Identification of Iridoids in Edible Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica Sevast.) by UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS

Exploring bitter characteristics of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries by sensory-guided analysis: Key bitter compounds and varietal differences

The taste of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) berries is wrapped in bitterness, and awareness about the essence of bitterness is lacking. In the current study, 7-ketologanin, sweroside and loganin were isolated and identified as key bitter compounds using sensory-guided analysis. The bitterness thresholds of these compounds were determined to be 11.9 μg/mL, 33.5 μg/mL and 60.2 μg/mL. Subsequently, the differences in bitterness among 16 blue honeysuckle varieties were evaluated. The wild varieties A1 and A2 exhibited the highest bitter intensity. 7-Ketologanin, with the highest concentration of 34.70-37.11 mg/100 g and taste activity values of 29.16-31.18 in A1 and A2, was first identified as a bitter contributor in blue honeysuckle. There was no significant difference in bitter intensity between the reconstitution model and the original sample, confirming the contribution of the three bitter compounds. This study lays the foundation for the bitter improvement and variety selection of blue honeysuckle resources.

Comparative analysis of sipeimine content, metabolome and chloroplast genome in cultivated and wild varieties of Fritillaria taipaiensis

BACKGROUND

The wild variety Fritillaria taipaiensis E.B (EB) is known for its superior therapeutic effects, but its limited production cannot meet demand. As a result, the cultivated variety F. taipaiensis P. Y. Li (PY) has been widely grown. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing EB and PY in terms of external features, sipeimine content, metabolome and chloroplast genome to differentiate these two varieties.

RESULTS

Our research revealed that the petals and pods of EB are green, while those of PY have purple markings. The bulbs of EB contain significantly higher levels of sipeimine compared to those of PY. Metabolomic analysis identified 56 differentially expressed metabolites (DMs), with 23 upregulated and 33 downregulated in EB bulbs. Particularly, 3-hydroxycinnamic acid and secoxyloganin may serve as distinctive DMs. These DMs were associated with 17 KEGG pathways, including pyrimidine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and galactose metabolism. Differences in the length of the chloroplast genome were primarily observed in the large single-copy (LSC) region, with the largest variation in the trnH-GUC-psbA region. The placement of the trnH gene and the rps gene in proximity to the LSC/IRb boundary differs between EB and PY.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide valuable insights for the introduction and comprehensive development of wild F. taipaiensis from a scientific perspective. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative study on chemical constituents of different medicinal parts of Lonicera japonica Thunb. Based on LC-MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis

Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF), Lonicerae japonicae caulis (LJC), Lonicerae folium (LF) and Lonicerae fructus (LFR) are derived from Lonicera japonica Thunb., which are formed due to different medicinal parts. The efficacy of the 4 medicinal materials has similarities and differences. However, little attention has been paid to illustrate the differences in efficacy from the perspective of phytochemistry. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS) was used to qualitatively analyze the ingredients in 4 herbs. A total of 86 compounds were plausibly or unambiguously identified, there were 54 common components among the 4 medicinal materials, and each kind of medicinal materials had its own unique components. On the basis of qualitative analysis, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) was used to quantitatively analyze 31 components contained in 4 medicinal materials, and principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and other multivariate statistical analysis were furtherly performed for comparing the component contents. The results showed that the samples from the same parts were clustered into one group, and the samples from different medicinal parts were significantly different. The analysis of variable importance projection (VIP) value of the OPLS-DA model showed that 10 components including chlorogenic acid, secologanic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, loganin, lonicerin, loganic acid, secoxyloganin, sweroside, luteolin and rhoifolin were the main difference components among the 4 medicinal materials. The study not only lays a solid foundation for the intrinsic quality control of 4 medicinal materials and the study of different effects of the 4 medicinal materials at the phytochemical level, but also provides a basis for more rational utilization of various parts of L. japonica and expansion of medicinal resources.

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass combined with UNIFI to study the mechanism of Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction in the treatment of postpartum blood stasis

Postpartum hemorrhage can lead to a variety of maternal complications. Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction (THSWD) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for treating gynecological diseases. However, the active ingredients of THSWD and its pharmacological mechanism of treatment for postpartum blood stasis still remained unclear. In this study, 201 components were identified in THSWD ethanol extract using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, including 59 terpenoids and volatile oil, 61 Phenylpropanoids, 41 flavonoids, 22 alkaloids, and other 18 components. A total of 45 active compounds were identified in the blood and 33 active compounds were identified in the uterine. Taking the common components into the blood and into the uterus combined with network pharmacology. It was demonstrated that the active compounds can bind to the core target with good affinity through molecular docking. The results of this study will provide a reference for the quality control and pharmacodynamic material base research of THSWD.

Sweroside: An iridoid glycoside of potential neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities supported by molecular docking

Oxidative stress can be a series burden on human health and may lead to many chronic diseases such as diabetes and neurological disorders. The use of natural products to scavenge the reactive oxygen species has attracted the attention of many researchers, to safely manage these conditions with fewer side effects, in available and cost-effective ways. The current study aimed at the isolation and structure elucidation of sweroside from Schenkia spicata (Gentianaceae) and the evaluation of its antioxidant, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and enzyme inhibitory potential via in vitro and in silico studies. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by a variety of assays as ABTS, CUPRAC and FRAP, showing values of 0.34 ± 0.08, 21.14 ± 0.43, and 12.32 ± 0.20 mg TE/g, respectively, while demonstrating 0.75 ± 0.03 mmol TE/g for phosphomolybdenum (PBD) assay. Acetylcholinestrase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and tyrosinase inhibitory activities were used to evaluate the neuroprotective effect, while the antidiabetic potential was evaluated by measuring α-amylase and glucosidase inhibitory activities. Results revealed that sweroside showed antioxidant and inhibitory effects on the enzymes tested with the exception of AChE. It demonstrated good tyrosinase inhibitory ability with 55.06 ± 1.85 mg Kojic acid equivalent /g. Regarding the antidiabetic ability, the compound displayed both amylase and glucosidase (0.10 ± 0.01 and 1.54 ± 0.01 mmol Acarbose equivalent/g, respectively) inhibitory activities. Molecular docking studies of sweroside on the active sites of the aforementioned enzymes in addition to NADPH oxidase were performed using Discovery Studio 4.1 software. Results revealed good binding affinities of sweroside to these enzymes mainly through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. Sweroside can be an important antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory supplement, yet further in vivo and clinical studies are required.

Quality, Safety and Biological Studies on Campylanthus glaber Aerial Parts

In Cabo Verde, several endemic species are used in traditional medicine. However, no scientific studies have been conducted on the quality, efficacy, and safety of most of these plants. This study focused on establishing the botanical and chemical identification parameters required for a quality monograph of Campylanthus glaber Benth. aerial parts, a medicinal plant of Cabo Verde traditionally used to treat fever and muscular pain. In addition, in vitro antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity were assessed for this medicinal plant. Optical microscopy, LC/UV-DAD-ESI/MS, and colorimetric assays were used for botanical, chemical, and biological studies, respectively. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTT assay with HepG2 cells, and genotoxicity by the Ames test. Microscopically, the xeromorphic leaf of C. glaber presents a thick cuticle (13.6-25.5 µm), thick-walled epidermal cells, anomocytic-type stomata, glandular trichomes (stalk length = 49.4-120.8 µm), and idioblasts containing calcium oxalate microcrystals. The chemical screening of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of this medicinal plant revealed the presence of organic acids, iridoids, phenylethanoids, and flavonoids as the main classes of marker compounds, with malic acid, citric acid, and verbascoside being the main marker compounds identified. Both extracts showed similar LC/UV-DAD/ESI-MS qualitative profiles and DPPH radical scavenger activity (IC50 = 130.9 ± 1.4; 134.3 ± 3.1 µg/mL). The hydroethanolic extract inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. Both extracts showed no cytotoxicity (up to 1000 µg/mL) by the MTT assay and no genotoxic potential with or without metabolic activation up to 5 mg /plate. The results obtained are an important contribution to the monographic quality assessment of C. glaber aerial parts and suggest that this medicinal plant may be safe and potentially used as an herbal drug raw material for pharmaceutical purposes.

Systematic investigation of the material basis, multiple mechanisms and quality control of Simiao Yong'an decoction combined with antibiotic in the treatment of sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is one of the major threats to human health with high mortality. Simiao Yong'an decoction (SMYAD) has the efficacy of anti-inflammation, improving coagulation and microcirculation, which is applicable for the clinical assistance treatment of sepsis. Yet, its material basis and relevant mechanisms are still vague.

PURPOSE

Explore the quality markers (Q-markers), biomarkers and potential mechanisms of SMYAD combined with imipenem/cilastatin sodium for anti-sepsis.

METHODS

Linear-Trap-LC/MSⁿ was employed to profile the compounds in the extract and medicated serum of SMYAD. Then, the components and targets obtained from databases were applied to network pharmacology. Q-markers' range was narrowed via the affinity of three times docking and determined as per its screening criteria. Also, the content of them was detected by HPLC. Next, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model was reproduced to observe the effect of SMYAD united antibiotic by survival rate, histopathology score, ELISA, western blot and qPCR. Finally, metabolomics based upon GC-MS was exerted to discover the differential endogenous metabolites, metabolic pathway and joint pathway of SMYAD combined with antibiotic for sepsis.

RESULTS

The 25 serum migrant ingredients derived from 113 chemical compounds of SMYAD were identified for the first time, and 6 components were determined as the Q-markers of SMYAD. The enrichment analysis indicated that the potential mechanism was mainly associated with the IL-17 signaling pathway, complement-coagulation cascades signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway. Then, SMYAD united antibiotic declined the mortality of septic rats, restored cytokine levels, ameliorated histopathological lesions and decreased the mRNA and protein expression of target proteins in a dose-dependent way. Furthermore, 8 differential metabolites were regarded as latent biomarkers related to the antiseptic effect of SMYAD united antibiotic, which were mainly involved in the Citrate cycle (TCA cycle) metabolic pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Different skeletons of compounds, including iridoids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, triterpenes and others, were the main compositions of SMYAD. Among them, 6 components were determined as the Q-markers, which provided a basis for the construction of quality standards for this ancient classic formula. The combination therapy of SMYAD and antibiotic obviously ameliorated inflammatory reaction, coagulation dysfunction and microcirculation abnormalities for sepsis by inhibiting IL-17 signaling pathway, complement-coagulation cascades signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway.

Comprehensive chemical profiling and quantitative analysis of ethnicYi medicine Miao-Fu-Zhi-Tong granules using UHPLC-MS/MS

Developing analytical methods for the chemical components of natural medicines remains a challenge due to its diversity and complexity. Miao-Fu-Zhi-Tong (MFZT) granules, an ethnic Yi herbal prescription, comprises 10 herbs and has been clinically applied for gouty arthritis (GA) therapy. Herein, a series of chemical profiling strategies including in-house library matching, molecular networking and MS/MS fragmentation behavior validation based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) were developed for qualitative analysis of MFZT granules. A total of 207 compounds were identified or characterized in which several rare guanidines were discovered and profiled into alkyl substituted or cyclic subtypes. Moreover, network pharmacology analysis indicated that MFZT's anti-gout mechanism was mostly associated with the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling, nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like signaling and rheumatoid arthritis pathways, along with the synergistic effect of 84 potential active compounds. In addition, a quantitative analytical method was developed to simultaneously determine the 29 potential effective components. Among them, berberine, pellodendrine, 3-feruloylquinic acid, neoastilbin, isoacteoside and chlorogenic acid derivatives at higher concentrations were considered as the chemical markers for quality control. These findings provide a holistic chemical basis for MFZT granules and will support the development of effective analytical methods for the herbal formulas of natural medicines.

A Strategy for Identification and Structural Characterization of Compounds from Plantago asiatica L. by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Combined with Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Plantago asiatica L. (PAL) as a medicinal and edible plant is rich in chemical compounds, which makes the systematic and comprehensive characterization of its components challenging. In this study, an integrated strategy based on three-dimensional separation including AB-8 macroporous resin column chromatography, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF MS), and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with ion-mobility spectrometry (UHPLC-IM-MS) was established and used to separate and identify the structures of compounds from PAL. The extracts of PAL were firstly separated into three parts by AB-8 macroporous resin and further separated and identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF MS and UHPLC-IM-MS, respectively. Additionally, UHPLC-IM-MS was used to identify isomers and coeluting compounds, so that the product ions appearing at the same retention time (RT)can clearly distinguish where the parent ion belongs by their different drift times. UNIFI software was used for data processing and structure identification. A total of 86 compounds, including triterpenes, iridoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, guanidine derivatives, organic acids, and fatty acids, were identified by using MS information and fragment ion information provided by UHPLC-Q-TOF MS and UHPLC-IM-MS. In particular, a pair of isoforms of plantagoside from PAL were detected and identified by UHPLC-IM-MS combined with the theoretical calculation method for the first time. In conclusion, the AB-8 macroporous resin column chromatography can separate the main compounds of PAL and enrich the trace compounds. Combining UHPLC-IM-MS and UHPLC-Q-TOF MS can obtain not only more fragments but also their unique drift times and RT, which is more conducive to the identification of complex systems, especially isomers. This proposed strategy can provide an effective method to separate and identify chemical components, and distinguish isomers in the complex system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Lonicera caerulea (Haskap berries): a review of development traceability, functional value, product development status, future opportunities, and challenges

Lonicera caerulea is a honeysuckle plant with a long development history. It is defined as a "homology of medicine and food" fruit because it is rich in bioactive substances. By-products (such as pomace, leaves, stems, and flowers), which also have beneficial values, will be produced during processing. Nevertheless, the reuse of derivatives and the further development of new products of Lonicera caerulea are still a challenge. Firstly, this paper traced the development history of Lonicera caerulea and summarized its primary nutrients and bioactive substances, subsequently discussed the research progress and underlying molecular mechanisms of its functional properties, and introduced the application and potential of Lonicera caerulea in the fields of food, health products, cosmetics, medicine, and materials. Finally, this paper put forward the future research direction to promote the development of the Lonicera caerulea industry. To sum up, Lonicera caerulea, as a potential raw material, can be used to produce more functional products. Besides, more in-depth clinical trials are needed to clarify the specific molecular mechanism of the practical components of Lonicera caerulea and improve the rate of development and utilization.HighlightsThe original species of Lonicera caerulea subgroup had appeared on the earth as early as the end of the third century.Lonicera caerulea has been introduced into North America since the 18th century, but the introduction process has not ended until now.Lonicera caerulea widely exists in Eurasia and North America and it has excellent cold tolerance, early maturity and ornamental.The fruits, stems, leaves and flowers of Lonicera caerulea all have bioactive value, but the specific molecular mechanism and utilization need to be improved.Lonicera caerulea has been widely used in food, medicine, health products, cosmetics and materials, but there are still great challenges.

Evaluation of Immunotropic Activity of Iridoid-Anthocyanin Extract of Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) in the Course of Experimental Trichinellosis in Mice

Our experiment determined the immunotropic activity of a natural, iridoid-anthocyanin extract from honeysuckle berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) (LC). The extract was administered to mice infected with Trichinella spiralis, orally at a dose of 2 g/kg bw, six times at 24 h intervals (from day 3 prior to the infection to day 3 post-infection (dpi) with T. spiralis. At 5, 7, 14, and 21 dpi, samples of blood, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were collected, and isolated lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The splenocyte proliferation was estimated with MTT testing, and the intensity of intestinal and muscle infection was also studied. LC stimulated the local immune system by inducing lymphocyte proliferation in the spleen 7 dpi and altered the percentage and absolute count of B (CD19⁺) and T (CD3⁺, CD8⁺) cells 7, 14, and 21 dpi in the peripheral blood. LC extract affected the dynamics of expulsion of adult Trichinella from the intestines and prolonged the intestinal phase of the infection but did not change the number of larvae in the muscles. These results suggest that Lonicera caerulea L. fruit extract modulates murine cellular immune response during intestinal phase of T. spiralis infection but shows no antiparasitic activity.

Comparative in vivo antimalarial activities of aqueous and methanol extracts of MAMA powder - A herbal antimalarial preparation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The choice of extraction solvent is a significant consideration in ethnomedicine as optimal extraction could influence the bioactivity of the herbal medicinal product.

AIM OF STUDY

This study investigated the possible influence of the choice of solvents (methanol and water) for extracting MAMA Powder (MP) against Plasmodium berghei-infected mice to optimize its antimalarial activity and for developing other pharmaceutical dosage forms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous and methanol extracts of MP, obtained through the decoction and soxhlet methods, respectively, were subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) for their respective fingerprints. The antimalarial activities of the methanol and aqueous extracts (12.5-100 mg/kg) were evaluated orally using the chemosuppressive test model on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. The methanol extract was subjected to the established infection and prophylactic antimalarial tests with chloroquine (10 mg/kg) and pyrimethamine (1.25 mg/kg) as positive controls, respectively. The aqueous extract was investigated in chloroquine-resistant P. berghei using the chemosuppressive (12.5-800 mg/kg) and established infection (25-400 mg/kg) antimalarial models.

RESULTS

The LC-MS fingerprints of both aqueous and methanol extracts revealed similar indole alkaloid contents. Chemosuppressive activity of the aqueous extract (75.3%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the methanol extract (67.6%). In the chloroquine-resistant P. berghei infection experiments, the aqueous extract (400 mg/kg) exhibited significant parasite clearance (72%).

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that the water extract with higher antimalarial activity could be optimized for chloroquine-resistant malaria and can thus facilitate the production of liquid and solid dosage forms.

Multivariate optimization results in an edible extract from Ilex paraguariensis unexplored residues with a high amount of phenolic compounds

Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. plants are used for the preparation of food and drinks which are widely consumed worldwide. During the harvest season of these plants, 2-5 ton hec^-1 of agricultural residue is generated, which remains underutilized. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain an edible extract with high content of bioactive compounds and antimicrobial properties from the agricultural residue of I. paraguariensis for industrial use in food applications. The extraction conditions were optimized through a multivariate experimental design using ethanol:water. The extracted compounds were characterized by HPLC-ESY-QTOF-MS. In the optimal extraction conditions, 55 compounds were extracted, including 8 compounds that were not previously reported in I. paraguariensis. The method proved to be simple, fast, economical and environmentally friendly, with the use of green solvents. This optimization allowed for the extraction of 15.07 g of phenolic compounds per 100 g of residue. The extract showed high antioxidant activity and the capacity to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. Results indicate that it is possible to obtain an edible extract with a high content of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds, from the I. paraguariensis residue, which has high prospects for the valorization of unexplored natural resources.

Linnaea borealis L. var. borealis-In Vitro Cultures and Phytochemical Screening as a Dual Strategy for Its Ex Situ Conservation and a Source of Bioactive Compounds of the Rare Species

Linnaea borealis L. (Twinflower)—a dwarf shrub in the Linnaeeae tribe of Caprifoliaceae family—is distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. By means of this study, a reliable protocol for efficient micropropagation of uniform L. borealis L. var. borealis plantlets has been provided for the first time; callus culture was also established. Different initial explants, types of cultures, media systems, and plant growth regulators in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media were tested. Agitated shoot cultures in the liquid media turned out to be the best system for the production of sustainable plant biomass. After stabilization of the callus lines, the highest growth index (c.a. 526%) was gained for callus maintained on MS enriched with picloram. TLC and UHPLC-HESI-HRMS analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, and for the first time, the presence of iridoids and triterpenoid saponins in this species. Multiplication of L. borealis shoot culture provides renewable raw material, allowing for the assessment of the phytochemical profile, and, in the future, for the quantitative analyses and the studies of the biological activity of extracts, fractions, or isolated compounds. This is the first report on in vitro cultures of traditionally used L. borealis rare taxon and its biosynthetic potential.

The Impact of Anthocyanins and Iridoids on Transcription Factors Crucial for Lipid and Cholesterol Homeostasis

Nutrition determines our health, both directly and indirectly. Consumed foods affect the functioning of individual organs as well as entire systems, e.g., the cardiovascular system. There are many different diets, but universal guidelines for proper nutrition are provided in the WHO healthy eating pyramid. According to the latest version, plant products should form the basis of our diet. Many groups of plant compounds with a beneficial effect on human health have been described. Such groups include anthocyanins and iridoids, for which it has been proven that their consumption may lead to, inter alia, antioxidant, cholesterol and lipid-lowering, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. Transcription factors directly affect a number of parameters of cell functions and cellular metabolism. In the context of lipid and cholesterol metabolism, five particularly important transcription factors can be distinguished: liver X receptor (LXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). Both anthocyanins and iridoids may alter the expression of these transcription factors. The aim of this review is to collect and systematize knowledge about the impact of anthocyanins and iridoids on transcription factors crucial for lipid and cholesterol homeostasis.

Effect of Two Combined Functional Additives on Yoghurt Properties

The aim of the research was the analysis of yoghurts enriched with blue honeysuckle berries dry polyphenolic extract and new preparation of resistant starch. The additives were introduced individually at concentration 0.1% (w/v) and in mixture at final concentration of 0.1 and 0.2% of both components. Yogurt microflora, pH, and its physicochemical and antioxidant properties were examined over 14 days of storage under refrigerated conditions. Studies showed that both substances can be successfully used in yoghurt production. Yoghurt microflora es. S. thermophilus and Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus counts appeared to be higher in samples supplemented with these additives comparing to control yoghurt by 3-8%. More stimulating effect on their growth, especially on S. thermophilus, revealed resistant starch. Addition of this polysaccharide improved also the rheological properties of yogurts, which showed higher viscosity than samples produced without it. Addition of honeysuckle berries preparation significantly influenced the yogurts' color, giving them deep purple color, and their antioxidant potential. During storage, contents of anthocyanin and iridoid compounds were decreasing, but antioxidant activity in the products remained stable.

Identification of the absorbed ingredients and metabolites in rats after an intravenous administration of Tanreqing injection using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The metabolic profiles of Tanreqing injection, which is a traditional Chinese medicine recommended for complementary administration to treat a novel coronavirus, have remained unclear, which inhibit the understanding of the effective chemical compounds of Tanreqing injection. In this study, a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was used to identify the compounds and metabolites in various biosamples, including plasma, bile, liver, lung, kidney, urine, and feces, following the intravenous administration of Tanreqing injection in rats. A total of 89 compounds were characterized in the biosamples of Tanreqing injection-treated rats including 25 precursor constituents and 64 metabolites. Nine flavonoid compounds, twelve phenolic acids, and four iridoid glycosides were identified in the rats. Their metabolites were mainly produced by glucuronidation, deglucuronidation, glycosylation, deglycosylation, methylation, demethylation, N-heterocyclisation, sulphation, dehydroxylation, decarboxylation, dehydration, hydroxylation, and corresponding recombination reactions. This study was the first to comprehensively investigate the metabolic profile of Tanreqing injection and provides a scientific basis to further elucidate the pharmacodynamic material basis and therapeutic mechanism of Tanreqing injection.

Exploratory Analysis of Commercial Olive-Based Dietary Supplements Using Untargeted and Targeted Metabolomics

The market of olive-based dietary supplements (OBDS) is composed of a broad range of natural extracts claiming different health effects and often sold without a clear statement on their chemical composition. The aim of this survey was to characterize the chemical profiles of 14 commercially available OBDS. As many as 378 compounds were tentatively annotated in the analyzed samples. Although for most of metabolites the annotation at level I was prevented due to the lack of the analytical standard, the spectra obtained from high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) measurements were very informative, allowing annotation of dozens of metabolites at level II or III. A targeted method allowed the quantification of 26 selected compounds. A large qualitative and quantitative variability was observed. The products obtained from buds by glyceric maceration were those with the lowest concentrations of all the quantified elements. The dose of 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol, corresponding to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claim, was only reached by four products, all of them originating from the olive fruit or the leaves. If we also take into consideration oleuropein, two additional products provide this daily amount. This work demonstrates the high complexity and diversity in the composition of OBDS.

Diversity of secoiridoid glycosides in leaves of UK and Danish ash provide new insight for ash dieback management

Secoiridoid glycosides are anti-feeding deterrents of the Oleaceae family recently highlighted as potential biomarkers in Danish ash trees to differentiate between those tolerant and susceptible to the fungal disease ash dieback. With the knowledge that emerald ash borer has recently entered Europe from Russia, and that extensive selection trials are ongoing in Europe for ash dieback tolerant European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), we undertook comprehensive screening of secoiridoid glycosides in leaf extracts of trees tolerant and susceptible to ash dieback sampled from sites in the UK and Denmark. Here we report an unexpected diversity of secoiridoid glycosides in UK trees and higher levels of secoiridoid glycosides in the UK sample group. While it is unlikely that secoiridoid glycosides generally can serve as reliable markers for ash dieback susceptibility, there are differences between tolerant and susceptible groups for specific secoiridoids. We predict that the high levels-and structural diversity-of secoiridoids present in the UK group may provide a robust reservoir of anti-feeding deterrents to mitigate future herbivore threats such as the Emerald ash borer.

Susceptibility of virulent and resistant Escherichia coli strains to non-polar and polar compounds identified in Microplumeria anomala

Background and Aim

Escherichia coli is one of the main pathogens responsible for veterinary and human infections, and it is associated with significant economic losses in the livestock, as it causes severe diseases to humans, particularly in children. For that reason, there is a need for introducing new drugs to treat E. coli diseases. The Brazilian species richness is a source of potential new antibacterial natural products. The study aimed at the biological and chemical investigation of the organic extract obtained from the stem of Microplumeria anomala (Apocynaceae), EB127, as it was identified as a potential source of new antibacterial compounds to be used in Veterinary.

Materials and Methods

The antibacterial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion and microdilution assays; chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and mass spectrometry were used in the isolation and identification of compounds.

Results

EB127 showed activity against E. coli ATCC25922, and against three E. coli strains that were isolated from frigarte's cloaca, named 31/1A, 35A, and 51A. Lupeol, 3-acetyl-11-oxo-β-amyrin, 3-acetyl-11-oxo-α-amyrin, sitosterol, stigmasterol, 3β,7α-dihydroxy-cholest-5-ene, 3β-hydroxy-cholest-5-en-7-one, and 3β-hydroxy-cholest-5,22-dien-7-one were identified in fraction Hex/CHCl₃, while loganin, loganic acid, methylanomaline, and anomaline were all identified in EB127 and protocatechuic acid hexoside, ferulic acid, secoxyloganin, feruloylquinic acid, vanillic acid hexoside, protocatechuic acid-4-O-β-hexoside, and rosmarinic acid were tentatively identified in fraction 10%ACN/H₂O. E. coli 51A (virulent/non-resistant) showed sensitivity to the antibacterial action of fraction Hex/CHCl₃ which contains alkaloids, triterpenes, and steroids, while E. coli 35A (resistant/non-virulent) were more susceptible to 10%ACN/H₂O, which contains iridoids as loganin and loganic acid, and glycosylated and non-glycosylated caffeic acids.

Conclusion

Fraction 10%ACN/H₂O is of interest in pursuing new drugs to treat resistant E. coli, in veterinary. All compounds were isolated from the plant for the first time and have shown potential as new antibacterial natural products from Amazon plants to be used in veterinary and human diseases.

Higher dimensional metabolomics using stable isotope labeling for identifying the missing specialized metabolism in plants

The exact mechanics of specialized metabolism and its importance throughout plant evolution remain mysterious. Specialized metabolites and their corresponding biosynthetic genes are crucial to understand the reason for the prevalence of certain metabolism. Even though mass spectrometry-based metabolomics has enabled us to acquire data about the structural properties of unknown specialized metabolites as well as known metabolites and their corresponding isomers/analogs, extensive analytical approaches are still required. Herein, we review the most advanced analytical approaches using stable isotope labeling that can be used to identify the unknown specialized metabolites.

Secoiridoids Metabolism Response to Wounding in Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea Rafn) Leaves

Centaurium erythraea Rafn produces and accumulates various biologically active specialized metabolites, including secoiridoid glucosides (SGs), which help plants to cope with unfavorable environmental conditions. Specialized metabolism is commonly modulated in a way to increase the level of protective metabolites, such as SGs. Here, we report the molecular background of the wounding-induced changes in SGs metabolism for the first time. The mechanical wounding of leaves leads to a coordinated up-regulation of SGs biosynthetic genes and corresponding JA-related transcription factors (TFs) after 24 h, which results in the increase of metabolic flux through the biosynthetic pathway and, finally, leads to the elevated accumulation of SGs 96 h upon injury. The most pronounced increase in relative expression was detected for secologanin synthase (CeSLS), highlighting this enzyme as an important point for the regulation of biosynthetic flux through the SG pathway. A similar expression pattern was observed for CeBIS1, imposing itself as the TF that is prominently involved in wound-induced regulation of SGs biosynthesis genes. The high degree of positive correlations between and among the biosynthetic genes and targeted TFs expressions indicate the transcriptional regulation of SGs biosynthesis in response to wounding with a significant role of CeBIS1, which is a known component of the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway.

Brazilian Biodiversity Fruits: Discovering Bioactive Compounds from Underexplored Sources

Large segments of the Brazilian population still suffer from malnutrition and diet-related illnesses. In contrast, many native fruits have biodiversity and are underexploited sources of bioactive compounds and unknown to consumers. The phytochemical composition of nine underexplored Brazilian fruits was determined. Carotenoids and anthocyanins were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS), and phenolic compounds and iridoids were identified by flow injection analysis-electrospray-ion trap-tandem mass spectrometry (FIA-ESI-IT-MS/MS); in total, 84 compounds were identified. In addition, the chemical structure and pathway mass fragmentation of new iridoids from jenipapo ( Genipa americana) and jatoba ( Hymenae coubaril) are proposed. The highest level of carotenoids was registered in pequi ( Caryocar brasiliense; 10156.21 μg/100 g edible fraction), while the major total phenolic content was found in cambuci ( Campomanesia coubaril; 221.70 mg GAE/100 g). Anthocyanins were quantified in jabuticaba ( Plinia cauliflora; 45.5 mg/100 g) and pitanga ( Eugenia uniflora; 81.0 mg/100 g). Our study illustrates the chemical biodiversity of underexplored fruits from Brazil, supporting the identification of new compounds and encouraging the study of more food matrixes not yet investigated.

Chemical and genomic diversity of six Lonicera species occurring in Korea

Lonicera spp. (Caprifoliaceae) are important not only as a common medicinal herb in East Asia but also as one of the most problematic invasive species in North America. In the present study, we performed a systemic analysis of genomic and chemical diversity among six Lonicera species occurring in Korea, L. japonica, L. maackii, L. insularis, L. sachalinensis, L. praeflorens, and L. vesicaria, using chloroplast DNA whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing and LC-MS analyses. The phylogenetic and phylochemical relationships did not coincide with each other, but partial consistency could be found among them. InDel-based cDNA marker for authentication was developed based on the genome sequences. Flavonoids, iridoids, and organic acids were identified in the LC-MS analyses, and their inter-species distribution and localization were also revealed.

Neutral Loss Scan - Based Strategy for Integrated Identification of Amorfrutin Derivatives, New Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Agonists, from Amorpha Fruticosa by UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Amorfrutins with a 2-hydroxybenzoic acid core structure are promising natural PPARγ agonists with potent antidiabetic activity. Owing to the complex matrix and low concentration in botanical material, the identification of unknown amorfrutins remains a challenge. In the present study, a combined application of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS was developed to discover unknown amorfrutins from fruits of Amorpha fruticosa. First, reference compounds of amorfrutin A (AA), amorfrutin B (AB), and 2-carboxy-3,5-dihydroxy-4-geranylbibenzyl (AC) were analyzed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS to reveal the characteristic fragment ions and the possible neutral loss. Second, the extract of A. fruticosa was separated and screened by UPLC-QqQ-MS using neutral loss scan to find out suspect compounds associated with the specified neutral fragment Δm/z 44. Third, the extract was re-analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS to obtain the exact mass of quasi-molecular ion and fragment ions of each suspect compound, and to subsequently calculate their corresponding molecular formulas. Finally, according to the molecular formula of suspect compound and its fragment ions and comparing with literature data, structure elucidation of four unidentified amorfrutins was achieved. The results indicated that the combination of QqQ-MS neutral loss scan and Q-TOF-MS molecular formula calculation was proven to be a powerful tool for unknown natural product identification, and this strategy provides an effective solution to discover natural products or metabolites of trace content. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Effect of pre-treatment of blue honeysuckle berries on bioactive iridoid content

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the different methods of preparation of the blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. var. Kamtschatica) cv. 'Wojtek' and their influence on the iridoid content of fruit juices and fresh and freeze-dried pomaces. Compounds were identified by UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS in negative ion mode. Five iridoids - loganic acid, 7-epi-loganic acid 7-O-pentoside, loganin, sweroside, and secologanin - were determined in blue honeysuckle fruits and products. The results revealed no differences in iridoid content between the fresh pomace from skin and flesh, or between the juice from skin and flesh. A higher content of iridoids was obtained in juice from crushed than from whole berries, and in freeze-dried pomace from whole than from crushed berries. Freeze-dried pomace from blue honeysuckle can be an excellent source of bioactive iridoids.

Iridoids, Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Sevast.)

Iridoid and polyphenol profiles of 30 different honeysuckle berry cultivars and genotypes were studied. Compounds were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS) in positive and negative ion modes and quantified by HPLC-PDA. The 50 identified compounds included 15 iridoids, 6 anthocyanins, 9 flavonols, 2 flavanonols (dihydroflavonols), 5 flavones, 6 flavan-3-ols, and 7 phenolic acids. 8-epi-Loganic acid, pentosyl-loganic acid, taxifolin 7-O-dihexoside, and taxifolin 7-O-hexoside were identified in honeysuckle berries for the first time. Iridoids and anthocyanins were the major groups of bioactive compounds of honeysuckle constituents. The total content of quantified iridoids and anthocyanins was between 128.42 mg/100 g fresh weight (fw) (‘Dlinnoplodnaya’) and 372 mg/100 g fw (‘Kuvshinovidnaya’) and between 150.04 mg/100 g fw (‘Karina’) and 653.95 mg/100 g fw (‘Amur’), respectively. Among iridoids, loganic acid was the dominant compound, and it represented between 22% and 73% of the total amount of quantified iridoids in honeysuckle berry. A very strong correlation was observed between the antioxidant potential and the quantity of anthocyanins. High content of iridoids in honeysuckle berries can complement antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds.