Liquid Chromatographic Strategies for Separation of Bioactive Compounds in Food Matrices

Lemon basil seed-derived peptide: Hydrolysis, purification, and its role as a pancreatic lipase inhibitor that reduces adipogenesis by downregulating SREBP-1c and PPAR-γ in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The purpose of this study is to assess the bioactive peptides derived from the defatted lemon basil seeds hydrolysate (DLSH) for their ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase, decrease intracellular lipid accumulation, and reduce adipogenesis. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize trypsin hydrolysis conditions for maximizing lipase inhibitory activity (LI). A hydrolysis time of 387.06 min, a temperature of 49.03°C, and an enzyme concentration of 1.61% w/v, resulted in the highest LI with an IC50 of 368.07 μg/mL. The ultrafiltration of the protein hydrolysate revealed that the fraction below 0.65kDa exhibited the greatest LI potential. Further purification via RP-HPLC identified the Gly-Arg-Ser-Pro-Asp-Thr-His-Ser-Gly (GRSPDTHSG) peptide in the HPLC fraction F1 using mass spectrometry. The peptide was synthesized and demonstrated LI with an IC50 of 0.255 mM through a non-competitive mechanism, with a constant (Ki) of 0.61 mM. Docking studies revealed its binding site with the pancreatic lipase-colipase complex. Additionally, GRSPDTHSG inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxic effects. Western blot analysis indicated downregulation of PPAR-γ and SREBP-1c levels under GRSPDTHSG treatment, while an increase in AMPK-α phosphorylation was observed, suggesting a role in regulating cellular lipid metabolism. Overall, GRSPDTHSG demonstrates potential in attenuating lipid absorption and adipogenesis, suggesting a prospective application in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Factors influencing the in situ formation of Δ9-THC from cannabidiol during GC-MS analysis

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is widely used for the identification of cannabinoids in seized plant material. Conditions used for instrumental analysis should maximize decarboxylation, while minimizing the in situ production of Δ9-THC inside the GC inlet. In this study, decarboxylation of the acidic Δ9-THC precursor and in situ degradation of cannabidiol (CBD) were investigated using seven commercial GC liners with different deactivation chemistries and geometries. While the inlet temperature was previously optimized at 250°C in a previously validated assay, we systematically examined the temperature-dependent decarboxylation of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-A (Δ9-THCA-A) and cyclization of CBD between 230°C and 310°C using different liners using favorable and unfavorable conditions. Significant differences in decarboxylation rate and CBD cyclization were observed between different liner types. While no temperature-dependent differences in decarboxylation rate were observed within liner type, liner-dependent differences were observed (α = 0.05), particularly between those with different geometry. In contrast, temperature and liner-dependent differences were observed for in situ formation of Δ9-THC (α = 0.05). This was influenced by liner geometry and to a smaller extent by surface deactivation. Effects were exacerbated with liner usage. While significant differences were observed using new and used GC liners, differences between liners of the same type but different lot numbers were not observed. Inter-instrument differences using the same liner were also evaluated and had minimal effect. Liner- and temperature-dependent effects were also confirmed using more than 20 cannabis plant extracts. Careful selection of liner, inlet conditions, and regular preventive maintenance can mitigate the risks associated with in situ formation Δ9-THC from CBD.

Algal Carotenoids: Chemistry, Sources, and Application

Recently, the isolation and identification of various biologically active secondary metabolites from algae have been of scientific interest, with particular attention paid to carotenoids, widely distributed in various photosynthetic organisms, including algal species. Carotenoids are among the most important natural pigments, with many health-promoting effects. Since the number of scientific studies on the presence and profile of carotenoids in algae has increased exponentially along with the interest in their potential commercial applications, this review aimed to provide an overview of the current knowledge (from 2015) on carotenoids detected in different algal species (12 microalgae, 21 green algae, 26 brown algae, and 43 red algae) to facilitate the comparison of the results of different studies. In addition to the presence, content, and identification of total and individual carotenoids in various algae, the method of their extraction and the main extraction parameters were also highlighted.

Collagen, protein hydrolysates and chitin from by-products of fish and shellfish: An overview

Waste processing from fish and seafood manufacturers represents a sustainable option to prevent environmental contamination, and their byproducts offer different benefits. Transforming fish and seafood waste into valuable compounds that present nutritional and functional properties compared to mammal products becomes a new alternative in Food Industry. In this review, collagen, protein hydrolysates, and chitin from fish and seafood byproducts were selected to explain their chemical characteristics, production methodologies, and possible future perspectives. These three byproducts are gaining a significant commercial market, impacting the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, agriculture, plastic, and biomedical industries. For this reason, the extraction methodologies, advantages, and disadvantages are discussed in this review.

Bioactive Peptides: Potential Impact on the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancers

We have reviewed the potential use of bioactive peptides in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Conventional therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, are associated with numerous side effects that may lead to longterm complications. Bioactive peptides are short-chain amino acids that can be extracted from natural sources or synthesized, and they have various potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties. Bioactive peptides can be acquired from animal or plant sources, and can be classified based on their function, such as ACE-inhibiting, antimicrobial, and electrolyte- regulating peptides. Recent studies have demonstrated the promising role of bioactive peptides in tumor suppression, especially when combined with conventional therapies. In this study, we have reviewed the beneficial properties of bioactive peptides and their role in suppressing tumor activity. The mechanisms of bioactive peptides in tumor suppression are discussed. We have further reviewed the findings of preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated the application of bioactive peptides in the treatment of GI cancers. This review highlights the potential use of bioactive peptides as a promising treatment method for GI malignancies to increase the quality of life of GI cancer patients.

In Vivo Analysis of Extract of Leaves of Mistletoe as a Benalu Duku: Clinical Chemical Value Associated with Histopathology, Liver, Kidneys, and Lethal Dose Determinate

The active compounds from the leaves of Dendrophthoe pentandra L. Miq., also known as, Benalu Duku (in Indonesia), are known to contain progesterone-like compounds (PLCs). This study aims to determine the effect of giving a single dose of PLCs on liver and kidney function in rats and the dose limit that causes the death of experimental animals. The PLCs were analyzed for chemical and physical characterization and compared to a pure standard of progesterone using HPLC, IR spectrometry, thermogravimetry, and NMR. The research was carried out in two sections. In section one, thirty-five healthy adult male rats were divided into six experimental groups and a control group of five rats each. The groups received, respectively, 50 to 75 mg/kg of PLCs (i.p.). The control group was given a 0.5 mL Aqua Pro injection. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were assessed using the clinical chemistry of blood serum analysis. Cell disruptions were analyzed to determine the degeneration effects of PLCs on the liver and kidney in the experimental and control groups. In section two, thirty healthy adult male rats were divided into 6 groups, each group of 5 rats, and injected with PLCs at a dose of 0.9-2.1 g/kg BW, followed by a lethal dose test. The control groups were available for 5 individual rats at 0 g/kg BW of PLCs. Our findings indicated that PLCs have a similarity chemical and physical characterized each other compounds, then the following administration of 50 to 75 mg/kg of PLCs did not affect the parameters of clinical chemistry. Histopathology analysis of the liver and kidney revealed normal subcellular levels in the experimental group, with the nonlethal dose at 0.9 g/kg BW.

α-glucosidase inhibitors from Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp leaves as revealed by metabolomics and in silico approaches

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp leaves are traditionally used to cure diabetes in many regions of Indonesia. Traditional use involves boiling the leaves until the water is reduced to half volume, and then the decoction is taken 1-2 times daily. Despite several studies reporting the antidiabetic activity of this plant, bioactive compounds have not been well identified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest diabetes cases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Few people have access to modern medicinal treatment; thus, the role of antidiabetic traditional medicine has become increasingly important. This research aimed to identify α-glucosidase inhibitors from S. polyathum leaves using a metabolomics approach. When the active compounds of S. polyathum are properly identified, the quality of the herb can be more easily controlled.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dried leaves of S. polyanthum were extracted by a comprehensive extraction method using a solvent combination of n-hexane, acetone, and water in a gradient, resulting in a total of 42 fractions. All fractions were subjected to an in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition test and chemical profile analysis using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Orthogonal projection least square (OPLS) analysis was used to correlate the two data to identify NMR signals, and HPLC chromatogram peaks correlated to the activity. 2D NMR and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) analyses were also used to give more precise compound identification. The activity of the identified active compounds was confirmed by an in silico technique.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results of the α-glucosidase activity test showed that the most active fractions were obtained from solvents with medium polarity: Fractions 9 and 10 (F9 and F10), obtained from gradient acetone-water 4:1 and 3:2, respectively. The IC50 values of F9 and F10 were 24.8 and 31.8 μg/mL, respectively. NMR data showed that F9 had more intense and diverse signals in the aromatic region than F10. OPLS analysis results showed that some typical flavonoid signals abundant in F9 positively correlated with α-glucosidase activity. 2D NMR and UHPLC-HRMS analysis of F9 led to the conclusion that these signals could be attributed to myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside (myricitrin) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). In silico analysis confirmed these results, as myricitrin and EGCG had binding energies resembling acarbose as a positive control (-8.47, -8.19, and -10.13, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

NMR and HPLC-metabolomics successfully identified myricitrin and EGCG as α-glucosidase inhibitors from S. polyanthum leaves, and docking analysis validated their inhibitory activity. The results of this study justified the traditional use of S. polyanthum as an antidiabetes herbal.

Bioactive components from Moringa oleifera seeds: production, functionalities and applications - a critical review

A readily distinguishable and indigenous member of the plant kingdom in the Indian subcontinent is the 'drumstick tree', i.e. Moringa oleifera Lam. In addition to India, this drought-tolerant and rapidly evolving tree is currently extensively disseminated across the globe, including subtropical and tropical areas. The plant boasts a high nutritional, nutraceutical and therapeutic profile, mainly attributing to its significant repertoire of the biologically active components in different parts: protein, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic acids, tannin, isothiocyanate, lipids, minerals, vitamins, amongst others. M. oleifera seeds have been shown to elicit a myriad of pharmacological potential and health benefits, including: antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. Additionally, the seed cakes obtained from post-extraction process are utilized for: coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation purposes, benefiting effluent management and the purification of water, mainly because of their capability in eliminating microbes and organic matter. Despite the extraordinary focus on other parts of the plant, especially the foliage, the beneficial aspects of the seeds have not been sufficiently highlighted. The health benefits of bioactive components in the seeds are promising and demonstrate enough potential to facilitate the development of functional foods. In this review, we present a critical account of the types, characteristics, production and isolation of bioactive components from M. oleifera seeds. Furthermore, we appraise the: pharmacological activities, cosmetic, biodiesel, lubricative, modern farming, nutritive and wastewater treatment applications of these functional ingredients. We infer that there is a need for further human/clinical studies and evaluation, despite their health benefits. Additionally, the safety issues need to be adequately clarified and assessed, in order to establish a conventional therapeutic profile.

Marine Bioactive Peptides-An Overview of Generation, Structure and Application with a Focus on Food Sources

The biggest obstacles in the application of marine peptides are two-fold, as in the case of non-marine plant and animal-derived bioactive peptides: elucidating correlation between the peptide structure and its effect and demonstrating its stability in vivo. The structures of marine bioactive peptides are highly variable and complex and dependent on the sources from which they are isolated. They can be cyclical, in the form of depsipeptides, and often contain secondary structures. Because of steric factors, marine-derived peptides can be resistant to proteolysis by gastrointestinal proteases, which presents an advantage over other peptide sources. Because of heterogeneity, amino acid sequences as well as preferred mechanisms of peptides showing specific bioactivities differ compared to their animal-derived counterparts. This review offers insights on the extreme diversity of bioactivities, effects, and structural features, analyzing 253 peptides, mainly from marine food sources. Similar to peptides in food of non-marine animal origin, a significant percentage (52.7%) of the examined sequences contain one or more proline residues, implying that proline might play a significant role in the stability of bioactive peptides. Additional problems with analyzing marine-derived bioactive peptides include their accessibility, extraction, and purification; this review considers the challenges and proposes possible solutions.

Preparative Separation of Alkaloids from Stem of Euchresta tubulosa Dunn. by High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography Using Stepwise Elution

Euchresta tubulosa Dunn. is a Chinese herbal medicine with biological activity, but there are few studies on its components at present. Alkaloids in the stem of Euchresta tubulosa Dunn. were isolated and purified by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) using stepwise elution. First of all, liquid-liquid extraction (methylene chloride-methanol-water, 5:1:4, v/v) was used for the preliminary enrichment. According to the partition coefficient (K) of a target compound in a series of different two-phase solvents, the final result was that carbon tetrachloride-methylene chloride-methanol-water (2:3:3:2, v/v) (1) and methylene chloride-methanol-water (5:3:2, v/v) (2) were suitable for the HSCCC using stepwise elution. As a result, the purity was all higher than 93% and matrine (1), oxymatrine (2), N-formyl cytisine (3), and N-acetyl cytisine (4) can be eluted at one time by this mode. Cytisine-type alkaloids were isolated for the first time in this plant. Finally, the applicability of the mode was verified.