Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Volatile Organic Compounds in Radiation-Bred Coreopsis Cultivars

Anatomical and Metabolome Features of Haloxylon aphyllum and Haloxylon persicum Elucidate the Resilience against Gall-Forming Insects

Globally, gall-forming insects significantly contribute to the degradation of desert ecosystems. Recent studies have demonstrated that Haloxylon persicum suffers less damage from gall-formers compared to Haloxylon aphyllum. However, the mechanisms driving the long-term metabolic responses of these species to gall-forming biotic stress in their natural environment remain unclear. The current study comparatively analyzes the anatomical features and metabolomic changes in H. aphyllum and H. persicum damaged by gall-forming insects. This research aimed to uncover potential metabolic tolerance mechanisms through GC-MS analysis. The study findings indicate that gall-forming insects cause a reduction in nearly all the anatomical structures of Haloxylon shoots, with the effects being less severe in H. persicum than in H. aphyllum. Thus, the metabolic pathways responsible for the biosynthesis of biologically active substances that enhance resistance to gall inducers were different, specifically in H. aphyllum-the biosynthesis of fatty acids (+their derivatives) and γ-tocopherol (vitamin E) and H. persicum-the biosynthesis of fatty acids (+their derivatives), dialkyl ethers, carbohydrates (+their derivatives), aromatic acid derivatives, phytosterols, γ-tocopherol (vitamin E), phenols, and terpenoids. The results suggest that the modulation of metabolic pathways under biotic stress plays a crucial role in the enhanced survival and growth of H. persicum.

Phytochemical analysis, GC-MS characterization and antioxidant activity of Hordeum vulgare seed extracts

Barley scientifically known as Hordeum vulgare (HV) is a major grain crop. Over the course of time, great interest has been developed in the usage of barley, because of its various pharmacological activities. Current study is designed to determine the chemical constituents of Hordeum vulgare (HV) seed extract by GC-MS technique, and Invitro antioxidant assays i.e. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH) and 2-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods. GC-MS identified 16 non-polar compounds in the hexane extract of HV plant, which includes carboxylic acid (6.25%), fatty acid (37.5%), carboxylic acid amide derivative of fatty acid (6.25%), triterpinoids (18.75%), fat soluble vitamin (6.25%), phytosterol (6.25%), stigmastanes (6.25%), beta diketones (6.25%), and cycloartenol (6.25%) respectively. The major compound includes Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (6.84%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (8.58%), 9,12-Octadecanoic acid (Z,Z)-, Methyl Ester (8.04%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) (57.01%), Lup-20(29)-en-3-one (3.57%), γ-Sitosterol (3.31%). Some constituents such as Lup-20(29)-en-3-one, campesterol and squalene were observed and were not previously reported. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content were determined using spectrophotometric technique and calculated as gallic acid equivalents GAE/g dry weight and rutin equivalent RE/g of dry weight respectively.The highest phenolic content exhibited by the acetone extract of HV seedsi.e. 0.0597 mg GAE/g while the highest flavonoid content exhibited by dichloromethane extract i.e. 0.09 mg RE/g and 0.25 mg QE/g of dry weight respectively. All the extracts showed significant antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS cation decolorization assays. Methanol and dichloromethane extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity i.e. 52.41% and 42.07% at the concentration of 100 mg/ml respectively. Moreover, the IC50 has been determined by the acetone and methanol extract of HV seeds. The high antioxidant activity of its seed extracts has made this plant pharmacologically important. Conclusively, there is a vast scope to further explore the active principals of barley so that more of its pharmacological properties can be identified.

Development of novel rapid-growing and delicious Pleurotus djamor strains through hybridization

The development of fast-growing/short cropping period oyster mushroom (Pleurotus species) having good taste is one of the important needs of mushroom growers. Pleurotus djamor strain woody1, collected recently from the dead wood, has a short cropping period of 30 days but a moderately acceptable taste. One of the cultivated Pleurotus spp., P. djamor strain MDU1, has good taste but a long cropping period of 47 days. Thus, genetic improvement of P. djamor was carried out between these two strains by pairing monokaryons (anastomosis) to develop elite hybrid strains having a short cropping period and good taste. Monokaryons of parental strains showed variation in time required for germination; i.e., basidiospores of P. djamor strain woody1 germinated and developed monokaryotic colonies in 6 days, whereas that of P. djamor strain MDU1 developed monokaryotic colonies in 8 days of incubation. In addition, variation in the growth rate and morphology of the monokaryotic mycelia of both parental strains was noticed, and fast-growing monokaryons were selected for anastomosis. Out of 60 crosses made between mycelia of monokaryotic isolates of both parental strains, 20 crosses showed clamp connection, indicating that they were successful crosses. Out of 20 hybrids, two hybrid strains, viz., W2M4 and W4M4, exhibited higher yields than their parents. They exhibited the short cropping period trait, good taste attribute, and some specific volatile metabolites. This study showed that the developed two hybrid varieties, having desirable agronomic traits, could be used in mushroom farming to increase the mushroom grower's income.

Determination of biological activities of malabar spinach (Basellaalba) fruit extracts and molecular docking against COX-II enzyme

To achieve the health benefit from the natural of Basella. Albafruit. This study intended to figure out the bioactive compounds in the two varieties of B. alba (native and hybrid) fruit extract and measurement its biological activities like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic activities and a molecular docking were performed to observed the pharmaceutical impact on the anti-inflammatory Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. The cold extractions along with GC-MS were used for the extraction of and analysis of phytoconstituents from B. alba fruit. The hemolytic inhibitory and BSA (Bovine serum albumin)-denaturation assay, DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and H2O2-free radical scavenging analysis, and brine shrimp lethalness test were performed to measure the biological activities of the extracted The biological activities assay results showed that the ethanol extract of native malabar spinach exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant activity. The IC50 value 21.55 ± 1.51 μg/mL was for DPPH scavenging assay and 23.36 ± 0.36 μg/mL was for H2O2 scavenging analysis. In anti-inflammatory activity assessment study, the IC50 values of the ethanol extracts were 20.52 ± 0.91 μg/mL for BSA inhibition and 20.43 ± 1.30 μg/mL for RBC hemolytic inhibitory study. In this study, cytotoxicity test results reveal that aqueous extract exhibited no cytotoxicity as compared to ethanol and ethyl acetate extract (LD50 = 875.27 μg/mL). Conversely, the current study insist the in silico analysis, to find out the anti-inflammatory activity of the investigated two fruit varieties due to pharmacokinetics analysis, toxicity properties analysis, ADMETand molecular docking. The result of this study signified that both (native and hybrid) malabar spinach fruit varieties contain phytoconstituents with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic action.Moreover, the in vitro and in silico results suggest that the native and hybrid fruit varieties of the extracts could be a superior striver for future appraisal as a prospective therapeutically active ingredient.

Anticancer and antimicrobial evaluation of extract from brown algae Hormophysa cuneiformis

AIM

We investigated the antimicrobial and anticancer properties of an ethanol crude extract of Red Sea brown alga (Hormophysa cuneiformis) from Egypt.

METHODS

Extraction was achieved by mixing 100 g of sample powder with absolute ethanol, incubating at 37 °C overnight in a shaking incubator, and then collecting the extract. The extract's antimicrobial activity was tested using a well diffusion assay against the tested pathogens (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans) in comparison to commercial antibiotics. Anticancer activity was assessed using MTT assay on MCF-7, HepG-2, and HEP-2 cell lines. The anticancer mechanism of action against the HepG-2 cell line was investigated using cell cycle analysis, Annexin V, and antioxidant enzymes, in addition to transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

GC-MS phytoconstituent profile of the extract was dominant with fatty acids. A broad antimicrobial effect against all the pathogenic isolates of E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtitles, and C. albicans was demonstrated, especially at the high concentration in comparison to commercial antibiotics. The extract could inhibit the growth of the tested cell lines. We observed the most significant effect on HepG-2 cells, and the concentration of the extract played a role in the level of inhibition (IC50 of 44.6 ± 0.6 µg/ml). The extract had negligible effects on Vero normal cell lines at the lower concentration, with slight toxicity (90.8% viability) at the highest concentration (500 µg/ml). At this same concentration, the extract caused 80-92% inhibition of the cancer cell lines. The extract appears to have demonstrated promising effects on cancer cells. It induces programmed cell death (apoptosis), arrests the cell cycle, and affects the oxidative/antioxidant balance within the cells, potentially leading to the suppression or elimination of cancer cells. These findings are encouraging and may have implications for cancer treatment or further research in this area. More action of extract was seen against bacteria than fungi, with a wide antibacterial impact against all of the tested isolates, notably at the high concentration in comparison to conventional antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings, H. cuneiformis may be a valuable source of chemicals that are both antimicrobial and anticancer.

Chemical Profiling and Therapeutic Evaluation of Standardized Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Terminalia chebula Fruits Collected from Different Locations in Manipur against Colorectal Cancer

Terminalia chebula Retz. (Fam. Combretaceae), locally called Manahei, is a well-known medicinal plant that grows wildly in Manipur, a Northeastern state of India. It is used as a mild laxative, an anti-inflammatory agent, and a remedy for piles, colds, and ulcers by ethnic communities of the state. The hydroalcoholic extract obtained from four fruit samples of T. chebula collected from different locations in Manipur were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) for their chemical constituents and evaluated for their anticancer activity against the colon cancer cell HCT 116. GC-MS analysis results indicated significant variation in the composition and percentage of major compounds present in the extracts. 1,2,3-Benzenetriol was the most abundant chemical constituent present in all four extracts of T. chebula, ranging from 20.95 to 43.56%. 2-Cyclopenten-1-one, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and catechol were commonly present in all extracts. Two marker compounds, gallic acid and ellagic acid, were also quantified usingHPTLC in all four extracts of T. chebula. The highest content of gallic acid (22.44 ± 0.056 µg/mg of dried extract) was observed in TCH, and that of ellagic acidwas found in TYH (11.265 ± 0.089 µg/mg of dried extract). The IC50 value of TYH for the DPPH and ABTS assays (12.16 ± 0.42 and 7.80 ± 0.23 µg/mL) was found to be even lower than that of Trolox (18 ± 0.44 and 10.15 ± 0.24 µg/mL), indicating its strong antioxidant properties among the four extracts of T. chebula. The MTT assay determined the effect of T. chebula extracts on the viability of HCT 116 cells. TYH showed the highest activity with anIC50 value of 52.42 ± 0.87 µg/mL, while the lowest activity was observed in TCH (172.05 ± 2.0 µg/mL). The LDH assay confirmed the cytotoxic effect of TYH in HCT 116 cells. TYH was also found to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in HCT 116 cells after 48 h of treatment. Our study provides insight into the diversity of T. chebula in Manipur and its potential activity against colon cancer.

Modulation of Insulin Resistance by Silybum marianum Leaves, and its Synergistic Efficacy with Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Trigonella-foenum graecum Against Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B

Prolonged insulin resistance is considered one of the reasons for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Upregulation of Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), a negative regulator of insulin signalling, has been well studied as a key regulator in prognosis to insulin resistance. It has been widely studied as a desirable molecular therapeutic target. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of leaf extract of the medicinal plants Silybum marianum on the inhibition of PTP1B activity. It also explored the synergistic effect with extracts of Gymnema sylvestre (leaves), Momordica charantia (seeds), and Trigonella foenum graecum (seeds). The S. marianum leaves showed dose-dependent inhibition of PTP1B ranging from 9.48-47.95% (25-1000 μg mL-1). Assay with individual plant extracts showed comparatively lesser inhibition of PTP1B as compared to metformin as a control (38% inhibition). However, a synergistic effect showed nearly 45% PTP1B inhibition (higher than metformin) after the assay was done with selected four plant extracts in combination. The effect of leaf extracts of S. marianum was studied for glucose uptake efficiency in yeast cell lines which was found to be increased by 23% as compared to the control (without extract). Metformin improves glucose upake by yeast cells by ~15-31%. GC-MS analysis revealed 23 phytochemicals, some of which possessed anti-diabetic properties. A dose-dependent increase in antioxidant activity of S. marianum leaves extracts was observed (40-53%). The findings of the study highlighted the presence of various phytochemicals in leaves extracts that are effective against PTP1B inhibition and may help in reinvigorating drug development.

Analysis of Chemical Constituents of Chrysanthemum morifolium Extract and Its Effect on Postprandial Lipid Metabolism in Healthy Adults

Chrysanthemum extract possesses antioxidant potential and carbohydrate and fat digestive enzyme inhibitory in vitro. However, no evidence supporting chrysanthemum in modulation of postprandial lipemia and antioxidant status in humans presently exists. This study was to analyze the composition of Imperial Chrysanthemum (IC) extract and determine the effect on changes in postprandial glycemic and lipemic response and antioxidant status in adults after consumption of a high-fat (HF) meal. UHPLC-MS method was used to analyze the components of two kinds of IC extracts (IC-P/IC-E) and in vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydraxyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and Hydroxyl radical (HR) radical scavenging assays. Following a randomized design, 37 healthy adults (age, 25.2 ± 2.6 years, and BMI, 20.9 ± 1.5 kg/m2) were assigned to two groups that consumed the HF meal, or HF meal supplemented by IC extract. Blood samples were collected at fasting state and then at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after the meal consumption. There were 12 compounds with relative content of more than 1% of the extracts, of which amino acid and derivatives, flavonoids, carboxylic acids and derivatives were the main components. Compared with IC-E, the contents of flavonoids in IC-P increased significantly (p < 0.05), and the cynaroside content exceeded 30%. In addition, IC-P showed strong free radical scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS and HR radicals. Furthermore, according to repeated−measures ANOVA, significant differences were observed in the maximal changes for postprandial glucose, TG, T-AOC and MDA among the two groups. Postprandial glucose has significant difference between the two groups at 1 h after meal and the level in IC group was significantly lower than that in control group. No significant differences were observed in the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) among the two groups. IC significantly improved the serum antioxidant status, as characterized by increased postprandial serum T-AOC, SOD, GSH and decreased MDA. This finding suggests that IC can be used as a natural ingredient for reducing postprandial lipemia and improving the antioxidant status after consuming a HF meal.

Quantitative Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Xerophyta spekei (Baker) and Grewia tembensis (Fresen)

Overproduction of free radicals in excess of antioxidants leads to oxidative stress which can cause harm to the body. Conventional antioxidants have drawbacks and are believed to be carcinogenic. The present study seeked to confirm folklore use and validate the antioxidant potentials of Grewia tembensis and Xerophyta spekei which have been widely used in the Mbeere community as medicinal plants. Antioxidant properties were determined through scavenging effects of diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide radicals as well as iron chelating effects. The data obtained was assayed in comparison to the standards (Ascorbic acid and EDTA). Ascorbic acid had a significantly greater DPPH radical scavenging property with an inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 20.54 ± 2.24 µg/mL in comparison to the plant extracts, which had IC₅₀ values of 33.00 ± 1.47 µg/mL, 69.66 ± 1.01 µg/mL and 86.88 ± 2.64 µg/mL for X. spekei, G. tembensis leaf and G. tembensis stem bark extracts, respectively. EDTA demonstrated a significantly greater iron chelating effect having a significantly lesser IC₅₀ value of 25.05 ± 0.79 µg/mL as opposed to 43.56 ± 0.46 µg/mL, 89.78 ± 0.55 µg/mL, and 120.70 ± 0.71 µg/mL for X. spekei, G. tembensis leaf, and G. tembensis stem bark extracts respectively. Additionally, ascorbic acid also exhibited stronger hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging effect than the studied extracts. Generally, X. spekei extract had higher antioxidant activities as compared to both the leaf and stem bark extracts of G. tembensis. The phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of secondary metabolites associated with antioxidant properties. The present study therefore, recommends ethno medicinal and therapeutic use of G. tembensis and X. spekei in the treatment and management of oxidative stress related infections.

Pharmacological activities and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis for the identification of bioactive compounds from Justicia adhatoda L

The current study aimed to assess the pharmacological potential of Justicia adhatoda by evaluating the presence of biologically active compounds using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry approach and to undertake biological activities for the effectiveness of the present compounds using standard tests. A total of 21 compounds were identified in the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction in which 14 of the identified compounds are recognized for their pharmacological potential in the literature. In total, four fractions (ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane, and aqueous) were evaluated for pharmacological activities. In carrageenan-induced inflammation, the chloroform fraction exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity (46.51%). Similarly, the analgesic potential of ethyl acetate fraction was the most effective (300 mg/kg) in the acetic acid-induced test. Similarly, in the formalin test, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited maximum inhibition in both early (74.35%) and late phases (88.38). Maximum inhibition of pyrexia (77.98%) was recorded for the ethyl acetate fraction (300 mg/kg). In DPPH assay, the ethyl acetate fraction revealed the highest scavenging potential among other fractions (50 μg/ml resulted in 50.40% and 100 μg/ml resulted in 66.74% scavenging).

Phytochemical characterization and evaluation of antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm and anticancer activities of ethyl acetate seed extract of Hydnocarpus laurifolia (Dennst) Sleummer

Various functional groups were observed in the FTIR analysis of Hydnocarpus laurifolia seeds ethyl acetate extract such as O-H, N-H, C-H, -CH2, O=C=O, C=O, C=O-NH, and CH3, etc. Eleven bioactive compounds were detected via GC-MS and the predominant compounds include (1S)-2-cyclopentene-1-tridecanoicacid (chaulmoogric acid) (80.59%); 2-cyclopentene-1-undecanoic acid (hydnocarpic acid) (6.76%); cyclobutylamine (5.28%); methyl thioacetate (ethanethioic acid) (4.84%); lignoceric acid (2.21%). The TPC and TFC values were 0.110 ± 0.04 GAE g-1 and 0.175 ± 0.05 g CE g-1 respectively. Ethyl acetate extract showed strong DDPH free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 10.64 ± 0.48 µg ml-1 and antioxidant activity index 3.759. The ethyl acetate extract also exhibited potential ABTS radical scavenging efficacy with a very low IC50 value, i.e., 07.81 ± 0.48 µg ml-1. P. aeruginosa was the most sensitive bacteria to the extract with 33.16 ± 0.88 mm inhibition zone and MIC: 3.12 mg ml-1, MBC: 6.25 mg ml-1. P. aeruginosa biofilm was inhibited by ethyl acetate extract 99.22% at MIC concentration. The LM images displayed a decrease in the number of biofilm cells and FE-SEM micrographs showcased the extensive decrease as well as disintegration in biofilm. Additionally, ethyl acetate extract was found selectively cytotoxic to the K562 cancer cells having an IC50 of 25.41 μg ml-1 and barely cytotoxic to normal PBMCs having an IC50 of 482.54 μg ml-1, and the selectivity index value was 18.99. Data validate scientifically the traditional use of H. laurifolia seeds in folk medicines and confirmed that it can be used in modern phytomedicines as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anticancer agent and is toxicologically safe.

Analysis of Streptomyces Volatilomes Using Global Molecular Networking Reveals the Presence of Metabolites with Diverse Biological Activities

Streptomyces species produce a wide variety of specialized metabolites, some of which are used for communication or competition for resources in their natural environments. In addition, many natural products used in medicine and industry are derived from Streptomyces, and there has been interest in their capacity to produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for different industrial and agricultural applications. Recently, a machine-learning workflow called MSHub/GNPS was developed, which enables auto-deconvolution of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data, molecular networking, and library search capabilities, but it has not been applied to Streptomyces volatilomes. In this study, 131 Streptomyces isolates from the island of Newfoundland were phylogenetically typed, and 37 were selected based on their phylogeny and growth characteristics for VOC analysis using both a user-guided (conventional) and an MSHub/GNPS-based approach. More VOCs were annotated by MSHub/GNPS than by the conventional method. The number of unknown VOCs detected by the two methods was higher than those annotated, suggesting that many novel compounds remain to be identified. The molecular network generated by GNPS can be used to guide the annotation of such unknown VOCs in future studies. However, the number of overlapping VOCs annotated by the two methods is relatively small, suggesting that a combination of analysis methods might be required for robust volatilome analysis. More than half of the VOCs annotated with high confidence by the two approaches are plant-associated, many with reported bioactivities such as insect behavior modulation. Details regarding the properties and reported functions of such VOCs are described. IMPORTANCE This study represents the first detailed analysis of Streptomyces volatilomes using MSHub/GNPS, which in combination with a routinely used conventional method led to many annotations. More VOCs could be annotated using MSHub/GNPS as compared to the conventional method, many of which have known antimicrobial, anticancer, and insect behavior-modulating activities. The identification of numerous plant-associated VOCs by both approaches in the current study suggests that their production could be a more widespread phenomenon by members of the genus, highlighting opportunities for their large-scale production using Streptomyces. Plant-associated VOCs with antimicrobial activities, such as 1-octen-3-ol, octanol, and phenylethyl alcohol, have potential applications as fumigants. Furthermore, many of the annotated VOCs are reported to influence insect behavior, alluding to a possible explanation for their production based on the functions of other recently described Streptomyces VOCs in dispersal and nutrient acquisition.

Elemental Analysis, Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Anticancer Activity of Pleurotus ostreatus through In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

Oyster mushrooms form an integral part of many diets owing to their characteristic aroma, delicious taste and nutraceutical value. In this study, we examined oyster mushrooms by direct arc optical emission spectroscopy for the presence of various biologically important elements. Furthermore, we screened phytochemicals present in Pleurotus ostreatus by applying GC-MS. Additionally, the antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activities of the ethanolic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus were studied. Moreover, we docked the phytochemicals and examined their binding affinities with EGFR, PR and NF-κB proteins, which are overexpressed in breast cancer. The elemental analysis showed the presence of Fe, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cr and Sr in the spectrum. Moreover, GC-MS data revealed the presence of 32 biologically active compounds in oyster mushrooms. The ethanolic extract displayed remarkable free radical scavenging activity (~50%) against DPPH. The mushroom has shown promising antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis). The present study also revealed that oyster mushrooms possess significant anticancer activity. The ethanolic extract inhibited the growth and proliferation of MCF-7 cells. It also induced cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing and nuclear fragmentation, resulting in apoptosis of malignant cells. The molecular docking analysis showed that ligand 15 (Linoleic acid ethyl ester), ligand 27 (Ergosta-5,7,9(11),22-tetraen-3-ol, (3. beta.,22E), ligand 28 (Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol, acetate, (3. beta.,22Z), ligand 30 (Ergosta-5,7,22-Trien-3-Ol, (3. Beta.,22E) and ligand 32 (gamma. Sitosterol) exhibited better binding affinities with EGFR, PR and NF-κB proteins. This result provides a strong ground for confirmation of the in vitro anticancer effect of Pleurotus ostreatus. From the present in vitro and in silico studies, it can be concluded that Pleurotus ostreatus is a useful source of essential elements and reservoir of bioactive compounds which confer its significant antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer properties.

Potential application of postbiotics metabolites from bioprotective culture to fabricate bacterial nanocellulose based antimicrobial packaging material

Postbiotics (P) of FreshQ, a food protective culture, was prepared and used to develop an antimicrobial membrane by bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). Postbiotics were prepared in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe medium and freeze-dried. The chemical composition was investigated by GC-MS and the antibacterial activity of postbiotics on different bacterial and fungal strains was investigated. Finally, postbiotics were included in wet and lyophilized BNC by ex-situ method, and their antibacterial activity and FTIR specifications were studied. The GC-MS analysis of postbiotics revealed the presence of fatty acids, alkanes, aldehydes, hydrocarbones fatty acid esters, propionic acid, and certain antibacterial and antifungal compounds such as 2,4-Di-tert-butyl phenol and dotriacontane. Postbiotics revealed antibacterial activity on all investigated strains in a concentration-dependent manner and as the concentation decreased, there was a significant reduction in antimicrobial effects. The zone of inhibition for all bacterial pathogens exceeded 20 mm, then they were classified as "extremely sensitive microorganisms" to the postbiotics at 50 % concentration, while fungal strains revealed a lower zone of inhibition (<17 mm). The order of antimicrobial susceptibility was as follows: Listeria monocytogenes > Staphylococcus aureus > Escherichia coli > Salmonella Typhimurium > Aspergillus flavus > Penicillium citrinum. We also recognized that P-BNC in wet form has significant antimicrobial activity than lyophilized form due to the high adsorption capacity and open 3D structure of BNC in wet form. The fabricated material can serve as an antimicrobial membrane for food applications.

Antifungal Activity of Endophytic Aspergillus terreus Extract Against Some Fungi Causing Mucormycosis: Ultrastructural Study

Endophytes fungi are applied as favorable safe antifungal agents as well as natural bioactive compounds reservoir. In the current study, the inhibitory effect of endophytic fungus was explained by direct antifungal activity against fungi causing mucormycosis, ultrastructural, and determination of active compounds in fungal extract. Endophytic Aspergillus terreus was isolated from healthy Moringa oleifera leaves and identified morphologically and genetically, and was recorded in gene bank with accession number MW444551.1. Phytochemical analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) of ethyl acetate crude extract (EACE) of A. terreus were performed. GC–MS results of EACE of A. terreus revealed that fungal extract contains 16 major bioactive compounds with extensive pharmaceutical activities. Furthermore, EACE of A. terreus revealed a promising antifungal activity against fungi causing mucormycosis as Rhizopus oryzae, Mucor racemosus, and Syncephalastrum racemosum, where inhibition zones of EACE (10 mg/ml) were 20, 37, and 18 mm, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EACE was 0.3125 toward M. racemosus, while 1.25 and 2.5 mg/ml against R. oryzae and S. racemosum, respectively. In the same context, treated R. oryzae, M. racemosus, and S. racemosum with EACE of A. terreus revealed elevation of membrane lipid peroxidation which approves membrane leakage. Furthermore, ultrastructure changes were observed which established alteration in both sporangium and hyphal structures; cell membrane and cytoplasm leakage. In conclusion, endophytic A. terreus has an outstanding antifungal activity against fungi causing mucormycosis.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Activities and Phytochemical Analysis of Fungal Endophytes Isolated from Ocimum Basilicum

Fungal endophytes are living inside plants without any harmful effects; the prospecting about them is increased day by day because they can produce bioactive compounds which can be used in different applications. Herein, the current study was aimed to isolate the endophytic fungi from the Ocimum basilicum plant as safe microorganisms and evaluate their biological activities. The results illustrated that three endophytic fungal strains were isolated and identified morphologically and genetically as Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Aspergillus flavus and deposited in gene bank under accession numbers MZ045561, MZ045562, and MZ045563 respectively. Moreover, cell-free filtrates of endophytic fungal strains were extracted using ethyl acetate, where these crude extracts exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Candida albicans at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. Furthermore, these endophytic strains exhibited a potential antioxidant activity where IC50 of the crude extract of A. nidulans, A. fumigatus, and A. flavus were (166.3, 68.4, and 347.1 µg/mL) and (151.2, 77.9, and 246.3 µg/mL) using DPPH and ABTS methods, respectively. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate crude extracts of these endophytic fungi did not exhibit any cytotoxic effect against Vero and Wi 38 normal cells. GC-MS analysis of the crude extract of A. nidulans, A. fumigatus, and A. flavus indicated the presence of 22, 22, and 20 active compounds, respectively. The major compounds in the fungal extracts are belonging to fatty acids, fatty acid esters, tetrahydrofurans, and sterols. In conclusion, the isolated endophytic A. nidulans, A. fumigatus, and A. flavus from Ocimum basilicum are promising sources for bioactive compounds.

Bioprospection and secondary metabolites profiling of marine Streptomyces levis strain KS46

The quest for novel broad spectrum bioactive compounds is needed continuously because of the rapid advent of pathogenic multi drug resistant organisms. Actinomycetes, isolated from unexplored habitats can be a solution of this problem. The motive of this research work was isolation of actinomycetes having potential antimicrobial activities from unexplored regions of Devbag and Tilmati beach. The isolated actinomycetes were screened against pathogenic microbes for antimicrobial activities through cross streak method. Enzyme production activity was checked for these actinomycetes for amylase, protease, cellulase and lipase enzymes. Further antimicrobial activity of ethyl acetate extract of the potent strain KS46 was performed. The strain KS46 was identified with 16S rRNA gene sequencing and secondary structure was analysed. Gas chromatography–Mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling was conducted to ascertain the presence of bioactive metabolites in the ethyl acetate extract. The collected samples were pre-treated and 70 actinomycetes were isolated. The Streptomyces sp. strain KS46 showed the best antimicrobial activity in primary screening. Ethyl acetate extract of the strain KS46 revealed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis, B. cereus, E. faecalis, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. flexneri, C. albicans and C. glabrata. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the strain KS46 as Streptomyces levis strain KS46. The GC–MS metabolite profiling of the ethyl acetate extract revealed the availability of 42 compounds including fatty acid esters, fatty acid anhydrides, alkanes, steroids, esters, alcohols, carboxylic ester, etc. having antibacterial, antifungal, antiproliferative, antioxidant activities. This study indicated that Devbag and Tilmati beaches being untapped habitats have enormous diversity of promising antimicrobial metabolite producing actinomycetes. Therefore, further exploration should be carried out to characterize the potential actinomycetes, which can be optimistic candidates for generation of novel antimicrobial drugs.

GC-MS Analysis and Biomedical Therapy of Oil from n-Hexane Fraction of Scutellaria edelbergii Rech. f.: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Approach

The current study aimed to explore the crude oils obtained from the n-hexane fraction of Scutellaria edelbergii and further analyzed, for the first time, for their chemical composition, in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and in vivo anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. For the phytochemical composition, the oils proceeded to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and from the resultant chromatogram, 42 bioactive constituents were identified. Among them, the major components were linoleic acid ethyl ester (19.67%) followed by ethyl oleate (18.45%), linolenic acid methyl ester (11.67%), and palmitic acid ethyl ester (11.01%). Tetrazolium 96-well plate MTT assay and agar-well diffusion methods were used to evaluate the isolated oil for its minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀), and zone of inhibitions that could determine the potential antimicrobial efficacy's. Substantial antibacterial activities were observed against the clinical isolates comprising of three Gram-negative bacteria, viz., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and one Gram-positive bacterial strain, Enterococcus faecalis. The oils were also effective against Candida albicans and Fusarium oxysporum when evaluated for their antifungal potential. Moreover, significant antioxidant potential with IC₅₀ values of 136.4 and 161.5 µg/mL for extracted oil was evaluated through DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) and ABTS assays compared with standard ascorbic acid where the IC50 values were 44.49 and 67.78 µg/mL, respectively, against the tested free radicals. The oils was also potent, inhibiting the α-glucosidase (IC50 5.45 ± 0.42 µg/mL) enzyme compared to the standard. Anti-glucosidase potential was visualized through molecular docking simulations where ten compounds of the oil were found to be the leading inhibitors of the selected enzyme based on interactions, binding energy, and binding affinity. The oil was found to be an effective anti-inflammatory (61%) agent compared with diclofenac sodium (70.92%) via the carrageenan-induced assay. An appreciable (48.28%) analgesic activity in correlation with the standard aspirin was observed through the acetic acid-induced writhing bioassay. The oil from the n-hexane fraction of S. edelbergii contained valuable bioactive constituents that can act as in vitro biological and in vivo pharmacological agents. However, further studies are needed to uncover individual responsible compounds of the observed biological potentials which would be helpful in devising novel drugs.

Metabolite profiling, anti-inflammatory, analgesic potentials of edible herb Colocasia gigantea and molecular docking study against COX-II enzyme

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Consumable herbs play a basic part in sustenance and human health. Traditionally, Colocasia gigantea Hook (Araceae) is used to treat fever, infection, wounds healing, drowsiness, tuberculosis, stomach problems etc. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aspired to identify bioactive compounds, to evaluate anti-inflammatory and analgesic potentials of edible herb C. gigantea, and to molecular docking study against anti-inflammatory enzyme Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical components of C. gigantea were discerned by HPLC and GCMS assays. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was appraised by heat-induced, hypotonicity, and hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis assays and in vivo by formalin-induced paw edema assay. In vivo analgesic activity was evaluated by acetic acid-induced pain modulation assay. Also, molecular docking of the identified compounds was explored against the anti-inflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase-2.

RESULTS

HPLC-DAD analysis divulged the presence of trans-cinnamic acid along with (-)-epicatechin as a prime component. Also, 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (37.86%) and n-Hexadecanoic acid (25.89%) as the major as well as 24 other compounds were confirmed through GCMS in the extract. In in vitro anti-inflammatory study, C. gigantea extract indicated prominent erythrocyte membrane stabilization activity with good percentage aegis in all experimental assays. In addition to, formalin-induced in vivo anti-inflammatory assay revealed the maximum (42.37% and 48.72%) suppression of edema at the fourth hour at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Moreover, an in-vivo pain modulation assay exposed significant (p < 0.05) activity at experimental doses. Furthermore, in the docking study, (-)-epicatechin was more active rather than other identified compounds with strong binding affinity to COX-2 protein.

CONCLUSIONS

The extract evinced remarkable anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Identified bioactive components along with other components of the extract might play a pivotal role in the observed bioactivity and the results vindicate the use of edible herb C. gigantea in ancestral medicine.

Antiaging Properties of the Ethanol Fractions of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) Bud and Leaf at the Cellular Levels: Study in Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The exposure of reactive oxygen species is one of the aging triggers at cellular level. The antioxidants have been used as strategic efforts in overcoming the accumulation of ROS. Previous research using crude extracts of clove bud and leaves showed its potential as an antioxidant agent. However, no data were available regarding the antioxidant and antiaging activities of subsequent fractions of clove extracts. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the antioxidant and antiaging activities of the n-hexane and ethanol fractions from clove bud and leaves. Antioxidant and antiaging activities were tested at the cellular level using the yeast model Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The highest flavonoid content was shown by clove leaf n-hexane fraction (25.6 mgQE·g−1). However, ethanol fraction of clove bud (FEB) showed the highest antioxidant activity based on TBA and antiglycation assays. FEB (8 μg·mL−1) and leaf ethanol fraction (FEL) (10 μg·mL−1) were able to induce yeast tolerance against oxidative stress. In addition, FEB could induce mitochondrial activity and delay the G1 phase of the cell cycle. FEB was found to be rich in gallic acid and (15Z)-9,12,13-trihydroxy-15-octadecenoic. Based on the data, FEB shows the potential antiaging activity, which is promising for further development as biopharmaceutical product formulations.

Agro-waste derived compounds (flax and black seed peels): Toxicological effect against the West Nile virus vector, Culex pipiens L. with special reference to GC-MS analysis

The development of different approaches to use agricultural residues as a source of high value-added products, become a must, especially after the problems emerged due to their accumulation. This contribution demonstrates the potential of agricultural residues, Linuim usitatissium (flax seed) and Nigella sativa (black seed) peels, as raw materials for the production of bioactive products, botanical insecticides, against Cx. pipiens, with deep analysis to their chemical constituents by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the larvicidal efficacies of the three crude extracts (methylene chloride, petroleum ether and methanol 70%) from the two plant waste peels were evaluated for the first time against the late third instar larvae of Cx. pipiens. Results indicated different lethal doses in larvae depending on the efficacy of organic solvent used. For both compounds methanol 70% extracts produced the highest dry yield. The most efficient solvent is petroleum ether in case of both flax and Black seed peels. Petroleum ether extract exhibited the highest toxicity against Cx. pipiens with an LC50 of 69.6383 ppm. The same results for black seed indicated that petroleum ether was the most efficient against Cx. pipiens with an LC50 of 40.7748 ppm. The study revealed for the first time the type of phytochemical constituents presents in peels of flax and black seeds using GC-MS analysis which revealed twenty-eight constituents among extracts of flax and black seed peels ranging from to 58.8711% to 99.99% of the total extracts. GC-MS profiling showed that a five constituents, 9-2-Methyl-Z, Z-3, 13 octadecadienol (terpenoid), 9,17-Octadecadienal, (Z)-, Nonanoic acid, 9-oxo-, methyl ester, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid Z,Z and Octasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9,11,11,13,13,15,15-hexadecamethyl- have insecticidal activity beside many other biological activities as recorded from a variety of botanical extracts. While the constituents like Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester and cis-9-Hexadecenal, both of them are larvicidal, cis-Vaccenic acid and 9-Oxononanoic acid showing only an insecticidal activity beside Undecanoic acid the mosquito repellent. The other six constituents Linoelaidic acid, Oleic Acid, Z-2-Octadecen-1-ol, 1-Methoxy-3-hydroxymethylheptane, Cis-11,14-Eicosadieonic acid-methyl ester and Heptasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9,11,11,13,13-tetradecamethyl- are constituents of other plant extracts which showed as a whole an insecticidal activity.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oil from Flowers of Five Fragrant Dendrobium (Orchidaceae)

A detailed chemical composition of Dendrobium essential oil has been only reported for a few main species. This article is the first to evaluate the essential oil composition, obtained by steam distillation, of five Indian Dendrobium species: Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl., Dendrobium harveyanum Rchb.f., and Dendrobium wardianum R.Warner (section Dendrobium), Dendrobium amabile (Lour.) O'Brien, and Dendrobium chrysanthum Wall. ex Lindl. (section Densiflora). We investigate fresh flower essential oil obtained by steam distillation, by GC/FID and GC/MS. Several compounds are identified, with a peculiar distribution in the species: Saturated hydrocarbons (range 2.19-80.20%), organic acids (range 0.45-46.80%), esters (range 1.03-49.33%), and alcohols (range 0.12-22.81%). Organic acids are detected in higher concentrations in D. chrysantum, D. wardianum, and D. harveyanum (46.80%, 26.89%, and 7.84%, respectively). This class is represented by palmitic acid (13.52%, 5.76, and 7.52%) linoleic acid (D. wardianum 17.54%), and (Z)-11-hexadecenoic acid (D. chrysantum 29.22%). Esters are detected especially in species from section Dendrobium, with ethyl linolenate, methyl linoleate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl palmitate as the most abundant compounds. Alcohols are present in higher concentrations in D. chrysantum (2.4-di-tert-butylphenol, 22.81%), D. chrysotoxum (1-octanol, and 2-phenylethanol, 2.80% and 2.36%), and D. wardianum (2-phenylethanol, 4.65%). Coumarin (95.59%) is the dominant compound in D. amabile (section Densiflora) and detected in lower concentrations (range 0.19-0.54%) in other samples. These volatile compounds may represent a particular feature of these plant species, playing a critical role in interacting with pollinators.

In Vivo Neuropharmacological Potential of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer and In-Silico Study against β-Amyloid Precursor Protein

Medicinal plants possess a surplus of novel and biologically active secondary metabolites that are responsible for counteracting diseases. Traditionally, Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer is used to treat mental disorders. The present research was designed to explore phytochemicals from the ethanol leaf extract of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer to identify the potential pharmacophore(s) in the treatment of neurological disorders. The chemical compounds of the experimental plant were identified through GC-MS analysis. In-vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using different methods. Furthermore, in-vivo neurological activity was assessed in Swiss-albino mice. Computer-aided analysis was appraised to determine the best-fit phytoconstituent of a total of fifteen identified compounds in the experimental plant extract against beta-amyloid precursor protein. The experimental extract revealed fifteen compounds in GC-MS analysis and the highest content was 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienoic acid (z,z,z). The extract showed potent antioxidant activity in in-vitro assays. Furthermore, in in-vivo neurological assays, the extract disclosed significant (p < 0.05) neurological activity. The most favorable phytochemicals as neurological agents were selected via ADMET profiling, and molecular docking was studied with beta-amyloid precursor protein. In the computer-aided study, 1, 5-diphenyl-2h-1, 2, 4-triazoline-3-thione (Pub Chem CID: 2802516) was more active than other identified compounds with strong binding affinity to beta-amyloid precursor protein. The present in vivo and in silico studies revealed neuropharmacological features of G. tetrandra leaf extract as a natural agent against neurological disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease.

Metabolite Profiling and Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitory Activity of Coreopsis Cultivars in Different Mutations

Coreopsis species have been developed to produce cultivars of various floral colors and sizes and are also used in traditional medicine. To identify and evaluate mutant cultivars of C. rosea and C. verticillata, their phytochemical profiles were systematically characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and their anti-diabetic effects were evaluated using the dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV inhibitor screening assay. Forty compounds were tentatively identified. This study is the first to provide comprehensive chemical information on the anti-diabetic effect of C. rosea and C. verticillata. All 32 methanol extracts of Coreopsis cultivars inhibited DPP-IV activity in a concentration-dependent manner (IC₅₀ values: 34.01–158.83 μg/mL). Thirteen compounds presented as potential markers for distinction among the 32 Coreopsis cultivars via principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Therefore, these bio-chemometric models can be useful in distinguishing cultivars as potential dietary supplements for functional plants.

Extracts of the Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) Enhance Stress Resistance and Extend Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans via the DAF-16/FoxO Signaling Pathway

The tiger milk mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerus (LR), exhibits antioxidant properties, as shown in a few in vitro experiments. The aim of this research was to study whether three LR extracts exhibit antioxidant activities in Caenorhabditis elegans. In wild-type N2 nematodes, we determined the survival rate under oxidative stress caused by increased intracellular ROS concentrations. Transgenic strains, including TJ356, TJ375, CF1553, CL2166, and LD1, were used to detect the expression of DAF-16, HSP-16.2, SOD-3, GST-4, and SKN-1, respectively. Lifespan, lipofuscin, and pharyngeal pumping rates were assessed. Three LR extracts (ethanol, and cold and hot water) protected the worms from oxidative stress and decreased intracellular ROS. The extracts exhibited antioxidant properties through the DAF-16/FOXO pathway, leading to SOD-3 and HSP-16.2 modification. However, the expression of SKN-1 and GST-4 was not changed. All the extracts extended the lifespan. They also reduced lipofuscin (a marker for aging) and influenced the pharyngeal pumping rate (another marker for aging). The extracts did not cause dietary restriction. This novel study provides evidence of the functional antioxidant and anti-aging properties of LR. Further studies must confirm that they are suitable for use as antioxidant supplements.