Bioactive compounds and antioxidants from a Mediterranean garland harvested at two stages of maturity

Exploring the Biological and Phytochemical Potential of Jordan's Flora: A Review and Update of Eight Selected Genera from Mediterranean Region

Jordan's flora is known for its rich diversity, with a grand sum of 2978 plant species that span 142 families and 868 genera across four different zones. Eight genera belonging to four different plant families have been recognized for their potential natural medicinal properties within the Mediterranean region. These genera include Chrysanthemum L., Onopordum Vaill. Ex. L., Phagnalon Cass., and Senecio L. from the Asteraceae family, in addition to Clematis L. and Ranunculus L. from the Ranunculaceae family, Anchusa L. from the Boraginaceae family, and Eryngium L. from the Apiaceae family. The selected genera show a wide variety of secondary metabolites with encouraging pharmacological characteristics including antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, and neuroprotective actions. Further research on these genera and their extracts will potentially result in the formulation of novel and potent natural pharmaceuticals. Overall, Jordan's rich flora provides a valuable resource for exploring and discovering new plant-based medicines.

The hepatoprotective candidates by synergistic formula of marine and terrestrial against Acetaminophen toxicity using in-vitro, in-vivo, and in silico screening approach

Background

One of the most regularly used hepatotoxic medicines is paracetamol (acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP). It causes liver failure in overdoses but is safe at therapeutic dosages. Combination therapy combining many natural compounds with a synergistic impact as hepatoprotective agents has become an essential therapeutic method against various disorders.

Objective

Due to the lack of literature on paracetamol's effects on hematological and hepatic status parameters in male albino mice, the main goal of this study was to compare the hepatoprotective activities of a mixture of three marine-derived polyphenolics and polysaccharides (Sargassum vulgare Bacillus oceanisediminis, and alginic acids) to Chrysanthemum extract and the mixture of them.

Methods

Sargassumvulgare, Bacillus Oceanisediminis, and alginate, as well as Chrysanthemum ethanol extracts, were tested for APAP-induced liver damage. Group 1 received saline solution subcutaneously, while Group 2 received 500 mg/kg body weight/day APAP intraperitoneal. Group 3 got 200 mg/day algal extract i.p. As in group 3, group 4 got an i.p. dose of 200 mg of algal extract before the APAP dose. This group was protected by Sargassum vulgare extract. Group 5: Received 200 mg/100 g/body of Bacillus oceanisediminis extracts i.p. for one week. Group 6: Received 200 mg/body of Bacillus oceanisediminis extract i.p. for one week before APAP treatment. Alginate (p200 mg/body weight/day) was given to Group 7. As in group 7, group 8 received 200 mg/body weight/day alginate extract i.p. before APAP. Group 9: Chrysanthemum extracts 200 mg/day for a week. Group 10: got an i.p. dose of Chrysanthemum extracts for one week before the APAP dose. Group 11: Four mixed extracts (Bacillus Oceanisediminis, Sargassum vulgare, Chrysanthemum, and alginate) were i.p200 mg/day for one week as a positive (+ve) control group. Group 12: Received i.p200 mg/kg combination extract for one week before APAP.

Results

Due to their synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, marine extracts and combinations of marine-derived extracts demonstrated a great effect against APAP toxicity, demonstrating hepatoprotective potential against APAP-induced liver damage.

Conclusion

The synergy of the three marine-derived combinations may lead to novel liver toxicity prevention agents.

Chrysanthemum coronarium L. Protects against Premature Senescence in Human Endothelial Cells

The senescence of vascular endothelial cells (EC) leads to vascular dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms of EC senescence and its associated pathophysiological changes have not yet been clearly studied. This study sought to inspect the Chrysanthemum coronarium L. (CC) extract's mechanism in preventing premature senescence of EC. A senescent endothelial cell model was created in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with 100 µmol/L H₂O₂ treatment for 24 h. The effect of CC on senescent HUVECs was elucidated by measuring the activity of β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), which exhibits an aging-related phenotype. SA-β-gal activity increased to 13.2 ± 2.85% in H₂O₂-treated HUVECs, whereas this activity was attenuated in the CC group. Immunoblot analyses revealed that p21, p53, and PAI-1 levels increased in the senescent HUVECs; however, the levels decreased in the HUVECs treated with various concentrations of CC (10, 20, and 50 μg/mL). The CC extract reduced the production of reactive oxygen species and reversed the decrease in NO production. Additionally, pretreatment with an Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (eNOS inhibitor) and nicotinamide (sirtuin 1 inhibitor) inhibited the anti-senescent effect of CC extract in HUVECs. Taken together, this study validated the novel endothelial protective effect of CC extract and its prevention of senescence in HUVECs through the mechanism regulated by eNOS and SIRT1 expression.

Garland chrysanthemum consumption ameliorates age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6 mouse; model system to explore hearing loss prevention foods in a short period

Garland chrysanthemum (Glebionis coronaria L.) is an antioxidant-rich leafy vegetable. We found that garland chrysanthemum consumption ameliorated age-related hearing loss (AHL) in C57BL/6J mice, an early onset model. We also found that AHL progression was significantly ameliorated by three of ten products. Metabolome analysis of the 10 products using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy indicated that phytosterols may be involved in the amelioration of AHL. However, the direct inhibitory effect of phytosterol mixture on mouse AHL progression was not identified. These results suggest that garland chrysanthemum consumption delays AHL development in mice and its efficiency varies depending on the source of product. Our findings also suggest that phytosterol content in garland chrysanthemum function as an evaluation marker for the efficiency. Furthermore, to accelerate the search for foods that prevent AHL, we have used these data to develop an automatic threshold determination method for auditory brainstem response using machine learning.

Antioxidant Contents in a Mediterranean Population of Plantago lanceolata L. Exploited for Quarry Reclamation Interventions

Plantago lanceolata L. (plantain) is an interesting multipurpose perennial species whose aerial parts are used in herbal medicine due to its precious phytochemicals and are palatable to animals. Moreover, peculiar traits such as drought tolerance, an extended growth season and a deep root system, make plantain a promising pioneer plant for quarry reclamation based on the use of native species. This study evaluated the effects of different environmental conditions and seasons on the accumulation of the bioactive compounds of its aerial organs. An autochthonous plantain population was grown in three locations in Sardinia (Italy). Leaves, peduncles and inflorescences were collected between October 2020 and July 2021. Phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity were determined. The analysis of the individual phenolic compounds was performed using liquid chromatography. In leaves, the content of total phenolics, antioxidant capacity and total flavonoids were significantly influenced by location and season. Total phenolic content ranged from 65 to 240 g gallic acid equivalent kg^-1, whereas total flavonoids were from 16 to about 89 g catechin equivalent kg^-1. Neochlorogenic, chlorogenic, cryptochlorogenic acids, verbascoside, diosmin and luteolin were identified in the methanolic extracts of leaves, peduncles and inflorescences. Verbascoside was the main antioxidant isolated from plantain extracts. Results evidenced an increasing accumulation pattern of phenolics from vegetative stage to flowering, followed by a decrement towards the seed ripening as well as site-specific differences with amounts of phenolics even 25% higher for same plantain accession.

Reduction of Nitrite in Meat Products through the Application of Various Plant-Based Ingredients

Nitrite is the most commonly applied curing agent in the meat industry, and is known to affect human health. Nitrites impart a better flavor, taste and aroma; preserve the red-pinkish color of the meat; and prevent the risk of bacterial contamination of the cured meat, especially from Clostridium botulinum. Unfortunately, recent research has demonstrated some negative effects of this technique. Certain N-nitroso compounds have been shown to stimulate gastric cancer; therefore, most of the research groups are studying the effects of nitrates and nitrites. In this review, we discuss the various food sources of nitrites and nitrates and their current legal requirements for use in meat products. We also discuss the possible changes that might come up in the regulations, the concerns associated with nitrates and nitrites in meat products, and the use of plant-based nitrite and nitrate substitutes. All these topics will be considered with respect to ensuring a high level of microbiological protection, oxidative stability and acceptable sensory quality (color, taste and smell) in meat products.

Bioactive Compounds from Leaves and Twigs of Guayule Grown in a Mediterranean Environment

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) is one of the most promising alternatives to produce natural rubber. As the guayule leaves represent a waste byproduct in the rubber extraction process, their exploitation might contribute to the valorization of the whole plant biomass. The specific aim of our study was to determine the antioxidant capacity and the content of phenolic compounds in leaves and twigs of different guayule lines cultivated in a Mediterranean environment. The antioxidant capacity and the contents of phenolic were affected significantly by guayule accession and harvest time. Overall means in twigs represented about 60% of the corresponding leaf values for antioxidant capacity as DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and not tannic phenolic and about 55% as ABTS (2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt), total phenolic, tannic phenolic and total flavonoid contents. Five individual phenolic compounds were identified in methanolic extracts of leaves. Neochlorogenic acid (62.5–174.8 mg g⁻¹ DW) and chlorogenic acid (28.6–41.1 mg g⁻¹ DW) were the most abundant phenolic acids. In addition to the compounds quantified in leaves, cynarin was identified only in twigs and for the first time in guayule biomass. Our results indicate that guayule leaves and twigs represent a rich source of antioxidants for potential applications in fodder, nutraceutical and pharmacological sectors.

Metabolomic analysis of acerola cherry (Malpighia emarginata) fruit during ripening development via UPLC-Q-TOF and contribution to the antioxidant activity

Acerola cherry (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) is a tropical fruit of great economic and nutritional value due to its high content of vitamin C. However, there is little information available about which ripening stage of Acerola cherry can provide the best nutrients. In the current study, the chemical variation at two developmental stages (immature and mature) were investigated by metabolic profiling, and the biological properties of Acerola cherry and its antioxidant assays at four developmental stages were measured, respectively. Through comprehensive metabolites analysis via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry system (UPLC-QTOF), 1896 annotated metabolite features were obtained, and 133 metabolites were finally identified according to the MS/MS fragments compared with these standards in in-house database. Statistically differences in the levels of amino acids, flavonoids, lipids, terpenoids and ascorbic acids were found between mature and immature fruits. Interestingly, most of differential accumulated amino acids, flavonoids, lipids, and terpenoids predominantly accumulated in the mature fruits and ascorbic acid predominantly accumulated in the immature fruits. On the other hand, their antioxidant activities were compared. The alcoholic extract of immature acerola fruit possessed better scavenging ability of DPPH and ABTS than the mature one. The well correlations were found between the antioxidant potential with its content of ascorbic acid (r = 0.9803 and 0.9897, respectively). In conclusion, Acerola cherry showed very different metabolite profile and antioxidant activities during the fruit ripening development. The maturity of Acerola cherry has to be considered when it is being used for health food products.

Antioxidant Sources from Leaves of Russian Dandelion

Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) is a dandelion species native to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and north-west China, considered as a promising alternative source of natural rubber from its roots. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible exploitation of TKS leaves, a rubber byproduct, as a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties for potential applications in forage, nutraceutical and pharmacological fields. Two accessions (TKS016, TKS018) grown under Mediterranean conditions of Sardinia were evaluated at vegetative and flowering stages. The leaves of TKS018 had the highest antioxidant capacity (19.6 mmol trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity 100 g^-1 ), total phenolic (106.4 g gallic acid equivalent kg^-1 ), tannic phenolics (58.5 g gallic acid equivalent kg^-1 ) and total flavonoid contents (22.9 g catechin equivalent kg^-1 ). At both phenological stages, TKS016 showed significantly lower values than TKS018 in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total phenolic and tannic phenolics. Six individual molecules were identified, namely chlorogenic, cryptochlorogenic, caffeic, sinapic, chicoric and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acids. Chicoric (8.53-10.68 g kg^-1 DW) and chlorogenic acids (4.18-7.04 g kg^-1 DW) were the most abundant. TKS leaves represent a valuable source of chicoric acid with potential application as antioxidant to be used as herbal medicine and nutrition for production of healthy food/feed.

The Influence of Herbicide Underdosage on the Composition and Diversity of Weeds in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera D.C.) Mediterranean Fields

Weed flora is considered harmful for crop growth and yield, but it is fundamental for preserving biodiversity in agroecosystems. Two three-year trials were conducted in Italy (two different sites) to assess the effect of six herbicide treatments on the weed flora structure of an oilseed rape crop. We applied metazachlor during the pre-emergence stage at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the labelled dose (M25, M50, M75, M100); trifluralin (during the first growing season); post-emergence treatment (PE); and a weedy control (W). Species richness, and diversity indices were used to characterize weed flora composition and to evaluate the effect of herbicide treatments on the considered variables. Results highlighted that the weed community is characterized by a higher diversity in underdosed than in M100 treated plots. Raphanus raphanistrum and Sinapis arvensis were the most common species in M75 and M100 treatments in both sites, while more weed species were detected in underdosed treatments and in weedy plots. The highest Shannon index values were observed in the underdosed treatments. In general, only a slightly similar trend was observed between sites, weed abundance and diversity being positively affected both by low-input herbicide management and by environmental factors (e.g., pedoclimatic situation and previous crop).