Analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detection mass spectrometry of phenolic compounds in fruit of Eucalyptus globulus cultivated in Algeria

Oil/Water Biphasic Solvent System for the Eco-Extraction and Cosmetic Formulation of Bixa orellana L

Annatto, obtained from the seeds of achiote (Bixa orellana L.), is a widely used orange pigment rich in bixin and other apocarotenoids. This work reports the optimisation of a green extraction method of pigments and antioxidant compounds from achiote as well as its integration in a one-step green extraction-cosmetic formulation process. A biphasic solvent system of water and oil was used to recover simultaneously polar polyphenols, and less polar compounds, such as δ-tocotrienol and bixin. The optimisation of the ultrasound assisted extraction is presented, as well as a comparison of different vegetable oils used as extraction solvents. The composition, physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of the oils were studied and their extraction performance was compared. Refined sunflower oil proved to be a better solvent than virgin olive, jojoba, coconut and grapeseed oils. Both aqueous and oil phases displayed an interesting antioxidant capacity. The oil phase contained 0.9% of bixin, as well as minor apocarotenoids and δ-tocotrienol. Twelve compounds, mainly phenolics, were identified by UHPLC-DAD-HRMS/MS in the aqueous phase. Twenty-one volatile compounds were identified in the volatile fraction by SPME-GC-MS. Lastly, a one-step green process is proposed to combine the extraction and the cosmetic formulation of the bioactive compounds.

Comparative Chemical Analysis of Eight Punica granatum L. Peel Cultivars and Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

A comparative quali-quantitative study of the peel extracts of eight Punica granatum cultivars obtained from underexploited areas of South Italy was carried out in order to valorize them as health-promoting by-products. The results showed that all of the samples possessed 45 ellagitannins, consisting mainly of polyhydroxyphenoyls; 10 flavonoids, belonging to flavonol, flavone, and catechin classes; and 2 anthocyanins. The most representative compounds underwent quantification through a LC-MS/MS multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-based method; their qualitative profile was almost superimposable, while variability in the quantitative phenolic content was observed. The antioxidant activity was investigated using cell-free and cell-based assays. The in vitro anti-inflammatory potential was also studied by monitoring three typical markers of inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Moderate differences in both activities were observed between the cultivars. Results showed that all of the investigated peels have a potential use as healthy bioactive phytocomplexes due to the interesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; in particular from the bioinformatic approaches a series of compounds, including galloyl-, pedunculagin- and ellagic acid-based, were found to be highly correlated with bioactivity of the extracts. Finally, the bioactivities showed by a Campanian local cultivar, 'Granato di Aiello del Sabato', could promote its cultivation by local farmers and germplasm conservation.

Recognition of Gallotannins and the Physiological Activities: From Chemical View

Gallotannins, characterized with the glycosidic core and galloyl unit, are seemed as vital components of hydrolyzable tannins. Benefit from the more and more discoveries of their bioactivities and edibility, application of gallotannins in food industry, pharmacy industry, and other fields is increasing. Inheriting previous study achievements, chemical structure of gallotannins was illustrated and degradation as well as synthetic routes to gallotannins were summarized. On this basis, distribution in the nature also including the distinction of gallotannins was discussed. More than that, activities involving in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibitions, protein binding, and so on, as well as applications in the field of food industry, biopharmaceutical science, agricultural production, etc., were combed. Finally, improvement of bioavailability, chemical modification of the structure, and accurate determination of new gallotannins were pointed out to be the orientation in the future.

Is Our Natural Food Our Homeostasis? Array of a Thousand Effect-Directed Profiles of 68 Herbs and Spices

The beneficial effects of plant-rich diets and traditional medicines are increasingly recognized in the treatment of civilization diseases due to the abundance and diversity of bioactive substances therein. However, the important active portion of natural food or plant-based medicine is presently not under control. Hence, a paradigm shift from quality control based on marker compounds to effect-directed profiling is postulated. We investigated 68 powdered plant extracts (botanicals) which are added to food products in food industry. Among them are many plants that are used as traditional medicines, herbs and spices. A generic strategy was developed to evaluate the bioactivity profile of each botanical as completely as possible and to straightforwardly assign the most potent bioactive compounds. It is an 8-dimensional hyphenation of normal-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography with multi-imaging by ultraviolet, visible and fluorescence light detection as well as effect-directed assay and heart-cut of the bioactive zone to orthogonal reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromato-graphy-photodiode array detection-heated electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. In the non-target, effect-directed screening via 16 different on-surface assays, we tentatively assigned more than 60 important bioactive compounds in the studied botanicals. These were antibacterials, estrogens, antiestrogens, androgens, and antiandrogens, as well as acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, and tyrosinase inhibitors, which were on-surface heart-cut eluted from the bioautogram or enzyme inhibition autogram to the next dimension for further targeted characterization. This biological-physicochemical hyphenation is able to detect and control active mechanisms of traditional medicines or botanicals as well as the essentials of plant-based food. The array of 1,292 profiles (68 samples × 19 detections) showed the versatile bioactivity potential of natural food. It reveals how efficiently and powerful our natural food contributes to our homeostasis.

1H NMR and HPLC-DAD-MS for the characterization of ellagitannins and triterpenoids of less investigated Anogeissus leiocarpus DC (Combretaceae) stem bark

Anogeissus leiocarpus DC is an evergreen tree, widely distributed in Asia and Africa. The stem bark is used in traditional medicine, and as chewing sticks and infusion. Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly important to define the phytochemical profile of less studied edible plants. Aim of this research was a first complete characterization of ellagitannins and triterpenoids profiles by HPLC-DAD-MS and ¹H NMR and analyses. A total of 59 compounds were identified including 43 ellagitannins and 16 triterpenoids, mainly oleane derivatives and glycosylated forms. Among ellagitannins, roburin, vescalin and castalin were found for the first time. Tannins accounted for 38.9% whereas triterpenoids were 4.8%, both estimated on dry decoction. The decoction was preliminary tested against osteoarthritis in rats. The characterization of the main phytochemicals of Anogeissus leiocarpus DC stem bark decoction is a necessary step to evaluate nutraceutical properties, paving the way for possible food applications of this plant.

The Synergistic Effect of Three Essential Oils against Bacteria Responsible for the Development of Lithiasis Infection: An Optimization by the Mixture Design

The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition and the synergistic effect of three plants' essential oils (EOs), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (ECEO), Mentha pulegium (MPEO), and Rosmarinus officinalis (ROEO), against three bacterial strains, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, in order to increase the antimicrobial effectiveness by the use of a low dose of essential oils, consequently decreasing the toxicity and negative impact. For this reason, an augmented simplex-centroid mixture design was used to build polynomial models in order to highlight the synergy between the essential oils against bacterial strains. Antimicrobial effect screening was performed by the disc diffusion method and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were also studied. The gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results show the richness of these essential oils by terpenic compounds, especially 1,8-Cineole and P-Cymene for ECEO, Pulegone for MPEO, and α-Pinene and Camphene for ROEO. Moreover, a significant antibacterial effect has been demonstrated and the best values were revealed by MPEO and ECEO against P. mirabilis and K. pneumoniae, with inhibition zones (IZ) of 25 and 20 mm, respectively, and an MIC of 0.0391% (v:v) against K. pneumoniae. The optimal mixtures showed a synergistic effect of essential oils, and the lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations of the mixtures (MICm) were in the order of 29.38% of MPEO, 45.37% of ECEO, and 25.25% of ROEO against P. mirabilis and in the order of 60.61% of MPEO and 39.39% of ROEO against K. pneumoniae. These results indicate the antibacterial efficacy of the three essential oils combined and suggest their importance in the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by resistant bacterial strains.

HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS Profiling and Anti-Biofilm Potential of Eucalyptussideroxylon Flowers

The development of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains is a worldwide emerging problem that needs a global solution. Exploring new natural antibiofilm agents is one of the most important alternative therapies in combating bacterial infections. This study aimed at testing the antimicrobial potential of Eucalyptus sideroxylon flowers extract (ESFE) against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans prior to testing the antibiofilm activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. ESFE demonstrated antimicrobial activity and promising inhibition activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) biofilm formation up to 95.9% (p < 0.05) at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL and eradicated C. albicans biofilm formation up to 71.2% (p < 0.05) at a concentration of 0.7 mg/mL. LC-MS analysis allowed the tentative identification of eighty-three secondary metabolites: 21 phloroglucinol, 18 terpenes, 16 flavonoids, 7 oleuropeic acid derivatives, 7 ellagic acid derivatives, 6 gallic acid derivatives, 3 phenolic acids, 3 fatty acids and 2 miscellaneous. In conclusion, E. sideroxylon is a rich source of effective constituents that promote its valorization as a promising candidate in the management of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

Comparative study of two Eucalyptus species from Algeria: chemical composition, toxicity and acaricidal effect on Varroa destructor

Varroa destructor is an external parasitic mite that is a serious pest of honeybees and has caused severe losses of colonies worldwide. One of the feasible alternative treatments being used for their control is the application of essential oils, which are generally inexpensive and most pose few health risks. The investigation was designed to determine the chemical composition, toxicity and acaricidal effects of Eucalyptus amygdalina leaf essential oil (EaEO) grown in Algeria and to compare its activity on Varroa destructor with that of Eucalyptus globulus from the same region. Fresh leaves of E. amygdalina (Ea) by steam distillation yielded 0.77% (v/w), and investigation of the oil on GC/MS resulted in the identification of 35 compounds, with 1.8-cineole (35.78%) as most abundant constituent. Other notable compounds include spathulenol (12.58%), camphene (7.73%), α-pinene (4.38%), valencene (2.64%), while 2-carene and ledol (1.45%) were also among the constituents identified. The acaricidal features of the essential oil was evaluated using bee hives infected by Varroa destructor, and a significant effect of oil application was observed (p < 0.05). Cytotoxic effect was assayed using the brine shrimp lethality assay, Probit’s analysis of the result revealed an LC50 value of 116.06 μg/mL. Essential oil of E. amygdalina (EaEO) has potential acaricidal effect on Varroa destructor, but this effect is less important than the one recorded by E. globulus. Further studies are needed to determine the active component responsible for this effect.

Mass Spectrometry and 1H-NMR Study of Schinopsis lorentzii (Quebracho) Tannins as a Source of Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Principles

The ethyl acetate extract of the commercial tannin Tan’Activ QS-SOL (from Schinopsis lorentzii wood), employed for the production of red wine, was subjected to chromatography on Sephadex LH-20, providing nine fractions (A-1–A-9), which were estimated for total phenols content (GAE), antioxidant activity (DPPH, ORAC), and hypoglycemic activity (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition). All the fractions were analyzed by means of HPLC/ESI-MS/MS and ¹H-NMR to identify the principal active constituents. Fractions A-1 and A-3 showed the highest antioxidant activity and gallic acid (1), pyrogallol (3), eriodictyol (6), catechin (12), and taxifolin (30) were identified as the major constituents. The highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity was observed in fractions A-7–A-9 containing condensed (9′, 15, 18, 19, 23, and 27) hydrolysable tannins (13 and 32) as well as esters of quinic acid with different units of gallic acid (5, 11, 11′, 14, and 22). This last class of gallic acid esters are here reported for the first time as α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors.

A Novel Biochemical Study of Anti-Ageing Potential of Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Bark Waste Standardized Extract and Silver Nanoparticles

Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh belongs to family Myrtaceae. They are massive in Egypt. Although reputed for high phenolic content, barks are considered waste. Ageing is a natural phenomenon caused by apoptosis and senescence resulting in wrinkles. The phytochemical analysis of the 70% ethanolic Eucalyptus camaldulensis bark extract (EBE) and evaluation of its anti-ageing potential and as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were conducted in this study. Ultra performance liquid chromatography / electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of EBE fingerprint revealed twenty compounds, where Rutin was major. EBE was standardized to contain 1.26 % Rutin. AgNPs synthesized by green synthesis, were characterized by transmission electron microscope and zeta potential measurement. Both EBE and AgNPs were subjected to MTT assay in HFB4 cells and cell cycle arrest. Flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis and p16 ^INK4a. Genetic expression of p53 and p21 and telomerase level were determined. Anti-wrinkle enzyme assays were done. AgNps were spherical, 468.7 nm in size and with Poly dispersity index of 0.817 ± 0.129. EBE and AgNPs with IC₅₀ 0.156 mg/mL ± 0.05 and 2.315 ± 0.07 μg/mL expressed significant difference in % of cells (DNA content) at G2/M, apoptotic cells numbers, p53 and p21expression and p16^INK4a vs aged cells (P < 0.0001). Both expressed significant increase in telomerase (P < 0.0001). They exhibited elastase, collagenase and tyrosinase inhibition (75 ± 4.3 and 75.9 ± 6.8 % at 300 μg/mL, 58 ± 4.8 and 63 ± 2.3, at 500 μg/mL, 51 ± 4.8 and 65 ± 5.87, at 500 μg/mL, respectively. Although it is considered waste, EBE and Ag NPs are anti-ageing candidates as they inhibit apoptosis, senescence and prevent wrinkles formation.

A Comprehensive Review of the Structure Elucidation of Tannins from Terminalia Linn

OBJECTIVES

Tannins with complex structures are important plant resources, which are abundant in the genus Terminalia. Various Terminalia species have been playing an important role in traditional medicine system. A systematic scoping review of Terminalia Linn. research literature for tannins was conducted to summarize the structures of tannins and analysis fragmentation pathway characteristics, which could provide references for the structural analysis of tannins from Terminalia Linn.

METHODS

After an update of the literature search up to September 2018, the terms of Terminalia in all publications were analyzed. Electronic searches were conducted in scifinder and PubMed, and the information from 197 articles in all with regard to the tannin structure study was extracted.

RESULTS

The compounds of 82 tannins from the genus Terminalia were reviewed. According to the structural differences, they can be divided into three categories, hydrolysable tannins, condensed tannins, and complex tannins, respectively. The fragmentation pathways of 46 identified tannins were analyzed, and the fragmentation rules of tannins were speculated according to different types.

CONCLUSION

This review has attracted attention to the active substances in this species such as the tannins summarized in further study. How to improve the extraction and purification technology of tannins from genus Terminalia is an urgent problem to be solved.

Elucidating the role of shikimate dehydrogenase in controlling the production of anthocyanins and hydrolysable tannins in the outer peels of pomegranate

BACKGROUND

The outer peels of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) possess two groups of polyphenols that have health beneficial properties: anthocyanins (ATs, which also affect peel color); and hydrolysable tannins (HTs). Their biosynthesis intersects at 3-dehydroshikimate (3-DHS) in the shikimate pathway by the activity of shikimate dehydrogenase (SDH), which converts 3-DHS to shikimate (providing the precursor for AT biosynthesis) or to gallic acid (the precursor for HTs biosynthesis) using NADPH or NADP⁺ as a cofactor. The aim of this study is to gain more knowledge about the factors that regulate the levels of HTs and ATs, and the role of SDH.

RESULTS

The results have shown that the levels of ATs and HTs are negatively correlated in the outer fruit peels of 33 pomegranate accessions, in the outer peels of two fruits exposed to sunlight, and in those covered by paper bags. When calli obtained from the outer fruit peel were subjected to light/dark treatment and osmotic stresses (imposed by different sucrose concentrations), it was shown that light with high sucrose promotes the synthesis of ATs, while dark at the same sucrose concentration promotes the synthesis of HTs. To verify the role of SDH, six PgSDHs (PgSDH1, PgSDH3-1,2, PgSDH3a-1,2 and PgSDH4) were identified in pomegranate. The expression of PgSDH1, which presumably contributes to shikimate biosynthesis, was relatively constant at different sucrose concentrations. However, the transcript levels of PgSDH3s and PgSDH4 increased with the accumulation of gallic acid and HTs under osmotic stress, which apparently accumulates to protect the cells from the stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The results strongly suggest that the biosynthesis of HTs and ATs competes for the same substrate, 3-DHS, and that SDH activity is regulated not only by the NADPH/NADP⁺ ratio, but also by the expression of the PgSDHs. Since the outer peel affects the customer's decision regarding fruit consumption, such knowledge could be utilized for the development of new genetic markers for breeding pomegranates having higher levels of both ATs and HTs.

Chemical Profiling of Polyphenolics in Eucalyptus globulus and Evaluation of Its Hepato-Renal Protective Potential Against Cyclophosphamide Induced Toxicity in Mice

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a potent anti-neoplastic and immunosuppressive agent; however, it causes multi-organ toxicity. We elucidated the protective activities of Eucalyptus globulus (EG) leaf extract against CP-induced hepato-renal toxicity. Mice were treated with EG for 15 days plus CP on day 12 and 13 of the experiment. Using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS, 26 secondary metabolites were identified in EG leaf extract. Out of them, 4 polyphenolic compounds were isolated: (1) 4-(O-β-d-xylopyranosyloxy)-3,5-di-hydroxy-benzoic acid, (2) 4-(O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-3,5-di-hydroxy-benzoic acid, (3) gallic acid, and (4) methyl gallate. Effects of EG extract on biochemical parameters, gene expression, and immune-histopathological changes were assessed in comparison to mesna positive control. Results showed that EG improved CP-increased serum ALT, AST, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels. The hepatic and renal tissue levels of MDA, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl, TNF-α, IL-6, and immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) and caspase-3 were reduced. Also, hepatic and renal GSH contents, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRf2)/ hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling levels were increased. Histopathological findings supported our findings where hepatic and renal architecture were almost restored. Results revealed the protective effects of EG against CP-induced hepato-renal toxicity. These effects may be related to EG antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties coupled with activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Comparison Among Five Eucalyptus Species Based on Their Leaf Contents of Some Primary and Secondary Metabolites

Background:

Eucalyptus belongs to the Myrtaceae family. It is the most planted hardwood forest crop worldwide, representing a global renewable resource of fiber, pharmaceuticals and energy.

Objective:

To compare the five species, E. maidenii, E. robusta, E. citriodora, E. tereticornis and E. camaldulensis, seeking for the richest source of nutrients and pharmaceuticals.

Methodology:

Eucalyptus samples were subjected to some chemical determinations for both primary and secondary metabolites to verify their nutritional and pharmaceutical importance related to different extracts. GC-MS analysis was applied to detect the presence of some individual phenolic constituents in their leaves.

Results:

E. robusta recorded the maximum contents of carbohydrates (40.07%) and protein (31.91%). While E. camaldulensis contained the highest contents of total phenolic compounds (46.56 mg/g), tannins (40.01 mg/g) and antioxidant activities assayed by the phosphomolybednum method (57.60 mg/g), followed by E. citridora. However, E. tereticornis exhibited the highest reducing power ability (151.23 mg/g). The GC-MS highlighted 20 phenolic constituents and antioxidants which varied in their abundance in Eucalyptus leaves, 8 individual phenolics (hydroquinone, hesperitin, pyrogallol, resorcinol, protocatechuic acid, naringenin, chlorogenic acid and catechin) were maximally recorded with E. camaldulensis and secondly, with E. citridora in case of at least 5 components. Nevertheless, gallic and quinic acids were more abundant in the leaves of E. tereticornis, which may explain its high corresponding reducing powers.

Conclusion:

Acetone-water combination has enhanced phenolics extraction from Eucalyptus tissues. This is the first report aiming to compare between the aforementioned Eucalyptus species highlighting either their nutritional or medicinal importance.

Identificación de compuestos fenólicos en extractos de almendra (Prunus dulcis) y nuez pecana (Carya illinoinensis) mediante cromatografía líquida acoplada a espectrometría de masas en tándem (HPLC-MS/MS)

La almendra y nuez pecana son alimentos funcionales, cuyo consumo habitual puede prevenir el desarrollo de numerosas enfermedades crónico-degenerativas. Los compuestos fenólicos (CF) son algunos de los que poseen mayor actividad biológica en estos frutos secos, pero su identificación y caracterización siempre representa un reto analítico. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue caracterizar el perfil de los CF, mediante HPLC acoplado a espectrometría de masas en tándem (MS/MS) de dos tipos de extractos de nuez pecana y almendra, un extracto etanólico y uno acetónico. Se identificaron, mediante HPLC acoplado a espectrometría de masas de alta resolución (Q-TOF), 29 compuestos en almendra (22 estuvieron en el extracto acetónico y 24 en el etanólico) y 43 en nuez pecana (39 en el acetónico y 37 en el etanólico). La identidad de 6 compuestos de la almendra y 20 de nuez pecana se confirmó mediante el análisis de sus patrones de fragmentación en el modo MS/MS del equipo. El perfil de los CF fue claramente diferente entre almendra y nuez, pero muy parecido entre ambos tipos de solventes empleados (acetona y etanol), para un mismo fruto seco. En la almendra predominó la presencia de flavonoles y flavanonas, mientras que en nuez pecana predominaron taninos hidrolizables (sobre todo elagitaninos y derivados simples del ácido elágico) y condensados (hasta tetrámeros). En este estudio se describe por primera vez la identificación de tres elagitaninos en nuez pecana.

Anti-Adhesion Activity of Tannins Isolated from the Mangrove Laguncularia racemosa

In the search of new compounds with biofilm-inhibiting properties, mangroves with their richness of secondary metabolites can be a valuable resource. Crude methanolic leaf extracts from the mangrove Laguncularia racemosa enriched in phenolic substances cause a reduction in initial cell adhesion of Candida glabrata and Candida albicans, but not on Escherichia coli. LC/MS-guided fractionation of the phenolic compounds resulted in 19 fractions, of which ten were analyzed for their bioactivity against cell adhesion. Effects on cell adhesion and planktonic growth of Escherichia coli, Candida glabrata and Candida albicans were measured in 96-well microtiter plates in the presence of 0.2 mg ml^-1 of the isolated fractions. Two fractions caused a reduction of cell adhesion of Candida albicans. These fractions containing bioactive compounds were analyzed by LC/MS and NMR spectroscopy. Casuarinin and digalloyl-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-glucose were identified in the active fractions, in addition to three signals of ellagitannins. These results indicate a specific mode of action of hydrolysable tannins against cell adhesion of Candida albicans, which needs to be further analyzed.

Brazilian Biodiversity Fruits: Discovering Bioactive Compounds from Underexplored Sources

Large segments of the Brazilian population still suffer from malnutrition and diet-related illnesses. In contrast, many native fruits have biodiversity and are underexploited sources of bioactive compounds and unknown to consumers. The phytochemical composition of nine underexplored Brazilian fruits was determined. Carotenoids and anthocyanins were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS), and phenolic compounds and iridoids were identified by flow injection analysis-electrospray-ion trap-tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-ESI-IT-MS/MS); in total, 84 compounds were identified. In addition, the chemical structure and pathway mass fragmentation of new iridoids from jenipapo ( Genipa americana) and jatoba ( Hymenae coubaril) are proposed. The highest level of carotenoids was registered in pequi ( Caryocar brasiliense; 10156.21 μg/100 g edible fraction), while the major total phenolic content was found in cambuci ( Campomanesia coubaril; 221.70 mg GAE/100 g). Anthocyanins were quantified in jabuticaba ( Plinia cauliflora; 45.5 mg/100 g) and pitanga ( Eugenia uniflora; 81.0 mg/100 g). Our study illustrates the chemical biodiversity of underexplored fruits from Brazil, supporting the identification of new compounds and encouraging the study of more food matrixes not yet investigated.

Chemical Composition, Toxicity, and Acaricidal Activity of Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil from Algeria

The study was aimed at determining the chemical composition, toxicity effect and field varroacidal efficacy of the essential oil distilled from the leaf of Eucalyptus globulus (Eg) grown in Algeria. Brine shrimp lethality (BSL) assay and bee hives infected by Varroa destructor were used to assess the toxicity and acaricidal effect, respectively. Steam distillation of leaves yielded 0.93 % (v/w) of essential oil (EO). GC/MS Analysis revealed 39 compounds, essentially oxygenated monoterpenes (86.01%). The main constituents of the oil were 1,8-cineole (78.45 %), o-cymene (2.18 %), isopinocarveole (1.74 %), α-pinene (1.69 %), pinocarvone (1.34%) and veridiflorol (1.31%). The BSL assay revealed a highly toxic value of LC50 (67.55 μg/mL). Furthermore, field efficacy testing on bee hives infected with Varroa destructor has confirmed the effectiveness of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EgEO) or thymol as varroacidal agents. Moreover, a EgEO + thymol association was more effective than EgEO or thymol alone. Finally, the use of EgEO + thymol may constitute a viable alternative to the thymol-based commercial treatment

Protective Effects of a Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Leaf on Oxidative Stress-Induced Diabetic Rats

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and cardiometabolic activities due to its high content of polyphenols. We characterized the chemical composition and assessed the antidiabetic effects of a novel polyphenol-rich extract (PESc) obtained from S. cumini leaf. Rats were injected with alloxan (150 mg/kg, ip, ALX group) and followed up for 7 days. Some were orally treated with PESc (50 mg/kg/day) for 7 days before and after diabetes induction (ALX-PP) or only for 7 days after alloxan injection (ALX-P). ALX-P and ALX-PP decreased fasting glycemia in 37 and 43%, respectively, as compared to ALX. Triglycerides and total cholesterol serum levels were also significantly reduced in comparison to ALX. PESc presented high polyphenol concentration (71.78 ± 8.57 GAE/100 g), with flavonoid content of 8.21 ± 0.42 QE/100 g. Upon HPLC-MS/MS and MS/MS studies, five main polyphenols-gallic acid, quercetin, myricetin, and its derivatives-were identified. Myricetin was predominant (192.70 ± 16.50 μg/mg PESc), followed by measurable amounts of gallic acid (11.15 ± 0.90 μg/mg PESc) and quercetin (4.72 ± 0.06 μg/mg PESc). Kinetic assessment of total antioxidant capacity revealed PESc high potency, since maximum response was reached within 5 min reaction time in a concentration-dependent manner. Specific antioxidant activity of PESc was assessed against both DPPH^• and ABTS^•+, showing strong activity (IC₅₀: 3.88 ± 1.09 and 5.98 ± 1.19 μg/mL, resp.). PESc also inhibited lipoxygenase activity (IC₅₀: 27.63 ± 8.47), confirming its antioxidant activity also on biologically relevant radicals. Finally, PESc induced insulin secretion by directly stimulating INS-1E β cells in the absence of any cytotoxic effect. Overall, our results support that PESc is a potent antioxidant phytocomplex with potential pharmacological use as a preventive antidiabetic natural product.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Geranium robertianum L. decoctions

Geranium robertianum L., commonly known as Herb Robert, is an herbaceous plant popularly known for its functional properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the phenolic profile of leaf and stem decoctions of Geranium robertianum L. was elucidated by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSⁿ analysis, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials were assessed in vitro. Importantly, and envisaging the use of these extracts in human diets, the potential toxicity of bioactive concentrations was also addressed in macrophages and hepatocytes. Both extracts revealed high amounts of ellagitannins, although a slight prevalence of these compounds was observed in that originating from leaves. High radical scavenging activities against DPPH˙, ABTS˙⁺ and OH˙ were observed either for the leaf or the stem extract, as well as good activities towards ferric reducing antioxidant power, lipid peroxidation and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. In addition, both extracts were very effective at scavenging NO˙, as measured in a chemical model, while only the stem extract was able to decrease the production of this radical by stimulated macrophages. On the other hand, none of the extracts was able to modulate the activity of lipoxygenase or the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase. Overall, these data allowed us to conclude that G. robertianum L. stem and leaf decoctions are particularly rich in tannins. The strong scavenging effects displayed by the stem extract suggest that its anti-inflammatory activity may partially result from its anti-radical capacities towards NO˙.

Ethnomedicinal uses of plants for the treatment of malaria in Soon Valley, Khushab, Pakistan

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

To best of our knowledge this is the first quantitative ethno-medicinal study with the aim of documenting the indigenous knowledge and practices of using plants for malarial therapy in Soon Valley, Khushab, Pakistan. In this Valley, malaria is among the major public health problems but, until now, the population still mostly relies on herbal medicine for treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethno-medicinal data were documented from 63 informants by using semi-structured questionnaires and interviewing the informants about their knowledge of plants regarding malaria and related symptoms. Documented data were evaluated using the quantitative ethno-botanical indices of frequency citation (FC), relative frequency of citation (RFC), percentage of respondents having knowledge (PRK) and Jaccard index (JI).

RESULTS

A total of 70 plant species belonging to 62 genera and 34 families were recorded as anti-malarial in the study area. Solanaceae was found to be the most cited family with 7 species, followed by Fabaceae, Rutaceae and Lamiaceae with 5 species each. Ocimum americanum and Solanum incanum were the species with the highest relative frequency of citation (RFC =0.25 each) and percentage of respondents having knowledge (PRK =25.4% each), followed by Grewia tenax (RFC =0.23, PRK =23.8%), which indicates that these plants are the best species with anti-malarial properties. The most highly cited life form was found to be herbs (56%). The dominant plant part used in preparations were leaves (49%). The main mode of utilization was decoction (47%) followed by infusion (29%). In comparison, maximum similarity index is found in our study with JI (16.83) followed by (13.13). Similarity percentage of plants uses ranges from 0.81 to 16.83 while dissimilarity percentage varies from 0% to 17.65%.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge seven plant species, viz. Withania coagulans, Fagonia cretica, Carthamus oxyacantha, Ehretia obtusifolia, Helianthus annuus, Olea ferruginea and Vitex trifolia, are reported from this region for the first time for the treatment of malaria. This first ethno-medicinal study highlights potential sources for the development of new antimalarial drugs from indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants found in the Soon Valley, Pakistan. Such investigations could be a subject for in vitro and in vivo anti-plasmodial screening to develop new plant-based antimalarial drugs and can also be evaluated for other biological activities and novel drug discoveries.

α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Phenolic Extracts from Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla Bark

This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of different extracts and fractions from Eucalyptus. grandis × urophylla bark (EB) against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme activities. The ethyl acetate extract (EB-E) showed the highest activity among others. Seven fractions were derived from EB-E; among them EB-E-7 showed the highest significant inhibition of both enzymes, with IC50 of 1.40±0.18 and 1.72±0.12 μg/mL, respectively. EB-E and its active fraction EB-E-7 showed highest contents of total phenolics: 178.79±4.68 and 920.4±5.46 mg GAEag−1, respectively. HPLC-MS analysis of EB-E-7 revealed the presence of ellagic acid, quercetin-glucuronide, quercetin-3-α-rhamnopyranoside, and ellagic acid rhamnoside as major compounds, together with smaller concentrations of myricetin-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin-hexoside, myricetin-3-α-arabinofuranoside, and isorhamnetin. Therefore, the phenolic compounds from Eucalyptus grandis × E. urograndis bark potently inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, having potential in prevention of hyperglycemia.

Beneficial and Healthy Properties of Eucalyptus Plants: A Great Potential Use

Eucalyptus (Eucapyptusspp.), an evergreen tall tree native to Australia and Tasmania, has been used since ancient times by the aboriginal population for several purposes. In particular, the speciesE. globulusis widely used in the pulp industry, as well as for the production of eucalyptus oil extracted on a commercial scale in many countries as raw materials in perfumery, cosmetics, food, beverages, aromatherapy and phytotherapy. The 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), the principal and the most important constituent extracted from eucalyptus leaves, demonstrated an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Despite the fact that the healthy effects of eucalyptus have been well established by research, further studies are necessary to investigate other prime effects of the plant and its possible implication in the treatment of a greater number of pathological conditions.

Two shikimate dehydrogenases, VvSDH3 and VvSDH4, are involved in gallic acid biosynthesis in grapevine

In plants, the shikimate pathway provides aromatic amino acids that are used to generate numerous secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds. In this pathway, shikimate dehydrogenases (SDH) 'classically' catalyse the reversible dehydrogenation of 3-dehydroshikimate to shikimate. The capacity of SDH to produce gallic acid from shikimate pathway metabolites has not been studied in depth. In grapevine berries, gallic acid mainly accumulates as galloylated flavan-3-ols. The four grapevine SDH proteins have been produced in Escherichia coli In vitro, VvSDH1 exhibited the highest 'classical' SDH activity. Two genes, VvSDH3 and VvSDH4, mainly expressed in immature berry tissues in which galloylated flavan-3-ols are accumulated, encoded enzymes with lower 'classical' activity but were able to produce gallic acid in vitro The over-expression of VvSDH3 in hairy-roots increased the content of aromatic amino acids and hydroxycinnamates, but had little or no effect on molecules more distant from the shikimate pathway (stilbenoids and flavan-3-ols). In parallel, the contents of gallic acid, β-glucogallin, and galloylated flavan-3-ols were increased, attesting to the influence of this gene on gallic acid metabolism. Phylogenetic analysis from dicotyledon SDHs opens the way for the examination of genes from other plants which accumulate gallic acid-based metabolites.

Synthesis and chiroptical properties of a π-conjugated polymer containing glucose-linked biphenyl units in the main chain capable of folding into a helical conformation

Naturally occurring ellagitannins provide us with inspiration for the development of a chiral π-conjugated polymer bearing glucose-linked biphenyl units in the main chain.

Phytochemical composition and effects of commercial enzymes on the hydrolysis of gallic acid glycosides in mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. 'Keitt') pulp

A detailed characterization of mango pulp polyphenols and other minor phytochemicals was accomplished for the first time in the cultivar 'Keitt' whereby the identification and semiquantification of five hydroxybenzoic acids, four cinnamic acids, two flavonoids, and six apocarotenoids was accomplished. Among the most abundant compounds were two monogalloyl glucosides (MGG) identified as having an ester- or ether-linked glucose, with the ester-linked moiety present in the highest concentration among nontannin polyphenolics. Additionally, the impact of side activities of three commercial cell-wall degrading enzymes during 'Keitt' mango pulp processing was evaluated to determine their role on the hydrolysis of ester- and ether-linked phenolic acids. The use of Crystalzyme 200XL reduced the concentration of ester-linked MGG by 66%, and the use of Rapidase AR 2000 and Validase TRL completely hydrolyzed ether-linked MGG after 4 h of treatment at 50 °C. Fruit quality, in vivo absorption rate, and bioactivity of mango phytochemicals rely on their chemical characterization, and characterizing changes in composition is critical for a complete understanding of in vivo mechanisms.

Unveiling the chemistry behind the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles

Nanobiotechnology has emerged as a fundamental domain in modern science, and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the largest classes of NPs studied because of their wide spectrum of possible applications in several fields. The use of plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents in their synthesis is an interesting and reliable alternative to conventional methodologies. However, the role of the different components of such extracts in the reduction/stabilization of metal ions has not yet been understood clearly. Here we studied the behavior of the main components of a Eucalyptus globulus Labill. bark aqueous extract during metal-ion reduction followed by advanced chromatographic techniques, which allowed us to establish their specific role in the process. The obtained results showed that phenolic compounds, particularly galloyl derivatives, are mainly responsible for the metal-ion reduction, whereas sugars are essentially involved in the stabilization of the NPs.

Separation and characterization of phenolic compounds from U.S. pecans by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The phenolic acids and proanthocyanidins (PACs) of pecans possess bioactive properties, which might be useful in retarding the onset of and ameliorating the status of certain chronic disease states. There is a general lack of information in the literature regarding such compounds, especially the PACs. Crude phenolic extracts pooled from eight commercially significant cultivars were selected based on their relatively high antioxidant capacities. The pooled extracts were separated via Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography into five ethanolic low-molecular-weight (LMW) fractions and one acetonic high-molecular-weight (HMW) fraction. The preparations were then characterized using RP-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and diol-phase HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in order to determine the key constituents present in the LMW and HMW fractions, respectively. As previously observed in pecan nutmeat, ellagic acid and (+)-catechin were found to be the major phenolics in the LMW fractions. The last eluting LMW fraction did not contain phenolic acids; rather it possessed PAC monomers and dimers. The HMW fraction comprised a majority of its PACs as dimers; yet, monomers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers, and hexamers were also separated and characterized.

Phenolic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, and antioxidant activity of geopropolis from the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata Smith

Geopropolis is a mixture of plant resins, waxes, and soil produced by the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata Smith. This paper describes the antioxidant activity and chemical composition of geopropolis produced by M. fasciculata. The total phenolic content determined with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was highest in the ethyl acetate fraction and hydroalcoholic extract. Antioxidant activity was assayed by the in vitro DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The hydroalcoholic extract and fractions of geopropolis, except for the hexane fraction, exhibited antioxidant activity against DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. The phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD-MS on the basis of the evaluation of their UV-vis absorption maxima (λmax) and mass spectral analysis. Eleven compounds belonging to the classes of phenolic acids and hydrolyzable tannins (gallotannins and ellagitannins) were tentatively identified. These compounds are responsible for the antioxidant activity and high phenolic content of geopropolis produced by M. fasciculata.

Qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of phenolics in Eucalyptus globulus leaves by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry

INTRODUCTION

Eucalyptus species are widely cultivated in Mediterranean regions. Moreover, plants of this family have been utilized for medicinal purposes. A number of studies have been devoted to the identification of eucalypt phenolics, all of them have focused on specific families of compounds, and no exhaustive profiling has been reported in leaves of this plant.

OBJECTIVE

To develop methods that allows the identification and quantification of different classes of phenolics in Eucalyptus globulus leaf.

METHODOLOGY

Acetonic extract was fractionated by chromatography on a Sephadex LH-20 column using consecutive elution with ethanol, methanol and aqueous acetone (60%). High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) were applied to determine the structure of different compounds. Quantities were evaluated from peak areas in the HPLC profile, using external calibration curves.

RESULTS

Fractionation of acetonic extract yielded three fractions: F1, F2 and F3. In total 39 phenolic compounds are detected. Among them: 16 hydrolyzable tannins, 3 terpenyl derivatives, 12 ellagic acid derivatives, 5 flavonols, 2 hydroxybenzoic acids and 1 formylated phloroglucinol. 26 compounds described in this study have not previously detected in leaves of this plant and this is the first report of quercetin 3-O-β-galactoside-6"-O-gallate and cypellogin A and B, in E. globulus plant. Quantitatively, ellagic acid derivatives and sideroxylonal A or B are largely predominant.

CONCLUSION

Fractionation of crude extract by chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 was efficient to separate different molecular weight compounds. HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS enabled detection of gallotannin, ellagitannin and flavonol derivatives, in leaves of E. globulus.

Rapid and comprehensive evaluation of (poly)phenolic compounds in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice by UHPLC-MSn

The comprehensive identification of phenolic compounds in food and beverages is a crucial starting point for assessing their biological, nutritional, and technological properties. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been described as a rich source of (poly)phenolic components, with a broad array of different structures (phenolic acids, flavonoids, and hydrolyzable tannins) and a quick, high throughput, and accurate screening of its complete profile is still lacking. In the present work, a method for UHPLC separation and linear ion trap mass spectrometric (MSⁿ) characterization of pomegranate juice phenolic fraction was optimized by comparing several different analytical conditions. The best solutions for phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and ellagitannins have been delineated and more than 70 compounds have been identified and fully characterized in less than one hour total analysis time. Twenty-one compounds were tentatively detected for the first time in pomegranate juice. The proposed fingerprinting approach could be easily translated to other plant derived food extracts and beverages containing a wide array of phytochemical compounds.

Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

OBJECTIVE

To examine the in vitro antimicrobial activities of essential oil of the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus (E. globulus).

METHODS

The essential oils of this plant were obtained by the hydrodistillation method. The inhibitory effects of this essential oil were tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by using agar disc diffusion and dilution broth methods.

RESULTS

The results obtained showed that essential oil of the leaves of E. globulus has antimicrobial activity against gram negative bacteria (E. coli) as well as gram positive bacteria (S. aureus).

CONCLUSION

The encouraging results indicate the essential oil of E. globulus leaves might be exploited as natural antibiotic for the treatment of several infectious diseases caused by these two germs, and could be useful in understanding the relations between traditional cures and current medicines.

A rapid profiling of gallotannins and flavonoids of the aqueous extract of Rhus coriaria L. by flow injection analysis with high-resolution mass spectrometry assisted with database searching

Hydrolysable tannins appear to have some extremely important biological roles including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypoglycemic, anti-angiogenic, and anticancer activities. The aim of this work was to set up a flow injection high-resolution mass spectrometric approach combined with database searching to obtain rapidly a profiling of gallotannins and other phenolics in a crude extract from plant tissue. The flow injection analysis (FIA) takes place in an electrospray ionization source of an hybrid orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry system (ESI-HR-MS/MS(2), resolution 100,000, negative ion mode) and polyphenols are tentatively identified by matching the monoisotopic masses of the spectra with those of polyphenols databases. This leads to the most probable molecular formulas and to the possible structures among those reported in the database. The structures confirmation occurs by the compliance of MS(2) fragments with those of a prediction fragment commercial database. With this method we identified in the aqueous extract of sumac leaves, with a maximum error of 1.7 ppm, a group of ten gallotannins from mono- to deca-galloyl glycosides of the class of hydrolysable tannins and a set of coextracted flavonoid derivatives including myricetin, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, myricetin-3-O-glucoside, myricetin-3-O-glucuronide, and myricetin-3-O-rhamnoglucoside. The separation of isomers of gallotannins and flavonoids present in the same extract occurred by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-HR-MS(2)); this approach allowed the structure resolution of the isobaric flavonoids quercetin-3-O-glucoside and myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside.

Metabolite profiling of jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) and other dark-colored fruit juices

Many dark-colored fruit juices, rich in anthocyanins, are thought to be important for human health. Joboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) fruits, native to Brazil, have phenolics including anthocyanins and are processed into juice and other products. The phenolic constituents in the fruits of jaboticaba were studied by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Twenty-two compounds were identified or tentatively determined by detailed analysis of their mass spectral fragmentation patterns; 11 compounds including 7 gallotannins, 2 ellagic acid derivatives, syringin, and its glucoside were detected for the first time in the fruit. The compositional differences among the fruit extracts and their commercial products were also compared by principal component analysis; two anthocyanins, delphinidin 3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, as well as two depsides, jaboticabin and 2-O-(3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxyphenylacetic acid, present in the fruit extracts were not detected unexpectedly in commercial jaboticaba juice or jam. Therefore, the stability of anthocyanins in jaboticaba fresh fruits and products has been compared directly with that of other dark-colored fruit products made from blueberry and Concord grape, and the same trend of decreasing amounts of anthocyanins was observed in all tested products. The antioxidant activities (DPPH(•) and ABTS(•+)) of jaboticaba fresh fruit extract and commercial samples were also compared. Principal component analysis proved to be a useful way to discern changes between fresh and processed fruits. Jaboticaba is a promising fruit with antioxidant capacity similar to those of other so-called superfruits; however, during processing the levels of some of anthocyanins and other polyphenols decrease significantly, and therefore the capacity of these products to affect human health may vary significantly from that of the fresh fruit.

Localization of oleuropeyl glucose esters and a flavanone to secretory cavities of Myrtaceae

We report the widespread occurrence of structurally diverse oleuropeyl glucose esters, including the new diester eucaglobulin B, localized specifically to the essential oil secretory cavities of myrtaceous species. Clear taxonomic patterns in the composition of cavity extracts within the genus Eucalyptus are shown with species from subgenus Symphyomyrtus dominated by oleuropeyl glucose esters and species from subgenus Eucalyptus dominated instead by the flavanone, pinocembrin. We also examined the intra-species occurrence of oleuropeyl glucose esters by quantifying the abundant constituents cuniloside B and froggattiside A in trees from two populations of Eucalyptus polybractea R.T. Baker. All trees contained both compounds, which were positively correlated with total essential oil concentration. This apparent ubiquity of oleuropeyl glucose esters at both intra- and inter-specific levels in Eucalyptus is indicative of important physiological or ecological functions. The significance of their prevalence and the sequestration of these esters and also pinocembrin to the extracellular domain of secretory cavities is discussed in light of their potential biological activities and our findings that they are spatially segregated to the exterior of cavity lumina. The localization of oleuropeyl glucose esters to a specific and isolatable tissue type has the potential to aid in future elucidation of function and biosynthesis.