Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate in the fruits ofBenincasa hispida

A Review of the Analysis of Phthalates by Gas Chromatography in Aqueous and Food Matrices

As a commonly well-known industrial chemical, phthalates are produced in high volumes to be used in various consumer products (e.g., plasticizers, medical devices, construction materials, and toys) to enhance softness, durability, transparency, and flexibility. Phthalates are generally not chemically bonded to the polymer chain of the plastic in which they are mixed. Thus, they may leach, migrate, or evaporate into indoor/outdoor air, and foodstuffs. In this review, a comprehensive overview of several sample preparation methods coupled with gas chromatography for the analysis of phthalates in various kinds of complex matrices, with a focus on the last 20 years' worth of papers. The review begins by highlighting the environmental significance of phthalate pollution along with the various routes to their exposure to general population. Then, the discussion is extended to cover the pretreatment and extraction techniques for phthalates for their quantitation based on gas chromatographic approach. Finally, the present and future challenges for the detection of phthalates in aqueous and food matrices are discussed.

Efficient biodegradation of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate by a novel strain Nocardia asteroides LMB-7 isolated from electronic waste soil

The di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) degrading strain LMB-7 was isolated from electronic waste soil. According to its biophysical/biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA gene analysis, the strain was identified as Nocardia asteroides. Optimal pH and temperature for DEHP degradation were 8.0 and 30 °C, respectively, and DEHP removal reached 97.11% after cultivation for 24 h at an initial concentration of 400 mg/L. As degradation intermediates, di-butyl phthalates, mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and 2-ethylhexanol could be identified, and it could be confirmed that DEHP was completely degraded by strain LMB-7. To our knowledge, this is a new report of DEHP degradation by a strain of Nocardia asteroides, at rates higher than those reported to date. This finding provides a new way for DEHP elimination from environment.

Characteristics and Health Risks of Phthalate Ester Contamination in Soil and Plants in Coastal Areas of South China

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are widely used as plasticizers in industrial and commercial products, and are classified as endocrine-disrupting compounds. In this study, we investigated the contamination characteristics and health risks of PAEs in the soil–plant system in coastal areas of South China. PAEs were detected in soil and plant samples at all 37 sampling sites. The total concentration of the 15 PAEs in soil samples ranged from 0.445 to 4.437 mg/kg, and the mean concentration was 1.582 ± 0.937 mg/kg. The total concentration of the 15 PAEs in plant samples ranged from 2.176 to 30.276 mg/kg, and the mean concentration was 8.712 ± 5.840 mg/kg. Di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) were the major PAEs compounds in all samples. The selected contaminants exhibited completely different spatial distributions within the study area. Notably, higher concentrations of PAEs were found in the coastal Guangdong Province of South China. The average noncarcinogenic risks of Σ6 PAEs were at acceptable levels via dietary and nondietary routes. However, the noncarcinogenic risks posed by DEHP and DBP at some sampling sites were relatively high. Furthermore, dietary and nondietary carcinogenic risks were very low for BBP, but carcinogenic risks posed by DEHP via diet. The results suggest that PAEs in the coastal soil–plant system in South China, through human risk assessment, will induce some adverse effects on human health, especially in children. This study provides an important basis for risk management of PAEs in agriculture, and safety in coastal areas of South China.

A Literature-Based Update on Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.: Traditional Uses, Nutraceutical, and Phytopharmacological Profiles

Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) is an annual climbing plant, native to Asia with multiple therapeutic uses in traditional medicine. This updated review is aimed at discussing the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological properties, and molecular mechanisms highlighted in preclinical experimental studies and toxicological safety to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this genus. The literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, Science Direct, and database was analyzed using the basic keyword “Benincasa hispida.” Other searching strategies, including online resources, books, and journals, were used. The taxonomy of the plant has been made by consulting “The Plant List”. The results showed that B. hispida has been used in traditional medicine to treat neurological diseases, kidney disease, fever, and cough accompanied by thick mucus and to fight intestinal worms. The main bioactive compounds contained in Benincasa hispida have cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Further safety and efficacy investigations are needed to confirm these beneficial therapeutic effects and also future human clinical studies.

Effects of DEHP on post-embryonic development, nuclear receptor expression, metabolite and ecdysteroid concentrations of the moth Spodoptera littoralis

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is recognized in vertebrates as an Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC). DEHP can alter steroid hormones production, development, reproduction and behavior in vertebrates. Only few studies investigated DEHP effects on insects. However, some recent studies on aquatic insects showed that DEHP could also act as an EDC by interfering with the signaling pathways of ecdysteroids, the main hormones involved in the control of insect post-embryonic development and physiology. The aim of the study was to investigate (1) the fate of DEHP within a terrestrial insect species by exposing larvae to food containing a wide range of DEHP concentrations and (2) the effects of this chemical on their post-embryonic development and metamorphosis, by using a multi-level approach. DEHP was shown to be present both in larvae and resulting stages, with higher concentrations in chrysalises and adults than in larvae. DEHP concentrations also decreased at the end of the last larval instar, suggesting the metabolic transformation or excretion of this chemical during this time. Only the two highest DEHP doses induced higher insect mortality, whereas low and intermediate concentrations increased larval food consumption without affecting body weight. Metabolic profiles showed that in control insects, the last three days before metamorphosis correspond to a metabolic transition, but with time-dependent changes in treated insects. Interestingly, DEHP treatments also alter both hemolymphatic ecdysteroid titers and expression levels of ecdysteroid response genes. These results confirm that DEHP can alter insect post-embryonic development and metamorphosis, by interfering with ecdysteroid pathways.

Development and Validation of Gas Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometric Method for Quantitative Determination of Regulated Plasticizers in Medical Infusion Sets

A method for the quantitative determination of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) in medical infusion sets was developed and validated using gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Solvent extraction with polymer dissolution for sample preparation was employed prior to GC-MS/MS analysis. Average recoveries of the eight target analytes are typically in the range of 91.8-122% with the relative standard deviations of 1.8-17.8%. The limits of quantification (LOQs) of the analytical method were in the ranges of 54.1 to 76.3 ng/g. Analysis using GC-MS/MS provided reliable performance, as well as higher sensitivity and selectivity than GC-MS analysis, especially for the presence of minority plasticizers at different concentrations.

Therapeutic potential of Benincasa cerifera: A review

Benincasa cerifera (Savi.), belonging to Cucurbitaceae, is an annual creepy wine that posses highm edicinal value and istraditionally used as fruit and medicine throughout India. In Indian system of medicine, its fruit is used as nutritive, tonic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, styptic, vermifuge and in various diseases and disorders like asthma, bronchitis, insanity, epilepsy, dry cough, fever, urethrorrhea, syphilis, hyperdipsia and vitiated conditions of pitta, etc. Phytochemically the plant is found to contain lupeol, β-sitosterol, cucurbitacin B, iso-vitexin, etc. It has been demonstrated to posses numerous pharmacological activities such as antiepileptic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, immunopotentiator and anxiolytic, etc. In the present review there is a detailed description of its botany, phytochemistry, ethno-botany and pharmacological activities.

Uptake of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) by the plant Benincasa hispida and its use for lowering DEHP content of intercropped vegetables

Uptake of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) by the plant Benincasa hispida and its use for topical phytoremediation were investigated by cultivation of plants in DEHP-contaminated environments. The results showed that major plant organs of B. hispida , including leaves, stems, and fruits, readily absorbed DEHP from the air. The amount of DEHP that accumulated in leaves, stems, and fruits was mainly dependent upon exposure time, and most DEHP accumulated in their inner tissues. A single plant of B. hispida with a gourd was able to absorb more than 700 mg of DEHP when it was exposed to DEHP-contaminated air for 6 week. B. hispida reduced air DEHP concentration by 65-76% as the air DEHP concentration ranged from 2351 to 3955 μg/m³ (high DEHP level) and 85-92% as the air DEHP concentration ranged from 35.1 to 65.3 μg/m³ (low DEHP level) in greenhouse experiments. When intercropping of B. hispida and Brassica chinensis or Brassica campestris , B. hispida reduced more than 87% of DEHP accumulation in the latter, which indicates that B. hispida has excellent use potential for lowering the DEHP content of intercropped vegetables.

A Spotlight on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities ofNigella glanduliferaFreyn et Sint Seeds

Plants belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, and particularly their seeds, have been a hot research topic in numerous pharmacognosy laboratories.Nigella glanduliferaFreyn et Sint (NG) is one of the promising, but relatively insufficiently studied, plants from this family. In this review, we summarize the recently isolated chemical constituents from the seeds of this plant including alkaloids, flavonol glycosides, isobenzofuranone derivatives, saponins, terpenes, terpenoids, and fatty acids. We put also a spotlight on the recently studied therapeutic potentials of such amazing herb seeds as antidiabetes, melanogenesis inhibition, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antithrombosis, and antiplatelet aggregation effects. Herein, we illustrate certain properties and potentials via selected examples, and thus we suggest more studies to confirm the therapeutic hypotheses, find out new compounds, and eventually to discover novel properties.

Uptake of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate of vegetables from plastic film greenhouses

Uptake of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) of nine vegetables including potherb mustard, bok choy, celery, spinach, cabbage, leaf of tube, lettuce, garlic, and edible amaranth in plastic film greenhouses with different plastic films, film thickness, greenhouse age, and greenhouse height was studied. The results showed that the higher the DEHP content of film, the thicker the film, the lower the height of the greenhouse, and the younger the age of the greenhouse were, the higher the DEHP concentration of vegetables was. The results afford significant information for production of safe vegetables with low level DEHP contamination.

Diffusion and accumulation in cultivated vegetable plants of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) from a plastic production factory

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) concentrations in the atmosphere and in four vegetable crops including Brassica chinensis L. (bok choy), Brassica campestris L. (field mustard), Vigna unguiculata Walp. (cowpea), and Solanum melongena L. (eggplant) cultivated on land surrounding a plastic production factory were determined. The air DEHP concentrations (means) at the sites 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 km away from the plastic production building were about 9.4-12.8, 5.8-9.6, 1.6-5.0, and 0.04-0.27 microg m(-3) dry weight (DW), respectively. Wind direction is a key factor influencing the measurable DEHP concentration of the air, which was highest in the downwind direction and lowest in the upwind direction, and thus the vegetables accumulated the highest DEHP contents in the downwind direction and the lowest quantities in the upwind direction. The highest DEHP accumulations content of bok choy, field mustard, eggplant, and cowpea were 52.0 +/- 3.1, 43.1 +/- 2.2, 36.2 +/- 2.8, and 19.4 +/- 0.47 mg kg(-1) DW, respectively. Safety estimation on the basis of the daily intake limit referenced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) led to the conclusion that eating vegetables cultivated 0.2 km away from the plastic production building is not a food safety problem under normal conditions. A strong positive linear correlation between atmospheric DEHP concentration and DEHP content of the vegetable crops was found. The limits for air DEHP concentration for safe vegetable cultivation are 24.0, 34.8, 40.8, and 82.8 microg m(-3) for bok choy, field mustard, cowpea, and eggplant, respectively, by calculating from the equation of linear regression between air DEHP concentration and vegetable DEHP content.

Phthalate Esters in Foods: Sources, Occurrence, and Analytical Methods

  Phthalates are a group of diesters of ortho-phthalic acid (dialkyl or alkyl aryl esters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid). Higher-molecular-weight phthalates, such as di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), are primarily used as plasticizers to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, while the lower-molecular-weight phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), are widely used as solvents to hold color and scent in various consumer and personal care products. Phthalates have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants due to volatilization and leaching from their widespread applications, and thus contamination of the environment has become another important source for phthalates in foods in addition to migration from packaging materials. Human exposure to phthalates has been an increased concern due to the findings from toxicology studies in animals. DEHP, one of the important and widely used phthalates, is a rodent liver carcinogen. DEHP, DBP, BBzP, and several phthalate metabolites, such as monobutyl phthalate, monobenzyl phthalate, and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, are teratogenic in animals. Since foods are the major source of exposure to phthalates, information on levels of phthalates in foods is important for human exposure assessment. The objective of this review is to identify the knowledge gaps for future investigations by reviewing levels of a wide range of phthalates in a variety of foods, such as bottled water, soft drinks, infant formula, human milk, total diet foods, and others, migration of phthalates from various food-packaging materials, and traditional and new methodologies for the determination of phthalates in foods.

Detection of diethyl phthalate in perfumes by extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Recent findings suggest that long-term exposure to diethyl phthalate (DEP), one of the widely used phthalate esters, can lead to serious health problems. Most perfumes contain non-negligible amounts of DEP. Rapid and sensitive detection of DEP in perfumes is thus of increasing importance. A novel procedure based on extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-MS) has been developed for fast detection and identification of DEP in perfumes without the need for any sample pretreatment. The limit of determination for DEP in perfume was less than 100 ppb using tandem mass spectrometry on a commercial quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The dynamic range of this method was about 4 orders of magnitude. A single sample analysis was completed within a few seconds, providing a rapid way to obtain semiquantitative information on the DEP content in perfumes. This study shows that both volatile and nonvolatile analytes (e.g., amino acids) in liquids can be directly sampled by neutral desorption, providing a convenient way for high-throughput screening of target compounds using EESI-MS.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phthalic acid esters in vegetables from nine farms of the Pearl River Delta, South China

This study investigated the occurrence of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 6 phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in 11 vegetable species collected from nine farms of the Pearl River Delta, South China. Twelve PAH compounds and all PAE compounds were detected by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in vegetables. The total concentrations of PAHs (Sigma(PAHs)) and PAEs (Sigma(PAEs)) ranged from 7.0 to 5353 microg kg(-1) dry weight (d.w.), with a mean value of 1173 microg kg(-1) d.w., and from 0.073 to 11.2 mg kg(-1) d.w., with a mean value of 3.2 mg kg(-1) (d.w.), respectively. The highest levels of Sigma(PAHs) and Sigma(PAEs) were found in Brassica juncea and Brassica parachinensis, respectively. For the same vegetable, the bioconcentration factors (BCFs; the ratio of contaminant concentration in plant tissue to the soil concentration) of PAHs (between 0.0037 and 5.5) are generally higher than those of PAEs (between <0.0001 and 0.61). It was also noted that there were great variations of organic contaminant levels, BCFs, and benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentrations, which depend on the various contaminants, sampling locations, and vegetable species. The occurrences of PAHs and PAEs in this study are compared with those in other studies and their sources are discussed.

Bioassay and ultraperformance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry guided isolation of apoptosis-inducing benzophenones and xanthone from the pericarp of Garcinia yunnanensis Hu

Bioassay and ultraperformance liquid chromatography/photodiode array/mass spectrometry (UPLC/PDA/MS) guided isolation of the apoptosis-inducing active metabolites on HeLa-C3 cells from the pericarp of Garcinia yunnanensis (Guttiferae) yielded five active compounds, including the new garciyunnanins A (1) and B (2). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry analysis. Garciyunnanin B (2), featured with a natural tetracyclic xanthone skeleton derived from a polyisoprenylated benzophenone, is structurally interesting since it can be seen as an evidence of the previously described cyclization of garcinol by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Garciyunnanin A (1) contains a 3-monohydroxy benzophenone skeleton, which is rarely found in Garcinia species. Both new compounds induce HeLa-C3 cells into apoptosis after 72 h of incubation at 15 microM. It is noteworthy that oblongifolin C (4), the major constituent of this plant, has proved to be the most active one among the isolates for inducing apoptotic cell death in cervical cancer derived HeLa-C3 sensor cells.