Antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of eleven edible plants

Two new alkaloids from Portulaca oleracea L. and their anti-inflammatory and anticholinesterase activities

Two new alkaloids identified as 2-(((S,Z)-1-(1H-azirin-1-yl)-5-methylhex-1-en-3-yl)oxy)-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triol and (S,Z)-1-(1H-azirin-1-yl)-5-methylhex-1-en-3-ol, named olerazirin A (1), olerazirin B (2), together with five known alkaloids, identified as cyclo (L-Val-L-Ala) (3), cyclo-(glycyl-L-leucine) (4), cyclo-(Gly-Phe) (5), cyclo (Ser-Phe) (6), (3S,6S)-3-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-6-(phenyl-methyl)-2,5-piperazinedione (7) were obtained from Portulaca oleracea L. using a range of chromatographic techniques, 1D and 2D NMR, and high-resolution electrospray ionisation time-of-flight mass spectroscopic methods, in which the compounds 3-7 were isolated from P. oleracea for the first time. In addition, the results showed that the compounds 1 and 2 have anti-inflammatory activities and compounds 1-3 and 5-7 exhibit the anticholinesterase activities.

Studies on the Effects of Fermentation on the Phenolic Profile and Biological Activity of Three Cultivars of Kale

Fermentation is used not only to preserve food but also to enhance its beneficial effects on human health and achieve functional foods. This study aimed to investigate how different treatments (spontaneous fermentation or fermentation with the use of starter culture) affect phenolic content, antioxidant potential, and cholinesterase inhibitory activity in different kale cultivars: 'Halbhoner Grüner Krauser', 'Scarlet', and 'Nero di Toscana'. Chosen samples were further tested for their protective potential against the Caco-2 cell line. HPLC-MS analysis revealed that the fermentation affected the composition of polyphenolic compounds, leading to an increase in the content of rutin, kaempferol, sinapinic, and protocatechuic acids. In general, kale cultivars demonstrated various antioxidant activities, and fermentation led to an increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Fermentation boosted anti-cholinesterase activity most profoundly in 'Nero di Toscana'. Extracts of spontaneously fermented 'Scarlet' (SS) and 'Nero di Toscana' (NTS) showed cytoprotective properties, as revealed by the malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) assays. Additionally, strong anti-inflammatory activity of NTS was shown by decreased release of cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Collectively, the conducted studies suggest fermented kale cultivars as a potential source for functional foods.

Role of Eruca sativa L. seeds in boosting the reproductive performance of male Japanese quails (Coturnix c. japonica)

Herein we attempt to shed light on the potential improving effect of Eruca sativa seeds (ESS) on the reproductive aspects of male Japanese quails. To accomplish this objective, two groups of quails were supplemented with ESS powder at doses of 5 and 10 g/kg feed from 7 days to 140 days of age, in addition to the control group, which did not receive treatment. Forty males were reared singly in cages to evaluate sperm characters and 32 males were raised with 64 females to evaluate fertility and sperm penetrability. Sixty-six phytochemical compounds were found according to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of ESS. The most plentiful ones are 13-docosenoic acid methyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and linoleic acid methyl ester. Both 5 g/kg and 10 g/kg doses of ESS showed similar effectiveness in enhancing various reproductive parameters, including gonadal index, sperm characteristics, fertility, libido, and cloacal gland attributes. However, some aspects like sperm concentration and testosterone levels exhibited a dose-dependent response. There is no significant change in mortality rate of supplemented groups compared to the control one. ESS also caused a reduction in feed intake and an enhancement in feed conversion ratio without affecting final body weight and body weight gain. This suggests potential nutritional benefits beyond reproductive health. The low-dose-fed group showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and malondialdehyde compared to the high-dose-fed and unfed groups. The higher dose notably increased total antioxidant capacity compared to the lower dose and control group. Despite the positive effects on male reproductive parameters, there wasn't a significant impact on hatchability percentage, indicating that while male fertility improved, it might not have directly affected the viability of the eggs. Overall, the study suggests that ESS could be a safe and promising addition to the diet of male Japanese quails to enhance their reproductive capabilities without adverse effects. The findings could have implications for poultry farming by potentially improving breeding efficiency and health outcomes in quails.

Improved antioxidant capacity of three Brassica vegetables by two-step controlled fermentation using isolated autochthone strains of the genus Leuconostoc spp. and Lactiplantibacillus spp

The aim of this study was to determine the evolution of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity during controlled fermentation of three different Brassicaceae and compare it with spontaneous fermentations. The two-step controlled fermentation was carried out with lactic acid bacteria selected by their biotechnological properties. The selected bacteria were genotypically identified as Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. jonggajibkimchii, Ln. mesenteroides ssp. dextranicum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ssp. argentoratensis, L. plantarum and L. pentosus. The total phenolic content did not show a trend when comparing the different fermentations; it depended on the type of extract and vegetable. The controlled fermentation exhibited higher antioxidant activity than spontaneous fermentations for all the vegetables during the process. The extracts of red cabbage exhibited a total phenolic content and antioxidant activity higher than chinese and white cabbage, regardless of the type of fermentation.

Assessment of Brassica oleraceae L. (Brassicaceae) extract loaded ethosomal gel as a versatile vesicular carrier system for dermocosmetic application: A noninvasive split-faced study

BACKGROUND

Plant extracts with rich ascorbic acid contents have greater antioxidant capability; extensively employed in skin beautifying products and protect skin from detrimental photodamaging environmental effects. Brassica oleraceae is having a substantial prospective toward cosmeceuticals owed by its profound activity against oxidation.

AIM

To develop an effective topical ethosomal gel loaded with Brassica oleraceae leaves extract with significant antioxidant activity.

METHODOLOGY

Valuation of antioxidant capability of plant leaves extract by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and quantification of ascorbic acid was done through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ethosomes were prepared by cold method. Optimized suspension containing extract was incorporated in 2% Carbopol gel (test) along with extract solution (control). Noninvasive in vivo studies were performed for final product to assess its effects on skin by measuring melanin and erythema, sebum level, elasticity, moistness level, facial pores count and their area, skin wrinkling, and smoothness.

RESULTS

Brassica oleraceae (red cabbage) leaves extract exhibited significant antioxidant potential (85.64 ± 1.28%) with 14.22 μg/g of ascorbic acid; expressed prominent cosmetic effects in terms of skin melanin, erythema, sebum, elasticity, hydration, facial pores, wrinkles, and smoothness when incorporated in ethosomes. ANOVA test also exhibited positive significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects on skin.

CONCLUSION

Brassica oleraceae extract is a strong antioxidant with remarkable dermocosmetic benefits for skin.

Eight different bioactivity profiles of 40 cinnamons by multi-imaging planar chromatography hyphenated with effect-directed assays and high-resolution mass spectrometry

Spices contain plenty of bioactive compounds, used to valorize foods. However, product quality may be affected by contaminations and adulterations along the global production chain. A newly developed multi-imaging in combination with bioactivity screening directly pointed to individual multi-potent compounds. For cinnamon as prominent example, the multi-imaging results provided a wealth of new information on their effects and clearly visualized the valorizing potential of cinnamon to foods. The separation focus was in the mid-polar to apolar range. Eight effect-directed assays (EDA, i.e. one radical scavenging, two biological and five biochemical assays) were performed in situ the high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) adsorbent. Several multi-potent compound zones were revealed and further characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), highlighting the bioactive potential of cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, benzoic acid, coumarin, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, caproic acid, and linalool oxide. This HPTLC-UV/Vis/FLD-EDA-HRMS profiling provided comprehensive information on product quality and safety.

Ovarian activity and antioxidant indices during estrous cycle of Barki ewes under effect of thyme, celery and salinomycin as feed additives

This research aimed to examine the effects of thyme, celery and salinomycin on ovarian sex hormones, reproductive traits and antioxidant status during the estrous cycle. Seventy-five mature Barki ewes aged 2-3 years with an average weight of 40 ± 1.5 kg were assigned randomly into five groups (15 head/group). Group 1 was kept as the control; groups 2 and 3 received 20 g/head/day thyme (T) and celery (C) as dried herbs, respectively. Group 4 (T×C) received 10 g thyme + 10 g celery/head/day, and group 5 was treated with salinomycin 1 g/head/day. Blood samples were collected during follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle. Thyme and celery and the mixture of T×C increased (P < 0.01) estradiol-17β (E2) during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle, while only the celery group showed a marked (P < 0.001) increase in progesterone (P4) during the luteal phase compared with the control. Salinomycin supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) E2 concentrations during the follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle. Supplementation with thyme and celery enhanced (P < 0.001) antioxidant capacity in the luteal phase compared with the follicular stage. The salinomycin group showed increased (P < 0.01) levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared with the control group throughout luteal phase. For the interaction between estrous phases and treatments, thyme, celery, and T×C supplementation revealed an increase (P < 0.05) in superoxide dismutase (SOD), GSH, and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels compared with the control group during the follicular and luteal phases. Thyme and celery supplementation improved the number of services per conception and fertilization from 1st and 2nd inseminations, respectively. In conclusion, the applied treatment had significant effects on reproductive performance and antioxidant status in ewes throughout the estrous cycle.

The palliative role of Eruca sativa leaves dietary supplementation against oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and growth retardation in temperature-stressed Oreochromis niloticus

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary dried Rocket Leaves meal (DRLM) supplementation on growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant capacity of Oreochromis niloticus reared under different water temperature. For this purpose, five hundred and forty apparently healthy O. niloticus were allocated into nine groups fed three DRLM-supplemented diets (0,1, and 3%) and reared at three water temperature (18, 24, and 32°C) in a 3 × 3 total randomized factorial design. The results revealed that exposure of fish to low (18°C) or high (32°C) temperatures for 30 days evoked significant growth retardation, depleted antioxidant enzymes activities (Catalase; CAT and super oxide dismutase; SOD), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA), immunosuppression, altered cortisol level compared to those reared at 24°C. Moreover, a marked down-regulation of oxidative stress related genes with up-regulation of interleukin 1β gene were apparent. In contrast, DRLM incorporation, particularly at 3%, in heat or cold stressed fish diets significantly enhanced growth, restored IgM and lysozymes levels, and SOD and CAT activities. Also, both the MDA and cortisol levels were significantly depressed. Furthermore, both antioxidant and immune-related genes expression were significantly corrected. Conclusively, 3% DRLM dietary supplementation in tilapia diet could be a promising strategy to alleviate the temperature stress-induced negative impacts on fish health and performance.

Comprehensive analysis of an uninvestigated wild edible medicinal garlic species from Turkey: Allium macrochaetum Boiss. & Hausskn

The study was aimed to investigate the phenolic compounds of Allium macrochaetum by LC-MS/MS, as well as the antioxidant, antialzheimer, and antimicrobial activities of the extracts, and determination of the essential oil and fatty acid compositions by GC-MS. The results indicate that malic acid and t-caffeic acid are the major compounds in the bulbs. The main components of fatty acids were found to be linolenic (40.72%), oleic (19.79%), and palmitic (18.45%) acids. The allyl disulfide (66.97%) was found as major compound in the essential oil. The ethanol extract of the bulbs exhibited stronger ABTS cation (IC₅₀ : 55.90 ± 1.08 µg/ml) and DPPH free (IC₅₀ : 204.43 ± 2.17 µg/ml) radical scavenging activities than the other extracts. The extract also showed moderate cupric reducing activity with 1.52 absorbance at 100 µg/ml concentration. Only the ethanol extract of the bulbs showed weak inhibition (23.34 ± 0.11%) against butrylcholinesterase enzyme at 200 µg/ml. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Allium macrochaetum is a wild and edible garlic species which grown in Turkey, Iran, Iraqi, and Syria. A. macrochaetum has been used by local people in Turkish folk medicine as an antibiotic, and for the treatment of alopecia. The health benefits and nutritional values of A. macrochaetum were clarified in the first time. Phenolic compounds of A. macrochaetum were detected by LC-MS/MS. The essential oil and fatty acid compositions of A. macrochaetum were identified by GC-MS. Antioxidant, antialzheimer, and antimicrobial activities potential of A. macrochaetum were determined.

Medicinal plants with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity

Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, is characterised by hypofunction of acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter in the distinct region of brain. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an enzyme that metabolises the ACh at synaptic cleft resulting in Alzheimer's disease. Medicinal plants have been used to treat numerous ailments and improve human health from ancient time. A traditional system of medicine is long recognised for its effective management of neurological disorders. The present review confers the scope of some common medicinal plants with a special focus on AChE-mediated central nervous system complications especially Alzheimer's disease. Literature suggests that medicinal plants reduce neuronal dysfunctions by reducing AChE activity in different brain regions. In some instances, activation of AChE activity by medicinal plants also showed therapeutic potential. In conclusion, medicinal plants have a wide scope and possess therapeutic potential to efficiently manage neurological disorders associated with AChE dysregulation.

Antihypertensive effect of the methanolic extract from Eruca sativa Mill., (Brassicaceae) in rats: Muscarinic receptor-linked vasorelaxant and cardiotonic effects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eruca sativa Mill., (Brassicaceae) is a popular remedy for the treatment of hypertension in Pakistan. However, direct effect of the extract and its fractions on blood pressure and vascular tone are unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This investigation was aimed to explore the pharmacological base for the traditional use of E. sativa in hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In-vivo blood pressure study was carried out using normotensive and high salt-induced hypertensive rats under anaesthesia. The cardiovascular mechanisms were explored using rat aorta and atria in-vitro. Preliminary phytochemical analysis, spectrophotometric detection of total phenols, flavonoids and HPLC analysis of crude extract were performed using quercetin and erucin as marker compounds.

RESULTS

Intravenous injection of crude extract induced a fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in both normotensive (max fall: 41.79 ± 1.55% mmHg) and hypertensive (max fall: 58.25 ± 0.91% mmHg) rats. Atropine (1 mg/kg) pretreatment attenuated this effect significantly (p < 0.001), suggesting the involvement of muscarinic receptor in its antihypertensive effect. Fractions also induced atropine-sensitive antihypertensive effect. Similarly, oral administration of crude and aqueous extracts resulted a fall in MAP in the hypertensive rats. In isolated rat aortic rings from normotensive rats, crude extract and fractions induced an endothelium-dependent relaxation. This relaxation was partially inhibited with _L-NAME and atropine pretreatment and with denudation of aortic rings, indicating involvement of muscarinic receptor-linked nitric oxide (NO). In aorta from the hypertensive rats, crude extract and fractions induced endothelium-independent relaxation. This relaxation was not affected by pretreatment with _L-NAME or atropine. Crude extract and fractions also suppressed phenylephrine contractions in Ca⁺² free/EGTA medium. In isolated rat atrial preparations, crude extract and fractions induced negative inotropic and chronotropic effects with a positive inotropic effect by the n-hexane fraction, which were not affected with atropine pretreatment. Phytochemical screening and spectrophotometric analysis indicated the presence of phenols and flavonoids, whereas HPLC analysis of crude extract revealed the presence of quercetin (flavonoid) and erucin (isothiocyanate).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that E. sativa is an antihypertensive remedy which is mainly due to its vasodilatory and partly cardiac effects. Muscarinic receptors-linked NO release and dual inhibitory effect on Ca⁺² influx and release underlie the vasodilation. This finding provides pharmacological base to the traditional use of E. sativa in hypertension. The presence of quercetin and erucin further support this finding.

Effect of quality control on the antiproliferative activity of the extract from Portulaca oleracea L. in Aspergillus flavus

Similarity evaluation of complicated chromatographic profiles is a potential protocol for the identification and quality control of herbal medicinal products to ensure their biological activity. In this work, a high-performance liquid chromatography method was established for controlling the batch quality of the extract from Portulaca oleracea L. Using this method, the coefficients of correlation of the similarity of 10 batches extract of P. oleracea L. were ≥ 0.97. The 10 batch extracts from P. oleracea L. possessed stable antiproliferative activity in Aspergillus flavus. The antiproliferative activity stability is correlated with the stability quality of the of the extract from P. oleracea L. Therefore, the present study successfully set up a sensitive and efficient method which might be used to guarantee stable biological activity of the extract from P. oleracea L.

Review of Neuro-nutrition Used as Anti-Alzheimer Plant, Spinach, Spinacia oleracea

Neuro-nutrition is the nutrition needed to achieve health brain and neurocognitive function. Diets rich in antioxidants, vitamins, flavonoids, and polyphenolic compounds will help suppress the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Spinacia oleracea (Family: Amaranthaceae) commonly known as spinach or Buai Leng (in Thai), one of the traditional medicinal plants with high in those mention nutrients. The micronutrients in spinach include a range of vitamins and minerals, which can prevent deficiency diseases and are essential for normal physiological function. Its phytochemicals are carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which can prevent chronic health problems, as well as other diseases associated with aging. The objective of this article was to conduct a review on various ethnomedicinal uses of the spinach and its influences on the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease based on a literature review.

Substituent effects on in vitro antioxidizing properties, stability, and solubility in flavonoids

Antioxidants are widely used by humans, both as dietary supplements and as additives to different types of products. The desired properties of an antioxidant often include a balance between the antioxidizing capacity, stability, and solubility. This review focuses on flavonoids, which are naturally occurring antioxidants, and different common substituent groups on flavonoids and how these affect the properties of the molecules in vitro. Hydroxyl groups on flavonoids are both important for the antioxidizing capacity and key points for further modification resulting in O-methylation, -glycosylation, -sulfation, or -acylation. The effects of O-glycosylation and acylation are discussed as these types of substitutions have been most explored in vitro concerning antioxidizing properties as well as stability and solubility. Possibilities to control the properties by enzymatic acylation and glycosylation are also reviewed, showing that depending on the choice of enzyme and substrate, regioselective results can be obtained, introducing possibilities for more targeted production of antioxidants with predesigned properties.