Investigation of phenolic antioxidants as chemical markers in extracts of Connarus perrottetii var. Angustifolius Radlk by capillary zone electrophoresis

Highly sensitive electrochemical detection of myricetin in food samples based on the enhancement effect of Al-MOFs

Microporous aluminum-based metal-organic frameworks (CAU-1) are used to develop a simple and sensitive electrochemical sensor for myricetin (MYR) based on a modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) for the first time. The morphologies and electrochemical properties of the as-synthesized CAU-1 are studied utilizing various analytical methods including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption-desorption, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In terms of electrochemical oxidation of MYR, CAU-1/CPE with its large number of active micropores and rapid electron transfer demonstrates superior performance compared to the bare CPE. Under optimized conditions, the calibration curve for MYR exhibits a linear range of 1.0-10 μg L^-1 and 10-1000 μg L^-1 with a detection limit of 0.50 μg L^-1. The developed CAU-1/CPE exhibits superior analytical characteristics, compared to previously reported electrochemical sensors for MYR detection. Furthermore, CAU-1/CPE is employed to determine MYR in Myrica bark samples, and the results are consistent with those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography, demonstrating the excellent potential of CAU-1/CPE for the rapid analysis of MYR in complicated real samples.

Recent Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis in the Determination of Active Compounds in Medicinal Plants and Pharmaceutical Formulations

The present review summarizes scientific reports from between 2010 and 2019 on the use of capillary electrophoresis to quantify active constituents (i.e., phenolic compounds, coumarins, protoberberines, curcuminoids, iridoid glycosides, alkaloids, triterpene acids) in medicinal plants and herbal formulations. The present literature review is founded on PRISMA guidelines and selection criteria were formulated on the basis of PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study type). The scrutiny reveals capillary electrophoresis with ultraviolet detection as the most frequently used capillary electromigration technique for the selective separation and quantification of bioactive compounds. For the purpose of improvement of resolution and sensitivity, other detection methods are used (including mass spectrometry), modifiers to the background electrolyte are introduced and different extraction as well as pre-concentration techniques are employed. In conclusion, capillary electrophoresis is a powerful tool and for given applications it is comparable to high performance liquid chromatography. Short time of execution, high efficiency, versatility in separation modes and low consumption of solvents and sample make capillary electrophoresis an attractive and eco-friendly alternative to more expensive methods for the quality control of drugs or raw plant material without any relevant decrease in sensitivity.

Connaraceae: An updated overview of research and the pharmacological potential of 39 species

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

An interdisciplinary scientific investigation of biologically active agents is fundamental to search for natural substances with therapeutic action. This review collected the most relevant information on traditional knowledge related to the use of plants of the Connaraceae family. This work is the first to compile all the published ethnobotanical, chemical, pharmacological, and toxicological information about this important plant family.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our objective was to provide the scientific community with an up-to-date overview of the pharmacological potential of Connaraceae species.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We searched NCBI Pubmed Central, Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), ScienceDirect, SciFinder, and Scopus databases to review the research on ethnobotanical, chemical, pharmacognostical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies with Connaraceaes. Books that address the theme were also included.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The literature review indicated that 39 species of Connaraceaes have pharmacological potentiality. Ethnobotany reports listed 36 of the 39 species discussed. Pharmacognostical studies have been conducted with 23 species and isolates, and chemical compounds have been identified for only 15 species. At least one study has been published concerning the pharmacological activities for 20 of the 39 species analyzed. For Agelaea pentagyna, Cnestis ferruginea, Connars suberosus, and Rourea minor, pharmacological activity experiments were performed using isolated compounds, which have the highest current pharmacological potential. Studies employing a toxicological approach cover only 10 of the 39 Connaraceaes species. Thus, scientific community should conduct much more research for a broader understanding of this plant family.