Bioconstituents from stems of Synsepalum dulcificum Daniell (Sapotaceae) inhibit human melanoma proliferation, reduce mushroom tyrosinase activity and have antioxidant properties

Constituents from Dendrobium aphyllum: Bibenzyls, furfurals, phenanthrenes, and phenylpropanoids and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials

Chemical investigation on the aqueous extract of Dendrobium aphyllum led to the isolation of thirty-one constituents with structures identified by analysis of the extensive spectroscopic data (1D/2D NMR, MS, UV, and ECD), including previously undescribed two bibenzyls, one furfural, and one phenolic acid, namely trigonopol D (1), trigonopol C (2), dendrofunan A (10), and 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3,6-dioxohexyl acetate (30), respectively, as well as twenty-seven known ones. Among them, there were one new natural product (11), seven compounds (6-7, 9, 12, 20, 28, 31) described from the genus Dendrobium for the first time, and fifteen compounds (8, 13-17, 19, 21-27, 29) isolated from D. aphyllum for the first time. Further, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of fifteen compounds (4-5, 8, 11-12, 14-19, 22, 24, 26, and 29) with significant scavenging capacities against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, and virtual docking activities inhibiting COX-2 and 5-LOX, respectively. Our study may draw the attention of medicinal plant taxonomists and supply potential quality markers for discrimination of D. aphyllum from other species in Dendrobium genus.

Biological Activities of Miracle Berry Supercritical Extracts as Metabolic Regulators in Chronic Diseases

Synsepalum dulcificum (Richardella dulcifica) is a berry fruit from West Africa with the ability to convert the sour taste into a sweet taste, and for this reason, the fruit is also known as the "miracle berry" (MB). The red and bright berry is rich in terpenoids. The fruit's pulp and skin contain mainly phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which correlate with their antioxidant activity. Different polar extracts have been described to inhibit cell proliferation and transformation of cancer cell lines in vitro. In addition, MB has been shown to ameliorate insulin resistance in a preclinical model of diabetes induced by a chow diet enriched in fructose. Herein, we have compared the biological activities of three supercritical extracts obtained from the seed-a subproduct of the fruit-and one supercritical extract obtained from the pulp and the skin of MB. The four extracts have been characterized in terms of total polyphenols content. Moreover, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypo-lipidemic, and inhibition of colorectal cancer cell bioenergetics have been compared. Non-polar supercritical extracts from the seed are the ones with the highest effects on the inhibition of bioenergetic of colorectal (CRC) cancer cells. At the molecular level, the effects on cell bioenergetics seems to be related to the inhibition of main drivers of the de novo lipogenesis, such as the sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor (SREBF1) and downstream molecular targets fatty acid synthase (FASN) and stearoyl coenzyme desaturase 1 (SCD1). As metabolic reprograming is considered as one of the hallmarks of cancer, natural extracts from plants may provide complementary approaches in the treatment of cancer. Herein, for the first time, supercritical extracts from MB have been obtained, where the seed, a by-product of the fruit, seems to be rich in antitumor bioactive compounds. Based on these results, supercritical extracts from the seed merit further research to be proposed as co-adjuvants in the treatment of cancer.

Phytochemical and biological diversity of triterpenoid saponins from family Sapotaceae: A comprehensive review

Sapotaceae is a flowering plants family reported for its richness in triterpenoid saponins. Sapotaceae comprises a large number of fruit-producing plants of nutritional and medicinal value. Different species of family Sapotaceae received a considerable interest owing to their rich triterpenoid saponins content of a myriad pharmacological effects and health benefits. Several databases were searched for collecting papers for this review in the scope of phytochemistry, bioactivity and record of triterpenoid saponins from family Sapotacese such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and Reaxys from 1990 till now. Triterpenoid saponins reported from Sapotaceae plants are mostly of protobassic acid, 16-α-hydroxyprotobassic acid, bayogenin, and oleanolic acid derivatives with both monodesmosidic and/or bidesmosidic attached sugar side chains. Besides, the most frequently attached sugar units are glucose, glucoronic acid, apiose, xylose, rhamnose, and arabinose. The reported health effects of Sapotaceae plants in folk medicine in relation to their bioactive saponins were also reviewed with special attention to anti-inflammatory, antiulcer activity, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. This review aims to present a holistic compile on the phytochemical and biological diversity of triterpenoid saponins reported from family Sapotaceae with future perspectives.

Identification of phenolics from miracle berry (Synsepalum dulcificum) leaf extract and its antiangiogenesis and anticancer activities

Miracle berry is well-known for its ability to convert sour foods to sweet. In this study, the secondary metabolites of miracle berry leaves (MBL) were identified by UPLC-DAD-MS, and its antiangiogenesis and anticancer activities were evaluated by using a zebrafish model and the MCF-7 xenograft mouse model, respectively. The result showed that 18 phenolic compounds were identified in MBL extract, and dominated by the derivatives of quercetin and myricetin. The MBL extract showed low toxicity and high antiangiogenesis activity, it significantly inhibited the subintestinal vein vessels development in zebrafish at very low concentration. Furthermore, the MBL extract could promote the apoptosis of tumor cells and significantly inhibit the growth of MCF-7 xenograft tumor. In addition, the analysis of metabolites revealed that the MBL extract inhibited tumor growth by activating the metabolic pathways of unsaturated fatty acids and purines. Overall, this study suggests that MBL extract can be used as a natural anticancer adjuvant in the fields of functional foods.

Alkaloids from Dendrobium and their biosynthetic pathway, biological activity and total synthesis

BACKGROUND

Dendrobium Sw. has been used for thousands of years in China as a precious traditional Chinese medicine. It is derived from stems of various Dendrobium plants and has the functions of nourishing Yin and clearing heat, activating water and nourishing the stomach, moistening the lung and relieving cough. Modern phytochemical studies show that the main components of Dendrobium include alkaloids, polysaccharides, terpenoids, diphenylbenzene, and phenanthrene. Alkaloids are natural products with obvious biological activity and are important effective components of the medicinal activity or toxicity of plants. At present, dozens of alkaloids with various structures have been isolated from Dendrobium plants, and the alkaloid contents in Dendrobium plants of different species are quite different. From the perspective of food safety, the type, molecular structure, content and potential physiological activity or toxicity of alkaloids are important bases for evaluating the safety of edible plants. Studies have shown that the alkaloids isolated from Dendrobium have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, showing that these alkaloids with potential medicinal activity are important sources of lead compounds in innovative drug development.

PURPOSE

To summarize the research progress on alkaloids in Dendrobium and provide a reference for research on the food safety and medicinal development of Dendrobium.

METHOD

Information about alkaloids from Dendrobium was collected from the scientific databases Web of Science, PubChem and PubMed. We discuss the biosynthetic pathway, biological activities and total synthesis of alkaloids from Dendrobium from 1964 to 2020 and summarize the knowledge of alkaloids from Dendrobium, the biosynthetic pathway, biological activities and total synthesis. We chose publications on their chemistry, drug effects, pharmacology, metabolism and biosynthesis, physiology and toxicity. Alkaloids, Dendrobium, biosynthetic pathway and biological activities were used as keywords to extract the relevant literature.

CONCLUSION

In this paper, the structural classification, biological activity, target and toxicology and synthesis of the alkaloids in Dendrobium were systematically reviewed, which will provide a reference for the safety, development and application of Dendrobium.

Mechanism of Synsepalum dulcificum Daniell. Inhibiting Lung Adenocarcinoma

Objective: Synsepalum dulcificum Daniell. (SD) is a natural plant fruit and is famous for containing miraculin. It has been reported that SD can be used as an adjuvant treatment to correct patients' loss of taste during the antitumor process, but the effect of SD itself as an antitumor is not clear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of SD on lung adenocarcinoma using network pharmacology. Materials and Methods. The components of SD were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and then the compounds that affect tumor immunity of SD were screened and the related targets were predicted by TCMIO database. At the same time, the results were associated with lung adenocarcinoma targets included in the MalaCards and CTD databases, so as to construct a compound-target action network diagram and explore the mechanism of SD in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. In in vitro experiments, cell viability was determined and western blotting was used to detect the related expression of action targets to determine the therapeutic effect of SD. Results. In this experiment, 335 chemical components were identified in SD, and 107 components were related to tumor immunity. After screening by ADME, it was found that 11 compounds might be inhaled into the human body and affect the growth of lung adenocarcinoma. In vitro experiments showed that SD could inhibit the growth of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. SD could reduce the expression of PCNA (P < 0.05) and significantly increase the expression of Caspase-3 (P < 0.05). The results of further experiments showed that SD could significantly reduce the phosphorylation of EGFR (P < 0.05), and SD could also effectively inhibit the expression of JAK and STAT3 phosphorylation (P < 0.01) and inhibit the expression of PI3K and AKT phosphorylation (P < 0.01). Conclusion. SD can inhibit the growth of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and the potential mechanism was found to be the inhibition of EGFR/JAK/STAT3 and EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and the substance basis for SD to exert antitumor effect may be catechin, taxifolin, betaine, epigallocatechin gallate, erucamide, guanosine, kaempferol, lanosterol, morin, oleanolic acid, and quercetin.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Incubated HA-Rich Sponge Matrix Implant Modulates Oxidative Stress to Enhance VEGF and TGF-β Secretions for Extracellular Matrix Reconstruction In Vivo

This study demonstrated both adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in vitro and in vivo combined with three-dimensional (3D) porous sponge matrices on implant wound healing. Sponge matrices were created from hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen (Col), and gelatin (Gel), constructing two types: HA-L (low content) and HA-H (high content), to be cross-linked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method verified carboxyl groups of HA and amino groups of Col and Gel reacting between the raw materials and scaffolds to identify the successive cross-linking. The swelling ratios of two types of sponge matrices were analyzed by water absorption capabilities, and the results displayed both over 30-fold dry scaffold weight enhancements. In biodegradation tests, matrices were hydrolyzed over time by three cutaneous enzymes, hyaluronidase, lysozyme, and collagenase I. ASCs from rats were cultured within the HA-H scaffold, demonstrating higher antioxidative abilities and secretions on related genes and proteins compared to the other two groups. The ASC HA-H matrix promoted cell proliferation to stimulate capillary angiogenesis inducer secretions, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). In vivo histological examinations showed ASCs from implanted HA-H implant transported into the subcutis, and rat skin cells also infiltrated into the original matrix zone to increase the extracellular matrix (ECM) reconstructions. Our experimental data revealed that the ASC HA-H sponge implant was effective in improving wound repair.

The Chromosome-Level Genome of Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) Provides New Insights Into the Evolution and Function of Miraculin

Miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) is a rare valuable tropical plant famous for a miraculous sweetening glycoprotein, miraculin, which can modify sour flavors to sweet flavors tasted by humans. Here, we present a chromosome-level high-quality genome of S. dulcificum with an assembly genome size of ∼550 Mb, contig N50 of ∼14.14 Mb, and 37,911 annotated protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that S. dulcificum was most closely related to Camellia sinensis and Diospyros oleifera, and that S. dulcificum diverged from the Diospyros genus ∼75.8 million years ago (MYA), and that C. sinensis diverged from Synsepalum ∼63.5 MYA. Ks assessment and collinearity analysis with S. dulcificum and other species suggested that a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event occurred in S. dulcificum and that there was good collinearity between S. dulcificum and Vitis vinifera. On the other hand, transcriptome and metabolism analysis with six tissues containing three developmental stages of fleshes and seeds of miracle fruit revealed that Gene Ontology (GO) terms and metabolic pathways of "cellular response to chitin," "plant-pathogen interaction," and "plant hormone signal transduction" were significantly enriched during fruit development. Interestingly, the expression of miraculin (Chr10G0299340) progressively increased from vegetative organs to reproductive organs and reached an incredible level in mature fruit flesh, with an fragments per kilobase of transcript per million (FPKM) value of ∼113,515, which was the most highly expressed gene among all detected genes. Combining the unique signal peptide and the presence of the histidine-30 residue together composed the main potential factors impacting miraculin's unique properties in S. dulcificum. Furthermore, integrated analysis of weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), enrichment and metabolite correlation suggested that miraculin plays potential roles in regulating plant growth, seed germination and maturation, resisting pathogen infection, and environmental pressure. In summary, valuable genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic resources provided in this study will promote the utilization of S. dulcificum and in-depth research on species in the Sapotaceae family.

Miracle Berry as a Potential Supplement in the Control of Metabolic Risk Factors in Cancer

The increased incidence of chronic diseases related to altered metabolism has become a social and medical concern worldwide. Cancer is a chronic and multifactorial disease for which, together with genetic factors, environmental factors are crucial. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to one third of cancer-related deaths could be prevented by modifying risk factors associated with lifestyle, including diet and exercise. Obesity increases the risk of cancer due to the promotion of low-grade chronic inflammation and systemic metabolic oxidative stress. The effective control of metabolic parameters, for example, controlling glucose, lipid levels, and blood pressure, and maintaining a low grade of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress might represent a specific and mechanistic approach against cancer initiation and progression. Miracle berry (MB) (Synsepalum dulcificum) is an indigenous fruit whose small, ellipsoid, and bright red berries have been described to transform a sour taste into a sweet one. MB is rich in terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, which are responsible for their described antioxidant activities. Moreover, MB has been reported to ameliorate insulin resistance and inhibit cancer cell proliferation and malignant transformation in vitro. Herein, we briefly summarize the current knowledge of MB to provide a scientific basis for its potential use as a supplement in the management of chronic diseases related to altered metabolism, including obesity and insulin resistance, which are well-known risk factors in cancer. First, we introduce cancer as a metabolic disease, highlighting the impact of systemic metabolic alterations, such as obesity and insulin resistance, in cancer initiation and progression. Next, as oxidative stress is closely associated with metabolic stress, we also evaluate the effect of phytochemicals in managing oxidative stress and its relationship with cancer. Finally, we summarize the main biological activities described for MB-derived extracts with a special focus on the ability of miraculin to transform a sour taste into a sweet one through its interaction with the sweet taste receptors. The identification of sweet taste receptors at the gastrointestinal level, with effects on the secretion of enterohormones, may provide an additional tool for managing chronic diseases, including cancer.

Nutritional benefits, phytochemical constituents, ethnomedicinal uses and biological properties of Miracle fruit plant (Synsepalum dulcificum Shumach. & Thonn. Daniell)

Miracle fruit plant or Miracle berry plant (Synsepalum dulcificum) is a peculiar medicinal plant because of the unique taste-modifying property of its fruit which is due to the presence of the glycoprotein, miraculin. This property has been known for centuries to the people of tropical Western and Central Africa who also employ different parts of the plant in the management of various ailments. Scientific investigations have unravelled several pharmacological properties of the plant which include antidiabetic, blood cholesterol-lowering, anti-hyperuricaemia, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and anticancer properties. Also, subacute administration of the plant extract up to 200 mg/kg was not found to be toxic in rats. Apart from miraculin, other pharmacologically active compounds have been identified in the plant including alkaloids (dihydro-feruloyl-5-methoxytyramine, N-cis-caffeoyltyramine, N-cis-feruloyl-tyramine), lignins (+-syringaresinol, +-epi-syringaresinol), phytosterols, triterpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and amino acids. The plant has also been credited with notable nutritional benefits. Proper documentation of available information on folkloric use, biological activity, constituent phytocompounds, and nutritional benefits of ethnobotanicals will go a long way in affording optimal benefits from their therapeutic potentials. This can also aid in the conservation of species at risk of extinction. This work presents an up-to-date review of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, biological and nutritional properties of Synsepalum dulcificum.

New Isoflavones with Antioxidant Activity Isolated from Cornulaca monacantha

In the course of phytochemical and chemotaxonomical investigations of Cornulaca monacantha (Amaranthaceae), two new isoflavones, 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dimethoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (1) and 7-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (2) were isolated from the fresh aerial parts of C. monacantha among with three known compounds named vanillic acid (3), N-cis-feruloyltyramine (4) and N-trans-feruloyltyramine (5). Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods including one- and two-dimensional NMR and HR-ESI-MS techniques. The isolated compounds exhibited interesting antioxidant activity determined by DPPH, ABTS and TAC tests.

Tyramine-derived hydroxycinnamic acid amides in plant foods: sources, synthesis, health effects and potential applications in food industry

Tyramine-derived hydroxycinnamic acid amines (HCAAT) are naturally occurring group of secondary metabolites present in various plant genera, such as Allium, Cannabis, Lycium, Polyganotum and Solanum. It belongs to the neutral, water-insoluble compounds and plays a role in plant growth, development and defence mechanism. The past two decades have seen a shift in the study of HCAAT from its role in plants to its potent biological activities. This review highlights the sources, roles in plants, biosynthetic pathways, metabolic engineering and chemical synthesis of HCAAT. The biological properties of HCAAT remain the focus in this paper, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-melanogenesis and neuroprotective properties. The effects of food processing and technology on HCAAT are also discussed. Given the current research gap, this review proposes future directions on the study of HCAAT, as well as its potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industry.

Chemical constituents and their antioxidant activities from the leaves of Synsepalum dulcificum

Synsepalum dulcifificum is an evergreen shrub native of tropical West Africa. It is very effective against a variety of diseases. However, the phytochemical investigation on this plant is limited till now. In our current study, seventeen compounds were isolated and identified from the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves. All of the compounds were obtained from S. dulcifificum for the first time. Compounds 4 and 9 were isolated from natural source for the second time. Moreover, the antioxidant activities of compounds 1, 4, 5, 9-11, and 15 were evaluated firstly. Compounds 6, 7, 13, and 14 exhibited significant antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS + assays, suggesting their potential application for an antioxidant drug.

Complete chloroplast genome of Synsepalum dulcificum D.: a magical plant that modifies sour flavors to sweet

Synsepalum dulcificum D. belongs to the Sapotaceae family, which is an evergreen shrub native to tropical West Africa. It is a kind of magical plant that has the unique characteristic of modifying sour flavors to sweet. In this study, the chloroplast genome of S. dulcificum was sequenced, assembled, and annotated firstly. Chloroplast genome size of S. dulcificum is 158,463 bp, the circular chloroplast genome consists of four regions: a large single-copy region of 88,256 bp, two inverted repeat regions of 25,958 bp, and a small single-copy region of 18,669 bp, with the GC content of 36.87%. A total of 133 genes were annotated in the S. dulcificum chloroplast genome, of which 88 were protein-coding genes (PCGs), 37 were transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight were ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Pouteria campechiana was most closely related to S. dulcificum. The study provides important genomic data for further utilization and breeding of S. dulcificum.

Syringaresinol Inhibits UVA-Induced MMP-1 Expression by Suppression of MAPK/AP-1 Signaling in HaCaT Keratinocytes and Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces detrimental changes in human skin which result in photoaging. UV-induced intracellular changes cause degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). UV-stimulated cleavage of collagen in ECM occurs via matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). (±)-syringaresinol (SYR), a phytochemical which belongs to the lignan group of polyphenols, was investigated for its ability to reverse the UVA-induced changes in human HaCaT keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) in vitro. Effect of SYR on UVA-induced changes was investigated by production and activation of MMPs and its transcriptional upstream effectors; mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and pro-inflammatory mediators. Levels of expression were determined using ELISA, RT-PCR and immunoblotting. UVA irradiation stimulated the production of MMP-1 and inhibited collagen production. SYR treatment suppressed MMP-1 and enhanced collagen production in UVA-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes and HDFs. SYR repressed the UV-induced phosphorylation of p38, ERK and JNK MAPKs in HaCaT keratinocytes while only suppressing JNK phosphorylation in HDFs. In addition, SYR was able to inhibit UVA-induced production of inflammatory cytokines; TNF-α, COX-2, IL-1β and IL-6. Moreover, SYR suppressed the activator protein-1 (AP-1), a heterodimer of phosphorylated transcription factors c-Jun and c-Fos. SYR-treatment decreased nuclear levels of activated c-Fos and c-Jun as a mechanism to inhibit UVA-induced transcriptional activities leading to MMP-1 production. In conclusion, current results demonstrated that SYR could inhibit UVA-induced upregulation of MMP-1 by suppressing MAPK/AP-1 signaling in HaCaT keratinocytes and HDFs. Therefore, SYR was suggested as a potential compound with antiphotoaging properties against UVA-induced skin aging.

Depigmenting potential of lichen extracts evaluated by in vitro and in vivo tests

Melanin is the main pigment of human skin, playing the primary role of protection from ultraviolet radiation. Alteration of the melanin production may lead to hyperpigmentation diseases, with both aesthetic and health consequences. Thus, suppressors of melanogenesis are considered useful tools for medical and cosmetic treatments. A great interest is focused on natural sources, aimed at finding safe and quantitatively available depigmenting substances. Lichens are thought to be possible sources of this kind of compounds, as the occurrence of many phenolic molecules suggests possible effects on phenolase enzymes involved in melanin synthesis, like tyrosinase. In this work, we used four lichen species, Cetraria islandica Ach., Flavoparmelia caperata Hale, Letharia vulpina (L.) Hue, and Parmotrema perlatum (Hudson) M. Choisy, to obtain extracts in solvents of increasing polarity, viz. chloroform, chloroform-methanol, methanol, and water. Cell-free, tyrosinase inhibition experiments showed highest inhibition for L. vulpina methanol extract, followed by C. islandica chloroform-methanol one. Comparable results for depigmenting activities were observed by means of in vitro and in vivo systems, such as MeWo melanoma cells and zebrafish larvae. Our study provides first evidence of depigmenting effects of lichen extracts, from tyrosinase inhibition to cell and in vivo models, suggesting that L. vulpina and C. islandica extracts deserve to be further studied for developing skin-whitening products.

Amabiloid A from Crinum × amabile Donn ex Ker Gawl

A new alkaloid, amabiloid A (1) was isolated from Crinum amabile along with eleven known compounds. Their structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. In addition, the acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated.

Microencapsulation of Lactococcus lactis Gh1 with Gum Arabic and Synsepalum dulcificum via Spray Drying for Potential Inclusion in Functional Yogurt

There has been an explosion of probiotic incorporated based product. However, many reports indicated that most of the probiotics have failed to survive in high quantity, which has limited their effectiveness in most functional foods. Thus, to overcome this problem, microencapsulation is considered to be a promising process. In this study, Lactococcus lactis Gh1 was encapsulated via spray-drying with gum Arabic together with Synsepalum dulcificum or commonly known as miracle fruit. It was observed that after spray-drying, high viability (~10⁸ CFU/mL) powders containing L. lactis in combination with S. dulcificum were developed, which was then formulated into yogurt. The tolerance of encapsulated bacterial cells in simulated gastric juice at pH 1.5 was tested in an in-vitro model and the result showed that after 2 h, cell viability remained high at 1.11 × 10⁶ CFU/mL. Incubation of encapsulated cells in the presence of 0.6% (w/v) bile salts showed it was able to survive (~10⁴ CFU/mL) after 2 h. Microencapsulated L. lactis retained a higher viability, at ~10⁷ CFU/mL, when incorporated into yogurt compared to non-microencapsulated cells ~10⁵ CFU/mL. The fortification of microencapsulated and non-microencapsulated L. lactis in yogurts influenced the viable cell counts of yogurt starter cultures, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subs. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Modulatory effects of miracle fruit ethanolic extracts on glucose uptake through the insulin signaling pathway in C2C12 mouse myotubes cells

Miracle fruit, Synsepalum dulcificum, is commonly known to be an alternative sweetener. It makes sour food taste sweet by affecting the tongue's taste receptors. It also shows beneficial health effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic activities. This study was conducted to investigate the antidiabetic effects of miracle fruit flesh (MF) and seed (MS) ethanolic extracts and the underlying mechanisms. Differentiated C2C12 myotubes were treated with the MF or MS extract (1-1,000 μg/ml) or metformin (1 mM) in the presence or absence of insulin. Compared with metformin, the MF extract significantly increased the intake of 2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1, 3-diazol-4-yl) amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG). The MF extract also upregulated insulin receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and glucose transporter 4 expressions. These results reveal the antidiabetic effects of miracle fruit.

Silencing Stem Cell Factor Gene in Fibroblasts to Regulate Paracrine Factor Productions and Enhance c-Kit Expression in Melanocytes on Melanogenesis

Melanogenesis is a complex physiological mechanism involving various paracrine factors. Skin cells such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes communicate with one another through secreted regulators, thereby regulating the melanocytes’ bio-functions. The stem cell factor (SCF) is a paracrine factor produced by fibroblasts, and its receptor, c-kit, is expressed on melanocytes. Binding of SCF to c-kit activates autophosphorylation and tyrosine kinase to switch on its signal transmission. SCF inhibition does not suppress fibroblast proliferation in MTT assay, and SCF silencing induced mRNA expressions of paracrine factor genes, HGF, NRG-1, and CRH in qPCR results. Following UVB stimulation, gene expressions of HGF, NRG, and CRH were higher than homeostasis; in particular, HGF exhibited the highest correlation with SCF variations. We detected fibroblasts regulated SCF in an autocrine-dependent manner, and the conditioned medium obtained from fibroblast culture was applied to treat melanocytes. Melanogenesis-related genes, tyrosinase and pmel17, were upregulated under conditioned mediums with SCF silencing and exposed to UVB treatments. Melanin quantities in the melanocytes had clearly increased in the pigment content assay. In conclusion, SCF silencing causes variations in both fibroblast paracrine factors and melanocyte melanogenesis, and the differences in gene expressions were observed following UVB exposure.

36H: A Novel Potent Inhibitor for Antimelanogenesis

N-Hydroxycinnamoylphenalkylamides (36H) exhibited both antioxidation and antityrosinase abilities. The compound was studied for its antioxidative properties, using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazul- (DPPH-) scavenging test, a ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) assessment, and a metal-chelating power assay. The results showed that 36H had antioxidative capabilities in the DPPH-scavenging and ferric-reducing power examinations but the chelating power assay did not demonstrate antioxidative capability. 36H was also measured for tyrosinase inhibitory activity applying various species platforms, including in vitro mushroom, B16F10 mouse melanoma, and human melanocyte cells. In terms of in vitro mushroom tyrosinase suppression, 36H restrained the melanogenesis processes. It is assumed that 36H blocked the tyrosinase active site as a competitive inhibitor for mushroom tyrosinase, hence not decreasing the human normal melanocyte cellular viability. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot discovered that 36H downregulated melanogenesis-related RNA and proteins, including pigment production (MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2), melanosome maturation (Rab27a), and melanosome transportation (Myo5a, MLPH and Mreg). Overall, 36H displayed the biofunctions of antioxidation and melanin suppression, so there was a possibility for its application as a food additive or a skin-whitening agent.

Physicochemical Characterisation of Polysaccharides from the Seeds and Leaves of Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) and Their Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities In Vitro

Miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) has been well known and studied for its unique taste-modifying ability. In this study, the monosaccharide composition, molecular weight (Mw), and in vitro bioactivities (antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibition) of polysaccharides from the seeds (MFP-S) and leaves (MFP-L) of miracle fruit were investigated. The results showed that MFP-S was a homogeneous polysaccharide (Mw 2804 Da) with glucose. MFP-L displayed three fractions (92093, 1496, and 237 Da) consisting of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and xylose. Moreover, the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition of MFP-L were significantly greater than those of MFP-S. The α-glucosidase inhibition of MFP-L was remarkably better than the positive control, acarbose (an antidiabetes drug). More specifically, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of α-glucosidase activities for MFP-S, MFP-L, and acarbose were 33, 0.01, and 1 mg mL−1, separately. Therefore, MFP-L can be developed as a functional factor with both antioxidant and antidiabetes activities in food applications.

Biofunctional Activities of Equisetum ramosissimum Extract: Protective Effects against Oxidation, Melanoma, and Melanogenesis

Equisetum ramosissimum, a genus of Equisetaceae, is a medicinal plant that can be separated into ethyl acetate (EA), dichloromethane (DM), n-hexane (Hex), methanol (MeOH), and water extracts. EA extract was known to have potent antioxidative properties, reducing power, DPPH scavenging activity, and metal ion chelating activity. This study compared these five extracts in terms of their inhibiting effects on three human malignant melanomas: A375, A375.S2, and A2058. MTT assay presented the notion that both EA and DM extracts inhibited melanoma growth but did not affect the viabilities of normal dermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) or fibroblasts. Western blot analyses showed that both EA and DM extracts induced overexpression of caspase proteins in all three melanomas. To determine their roles in melanogenesis, this study analyzed their in vitro suppressive effects on mushroom tyrosinase. All extracts except for water revealed moderate suppressive effects. None of the extracts affected B16-F10 cells proliferation. EA extract inhibited cellular melanin production whereas DM extract unexpectedly enhanced cellular pigmentation in B16-F10 cells. Data for modulations of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1, and tyrosinase-related protein 2 showed that EA extract inhibited protein expression mentioned above whereas DM extract had the opposite effect. Overall, the experiments indicated that the biofunctional activities of EA extract contained in food and cosmetics protect against oxidation, melanoma, and melanin production.

Isolation of a New Homomonoterpene from Madhuca Pasquieri and Effect of Isolated Compounds on NO Production

A new homomonoterpene, l,3,3-trimethyl-7-oxabicyclo[3.1.1]hexa-9-en-10-oic acid, named madhusic acid A (1), together with ten known compounds (2-11) were isolated from the methanolic extract of the dried leaves of Madhuca pasquieri (Dubard) H. J. Lam. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of ID, 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) and mass spectral analyses. We examined the effects of the isolated compounds against LPS-induced NO production in macrophage RAW264.7 cells and compound 2 showed effective activity with an IC50 value of 14.5 μM.

4-(Phenylsulfanyl)butan-2-One Suppresses Melanin Synthesis and Melanosome Maturation In Vitro and In Vivo

In this study, we screened compounds with skin whitening properties and favorable safety profiles from a series of marine related natural products, which were isolated from Formosan soft coral Cladiella australis. Our results indicated that 4-(phenylsulfanyl)butan-2-one could successfully inhibit pigment generation processes in mushroom tyrosinase platform assay, probably through the suppression of tyrosinase activity to be a non-competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase. In cell-based viability examinations, it demonstrated low cytotoxicity on melanoma cells and other normal human cells. It exhibited stronger inhibitions of melanin production and tyrosinase activity than arbutin or 1-phenyl-2-thiourea (PTU). Also, we discovered that 4-(phenylsulfanyl)butan-2-one reduces the protein expressions of melanin synthesis-related proteins, including the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase-related protein-1 (Trp-1), dopachrome tautomerase (DCT, Trp-2), and glycoprotein 100 (GP100). In an in vivo zebrafish model, it presented a remarkable suppression in melanogenesis after 48 h. In summary, our in vitro and in vivo biological assays showed that 4-(phenylsulfanyl)butan-2-one possesses anti-melanogenic properties that are significant in medical cosmetology.

Evaluation of Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kanehira extracts on tyrosinase suppressor, wound repair promoter, and antioxidant

Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kanehira belongs to the Lauraceae family of Taiwan's endemic plants. In this study, C. osmophloeum Kanehira extract has shown inhibition of tyrosinase activity on B16-F10 cellular system first. Whether extracts inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity was tested, and a considerable inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity by in vitro assays was presented. Animal experiments of C. osmophloeum Kanehira were carried out by observing animal wound repair, and the extracts had greater wound healing power than the vehicle control group (petroleum jelly with 8% DMSO, w/v). In addition, the antioxidant capacity of C. osmophloeum Kanehira extracts in vitro was evaluated. We measured C. osmophloeum Kanehira extract's free radical scavenging capability, metal chelating, and reduction power, such as biochemical activity analysis. The results showed that a high concentration of C. osmophloeum Kanehira extract had a significant scavenging capability of free radical, a minor effect of chelating ability, and moderate reducing power. Further exploration of the possible physiological mechanisms and the ingredient components of skincare product for skin-whitening, wound repair, or antioxidative agents are to be done.

Polygonum cuspidatum extracts as bioactive antioxidaion, anti-tyrosinase, immune stimulation and anticancer agents

In our study, it was applied for the technology of supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extraction to achieve biological constitutes from a Taiwan native plant, Polygonum cuspidatum. We developed bioactive effects of P. cuspidatum extracts via multiple examinations that established bio-purposes at a range of dosage ranges. The research of P. cuspidatum extracts indicated that they possessed anti-oxidative properties on radical-scavenging abilities, reducing activities and metal chelating powers in dose-dependant manners. The extracts also had minor in vitro mushroom tyrosinase suppression and decreased cellular tyrosinase activities and melanin production in B16-F10 cells. Immunologically, P. cuspidatum extracts enhanced the release of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) induced by THP-1 macrophage cell line. In addition, the cell proliferation showed anti-proliferation in dose-dependent manner on human skin melanoma cells, A375 and A375.S2, of the extracts suggesting biological constitutes employed the anti-cancer possessions. This is the first statement presenting bioactivities on P. cuspidatum extracts including anti-oxidation, immune stimulation, anti-tyrosinase and anti-melanoma as far as we know.

Isophilippinolide A arrests cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis for anticancer inhibitory agents in human melanoma cells

Three new butanolides, isophilippinolide A, philippinolide A, and philippinolide B, and an amide, cinnaretamine, were isolated from the roots of Cinnamomum philippinense to be identified by spectroscopic analysis. Four isolated compounds were screened to examine their radical-scavenging ability, metal-chelating power, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). Cinnaretamine showed powerful antioxidative properties in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and a reducing activity; all compounds presented minor inhibition of metal-chelating capacities. The effects of anti-tyrosinase of C. philippinense constituents were determined by the level of the suppression of hydroxylation that turned from L-tyrosine to L-dopa through an in vitro mushroom tyrosinase assay, and all testing samples illustrated slight mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory properties. Isophilippinolide A exhibited inhibitory effectivenesses against the A375.S2 melanoma cell line in a cell viability assay at concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 μM for 24 h. Propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry analyses were applied to assess cell cycle accumulative distribution. It was discovered that isophilippinolide A caused sub-G1 phase accumulation in positive correlation for apoptosis to inhibit cell growth. Further investigation revealed that isophilippinolide A induced A375.S2 cells with an increase of caspase-dependent apoptotic proteins to trigger correlated pathway mechanisms according to Western blotting results. Finally, isophilippinolide A displayed only low cytotoxicities to human normal epidermal cells (melanocytes) and dermal cells (fibroblasts). Altogether, the results implied C. philippinense compounds could be considered functional ingredients in cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceutical products, particularly for their anticancer ability on human skin melanoma cells.

Antimelanoma and antityrosinase from Alpinia galangal constituents

Two compounds, 1,7-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4,6-heptatrien-3-one (BHPHTO) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) they have been isolated from the rhizomes of Alpinia galangal, and the structures of both pure constituents were determined using spectroscopic analyses. The study examined the bioeffectivenesses of the two compounds on the human melanoma A2058 and showed that significantly inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells in the cell viability assay. This research was also taken on the tests to B16-F10 cell line and showed minor inhibitory consequences of cellular tyrosinase activities and melanin contents. Our results revealed the anticancer effects of A. galangal compounds, and therefore, the target compounds could be potentially applied in the therapeutic application and the food industry.

Functional ginger extracts from supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extraction via in vitro and in vivo assays: antioxidation, antimicroorganism, and mice xenografts models

Supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extraction technology was developed to gain the active components from a Taiwan native plant, Zingiber officinale (ginger). We studied the biological effects of ginger extracts via multiple assays and demonstrated the biofunctions in each platform. Investigations of ginger extracts indicated antioxidative properties in dose-dependant manners on radical scavenging activities, reducing powers and metal chelating powers. We found that ginger extracts processed moderate scavenging values, middle metal chelating levels, and slight ferric reducing powers. The antibacterial susceptibility of ginger extracts on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sobrinus, S. mutans, and Escherichia coli was determined with the broth microdilution method technique. The ginger extracts had operative antimicroorganism potentials against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We further discovered the strong inhibitions of ginger extracts on lethal carcinogenic melanoma through in vivo xenograft model. To sum up, the data confirmed the possible applications as medical cosmetology agents, pharmaceutical antibiotics, and food supplements.

Benzene, coumarin and quinolinone derivatives from roots of Citrus hystrix

Two coumarins, hystrixarin (1) and (+)-hopeyhopin (2); a benzenoid derivative, hystroxene-I (3) and a quinolinone alkaloid, hystrolinone (4), along with 33 known compounds were isolated from the crude acetone extract of the roots of Citrus hystrix. Their structures were determined by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The antioxidant, anti-HIV and antibacterial activities of the isolated compounds were also evaluated.

Biofunctional constituents from Liriodendron tulipifera with antioxidants and anti-melanogenic properties

From the stems of Liriodendron tulipifera, seventeen known compounds have been extracted, isolated and purified. By using spectroscopic analysis, the structures of these pure constituents were determined as three lignans, four steroids and ten benzenoids. Identified compounds were screened for antioxidant abilities using: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazul (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging free radical activity assays; metal chelating power test; and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) examination. The result revealed that seventeen compounds had potential anti-oxidative capabilities. In addition, the anti-tyrosinase effect was determined by calculating the hydroxylation of L-tyrosine to L-dopa and the oxidization of L-dopa to dopaquinone, according to in vitro mushroom tyrosinase evaluation platform. Furthermore, based on assays on B16F10 cell line, our data suggest that five compounds isolated from L. tulipifera would be able to inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce the melanin content in animal cells. Therefore, some of the examined compounds could be potentially used in the cosmetic skin whitening business, therapeutic applications or the food industry.

Plants from Brazilian Cerrado with potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity

The increased amount of melanin leads to skin disorders such as age spots, freckles, melasma and malignant melanoma. Tyrosinase is known to be the key enzyme in melanin production. Plants and their extracts are inexpensive and rich resources of active compounds that can be utilized to inhibit tyrosinase as well as can be used for the treatment of dermatological disorders associated with melanin hyperpigmentation. Using in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory activity assay, extracts from 13 plant species from Brazilian Cerrado were evaluated. The results showed that Pouteria torta and Eugenia dysenterica extracts presented potent in vitro tyrosinase inhibition compared to positive control kojic acid. Ethanol extract of Eugenia dysenterica leaves showed significant (p<0.05) tyrosinase inhibitory activity exhibiting the IC₅₀ value of 11.88 µg/mL, compared to kojic acid (IC₅₀ value of 13.14 µg/mL). Pouteria torta aqueous extract leaves also showed significant inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 30.01 µg/mL. These results indicate that Pouteria torta and Eugenia dysenterica extracts and their isolated constituents are promising agents for skin-whitening or antimelanogenesis formulations.

Biological properties of acidic cosmetic water from seawater

This current work was to investigate the biological effects of acidic cosmetic water (ACW) on various biological assays. ACW was isolated from seawater and demonstrated several bio-functions at various concentration ranges. ACW showed a satisfactory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, which reduced 90% of bacterial growth after a 5-second exposure. We used cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to test the properties of ACW in inflammatory cytokine release, and it did not induce inflammatory cytokine release from un-stimulated, normal PBMCs. However, ACW was able to inhibit bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokine TNF-α released from PBMCs, showing an anti-inflammation potential. Furthermore, ACW did not stimulate the rat basophilic leukemia cell (RBL-2H3) related allergy response on de-granulation. Our data presented ACW with a strong anti-oxidative ability in a superoxide anion radical scavenging assay. In mass spectrometry information, magnesium and zinc ions demonstrated bio-functional detections for anti-inflammation as well as other metal ions such as potassium and calcium were observed. ACW also had minor tyrosinase and melanin decreasing activities in human epidermal melanocytes (HEMn-MP) without apparent cytotoxicity. In addition, the cell proliferation assay illustrated anti-growth and anti-migration effects of ACW on human skin melanoma cells (A375.S2) indicating that it exerted the anti-cancer potential against skin cancer. The results obtained from biological assays showed that ACW possessed multiple bioactivities, including anti-microorganism, anti-inflammation, allergy-free, antioxidant, anti-melanin and anticancer properties. To our knowledge, this was the first report presenting these bioactivities on ACW.

10-Shogaol, an antioxidant from Zingiber officinale for skin cell proliferation and migration enhancer

In this work, one of Zingiber officinale components, 10-shogaol, was tested with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, metal chelating ability, and reducing power to show antioxidant activity. 10-Shogaol promoted human normal epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts cell growths. 10-Shogaol enhanced growth factor production in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), platelet derived growth factor-αβ (PDGF-αβ) and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) of both cells. In the in vitro wound healing assay for 12 or 24 h, with 10-shogaol, the fibroblasts and keratinocytes migrated more rapidly than the vehicle control group. Thus, this study substantiates the target compound, 10-shogaol, as an antioxidant for human skin cell growth and a migration enhancer with potential to be a novel wound repair agent.

Subamolide E from Cinnamomum subavenium induces sub-G1 cell-cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis and reduces the migration ability of human melanoma cells

The aim of this work was to investigate the anticancer cytotoxic effects of natural compound subamolide E on the human skin cancer melanoma A375.S2 cells. Subamolide E was isolated from Cinnamomum subavenium and demonstrated cytotoxicities in the cell-growth assay at concentration ranges from 0 to 100 μM at 24 h. Propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry analyses were used to evaluate cell-cycle distribution and found that subamolide E caused DNA damage in the sub-G1 phase with a dose-dependent manner after 24 h of treatment. According to the western blot result, subamolide-E-treated cells with the increase of caspase-dependent apoptotic proteins induced related pathway mechanisms. Subamolide E also showed antimigratory activities of A375.S2 cells on the wound-healing assay. Finally, subamolide E demonstrated minor cytotoxicities to normal human skin cells (keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts); therefore, it is a potential chemotherapeutic agent against skin melanoma.