In Vitro Antidiabetic, Anti-Obesity and Antioxidant Analysis of Ocimum basilicum Aerial Biomass and in Silico Molecular Docking Simulations with Alpha-Amylase and Lipase Enzymes

Exploring Folklore Ecuadorian Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Components Focusing on Antidiabetic Potential: An Overview

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern characterized by a deficiency in insulin production. Considering the systemic toxicity and limited efficacy associated with current antidiabetic medications, there is the utmost need for natural, plant-based alternatives. Herbal medicines have experienced exponential growth in popularity globally in recent years for their natural origins and minimal side effects. Ecuador has a rich cultural history in ethnobotany that plays a crucial role in its people's lives. This study identifies 27 Ecuadorian medicinal plants that are traditionally used for diabetes treatment and are prepared through infusion, decoction, or juice, or are ingested in their raw forms. Among them, 22 plants have demonstrated hypoglycemic or anti-hyperglycemic properties that are rich with bioactive phytochemicals, which was confirmed in several in vitro and in vivo studies. However, Bryophyllum gastonis-bonnieri, Costus villosissimus, Juglans neotropica, Pithecellobium excelsum, and Myroxylon peruiferum, which were extensively used in traditional medicine preparation in Ecuador for many decades to treat diabetes, are lacking in pharmacological elucidation. The Ecuadorian medicinal plants used to treat diabetes have been found to have several bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, fatty acids, aldehydes, and terpenoids that are mainly responsible for reducing blood sugar levels and oxidative stress, regulating intestinal function, improving insulin resistance, inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, lowering gluconeogenic enzymes, stimulating glucose uptake mechanisms, and playing an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism. However, there is a substantial lack of integrated approaches between the existing ethnomedicinal practices and pharmacological research. Therefore, this review aims to discuss and explore the traditional medicinal plants used in Ecuador for treating DM and their bioactive phytochemicals, which are mainly responsible for their antidiabetic properties. We believe that the use of Ecuadorian herbal medicine in a scientifically sound way can substantially benefit the local economy and industries seeking natural products.

GC-MS analysis of an ethanolic extract of Ocimum species: a network pharmacology analysis insight towards obesity

Aim: In this study, we have selected two different Ocimum tenuiflorum plants, Ocimum tenuiflorum (Rama tulsi) (OTRT) and Ocimum tenuiflorum (Krishna tulsi) (OTKT). Materials & methods: In the present investigation, ethanol was used as a solvent to estimate the bioactive compounds present in it through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: Based on the GC-MS data benzenepropanoic acid, 3-methoxy-alpha,4-bis[(trimethylsilyl)oxy was found to be the potent compound in OTRT (MW: 428.74 g/mol) and methyl 3-(4-benzyloxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanoate in OTKT (MW: 342.39 g/mol). To estimate its pharmacological application, an integrated Network Pharmacology approach is performed toward the disease target obesity. Conclusion: From the protein-protein interaction from the string database, SRC, BCL2, EGFR, MTOR, CDK1, ERBB2, MAPK1, FYN, AR and MAPK14 are the top-ranked targets.

Antiobesity effect of healthy food crops and functional foods: A systematic review of their mechanisms

Diet is a modifiable risk factor in the prevention and management of obesity, and various foods have the potential to aid in obesity management by modulating different pathways involved in the disease's pathology. We performed a systematic review of literature, using CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar, focusing on the antiobesity potential of foods crops and functional food products, and their mechanisms of action and clinical evidence. Sixty-four articles were identified, of which 41 investigated food crops, while 23 investigated functional products. Food crops, such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, seaweeds, legumes, herbs, spices, and cocoa seeds, have antiobesity effects through mechanisms such as altering the metabolism of glucolipids by inhibiting enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase, stimulating the bioenergetics of thermogenic fat, modulating gut microbiota, and inhibiting lipogenesis and storage. In addition, developed functional teas, beverages, and yoghurt have antiobesity effects through similar or different mechanisms, such as enhancing energy expenditure and satiety, suppressing adipogenesis and lipolysis, improving glucose and lipid metabolism, and altering hormonal secretion. This review reemphasized the significance of food in the control of obesity, and highlights the distinct methods these explored foods exert their antiobesity effects. In conclusion, foods are safe and effective means of combating obesity without the side effects of conventional drugs, which can help inform dietary choices, assist professionals in providing more accurate advice, and also lead to better understanding of food and its effect on overall health of the public. This approach will eradicate global diseases, especially if more underutilized and indigenous food crops are extensively researched.

XRD/DFT, Hirshfeld surface analysis and molecular modelling simulations for unfolding reactivity of newly synthesized vanillin derivatives: excellent optical, NLO and protein binding efficiency

New vanillin derivatives, namely, ethyl (4-formyl-2-methoxyphenoxy)acetate (2a) and 2-(4-formyl-2-methoxyphenoxy)-N-phenylacetamide (2b), respectively, were synthesized and characterized by NMR (1H and 13C), IR, mass spectra and confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis was performed to probe intra- and intermolecular interactions and surface reactivity. 2D fingerprint plots (FP) were used to study the nature and percentage contribution of intermolecular interactions leading to the formation of the crystal unit. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations were used to obtain the electronic structure and reactivity of the new molecules. Natural population analysis (NPA) and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) calculations reveal significant charge transfer and a reduced HOMO-LUMO gap up to 4.34 eV for 2b. Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) study is utilized to understand the surface topological and bonding nature of 2a and 2b. The performed molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) and density of states (DOS) study further suggest sites likely to be attractive to incoming reagents. At the same time, hyperpolarizability (βo) is used to characterize the nonlinear optical properties, and TD-DFT study shows the excitation energy and absorption behavior. In silico studies were performed, including docking, binding free energies (MMBGSA) and molecular dynamics simulations. Compounds 2a and 2b were docked with RdRp of SARS-Cov-2, and the MMBGSA for 2a and 2b were -30.70 and -28.47 kcal/mol, respectively, while MD simulation showed the stability of protein-ligand complexes.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Assessment of anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-obesity and antioxidant activity of Ocimum Basilicum seeds essential oil from Palestine

BACKGROUND

Many modern pharmaceutical researchers continue to focus on the discovery and evaluation of natural compounds for possible therapies for obesity, diabetes, infections, cancer, and oxidative stress. Extraction of Ocimum basilicum seed essential oil and evaluation of its antioxidant, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities were the goals of the current study.

METHOD

O. basilicum seed essential oil was extracted and evaluated for its anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic properties utilizing standard biomedical assays.

RESULTS

O. basilicum seed essential oil showed good anticancer activity against Hep3B (IC₅₀ 56.23 ± 1.32 µg/ml) and MCF-7 (80.35 ± 1.17 µg/ml) when compared with the positive control, Doxorubicin. In addition, the essential oil showed potent antibacterial (against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and antifungal (against Candida albicans) activities. Moreover, as for the anti-amylase test, IC₅₀ was 74.13 ± 1.1 µg/ml, a potent effect compared with the IC₅₀ of acarbose, which was 28.10 ± 0.7 µg/ml. On the other hand, for the anti-lipase test, the IC₅₀ was 112.20 ± 0.7 µg/ml a moderate effect compared with the IC₅₀ of orlistat, which was 12.30 ± 0.8 µg/ml. Finally, the oil had a potent antioxidant effect with an IC₅₀ of 23.44 ± 0.9 µg/ml compared with trolox (IC₅₀ was 2.7 ± 0.5 µg/ml).

CONCLUSION

This study has provided initial data that supports the importance of O. basilcum essential oil in traditional medicine. The extracted oil not only exhibited significant anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties but also antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects, which provided a foundation for future research.

Chemo-structural diversity of anti-obesity compound database

Nature plays a major role in the development of new drugs which helps in preventing and treating human diseases. Anti-obesity compound database (AOCD) contains comprehensive information on all published small molecules from natural sources with anti-obesity potential targeting pancreatic lipase (PL), appetite suppressant (AS) and adipogenesis (AD). Presently the database contains 349 compounds isolated from 307 plants, 26 marine and 16 microbial sources. Users can query the AOCD database (https://aocd.swmd.co.in/) in several ways. The database was divided into three datasets (PL, AS and AD) to perform chemoinformatic analysis using Platform for Unified Molecular Analysis (PUMA), which were analyzed based on molecular descriptors, scaffold diversity and structural fingerprint diversity. Chemoinformatics study inferred the PL dataset has the highest diversity of compounds based on the Euclidean distance on molecular properties, scaffold diversity and pairwise similarity on fingerprint diversity. This study would hasten the process of anti-obesity drug discovery.

Papaverinol-N-Oxide: A Microbial Biotransformation Product of Papaverine with Potential Antidiabetic and Antiobesity Activity Unveiled with In Silico Screening

Bioconversion of biosynthetic heterocyclic compounds has been utilized to produce new semisynthetic pharmaceuticals and study the metabolites of bioactive drugs used systemically. In this investigation, the biotransformation of natural heterocyclic alkaloid papaverine via filamentous fungi was explored. Molecular docking simulations, using protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase (PL) as target enzymes, were performed to investigate the antidiabetic potential of papaverine and its metabolites in silico. The metabolites were isolated from biotransformation of papaverine with Cunninghamella elegans NRRL 2310, Rhodotorula rubra NRRL y1592, Penicillium chrysogeneum ATCC 10002 and Cunninghamella blackesleeana NRRL 1369 via reduction, demethylation, N-oxidation, oxidation and hydroxylation reactions. Seven metabolites were isolated: namely, 3,4-dihydropapaverine (metabolite 1), papaveroline (metabolite 2), 7-demethyl papaverine (metabolite 3), 6,4'-didemethyl papaverine (metabolite 4), papaverine-3-ol (metabolite 5), papaverinol (metabolite 6) and papaverinol N-oxide (metabolite 7). The structural elucidation of the metabolites was investigated with 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectroscopy (EI and ESI). The molecular docking studies showed that metabolite 7 exhibited better binding interactions with the target enzymes PTP1B, α-glucosidase and PL than did papaverine. Furthermore, papaverinol-N-oxide (7) also displayed inhibition of α-glucosidase and lipase enzymes comparable to that of their ligands (acarbose and orlistat, respectively), as unveiled with an in silico ADMET profile, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for enhanced inhibition of PTP1B, α-glucosidase and PL via some papaverine fungal transformation products and, therefore, potentially better antidiabetic and antiobesity effects than those of papaverine and other known therapeutic agents.

In Vivo Pharmacodynamics of Calophyllum soulattri as Antiobesity with In Silico Molecular Docking and ADME/Pharmacokinetic Prediction Studies

This study aims to determine the antiobesity activity of Calophyllum soulattri leaves extract (CSLE) on high fat diet-fed rats (HFD) and to predict the molecular docking and pharmacokinetics of selected compounds of Calophyllum soulattri to fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO). Daily body weight, organ, carcass fat (renal and anal), body mass index, total cholesterol, and total triglyceride levels were observed after CSLE was given orally for 50 days. Furthermore, body mass index of a CSLE dose of 50 mg/kgbw, 100 mg/kgbw and orlistat (120 mg/kgbw) group are 0.68, 0.57 and 0.52, respectively. The total body weight of the CLSE dose of 100 mg/kgbw group showed the lowest percentage change, followed by a CLSE dose of 50 mg/kgbw compared to the normal and positive control group. The carcass fat index of CSLE dose of 100 mg/kgbw was not significantly different from orlistat, which was in line with its total cholesterol level and triglyceride (p < 0.05). The binding affinity of selected compounds from Calophyllum soulattri (friedelin, caloxanthone B, macluraxanthone, stigmasterol, trapezifolixanthone, dombakinaxanthone, and brasixanthone B) to FTO are –8.27, –9.74, –8.48, –9.34, –8.85, –8.68 and –9.39 kcal/mol, which are better than that of orlistat at –4.80 kcal/mol. The molecular dynamics simulation showed that the interaction between Caloxanthone B compounds and obesity receptors was relatively stable. Lipinski’s rule determined the absorption percentage of all compounds above 90% with good drug-likeness. The results showed the potential of CSLE as an antiobesity drug candidate.

Investigation of Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic and Anti-Obesity Effects of Euphorbia Resinifera L

Objectives

The aim of this work is to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and antiobesity effects of Euphorbia resinifera extracts and investigate the phenolic constituents and the toxicity of these extracts.

Methods

Phytochemical screening was performed to detect polyphenols and flavonoids. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by four methods (DPPH, ABTS, H₂O₂, and xanthine oxidase inhibition). The hypoglycemic effect was determined by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in vitro and via a starch tolerance study in normal rats. The antiobesity effect was estimated by in vitro inhibition of lipase.

Results

Phytochemical screening revealed that the ethanolic extract was rich in polyphenols (99 ± 0.56 mg GEA/g extract) and tannins (55.22 ± 0.17 mg RE/g extract). Moreover, this extract showed higher antioxidant activity in different tests the DPPH assay (IC₅₀ = 53.81 ± 1.83 µg/mL), ABTS assay (111.4 ± 2.64 mg TE/g extract), H₂O₂ (IC₅₀ = 98.15 ± 0.68 µg/mL), and xanthine oxidase (IC₅₀ = 10.26 ± 0.6 µg/mL). With respect to hypoglycemic effect, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed IC₅₀ values of 119.7 ± 2.15 µg/mL and 102 ± 3.63 µg/mL for α-amylase and 121.4 ± 1.88 and 56.6 ± 1.12 µg/mL for α-glucosidase, respectively, and the extracts lowered blood glucose levels in normal starch-loaded rats. Additionally, lipase inhibition was observed with aqueous (IC₅₀ = 25.3 ± 1.53 µg/mL) and ethanolic (IC₅₀ = 13.7 ± 3.03 µg/mL) extracts.

Conclusion

These findings show the antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hyperlipidemic effects of E. resinifera extracts, which should be investigated further to validate their medicinal uses and their pharmaceutical applications.

Differential Nutrition-Health Properties of Ocimum basilicum Leaf and Stem Extracts

(1) Background: Ocimum basilicum L. is an aromatic medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family known as sweet basil. It is used in traditional medicine for its beneficial effects on gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, immune system, pyrexia or cancer among others. Ocimum basilicum (OB) leaf extracts contain many phytochemicals bearing the plant health effects but no reports is available on the potential bioactivity of stem extracts. Our investigation aimed at assessing the differential biological activity between basil leaf and stem to promote this co-product valorization. (2) Method: For this purpose we explored phytochemical composition of both parts of the plant. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through total polyphenol content measure, DPPH and ORAC tests. Anti-inflammatory markers on stimulated macrophages, including NO (nitric oxide), TNFa (tumor necrosis factor alpha), IL-6 (interleukin 6), MCP1 (monocyte attractant protein 1) and PGE-2 (prostaglandin E2), were evaluated. In addition, we investigated OB effects on jejunum smooth muscle contractility. (3) Results: OB extracts from leaves and stems demonstrated a different biological activity profile at the level of both antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle relaxation effects. (4) Conclusion: Taken together our results suggest that Ocimum basilicum extracts from co-product stems, in addition to leaves, may be of interest at the nutrition-health level with specific therapeutic potential.

Computational analysis of marine algal compounds for obesity management against pancreatic lipase

Obesity is considered a global crisis because of its increased risk factors triggered by lifestyle changes. The prevalence of this condition is increasing at an alarming rate, giving rise to development of novel drugs. Pancreatic lipase possesses higher efficacy in inhibiting this condition among the other drug targets. In this study, virtual screening of 126 plant-derived anti-obesity compounds and 1110 marine algal compounds from seaweed metabolite database were screened and targeted against pancreatic lipase and ranked based on their binding affinity values. A total of 530 compounds that possessed best docked scores of less than -6 kcal/mol were checked for Lipinski's properties through Swiss ADME. Furthermore, these compounds were subjected to toxicity prediction using PROTOX II server. As much as 38 compounds were found to be non-toxic and were subjected to molecular docking analysis. Based on the binding energy, the following compounds RG012 (-10.15 kcal/mol), LIG42 (-9.7 kcal/mol), BC010 (-8.47 kcal/mol), RL073 (-8.2 kcal/mol), and LIG46 (-8.03 kcal/mol) were selected exhibiting higher binding affinity when compared to the standard drug (Orlistat) and hence these compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation using GROMACS. BC010 complex revealed a stable interaction within the binding pocket and the binding free energy is -158.208 kJ/mol which is higher when compared to other complexes in 100 ns simulation. BC010 ((7S,11S,12S,14R)-4',14-dimethoxyamentol) from brown algae Cystophora fibrosa could be considered as a potential drug candidate to suppress obesity by inhibiting pancreatic lipase.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ocimum basilicum L. Methanol Extract Enhances Mitochondrial Efficiency and Decreases Adipokine Levels in Maturing Adipocytes Which Regulate Macrophage Systemic Inflammation

Excessive storage of lipids in visceral or ectopic sites stimulates adipokine production, which attracts macrophages. This process determines the pro- and anti-inflammatory response regulation in adipose tissue during obesity-associated systemic inflammation. The present study aimed to identify the composition of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) seed extract and to determine its bio-efficacy on adipocyte thermogenesis or fatty acid oxidation and inhibition of lipid accumulation and adipokine secretion. Ocimum basilicum L. seed methanol extract (BSME) was utilized to analyze the cytotoxicity vs. control; lipid accumulation assay (oil red O and Nile red staining), adipogenesis and mitochondrial-thermogenesis-related gene expression vs. vehicle control were analyzed by PCR assay. In addition, vehicle control and BSME-treated adipocytes condition media were collected and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage to identify the macrophage polarization. The results shown that the active components present in BSME did not produce significant cytotoxicity in preadipocytes or macrophages in the MTT assay. Furthermore, oil red O and Nile red staining assay confirmed that 80 and 160 μg/dL concentrations of BSME effectively arrested lipid accumulation and inhibited adipocyte maturation, when compared with tea polyphenols. Gene expression level of adipocyte hyperplasia (CEBPα, PPARγ) and lipogenesis (LPL)-related genes have been significantly (p ≤ 0.05) downregulated, and mitochondrial-thermogenesis-associated genes (PPARγc1α, UCP-1, prdm16) have been significantly (p ≤ 0.001) upregulated. The BSME-treated, maturing, adipocyte-secreted proteins were detected with a decreased protein level of leptin, TNF-α, IL-6 and STAT-6, which are associated with insulin resistance and macrophage recruitment. The “LPS-stimulated macrophage” treated with “BSME-treated adipocytes condition media”, shown with significant (p ≤ 0.001) decrease in metabolic-inflammation-related proteins—such as PGE-2, MCP-1, TNF-α and NF-κB—were majorly associated with the development of foam cell formation and progression of atherosclerotic lesion. The present findings concluded that the availability of active principles in basil seed effectively inhibit adipocyte hypertrophy, macrophage polarization, and the inflammation associated with insulin resistance and thrombosis development. Ocimum basilicum L. seed may be useful as a dietary supplement to enhance fatty acid oxidation, which aids in overcoming metabolic complications.

Salacia pallescens Oliv. (Celastraceae) Scavenges Free Radicals and Inhibits Pro-inflammatory Mediators in Lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW Cells 264.7 Macrophages

OBJECTIVES

Salacia pallescens has folkloric anti-inflammatory claims, with little scientific investigation. Hence, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects along with phytochemical components of the plant were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidant property of S. pallescens leaf (SPL) methanol extract was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and nitric oxide inhibition assays. The anti-inflammatory property of SPL in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages was determined. The cytotoxicity of SPL was assessed in brine shrimp lethality assay (BSL) and against RAW 264.7 cells in a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide based assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to identify SPL phytochemical compounds.

RESULTS

SPL significantly scavenged free radical generated in the antioxidant assays and inhibited nitrite production in stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Similarly, there was a 9-fold reduction in interleukin-6 produced in RAW 264.7 cells when exposed to the highest concentration of SPL. In addition, 50% lethal concentration of SPL was 455.58±82.35 µg/mL while cyclophosphamide gave 16.3±0.15 µg/mL in BSL test. Moreover, cell viability was not affected by SPL. Sixteen compounds were identified from SPL where thymol (29.79%), 3-carene (15.97%), and p-cymene (12.19%) are the most abundant.

CONCLUSION

Methanol extract of SPL showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by free radicals and cytokines inhibition. The activity observed may be related to the polyphenolic compounds in the plant.

An efficient method based on an inhibitor-enzyme complex to screen an active compound against lipase from Toona sinensis

As a popular vegetable, Toona sinensis has a wide range of bioactivities including lipase inhibitory activity. In the present study, an efficient and rapid method using a ligand-enzyme complex was established for screening of an active compound against lipase from Toona sinensis. The ethyl acetate extract of Toona sinensis showed good lipase inhibitory activity. After incubation with lipase, one of the compounds in the extract decreased significantly while comparing the HPLC chromatograms before and after incubation, which indicated that it may be the active compound bound to lipase. Then, the compound was isolated using a Sephadex LH-20 column and identified as 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. The in vitro activity test showed that the compound had good inhibitory activity against lipase, and its IC₅₀ value was 118.8 ± 1.53 μg mL^-1. The kinetic experiments indicated that 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose inhibited lipase through mixed competitive and non-competitive inhibitions. Further docking results showed that the target compound could bind to the active site of lipase stably through seven hydrogen bonds, resulting in a docking energy of -8.31 kcal mol^-1. The proposed method can not only screen the lipase inhibitors from Toona sinensis quickly and effectively, but also provide an effective way for the rapid screening of active substances in natural food and plants.

Evaluation of Biosafety, Antiobesity, and Endothelial Cells Proliferation Potential of Basil Seed Extract Loaded Organic Solid Lipid Nanoparticle

The present study aimed to synthesize solid lipid nanoparticles to enhance liposome-assisted intracellular uptake of basil seed active components in adipocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells to attain increased bioavailability. To obtain solid lipid nanoparticle (SLNp), the water phase containing basil seed extract (BSE) was encapsulated with lipid matrix containing chia seed phospholipids using homogenization and cold ultra-sonication method. The physicochemical characterization of BSE loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (BSE-SLNp) has been analyzed using Zetasizer, FT-IR, and TEM. The BSE-SLNp showed an average diameter of 20-110 nm on the day of preparation and it remains the same after 60 days of storage. The cytotoxicity assay confirmed that the BSE-SLNp did not produce toxicity in hMSCs, preadipocytes, or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) until the tested higher dose up to 64 μg/ml. During effective dose determination, 4 μg/ml of BSE-SLNp confirmed non-toxic and enhanced metabolic function in hMSCs, preadipocytes, and HUVECs. Biosafety assay confirmed normal nuclear morphology in PI staining and high mitochondrial membrane potential in JC-1 assay within 48 h in hMSCs. The maturing adipocyte treated with 4 μg/ml of BSE-SLNp significantly increased the mitochondrial efficiency and fatty acid beta-oxidation (PPARγC1α, UCP-1, and PRDM-16) related gene expression levels. Oxidative stress induced HUVECs treated with 4 μg/ml of BSE-SLNp potentially enhanced antioxidant capacity, cell growth, and microtubule development within 48 h H₂O₂ induced oxidative stressed HUVECs have shown 39.8% viable cells, but treatment with BSE-SLNp has shown 99% of viable cells within 48 h confirmed by Annexin-V assay. In addition, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ_m) increased to 89.4% confirmed by JC-1 assay. The observed DNA integrity, cell viability was confirmed by increased antioxidant and tumor suppressor-related gene expression levels. VEGF expression has been significantly increased and pro-inflammation-related mRNA levels were decreased in BSE-SLNp treated cells. In conclusion, enhanced adipocyte fatty acid oxidation is directly associated with decreased adipocytokine secretion which arrests obesity-associated comorbidities. In addition, suppressing vascular cell oxidative stress and metabolic inflammation supports vascular cell proliferation and arrests ageing-related vascular diseases.

Optimization of betaine-sorbitol natural deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted extraction and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of chlorogenic acid and caffeine content from robusta green coffee beans

Natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) is an alternative approach in natural product extraction with various advantages, including low toxicity, biodegradable, and suitable phytochemical compounds in a wide range of polarity. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) and caffeine, a well-known compound in the coffee bean, have various potential health benefits. This study aims to optimize the betaine–sorbitol NADES-based ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method of CGA and caffeine from Robusta green coffee beans and determine the inhibitory activity of robusta green coffee beans extract of the betaine-sorbitol NADES-UAE from the optimum condition on pancreatic lipase in vitro and in silico. The betaine-sorbitol NADES-UAE factors as experimental design variable parameters include betaine-sorbitol ratio (0.5:1.2, 1.25:1.2, and 2:1.2 mol), extraction time (10, 35, and 60 min), and solid-liquid ratio (1:10, 1:20, and 1:30 g/mL). Response surface methodology and Box-Behnken Design were used to optimize the extraction process. The response surface was calculated by using CGA and caffeine content as response values. CGA and caffeine content was determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Whereas in vitro lipase inhibitory activity assay examined by spectrophotometric measurement and in silico molecular docking analysis on PDB ID: 1LPB. According to the results, the optimum conditions of the betaine-sorbitol NADES-UAE have obtained the betaine-sorbitol ratio of 1.25: 1.2 mol, solid-liquid ratio of 1:30 mg/mL, and 60 min extraction time. Furthermore, obtained Robusta green coffee extract from the optimum condition of the betaine-sorbitol NADES-UAE showed high potential to inhibit lipase activity with IC₅₀ of 18.02 μg/ml, comparable with IC₅₀ of standard CGA (11.90 μg/ml) and caffeine (15.59 μg/ml), where potential interaction of both standards was confirmed using molecular docking analysis. Our finding demonstrated the optimum condition of the betaine-sorbitol NADES-UAE method for CGA and caffeine extraction and the potential pancreatic lipase inhibition activity from the Robusta green coffee bean.

Promising terpenes as SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) attachment inhibitors to the human ACE2 receptor: Integrated computational approach

The spike protein receptor binding domain (S-RBD) is a necessary corona-viral protein for binding and entry of coronaviruses (COVs) into the host cells. Hence, it has emerged as an attractive antiviral drug target. Therefore, present study was aimed to target severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) S-RBD with novel bioactive compounds to retrieve potential candidates that could serve as anti-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) drugs. In this paper, computational approaches were employed, especially the structure-based virtual screening followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as well as binding energy analysis for the computational identification of specific terpenes from the medicinal plants, which can block SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD binding to Human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (H-ACE2) and can act as potent anti-COVID-19 drugs after further advancements. The screening of focused terpenes inhibitors database composed of ~1000 compounds with reported therapeutic potential resulted in the identification of three candidate compounds, NPACT01552, NPACT01557 and NPACT00631. These three compounds established conserved interactions, which were further explored through all-atom MD simulations, free energy calculations, and a residual energy contribution estimated by MM-PB(GB)SA method. All these compounds showed stable conformation and interacted well with the hot-spot residues of SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD. Conclusively, the reported SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD specific terpenes could serve as seeds for developing potent anti-COVID-19 drugs. Importantly, the experimentally tested glycyrrhizin (NPACT00631) against SARS-CoV could be used further in the fast-track drug development process to help curb COVID-19.

Anti-Obesity Attributes; UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-Based Metabolite Profiling and Molecular Docking Insights of Taraxacum officinale

The naturopathic treatment of obesity is a matter of keen interest to develop efficient natural pharmacological routes for disease management with low or negligible toxicity and side effects. For this purpose, optimized ultrasonicated hydroethanolic extracts of Taraxacum officinale were evaluated for antiobesity attributes. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method was adopted to evaluate antioxidant potential. Porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory assay was conducted to assess the in vitro antiobesity property. Ultra-high performance chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer was utilized to profile the secondary metabolites in the most potent extract. The 60% ethanolic extract exhibited highest extract yield (25.05 ± 0.07%), total phenolic contents (123.42 ± 0.007 mg GAE/g DE), total flavonoid contents (55.81 ± 0.004 RE/g DE), DPPH-radical-scavenging activity (IC50 = 81.05 ± 0.96 µg/mL) and pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties (IC50 = 146.49 ± 4.24 µg/mL). The targeted metabolite fingerprinting highlighted the presence of high-value secondary metabolites. Molecular-binding energies computed by docking tool revealed the possible contribution towards pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties of secondary metabolites including myricetin, isomangiferin, icariside B4, kaempferol and luteolin derivatives when compared to the standard drug orlistat. In vivo investigations revealed a positive impact on the lipid profile and obesity biomarkers of obese mice. The study presents Taraxacum officinale as a potent source of functional bioactive ingredients to impart new insights into the existing pool of knowledge of naturopathic approaches towards obesity management.

Ferulago nodosa Subsp. geniculata (Guss.) Troia & Raimondo from Sicily (Italy): Isolation of Essential Oil and Evaluation of Its Bioactivity

Ferulago nodosa (L.) Boiss. (Apiaceae) is a species occurring in the Balkan-Tyrrhenian area. The object of the present study is Sicilian F. nodosa subsp. geniculata (Guss.) Troia & Raimondo, classified as an endemic F. nodosa subspecies. Aerial parts of this plant species were subjected to hydrodistillation to obtain an essential oil. A total of 93 compounds were identified with 2,3,6-trimethyl benzaldehyde (19.0%), spathulenol (9.0%), (E)-caryophyllene (5.4%), and caryophyllene oxide (5.4%) as the main components. The biological activities of F. nodosa essential oil were also investigated. This oil showed an interesting antioxidant potential in a 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) test (IC₅₀ of 14.05 μg/mL). Additionally, hypoglycemic and antilipidemic effects were evaluated. Lipase enzyme was inhibited with an IC₅₀ value of 41.99 μg/mL. Obtained data demonstrated that F. nodosa could be considered a promising source of bioactive compounds useful for the treatment and management of obesity.

Potential Acetylcholinesterase, Lipase, α-Glucosidase, and α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity, as well as Antimicrobial Activities, of Essential Oil from Lettuce Leaf Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Elicited with Jasmonic Acid

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the elicitation with jasmonic acid on the biological activities of essential oils (EOs) from lettuce leaf basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Specifically, 0.01 µM jasmonic acid (JA1), 1 µM jasmonic acid (JA2), and 100 µM jasmonic acid (JA3) were used as elicitors. The results indicated that the elicitation increased the acetylcholinesterase, lipase, and α-amylase inhibitory activity of essential oils. A significant difference in α-glucosidase inhibition was noted only for the JA3 extract (IC50 = 0.81 µL/mL), as this activity was lower than in the control sample without elicitation (IC50 = 0.68 µL/mL). The studied basil EOs exhibited similar activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria). Based on the value of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC), the best antimicrobial activity was observed for JA2 and JA3.