Phytochemical Characterization of Veronica officinalis L., V. teucrium L. and V. orchidea Crantz from Romania and Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties

Identification of Phenolic Compounds Present in Three Speedwell (Veronica L.) Species and Their Antioxidant Potential

Extracts from Veronica species (speedwells) are known for the various biological activities they show, such as cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Also, the plants from this genus are known as medicinal plants used in traditional medicine worldwide. Phenolic compounds are specialized metabolites that contribute to biological activity the most. Therefore, the aim of this research is identification and quantification of phenolic compounds present in three Veronica species (Veronica anagallis-aquatica L., Veronica persica Poir., and Veronica polita Fr.) using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. All extracts were tested for antioxidant activity with two methods: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity). Also, standards for compounds that were detected in the highest amount in all species were also tested for antioxidant activity. Three different solvents (pure methanol, 80% ethanol, and water) were used for the extraction of phenolic components and their comparison in order to test their antioxidant activity as a final goal. The main compounds present in the tested Veronica extracts were: p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, gentisic acid, and apigenin. V. anagallis-aquatica contained the highest amount of phenolic components in comparison with the two other tested species, V. persica and V. polita. Caffeic acid showed the highest antioxidant activity in both studied methods with an IC50 value for DPPH activity of 1.99 µg/mL. For the plant extracts, in general, methanolic/ethanolic extracts showed higher activity than water extracts in both methods which was expected, as organic solutions extract more phenolic compounds. This research points to the potential application of extracts of different Veronica species for antioxidant activity.

Isolation of Volatile Compounds by Microwave-Assisted Extraction from Six Veronica Species and Testing of Their Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Activities

This study was conducted to determine the differences in the chemical composition of the essential oils and hydrosols of six different Veronica species (V. agrestis, V. anagalloides, V. austriaca ssp. jacquinii, V. beccabunga, Veronica cymbalaria, and V. officinalis) and to test their antiproliferative and apoptotic activities, according to the authors' knowledge, because of insufficient research and lack of information. Also, the goal was to determine which obtained samples were better in achieving antiproliferative and apoptotic activities and due to which volatile components. Therefore, essential oils (EOs) and hydrosols (HYs) were isolated from the above-mentioned Veronica species by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Phytochemical identification of the free volatile compounds was performed using a GC equipped with a flame ionization detector and a mass spectrometer. Their antiproliferative and apoptotic activities against two human cancer cell lines, breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and bladder cancer cell line T24, were determined. The main compounds identified in the studied Veronica EOs and HYs were terpinen-4-ol (0.34-6.49%), linalool (0.34-6.61%), (E)-caryophyllene (0.97-7.55%), allo-aromadendrene (0.18-2.21%), caryophyllene oxide (1.42-23.83%), benzene acetaldehyde (0.26-13.34%), and β-ionone (1.08-16.53%). In general, HYs of the tested Veronica species showed higher antiproliferative activity (IC50 13.41-42.05%) compared to EOs (IC50 158.1-970.4 µg/mL) on MDA-MB-231 and T24 cancer cell lines after 48 and 72 h. V. agrestis EO showed the best apoptotic effect among the EOs on the MDA-MB-231 cancer cell line (10.47 ± 0.53% and 9.06 ± 0.74% of early/late apoptosis, compared with control 3.61 ± 0.62% and 0.80 ± 0.17% of early/late apoptosis, respectively) and among the HYs V. cymbalaria showed 9.95 ± 1.05% and 3.06 ± 0.28% of early/late apoptosis and V. anagalloides 8.29 ± 1.09% and 1.95 ± 0.36% of early/late apoptosis compared with control (for EO was 7.45 ± 1.01% and 0.54 ± 0.25%, and for HY was 4.91 ± 1.97% and 0.70 ± 0.09% of early/late apoptosis, respectively) on the T24 cancer cell line. Future research will include other Croatian species of the genus Veronica to gain a more complete insight into the biological activity of the volatile products of this genus for potential discovery of drugs based on natural plant extracts.

Hydrosols of Veronica Species-Natural Source of Free Volatile Compounds with Potential Pharmacological Interest

In this study, free volatile compounds (FVCs) were isolated from the water fractions (hydrosols) of 10 Croatian Veronica species obtained by hydrodistillation (HD) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The use of different isolation techniques is important for the analysis of the influence of extraction conditions on the qualitative and quantitative composition of the isolated constituents. The composition of the hydrosols was analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The compounds β-ionone and benzene acetaldehyde were detected in all 10 Veronica hydrosols studied. E-caryophyllene was also identified in all isolates except the MAE isolate of V. arvensis L. Caryophyllene oxide was isolated in all isolates apart from the HD isolate of V. catenata Pennell. (E)-β-Damascenone is significantly present in all isolates except the MAE isolates of V. catanata and V. cymbalaria Bodard. In these two species, α-muurolol was identified in a high percentage. The same basic phytochemical constituents and compounds characteristic of a given Veronica species suggest the importance of further research. Antioxidant activity was tested for all extracts using two methods, ORAC and DPPH. Therefore, it is crucial to identify as many specialized metabolites from Veronica species as possible, especially hydrosols, which are natural products of potential pharmacological interest.

Potential of Continuous Electric Current on Biometrical, Physiological and Quality Characteristics of Organic Tomato

The tomato is one of the most important species in the food sector. For farmers, the increase in yield in greenhouse conditions by keeping a high quality of fruits represents a goal which is very difficult to achieve in these conditions. Therefore, the present study evaluates the influence that a continuous electric current might have on some biometrical, physiological and quality parameters of tomato fruits. The study was carried out in a greenhouse where tomato plants belonging to Qualitet F1 hybrid were treated with different continuous electric currents, under 5 DC sources, stabilized by the laboratory 0–30 V/0–5 A. During the research, the tomato plants were exposed to different electric current intensities or voltages on the plants or in the soil (T1-0.15 A; T2-0.30 A; T3-0.45 A; T4-1.5 V; T5-1.5 V-soil). The tomato plant samples were compared with an untreated control. In order to determine the influence of a continuous electric current, observations and determinations were made on tomato plants and fruits. The results highlighted significant differences between the treated and not treated plants, regarding the plant height, yield, firmness, acidity, total soluble solids, antioxidant activity, crude and dietary fibres, tannins, oxalates, saponins, α-amylase inhibitors, K, Mg, Fe and Zn content. Depending on the intensity of the electric current and the manner of application, the biometrical, physiological and quality parameters of tomato fruits were differently influenced. Both positive and negative influences were registered. More experiments are needed in order to establish a relation between the electric current intensity and the manner of application which can lead to better and higher tomato yields and quality in greenhouse conditions.

Hydrodistillation and Microwave Extraction of Volatile Compounds: Comparing Data for Twenty-One Veronica Species from Different Habitats

Free volatile compounds were isolated from 21 Croatian Veronica species studied by hydrodistillation (HD) and microwave extraction (ME) and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) distinguished some clusters based on the relative proportion of major compounds, such as hexadecanoic acid, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, phytol, E-caryophyllene, and caryophyllene oxide, which were identified in all species studied by both isolation methods. In addition to these compounds, germacrene D, δ-selinene, and eicosane were also identified in five samples from dry habitats isolated using ME. Allo-aromadendrene and β-ionone are particularly abundant in five species from wet habitats isolated by both methods. The peculiarities of Veronica species from moderate habitats isolated with HD are benzene acetaldehyde, n-nonanal, and the identification of significant compounds from the hydrocarbon class, while the peculiarity of ME is (E)-β-damascenone. In this article, we present new results on the phytochemical characterization of Veronica species from different habitats. The biological potential of these compounds should be further investigated for a better understanding and utilization of the specialized plant metabolites.

Anti-Anemic Effect of Antioxidant-Rich Apple Vinegar against Phenylhydrazine-Induced Hemolytic Anemia in Rats

This study aims to examine the ability of apple vinegar on phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced hemolytic anemia in Wistar rats. In vitro, phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were determined. In vivo, phenylhydrazine (10 mg/kg) was injected intravenously into rats for 4 days and then treated with apple vinegar daily by gavage (1 mL/kg) for five weeks. high level of polyphenols and flavonoids (90 ± 1.66 mg GAE/100 mL and 7.29 ± 0.23 mg QE/100 mL, respectively) were found in the apple vinegar which gives it a good ability to scavenge free radicals (TAC = 4.22 ± 0.18 mg AAE/100 mL and DPPH, IC₅₀ = 0.49 ± 0.004 µL/ml). The phytochemical composition of apple vinegar revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds including arbutin, apigenin, sinapic, ferulic and trans-ferulic acids. The major antioxidant components in apple vinegar were ferulic and trans-ferulic acids (40% and 43%, respectively). PHZ treatment induced changes in platelets, blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, hemoglobin concentration and mean capsulated hemoglobin. However, the co-administration of apple vinegar revealed its capacity to ameliorate the changes induced by phenylhydrazine. Therefore, apple vinegar use could have a positive impact on the prevention of hemolytic anemia induced by phenylhydrazine due to the antioxidant properties of its major components.

Free Volatile Compounds of Veronica austriaca ssp. jacquinii (Baumg.) Eb. Fisch. and Their Biological Activity

The composition of free volatile compounds of essential oils (EO) and hydrosols (Hy) from four different localities of the species Veronica austriaca ssp. jacquinii (Baumg.) Eb. Fisch. were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In the EOs, the most abundant compounds identified were hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (23.34–52.56%), hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid, 26.71–58.91%) and octadecanol acetate (0–6.24%). The hydrosols were characterized by high abundance of methyl eugenol (23.35–57.93%), trans-p-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol (5.24–7.69%) and thymol (3.48–9.45%). Glandular trichomes were analyzed using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), as they are the sites of synthesis of free volatile compounds. We have detected glandular trichomes, consisting of a one stalk cell and two elliptically shaped head cells, and non-glandular (unbranched, bi-cellular to multicellular) trichomes on stems, leaves and the sepals. Data for volatile compounds from EOs and hydrosols were analyzed using Principal Component Analyses (PCA) to demonstrate variations in the composition of the volatile compounds identified. Isolated samples of EO and hydrosols were analyzed for their antioxidant activity using two methods, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). The essential oils showed higher antioxidant activity than the hydrosols in ORAC method, but lower activity by the DPPH method. The isolates were also tested for their antiproliferative activity on different types of cancer cells and also on two lines of healthy cells, and the results showed that the extracts were not toxic to the cell lines tested. Total polyphenols, total tannins, total flavonoids and total phenolic acids were also analyzed and determined spectrophotometrically. The free volatile compounds of Veronica austriaca ssp. jacquinii can be considered as a safe natural product.

Wild Species Veronica officinalis L. and Veronica saturejoides Vis. ssp. saturejoides—Biological Potential of Free Volatiles

Extracts from plants of the genus Veronica have been and continue to be used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases throughout the world. Although often considered a weed, many scientific reports demonstrate that these plants are a source of valuable biologically active compounds and their potential for horticulture should be investigated and considered. In this study, free volatile compounds of essential oils (EO) and hydrosols were extracted from two species: Veronica officinalis, which is most commonly used in traditional medicine, and Veronica saturejoides, an endemic plant that could be obtained by cultivation in horticulture. Volatiles were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC, GC-MS). The most abundant compounds identified in the EOs were hexadecanoic acid in V. officinalis EO and caryophyllene oxide in V. saturejoides EO. The hydrosols were characterized by a high abundance of caryophyllene oxide in V. saturejoides hydrosol and of p-vinyl guaiacol for V. officinalis hydrosol. The sites where the volatile compounds are synthesized and stored were analyzed using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy); glandular and non-glandular trichomes were detected on stems, leaves and the calyx. Further, to investigate the activity of the free volatile compounds against pathogens, isolated volatile compounds were tested on the antiphytoviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. The hydrosols of both investigated species and EO of V. officinalis showed significant antiphytoviral activity. To further investigate the biological potential of these extracts they were also tested for their antiproliferative and antioxidant activities. The results indicate that these compounds are a valuable source of potential anticancerogenic agents that should be investigated in future studies. The presented results are the first report of hydrosol and EO activity against TMV infection, suggesting that these extracts from Veronica species may be useful as natural-based antiphytoviral agents.

The inhibition mechanism of luteolin on peroxidase based on multispectroscopic techniques

Luteolin, a plant-derived flavonoid, was found to exert effective inhibitory effect to peroxidase activity in a non-competitive manner with an IC50 of (6.62 ± 0.45) × 10-5 mol L-1. The interaction between luteolin and peroxidase induced the formation of a static complex with a binding constant (Ksv) of 7.31 × 103 L mol-1 s-1 driven by hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction. Further, the molecular interaction between luteolin and peroxidase resulted in intrinsic fluorescence quenching, structural and conformational alternations which were determined by multispectroscopic techniques combined with computational molecular docking. Molecular docking results revealed that luteolin bound to peroxidase and interacted with relevant amino acid residues in the hydrophobic pocket. These results will provide information for screening additional peroxidase inhibitors and provide evidence of luteolin's potential application in preservation and processing of fruit and vegetables and clinical disease remedy.

Chemical characterisation and technical assessment of agri-food residues, marine matrices, and wild grasses in the South Mediterranean area: A considerable inflow for biorefineries

The integration of easily available and under-exploited biomasses is considered a sustainable strategy in biorefining approaches. Mediterranean countries, especially Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, offer such under-exploited waste of different origins. This study revealed the chemical composition and phytochemical characteristics of various agri-food side-products, marine residues, and wild grasses collected in the Maghreb region. Results showed that these wastes contained variable proportions of polysaccharides, lignin, constitute molecules (proteins, lipids, and inorganic molecules) and, various secondary metabolites, mainly flavonoids and condensed tannins. Based on this, the Mediterranean waste was divided into three categories. The first category included waste with high lignin content (40 wt%). The second category contained waste with lignin content below 10 wt% and structural carbohydrate content below 50 wt%. Additionally, the waste in this category comprised noticeable amounts of flavonoids and condensed tannins, particularly from thistle, speedwell, and spurge. Finally, the third category included waste with lignin content above 15 wt% and carbohydrate content in the range of 45-55 wt%. The results also showed that the waste in the third category has a chemical composition similar to that of raw materials envisioned for use in European or North American commercial biorefineries. The findings of this study indicate that the biomass waste employed in this study can be used to develop marketable bioproducts and may be a potential raw material for a biorefinery facility.

Endemic Veronica saturejoides Vis. ssp. saturejoides-Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Free Volatile Compounds

Chemical profile and antioxidant activity of the species Veronica saturejoides Vis. ssp. saturejoides (Plantaginaceae)-which is endemic to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro -were investigated. Volatile compounds produced by glandular trichomes (composed of one stalk cell and two elliptically formed head cells according to scanning electron microscope investigation) were isolated from the plants collected in two locations. Additionally, as a part of specialized metabolites, total polyphenols, total tannins, total flavonoids and total phenolic acids were determined spectrophotometrically. In the lipophilic volatile fractions-essential oils, the most abundant compounds identified were hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, caryophyllene oxide and hexadecanoic acid. In total, the class of oxygenated sesquiterpenes and the group of fatty aldehydes, acids and alcoholic compounds dominated in the essential oils. In the hydrophilic volatile fractions-hydrosols, the most abundant compounds identified were trans-p-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol, allo-aromadendrene and (E)-caryophyllene. A group of oxygenated monoterpenes and the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominated in the hydrosols. Antioxidant activity of essential oils and hydrosols was tested with two methods: 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Essential oils showed higher antioxidant activity than hydrosols and showed similar antioxidant activity to Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil. Obtained results demonstrate that this genus is a potential source of volatiles with antioxidant activity.

Yield and Nutritional Response of Greenhouse Grown Tomato Cultivars to Sustainable Fertilization and Irrigation Management

Tomato is considered one of the most important crops worldwide from nutritional and economic standpoints, and, in this respect, sustainable production should be a prime objective, particularly in terms of fertilization and irrigation management. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two fertilization types (chemical or organic) and two irrigation regimes (67% or 100% of evapotranspiration replenishment) on biometrical, biochemical, and yield parameters of three indeterminate cultivars of tomato grown in a greenhouse. The results showed that the effect of organic fertilization was better compared to chemical fertilization for lycopene accumulation and antioxidant activity, as well as for the lower concentrations of any of the macroelements in the tomato fruits; therefore, organic fertilization can be used as an alternative to chemical fertilization in sustainable horticulture. In each cultivar under the same fertilization type, the effect of irrigation was significant on yield and the number of fruits, but the 100% evapotranspiration restoration did not enhance the fruit concentration of all the macroelements and microelements compared to 67% irrigation regime. Higher concentrations of macro- and microelements in the chemically fertilized fruits compared to the organic ones, regardless of the cultivar and the irrigation regime, suggest that the inorganic substances are more easily absorbed by plants under a protected environment. Organic fertilization positively affected the lycopene and antioxidant activities of tomato fruits, thus proving to be a valuable alternative to chemical fertilization in sustainable agriculture, although the product premium quality also depends on the cultivar used.

Dynamic of Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Yield of Rhubarb under Chemical, Organic and Biological Fertilization

In recent years, rhubarb is being increasingly cultivated, as it provides early yields when the vegetables supply to market is deficient and shows high levels of both polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity in edible parts. In 2017, we investigated crops of the rhubarb cultivar Victoria to the fifth year of production. Comparisons were performed between three root phase fertilizations-chemical (NPK 16-16-16^®), organic (Orgevit^®), and biological (Micoseeds MB^®)-plus an unfertilized control. The determinations of polyphenols, the antioxidant capacity, and the yield indicators from the stalks (petioles) of rhubarb were made at each out of the 10 harvests carried out. The highest yield (59.16 t·ha^-1) was recorded under the chemical fertilization. The total polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity varied widely from 533.86 mg GAE·g^-1 d.w. and 136.86 mmol Trolox·g^-1 d.w., respectively in the unfertilized control at the last harvest, up to 3966.56 mg GAE·g^-1 d.w. and 1953.97 mmol Trolox·g^-1 d.w. respectively under the organic fertilization at the four harvest. From the results of our investigation, it can be inferred that the chemical fertilization was the most effective in terms of yield, whereas the sustainable nutritional management based on organic fertilizer supply led to higher antioxidant compounds and activity.

Review of the Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of the Genus Veronica

Veronica is the largest genus in the flowering plant family Plantaginaceae and comprises approximately 500 species. The genus was formerly placed in the Scrophulariaceae family, some species of which have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of influenza, respiratory diseases, hemoptysis, laryngopharyngitis, cough, hernia, cancer, edema, and wounds. This review comprehensively summarizes the current information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the genus Veronica on the basis of articles published from 1970 to 2018. More than 260 compounds have been isolated, and chemotaxonomic investigations of Veronica have revealed that iridoid glucosides - including aucubin, catalpol, and 6-O-catalpol derivatives - are characteristic of this genus. Modern pharmacological studies and clinical practice have demonstrated that extracts or monomeric compounds from Veronica have several pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-angiogenic, antineurodegenerative, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects both in vivo and in vitro.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of the Medicinal Plant Veronica biloba

Plants are naturally God gifted for the synthesis of medicinal compound and provide a great help in a new discovery in the area of chemical diversity because of the unknown availability either as a standardized extract or as a pure compound. The medicinal plant Veronica biloba extracts obtained through Soxhlet and maceration methods were subjected to preliminary antimicrobial screening against pathogenic microorganisms. Fractionation was performed using liquid-liquid extracts such as ethyl acetate, water, dichloromethane, and hexane extract of plant, and the fractions were tested for antifungal activity and antibacterial activity using well-diffusion method at sample concentration of 10–30 μL. The result indicated that all extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all test pathogens. The ethyl acetate extract showed greater activity than other corresponding extracts. Among various extracts, only the ethyl acetate extract show potential against bacterial (gram negative and gram positive) and fungus test strain greater than standard Nystatin test control. Thus, the extract of Veronica biloba could be used to treat microbial (fungus and bacterial strain) infection.

Veronica Plants-Drifting from Farm to Traditional Healing, Food Application, and Phytopharmacology

The Veronica genus, with more than 200 species, belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is distributed over most of the Northern Hemisphere and in many parts of Southern Hemisphere. These plants are traditionally used in medicine for wound healing, in the treatment of rheumatism, and in different human diseases. This paper reviews the chemical composition of some valuable Veronica species, the possibilities Veronica extracts have in food preservation and as food ingredients, and their functional properties. Veronica species represent a valuable source of biological active secondary metabolites, including iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds. In particular, due to presence of these phytochemicals, Veronica species exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antimicrobial and antioxidant. In fact, some studies suggest that some Veronica extracts can inhibit foodborne pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, but only a few of them were performed in food systems. Moreover, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other bioactivities were reported in vitro and in vivo. The bioactivity of Veronica plants was demonstrated, but further studies in food systems and in humans are required.

Pharmacological, phytochemical and in-vivo toxicological perspectives of a xero-halophyte medicinal plant: Zaleya pentandra (L.) Jeffrey

This study endeavours to investigate the phytochemical composition, biological properties and in vivo toxicity of methanol and dichloromethane extracts of Zaleya pentandra (L.) Jeffrey. Total bioactive contents, antioxidant (phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC) and enzyme inhibition (cholinesterases, tyrosinase α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) potential were assessed utilizing in vitro bioassays. UHPLC-MS phytochemical profiling was carried out to identify the essential compounds. The methanol extract was found to contain highest phenolic (22.60 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (31.49 mg QE/g) contents which correlate with its most significant radical scavenging, reducing potential and tyrosinase inhibition. The dichloromethane extract was most potent for phosphomolybdenum, ferrous chelation, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and cholinesterase inhibition assays. UHPLC-MS analysis of methanol extract unveiled to identify 11 secondary metabolites belonging to five sub-groups, i.e., phenolic, alkaloid, carbohydrate, terpenoid, and fatty acid derivatives. Additionally, in vivo toxicity was conducted for 21 days and the methanol extract at different doses (150, 200, 250 and 300 mg/kg) was administered in experimental chicks divided into five groups each containing five individuals. Different physical, haematological and biochemical parameters along with the absolute and relative weight of visceral body organs were studied. Overall, no toxic effect was noted for the extract at tested doses.

Profiling Metabolites and Biological Activities of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum Linn.) Juice and its Product Molasses via a Multiplex Metabolomics Approach

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is an important perennial grass in the Poaceae family cultivated worldwide due to its economical and medicinal value. In this study, a combined approach using mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed for the large-scale metabolite profiling of sugarcane juice and its by-product molasses. The polyphenols were analysed via UPLC-UV-ESI-MS, whereas the primary metabolites such as sugars and organic and amino acids were profiled using NMR spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). UPLC/MS was more effective than NMR spectroscopy or GC/MS for determining differences among the metabolite compositions of the products. Under the optimized conditions, UPLC/MS led to the identification of 42 metabolites, including nine flavonoids, nine fatty acids, and two sterols. C/O Flavone glycosides were the main subclass detected, with tricin-7-O-deoxyhexosyl glucuronide being detected in sugarcane and molasses for the first time. Based on GC/MS analysis, disaccharides were the predominant species in the sugarcane juice and molasses, with sucrose accounting for 66% and 59%, respectively, by mass of all identified metabolites. The phenolic profiles of sugarcane and molasses were further investigated in relation to their in vitro antioxidant activities using free radical scavenging assays such as 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging ability (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In view of its higher total phenolic content (TPC) (196 ± 2.1 mg GAE/100 g extract) compared to that of sugarcane juice (93 ± 2.9 mg GAE/100 g extract), molasses exhibited a substantially higher antioxidant effect. Interestingly, both extracts were also found to inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, suggesting a possible antihyperglycaemic effect. These findings suggest molasses may be a new source of natural antioxidants for functional foods.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench. and Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn. Flowers

Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn. and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench. are two species of the Asteraceae family, known in Romanian traditional medicine for their diuretic, choleretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phenolic and sterolic composition of flowers from the two species and to assess their antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. LC-MS analyses were performed on methanolic, ethanolic and 70% v/v ethanolic extracts, before and after acid hydrolysis, and revealed high amounts of polyphenols. Chlorogenic acid was found as the main compound for the flowers of A. dioica (502.70 ± 25.11 mg/100 g d.w.), while quercitrin was dominant in H. arenarium (424.28 ± 21.21 mg/100 g d.w.) in 70% v/v ethanolic extracts before hydrolysis. Antioxidant capacity assays showed an important antioxidant potential, which can be correlated with the determined polyphenolic compounds, showing the 70% v/v ethanolic extracts of the two species as being the most effective antioxidant samples for the DPPH assay. Antibacterial and antifungal assays confirm a modest biological potential for the same extract of both species. Results obtained in the present study bring important data and offer scientific evidence on the chemical composition and on the biological activities of the flowers belonging to the two species.

Functional constituents of wild and cultivated Goji (L. barbarum L.) leaves: phytochemical characterization, biological profile, and computational studies

Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) leaves are emphasized as a functional tea or as dietary supplements. The phenolic compound profile, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, antimicrobial, and antimutagenic activities of leaf extracts from two selected cultivars in comparison with wild-growing plants have been evaluated. HPLC-DAD/ESI-ToF-MS analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids with chlorogenic acid and rutin being the dominant compounds in the cultivated plants, whereas rutin and kaempeferol-3-O-rutinoside for wild growing ones. In particular, cv. Erma contained the highest amount of chlorogenic acid and showed a strong tyrosinase-inhibitory effect. Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Penicillium funiculosum were the most sensitive strains when exposed to extracts from cultivated plants. Antimutagenic activity was evaluated by Ames' test. The tested extracts provided high protection against mutagenicity induced by 2-anthramine (2-AA) to Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 98 and TA 100 (max. inhibition (%) 88% and 74.2%, respectively). Overall, Goji leaves are a rich source of bioactive compounds with functional properties that need further risk/benefit evaluation when used in foods or health-promoting formulations.

Mitodepressive, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects of wild-growing Romanian native Arctium lappa L. (Asteraceae) and Veronica persica Poiret (Plantaginaceae)

The present study aims to evaluate the potential uses of hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from Romanian native wild-growing plants. The hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained from the burdock roots and respectively the aerial parts of birdeye speedwell. The extracts were characterised by HPLC (quantifying 13 compounds in the V. persica extract, 6 compounds in the A. lappa extract and confirming the presence of arctiin and arctigenin in the burdock extract). The antioxidant potential of the crude extracts was evaluated using two methods: the DPPH assay (79.91% for speedwell extract, 76.23% for burdock extract) and the phosphomolybdate method (296.5 mg/g ascorbic acid equivalents for burdock, 324.4 mg/g for speedwell). The crude extracts were found to be active against both fungal lines used (Aspergillus niger and Penicillium hirsutum), inhibition zones - 17.1 mm and 13.1 mm against P. hirsutum, respectively ca. 22 mm for both extracts against A. niger. The cytogenetic effects (assessed using the Allium cepa assay) revealed a series of chromosomal aberrations and nuclear aberrations induced in the meristematic root cells. The anti-inflammatory effect, estimated in two inflammation experimental models, showed a significant effect, especially for the speedwell extract. The results recommend the evaluated extracts as promising sources of biologically-active compounds.

Veronica officinalis Product Authentication Using DNA Metabarcoding and HPLC-MS Reveals Widespread Adulteration with Veronica chamaedrys

Studying herbal products derived from local and traditional knowledge and their value chains is one of the main challenges in ethnopharmacology. The majority of these products have a long history of use, but non-harmonized trade and differences in regulatory policies between countries impact their value chains and lead to concerns over product efficacy, safety and quality. Veronica officinalis L. (common speedwell), a member of Plantaginaceae family, has a long history of use in European traditional medicine, mainly in central eastern Europe and the Balkans. However, no specified control tests are available either to establish the quality of derived herbal products or for the discrimination of its most common substitute, V. chamaedrys L. (germander speedwell). In this study, we use DNA metabarcoding and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to authenticate sixteen V. officinalis herbal products and compare the potential of the two approaches to detect substitution, adulteration and the use of unreported constituents. HPLC-MS showed high resolution in detecting phytochemical target compounds, but did not enable detection of specific plant species in the products. DNA metabarcoding detected V. officinalis in only 15% of the products, whereas it detected V. chamaedrys in 62% of the products. The results confirm that DNA metabarcoding can be used to test for the presence of Veronica species, and detect substitution and/or admixture of other Veronica species, as well as simultaneously detect all other species present. Our results confirm that none of the herbal products contained exactly the species listed on the label, and all included substitutes, contaminants or fillers. This study highlights the need for authentication of raw herbals along the value chain of these products. An integrative methodology can assess both the quality of herbal products in terms of target compound concentrations and species composition, as well as admixture and substitution with other chemical compounds and plants.

NiaoDuQing granules relieve chronic kidney disease symptoms by decreasing renal fibrosis and anemia

NiaoDuQing (NDQ) granules, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been clinically used in China for over fourteen years to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD). To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefits of NDQ, we designed an approach incorporating chemoinformatics, bioinformatics, network biology methods, and cellular and molecular biology experiments. A total of 182 active compounds were identified in NDQ granules, and 397 putative targets associated with different diseases were derived through ADME modelling and target prediction tools. Protein-protein interaction networks of CKD-related and putative NDQ targets were constructed, and 219 candidate targets were identified based on topological features. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the candidate targets were mostly related to the TGF-β, the p38MAPK, and the erythropoietin (EPO) receptor signaling pathways, which are known contributors to renal fibrosis and/or renal anemia. A rat model of CKD was established to validate the drug-target mechanisms predicted by the systems pharmacology analysis. Experimental results confirmed that NDQ granules exerted therapeutic effects on CKD and its comorbidities, including renal anemia, mainly by modulating the TGF-β and EPO signaling pathways. Thus, the pharmacological actions of NDQ on CKD symptoms correlated well with in silico predictions.

Evaluation of Polyphenolic Content, Antioxidant and Diuretic Activities of Six Fumaria Species

Romanian traditional medicine describes the use of aerial parts of Fumaria species to treat hepatobiliary diseases as well as diuretic agents. The present study aims to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and diuretic effects of several Fumaria species. LC/MS analysis revealed that Fumaria species contain phenolic acids and high amounts of flavonoids with rutin and isoquercitrin as main compounds. Concerning antioxidant capacity, the most significant results were obtained for F. capreolata and F. vailantii. Both species showed a good correlation between the antioxidant capacity and a high amount of flavonoids. Furthermore, the extracts of F. officinalis and F. schleicheri produced a strong increase in urinary volumetric excretion of saline-loaded rats, 24 h after the oral administration of a single dose of 250 mg/kg bw. Moreover, both extracts of F. officinalis and F. schleicheri increased the urinary excretion of Na⁺ and K⁺. Results from the present study offer a new perspective concerning the chemical composition and bioactivities of traditionally used fumitory species.

Evaluation of antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibition activity and phenolic profile of Lathyrus cicera and Lathyrus digitatus: Potential sources of bioactive compounds for the food industry

The genus Lathyrus has great importance in terms of food and agricultural areas. In this study, the in vitro antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and metal chelating) and enzyme inhibitory activity evaluation (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase) of L. cicera and L. digitatus were investigated, as well as their phytochemical profiles. The screening of the main phytochemical compounds in aerial parts of L. cicera and L. digitatus was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-ESI-MSⁿ), observing that flavonoids represent the highest percentage of identified compounds, with abundance of tri- and tetra-glycosilated flavonoids, including acylated ones, especially in L. cicera. Generally, L. digitatus exhibited stronger antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities in correlation with its higher level of phenolics. The high number of phenolic compounds and the results of the antioxidant and enzyme assays suggest that these plants may be further used as sources of bioactive compounds, and for the preparation of new nutraceuticals.