Chemical characterization and biological activity in young sesame leaves (Sesamum indicum L.) and changes in iridoid and polyphenol content at different growth stages

Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Ruellia tuberosa L.: A Review

Natural Products continue to be the purest source of physiologically active molecules employed in the identification of possible lead compounds in the drug discovery process. Acanthaceae is a big plant family with around 2500 species, found primarily in subtropical and tropical regions, as well as the Mediterranean, Australia, and the United States. Several species of the Acanthaceae family have been used traditionally to treat a variety of diseases, including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular ailments, etc. Ruellia tuberosa commonly known as "Mexican Bluebell" is a perennial herb that originated in Central America and has spread to some countries in the Southern tropics and Southeast Asia. It has been utilized as a traditional Rasayana plant from ancient times. R. tuberosa extracts and phytochemicals showed potent bioactivities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, gastro-protective, and anthelminthic activities. Chemical analyses have unveiled a range of bioactive constituents within the plant, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds, suggestive of its therapeutic potential. Collectively, this review provides an overview of R. tuberosa, encompassing its traditional uses, ethnomedicinal importance, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and toxicity.

Analysis of phytochemical components of Tibetan medicine Pedicularis flava and Pedicularis muscicola by GC-MS and UHPLC-TOF-MS

Traditional medicine, 'LuRu', is a commonly used Tibetan medicine for clearing away heat and detoxifying. Dried products of Pedicularis flava and Pedicularis muscicola are often used as 'LuRu' in the market. This study aims to compare the chemical constituents of P. flava and P. muscicola using GC-MS and UPLC-TOF-MS, and confirm which plant species is more suitable to be used as 'LuRu'. A total of 46 and 68 compounds were identified from the volatile and non-volatile components, respectively. Out of these, 17 and 37 volatile and non-volatile components, respectively, had pharmacological activities. P. flava showed a higher content of the same active components than P. muscicola. Good biological activities are only observed in the unique components in P. flava, and not in P. muscicola. The two herbs should not be mixed in clinical medication. Our study shows that P. flava is better suited as a high-quality herb for the Tibetan medicine, 'LuRu'.

Antioxidant activity, metabolic profiling, in-silico molecular docking and ADMET analysis of nano selenium treated sesame seed bioactive compounds as potential novel drug targets against cardiovascular disease related receptors

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is abundant in a diverse range of lignans, including sesamin, and γ-tocopherol, constituting a cluster of bioactive phenolic compound used for food and medicinal purposes. Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading global health challenge, demanding vigilant prevention and innovative treatments. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of plant mediated SeNPs on sesame metabolic profile and to screen and check the effect bioactive compounds against CVD via molecular drug docking technique. Three sesame germplasms TS-5, TH-6 and Till-18 were treated with varying concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ppm) of plant-mediated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). There were three groups of treatments group-1 got only seed pretreatments of SeNPs, Group-2 with only foliar applications of SeNPs and Group-3 with both seed pretreatments and foliar applications of SeNPs. It was found that plants treated with 40 ppm of SeNPS in group 3 exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content. Total phenolic content at T4 was highest for TS-5 (134%), TH-6 (132%), and Till-18 (112%). LCMS analysis revealed a total of 276 metabolites, with phenolics, flavonoids, and free fatty acids being most abundant. KEGG analysis indicated enrichment in free fatty acid and phenylalanine tryptophan pathways. ADMET analysis and virtual screening resulted in total of five metabolic compounds as a potential ligand against Hemoglobin beta subunit. Lowest binding energy was achieved by Delta-Tocopherol (-6.98) followed by Lactoflavin (-6.20) and Sesamin (-5.00). Lipinski rule of five revealed that all the compounds completely safe to be used as drug against CVD and specifically for HBB. It was concluded that bioactive compounds from sesame could be an alternative source of drug for CVD related problems and especially for HBB.

Phlomidis Radix Extract Alleviates Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain by Modulating Spinal TRPV1 in Mice

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic drug reported to have excellent activity against tumors; however, various side effects, including peripheral neuropathy, limit its use in some cases. In this study, the effect of Phlomidis radix (P.Radix) extract was assessed on paclitaxel-induced cold and mechanical peripheral neuropathy in mice. Multiple paclitaxel injections (accumulative dose of 8 mg/kg, i.p.) induced increased behavioral responses to cold and mechanical stimuli in mice from D10 to D21 after the first paclitaxel injection. Cold and mechanical stimuli were performed by acetone drop and von Frey filament, respectively. Oral administrations of 25% ethanol extract of P.Radix (300 and 500 mg/kg) relieved cold and mechanical pain in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, among the various transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel subfamilies, paclitaxel upregulated the spinal gene expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and melastatin 4 (TRPM4), but not ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). However, 500 mg/kg but not 300 mg/kg of P.Radix extract significantly downregulated the gene expression of TRPV1 but not TRPM4. Among the components of P.Radix, sesamoside was identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the administration of sesamoside (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) showed a similar analgesic effect to 300 mg/kg P.Radix. These results suggest that P.Radix and sesamoside should be considered when treating paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.

Antioxidant activities of thermally treated Sesamum indicum L. leaf extracts and their inhibitory effects against growth and metastatic properties of human colon cancer cells

The study aimed to investigate antioxidant activities of two different thermally treated sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) leaf ethanol extract, steamed sesame leaf extract (SSLE) and roasted sesame leaf extract (RSLE), and their inhibitory effects on uncontrolled growth and increased metastatic properties in human colon cancer cell lines. Both SSLE and RSLE contained pedaliin as the major polyphenol and its aglycon, pedalitin, as a minor component and exhibited radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power. SSLE and RSLE decreased growth of HT29 and HCT116 colon cancer cells, which was attributed to the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at either G2/M (by SSLE in HCT116) or S phase (by RSLE in HCT116). Furthermore, SSLE and RSLE inhibited migration and adhesion in both cell lines. These results indicate that thermally treated sesame leaves retained pedaliin content and exhibited antioxidant activities and inhibitory activities against the growth and metastatic properties of colon cancer cells.

How do cultivar origin and stepwise industrial processing impact Sesamum indicum seeds' metabolome and its paste and in relation to their antioxidant effects? A case study from the sesame industry

Sesame is a valuable crop recognized for its rich composition and myriad of health benefits. The current study attempts to characterize sesame seeds' metabolome in relation to geographical origins i.e., Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, in addition to samples from paste production lines along its different steps. UPLC-PDA-ESI-qTOF-MS was employed for untargeted profiling and in correlation to antioxidant capacity using DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene-lineolate assays. 139 Peaks were identified, including novel phospholipids and catechol lignan in sesame. Furthermore, discriminatory markers belonging to coumarins, lignans, phenolic and organic acids were revealed among raw accessions, whereas roasted and unroasted seeds were distinguished by sugar, peptide/amino acid, and organic acid contents. Negative processing impact was observed in the loss of lignans during dehulling and decreased antioxidant capacity in sesame paste. However, malic acid in roasted seeds and verbascoside in Nigerian sesame could account for their improved antioxidant effects as revealed using chemometrics.

A novel wrinkled-leaf sesame mutant as a potential edible leafy vegetable rich in nutrients

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an ancient and globally important oil crop in the tropic and subtropic areas. Apart from being a good source of high-quality oil, sesame also represents a new source of edible leafy vegetables. However, data regarding the nutritional composition of the sesame leaves, especially their phytonutrient composition, are scarce. Previously we have developed a sesame mutant JQA with curly, wide, and thick leaves that are potentially used as a vegetable. The objective of this work was to gauge the nutrient contents in leaves of the JQA mutant by colorimetry methods. The sesame mutant JQA and its wild-type counterpart JQB were grown in the field, and leaf samples were collected at the flowering stage. Results showed that the sesame wrinkled leaves of JQA are a rich source of crude oil (5.33-6.38%), crude protein (3.14%), amino acids (> 18.6 mg/g), crude fiber (> 0.36%), cellulose or hemicellulose (> 21.4 mg/g), sugars (> 12.5 mg/g), vitamins, and flavones (> 63.2 mg/g). The wrinkled sesame leaves were high in unsaturated acid (32.0 mg/g), calcium (18.5 mg/g), potassium (16.1 mg/g), as well as vitamin B₆ (24.5 mg/g), B₂ (14.4 mg/g), C (1.7 mg/g) and D (1.3 mg/g) compared to other common green leafy vegetables. The fresh leaves had a mean total flavone content of 65.7 mg/g and can be consumed as fresh vegetables or preserved in a dry state. Collectively, the nutritional composition of the wrinkled leaf mutant JQA was ideal and thus had high RDIs (recommended daily intakes), suggesting that the wrinkled leaves are a rich source of nutrients and therefore suitable to be consumed as a new edible green vegetable.

Sesquiterpene Lactones from Vernonia tufnelliae: Structural Characterization and Biological Evaluation

The genus Vernonia is an extremely rich source of biologically active sesquiterpene lactones. The present report describes the spectroscopic structure elucidation and the cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties of five hitherto unknown germacranolide-like sesquiterpenoids and several known compounds. These new derivatives include a compound (1) with an unprecedented 10/5/5/6 tetracyclic framework featuring a hexahydro-1H,3H,7H-furo[3',4':3,4]furo[3,2-c]pyridin-1-one core resulting from an intramolecular cyclization cascade involving a methacrylate substituent and a low molecular weight amine. Furthermore, an elemane-germacranolide hybrid (2) and three amino acid-derived lactones (3-5) were characterized. A plausible biosynthetic pathway to the key alkaloid is presented, while shielding tensor calculations using DFT in combination with the DP4+ method were applied to elucidate its stereostructure. The newly characterized compounds along with ten known sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic compounds have been isolated from Vernonia tufnelliae, a medicinal plant from the western region of Cameroon. Their structures were consistent with spectroscopic and spectrometric data recorded. The present report is the first investigation of the chemistry and biology of V. tufnelliae.

Natural and commercial antibiotic comparison with drugs modeling Cell Integrity Cell Stability of Bio-Kinetics Changes under Morphological Topographies cells with lower Toxicological Characteristics for multidrug resistances problem

Antibacterial drug-resistant strains are a serious problem of bacterial treatments nowadays and have a concern. The plant exacts of Adhatoda vasica and Calotropis procera are well-known for their role as antibiotic agents. The extraction of novel antibiotic compounds was done by HPLC-DAD, their yield is quantified by numerous solvents. The complete biological activity with antioxidants, bio-kinematicof four compounds of B-Sitosteryl linoleate, Myristyl diglucoside, D-Triglucopyranoside, and S- allylcysteine acids were studied. The supercritical fluid extraction techniques were the best strategies for higher yield, accuracy clarity, and inter, intra process of all four compounds. A. vasica and C. procera samples and investigated in six different solvents. D-Triglucopyranoside (13.81 ± 0.48%), Myristyl diglucoside (11.81 ± 0.41%), B- Sitosteryl linoleate (12.81 ± 0.48%), and s-allylcysteine acids (14.81 ± 0.31%) were higher. The design and action of compounds were applied to proper compartmental pharmacokinetic modelling for in-depth design understanding. The morphology and structure of bacterial cells with the extracted compounds upheld the permeability of cell membranes, membrane integrity, and membrane potential and lower the bacterial binding capacity the infectious index was measured in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and their alteration process. Plants have well upheld the cellular permeability The toxicity test was performed on both extracted samples with concentrations (1, 0.4, and 0.8%). The areas under plasma half-life of compounds with their solubility, abortion level were higher in four compounds showed the potential of novel antibiotics. The novel medicinal plants used as antibiotics could be the best sources of infection control as a source of future medicines with antibacterial potential solving multidrug issues of bacteria in the world.

Herb and Spices in Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment: A Narrative Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly cancer worldwide. CRC management is challenging due to late detection, high recurrence rate, and multi-drug resistance. Herbs and spices used in cooking, practised for generations, have been shown to contain CRC protective effect or even be useful as an anti-CRC adjuvant therapy when used in high doses. Herbs and spices contain many bioactive compounds and possess many beneficial health effects. The chemopreventive properties of these herbs and spices are mainly mediated by the BCL-2, K-ras, and MMP pathways, caspase activation, the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, and the regulation of ER-stress-induced apoptosis. As a safer natural alternative, these herbs and spices could be good candidates for chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents for CRC management because of their antiproliferative action on colorectal carcinoma cells and inhibitory activity on angiogenesis. Therefore, in this narrative review, six different spices and herbs: ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), and flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) used in daily cuisine were selected for this study and analyzed for their chemoprotective or chemotherapeutic roles in CRC management with underlying molecular mechanisms of actions. Initially, this study comprehensively discussed the molecular basis of CRC development, followed by culinary and traditional uses, current scientific research, and publications of selected herbs and spices on cancers. Lead compounds have been discussed comprehensively for each herb and spice, including anti-CRC phytoconstituents, antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory properties, and finally, anti-CRC effects with treatment mechanisms. Future possible works have been suggested where applicable.

In Vitro Study of Licorice on IL-1β-Induced Chondrocytes and In Silico Approach for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disorder that affects joint function, mobility, and pain. The release of proinflammatory cytokines stimulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanase production which further induces articular cartilage degradation. Hypertrophy-like changes in chondrocytes are considered to be an important feature of OA pathogenesis. A Glycyrrhiza new variety, Wongam (WG), was developed by the Korea Rural Development Administration to enhance the cultivation and quality of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (licorice). This study examined the regulatory effect of WG against hypertrophy-like changes such as RUNX2, Collagen X, VEGFA, MMP-13 induction, and Collagen II reduction induced by IL-1β in SW1353 human chondrocytes. Additionally, in silico methods were performed to identify active compounds in licorice to target chondrocyte hypertrophy-related proteins. WG showed inhibitory effects against IL-1β-induced chondrocyte hypertrophy by regulating both HDAC4 activation via the PTH1R/PKA/PP2A pathway and the SOX9/β-catenin signaling pathway. In silico analysis demonstrated that 21 active compounds from licorice have binding potential with 11 targets related to chondrocyte hypertrophy. Further molecular docking analysis and in vivo studies elicited four compounds. Based on HPLC, isoliquiritigenin and its precursors were identified and quantified. Taken together, WG is a potential therapeutic agent for chondrocyte hypertrophy-like changes in OA.

Anticancer effects of acteoside: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic status

Cancer, the uncontrolled proliferation and metastasis of abnormal cells, is a major public health issue worldwide. To date, several natural compounds have been reported with their efficacy in the treatment of different types of cancer. Chemotherapeutic agents are used in cancer treatment and prevention, among other aspects. Acteoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside, first isolated from Verbascum sinuatum, which has demonstrated multiple effects, including antioxidant, anti-epileptic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antihypertensive, and anti-leishmanial properties. This review gathered, analyzed, and summarized the literature on acteoside and its anticancer properties. All the available information about this compound and its role in different types of cancer was collected using different scientific search engines, including PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link, Wiley Online, Web of Science, Scifinder, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Acteoside is found in a variety of plants and has been shown to have anticancer activity in many experimental models through oxidative stress, apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-invasion, anti-metastasis, synergism with other agents, and anti-proliferative effects through modulation of several pathways. In conclusion, acteoside exhibited potent anticancer activity against different cancer cell lines through modulating several cancer signaling pathways in different non- and pre-clinical experimental models and thus could be a strong candidate for further clinical studies.

A comprehensive review on Sesamum indicum L.: Botanical, ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sesamum indicum L. (Pedaliaceae) is an annual plant, which has been domesticated for well over 5000 years. It is widely cultivated for its seeds and is one of the oldest known oilseed crops. Traditionally, its seeds, seed oil, and different organs of the plant have been used to treat various diseases or conditions like ulcers, asthma, wound healing, amenorrhea, hemorrhoids, inflammations, etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The main aim of this review is to provide an outline and to assess the reported ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies of Sesamum indicum L.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive literature survey was done on various search engines like PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Science direct, etc. Other literature sources like Wikipedia, Ethnobotanical books, Chapters were also studied to get maximum information possible on the Sesamum indicum L.

RESULTS

Over 160 different phytochemical compounds have been characterized and isolated from seeds, seed oil, and various plant organs, including lignans, polyphenols, phytosterols, phenols, anthraquinones, naphthoquinones, triterpenes, cerebroside, fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, essential amino acids, and sugars using suitable analytical techniques (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS, HPTLC, HPLC). All the reported pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anticancer, antipyretic, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory are due to the virtue of these phytochemical compounds.

CONCLUSION

This review mainly highlights the botanical aspect of Sesamum indicum and its phytochemical constituents, ethnomedicinal uses, different pharmacological activities followed by ongoing clinical trials and future prospects. Sesamum indicum has great importance in traditional Indian medicine, which is further supported by modern pharmacological studies, especially in hepatoprotection, inflammation, and cancer. Several researchers have suggested that Sesamum indicum extracts and isolated compounds could have a wide therapeutic potency range. More research is needed to uncover key features of Sesamum indicum in medical practice, such as structure-activity relationships, toxicity, and therapeutic potential. In order to fully explore the plant's potential, safety assessments and implementation of an integrated cultivation method are also areas that need to investigate.

Comparative metabolomics analysis of different sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) tissues reveals a tissue-specific accumulation of metabolites

BACKGROUND

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) leaves, flowers, especially seeds are used in traditional medicine to prevent or cure various diseases. Its seed's market is expanding. However, the other tissues are still underexploited due to the lack of information related to metabolites distribution and variability in the plant. Herein, the metabolite profiles of five sesame tissues (leaves, fresh seeds, white and purple flowers, and fresh carpels) have been investigated using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-based widely targeted metabolomics analysis platform.

RESULTS

In total, 776 metabolites belonging to diverse classes were qualitatively and quantitatively identified. The different tissues exhibited obvious differences in metabolites composition. The majority of flavonoids predominantly accumulated in flowers. Amino acids and derivatives, and lipids were identified predominantly in fresh seeds followed by flowers. Many metabolites, including quinones, coumarins, tannins, vitamins, terpenoids and some bioactive phenolic acids (acteoside, isoacteoside, verbascoside, plantamajoside, etc.) accumulated mostly in leaves. Lignans were principally detected in seeds. 238 key significantly differential metabolites were filtered out. KEGG annotation and enrichment analyses of the differential metabolites revealed that flavonoid biosynthesis, amino acids biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were the main differently regulated pathways. In addition to the tissue-specific accumulation of metabolites, we noticed a cooperative relationship between leaves, fresh carpels, and developing seeds in terms of metabolites transfer. Delphinidin-3-O-(6"-O-p-coumaroyl)glucoside and most of the flavonols were up-regulated in the purple flowers indicating they might be responsible for the purple coloration.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the metabolic processes in the sesame tissues are differently regulated. It offers valuable resources for investigating gene-metabolites interactions in sesame tissues and examining metabolic transports during seed development in sesame. Furthermore, our findings provide crucial knowledge that will facilitate sesame biomass valorization.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Colon Cancer Activities of Sesamum indicum L. Leaf Extract and Its Major Component, Pedaliin

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) leaves (SLs) are used as vegetables and traditional medicines in Asian and African countries. We investigated in vitro antioxidant and anti-colon cancer efficacy of ethanol extract of SL (SLE) and its major bioactive component. SLE contained appreciable amount of major classes of antioxidant phytochemicals, such as total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and carotenoids, and correspondingly exhibited antioxidant activities, such as radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). A cell viability assay showed that SLE time- and dose-dependently attenuated the growth of human colon cancer cells, HT29 and HCT116. Flow cytometry analysis showed that SLE increased sub-G1 (in HT29 and HCT116) and G2/M (in HCT116) cell populations, suggesting that the growth inhibition by SLE was due to induction of apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest. Trans-well and wound-healing assays showed that SLE alleviated invasion and migration of HT29 and HCT116 cells in non-cytotoxic conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that pedaliin (6-hydroxylueolin 7-methyl ether 6-glucoside; pedalitin-6-O-glucoside) was a major constituent of SLE. Moreover, FRAP, growth-inhibitory, anti-invasive, and anti-migratory activities of pedaliin were found. These results demonstrated that SLE possesses in vitro antioxidant and anti-colon cancer activities and that pedaliin is a major component contributing to such activities.

Development of an HPLC method with relative molar sensitivity based on 1H-qNMR to determine acteoside and pedaliin in dried sesame leaf powders and processed foods

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with relative molar sensitivity (RMS) based on 1H quantitative NMR spectroscopy (1H-qNMR) has been developed for food ingredients such as acteoside (verbascoside) and pedaliin (pedalitin-6-O-glucoside) without requiring authentic and identical standards as the reliable analytical methods. This method is used methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (MHB) as an alternative reference standard. Each RMS is also calculated from the ratio of each analyte's molar absorption coefficient to that of MHB after correcting the purities of the analytes and reference standard by 1H-qNMR. Therefore, this method can quantify several analytes with metrological traceability to the International System of Units (SI) using the RMS and one alternative reference standard. In this study, the content of acteoside and pedaliin in several samples, such as dried sesame leaf powders and commercially processed foods, can be determined by the proposed RMS method and demonstrated in good agreement that obtained by a conventional method. Moreover, the proposed method yields analytical data with SI-traceability without the need for an authentic and identical analyte standard. Thus, the proposed RMS method is a useful and practical tool for determining acteoside and pedaliin in terms of the accuracy of quantitative values, the routine analysis, and the cost of reagents.

Molecular Characterization of Terpenoid Biosynthetic Genes and Terpenoid Accumulation in Phlomis umbrosa Turczaninow

The root of Phlomis umbrosa has traditionally been used as a medicine in South Asian nations to treat colds and bone fractures, to staunch bleeding, and as an anti-inflammatory, and such use continues today. We identified 10 genes that are involved in terpenoid biosynthesis, while using the Illumina/Solexa HiSeq2000 platform. We investigated the transcript levels of the 10 genes using quantitative real-time PCR and quantified the level of terpenoid accumulation in different organs of P. umbrosa while using high-performance liquid chromatography. The transcript levels of PuHDR and PuHMGR1 were the highest among the studied genes. Sesamoside, an iridoid glycoside, appeared in higher quantity than shanzhiside methylester, umbroside (8-O-acetyl shanzhiside methyl ester), and acteoside. We speculate that PuHDR and PuHMGR1 may contribute to terpenoid biosynthesis in P. umbrosa. This study highlights the molecular mechanisms that underlie iridoid glycoside biosynthesis in P. umbrosa.

A new ursane-type triterpene oxoglucopyranoside from Crossopteryx febrifuga

A new saponin, 3-O-β-d-3-oxo-glucopyranosyl-ursa-12,20(30)-diene-27,28-dioic acid (1), was isolated from the methanol extract of stem bark of Crossopteryx febrifuga together with the known 3β-d-glucopyranosyl-ursa-12,20(30)-diene-27,28-dioic acid (2), shanzhiside methyl ester (3), shanzhiside (4), β-sitosterol (5), β-sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), ursa-12,20(30)-diene-27,28-dioic acid (7), hederagenin (8), and oleanolic acid (9). The structures were established by comprehensive interpretation of their spectral data 1D- (1H and 13C), 2D-NMR (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC), spectroscopic, and electrospray ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis. The isolated compounds and extracts were screened for their antibacterial properties. Although the EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts exhibited considerable antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 32 μg/mL, compounds 2 and 8 showed moderate activity against Enterococcus faecalis with MIC values of 256 and 128 μg/mL, respectively. The new compound (1) exhibited a moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with an MIC value of 512 μg/mL.

Relationships Between Chemical Structure and Antioxidant Activity of Isolated Phytocompounds from Lemon Verbena

Over the last few years, people have been concerned about the narrow relationship between nutrition and health leading to an increasing demand of nutraceutical products and functional food. Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora Kunth) has been traditionally used for respiratory, digestive, and muscular diseases, showing effects that are promoted by the antioxidant activity of its phytoconstituents. The antioxidant power of several lemon verbena extracts has been tested but its isolated compounds activity has not been described. The aim of the present work was to isolate phytochemicals from a commercial lemon verbena extract through a semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography approach for further evaluation of its individual antioxidant activity using three different methods. The structure-antioxidant activity relationships revealed the influence of substitutions in the strong antioxidant power exerted by glycosylated phenylpropanoids, in contrast to the low antioxidant capacity showed by iridoids. Development of enriched extracts in these compounds could lead to greater antioxidant effects and improved functional ingredients to prevent chronic diseases.

Investigation of the Inhibitory Effects of Mangrove Leaves and Analysis of Their Active Components on Phaeocystis globosa during Different Stages of Leaf Age

The presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) can cause significant problems to the quality of the water, the marine ecosystems, and the human health, and economy worldwide. Biological remediation can inhibit harmful algal growth efficiently in an environmental-friendly manner. Therefore, the research conducted on biological remediation with regard to the inhibition of HABs is becoming a major focus in marine ecology. To date, no study has been reported with regard to the red tides occurring in mangrove wetlands. Therefore, the present study used two mangrove species, namely Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Kandelia candel and one harmful algae species Phaeocystis globosa as experimental organisms. The present study determined the inhibitory effects and algae physiology of specific aqueous extracts from mangrove leaves on the viability of harmful algae, and analyzed the main chemical composition of the aqueous extracts by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). The results indicated that the aqueous extracts from different leaf ages of B. gymnorrhiza and K. candel leaves exhibited apparent inhibitory effects on the growth of P. globosa. The inhibitory effects of B. gymnorrhiza and K. candel leaves aqueous extracts on the growth of P. globosa were in the following order: senescent > mature > young leaves. The levels of the parameters superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA)content in P. globosa following treatment with B. gymnorrhiza and K. candel leaves aqueous extracts were increased as follows: senescent > mature > young leaves. Simultaneously, the intensity of the ion peaks of the specific secondary metabolites assigned 4 (No.: 4 Rt: 2.83 min), 7 (No.: 7 Rt: 3.14 min), 8 (No.: 8 Rt: 3.24 min), 9 (No.: 9 Rt: 3.82min) and 10 (No.: 10 Rt: 4.10 min) were increased. These metabolites were found in the aqueous extracts from B. gymnorrhiza leaves. The intensities of the ion peaks of the secondary metabolites 7, 8 in the aqueous extracts from the K. candel leaves were also increased. The majority of the substances that inhibited the algae found in the mangrove plants were secondary metabolites. Therefore, we considered that the norsesquiterpenes compounds 4, 8, 9, and 10 and a phenolic glycoside compound 7 were the active constituents in the aqueous extracts of the mangrove leaves responsible for the inhibition of algae growth. This evidence provided theoretical guidance for the development of biological methods to control red tides and for the further use of substances with antiproliferative activity against algae.