Optimization for ultrasonic-microwave synergistic extraction of polysaccharides from Cornus officinalis and characterization of polysaccharides

Development of nanocellulose hydrogels for application in the food and biomedical industries: A review

As the most abundant and renewable natural resource, cellulose has attracted significant attention and research interest for the production of hydrogels (HGs). To address environmental issues and emerging demands, the benefits of naturally produced HGs include excellent mechanical properties and superior biocompatibility. HGs are three-dimensional networks created by chemical or physical cross-linking of linear or branched hydrophilic polymers and have high capacity for absorption of water and biological fluids. Although widely used in the food and biomedical fields, most HGs are not biodegradable. Nanocellulose hydrogels (NC-HGs) have been extensively applied in the food industry for detection of freshness, chemical additives, and substitutes, as well as the biomedical field for use as bioengineering scaffolds and drug delivery systems owing to structural interchangeability and stimuli-responsive properties. In this review article, the sources, structures, and preparation methods of NC-HGs are described, applications in the food and biomedical industries are summarized, and current limitations and future trends are discussed.

Polysaccharides from fructus corni: Extraction, purification, structural features, and biological activities

Fructus Corni, derived from the dried fruit of Cornus officinalis Sieb. Et Zucc., is widely used as a food source and Chinese herb. Fructus Corni, as an indispensable ingredient in Liuwei Dihuang decoction, tonifies the liver and kidneys. As the main component of water decoctions, Fructus Corni polysaccharides demonstrate multifaceted effects, including hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-aging, sexual function regulation, and anti-epileptic, The ultrasound-assisted extraction method obtained the highest yields of Fructus Corni polysaccharides. However, it has notable shortcomings and lacks further innovation. The homogeneous polysaccharides obtained from Fructus Corni are mostly neutral polysaccharides with relatively limited structure, and the mechanism of their biological activity needs to be further elucidated. In addition, different extraction, isolation and purification methods may change the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and biological activity of polysaccharides. Therefore, this study systematically summarized the extraction, purification, structural features, and biological activities of Fructus Corni polysaccharides. This study aimed to provide support for the ongoing development and application of Fructus Corni polysaccharides.

Recent advances in medicinal and edible homologous plant polysaccharides: Preparation, structure and prevention and treatment of diabetes

Medicinal and edible homologs (MEHs) can be used in medicine and food. The National Health Commission announced that a total of 103 kinds of medicinal and edible homologous plants (MEHPs) would be available by were available in 2023. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become the third most common chronic metabolic disease that seriously threatens human health worldwide. Polysaccharides, the main component isolated from MEHPs, have significant antidiabetic effects with few side effects. Based on a literature search, this paper summarizes the preparation methods, structural characterization, and antidiabetic functions and mechanisms of MEHPs polysaccharides (MEHPPs). Specifically, MEHPPs mainly regulate PI3K/Akt, AMPK, cAMP/PKA, Nrf2/Keap1, NF-κB, MAPK and other signaling pathways to promote insulin secretion and release, improve glycolipid metabolism, inhibit the inflammatory response, decrease oxidative stress and regulate intestinal flora. Among them, 16 kinds of MEHPPs were found to have obvious anti-diabetic effects. This article reviews the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications by MEHPPs and provides a basis for the development of safe and effective MEHPP-derived health products and new drugs to prevent and treat diabetes.

A comprehensive review of Cornus officinalis: health benefits, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects for functional drug and food development

Introduction

Cornus officinalis sieb. et zucc, a deciduous tree or shrub, is renowned for its "Cornus flesh" fruit, which is widely acknowledged for its medicinal value when matured and dried. Leveraging C. officinalis as a foundational ingredient opens avenues for the development of environmentally friendly health foods, ranging from beverages and jams to preserves and canned products. Packed with diverse bioactive compounds, this species manifests a spectrum of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective properties.

Methods

This study employs CiteSpace visual analysis software and a bibliometric analysis platform, drawing upon the Web of Science (WOS) database for literature spanning the last decade. Through a comprehensive analysis of available literature from WOS and Google Scholar, we present a thorough summary of the health benefits, phytochemistry, active compounds, and pharmacological effects of C. officinalis. Particular emphasis is placed on its potential in developing functional drugs and foods.

Results and Discussion

While this review enhances our understanding of C. officinalis as a prospective therapeutic agent, its clinical applicability underscores the need for further research and clinical studies to validate findings and establish safe and effective clinical applications.

Ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction for enhancing antioxidant activity of Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharides: The difference mechanisms between single and combined assisted extraction

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of different extraction methods (hot water-assisted extraction (HWE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), and ultrasonic-microwave- assisted extraction (UAME)) on the yield, chemical structures and antioxidant activity of Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharides (DPs). The research results showed that UMAE treatment had greater degree of damage to the cell wall of DPs and better comprehensive antioxidant capacity. Different extraction methods had no obvious effect on the types of glycosidic bonds and sugar rings, similar chemical composition and monosaccharide composition, with different absolute molecular weight (Mw) and molecular conformation. In particular, DPs for UMAE method had the highest polysaccharides yield, which was related to the conformational stretching and degradation avoidance of DPs in the higher molecular weight components under the simultaneous action of microwave and ultrasonic. These findings suggest that the UMAE technology has good potential for modification and application of DPs in the functional food industry.

Structural characteristic of polysaccharide isolated from Nostoc commune, and their potential as radical scavenging and antidiabetic activities

In this paper, Nostoc commune crude polysaccharide was extracted by heating and Ultrasonic-assisted methods separately, homogeneous polysaccharide HNCP3 and UNCP4 were obtained after purified by DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography and Sephacryl G-100 gel column chromatography. The structures of HNCP3 and UNCP4 were characterized by molecular weight determination, infrared spectroscopy, DSC detection, sodium periodate oxidation, smith degradation reaction and methylation analysis. The conformation of the solution was studied by SEM and AFM. The results showed that the Ultrasonic-assisted extraction had effects on the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, molar ratio and configuration of Nostoc commune. The main chain of HNCP3 and UNCP4 was → 6)-D-Glcp(1→ and → 2, 6)-D-Glcp, but UNCP4 contained 1, 2, 6-galactose and 2, 3-Me2-D-Ara branches, while HNCP3 did not. The results of the monosaccharides composition of indicated that mannose was presented in both HNCP3 and UNCP4. SEM and AFM showed that the structure of UNCP4 was helical, and the solution conformations of HNCP3 and UNCP4 were different in different solution environments. Studies on DPPH radicals, superoxide anions, and hydroxyl radicals scavenging abilities showed that UNCP4 had higher antioxidant activity, while studies on the antidiabetic activities showed that the hypoglycemic effect of UNCP4 was stronger than that of HNCP3. Therefore, Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) increases the bioactivity of Nostoc commune polysaccharide (NCP) as well as the extraction rate.

Ultrasonic-Cellulase Synergistic Extraction of Crude Polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera Leaves and Alleviation of Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Cells

Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) are a new food resource, rich in functional factors. MOL polysaccharides are important active macromolecules within MOL. However, there are problems, such as low extraction rates and lack of evidence for functional activity. Therefore, in this experiment, single-factor experiments were carried out using MOL powder as the raw material, and the Plackett-Burman test was used to screen the significantly influential test factors. The extraction process of MOL polysaccharide was optimized by response surface methodology. The insulin resistance alleviating activity of MOLP polysaccharides was initially explored. The results showed that the extraction of Moringa oleifera leaves crude polysaccharides (MOLP) by ultrasonic assisted cellulase enzymatic digestion was (17.03 ± 1.03)%, and the obtained MOLP was a crude polysaccharide with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 279.48 kDa, consisting of fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid. MOLP had an IC50 value of 8.02 mg/mL for α-glucosidase and scavenging activity against free radicals such as ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anion with an IC50 value of 0.21 mg/mL 0.31 mg/mL 0.97 mg/mL 0.49 mg/mL. At the same time, MOLP significantly enhanced the glucose consumption, glycogen synthesis, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px activity, and reduced the MDA and ROS content in high glucose-induced insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cells. This experiment improved the extraction rate of MOLP and demonstrated that MOLP has antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, which can alleviate the insulin resistance of high glucose-induced HepG2 cells. It provides partial data support for the possible hypoglycemic effect of MOLP by alleviating oxidative stress, and also provides new ideas for the in-depth study of basic research and industrial application of MOLP.

Ultrasound assisted aqueous two-phase extraction of polysaccharides from Cornus officinalis fruit: Modeling, optimization, purification, and characterization

Ultrasound assisted aqueous two-phase extraction of polysaccharides from Cornus officinalis fruit was modeled by response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN), and optimized using genetic algorithm coupled with ANN (GA-ANN). Statistical analysis showed that the models obtained by RSM and ANN could accurately predict the Cornus officinalis polysaccharides (COPs) yield. However, ANN prediction was more accurate than RSM. The optimum extraction parameters to achieve the highest COPs yield (7.85 ± 0.09)% was obtained at the ultrasound power of 350 W, extraction temperature of 51 ℃, liquid-to-solid ratio of 17 mL/g, and extraction time of 38 min. Subsequently, the crude COPs were further purified via DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100 chromatography to obtain a homogenous fraction (COPs-4-SG, 33.64 kDa) that contained galacturonic acid, arabinose, mannose, glucose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 34.82:14.19:6.75:13.48:12.26. The structure of COPs-4-SG was also characterized with UV-vis, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Congo-red test, and circular dichroism (CD). The findings provide a feasible way for the extraction, purification, and optimization of polysaccharides from plant resources.

Modulatory effects of polysaccharides from plants, marine algae and edible mushrooms on gut microbiota and related health benefits: A review

Naturally occurring carbohydrate polymers containing non-starch polysaccharides (NPs) are a class of biomacromolecules isolated from plants, marine algae, and edible mushrooms, and their biological activities has shown potential uses in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Importantly, NPs serve as prebiotics to provide health benefits to the host through stimulating the proliferation of beneficial gut microbiota (GM) and enhancing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The composition and diversity of GM play a critical role in regulating host health and have been extensively studied in recent years. In this review, the extraction, isolation, purification, and structural characterization of NPs derived from plants, marine algae, and edible mushrooms are outlined. Importantly, the degradation and metabolism of these NPs in the intestinal tract, the effects of NPs on the microbial community and SCFAs generation, and the beneficial effects of NPs on host health by modulating GM are systematically highlighted. Overall, we hope that this review can provide some theoretical references and a new perspective for applications of NPs as prebiotics in functional food and drug development.

Optimization for ultrasonic-microwave synergetic extraction of total iridoid glycosides and screening of analgesic and anti-inflammatory active fractions from patrinia scabra Bunge (Valerianaceae)

Background

Patrinia scabra Bunge is a well-known herbal medicine for its favorable treatment on inflammatory diseases owing to its effective ingredients, in which iridoid glycoside plays an extremely significant role. This article aimed to improve the content of total iridoid glycosides in crude extract through a series optimization of extraction procedure. Moreover, considering that both pain and inflammation are two correlated responses triggered in response to injury, irritants or pathogen, the article investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of P. scabra to screen out the active fraction.

Method

P. scabra was extracted by ultrasonic-microwave synergistic extraction (UMSE) to obtain total iridoid glycosides (PSI), during which a series of conditions were investigated based on single-factor experiments. The extraction process was further optimized by a reliable statistical method of response surface methodology (RSM). The elution fractions of P. scabra extract were prepared by macroporous resin column chromatography. Through the various animal experiment including acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin induced licking and flinching, carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema test and xylene-induced ear edema in mice, the active fractions with favorable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect were reasonably screen out.

Results

The content of PSI could reach up to 81.42 ± 0.31 mg/g under the optimum conditions as follows: ethanol concentration of 52%, material-to-liquid ratio of 1:18 g/mL, microwave power at 610 W and extraction time of 45 min. After gradient elution by the macroporous resin, the content of PSI increased significantly. Compared with other concentrations of elution liquid, the content of PSI in 30 and 50% ethanol eluate was increased to reach 497.65 and 506.90 mg/g, respectively. Owing to the pharmacology experiment, it was reasonably revealed that 30 and 50% ethanol elution fractions of P. scabra could relieve pain centrally and peripherally, exhibiting good analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusion

Patrinia scabra possessed rich iridoids and exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects of polysaccharides from Evodiae fructus extracted by different solvents

In this study, polysaccharides from Evodiae fructus were extracted by water, 0.5 M HCl, 0.5 M NaOH, water + 0.5 M HCl and water + 0.5 M NaOH, which were named as ERP-W, ERP-AC, ERP-AK, ERP-W-AC and ERP-W-AK, respectively. Their physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects were investigated and compared. Physico-chemical analysis showed that they were acidic heteropolysaccharides, which had α- and β-configurations. ERP-W, ERP-AK and ERP-W-AK were mainly composed of Rha, Ara, Gal, Glc and Gal-UA, while ERP-AC and ERP-W-AC were dominantly made up of Rha, Gal and Gal-UA. ERP-AK had the highest yield (24.5%) and the best thermal stability, ERP-AC and ERP-W-AC showed better homogeneity and lower molecular weight (83.6 and 41.6 kDa), and ERP-W possessed the highest neutral sugar content (50.7%) and molecular weight. Biological evaluation indicated that ERP-W, ERP-AK and ERP-W-AK had relatively stronger antioxidant activities, including ABTS, DPPH, OH and O₂^- radicals scavenging activities, Fe²⁺ chelating ability and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Moreover, these actions were considerably related to their physicochemical properties especially monosaccharide composition and molecular weight. Therefore, polysaccharides extracted by water and alkaline solvents from Evodiae fructus could be developed as promising natural antioxidants and α-glucosidase inhibitors in the food and medicine industries.

Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis-A Comparison of Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activities of Standardized Fruit Extracts in Human Neutrophils and Caco-2 Models

Fruits of Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis are representative plant materials traditionally used in Europe and Asia, respectively, in the treatment of diabetes and diabetes-related complications, which are often mediated by pathogenic inflammatory agents. Additionally, due to the fact of mutual infiltration of Asian and European medicines, the differentiation as well as standardization of traditional prescriptions seem to be crucial for ensuring the quality of traditional products. The objective of this study was a comparison of biological activity of extracts from fruits of C. mas and C. officinalis by an assessment of their effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in human neutrophils as well as cytokines secretion both in neutrophils (tumor necrosis factor α, TNF- α; interleukin 8, IL-8; interleukin 1β, IL-1β) and in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 (IL-8). To evaluate the phytochemical differences between the studied extracts as well as to provide a method for standardization procedures, a quantitative analysis of iridoids, such as loganin, sweroside, and loganic acid, found in extracts of Cornus fruits was performed with HPLC-DAD. All standardized extracts significantly inhibited ROS production, whereas the aqueous-alcoholic extracts were particularly active inhibitors of IL-8 secretion by neutrophils. The aqueous-methanolic extract of C. officinalis fruit, decreased IL-8 secretion by neutrophils to 54.64 ± 7.67%, 49.68 ± 6.55%, 50.29 ± 5.87% at concentrations of 5, 50, and 100 µg/mL, respectively, compared to LPS-stimulated control (100%). The aqueous extract of C. officinalis fruit significantly inhibited TNF-α release by neutrophils at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL. On the other hand, the aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. mas fruit showed the propensity to increase TNF-α and IL-1β secretion. The modulatory activity of the Cornus extracts was noted in the case of secretion of IL-8 in Caco-2 cells. The effect was comparable with dexamethasone. The content of loganin in aqueous and aqueous-methanolic extract of C. officinalis fruit was higher than in the aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. mas fruit, which was characterized by a significant quantity of loganic acid. In conclusion, the immunomodulatory effect observed in vitro may partially confirm the traditional use of Cornus fruits through alleviation of the development of diabetes-derived inflammatory complications. Loganin and loganic acid are significant markers for standardization of C. mas and C. officinalis fruit extracts, respectively.

Structures and anti-atherosclerotic effects of 1,6-α-glucans from Fructus Corni

In this study, two homogeneous polysaccharides (PFC-1 and PFC-2) having anti-atherosclerotic activity were isolated from Fructus Corni. PFC-1 and PFC-2 were 1,6-α-glucans with the molecular weight of 4.4 kDa and 82.0 kDa, respectively. In the in vitro experiments, PFC-1 and PFC-2 showed significant inhibitory effects on the cholesterol accumulation in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL), and the inhibitory rate of PFC-2 was 81.62%. Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice fed high-fat diet (HFD) were used to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of PFC-2 in vivo. The aortic root lipid area decreased by 55.01% in the PFC-2-administered group as compared to the model group. PFC-2 decreased the levels of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and malondialdehyde, increased the superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced the contents of lipid and macrophages in the aortic sinus plaque in ApoE^-/- mice fed with HFD. Furthermore, PFC-2 markedly inhibited the expression of type A1 scavenger receptor (SR-A1) and cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) in ox-LDL-treated macrophages. Taken together, 1,6-α-glucans from Fructus Corni showed significant anti-atherogenic effect, and the mechanism is related to enhanced antioxidant activity of the ApoE^-/- mice and down-regulated the expression of SR-A1 and CD36 proteins in macrophages.

Sulfated modification, characterization and monosaccharide composition analysis of Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharides and anti-tumor activity

Undaria pinnatifida (U. pinnatifida) polysaccharides (UPPS) are considered to be the major bioactive components of U. pinnatifida. The aim of the present study was to investigate the separation, sulfated modification, characterization and monosaccharide composition of UPPS. The optimal processing conditions were as follows: Distilled water-to-solid ratio, 50 ml/g; extraction time, 300 min; and extraction temperature, 90˚C. The major polysaccharide fraction of U. pinnatifida (UPPS-B1) was purified via DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-200 column chromatography. The chlorosulfonic acid-pyridine method was applied for sulfation modification. UPPS-B1 and sulfated (S)-UPPS-B1 were characterized via chemical analysis, ultraviolet-visible and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The total sugar content of UPPS-B1 and S-UPPS-B1 was 79.78 and 77.28%, respectively. The sulfate radical content of UPPS-B1 and S-UPPS-B1 was 8.53 and 29.12%, whilst the content of uronic acid was 9.29 and 7.98%, respectively. The average molecular weight of UPPS-B1 and S-UPPS-B1 was determined to be 37 and 110 kD, respectively. UPPS-B1 was considered to be a heteropolysaccharide composed of xylose, mannose, glucose and galactose at a ratio of 7.9:8.7:12.0:9.8. In addition, S-UPPS-B1 was a heteropolysaccharide composed of xylose, mannose, glucose and galactose at a ratio of 1.0:9.7:6.4:1.6. The results of the tumor growth inhibition experiment demonstrated that UPPS-B1 exhibited anti-tumor activity in vivo, which was improved following sulfation to yield S-UPPS-B1.

Extraction, purification, characterization, and rheological properties of a glycoprotein from Cynomorium songaricum Rupr

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr is widely known in China as a traditional herbal medicine. In this study, single-factor experiments and response surface methodology were used to optimize the extraction of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr glycoprotein (CSG). The results show that a maximum glycoprotein yield of 6.39 ± 0.32% was achieved at a ratio of solid to liquid 32:1 for 4.2 H at 52 °C. Then, the IR, monosaccharide composition, amino acid composition, type of glycopeptide linkage, and average molecular weight of CSG-1 purified from CSG were characterized. The results indicate that CSG-1 presented the characteristic absorption peak of polysaccharide and protein, including four monosaccharides and 17 amino acids, had O-linked glycopeptide bonds, M_w , W_n , M_w /M_n , M_p , and the z-average were 5.343 × 10⁶ , 3.203 × 10⁶ , 1.668, 8.911 × 10⁶ , and 6.948 × 10⁶ , respectively. Besides, CSG-1 solution was described by the Herschel-Bulkley model and it behaved as a shear-thinning fluid. Also, under a frequency sweep the moduli G' and G″ both increased with increasing CSG-1 concentration and the CSG-1 dispersions had weak thermal stability over the temperature sweep. These results provide a scientific basis for the further study of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr.

Effects of acoustic power and pH on pectin-enriched extracts obtained from citrus by-products. Modelling of the extraction process

BACKGROUND

The ultrasound-assisted extraction of pectic polysaccharides from orange by-products was investigated. Kinetics of mechanical agitation (0.2 × g) and acoustic (US1: 542 W L^-1 and US2: 794 W L^-1 ) extractions, were obtained and modelled at different pH values (1.5 and 2.0). All extractions were carried out at 25 °C, using citric acid as the extraction solvent.

RESULTS

Higher pectic polysaccharides extraction yields were obtained with ultrasonic assistance, in comparison with the results obtained using mechanical agitation. Moreover, yield increases were significantly higher using the more acidic pH. Thus, at pH 1.5, pectin yield increased from ∼19%, obtained with agitation, to ∼47%, applying ultrasound; whereas, at pH 2.0, this increase was from ∼10%, with agitation, to ∼18%, applying ultrasound. A considerable decrease of the galacturonic acid proportion was observed on the extracts when ultrasound were applied for 60 min under pH 2.0. High methoxyl pectins were extracted at pH 1.5 whereas at pH 2.0, pectins exhibited a low methylation degree. Curves of acoustic and mechanical agitation extractions were properly represented by a second-order rate model (average mean relative error ≤ 7.4%). The extraction rate constant, initial extraction rate and maximum yield were determined for all experimental conditions.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results clearly indicated that the effect of ultrasound was highly dependent on the pH. Therefore, adequate acidic conditions must be applied in order to improve the efficiency of ultrasound on the pectin extraction process. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Study on the kinetic model, thermodynamic and physicochemical properties of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide by ultrasonic assisted extraction

The extraction process of crude polysaccharides from Glycyrrhiza (GP) by ultrasonic assisted hot water method was established according to the optimized kinetic model based on Fick's second law of diffusion, and thermodynamic action was analyzed. Physicochemical properties of GP including the apparent viscosity, thermostability and antioxidant activities etc. were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Characteristic function groups and surface structure also were analyzed by Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The results showed the extraction kinetic curves of GP showed good linear correlation with the linear correlation coefficients (R²) of equal or greater than 0.90 based on Fick's second law of diffusion, and the maximum yield of 3.53% was obtained at 343.15 K and ultrasonic power 600 W with material-liquid ratio of 1:15 for 60 min. Gibbs free energy change (ΔG_m > 0) indicated that the extraction process was endergonic and not spontaneous. GP was confirmed a kind of acidic pyran polysaccharide with small bubble-like holes internally. The GP viscosity increased with the increase of concentration and then gradually decreased with the enhancement of shear rate. GP showed good thermal stability along with two stages of mass loss by DSC analysis. The antioxidant activity experiments suggested that the higher the concentration of GP, the stronger its reduction power.

Optimization of Ultrasonic-Microwave Assisted Extraction and Hepatoprotective Activities of Polysaccharides from Trametes orientalis

Ultrasonic-microwave assisted extraction (UMAE) of Trametes orientalis polysaccharides was optimized by response surface methodology. Hepatoprotective effects of a purified T. orientalis polysaccharide (TOP-2) were evaluated by alcohol-induced liver injury model mice. The optimal UMAE parameters were indicated as below: ratio of water to raw material 28 mL/g, microwave power 114 W, extraction time 11 min. The polysaccharides yield was 7.52 ± 0.12%, which was well consistent with the predicted value of 7.54%. Pre-treatment with TOP-2 effectively increased the liver index and spleen index in alcohol-treated mice. The elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels of mice after alcohol exposure were inhibited by TOP-2 administration. The liver tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels have decreased significantly as a result of alcohol exposure, while pre-treatment with TOP-2 could mitigate these consequences. Furthermore, pre-treatment with TOP-2 could efficiently boost the superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and observably constrain the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The findings suggest that TOP-2 might be useful for alleviating the alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

Cornus mas and Cornus Officinalis-Analogies and Differences of Two Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used

Among 65 species belonging to the genus Cornus only two, Cornus mas L. and Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. (Cornaceae), have been traditionally used since ancient times. Cornus mas (cornelian cherry) is native to southern Europe and southwest Asia, whereas C. officinalis (Asiatic dogwood, cornel dogwood) is a deciduous tree distributed in eastern Asia, mainly in China, as well as Korea and Japan. Based on the different geographic distribution of the closely related species but clearly distinct taxa, the ethnopharmacological use of C. mas and C. officinalis seems to be independently originated. Many reports on the quality of C. mas fruits were performed due to their value as edible fruits, and few reports compared their physicochemical properties with other edible fruits. However, the detailed phytochemical profiles of C. mas and C. officinalis, in particular fruits, have never been compared. The aim of this review was highlighting the similarities and differences of phytochemicals found in fruits of C. mas and C. officinalis in relation to their biological effects as well as compare the therapeutic use of fruits from both traditional species. The fruits of C. mas and C. officinalis are characterized by the presence of secondary metabolites, in particular iridoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids and flavonoids. However, much more not widely known iridoids, such as morroniside, as well as tannins were detected particularly in fruits of C. officinalis. The referred studies of biological activity of both species indicate their antidiabetic and hepatoprotective properties. Based on the available reports antihyperlipidemic and anticoagulant activity seems to be unique for extracts of C. mas fruits, whereas antiosteoporotic and immunomodulatory activities were assigned to preparations of C. officinalis fruits. In conclusion, the comparison of phytochemical composition of fruits from both species revealed a wide range of similarities as well as some constituents unique for cornelian cherry or Asiatic dogwood. Thus, these phytochemicals are considered the important factor determining the biological activity and justifying the use of C. mas and C. officinalis in the traditional European and Asiatic medicine.

Effects of Ultrasonic-Microwave-Assisted Technology on Hordein Extraction from Barley and Optimization of Process Parameters Using Response Surface Methodology

We investigated the process intensification of ultrasonic-microwave-assisted technology for hordein extraction from barley. Response surface methodology was utilized to optimize the extraction conditions and to analyze the interaction between four selected variables: temperature, microwave power, ultrasonic power, and extraction time. The validated extraction yield of hordein reached 8.84% at 78°C, microwave power 298 W, and ultrasonic power 690 W after 20 min as optimum conditions. Compared with traditional water-bath extraction (4.7%), the ultrasonic-microwave-assisted technology effectively increased the hordein extraction yield and shortened the extraction time. According to the obtained quadratic model (R2 = 0.9457), ultrasonic power and extraction time were the first two significant factors. However, temperature limited the effects of other factors during extraction. SDS-PAGE and scanning electron microscopy were used to identify the hordein extract and to clarify the difference between the two hordein fractions extracted with new and traditional methods, respectively. Ultrasonic-microwave-assisted technology provided a new way to improve hordein extraction yield from barley and could be a good candidate for industrial application of process intensification.

Corni Fructus: a review of chemical constituents and pharmacological activities

Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. is part of the genus Cornus of the family Cornaceae. Ripening and dry fruits (Corni Fructus) are recognized as an essential herb medicine in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and have been widely used for over 2000 years. This review provides a comprehensive summary of Corni Fructus (CF), including the botany, phytochemistry, traditional use, and current pharmacological activities. According to the basic theory of TCM, CF usually participates in various Chinese medicinal formulae to exert the essential roles in replenishing liver and kidney, arresting seminal emission and sweat. Based on modern pharmacological studies, about 90 compounds have been isolated and identified from CF. In vivo and in vitro experimental studies indicate that CF exhibits extensive pharmacological activities including hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective activities. However, only about 18% of chemical constituents in CF were tested. It means the potential pharmacological activities and clinical values of CF need to be further investigated.

Optimization extraction, characterization and anticancer activities of polysaccharides from mango pomace

Response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction conditions for ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from mango pomace. The Optimum extraction conditions consisted of extraction temperature of 74 °C, ultrasonic power of 170 W, extraction time of 100 min, and raw material-to-water ratio of 1:40 g/mL. Under these conditions, the extraction yield was 3.71 ± 0.07%. Three novel polysaccharide fractions, MG-1, MG-2 and MG-3 were purified from the crude polysaccharides by using DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. The molecular weight and monosaccharide composition of polysaccharide fractions (MPFs) were analyzed by high performance liquid gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and HPLC analysis, respectively. The characterizations of MPFs were conducted with FT-IR, ¹H NMR and SEM. Furthermore, the anticancer activities of the polysaccharide fractions were also investigated in vitro. Results showed that MG-1, MG-2 and MG-3 exhibited significant anticancer activities against HepG2, MCF-7, A549, HeLa, A2780, HCT-116 and BGC-823 cells in a dose-dependent manner. MPFs were also showed to promote apoptosis as seen in the nuclear morphological examination study using calcein acetyl methoxy methyl easter (calcein-AM) and propidium iodide (PI) staining. This research could serve as a theoretical reference for the efficient utilization of MPFs in biomedical and functional food.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) polysaccharides based on response surface methodology and antioxidant activity

This study determined the optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction of a water-soluble polysaccharide, Raw Okra Polysaccharide, from the fruit of okra using response surface methodology. The optimal extraction temperature, extraction time and ultrasonic power were 59°C, 30min and 522W, respectively, giving a yield of 10.35±0.11%. ROP was further isolated, lyophilized and purified using a DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow column and Sepharose CL-6B column, revealing three elution peaks subsequently designated ROP -1, -2, and -3, respectively. Of these, ROP-2 showed the highest yield, and was therefore selected for physicochemical analysis and evaluation of antioxidant activity. Gas chromatography, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to characterize the primary structural features and molecular weight, revealing that ROP-2 is composed of glucose, mannose, galactose, arabinose, xylose, fructose, and rhamnose (molar percentages: 28.8, 12.5, 13.1, 15.9, 9.2, 13.7, and 6.8%, respectively) and has an average molecular weight of 1.92×105Da. A superoxide radical scavenging assay and DPPH radical scavenging assay further revealed the significant in vitro antioxidant activity of ROP-2. These findings present an effective technique for extraction of the natural antioxidant ROP-2, warranting further analysis of its potential application in the food industry.

Transesterification of soybean oil by using the synergistic microwave-ultrasonic irradiation

Microwave and ultrasound have been demonstrated to be outstanding process intensification techniques for transesterification of oil. According to their mechanisms, simultaneous effects can surely bring about better enhancement than sole microwave or ultrasound. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the important factors and their suitable levels in the KOH-catalyzed transesterification of soybean oil with methanol by using synergistic assistance of microwave-ultrasound (CAMU). The feasibility of application of CAMU in transesterification of oil was demonstrated. When the dosage of methanol, soybean oil and KOH were 15.4g, 34.7g (with methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 12:1) and 1g, respectively, and the microwave power, ultrasonic power, ultrasonic mode, reaction temperature and reaction time were 700W, 800W, 1:0, 65°C and 6min, respectively, the transesterification reached 98.0% of yield, being the highest yield among all the results obtained; while by using 600W of microwave plus stirring instead of CAMU, only 57.4% of yield could be obtained. Compared with other reaction techniques, the transesterification by applying novel CAMU was found to have remarkable advantages. Furthermore, by monitoring the variation of real-time temperature and microwave power during transesterification reactions with different microwave operation time and by taking comparison of the corresponding yield, it was demonstrated that the main reason for the acceleration of microwave-assisted transesterification was the polarization and further activation of reactants caused by microwave irradiation, but not the factor of fast heating.

Extraction Optimization, Characterization, and Bioactivities of Polysaccharides from Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine Employing Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

In this study, the ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharides (PSA) from Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine (PRPCA) was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The structural characteristics of PSA were analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high performance gel permeation chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. In addition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of PSA were studied by different in vitro assays. Results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: the ratio of water to raw of 30 mL/g, extraction time of 46.50 min, ultrasonic temperature of 72.00 °C, and ultrasonic power of 230 W. Under these conditions, the obtained PSA yield (13.21 ± 0.37%) was closely agreed with the predicted yield by the model. The average molecular weights of the PSA were estimated to be 5.34 × 10³ and 6.27 × 10⁵ Da. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that PSA consisted of mannose, galactose uronic acid, glucose, galactose, arabinose with a molar ratio of 1.83:0.55:75.75:1.94:0.45. Furthermore, PSA exhibited moderate antioxidant and antibacterial activities in vitro. Collectively, this study provides a promising strategy to obtain bioactive polysaccharides from processed products of herbal medicines.