Apiaceae as an Important Source of Antioxidants and Their Applications

The Mediterranean Species Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds

Research studies on plant secondary metabolites have increased over the last decades as a consequence of the growing consumer demand for natural products in pharmaceutics and therapeutics, as well as in perfumery and cosmetics. In this perspective, many Mediterranean plant species could be an appreciated source of bioactive compounds with pharmacological and health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor ones. Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare are commercially important plants of the Mediterranean flora, with great therapeutic use in the treatment of many disorders since ancient times, and are now listed in several world pharmacopoeias and drug agencies. The present review offers an overview of the main phytochemicals, phenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, biosynthesized in C. officinalis and F. vulgare, both species endemic to the Mediterranean region. Further, all current knowledge and scientific data on taxonomic classification, botanical description, traditional uses, pharmacological studies, and potential toxicity of both species were reported. The principal aim of this review is to point out the prospective use of C. officinalis and F. vulgare as valuable reservoirs of beneficial plant-derived products with interesting biological properties, also providing suggestions and future challenges for the full exploitation of these two Mediterranean species for human life improvement.

Detailed Phytochemical Composition, Cyto-/Hepatotoxicity, and Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Profile of Moroccan Spices: A Study on Coriander, Caraway, and Mystical Cumin

Coriander, caraway, and mystical cumin are famous for their aromatic properties and widely used in Moroccan cuisine. The nutritional/phytochemical composition of their seeds (used for food flavoring and preservation) were compared. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and hepatotoxic effects were also explored. The fat content was similar among the samples (13%), with monounsaturated fatty acids being predominant. The coriander and mystical cumin seeds were extremely rich in C18:1n9c (81 and 85%, respectively) while, in the caraway, C18:1n12 (25%) was found together with C18:1n9c (32%). The caraway seeds also presented a higher proportion of C18:2n6c (34%) than the other seeds (13 and 8%, correspondingly). γ-Tocotrienol was the major vitamin E form in all the samples. The caraway seeds contained double the amount of protein (~18%) compared to the other seeds (~8%) but, qualitatively, the amino acid profiles among all seeds were similar. The seeds were also rich in dietary fiber (40-53%); however, differences were found in their fiber profiles. Caraway showed the highest antioxidant profile and anti-inflammatory activity and an LC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis revealed great differences in the phenolic profiles of the samples. Cytotoxicity (NCI-H460, AGS, MCF-7, and CaCo2) and hepatotoxicity (RAW 264.7) were not observed. In sum, besides their flavoring/preservation properties, these seeds are also relevant source of bioactive compounds with health-promoting activities.

Unveiling the Antianemic Activity, Physicochemical Aspects, Antioxidant Properties, and Mineral Profile of Petroselinum crispum L

Anemia is a widespread global health concern necessitating effective, accessible, and natural interventions. The potential of medicinal plants to address anemia has garnered significant interest. Among these plants, parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Petroselinum crispum) L.) stands out as an edible and herbal-based option for combating anemia. Aim of the study: This study investigated the potential of P. crispum (PC-Ext) as an emerging antianemic product, focusing on its physicochemical attributes, antioxidant properties, and mineral profile. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the phenolic compounds in P. crispum were conducted by using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Anemia was induced in rats by intravenous injections of phenylhydrazine, administered at a dose of 40 mg/kg for two consecutive days. The antianemic activity of PC-Ext was assessed at a dose of 500 mg/kg twice daily for 5 weeks by estimating blood parameters, such as serum iron and ferritin. Additionally, the osmotic fragility test measured the capacity of red blood cells to withstand osmotic shock of various concentrations of saline. Aqueous extract of P. crispum was rich in phytochemical compounds, including syringic acid, quercetin, catechin, gallic acid, and luteolin. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of P. crispum in ameliorating phenylhydrazine-induced reductions in red blood cell count (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) levels. Consequently, PC-Ext exhibits significant activity against phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in rats, as demonstrated by its ability to prevent hemolysis. Iron estimation within PC-Ext further confirms its utility in addressing both iron deficiency and ferritin-deficiency anemia. Therefore, PC exhibits a favorable effect against both types of anemia, iron deficiency, and hemolysis. The results of this study provide robust scientific validation for ethnomedicinal use and the potential utility of P. crispum, positioning it as a promising source for future pharmaceutical development.

UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Profiling of Secondary Metabolites from Methanol Extracts of In Vivo and In Vitro Tissues of Daucus capillifolius Gilli (A Comparative Study)

Daucus capillifolius Gilli is a rare annual wild herb grown in Libya. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which is one of the largest flowering plant families. Plants of this family are outstanding sources of various secondary metabolites with various biological activities. A UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of different extracts of in vivo and in vitro tissues of Daucus capillifolius together with the fruit extract of the cultivated plant in both ionization modes was carried out for the first time in the current study. Our results reveal the tentative identification of eighty-seven compounds in the tested extracts, including thirty-two phenolic acids and their derivatives; thirty-seven flavonoid glycosides and aglycones of apigenin, luteolin, diosmetin, myricetin and quercetin, containing glucose, rhamnose, pentose and/or glucuronic acid molecules; seven anthocyanins; six tannins; three acetylenic compounds; and three nitrogenous compounds. The tentative identification of the above compounds was based on the comparison of their retention times and ESI-MS/MS fragmentation patterns with those previously reported in the literature. For this Apiaceae plant, our results confirm the presence of a wide array of secondary metabolites with reported biological activities. This study is among the first ones to shed light on the phytoconstituents of this rare plant.

The Effect of Combined Elicitation with Light and Temperature on the Chlorogenic Acid Content, Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Berula erecta in Tissue Culture

Chlorogenic acid is one of the most prominent bioactive phenolic acids with great pharmacological, cosmetic and nutritional value. The potential of Berula erecta in tissue culture was investigated for the production of chlorogenic acid and its elicitation combined with light of different wavelengths and low temperature. The content of chlorogenic acid in the samples was determined by HPLC-UV, while the content of total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of their ethanol extracts were evaluated spectrophotometrically. The highest fresh and dry biomasses were obtained in plants grown at 23 °C. This is the first study in which chlorogenic acid has been identified and quantified in Berula erecta. The highest chlorogenic acid content was 4.049 mg/g DW. It was determined in a culture grown for 28 days after the beginning of the experiment at 12 °C and under blue light. The latter also contained the highest content of total phenolic compounds, and its extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity. Berula erecta could, potentially, be suitable for the in vitro production of chlorogenic acid, although many other studies should be conducted before implementation on an industrial scale.

Antimicrobial and anti-diabetic efficiency of Polyalthia longifolia leaf extracts and major compounds characterization

This research was performed to investigate the bactericidal and fungicidal competence of extracts (methanol and petroleum ether extract) of Polyalthia longifolia leaf. Moreover, the major active compounds present in the effective crude extract (either methanol or petroleum ether extract) was determined through initially with UV-Vis spectra, FTIR, and GC-MS analyses. The methanol extract alone showed remarkable bactericidal and fungicidal activity against the bacterial (S. pyogenes > E. coli > S. aureus > S. pneumoniae > C. difficile > P. aeruginosa) and fungal (A. clavatus > C. albicans > A. niger > A. fumigatus > C. tropicalis > C. auris) pathogens at increased concentration (12.5 mg mL-1) than petroleum ether extract. The MIC and MBC values of methanol extract were found as 10-20 mg mL-1 and 30-40 mg mL-1 respectively. The MFC value of methanol extract was found as 10-20 mg mL-1. These MIC, MBC, and MFC values of methanol extract were considerably greater than petroleum ether extract. The FTIR and GC-MS characterization studies revealed that the presence of more acre functional groups belonging to bioactive compounds such as Z)-7-Hexadecenal, Aromandendrene, α-Curcumene, Caryophyllene, Methyl 14-methyl Pentadecanoat, Methyl trans-13-Octadecenoate, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, and 2-hydroxy-1- (hydroxymethyl)ethyl. As a result of these findings, it is possible that P. longifolia leaf methanol extract contains medicinally important bioactive substances with bactericidal and fungicidal properties.

Untargeted metabolomics-based molecular networking for chemical characterization of selected Apiaceae fruit extracts in relation to their antioxidant and anti-cellulite potentials

Stress, obesity, hormonal changes, and aging have been connected to cellulite aggravation resulting in skin dimpled appearance, a very common painless skin disorder with a female preponderance. Several Apiaceae plants have been traditionally used for cosmetic applications. However, their screening for anti-cellulite potential has not been deeply investigated. In this work, UPLC-HRMS/MS coupled with molecular networking was employed to glean a holistic overview of the chemodiversity of the metabolome of nine Apiaceae fruits. Additionally, the extracts were screened for in vitro antioxidant and anti-cellulite activities. Apium graveolens and Petroselinum crispum revealed excellent free radical scavenging activity, remarkably increased lipolysis, and decreased adipogenesis. Furthermore, apigenin and its glycosides were identified to be the major components in both extracts, which might be responsible for the antioxidant activity and anti-cellulite potential. Conclusively, these results signify the potent antioxidant and anti-cellulite properties of A. graveolens and P. crispum fruit extracts, holding potential for the development of plant derived products for cellulite management.

Regional Variations in Peucedanum japonicum Antioxidants and Phytochemicals

Peucedanum japonicum has long been a staple in East Asian cuisine. In the context of traditional medicine, various members of the Peucedanum genus have been investigated for potential medicinal properties. In laboratory settings, some compounds derived from this plant have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties-characteristics often associated with potential medicinal applications. This study aimed to determine which part of the P. japonicum plants cultivated on two Korean islands contains the most antioxidant compounds. This determination was made through assessments of total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content, coupled with evaluation of antioxidant activity via DPPH and ABTS assays. The results showed that the aerial parts contain a richer array of bioactive compounds and demonstrate superior antioxidant activity compared to their root counterparts in the plants from both islands. To characterize the phytochemicals underpinning this bioactivity, LC-MS/MS and HPLC analyses were carried out. These methods detected varying amounts of chlorogenic acid, peucedanol 7-O-glucoside, rutin, and peucedanol, with good separation and retention times. This study addresses the lack of research on the antioxidant activity of different parts of P. japonicum. The findings hold significance for traditional medicine, dietary supplements, and the development of functional foods. Understanding antioxidant distribution aids in the development of medicinal and nutritional applications, influences agricultural practices, and contributes to regional biodiversity-conservation efforts. The study's geographical scope provides insights into how location impacts the concentration of bioactive compounds in plants. Overall, the results contribute valuable data for future research in plant biology, biochemistry, and related fields.

Extractions of aerial parts of Hippomarathrum scabrum with conventional and green methodologies: Chemical profiling, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and anti-cancer effects

Hippomarathrum scabrum L. is an endemic medicinal plant in Turkey; however, there have been few studies investigating the phytochemistry and biological properties of these plants has not been investigated. The aim of this work is to determine the chemical composition of different extracts (extracts obtained by using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, accelerated solvent extraction, homogenizer-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction from Hippomarathrum scabrum L., and evaluate their biological properties. The analysis revealed that 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, rutin, and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside were the main bioactive compounds. The extract obtained by accelerated extraction contains the highest concentration of 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid (7616.74 ± 63.09 mg/kg dry extract) followed by the extract obtained by homogenizer-assisted extraction (6682.53 ± 13.04 mg/kg dry extract). In antioxidant tests, all extracts expressed significant antioxidant activity. Also, cytotoxic and anticancer effects of these plant extracts were detected in the human prostate cancer cell line. Intrinsic apoptotic genes were up-regulated and anti-apoptotic genes were down-regulated in human prostate cancer cells after inhibition concentration dose treatment. The findings are promising, and suggest the use of these plant extracts could be used as natural sources with different biological activities, as well as anticancer agents.

Naturally Occurring Cholinesterase Inhibitors from Plants, Fungi, Algae, and Animals: A Review of the Most Effective Inhibitors Reported in 2012-2022

Since the development of the "cholinergic hypothesis" as an important therapeutic approach in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the scientific community has made a remarkable effort to discover new and effective molecules with the ability to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The natural function of this enzyme is to catalyze the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. Thus, its inhibition increases the levels of this neurochemical and improves the cholinergic functions in patients with AD alleviating the symptoms of this neurological disorder. In recent years, attention has also been focused on the role of another enzyme, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), mainly in the advanced stages of AD, transforming this enzyme into another target of interest in the search for new anticholinesterase agents. Over the past decades, Nature has proven to be a rich source of bioactive compounds relevant to the discovery of new molecules with potential applications in AD therapy. Bioprospecting of new cholinesterase inhibitors among natural products has led to the discovery of an important number of new AChE and BChE inhibitors that became potential lead compounds for the development of anti-AD drugs. This review summarizes a total of 260 active compounds from 142 studies which correspond to the most relevant (IC50 ≤ 15 μM) research work published during 2012-2022 on plant-derived anticholinesterase compounds, as well as several potent inhibitors obtained from other sources like fungi, algae, and animals.

Green Synthesis of Selenium, Zinc Oxide, and Strontium Nanoparticles and Their Antioxidant Activity - A Comparative In Vitro Study

Background Antioxidants are vital in reducing oxidative stress, a key factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of our study is to analyze and compare the oxidative potential of biosynthesized selenium, strontium, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs). Materials and methods Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized using 20 mM of sodium selenite as the precursor and 1 g each of Cymbopogon citratus and Syzygium aromaticum as reducing and stabilizing agents. Strontium nanoparticles (SrNPs) were synthesized with 30 mM of strontium chloride as the precursor and 1 g of Acacia nilotica as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using 30 mM of zinc nitrate as the precursor and 1 g each of Cuminum cyminum and Syzygium aromaticum as reducing and stabilizing agents. Selenium, strontium, and zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The antioxidant activity of biogenically synthesized strontium, selenium and zinc oxide nanoparticles was examined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay (DPPH assay) and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (H2O2 assay). Results The FT-IR spectra of selenium nanoparticles revealed a peak at 3327.990 cm-1, strontium nanoparticles at 3332.331 cm-1, and zinc oxide nanoparticles at 3216.346 cm-1. The significant results for the green-synthesized selenium, strontium, and zinc oxide nanoparticles were observed in antioxidant assays. The results from the DPPH assay show that at the highest concentration of 50 µL, SrNPs exhibited 90.12 % inhibition, SeNPs displayed 90.12% inhibition, and ZnONPs showed 89.55% inhibition. In the H2O2 assay, at the highest concentration of 50 µL, SrNPs showed 87.43% inhibition, SeNPs displayed 85.11% inhibition, and ZnONPs exhibited 84.66% inhibition. SrNPs demonstrated a higher percentage of inhibition in both the DPPH and H2O2 assays. Maximum inhibitory activity was observed at the highest concentration. However, the prepared nanoparticles showed a slightly lower percentage of inhibition when compared to the standard. Conclusion Strontium nanoparticles synthesized based on Acacia nilotica demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity compared to the synthesized selenium and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Therefore, the study suggests that the produced strontium nanoparticles can serve as an antioxidant agent, owing to their remarkable free radical scavenging activity.

Apiaceae Family an Important Source of Petroselinic Fatty Acid: Abundance, Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Biological Proprieties

Petroselinic fatty acid (PeFA) is considered a rare fatty acid and one of the most important fatty acids in the Apiaceae family. Its content varies depending on plant species, geographical origin, extraction method, ripeness, etc. Indeed, reported levels of petroselinic fatty acid range from 10.4 to 75.6% (in anise seed oil), 1 to 81.9% (in coriander seed oil), 28.5 to 57.6% (in caraway seed oil), 49.4 to 75.6% (in celery seed oil), 41.3 to 61.8% (in caraway seed oil), 79.9 to 87.2% (in dill seed oil), 43.1 to 81.9% (in fennel seed oil), and 35 to 75.1% (parsley seed oil). In this review, we also show current knowledge about genes encoding biosynthesis, from the desaturation of 16:0-ACP to petroselinic acid stored in triacylglycerol in the seeds. Furthermore, petroselinic acid is not related to the synthesis of ABA. PeFA was successfully isolated from Apiaceae family plant seeds in order to study their reactivity and biological activities. Several investigations showed that this fatty acid has a wide range of biological potentials, including antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. In cosmetics, PeFA alone or in association with other active compounds has interesting applications as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders.

Improved antioxidant activities of spice require enrichment of distinct yet closely-related metabolic pathways

Improved biosynthesis of commercially and pharmacologically relevant phytometabolites through genetic and metabolic engineering is a lucrative strategy for crop improvement. However, identifying appropriate biosynthetic pathways pertaining to specific bioactivities has been challenging since the major metabolic pathways remain closely interconnected. Here we propose a reverse association strategy in which, based on the phytochemical profile, putative target metabolic pathways could be identified for increased production of phytochemicals. Dried seed fruits of Coriandrum sativum, Trachyspermum ammi, Cuminum cyminum, and Foeniculum vulgare (family Apiaceae) were subjected to untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based phytochemical profiling followed by evaluation of the overall antioxidant profile using multiple antioxidant assays. Using bioinformatics approaches, specific phytochemical classes and the enrichment of their respective biosynthetic pathways were identified. Collectively, the data suggest enrichment of isoprenoids and fatty acids biosynthetic pathways. The close association of metabolic pathways with antioxidant capacities indicated a need for enrichment of specific yet closely-related metabolic pathways to achieve an improved quality of spices for better antioxidant effects.

The comparative perspective of phytochemistry and biological properties of the Apiaceae family plants

Despite the availability of numerous reports on the discovery of medicinal plant compounds and their properties, one may encounter contradictory results released by these reports at the level of plant families and even within species. To establish an accurate perspective of the Apiaceae family, this study examined the fruit essential oil and methanolic extract of wild and common species of this family. According to the measurement of the antioxidant property in the methanolic extract of the fruits using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, Ferula gummosa, Pimpinella anisum and Cuminum cyminum have high power in inhibiting free radicals. However, Bunium persicum had the strongest DPPH radicals inhibitory potential among all essential oils. The results of antimicrobial tests and their classification analysis showed that C. cyminum and B. persicum fruit essential oil with a high amount of cuminaldehyde had the most antibacterial properties. At the same time, the antifungal properties of H. persicum essential oil (rich in aliphatic ester) were stronger than those of the all the studied plants. Also, the essential oils of F. gummosa and Kelussia odoratissima had favourable antimicrobial properties compared to other studied plants. The investigation of the bacterial structure by scanning electron microscope confirmed the effect of the applied essential oils dose and their antibacterial potential. In general, for the first time, this paper determined the biological values of the fruit essential oil of some wild plants, such as K. odoratissima and H. persicum. Besides, in vitro examination and the mathematical models provided a suitable classification, which makes a comprehensive view in terms of the properties of the Apiaceae family.

Pleurospermum candollei Methanolic Extract Ameliorates CCl4-Induced Liver Injury by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory, and Apoptotic Markers in Rats

The main objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective potency of the Pleurospermum candollei methanol extract against CCl₄-induced liver damage in rats. HPLC technique was used to estimate the presence of polyphenols in the methanol extract of P. candollei (PCM), while proximate analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, lipids, and moisture in the extract. The antioxidant potential of PCM was evaluated by 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power assay, which showed a high percentage of inhibition against free radicals. Hepatotoxicity was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). CCl₄ administration reduced the activity of endogenous antioxidants, whereas it increased the production of nitrites and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in rats. Furthermore, the level of hepatic markers in serum was also elevated after CCl₄ administration. Moreover, the expression of stress-related markers, proinflammatory mediators, and apoptotic genes was enhanced in CCl₄-treated rats. Coadministration of PCM along with CCl₄ in rats reduced the levels of free radicals and the above genes to normal levels. CCl₄ administration caused histopathological alterations in liver tissues, while cotreatment with PCM mitigated liver injuries. These findings suggest that the methanol extract of P. candollei possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent liver injury. Further pharmacological research will be helpful in determining the effectiveness of P. candollei in humans. Development of FDA-approved plant-based anti-inflammatory drugs can help treat patients and reduce the chances of toxicity.

Chemical Variability of the Essential Oils from Two Portuguese Apiaceae: Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill

Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. are two aromatic and medicinal Apiaceae species commonly grown in Portugal, whose essential oils (EOs) are used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The present study evaluated EOs isolated from the fruits and vegetative aerial parts (VAPs) of 11 samples of Coriandrum sativum L. and from the fruits of 19 samples of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. The plant material was grown in experimental fields, after collection from several regions of mainland Portugal. The EOs were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The coriander EOs analysis evidenced two main clusters, with the first containing the fruits' EOs dominated by linalool (60-73%), γ-terpinene, and α-pinene and the second with the VAPs' EOs, which showed 2-trans-decenal (37-63%) and n-decanal (13-30%) as the main compounds. The fennel EOs analysis revealed two well correlated clusters, the first dominated by estragole (34-76%) and fenchone (16-30%) and the other dominated by trans-anethole (37-56%) and fenchone (14-34%). The present data suggest coriander EOs' chemical descriptors as linalool for the fruits' EOs and 2-trans-decenal with n-decanal for the VAPs' EOs. For the fennel fruit EOs, the putative descriptors were trans-anethole and estragole, with variable fenchone content. The gathered data reinforce the relevance of clarifying variability of these species' EOs, particularly when considering aromatic and medicinal plants with such a wide range of applications.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Polyphenols and Their Nutraceutical Value against Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

Coriander is a widely used plant for its medicinal and biological properties. Both coriander essential oil and extracts are interesting sources of bioactive compounds and are widely used as spices in culinary practice due to their exclusive aroma and flavour. We focus our attention on coriander extracts that are rich in polyphenols. It is well known that plant polyphenols possess different biological activities and several functional foods contain this class of compounds. The polyphenol profile in an extract can be influenced by the plant part studied, the method of extraction and other parameters. This study performs a literature review using the words "coriander", "polyphenols" and "extraction" or "biological activity" in different databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus. After that, we focus on the evidence of coriander polyphenols as protective agents against some inflammation-related diseases. Due to the bioactivities of coriander extract, this herb can be considered a valuable functional food against obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Hogweed Seed Oil: Physico-Chemical Characterization, LC-MS Profile, and Neuroprotective Activity of Heracleum dissectum Nanosuspension

The seeds of dissected hogweed (Heracleum dissectum Ledeb., Apiaceae) are the source of hogweed oil (HSO), which is still underexplored and requires careful chemical and biological studies. The performed physico-chemical analysis of HSO elucidated basic physical characteristics and revealed the presence of fatty acids, essential oil components, pigments, and coumarins. High-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-PDA-ESI-tQ-MS/MS) identified 38 coumarins that were characterized and quantified. Various furanocoumarins were the major components of HSO polyphenolics, including imperatorin, phellopterin, and isoimperatorin, and the total coumarin content in HSO varied from 181.14 to 238.42 mg/mL. The analysis of storage stability of the selected compounds in HSO indicated their good preservation after 3-year storage at cold and freezing temperatures. The application of the CO₂-assisted effervescence method allowed the production of an HSO nanosuspension, which was used in a brain ischemia model of rats. The HSO nanosuspension enhanced cerebral hemodynamics and decreased the frequency of necrotic processes in the brain tissue. Thus, H. dissectum seeds are a good source of coumarins, and HSO nanosuspension promotes neuroprotection of the brain after lesions, which supports earlier ethnopharmacological data.

Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant Potential of Dichloromethane Extracts of Strychnos henningsii Gilg. and Ficus sycomorus L

Medicinal plants are a rich source of antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and alkaloids among others and are currently used as alternative and complementary drugs in the management of stress-related disorders. Strychnos henningsii and Ficus sycomorus have been traditionally used by the people of Mbeere, Embu county, Kenya, as medicine for the treatment of various oxidative stress-related disorders such as diabetes and rheumatism; however, no empirical data are available to authenticate the said claim. The aim of this study was to evaluate preliminary phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activity of dichloromethane (DCM) leaf extract of S. henningsii and stem bark extract of F. sycomorus using DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and ferric reducing power assays; total flavonoids and phenolic compounds were also determined by colorimetric assay and Folin–Ciocalteu reaction, respectively. Phytochemical screening showed that both extracts possessed saponins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides; however, terpenoids were found to be absent in S. henningsii. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the DCM stem bark extract of F. sycomorus was lower than that of the leaf extract of S. henningsii. These extracts significantly exhibited strong antioxidant activities at different concentrations tested. The IC50 values of S. henningsii and F. sycomorus were 0.325 mg/ml and 0.330 mg/ml for hydrogen peroxide and 0.068 mg/ml and 0.062 mg/ml for DPPH, respectively. Both DCM leaf and stem bark extracts of S. henningsii and F. sycomorus were found to have strong ferric reducing power. Therefore, both extracts showed significant nonenzyme-based antioxidant activities. The two plants possess phytochemicals that have significant antioxidant properties.

Optimization of a New Antioxidant Formulation Using a Simplex Lattice Mixture Design of Apium graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum L., and Petroselinum crispum M. Grown in Northern Morocco

A statistical Simplex Lattice Mixture design was applied to develop a new formulation based on a combination of three plants grown in northern Morocco: Apium graveolens L., Coriandrum sativum L., and Petroselinum crispum M. We examined the extraction yield, total polyphenol content (TPC), 2'2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The results of this screening study showed that C. sativum L. had the highest content of DPPH (53.22%) and TAC (37.46 ± 0.29 mg Eq AA/g DW) compared to the other two plants, while P. crispum M. showed the highest TPC (18.52 ± 0.32 mg Eq GA/g DW). Furthermore, the ANOVA analysis of the mixture design showed that all three responses (DPPH, TAC, and TPC) were statistically significant, with determination coefficients of 97%, 93%, and 91%, respectively, and fit the cubic model. Moreover, the diagnostic plots showed good correlation between the experimental and predicted values. Therefore, the best combination obtained under optimal conditions (P1 = 0.611, P2 = 0.289, P3 = 0.100) was characterized by DPPH, TAC, and TPC of 56.21%, 72.74 mg Eq AA/g DW, and 21.98 mg Eq GA/g DW, respectively. The results of this study reinforce the view of stimulating the effect of plant combinations to achieve better antioxidant activities, thus providing a better formulation using designs of mixtures for the food industry and in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Moreover, our findings support the traditional use of the Apiaceae plant species in managing many disorders cited in the Moroccan pharmacopeia.

Essential Oils from Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Cupressaceae and Lamiaceae Families Grown in Serbia: Comparative Chemical Profiling with In Vitro Antioxidant Activity

The aim of the present study was to investigate the chemical profile and antioxidant activity of essential oils obtained from the most commonly grown plant species in Serbia. Aromatic and medicinal plants from Lamiaceae (Mentha x Piperita, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Satureja hortensis, Satureja montana and Thymus vulgaris), Asteraceae (Ehinacea purpurea and Matricaria chamomilla), Apiaceae (Anethum graveolens, Carum carvi, Foeniculum vulgare, Petroselinum crispum and Pimpinella anisum) and Cupressaceae (Juniperus comunis) were selected as raw material for essential oils (EOs)' isolation. Hydrodistillation (HD) was used for the isolation of EOs while they were evaluated in terms of yield and terpenoid profiles by GC-MS. In vitro radical scavenging DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical activities were carried out for all EOs. Finally, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed with the experimental results of the composition and antioxidant activity of the EOs, which showed a clear distinction between the selected plant species for the aforementioned responses. This work represents a screening tool for the selection of other EO candidates for further processing by emerging extraction techniques and the use of EOs as natural additives for meat products.

Froriepia subpinnata Leaf Extract-Induced Apoptosis in the MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line by Increasing Intracellular Oxidative Stress

Background

Froriepia subpinnata is one of the plants used in the diet of Iranian people. Previous studies have investigated the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of this plant extract, but no study has been conducted on its anticancer properties.

Objectives

In this study, we investigated the effect of F. subpinnata extract on MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Methods

The inhibitory effect of F. subpinnata leaf extract was determined on the growth of cancer cells by the MTT test. The ROS (reactive oxygen species) test was used to investigate the impact of the extract on intracellular oxidative stress. Flow cytometry and real-time PCR tests were used to investigate the apoptosis-related molecular processes. The GC-MS analysis was performed to determine the most abundant components.

Results

The GC-MS analysis showed that phytol, mono-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), cinnamaldehyde, and neophytadiene constituted 60% of the extracted content. The MTT assay demonstrated that F. subpinnata leaf extract caused 50% lethality at a 400 μg/mL dose in MCF7 cells. The F. subpinnata extract at low doses decreased the ROS level for 24 hours in MCF-7, but by increasing the concentration, the ROS levels increased. At the IC50 dose (inhibitory concentration (IC) associated with 50% impact), the ROS level increased 3.5 times compared to the control group. Examining the effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) showed that this antioxidant agent could prevent the lethal impact of the extract and eliminate the ROS increase in MCF7 cells. Flow cytometry and real-time PCR results showed that the extract specifically induced apoptosis through the internal apoptosis pathway in this cancer cell line.

Conclusions

The F. subpinnata extract induced apoptosis by increasing ROS in MCF-7 cancer cells and can be considered for further studies.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Ducrosia flabellifolia: A Combined Experimental and Computational Approaches

Ducrosia flabellifolia Boiss. is a rare desert plant known to be a promising source of bioactive compounds. In this paper, we report for the first time the phytochemical composition and biological activities of D. flabellifolia hydroalcoholic extract by using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) technique. The results obtained showed the richness of the tested extract in phenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Twenty-three phytoconstituents were identified, represented mainly by chlorogenic acid, followed by ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and sinapic acid. The tested hydroalcoholic extract was able to inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria and yeast on agar Petri dishes at 3 mg/disc with mean growth inhibition zone ranging from 8.00 ± 0.00 mm for Enterococcus cloacae (E. cloacae) to 36.33 ± 0.58 mm for Staphylococcus epidermidis. Minimal inhibitory concentration ranged from 12.5 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL and the hydroalcoholic extract from D. flabellifolia exhibited a bacteriostatic and fungistatic character. In addition, D. flabellifolia hydroalcoholic extract possessed a good ability to scavenge different free radicals as compared to standard molecules. Molecular docking studies on the identified phyto-compounds in bacterial, fungal, and human peroxiredoxin 5 receptors were performed to corroborate the in vitro results, which revealed good binding profiles on the examined protein targets. A standard atomistic 100 ns dynamic simulation investigation was used to further evaluate the interaction stability of the promising phytocompounds, and the results showed conformational stability in the binding cavity. The obtained results highlighted the medicinal use of D. flabellifolia as source of bioactive compounds, as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal agent.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. hexane extract: phytochemical analysis, nanoencapsulation, and in silico, in vitro, and in vivo anti-photoaging potential evaluation

A shift towards natural anti-aging ingredients has spurred the research to valorize traditionally used plants. In this context, Rosmarinus officinalis L. was evaluated for its photoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-wrinkling properties. GC/MS and LC-ESI-HRMS based phytochemical profiling of rosemary leaves hexane extract resulted in the identification of 47 and 31 compounds, respectively and revealed rich content in triterpenoids, monoterpenoids and phenolic diterpenes. In vitro assays confirmed the antioxidant, anti-aging, and wound healing potential of rosemary extract along with a good safety profile, encouraging further development. A systematic molecular modelling study was conducted to elucidate the mechanistic background of rosemary anti-aging properties through the inhibitory effects of its major constituents against key anti-aging targets viz. elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase. Development of rosemary extract lipid nanocapsules-based mucoadhesive gels was performed to improve skin contact, permeation, and bioavailability prior to in vivo testing. The developed formulae demonstrated small particle size (56.55–66.13 nm), homogenous distribution (PDI of 0.207–0.249), and negatively charged Zeta potential (− 13.4 to − 15.6). In UVB-irradiated rat model, topical rosemary hexane extract-loaded lipid nanocapsules-based gel provided photoprotection, restored the antioxidant biochemical state, improved epidermal and dermal histological features, and decreased the level of inflammatory and wrinkling markers. The use of rosemary hexane extract in anti-aging and photoprotective cosmeceuticals represents a safe, efficient, and cost-effective approach.

Comprehensive Phytochemical Profiling, Biological Activities, and Molecular Docking Studies of Pleurospermum candollei: An Insight into Potential for Natural Products Development

The purpose of this study was to find the biological propensities of the vegetable plant Pleurospermum candollei by investigating its phytochemical profile and biological activities. Phytochemical analysis was done by spectroscopic methods to investigate the amount of total polyphenols, and biological evaluation was done by the different antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory (tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase), thrombolytic, and antibacterial activities. The highest amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents was observed in methanolic extract (240.69 ± 2.94 mg GAE/g and 167.59 ± 3.47 mg QE/g); the fractions showed comparatively less quantity (57.02 ± 1.31 to 144.02 ± 2.11 mg GAE/g, and 48.21 ± 0.75 to 96.58 ± 2.30 mg QE/g). The effect of these bioactive contents was also related to biological activities. GCMS analysis led to the identification of bioactive compounds with different biological effects from methanolic extract (antioxidant; 55.07%, antimicrobial; 56.41%), while the identified compounds from the n-hexane fraction with antioxidant properties constituted 67.86%, and those with antimicrobial effects constituted 82.95%; however, the synergetic effect of polyphenols may also have contributed to the highest value of biological activities of methanolic extract. Molecular docking was also performed to understand the relationship of identified secondary metabolites with enzyme-inhibitory activities. The thrombolytic activity was also significant (40.18 ± 1.80 to 57.15 ± 1.10 % clot lysis) in comparison with streptokinase (78.5 ± 1.53 to 82.34 ± 1.25% clot lysis). Methanolic extract also showed good activity against Gram-positive strains of bacteria, and the highest activity was observed against Bacillus subtilis. The findings of this study will improve our knowledge of phytochemistry, and biological activities of P. candollei, which seems to be a ray of hope to design formulations of natural products for the improvement of health and prevention of chronic diseases; however, further research may address the development of novel drugs for use in pharmaceuticals.

Origin, evolution, breeding, and omics of Apiaceae: a family of vegetables and medicinal plants

Many of the world's most important vegetables and medicinal crops, including carrot, celery, coriander, fennel, and cumin, belong to the Apiaceae family. In this review, we summarize the complex origins of Apiaceae and the current state of research on the family, including traditional and molecular breeding practices, bioactive compounds, medicinal applications, nanotechnology, and omics research. Numerous molecular markers, regulatory factors, and functional genes have been discovered, studied, and applied to improve vegetable and medicinal crops in Apiaceae. In addition, current trends in Apiaceae application and research are also briefly described, including mining new functional genes and metabolites using omics research, identifying new genetic variants associated with important agronomic traits by population genetics analysis and GWAS, applying genetic transformation, the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system, and nanotechnology. This review provides a reference for basic and applied research on Apiaceae vegetable and medicinal plants.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Ammi visnaga L. Essential Oil

The present study evaluated the chemical composition and the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of Ammi visnaga L. essential oil to provide a scientific basis for the use of this plant in the traditional pharmacopoeia. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify the volatile constituents present of the oil. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the DPPH and the reducing power assays. For the in vivo tests, oral administration of Ammi visnaga L. oil (600 and 1200 mg/kg body weight) was performed in Swiss albino mice treated with acetaminophen (400 mg/kg). The toxic effect of acetaminophen and the action of the essential oil were measured by determining the levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidneys homogenates. The major components identified were butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, pentyl ester, (Z)-β-ocimene, D-limonene, linalool, pulegone and lavandulyl-butyrate. The in vitro DPPH and reducing power assays showed moderate to low free radical scavenging activity and the antioxidant power was positively correlated with the polyphenols' concentration. In vivo, the Ammi visnaga L. essential oil showed a high antioxidant capacity at both concentrations (600 and 1200 mg/kg), effectively increasing the levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and significantly reducing the lipid peroxidation. The results obtained from this study suggest that Ammi visnaga L. could represent a source of molecules with antioxidant potential in the prevention of free radical-related diseases.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) and Their Constituents as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients

The interest in plant extracts and natural compounds in cosmetic formulations is growing. Natural products may significantly improve cosmetics performance since they have both cosmetic and therapeutic-like properties, known as cosmeceutical effects. Glycyrrhiza genus, belonging to the Leguminosae family, comprises more than 30 species, widely distributed worldwide. The rhizomes and roots are the most important medicinal parts currently used in pharmaceutical industries and in the production of functional foods and food supplements. In the last few years, the interest in their potential activities in cosmetic formulations has greatly increased. Glycyrrhiza spp. extracts are widely implemented in cosmetic products for their good whitening effect. The biological effects of Glycyrrhiza extracts are especially ascribable to the occurrence of specialized metabolites belonging to the flavonoid class. This review focuses on the botany and the chemistry of the main investigated Glycyrrhiza spp. (G. glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) along with their cosmeceutical activities categorized as skin anti-aging, photoprotective, hair care, and anti-acne. It has been highlighted how, along with Glycyrrhiza extracts, three main flavonoids namely licochalcone A, glabridin, and dehydroglyasperin C are the most investigated compounds. It is noteworthy that other molecules from licorice show potential cosmeceutical effects. These data suggest further investigations to clarify their potential value for cosmetic industries.

A Study of Phenolic Bioactive Compounds Of Daucus Carota Subsp. Sativus Fruits of Yaskrava, Nantska Kharkivska and Olenka Species and Of Dauci Carotae Subsp. Sativi Fructuum Extractum Siccum

The objective of the work was to study the qualitative composition and determine the quantitative content of phenolic compounds of Daucus carota subsp. sativus fruits of Yaskrava, Nantska Kharkivska and Olenka species and of Dauci carotae subsp. sativi fructuum extractum siccum. Phenolic compounds were studied by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method. High content of phenol-origin bioactive substances was fixed in Daucus carota subsp. sativus fruits of Nantska Kharkivska variety (363.19 μg/g). Dominating compounds were chlorogenic acid, cynaroside, rutin and hyperoside. Daucus carota subsp. sativus fruits of all study species under question were found to possess permanent qualitative composition of phenolic compounds, whereas their quantitative content in experimental samples differed slightly. The results of analysis confirm promising development of novel antioxidant and cardioprotective drugs on the basis of Dauci carotae subsp. sativi fructuum extractum siccum.