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Ingegneri M, Braghini MR, Piccione M, De Stefanis C, Mandrone M, Chiocchio I, Poli F, Imbesi M, Alisi A, Smeriglio A, Trombetta D. Citrus Pomace as a Source of Plant Complexes to Be Used in the Nutraceutical Field of Intestinal Inflammation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:869. [PMID: 39061937 PMCID: PMC11274116 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13070869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to recover the main by-product of Citrus fruits processing, the raw pomace, known also as pastazzo, to produce plant complexes to be used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Food-grade extracts from orange (OE) and lemon (LE) pomace were obtained by ultrasound-assisted maceration. After a preliminary phytochemical and biological screening by in vitro assays, primary and secondary metabolites were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI-MS) analyses. The intestinal bioaccessibility and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were investigated by in vitro simulated gastro-intestinal digestion followed by treatments on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2). The tight junctions-associated structural proteins (ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin), transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), reactive oxygen species (ROS)-levels, expression of some key antioxidant (CAT, NRF2 and SOD2) and inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8) genes, and pNFkB p65 nuclear translocation, were evaluated. The OE and LE digesta, which did not show any significant difference in terms of phytochemical profile, showed significant effects in protecting against the LPS-induced intestinal barrier damage, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In conclusion, both OE and LE emerged as potential candidates for further preclinical studies on in vivo IBD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosaria Ingegneri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (M.I.); (M.I.); (D.T.)
| | - Maria Rita Braghini
- Research Unit of Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michela Piccione
- Core Facilities, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Cristiano De Stefanis
- Core Facilities, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.D.S.)
| | - Manuela Mandrone
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (I.C.); (F.P.)
| | - Ilaria Chiocchio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (I.C.); (F.P.)
| | - Ferruccio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.M.); (I.C.); (F.P.)
| | - Martina Imbesi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (M.I.); (M.I.); (D.T.)
| | - Anna Alisi
- Research Unit of Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (M.I.); (M.I.); (D.T.)
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (M.I.); (M.I.); (D.T.)
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Smeriglio A, Ingegneri M, Germanò MP, Miori L, Battistini G, Betuzzi F, Malaspina P, Trombetta D, Cornara L. Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Monarda didyma L. Growing in Trentino (Northern Italy) for Cosmeceutical Applications. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:112. [PMID: 38202420 PMCID: PMC10780350 DOI: 10.3390/plants13010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Monarda didyma L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal and aromatic herb native to eastern North America and now is also cultivated in Northern Italy, which shows terminal heads of bright scarlet-red flowers, subtended by a whorl of red-tinged leafy bracts. Starting from 2018, M. didyma flowering tops have been included in the Belfrit List of botanicals. However, to date studies on the crude extract of this plant are still lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphological and anatomical features of the flowering tops and the phytochemical profile of their ethanolic and hydroglyceric extracts (EE and HGE, respectively). HGE was the richest in total phenols (105.75 ± 5.91 vs. 64.22 ± 3.45 mg/100 mL) and especially in flavonoids (71.60 ± 5.09 vs. 47.70 ± 1.27 mg/100 mL), as confirmed also by LC-DAD-ESI-MS. Fifty-three polyphenols were identified and quantified. Even if they showed a common polyphenolic profile, EE and HGE showed quantitative differences. Flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins were the most expressed metabolites in HGE, whereas flavonols were the most expressed metabolites in EE. These features confer to HGE the highest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties, detected by several in vitro and in vivo assays, highlighting a promising use of this plant extract for skincare applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (M.I.); (M.P.G.)
| | - Mariarosaria Ingegneri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (M.I.); (M.P.G.)
| | - Maria Paola Germanò
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (M.I.); (M.P.G.)
| | - Luigi Miori
- Areaderma S.r.l., Via per Trento 16, 38042 Baselga di Pinè, Italy; (L.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulia Battistini
- Areaderma S.r.l., Via per Trento 16, 38042 Baselga di Pinè, Italy; (L.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Federica Betuzzi
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Paola Malaspina
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.S.); (M.I.); (M.P.G.)
| | - Laura Cornara
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.B.); (L.C.)
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Arangia A, Ragno A, Cordaro M, D’Amico R, Siracusa R, Fusco R, Marino Merlo F, Smeriglio A, Impellizzeri D, Cuzzocrea S, Mandalari G, Di Paola R. Antioxidant Activity of a Sicilian Almond Skin Extract Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12115. [PMID: 37569490 PMCID: PMC10418603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Almond skins are known for their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which are mainly due to the presence of polyphenols. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of almond skin extract (ASE) obtained from the Sicilian cultivar "Fascionello" and to evaluate the possible mechanisms of action using an in vitro model of human monocytic U937 cells as well as an in vivo model of carrageenan (CAR)-induced paw edema. The in vitro studies demonstrated that pretreatment with ASE inhibited the formation of ROS and apoptosis. The in vivo studies showed that ASE restored the CAR-induced tissue changes; restored the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione; and decreased neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxidation, and the release of proinflammatory mediators. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of ASE could be associated with the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory nuclear NF-κB and the activation of the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant pathways. In conclusion, almond skin could reduce the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress and could be beneficial in the treatment of several disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Arangia
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Agnese Ragno
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Francesca Marino Merlo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Giuseppina Mandalari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Cornara L, Malaspina P, Betuzzi F, Di Gristina E, D'Arrigo M, Ingegneri M, Trombetta D, Smeriglio A. The Influence of Pedo-Climatic Conditions on the Micromorphological, Phytochemical Features, and Biological Properties of Leaves of Saponaria sicula Raf. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11693. [PMID: 37511452 PMCID: PMC10380904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Saponaria sicula Raf. grows in Sicily, Sardinia, and Algeria on limestone cliffs and volcanic sands 1300-2500 m above sea level. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the pedo-climatic conditions influence the micromorphological, phytochemical, and biological properties of Sicilian S. sicula leaves collected in the Madonie Mountains (SsM) and on Etna Mt (SsE). Micromorphological investigations revealed that leaves from SsM had a higher amount of calcium oxalate druses in the mesophyll and a more intense blue-green staining with Toluidine blue O, indicating a higher content of polyphenols. These data were confirmed by phytochemical analyses carried out on hydroalcoholic extracts, which showed a higher content of total phenols (8.56 ± 0.57 g GAE/100 g DE) and flavonoids (6.09 ± 0.17 g RE/100 g DE) in SsM. Sixty-four compounds were identified by LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis with propelargonidin dimer as the most abundant compound (10.49% and 10.19% in SsM and SsE, respectively). The higher polyphenol content of SsM leaves matches also with their biological activity, identifying SsM extract as the strongest plant complex (IC50 2.75-477.30 µg/mL). In conclusion, the present study experimentally demonstrates that not only climatic differences but also soil characteristics affect the micromorphological, phytochemical, and biological features of this plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cornara
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Malaspina
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Betuzzi
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Emilio Di Gristina
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences (SAAF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Manuela D'Arrigo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Ingegneri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Smeriglio A, Iraci N, Denaro M, Mandalari G, Giofrè SV, Trombetta D. Synergistic Combination of Citrus Flavanones as Strong Antioxidant and COX-Inhibitor Agent. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040972. [PMID: 37107347 PMCID: PMC10136195 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we demonstrated that a Citrus flavanone mix (FM) shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, even after gastro-duodenal digestion (DFM). The aim of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of the cyclooxygenases (COXs) in the anti-inflammatory activity previously detected, using a human COX inhibitor screening assay, molecular modeling studies, and PGE2 release by Caco-2 cells stimulated with IL-1β and arachidonic acid. Furthermore, the ability to counteract pro-oxidative processes induced by IL-1β was evaluated by measuring four oxidative stress markers, namely, carbonylated proteins, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, reactive oxygen species, and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio in Caco-2 cells. All flavonoids showed a strong inhibitory activity on COXs, confirmed by molecular modeling studies, with DFM, which showed the best and most synergistic activity on COX-2 (82.45% vs. 87.93% of nimesulide). These results were also corroborated by the cell-based assays. Indeed, DFM proves to be the most powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent reducing, synergistically and in a statistically significant manner (p < 0.05), PGE2 release than the oxidative stress markers, also with respect to the nimesulide and trolox used as reference compounds. This leads to the hypothesis that FM could be an excellent antioxidant and COX inhibitor candidate to counteract intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Marcella Denaro
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Mandalari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Vincenzo Giofrè
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Ingegneri M, Smeriglio A, Rando R, Gervasi T, Tamburello MP, Ginestra G, La Camera E, Pennisi R, Sciortino MT, Mandalari G, Trombetta D. Composition and Biological Properties of Blanched Skin and Blanch Water Belonging to Three Sicilian Almond Cultivars. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061545. [PMID: 36986275 PMCID: PMC10058606 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The almond industry produces, by bleaching and stripping, two by-products: blanched skin (BS) and blanch water (BW). The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional and polyphenolic profile, as well as the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and potential prebiotic effects of BS and BW from three different Sicilian cultivars. The total phenols and flavonoids contents were ≥1.72 and ≥0.56 g gallic acid equivalents and ≥0.52 and ≥0.18 g rutin equivalents/100 g dry extract (DE) in BS and BW, respectively. The antioxidant activity, evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging ability, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, was ≥3.07 and ≥0.83 g trolox equivalent/100 g DE in BS and BW, respectively. Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside was the most abundant flavonoid detected in both by-products. No antimicrobial effect was recorded, whereas BS samples exerted antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus 1 (EC50 160.96 μg/mL). BS also showed high fibre (≥52.67%) and protein (≥10.99) contents and low fat (≤15.35%) and sugars (≤5.55%), making it nutritionally interesting. The present study proved that the cultivar is not a discriminating factor in determining the chemical and biological properties of BS and BW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosaria Ingegneri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rossana Rando
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Image Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Gervasi
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Image Sciences (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Tamburello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanna Ginestra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Erminia La Camera
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Pennisi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Sciortino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Mandalari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Gualtieri P, Marchetti M, Frank G, Smeriglio A, Trombetta D, Colica C, Cianci R, De Lorenzo A, Di Renzo L. Antioxidant-Enriched Diet on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Gene Expression: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:206. [PMID: 36672947 PMCID: PMC9859217 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is associated with beneficial effects against chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs). In particular, the content of micronutrients leads to an improvement of the oxidative and inflammatory profiles. A randomized, parallel, controlled study, on 24 subjects, was conducted to evaluate if 2-week supplementation with a mixed apple and bergamot juice (MAB juice), had a positive impact on the body composition, the biochemical profile, and oxidative and inflammatory gene expression (Superoxide dismutase (SOD1), Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ (PPARγ), catalase (CAT), chemokine C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5), Nuclear Factor Kappa B Subunit 1 (NFKB1), Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), and Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF)), respect to a MedDiet. Body composition evaluation analysis showed a gain in lean mass (p < 0.01). Moreover, a significant reduction in total cholesterol/HDL index (p < 0.01) was pointed out between the two groups. Gene expression analysis highlighted an increase in MIF (p ≤ 0.05), PPARγ (p < 0.001), SOD1 (p ≤ 0.05), and VDR (p ≤ 0.05) expressions when comparing MedDiet and MedDiet + MAB juice groups. These data based on the nutrigenomics approach demonstrated that supplementing 2 weeks of MAB juice to the MedDiet could contribute to a reduction in the risk of CNCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Gualtieri
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Marchetti
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Frank
- Ph.D. School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Colica
- CNR, IBFM UOS, Università Magna Graecia, Viale Europa, 88100 Germaneto, Italy
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino De Lorenzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Renzo
- Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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8
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Cornara L, Sgrò F, Raimondo FM, Ingegneri M, Mastracci L, D’Angelo V, Germanò MP, Trombetta D, Smeriglio A. Pedoclimatic Conditions Influence the Morphological, Phytochemical and Biological Features of Mentha pulegium L. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:plants12010024. [PMID: 36616155 PMCID: PMC9824027 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, Mentha pulegium leaves and flowers harvested in three different Sicilian areas were investigated from a micromorphological, phytochemical and biological point of view. Light and scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of spherocrystalline masses of diosmin both in the leaf epidermal cells and in thin flower petals. Two different chemotypes were identified (I, kaempferide/rosmarinic acid; II, jaceidin isomer A). Phytochemical screening identified plant from collection site II as the richest in total phenolics (16.74 g GAE/100 g DE) and that from collection site I as the richest in flavonoids (46.56 g RE/100 g DE). Seventy-seven metabolites were identified both in flower and leaf extracts. Plant from site II showed the best antioxidant (0.90-83.72 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (27.44-196.31 µg/mL) activity expressed as half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) evaluated by DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, ORAC, BSA denaturation and protease inhibition assays. These data were also corroborated by in vitro cell-based assays on lymphocytes and erythrocytes. Moreover, plant of site II showed the best antiangiogenic properties (IC50 33.43-33.60 µg/mL) in vivo on a chick chorioallantoic membrane. In conclusion, pedoclimatic conditions influence the chemotype and the biological activity of M. pulegium, with chemotype I showing the most promising biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cornara
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, C.so Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Sgrò
- Foundation Prof. Antonio Imbesi, University of Messina, Piazza Pugliatti 1, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Raimondo
- PLANTA/Autonomous Center for Research, Documentation and Training, Via Serraglio Vecchio 28, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Ingegneri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Pathology Unit, Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16125 Genova, Italy
| | - Valeria D’Angelo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Germanò
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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9
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New Insights on Phytochemical Features and Biological Properties of Alnus glutinosa Stem Bark. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11192499. [PMID: 36235365 PMCID: PMC9570633 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Alnus glutinosa (namely black alder or European alder) is a tree of the Betulaceae family widely spread through Europe, Southeastern Asia, the Caucasus mountains, and Western Siberia. Its bark is traditionally used for medicinal purposes as an astringent, cathartic, febrifuge, emetic, hemostatic, and tonic, suggesting that it may contain bioactive compounds useful to counteract inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical profile of A. glutinosa stem bark extract (AGE) by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis and to validate some biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties by in vitro and in vivo models (chick chorioallantoic membranes and zebrafish embryos), that can justify its use against inflammatory-based diseases. The AGE showed a high total phenols content expressed as gallic acid equivalents (0.71 g GAE/g of AGE). Diarylheptanoids have been identified as the predominant compounds (0.65 g/g of AGE) with oregonin, which alone constitutes 74.67% of the AGE. The AGE showed a strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant (IC50 0.15–12.21 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (IC50 5.47–12.97 µg/mL) activity. Furthermore, it showed promising anti-angiogenic activity, inhibiting both the vessel growth (IC50 23.39 µg/egg) and the release of an endogenous phosphatase alkaline enzyme (IC50 44.24 µg/embryo). In conclusion, AGE is a promising source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and angio-modulator compounds.
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10
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Chen M, Xiao J, El-Seedi HR, Woźniak KS, Daglia M, Little PJ, Weng J, Xu S. Kaempferol and atherosclerosis: From mechanism to medicine. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:2157-2175. [PMID: 36099317 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2121261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Natural products possess pleiotropic cardiovascular protective effects owing to their anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-thrombotic properties. Kaempferol, (3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), is a kind of naturally occurring flavonoid existing in many common fruits and vegetables (e.g., onions, broccoli, strawberries and grapes) and particularly in traditional Chinese medicine as exemplified by Ginkgo biloba. Epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies have revealed an inverse association between the consumption of kaempferol-containing foods and medicines and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Numerous translational studies in experimental animal models and cultured cells have demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities of kaempferol. In this article, we reviewed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective activities of kaempferol and elucidated the potential molecular basis of the therapeutic capacity of kaempferol by focusing on its anti-atherosclerotic effects. Overall, the review presents the health benefits of kaempferol-containing plants and medicines and reflects on the potential of kaempferol as a possible drug candidate to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of most cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Hesham R El-Seedi
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | | | - Maria Daglia
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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11
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Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential of Bioactive Compounds from Rhinacanthus nasutus Cell Suspension Culture. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11151994. [PMID: 35956472 PMCID: PMC9370634 DOI: 10.3390/plants11151994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The potential benefits of natural plant extracts have received attention in recent years, encouraging the development of natural products that effectively treat various diseases. This is the first report on establishing callus and cell suspension cultures of Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz. A yellow friable callus was successfully induced from in vitro leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 1 mg/L 1-naphthalene acetic acid. A selected friable callus line was used to establish the cell suspension culture with the same medium. The antioxidant assays showed that the leaf- and ethanolic-suspension-cultured cell (SCC) extracts exhibited high antioxidant potential. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity revealed by the MTT assay demonstrated potent antiproliferative effects against the oral cancer cell lines ORL-48 and ORL-136 in a dose-dependent manner. Several groups of compounds, including terpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, quinones, and stilbenes, were identified by UHPLC–QToF–MS, with the same compounds detected in leaf and SCC extracts, including austroinulin, lucidenic acid, esculetin, embelin, and quercetin 3-(2″-p-hydroxybenzoyl-4″-p-coumarylrhamnoside). The present study suggests the value of further investigations for phytochemical production using R. nasutus cell suspension culture.
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12
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Lin Z, Gan T, Huang Y, Bao L, Liu S, Cui X, Wang H, Jiao F, Zhang M, Su C, Qian Y. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Mulberry Leaf Flavonoids In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147694. [PMID: 35887036 PMCID: PMC9318041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a flowering tree traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine. Mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs) have been reported to exert important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study was to select the MLF with the best anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities from MLFs eluted by different ethanol concentrations (30%, 50%, and 75%) and explore its pharmacological properties. Three types of MLFs inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. All MLFs boosted the antioxidative capacity by decreasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals and improving the metal ion chelating activity and reducing power. The results revealed that the MLFs eluted by 30% ethanol exhibited the best anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. A nontargeted metabolomic analysis was used to analyze 24 types of differential flavonoids between the MLFs. Quercetin, kaempferol, and their derivatives in 30%MLF were more abundant than the other two MLFs. Furthermore, we evaluated the pharmacological activities of 30%MLF in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. The 30%MLF could alleviate the clinical symptoms, reduce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibit the activation of the inflammatory pathway in DSS-induced colitis mice. This study will provide valuable information for the development of MLFs eluted by 30% ethanol as a functional food.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chao Su
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (Y.Q.)
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13
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Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Properties of Leaf and Rhizome Extracts from the Medicinal Plant Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134271. [PMID: 35807516 PMCID: PMC9268734 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch (Apiaceae) is a worldwide perennial herb native to the mountains of central Southern Europe. The rhizome has a long tradition in popular medicine, while ethnobotanical surveys have revealed local uses of leaves for superficial injuries. To experimentally validate these uses, plant material was collected in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Aosta Valley, Italy, and the rhizome and leaves were micromorphologically and phytochemically characterized. Polyphenol-enriched hydroalcoholic rhizome and leaf extracts, used in cell-free assays, showed strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In vitro tests revealed cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibition by the leaf extract, while the rhizome extract induced only lipoxygenase inhibition. MTT assays on HaCaT keratinocytes and L929 fibroblasts showed low cytotoxicity of extracts. In vitro scratch wound test on HaCaT resulted in a strong induction of wound closure with the leaf extract, while the effect of the rhizome extract was lower. The same test on L929 cells showed similar wound closure induction with both extracts. The results confirmed the traditional medicinal uses of the rhizome as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing remedy for superficial injuries but also highlighted that the leaves can be exploited for these purposes with equal or superior effectiveness.
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14
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Comparative Evaluation of the Nutrients, Phytochemicals, and Antioxidant Activity of Two Hempseed Oils and Their Byproducts after Cold Pressing. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27113431. [PMID: 35684369 PMCID: PMC9181874 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, there has been a growing interest in the recovery of agri-food waste within the circular economy perspective. In this study, the nutritional, phytochemical, and biological features of the cold-pressed hempseed oil (HSO) and hempseed meal (HSM) of two industrial hemp varieties (USO 31 and Futura 75, THC ≤ 0.2%) were evaluated. The HSOs showed a high total phenols and flavonoid content, which were confirmed by LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis, with rutin as the most abundant compound (56.93–77.89 µg/100 FW). They also proved to be a rich source of tocopherols (81.69–101.45 mg/100 g FW) and of a well-balanced ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acid ratio (3:1) with USO 31, which showed the best phytochemical profile and consequently the best antioxidant activity (about two times higher than Futura 75). The HSMs still retained part of the phytochemicals identified in the HSOs (polyphenols, tocopherols, and the preserved ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids ratio) and a modest antioxidant activity. Furthermore, they showed a very interesting nutritional profile, which was very rich in proteins (29.88–31.44 g/100 g FW), crude fibers (18.39–19.67 g/100 g), and essential and non-essential amino acids. Finally, only a restrained amount of anti-nutritional factors (trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid, and condensed tannins) was found, suggesting a promising re-use of these byproducts in the nutraceutical field.
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15
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Characterization of Ingredients Incorporated in the Traditional Mixed-Salad of the Capuchin Monks. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11030301. [PMID: 35161282 PMCID: PMC8838144 DOI: 10.3390/plants11030301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recipes on the composition of the “salad of the monks” (Capuchin monks) have been reported in Italy since the 17th century. Different wild edible plants were highly regarded as an important ingredient of this mixed salad. Among these, some species played a key role for both their taste and nutritional properties: Plantago coronopus L. (PC), Rumex acetosa L., Cichorium intybus L., and Artemisia dracunculus L. In the present study, the micromorphological and phytochemical features as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts of these fresh and blanched leaves, were investigated. The extracts obtained by blanched leaves, according to the traditionally used cooking method, showed the highest content of bioactive compounds (total phenols 1202.31–10,751.88 mg GAE/100 g DW; flavonoids 2921.38–61,141.83 mg QE/100 g DW; flavanols 17.47–685.52 mg CE/100 g DW; proanthocyanidins 2.83–16.33 mg CyE/100 g DW; total chlorophyll 0.84–1.09 mg/g FW; carbohydrates 0.14–1.92 g/100 g FW) and possess the most marked antioxidant (IC50 0.30–425.20 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 240.20–970.02 µg/mL). Considering this, our results indicate that increased consumption of the investigated plants, in particular of PC, raw or cooked briefly, could provide a healthy food source in the modern diet by the recovery and enhancement of ancient ingredients.
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16
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Smeriglio A, Denaro M, Di Gristina E, Mastracci L, Grillo F, Cornara L, Trombetta D. Pharmacognostic approach to evaluate the micromorphological, phytochemical and biological features of Citrus lumia seeds. Food Chem 2021; 375:131855. [PMID: 34953240 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the micro-morphology as well as the chemical and biological features of Citrus lumia seeds. The cream-colored pyriform seed showed a woody coat covered by a thick layer of mucilage and an embryo with two large cotyledons rich in oil bodies. Hydroxycinnamic acid glycosides and flavonoids are the most abundant compounds in methanol and ethyl acetate extracts (ME and EAE), respectively. Conversely, fatty acids and α-tocopherol represent the main bioactive compounds in the hexane extract (HE). ME showed the most promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities already in cell-free assays. These results were confirmed by experiments carried out on human primary cells. Indeed, ME showed the best inhibitory activity against heat-induced haemolysis and ROS formation in erythrocytes. Moreover, the same order of potency (ME > EAE > HE) was observed also on peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in which the seed extracts were able to decrease TNF-α and IL-6 release after LPS-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Marcella Denaro
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Emilio Di Gristina
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences (SAAF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, bldg. 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), Pathology Unit, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16125 Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), Pathology Unit, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Cornara
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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17
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Smeriglio A, De Francesco C, Denaro M, Trombetta D. Prickly Pear Betalain-Rich Extracts as New Promising Strategy for Intestinal Inflammation: Plant Complex vs. Main Isolated Bioactive Compounds. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:722398. [PMID: 34594220 PMCID: PMC8476807 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.722398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, many studies have highlighted the health effects of betalains beyond their use as food dyes. The present study investigated betalain-rich extracts with different colors and their main bioactive compounds in order to provide first evidence as a new promising strategy for intestinal inflammation management. Prickly pear betalain–rich extracts, obtained by a QuEChERS method, have been characterized by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The potential role of betanin, indicaxanthin, and prickly pear extracts in counteracting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory events was evaluated by several in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays. Indicaxanthin and betanin represent the most abundant compounds (≥22.27 ± 4.50 and 1.16 ± 0.17 g/100 g dry extract, respectively). Prickly pear extracts showed the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with respect to the pure betalains both on in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays, demonstrating the occurrence of synergistic activity, without any cytotoxicity or alteration of the barrier systems. The release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and key inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, and NO) was strongly inhibited by both betalains and even more by prickly pear extracts, which showed a similar and sometimes better profile than the reference compounds trolox and dexamethasone in counteracting the IL-1β–induced intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - C De Francesco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Foundation Prof. Antonio Imbesi, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M Denaro
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - D Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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18
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Neuroprotective Effects of Palmatine via the Enhancement of Antioxidant Defense and Small Heat Shock Protein Expression in A β-Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:9966223. [PMID: 34567416 PMCID: PMC8460366 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9966223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Palmatine is a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid that has been reported to display neuroprotective effects against amyloid-β- (Aβ-) induced neurotoxicity. However, the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective activities of palmatine remain poorly characterized in vivo. We employed transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans models containing human Aβ1-42 to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of palmatine-mediated neuroprotection. Treatment with palmatine significantly delayed the paralytic process and reduced the elevated reactive oxygen species levels in Aβ-transgenic C. elegans. In addition, it increased oxidative stress resistance without affecting the lifespan of wild-type C. elegans. Pathway analysis suggested that the differentially expressed genes were related mainly to aging, detoxification, and lipid metabolism. Real-time PCR indicated that resistance-related genes such as sod-3 and shsp were significantly upregulated, while the lipid metabolism-related gene fat-5 was downregulated. Further studies demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of palmatine on Aβ toxicity were attributable to the free radical-scavenging capacity and that the upregulated expression of resistance-related genes, especially shsp, whose expression was regulated by HSF-1, played crucial roles in protecting cells from Aβ-induced toxicity. The research showed that there were significantly fewer Aβ deposits in transgenic CL2006 nematodes treated with palmatine than in control nematodes. In addition, our study found that Aβ-induced toxicity was accompanied by dysregulation of lipid metabolism, leading to excessive fat accumulation in Aβ-transgenic CL4176 nematodes. The alleviation of lipid disorder by palmatine should be attributed not only to the reduction in fat synthesis but also to the inhibition of Aβ aggregation and toxicity, which jointly maintained metabolic homeostasis. This study provides new insights into the in vivo neuroprotective effects of palmatine against Aβ aggregation and toxicity and provides valuable targets for the prevention and treatment of AD.
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Vitalini S, Iriti M, Vinciguerra V, Garzoli S. A Comparative Study of the Chemical Composition by SPME-GC/MS and Antiradical Activity of Less Common Citrus Species. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175378. [PMID: 34500811 PMCID: PMC8434063 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Citrus secondary metabolites, such as terpene compounds, are very important for human health due to their bioactivity including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant effects. In this work, for the first time, the volatile chemical composition of peels and juices from four different Citrus species (C. junos, Citrus × aurantium, C. aurantium 'Bizzarria' and C. medica 'Florentina', commonly known as Yuzu jeune, Oni Yuzu, Bizzarria orange and Florence cedar, respectively) was investigated by Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) technique and the antiradical activity was also examined. The results showed that limonene and γ-terpinene were the main volatile substances detected both in the juices and in the peels, followed by other minority compounds responsible for the phyto-complex of the unique aromas which characterize each individual analyzed Citrus species. Principal component analysis (PCA), performed on volatile compounds, showed both some correlation as well as a clear separation between the juice and the peel of each species. Among them, Oni Yuzu juice was found to be the richest in total polyphenols and flavonoids while its capacity to scavenge ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals was similar to that of Yuzu Jeune and Bizzarria orange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vitalini
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Phytochem Lab, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Marcello Iriti
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- Phytochem Lab, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), 50121 Firenze, Italy
- Center for Studies on Bioispired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II’, 80055 Portici, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.I.); (S.G.)
| | - Vittorio Vinciguerra
- Department for Innovation in Biological Systems, Food and Forestry, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
| | - Stefania Garzoli
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.I.); (S.G.)
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Smeriglio A, Denaro M, Trombetta D, Ragusa S, Circosta C. New Insights on Euphorbia dendroides L. ( Euphorbiaceae): Polyphenol Profile and Biological Properties of Hydroalcoholic Extracts from Aerial Parts. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1621. [PMID: 34451666 PMCID: PMC8399491 DOI: 10.3390/plants10081621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Euphorbia dendroides L. is a rounded shrub commonly found in the Mediterranean area well-known, since ancient times, for its traditional use. The aim of the present study was to investigate the phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of flower (FE), leaf (LE), fruit (FrE), and branch (BE) hydroalcoholic extracts. For this purpose, a preliminary phytochemical screening followed by RP-LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis, as well as several in vitro cell-free colorimetric assays, were carried out. Moreover, the toxicity of the extracts was investigated by the brine shrimp lethality assay. All extracts showed a high content of polyphenols, in particular phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid 0.74-13.80 g/100 g) and flavonoids (rutin 0.05-2.76 g/100 g and isovitexin 8.02 in BE). All the extracts showed strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with, on average, the following order of potency: FE, LE, FrE, and BE. Interestingly, all the extracts investigated did not show any toxicity on Artemia salina. Moreover, the only LD50 found (BE, 8.82 mg/mL) is well above the concentration range, which has been shown the biological properties. Considering this, this study offers the first evidence of the possible use of the polyphenol extracts from the aerial parts of E. dendroides as promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (M.D.); (D.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Marcella Denaro
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (M.D.); (D.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (M.D.); (D.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Salvatore Ragusa
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Clara Circosta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (M.D.); (D.T.); (C.C.)
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Denaro M, Smeriglio A, Trombetta D. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Citrus Flavanones Mix and Its Stability after In Vitro Simulated Digestion. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020140. [PMID: 33498195 PMCID: PMC7908975 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, several studies have highlighted the role of Citrus flavanones in counteracting oxidative stress and inflammatory response in bowel diseases. The aim of study was to identify the most promising Citrus flavanones by a preliminary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory screening by in vitro cell-free assays, and then to mix the most powerful ones in equimolar ratio in order to investigate a potential synergistic activity. The obtained flavanones mix (FM) was then subjected to in vitro simulated digestion to evaluate the availability of the parent compounds at the intestinal level. Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity was investigated on a Caco-2 cell-based model stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β. FM showed stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with respect to the single flavanones, demonstrating the occurrence of synergistic activity. The LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis of gastric and duodenal digested FM (DFM) showed that all compounds remained unchanged at the end of digestion. As proof, a superimposable behavior was observed between FM and DFM in the anti-inflammatory assay carried out on Caco-2 cells. Indeed, it was observed that both FM and DFM decreased the IL-6, IL-8, and nitric oxide (NO) release similarly to the reference anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone.
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