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Raudone L, Vilkickyte G, Marksa M, Radusiene J. Comparative Phytoprofiling of Achillea millefolium Morphotypes: Assessing Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic and Triterpenic Compounds Variation across Different Plant Parts. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1043. [PMID: 38611571 PMCID: PMC11013869 DOI: 10.3390/plants13071043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Achillea millefolium L., commonly known as yarrow, is a versatile and widely distributed plant species with a rich history of ethnopharmacological significance. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative differences of A. millefolium inflorescence morphotypes. The phytochemical profile of white and pink inflorescence morphotypes was characterised by a complex of thirty-four phenolic and triterpene compounds. The species has distinct morphotypes of white and pink inflorescence. Phenolic and triterpenic profiles were determined, and individual compounds were quantified in inflorescence, leaf, and stem samples of two morphotypes tested. The antioxidant activity of plant extracts was evaluated by free radical scavenging (ABTS) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Caffeoylquinic acids predominated in all parts of the plant tested. Chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were the principal compounds in the phenolic profile. Betulin, betulinic acid, and α-amyrin were the prevailing triterpenic components in the triterpenic profiles of Achillea millefolium morphotypes. The predominant flavonoids in inflorescences were flavones, while in leaves, flavonols were the organ-specific compounds. The quantitative differences were observed between plant parts of morphotypes. Leaves consistently displayed the highest amounts of identified compounds and have been testified as the main source of antioxidant activity. Overall, white inflorescences accumulated a higher total amount of compounds compared to pink ones. The observed differences between morphotypes derived from the same population reflect the differences in specialised metabolites and their chemotypes. This study addresses gaps in knowledge, particularly in phenolic and triterpenic profiling of coloured inflorescence morphotypes, enhancing our understanding of chemotypes and morphotypes within the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Raudone
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Avenue 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Avenue 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Gabriele Vilkickyte
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Avenue 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Avenue 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Mindaugas Marksa
- Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Avenue 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Jolita Radusiene
- Laboratory of Economic Botany, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Street 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania;
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Radušienė J, Karpavičienė B, Vilkickytė G, Marksa M, Raudonė L. Comparative Analysis of Root Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Five Native and Invasive Solidago L. Species. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:132. [PMID: 38202440 PMCID: PMC10780316 DOI: 10.3390/plants13010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The high environmental importance of invasive goldenrod has prompted research to find potential benefits that can be derived from these species. This study aimed to identify differences in root phenolic profiles among five Solidago species, thus providing valuable information on their potential applications and the botanical origin of the raw material. The roots of native S. virgaurea L., two alien species S. gigantea Aiton and S. canadensis L. and their hybrids S. ×niederederi Khek and S. ×snarskisii Gudž. & Žaln. were sampled from mixed-species stands in Lithuania. A complex of twelve phenolic acids and their derivatives was identified and quantified in methanol-water root extracts using the HPLC-PDA and LC/MS systems. The radical-scavenging capacities of the extracts were assessed by ABTS. The chemical content of the roots of S. virgaurea, S. gigantea and S. ×niederederi were statistically similar, while the roots of S. canadensis and S. ×snarskisii contained lower amounts of compounds than the other species. The PCA score-plot models of the phenolic profiles only partially confirmed the identification of S. ×niederederi and S. ×snarskisii as crosses between native and alien species. The findings from the phenolic profiles and the observed radical-scavenging activity of root extracts of Solidago species provide valuable insights into their potential applications in various fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolita Radušienė
- Laboratory of Economic Botany, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Birutė Karpavičienė
- Laboratory of Economic Botany, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Gabrielė Vilkickytė
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (G.V.); (L.R.)
- Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Mindaugas Marksa
- Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Lina Raudonė
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania; (G.V.); (L.R.)
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Nguyen VB, Wang SL, Phan TQ, Pham THT, Huang HT, Liaw CC, Nguyen AD. Screening and Elucidation of Chemical Structures of Novel Mammalian α-Glucosidase Inhibitors Targeting Anti-Diabetes Drug from Herbals Used by E De Ethnic Tribe in Vietnam. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050756. [PMID: 37242539 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Among ten extracts of indigenous medicinal plants, the MeOH extract of Terminalia triptera Stapf. (TTS) showed the most efficient mammalian α-glucosidase inhibition for the first time. The data of screening bioactive parts used indicated that the TTS trunk bark and leaves extracts demonstrated comparable and higher effects compared to acarbose, a commercial anti-diabetic drug, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 181, 331, and 309 µg/mL, respectively. Further bioassay-guided purification led to the isolation of three active compounds from the TTS trunk bark extract and identified as (-)-epicatechin (1), eschweilenol C (2), and gallic acid (3). Of these, compounds 1 and 2 were determined as novel and potent mammalian α-glucosidase inhibitors. The virtual study indicated that these compounds bind to α-glucosidase (Q6P7A9) with acceptable RMSD values (1.16-1.56 Å) and good binding energy (DS values in the range of -11.4 to -12.8 kcal/mol) by interacting with various prominent amino acids to generate five and six linkages, respectively. The data of Lipinski's rule of five and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET)-based pharmacokinetics and pharmacology revealed that these purified compounds possess anti-diabetic drug properties, and the compounds are almost not toxic for human use. Thus, the findings of this work suggested that (-)-epicatechin and eschweilenol C are novel potential mammalian α-glucosidase inhibitor candidates for type 2 diabetes treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Bon Nguyen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Environment, Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot 630000, Vietnam
| | - San-Lang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan
- Life Science Development Center, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan
| | - Tu Quy Phan
- Department of Science and Technology, Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot 630000, Vietnam
| | - Thi Huyen Thoa Pham
- Department of Science and Technology, Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot 630000, Vietnam
| | - Hung-Tse Huang
- Division of Chinese Materia Medica Development, National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ching Liaw
- Division of Chinese Materia Medica Development, National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Anh Dzung Nguyen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Environment, Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot 630000, Vietnam
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Šukele R, Lauberte L, Kovalcuka L, Logviss K, Bārzdiņa A, Brangule A, Horváth ZM, Bandere D. Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Tanacetum vulgare L. Wild-Growing in Latvia. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1968. [PMID: 37653885 PMCID: PMC10221018 DOI: 10.3390/plants12101968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The Tanacetum vulgare L. (Tansy) has several ethnobotanical uses, mostly related to the essential oil and sesquiterpene lactones, whereas information regarding other compounds is scarce. This research is designed to characterize the phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins) to analyze the thujone (which is toxic in high concentrations) content and to detect the antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) of extracts. The main highlights of our work provide a chemical profile of phenolic compounds of T. vulgare harvested from different regions of Latvia, as well as simultaneously support the ethnomedicinal uses for wild T. vulgare through the integration of phenolic compounds as one of the value constituents of leaves and flowers. The extraction yield was 18 to 20% for leaves and 8 to 16% for flowers. The total phenol content in the extracts of T. vulgare as well as their antioxidant activity was different between collection regions and the aerial parts ranging from 134 to 218 mg GAE/g and 32 to 182 mg L-1, respectively. A remarkable variation in the thujone (α + β) content (0.4% up to 6%) was detected in the extracts. T. vulgare leaf extracts were rich in tannins (up to 19%). According to the parameters detected, the extracts of T. vulgare could be considered promising for the development of new herbal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renāte Šukele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Red Cross Medical College of Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1009 Riga, Latvia
| | - Liga Lauberte
- Laboratory of Finished Dosage Forms, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Liga Kovalcuka
- Clinical Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, LV-3004 Jelgava, Latvia
| | - Konstantins Logviss
- Laboratory of Finished Dosage Forms, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ance Bārzdiņa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence, Headquarters at Riga Technical University, LV-1658 Riga, Latvia
| | - Agnese Brangule
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence, Headquarters at Riga Technical University, LV-1658 Riga, Latvia
| | - Zoltán Márk Horváth
- Laboratory of Finished Dosage Forms, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Dace Bandere
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence, Headquarters at Riga Technical University, LV-1658 Riga, Latvia
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Santin (5,7-Dihydroxy-3,6,4'-Trimetoxy-Flavone) Enhances TRAIL-Mediated Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Cells. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020592. [PMID: 36836951 PMCID: PMC9962120 DOI: 10.3390/life13020592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
TRAIL (Tumor necrosis factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand) has the ability to selectively kill cancer cells without being toxic to normal cells. This endogenous ligand plays an important role in surveillance and anti-tumor immunity. However, numerous tumor cells are resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In this study, the apoptotic effect of santin in combination with TRAIL on colon cancer cells was examined. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis and expression of death receptors (TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5). Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was evaluated by DePsipher staining with the use of fluorescence microscopy. We have shown for the first time that flavonoid santin synergizes with TRAIL to induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Santin induced TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through increased expression of death receptors TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 and augmented disruption of the mitochondrial membrane in SW480 and SW620 cancer cells. The obtained data may indicate the potential role of santin in colon cancer chemoprevention through the enhancement of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
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Radušienė J, Karpavičienė B, Raudone L, Vilkickyte G, Çırak C, Seyis F, Yayla F, Marksa M, Rimkienė L, Ivanauskas L. Trends in Phenolic Profiles of Achillea millefolium from Different Geographical Gradients. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:746. [PMID: 36840094 PMCID: PMC9964219 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The traditional widely used raw material of Achillea millefolium is currently mainly derived from wild populations, leading to diversification and uncertainty in its quality. The aim of the study was to determine the accumulation differences of phenolic compounds between geographically distant populations of Achillea millefolium from northern and southern gradients. Plant material was collected from Gaziantep and Nevşehir provinces in Turkey and from wild populations in Lithuania. A complex of nine hydroxycinnamic acids and eleven flavonoids was identified and quantified in the methanolic extracts of inflorescences, leaves, and stems using the HPLC-PDA method. Caffeoylquinic acids predominated in leaves, while inflorescences tended to prevail in flavonoids. The PCA score plot model represented the quantitative distribution pattern of phenolic compounds along a geographical gradient of populations. The content of phenolic compounds in plant materials from northern latitudes was more than twice that of plants from southern latitudes. A significant correlation of individual phenolic compounds with latitude/longitude corresponded to their differences between two countries. Differences in accumulation of caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids revealed several intraspecific groups within A. millefolium. Our findings suggest that spatial geographical data on the distribution of phenolic compounds in A. millefolium populations could be used as a tool to find potential collection sites for high-quality raw materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolita Radušienė
- Laboratory of Economic Botany, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Birutė Karpavičienė
- Laboratory of Economic Botany, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Lina Raudone
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Gabriele Vilkickyte
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Cüneyt Çırak
- Vocational High School of Bafra, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun 55200, Turkey
| | - Fatih Seyis
- Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize 53100, Turkey
| | - Fatih Yayla
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep 27310, Turkey
| | - Mindaugas Marksa
- Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Laura Rimkienė
- Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Liudas Ivanauskas
- Department of Analytical and Toxicological Chemistry, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Av. 13, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory Properties, Phytochemical Constituents, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Potentials of the Whole Plant Ethanolic Extract of Achillea santolinoides subsp. wilhelmsii (K. Koch) Greuter of Balochistan. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/2567333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Medicinal plants are rich source of phytochemical constitutes and can be used to treat many human diseases. Infectious diseases have always been a major source of concern. Globally, the medicinal plant Achillea wilhelmsii locally known as Bohe Madran is extensively dispersed and widely used as traditional medicine. The aim of this present work is to investigate phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of the whole plant ethanolic extract of Achillea santolinoides subsp. wilhelmsii (WEEAW) from Balochistan region. The total phenolic content was
mg GAE/g of the extract whereas the total flavonoid content was
mg QE/g of the extract. The antioxidant ability of the extract was analyzed by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) scavenging assay and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay in terms of concentration having 50% inhibition (IC50). Results showed that IC50 value for DPPH% inhibition was
mg/mL while FRAP assay represented with IC50 value of
mg/mL. In antileishmanial bioassay, the extract was analyzed against Leishmania major and showed good activity with IC50 value of
mg/mL. Antibacterial assay revealed that Staphylococcus aureus was highly sensitive with the diameter of inhibition zone (
mm) followed by Salmonella typhi (
mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (
mm), and Escherichia coli (
mm) while Klebsiella pneumoniae showed minimum inhibition (
mm). Antifungal activity was tested against Aspergillus flavus with 89% of inhibition zone and 77% against Mucor mucedo and Aspergillus niger with 74% of inhibition zone. The anti-inflammatory assay was carried out by inhibiting protein denaturation, proteinase inhibitory activity, and heat-induced hemolysis. The IC50 value for protein denaturation was
mg/mL, proteinase inhibitory with IC50 value of
mg/mL, and heat-induced hemolysis assay with IC50 value
mg/mL by comparing to the standard drug aspirin having IC50 value
mg/mL. Results of the current work showed that whole plant ethanolic extract of Achillea wilhelmsii exhibited substantial anti-inflammatory action, thus can be utilized as a traditional treatment. Furthermore, overall finding of this research suggested that the antioxidant potential of the plant aids to prevent free radical damage and reduce the incidence of chronic disease. More research is needed to find out more active compounds present in the extract that are responsible for their pharmacological effects.
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Younis N, Khan MI, Zahoor T, Faisal MN. Phytochemical and antioxidant screening of Moringa oleifera for its utilization in the management of hepatic injury. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1078896. [PMID: 36590207 PMCID: PMC9797499 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1078896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Phytochemicals present in Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaves have performed several physiological functions in human system such as anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and antiatherogenic functions. Methods Phytochemical and antioxidant potential of M. oleifera leaves extracts were measured. Histopathology, biochemical analysis, and gene expression tests were performed on serum, blood, and liver in animal model. Results and discussions The toxic dose of N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP) induced severe structural and functional changes in liver. Pre-treatment with M. oleifera ameliorated organ injury by normalizing the level of liver biomarkers and serum proteins. A low expression level of MAPK-8, TRAF-4, and TRAF-6 genes was observed in the M. oleifera treated group in comparison to positive control (hepatotoxic rats). M. oleifera leaves pretreatment amended APAP induced apoptosis and replenished hepatic cells. M. oleifera leaves extract as low-cost and sustainable treatment could be used in pharmaceutical industry for reducing hepatic degenerative changes in non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Younis
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Issa Khan
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan,*Correspondence: Muhammad Issa Khan,
| | - Tahir Zahoor
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naeem Faisal
- Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Achillea moschata Wulfen: From Ethnobotany to Phytochemistry, Morphology, and Biological Activity. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238318. [PMID: 36500411 PMCID: PMC9736511 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
A multidisciplinary investigation on Achillea moschata Wulfen (Asteraceae) is outlined herein. This work, part of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE project, originated from an ethnobotanical survey performed in Chiesa in Valmalenco (Sondrio, Lombardy, Northern Italy) in 2019-2021 which highlighted this species' relevance of use in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, this contribution included analyses of the: (a) phytochemical profile of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the dried flower heads using LC-MS/MS; (b) morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of the vegetative and reproductive organs through Light, Fluorescence, and Scanning Electron Microscopy; (c) biological activity of the aqueous extract concerning the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential through cell-based in vitro models. A total of 31 compounds (5 phenolic acids, 13 flavonols, and 13 flavones) were detected, 28 of which included in both extracts. Covering and secreting trichomes were observed: the biseriate 10-celled glandular trichomes prevailing on the inflorescences represented the main sites of synthesis of the polyphenols and flavonoids detected in the extracts, along with volatile terpenoids. Finally, significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract were documented, even at very low concentrations; for the first time, the in vitro tests allowed us to formulate hypotheses about the mechanism of action. This work brings an element of novelty due to the faithful reproduction of the traditional aqueous preparation and the combination of phytochemical and micromorphological research approaches.
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