Metabolomic Analysis, Fast Isolation of Phenolic Compounds, and Evaluation of Biological Activities of the Bark From Weinmannia trichosperma Cav. (Cunoniaceae)

LC-qTOF-MS/MS phytochemical profiling of Tabebuia impetiginosa (Mart. Ex DC.) Standl. leaf and assessment of its neuroprotective potential in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tabebuia impetiginosa (Bignoniaceae) was traditionally used for memory enhancement and central nervous system (CNS) stimulation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to create a metabolic profile of the ethyl acetate fraction of T. impetiginosa (TEF) and investigate for the first time its neuroprotective potential on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced chemobrain, validating its traditional use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Metabolite profiling of TEF was performed using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass/Mass Spectrometry (LC-qTOF-MS/MS). For the in vivo study, CP (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to induce cognitive impairment in rats; TEF (30 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered throughout the 14 days of the experiment to assess its role in mitigating CP-induced neuronal deficits. Behavioral tests including locomotor, Y-maze, and passive avoidance tests were conducted. Additionally, biochemical markers such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and caspase-3 immunoexpression were assessed in the hippocampus area.

RESULTS

Forty-four phytoconstituents were tentatively identified in TEF, mainly iridoids and organic acids. TEF showed significant memory enhancement as evidenced by the increase in step-through latency in the passive avoidance test by 1.5 folds and the increase in sequence alternation percentage (SAP) in the Y-maze test by 67.3%, as compared to CP-group. Moreover, it showed pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials evidenced by the significant elevation in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels by 80% and a pronounced decline in MDA and TNF-α levels by 24% and 45%, respectively relative to the CP group. TEF treatment restored normal hippocampal histological features and attenuated apoptotic caspase-3 expression by 70% compared to the CP group.

CONCLUSIONS

TEF can act as a promising natural scaffold in managing the chemobrain induced by CP in cancer patients.

Separation Methods of Phenolic Compounds from Plant Extract as Antioxidant Agents Candidate

In recent years, discovering new drug candidates has become a top priority in research. Natural products have proven to be a promising source for such discoveries as many researchers have successfully isolated bioactive compounds with various activities that show potential as drug candidates. Among these compounds, phenolic compounds have been frequently isolated due to their many biological activities, including their role as antioxidants, making them candidates for treating diseases related to oxidative stress. The isolation method is essential, and researchers have sought to find effective procedures that maximize the purity and yield of bioactive compounds. This review aims to provide information on the isolation or separation methods for phenolic compounds with antioxidant activities using column chromatography, medium-pressure liquid chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, counter-current chromatography, hydrophilic interaction chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, molecularly imprinted technologies, and high-performance thin layer chromatography. For isolation or purification, the molecularly imprinted technologies represent a more accessible and more efficient procedure because they can be applied directly to the extract to reduce the complicated isolation process. However, it still requires further development and refinement.

The Potential of Using Cochayuyo (Durvillaea incurvata) Extract Obtained by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction to Fight against Aging-Related Diseases

The world's population is in a demographical transition, with an increase in the number of older adults and prevalence of diseases related to aging. This study evaluated in vitro the potential of using Durvillaea incurvata extract (extracted using ultrasound-assisted extraction) to inhibit key enzymes associated with the development of age-related diseases. Our results show that an extract extracted via ultrasound-assisted extracted, as well as an extract conventional extracted from Durvillaea incurvata, presented antidiabetes potential by exhibiting inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (91.8 ± 1.0% and 93.8 ± 0.3%, respectively, at 500 µg/mL) and α-amylase (42.2 ± 1.4% and 61.9 ± 0.9%, respectively, at 1500 µg/mL) enzymes related to starch digestion and postprandial glycemic response. Also, the extracts showed inhibitory activity against the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (51.5% and 50.8%, respectively, at 500 µg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (32.8% and 34.4%, respectively, at 0.5 mg/mL), the biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (98.7 ± 7.4% and 93.0 ± 3.4%, respectively, at 2.0 mg/mL), which is key in the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure and helps to prevent the development of hypertension. In conclusion, the extract of Durvillaea incurvata obtained from ultrasound-assisted extraction has the potential to prevent the development of age-related pathologies such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and hypertension.

Chemical Fingerprinting, Aorta Endothelium Relaxation Effect, and Enzymatic Inhibition of Canelo (Drimys winteri J. R. Forst. & G. Forst, (D.C) A. Gray, Family Winteraceae) Fruits

Drimys winteri J.R. Forst. & G. Forst (D.C) G. Gray, var. chilensis (canelo) is an endemic tree from Chile. Since pre-Columbian times, it has produced a fruit known as the canelo pepper, (pimienta de canelo) or Foye pepper, which can be used as a spice. The chemical and biological analysis of canelo fruits is reported for the first time in this study, that is, its phenolic fingerprinting by UHPLC-PDA- Q-orbitrap MS, the antioxidant activity, the enzymatic inhibitory activity, and its relaxation effects on rat aorta. The proximal composition and the mineral content (Ca: 1.45 ± 0.03 mg/100 g; Mg: 7.72 ± 0.03 mg/100 g; Fe: 4.54 ± 0.21 mg/100 g; Zn: 2.99 ± 0.02 mg/100 g; Mn: 1.08 ± 0.03 mg/100 g; Cu: 0.82 ± 0.02 mg/100 g; K: 53.03 ± 0.20 mg/100 g; Na: 0.087 ± 0.00 mg/100 g) are also reported. The canelo fruits showed a total phenolic content of 57.33 ± 0.82 mg GAE/g dry weight. In addition, the total flavonoid content was 38.42 ± 1.32 mg equivalent of QE/g dry weight. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by employing DPPH and ABTS methods (IC₅₀ of 6.65 ± 0.5 and 9.5 ± 0.05 μg/mL, respectively), ORAC (25.33 ± 1.2 μmol Trolox/g dry plant) and FRAP (45.56 ± 1.32 μmol Trolox/g dry plant). The enzymatic inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase (IC₅₀: 1.94 ± 0.07, 2.73 ± 0.05, and 9.92 ± 0.05 µg extract/mL, respectively) is also reported. Canelo extract led to an 89% relaxation of rat aorta. Our results confirm that D. winteri fruits are a rich source of secondary metabolites and can inhibit enzymes associated with neurodegenerative diseases; the results also suggest that canelo may induce a potentially hypotensive effect in rat aorta. The study demonstrates the medicinal properties of canelo fruit and spice.

UHPLC-MS Phenolic Fingerprinting, Aorta Endothelium Relaxation Effect, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibition Activities of Azara dentata Ruiz & Pav Berries

Azara dentata Ruiz & Pav. is a small Chilean native plant from Patagonia, a producer of small white reddish berries. For the first time, the proximal analysis of the fruits, phenolic fingerprinting, the antioxidant activity, and the enzymatic inhibition and relaxation effects in rat aorta induced by the ethanolic extract of these fruits were investigated. The proximal composition and the mineral (Ca: 2434 ± 40 mg/kg; Mg: 702 ± 13 mg/kg; Fe: 117.1 ± 1.6 mg/kg; Zn: 16.1 ± 0.4 mg/kg) and heavy metal (As: 121 ± 11 µg/kg; Cd: 152 ± 5 µg/kg; Hg: 7.7 ± 1.3 µg/kg; Pb 294 ± 4 µg/kg) contents were analyzed. Anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins were identified using UHPLC-PDA-QTOF-MS. The ethanolic extracts showed a total phenolic content of 23.50 ± 0.93 mg GAE/g extract. In addition, the antioxidant activity was assessed using both DPPH and TEAC (28.64 ± 1.87 and 34.72 ± 2.33 mg Trolox/g of dry fruit, respectively), FRAP (25.32 ± 0.23 mg Trolox equivalent/g dry fruit), and ORAC (64.95 ± 1.23 mg Trolox equivalents/g dry fruit). The inhibition of enzymatic activities (acetylcholinesterase IC₅₀: 2.87 + 0.23 µg extract/mL, butyrylcholinesterase IC₅₀: 6.73 + 0.07 µg extract/mL, amylase IC₅₀: 5.6 ± 0.0 µg extract/mL, lipase IC₅₀: 30.8 ± 0.0 µg extract/mL, and tyrosinase IC₅₀: 9.25 ± 0.15 µg extract/mL) was also assessed. The extract showed 50-60% relaxation in rat aorta (intact), mediated thorough the release of endothelial nitric oxide. Our results suggest that A. dentata is a good source of compounds with the capacity to inhibit important enzymes, can be hypotensive, and can thus have good potentiality as supplements in the amelioration of neurodegenerative diseases and could also have potential to be used to develop new functional foods. The study highlights the benefits of these neglected small fruits and could boost their consumption.

Phenolic Fingerprinting and Bioactivity Profiling of Extracts and Isolated Compounds from Gypothamnium pinifolium Phil

Gypothamnium pinifolium Phil. (Asteraceae) is a small shrub that grows in the Paposo Valley of the II Antofagasta Region of Chile. This initial study is of the high-resolution phenolic fingerprinting, antioxidant activity, the relaxation effects in rat aorta, the inhibitory enzyme potential, plus the antiproliferative activity of the ethyl acetate and n-hexane extract from G. pinifolium and its two major isolated secondary metabolites (one coumarin: 2-nor-1,2-secolycoserone, and one diterpene: ent-labda-8,13-E-diene-15-ol). The study involves using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography todiode array detection coupled with Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis (UHPLC-PDA-Orbi-trap-MS), in which various compounds were identified, including specific coumarins. The n-hexane extract showed total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 517.4 ± 12.5 mg GAE/100 g extract and 72.3 ± 3.7 mg QE/100 g extract, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the n-hexane extract was assessed using in-vitro assays such as bleaching of DPPH and ABTS (IC₅₀: 14.3 ± 0.52 and 2.51 ± 0.43 µg extract/mL, respectively), FRAP (347.12 ± 1.15 μmol Trolox equivalent/g extract), and ORAC (287.3 ± 1.54 μmol Trolox equivalents/g extract). Furthermore, the inhibition against cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) 4.58 ± 0.04 µg/mL, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) IC₅₀: 23.44 ± 0.03 µg/mL) and tyrosinase (IC₅₀: 9.25 ± 0.15 µg/mL) enzymes of the n-hexane extract, and main compounds (IC₅₀: 1.21 ± 0.03 µg/mL, 11.23 ± 0.02 µg/mL, 3.23 ± 0.12 µg/mL, and 103.43 ± 16.86 µg/mL, correspondingly for the most active coumarin 1) were measured. The antiproliferative potential of the extracts and the two principal compounds against several solid human cancer cells was investigated. All of them showed good activity against cancer cells. Label-free live-cell imaging studies on HeLa cells exposed to the isolated coumarin and the diterpene enabled the observation of cell death and several apoptotic hallmarks. Our results indicate that G. pinifolium Phil. is a valuable source of secondary metabolites with potential activity against noncommunicable diseases.

Antioxidant, Antiproliferative and Anti-Enzymatic Capacities, Nutritional Analysis and UHPLC-PDA-MS Characterization of Ungurahui Palm Fruits (Oenocarpus bataua Mart) from the Peruvian Amazon

Ungurahui, or Patawa, fruits are a popular fruit and medicinal food used in the Amazon. Here, we have studied nine natural populations of ungurahui from the Peruvian Amazon regarding their nutritional and biological activities, including metal composition, proximal analyses, cytotoxic, antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibition activities. Twenty-four compounds have been detected in these Peruvian natural populations by UHPLC-MS, including nine phenolic acids (peaks 1–6, 8, 9 and 11), four C-glycosyl flavonoids (peaks 12, 16, 17 and 18), two flavonols (peaks 7 and 10), one flavanol (peak 15), three anthocyanins (peaks 13, 14 and 22) and five resveratrol derivatives (peaks 19–21, 23 and 24). Sample 9, Tunaants, showed the highest DPPH clearing capacity regarding the content of Trolox equivalents (2208.79 μmol Trolox/g), but an ORAC test of the sample collected in San Lorenzo showed the highest clearing activity (1222.28 μmol Trolox/g) and the sample collected in Allpahuayo Mishana showed the most powerful ABTS (1803.72 μmol Trolox/g). The sample from Jenaro Herrera was the most powerful in AChe inhibition (IC₅₀ 2.05 ± 0.03 μg/mL), followed by the sample from Contamana (IC₅₀ 2.43 ± 0.12 μg/mL). In BChE inhibition, the sample from Palestina was the most active (4.42 ± 0.06 μg/mL), followed by samples from Tunaants and San Lorenzo. The differences among bioactivities can be related to the different growing conditions of the populations of ungurahui. The palm tree fruit proved to be a good source of natural antioxidants and dietary fatty acids, and their consumption represents an alternative for the prevention of neurodegenerative or related non-chronic transmittable diseases.

UHPLC-MS Metabolomic Fingerprinting, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibition Activities of Himantormia lugubris from Antarctica

Himantormia lugubris is a Chilean native small lichen shrub growing in the Antarctica region. In this study, the metabolite fingerprinting and the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potential from this species and its four major isolated compounds were investigated for the first time. Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), several metabolites were identified including specific compounds as chemotaxonomical markers, while major metabolites were quantified in this species. A good inhibition activity against cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) IC₅₀: 12.38 ± 0.09 µg/mL, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) IC₅₀: 31.54 ± 0.20 µg/mL) and tyrosinase (22.32 ± 0.21 µg/mL) enzymes of the alcoholic extract and the main compounds (IC₅₀: 28.82 ± 0.10 µg/mL, 36.43 ± 0.08 µg/mL, and 7.25 ± 0.18 µg/mL, respectively, for the most active phenolic atranol) was found. The extract showed a total phenolic content of 47.4 + 0.0 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g. In addition, antioxidant activity was assessed using bleaching of DPPH and ORAC (IC₅₀: 75.3 ± 0.02 µg/mL and 32.7 ± 0.7 μmol Trolox/g lichen, respectively) and FRAP (27.8 ± 0.0 μmol Trolox equivalent/g) experiments. The findings suggest that H. lugubris is a rich source of bioactive compounds with potentiality in the prevention of neurodegenerative or noncommunicable chronic diseases.

Prediction of the Adult T-Cell Leukemia Inhibitory Activity of Blueberry Leaves/Stems Using Direct-Injection Electron Ionization-Mass Spectrometry Metabolomics

Although Vaccinium virgatum Aiton leaves and stems inhibit adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cells, leaves and stems can differ between individual plants and by time and location. In this study, leaf and stem components were profiled in the same individual plant using direct-injection electron ionization-mass spectrometry (DI-EI-MS) metabolomics, with the aims of analyzing the anti-ATL activity, and quantifying proanthocyanidins (PACs). Leaves, stems, and leaf/stem mixtures showed distinct and characteristic spectra. Anti-ATL activity was stronger in stems than leaves, and the PAC content was higher in stems than leaves. These data were subjected to bivariate analysis to identify the factor (m/z) responsible for the inhibitory effect of ATL based on the highest coefficient of determination (R2). The results of this DI-EI-MS metabolomics analysis suggest that among PACs contained in V. virgatum stems and leaves, the fragment ion at m/z 149 contributes significantly to anti-ATL activity.

Alkaloid Profiling, Anti-Enzymatic and Antiproliferative Activity of The Endemic Chilean Amaryllidaceae Phycella cyrtanthoides

This research aims to identify the alkaloid profile and to evaluate the enzyme inhibitory potential and antiproliferative effects of the Amaryllidaceae plant Phycella cyrtanthoides. The alkaloid extracts from bulbs and leaves were analyzed using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS) analysis. A total of 70 alkaloids were detected in the P. cyrtanthoides’ extracts. The enzyme inhibition potential against cholinesterases (AChE: acetylcholinesterase, and BChE butyrylcholinesterase) and tyrosinase were studied. Bulbs displayed the best IC₅₀ values against AChE (4.29 ± 0.03 µg/mL) and BChE (18.32 ± 0.03 µg/mL). These results were consistent with docking experiments with selected major compounds in the active sites of enzymes, while no activity was observed against tyrosinase enzyme. Antiproliferative effects were investigated against human cervical (HeLa), lung (A549, SW1573), colon (WiDr), and breast (HBL-100, T-47D) tumor cell lines. Bulbs and leaves were active in all cell lines (GI₅₀ < 2.5 µg/mL). These findings suggest that the endemic Chilean plant P. cyrtanthoides contains diverse types of bioactive alkaloids with antiproliferative activities and inhibitory effects with potential therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Bone Anabolic Effects of Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson

Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson [Asteraceae] (B. acmella) is an important medicinal plant native to Brazil, and it is widely known as a toothache plant. A plethora of studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activities of B. acmella and few studies on the stimulatory effects on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) secretion from bone cells; however, there is no study on its antioxidant and anabolic activity on bone cells. The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical contents of aqueous and ethanol extracts of B. acmella using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry (LCTOFMS) along with the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum colorimetric methods. The extracts of B. acmella leaves were used to scavenge synthetic-free radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The bone anabolic effects of B. acmella extracts on MC3T3-E1 cells were measured with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazoium bromide (MTT) at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, Sirius-red and ALP at 7 and 14 days, and Alizarin Red S at 14 and 21 days. Comparatively, ethanol extract of B. acmella (BaE) contributed higher antioxidant activities (IC₅₀ of 476.71 µg/ml and 56.01 ± 6.46 mg L-ascorbic acid/g against DPPH and FRAP, respectively). Anabolic activities in bone proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization were also higher in B. acmella of ethanol (BaE) than aqueous (BaA) extracts. Positive correlations were observed between phenolic content (TPC and TFC) to antioxidant (ABTS and FRAP) and anabolic activities. Conversely, negative correlations were present between phenolic content to antioxidant (DPPH) activity. These potential antioxidant and bone anabolic activities in BaE might be due to the phytochemicals confirmed through GCMS and LCTOFMS, revealed that terpenoids of α-cubebene, cryophyllene, cryophyllene oxide, phytol and flavonoids of pinostrobin and apigenin were the compounds contributing to both antioxidant and anabolic effects in BaE. Thus, B. acmella may be a valuable antioxidant and anti-osteoporosis agent. Further study is needed to isolate, characterize and elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the antioxidant and bone anabolic effects.

Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Properties of the Chilean Endemic Plant Ovidia pillopillo (Gay) Meissner (Thymelaeaceae)

Ovidia pillopillo (Lloime) is an endemic species of the Valdivian Forest of Chile. Little is known on the chemistry and biological activity of this plant. In this study, the phenolic profile, antioxidant capacities and enzyme inhibition capacities (against tyrosinase and cholinesterase) of the plant were investigated for the first time. The phenolic profile of the plant was obtained by UHPLC-MS fingerprinting with high resolution, which showed the presence of several flavonoids and coumarins. The antioxidant potential was measured by FRAP and ORAC (45.56 ± 1.32; 25.33 ± 1.2 μmol Trolox equivalents/g dry plant, respectively) plus ABTS and DPPH methods (IC₅₀ = 9.95 ± 0.05 and 6.65 ± 0.5 μg/mL, respectively). Moreover, the flavonoid and phenolic contents were determined (57.33 ± 0.82 and 38.42 ± 1.32, μg of Trolox and quercetin equivalents/100 g dry weight, respectively). The ethanolic extract showed cholinesterase (IC₅₀ = 1.94 ± 0.07 and 2.73 ± 0.05 μg/mL, for AChE and BuChE, respectively) and tyrosinase (4.92 ± 0.05 μg/mL) enzyme inhibition activities. Based on these in vitro studies, in silico simulations were performed, which determined that the major compounds as ligands likely docked in the receptors of the enzymes. These results suggest that Ovidia pillopillo produce interesting special coumarins and flavonoids, which are potential candidates for the exploration and preparation of new medicines.

Mineral and Botanical Composition of Honey Produced in Chile’s Central-Southern Region

The chemical composition and quality of honey depend on the floral and geographical origin, extraction techniques, and storage, resulting in a unique product for each area. Currently, consumers are not only concerned about the chemical composition, quality, and food safety of honey, but also about its origin. The objective of this study was to characterize honeys produced in Chile’s central-southern region from a mineral and botanical perspective, thus adding value through differentiation by origin. Two hundred honey samples were used and underwent analysis such as melissopalynological composition, nutritional composition, and color. Forty-seven melliferous floral species were identified, out of which 24 correspond to exotic species and 23 to native species. Fifty-six percent were classified as monofloral honeys, 2% as bifloral, and 42% as multifloral. Moisture mean values (17.88%), diastase activity (15.53 DN), hydroxymethylfurfural (2.58 mg/kg), protein (0.35%), and ash (0.25%) comply with the ranges established by both the national and the international legislation; standing out as honeys of great nutritional value, fresh, harvested under optimal maturity conditions, and absence fermentation. Regarding color, light amber was prevalent in most territories. The territory where honey was produced, denoted relevant differences in all the parameters studied.

Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Capacities, Nutritional Analysis and UHPLC-PDA-MS Characterization of Cocona Fruits (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) from the Peruvian Amazon

Cocona fruits are a popular food and medicinal fruit used mainly in the Amazon and several countries of South America for the preparation of several food products such as drinks, jams and milk shakes. In this study five ecotypes of cocona native to Peru have been studied regarding their nutritional and antioxidants values plus antihyperlipidemic activities. Seventy bioactive compounds have been detected in Peruvian cocona ecotypes including several phenolic acids, aminoacids and flavonoids; of those six were spermidines, (peaks 1, 2, 25, 26, 38 and 39), thirteen were aminoacids, (peaks 3-9, 11-13, 16, 17, 22-24), eighteen flavonoids (peaks 28, 30-32 45,46, 48-53 56, 57, 61 and 64-66), twelve were phenolics (peaks 19, 21, 27, 29, 34, 35, 36, 42, 43, 44, 54, and 59), two carotenoids, (peak 62 and 63), eight were lipid derivatives (peaks 37, 55, 58, 60 and 67-70), one sugar (peak 47), four terpenes (peaks 33, 40, 41 and 47), two amides, (peaks 10 and 18), one aldehyde, (peak 15), and three saturated organic acids, (peaks 4, 5 and 20). Hypercholesterolemic rats administered with pulp of the ecotypes CTR and SRN9 showed the lowest cholesterol and triglyceride levels after treatment (126.74 ± 6.63; 102.11 ± 9.47; 58.16 ± 6.64; 61.05 ± 4.00 mg/dL, for cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein respectively, for the group treated with SRN9 pulp, and 130.09 ± 8.55; 108.51 ± 10.04; 57.30 ± 5.72; and 65.41 ± 7.68 mg/dL, for cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL lipoproteins respectively for the group treated with CTR pulp). The ecotypes proved to be good sources of natural antioxidants and their consumption represent an alternative for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Eucryphia cordifolia extracts: Phytochemical screening, antibacterial and antioxidant activities

Eucryphia cordifolia is a native and dominant species from the Temperate Forest in the southern region of Chile. It is a crucial melliferous species producing unifloral honey with outstanding antibacterial properties with great commercial value at international markets. A phytochemical screening was developed by colorimetric and gravimetric methods. Antioxidant activities were assessed by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was the method used to determine the antibacterial activity. The results revealed the highest antioxidant activity for the methanolic extracts of branches (IC₅₀ 35.7 µg/mL for DPPH, IC₅₀ 11.0 µg/mL for ABTS, and 4.6 mM FeSO₄·7H₂O/g in FRAP), attributed to its high content of total phenols (332.8 mg GAE/g). The quantification of the MBC led to values in the range of 0.78-12.5 mg/mL for S. aureus and S. pyogenes, and 6.25-50 mg/mL for E. coli and P. aeruginosa, respectively. The presented work provides valuable first in vitro evidence regarding the potential application of E. cordifolia extracts as antioxidants and antibacterial agents in the nutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical industry.

UHPLC-MS Chemical Fingerprinting and Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, and Enzyme Inhibition Potential of Gaultheria pumila Berries

Gaultheria pumila (Ericaceae) (known as Chaura or Mutilla) is a Chilean native small shrub that produces berry fruits consumed by local Mapuche people. In this study, the chemical fingerprinting and antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and antiproliferative activities of the berries were investigated for the first time. Thirty-six metabolites were identified in the fruits by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection, hyphenated with Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis (UHPLC-DAD-Orbitrap-MS). Metabolites, included anthocyanins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, diterpenes, and fatty acids. Moderate inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (7.7 ± 0.3 µg/mL), butyrylcholinesterase (34.5 ± 0.5 µg/mL), and tyrosinase (3.3 ± 0.2 µg/mL) enzymes were found. Moreover, selected major compounds were subjected to docking assays in light of their experimental inhibition. Results indicated that hydrogen bonding, π–π interaction, and a salt bridge interaction contributed significantly. Gaultheria pumila berries showed a total phenolic content of 189.2 ± 0.2 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g, total flavonoid content of 51.8 ± 0.1 mg quercetin equivalents/g, and total anthocyanin content of 47.3 ± 0.2 mg of cianydin-3-glucoside equivalents/g. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH (92.8 ± 0.1 µg/mL), FRAP (134.1 ± 0.1 μmol Trolox equivalents/g), and ORAC (4251.6 ± 16.9 μmol Trolox equivalents/g) assays. Conversely, Gaultheria pumila showed a scarce antiproliferative potential against several solid human cancer cells. Our findings suggest that Gaultheria pumila berries have several bioactive metabolites with inhibitory effects against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase, and have the potential for use in food supplements.

Analysis of Carotenoids in Haloarchaea Species from Atacama Saline Lakes by High Resolution UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-Mass Spectrometry: Antioxidant Potential and Biological Effect on Cell Viability

Haloarchaea are extreme halophilic microorganisms belonging to the domain Archaea, phylum Euryarchaeota, and are producers of interesting antioxidant carotenoid compounds. In this study, four new strains of Haloarcula sp., isolated from saline lakes of the Atacama Desert, are reported and studied by high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS) for the first time. In addition, determination of the carotenoid pigment profile from the new strains of Haloarcula sp., plus two strains of Halorubrum tebenquichense, and their antioxidant activity by means of several methods is reported. The effect of biomass on cellular viability in skin cell lines was also evaluated by MTT assay. The cholinesterase inhibition capacity of six haloarchaea (Haloarcula sp. ALT-23; Haloarcula sp. TeSe-41; Haloarcula sp. TeSe-51; Haloarcula sp. Te Se-89 and Halorubrum tebenquichense strains TeSe-85 and Te Se-86) is also reported for the first time. AChE inhibition IC₅₀ was 2.96 ± 0.08 μg/mL and BuChE inhibition IC₅₀ was 2.39 ± 0.09 μg/mL for the most active strain, Halorubrum tebenquichense Te Se-85, respectively, which is more active in BuCHe than that of the standard galantamine. Docking calculation showed that carotenoids can exert their inhibitory activity fitting into the enzyme pocket by their halves, in the presence of cholinesterase dimers.

Multiple Biological Activities of Rhododendron przewalskii Maxim. Extracts and UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS Characterization of Their Phytochemical Composition

Backgroud:Rhododendron przewalskii Maxim. is an evergreen shrub that is used as a traditional medicine in China. However, the modern pharmacology and the chemical components of this plant has not been studied. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and underlying mechanism of its aqueous and ethanol extracts, and analyze their chemical composition and active compounds of R. przewalskii.

Methods: The antifungal activity was determined in vitro, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and underlying mechanism of its aqueous and ethanol extracts were evaluated in vitro and in RAW 264.7 cells. The chemical composition were analyzed using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS, and the contents of six compounds were determined via HPLC.

Results: Both extracts of R. przewalskii showed promising anti-inflammatory activity in vitro; decreased the production of four inflammatory cytokines, namely, nitric oxide, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-ɑ, in RAW 264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide; and exhibited weak cytotoxicity. The extracts significantly scavenged DPPH radicals, superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals to exert antioxidant effects in vitro. The two extracts also exhibited cellular antioxidant activity by increasing superoxide dismutase and CAT activities and decreasing malondialdehyde content in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS. However, the antifungal activity of the two extracts was weak. Nine flavonoids were identified by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS. Of these, six compounds were analyzed quantitatively, including avicularin, quercetin, azaleatin, astragalin and kaempferol, and five compounds (myricetin 3-O-galactoside, paeoniflorin, astragalin, azaleatin and kaempferol) were found in this species for the first time. These compounds demonstrated antioxidant activities that were similar to those of the R. przewalskii extracts and were thought to be the active compounds in the extracts.

Conclusion:R. przewalskii extracts presented promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The extracts contained amounts of valuable flavonoids (8.98 mg/g fresh material) that were likely the active compounds in the extract contributing to the potential antioxidant activity. These results highlight the potential of R. przewalskii as a source of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents for the pharmaceutical industry.

Chemical Profiling, Antioxidant, Anticholinesterase, and Antiprotozoal Potentials of Artemisia copa Phil. (Asteraceae)

Artemisia copa Phil. (Asteraceae) (known as copa-copa) is a native species of Chile used as an infusion in traditional medicine by Atacameños people in the Altiplano, highlands of northern Chile. In this research, we have investigated for the first time the cholinesterase inhibition potential against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and the chemical profiling of the infusions prepared from the aerial parts of A. copa by high resolution spectrometry. In addition, total phenolic, total flavonoid content, antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC) and antiprozoal activity were tested. Artemisia copa showed good inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE (3.92 ± 0.08 µg/ml and 44.13 ± 0.10 µg/ml). The infusion displayed a total phenolics content of 155.6 ± 2.9 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g and total flavonoid content of 5.5 ± 0.2 mg quercetin equivalents/g. Additionally, trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi was found (LD₅₀ of 131.8 µg/ml). Forty-seven metabolites were detected in the infusion of A. copa including several phenolic acids and flavonoids which were rapidly identified using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS) for chemical profiling. The major compounds identified in the infusions were studied by molecular docking against AChE and BChE. The UHPLC-MS fingerprints generated can be also used for the authentication of these endemic species. These findings reveal that A. copa infusions can be used as beverages with protective effects.

Chemical Fingerprinting and Biological Evaluation of the Endemic Chilean Fruit Greigia sphacelata (Ruiz and Pav.) Regel (Bromeliaceae) by UHPLC-PDA-Orbitrap-Mass Spectrometry

Greigia sphacelata (Ruiz and Pav.) Regel (Bromeliaceae) is a Chilean endemic plant popularly known as "quiscal" and produces an edible fruit consumed by the local Mapuche communities named as "chupón". In this study, several metabolites including phenolic acids, organic acids, sugar derivatives, catechins, proanthocyanidins, fatty acids, iridoids, coumarins, benzophenone, flavonoids, and terpenes were identified in G. sphacelata fruits using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection coupled with a Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-PDA-Orbitrap-MS) analysis for the first time. The fruits showed moderate antioxidant capacities (i.e., 487.11 ± 26.22 μmol TE/g dry weight) in the stable radical DPPH assay, 169.08 ± 9.81 TE/g dry weight in the ferric reducing power assay, 190.32 ± 6.23 TE/g dry weight in the ABTS assay, and 76.46 ± 3.18% inhibition in the superoxide anion scavenging assay. The cholinesterase inhibitory potential was evaluated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). From the findings, promising results were observed for pulp and seeds. Our findings suggest that G. sphacelata fruits are a rich source of diverse secondary metabolites with antioxidant capacities. In addition, the inhibitory effects against AChE and BChE suggest that natural products or food supplements derived from G. sphacelata fruits are of interest for their neuroprotective potential.