstrates that Rosa roxburghii is a promising natural anti-browning ingredient to control the browning of cloudy apple juice due to abundant ascorbic acid and PPO inhibitors.

Impact of Enzymatic and Microbial Bioprocessing on Antioxidant Properties of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Although the hemp seed boasts high nutritional and functional potential, its use in food preparations is still underestimated due to scarce technological properties and the presence of several anti-nutritional factors. Here, an optimization of a biotechnological protocol aimed at improving the antioxidant properties and the protein digestibility of the whole hemp seed has been proposed. Processing based on the use of commercial food grade enzymes and ad hoc selected lactic acid bacteria was tested and the phenolic and protein profiles were investigated through an integrated approach including selective extraction, purification, and identification of the potentially active compounds. The influence of the bioprocessing on the antioxidant activity of the hemp was evaluated both in vitro and on human keratinocytes. The lactic acid bacteria fermentation was the best method to significantly improve the antioxidant potential of the hemp through intense proteolysis which led to both the release of bioactive peptides and the increase in the protein digestibility. Moreover, changes in the phenolic profile allowed a significant protective effect against oxidative stress measured on the human keratinocyte cell line.

Simultaneous Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of the Coptidis Rhizoma and Euodiae Fructus Herbal Pair by Using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and UHPLC-DAD

The herbal pair of Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) and Euodiae Fructus (EF) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula used for treating gastro-intestinal disorders. In this study, we established a systematic method for chemical profiling and quantification analysis of the major constituents in the CR-EF herbal pair. A method of ultra high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) for qualitative analysis was developed. Sixty-five compounds, including alkaloids, phenolics, and limonoids, were identified or tentatively assigned by comparison with reference standards or literature data. The UHPLC fingerprints of 19 batches of the CR-EF herbal pair samples were obtained and the reference fingerprint chromatograms were established. Furthermore, nine compounds among 24 common peaks of fingerprints were considered as marker components, which either had high contents or significant bioactivities, were applied to quality control of the CR-EF herbal pair by quantitative analysis. This UHPLC-DAD analysis method was validated by precision, linearity, repeatability, stability, recovery, and so on. The method was simple and sensitive, and thus reliable for quantitative and chemical fingerprint analysis for the quality evaluation and control of the CR-EF herbal pair and related traditional Chinese medicines.

Managing Rhizoctonia Damping-Off of Rocket (Eruca sativa) Seedlings by Drench Application of Bioactive Potato Leaf Phytochemical Extracts

Plants produce a huge array of secondary metabolites that play a key role in defense mechanisms against detrimental microorganisms and herbivores, and represent a suitable alternative to synthetic fungicides in sustainable agriculture. In this work, twelve crude hydroethanolic extracts derived from leaves of different potato cultivars were chemically characterized by LC/MS and their antioxidant properties were investigated in vitro. Furthermore, the biological activity against the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Extracts showed the ability to inhibit R. solani growth in vitro and significantly reduced damping-off incidence in in vivo experiments. Furthermore, R. solani mycelia exposed to the extracts showed an altered morphology (low translucency, irregular silhouette, and cytoplasmatic content coagulation) compared to the untreated control in light microscopy examination. Principal component analysis conducted on identified chemical compounds highlighted significant metabolic variations across the different extracts. In particular, those that inhibited most of the growth of the pathogen were found to be enriched in α-chaconine or α-solanine content, indicating that their biological activity is affected by the abundance of these metabolites. These results clearly indicated that plant-derived compounds represent a suitable alternative to chemicals and could lead to the development of new formulates for sustainable control of plant diseases.

Comprehensive Characterization of Secondary Metabolites from Colebrookea oppositifolia (Smith) Leaves from Nepal and Assessment of Cytotoxic Effect and Anti-Nf-κB and AP-1 Activities In Vitro

Here we report the comprehensive characterization of the secondary metabolites from the leaves of Colebrookea oppositifolia Smith, a species used as medicinal plant in the traditional medicine of Nepal. Phytochemical screening of bioactives was performed using an integrated LC-MSⁿ and high resolution MS (Mass Spectrometry) approach. Forty-three compounds were tentatively identified, mainly aglyconic and glycosilated flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as other bioactives such as coumarins and terpenes were detected. Furthermore, the NF-κB and AP-1 inhibitory activity of C. oppositifolia extract were evaluated, as well as its cytotoxicity against THP-1 cells, in order to assess the potential use of this herb as a source of anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic compounds. The results so far obtained indicate that C. oppositifolia leaves extract could significantly reduce the viability of THP-1 cells (IC₅₀ = 6.2 ± 1.2 µg/mL), as well as the activation of both NF-κB and AP-1 at the concentration of 2 μg/mL. Our results indicate that Nepalese C. oppositifolia is a valuable source of anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic compounds. The phytochemical composition reported here can partially justify the traditional uses of C. oppositifolia in Nepal, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, although further research will be needed to assess the full potential of this species.

Grape-Leaf Extract Attenuates Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury via Interference with NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Grape (Vitis vinifera) leaf extracts (GLEs) are known to be rich in phenolic compounds that exert potent antioxidant effects. Given the vulnerability of the liver to oxidative damage, antioxidants have been proposed as therapeutic agents and coadjuvant drugs to ameliorate liver pathologies. The current study was designed to characterize secondary metabolites and investigate the hepatoprotective effects of GLE and its underlying mechanisms. The secondary metabolites were profiled using HPLC–PDA–ESI-MS, and forty-five compounds were tentatively identified. In experimental in vivo design, liver injury was induced by oral administration of high doses of ethanol (EtOH) for 12 days to male Sprague Dawley rats that were split into five different groups. Blood samples and livers were then collected, and used for various biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histopathological analyses. Results showed that GLE-attenuated liver injury and promoted marked hepatic antioxidant effects, in addition to suppressing the increased heat-shock protein-70 expression. Moreover, GLE suppressed EtOH-induced expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit and proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α. Caspase-3 and survivin were enhanced by EtOH intake and suppressed by GLE intake. Finally, EtOH-induced histopathological changes in liver sections were markedly normalized by GLE. In conclusion, our results suggested that GLE interferes with NF-κB signaling and induces antioxidant effects, which both play a role in attenuating apoptosis and associated liver injury in a model of EtOH-induced liver damage in rats.

Comparative Assessment of Phytochemical Profiles of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) Root Extracts Obtained by Different Extraction Techniques

In this work a comparative study on phytochemical profiles of comfrey root extracts obtained by different extraction approaches has been carried out. Chemical profiles of extracts obtained by supercritical fluid (SFE), pressurized liquid (PLE), and conventional solid/liquid extraction were compared and discussed. Phytochemical composition was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) identifying 39 compounds reported for the first time in comfrey root, mainly phenolic acids and fatty acids. The influence of different extraction parameters on phytochemical profiles of S. officinale root was investigated for all applied techniques. PLE and maceration, using alcohol-based solvents (aqueous methanol or ethanol), were shown to be more efficient in the recovery of more polar compounds. Greater numbers of phenolics were best extracted by PLE using 85% EtOH at 63 °C. The use of SFE and 100% acetone for 30 min enabled good recoveries of nonpolar compounds. SFE using 15% EtOH as a cosolvent at 150 bar produced the best recoveries of a significant number of fatty acids. The main compositional differences between extracts obtained by different extraction techniques were assigned to the solvent type. Hence, these results provided comprehensive approaches for treating comfrey root enriched in different phytochemicals, thereby enhancing its bioaccessibility.