Cannabis profiling of seized samples: An intra-location variability study using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry profiles and multivariate data analysis

Yearly, cannabis belongs to the most seized drugs worldwide. During judicial investigations, illicit cannabis profiling can be performed to compare seized herbal material. However, comparison is challenging because of the natural heterogeneity of the psychoactive crop. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiles, consisting of eight cannabinoids, were used to study the intra-location (within) and inter-location (between) variabilities. Decision thresholds were derived from the 95% and 99% confidence limits, applying Pearson correlation coefficients for the intra-location samples. The false negatives and false positives (FPs) determined the discriminative power of different pretreatments applied to obtain the lowest FP error rate possible. Initially, a 97 samples data set was used and with log transformation as pretreatment, a decrease in FPs from 38% and 45% FPs to 17% and 22%, for both confidence limits, respectively, was seen relative to internal standard normalization that was used as reference. An additional intra-plantation variability study with 130 samples verified whether the initial model contained sufficient within-location information, but this was not the case. Hence, a combined data matrix was constructed with all seized samples. Log transformation provided the best FP results for both limits, that is, an improvement from 58% and 64% to 21% and 26%, respectively, was seen. The representativeness of these 'linked' thresholds was demonstrated using both cross-validation and an external set, for which similar FP results as for the calibration set were obtained. By applying data pretreatment, a significant improvement was observed to distinguish seized samples. However, the FP rate is still not at an acceptable level to defend in court.

Phytochemical Profiles and Biological Activities of Plant Extracts from Aromatic Plants Cultivated in Cyprus

Medicinal and aromatic plants' properties, still an interesting research area, are attributed to the presence of various specialized products that possess important pharmacological activities. In the present study, six medicinal/aromatic plants (Sideritis cypria, Origanum dubium, Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Thymus capitatus, and Salvia fruticosa) were evaluated for their phytochemical and nutritive composition, as well as their biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties. The results obtained indicate that M. piperita was rich in proteins and minerals such as N and Mg, while S. cypria accumulated more K, Na, P, and Ca. The highest content of phenols and flavonoids was observed in M. piperita, followed by O. dubium and T. capitatus, which eventually influenced their high antioxidant capacity. NMR screening revealed the presence of (i) triterpenoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in M. officinalis; (ii) terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acid derivatives in S. fruticosa; (iii) flavonoids and phenolic acid derivatives in M. piperita; (iv) phenolic monoterpenes in O. dubium and T. capitatus; and (v) terpenoids, flavones, and phenylethanoid glycosides in S. cypria. The results of the antimicrobial activity showed that the tested samples overall had quite good antimicrobial potential. High antibacterial activity was found in O. dubium and T. capitatus, while O. dubium and S. cypria exhibited great antifungal activities. The studied species also had an important effect on the viability of female-derived and colon cancer cells. In particular, in colon cancer cells, the extracts from T. capitatus, M. officinalis, M. piperita, and S. fruticosa exhibited a stronger effect on cell viability in the more metastatic cell line at significantly lower concentrations, indicating an important therapeutic potential in targeting highly metastatic tumors. This finding is worth further investigation. The present study unveiled interesting phytochemical profiles and biological properties of the six medicinal/aromatic plants, which should be further explored, contributing to green chemistry and the possible creation of natural health products for humans' health/nutrition and additives in cosmetics.

Preparation, chemical profiles, antioxidative activities, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 inhibitory effect of date fruit vinegar

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an important commercial crop extensively consumed as a staple food and has been applied in many ethnomedical systems. Fruit vinegar is a preservative, condiment, and beverage with a spectrum of health benefits. Studies about the preparation, chemical profiles, and bioactivities of date fruit vinegar (DFV) are fundamental requirements for industrialization production. This study focused on the lab-scaled producing conditions, chemical profiles of DFV, and its bioactivities in vitro. According to the results, a date wine containing 9.75% methanol was obtained by yeast fermenting the enzyme-hydrolyzed date juice with 23.11% ± 0.39% of total sugar content. The optimized acidic fermentation conditions were an inoculation amount of 0.02%, a fermentation temperature of 31.14°C, and an initial alcohol content of 7.78%. Total acidity and total phenolic contents of the DFV were 7.74% ± 0.29% and 1.44 mg gallic acid equivalent/mL, respectively. In total, 32 organic acids were quantitated in the unaged DFV, with acetic, L-malic, and oxoglutaric acids as the predominant compounds. A total of 930 volatiles were identified in the DFV, including 186 esters, 177 terpenoids, and 148 heterocyclic compounds. There are 18 phenolic acids presented in the DFV. In addition, 42 flavonoids were quantitated in the DFV, including catechin, taxifolin, and cynaroside. The results of free radical scavenging activities and reducing power demonstrated that the DFV displayed good antioxidant properties. The DFV also acted well on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 inhibition. These results suggest that the DFV can be industrially developed as a dietary supplement.

An analytical framework combining online high-performance liquid chromatography methodologies and biological properties of different extracts of Leonurus cardiaca

Little or no information is available concerning online high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) antioxidants and the antibiofilm effect of Leonurus cardiaca. Five distinct extractions of methanolic, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, hexane, and water were obtained from L. cardiaca. In the online-HPLC-antioxidant analysis of all examined samples, rosmarinic acid emerged as the primary antioxidant, registering concentrations ranging from 6 to 15 ppm at wavelengths of 517 and 734 nm. Notably, the water extract exhibited robust antioxidant activity In vitro. Regarding acetylcholinesterase and butrylcholinesterase inhibition, the n-hexane extract exhibited superior inhibition with values of 3.08 and 5.83 galanthamine equivalent, respectively. Except for the water extract, all tested extracts (at a concentration of 20 μg/mL) exhibited substantial inhibitory activity against biofilm formation, in many cases superior to 80%, and reached even 94.52% against Escherichia coli. Although less vigorous, the extracts also acted against the mature biofilm (inhibition up 76.50% against Staphylococcus aureus). They could work against the metabolism inside an immature and mature biofilm, with inhibition percentages up to 93.18% (vs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and 76.50% (vs. Acinetobacter baumannii), respectively. Considering its significant antioxidants, enzyme inhibition, and antimicrobial activity, L. cardiaca emerges as a promising candidate for therapeutic potential.

A systemic review on Liubao tea: A time-honored dark tea with distinctive raw materials, process techniques, chemical profiles, and biological activities

Liubao tea (LBT) is a unique microbial-fermented tea that boasts a long consumption history spanning 1500 years. Through a specific post-fermentation process, LBT crafted from local tea cultivars in Liubao town Guangxi acquires four distinct traits, namely, vibrant redness, thickness, aging aroma, and purity. The intricate transformations that occur during post-fermentation involve oxidation, degradation, methylation, glycosylation, and so forth, laying the substance foundation for the distinctive sensory traits. Additionally, LBT contains multitudinous bioactive compounds, such as ellagic acid, catechins, polysaccharides, and theabrownins, which contributes to the diverse modulation abilities on oxidative stress, metabolic syndromes, organic damage, and microbiota flora. However, research on LBT is currently scattered, and there is an urgent need for a systematical recapitulation of the manufacturing process, the dominant microorganisms during fermentation, the dynamic chemical alterations, the sensory traits, and the underlying health benefits. In this review, current research progresses on the peculiar tea varieties, the traditional and modern process technologies, the substance basis of sensory traits, and the latent bioactivities of LBT were comprehensively summarized. Furthermore, the present challenges and deficiencies that hinder the development of LBT, and the possible orientations and future perspectives were thoroughly discussed. By far, the productivity and quality of LBT remain restricted due to the reliance on labor and experience, as well as the incomplete understanding of the intricate interactions and underlying mechanisms involved in processing, organoleptic quality, and bioactivities. Consequently, further research is urgently warranted to address these gaps.

Decoding the Chemical Signatures and Sensory Profiles of Enshi Yulu: Insights from Diverse Tea Cultivars

Enshi Yulu, a renowned Chinese steamed green tea, is highly valued for its unique sensory attributes. To enhance our comprehensive understanding of the metabolic variation induced by steaming fixation, we investigated the overall chemical profiles and organoleptic quality of Enshi Yulu from different tea cultivars (Longjing 43, Xiapu Chunbolv, and Zhongcha 108). The relationships between sensory traits and non-volatiles/volatiles were evaluated. A total of 58 volatiles and 18 non-volatiles were identified as characteristic compounds for discriminating among the three tea cultivars, and the majority were correlated with sensory attributes. The "mellow" taste was associated with L-aspartic acid, L-asparagine, L-tyrosine, L-valine, EGC, EC, and ECG, while gallic acid and theobromine contributed to the "astringent" taste. "Kokumi" contributors were identified as L-methionine, L-lysine, and GCG. Enshi Yulu displayed a "pure" and "clean and refreshing" aroma associated with similar volatiles like benzyl alcohol, δ-cadinene, and muurolol. The composition of volatile compounds related to the "chestnut" flavor was complex, including aromatic heterocycles, acids, ketones, terpenes, and terpene derivatives. The key contributors to the "fresh" flavor were identified as linalool oxides. This study provides valuable insights into the sensory-related chemical profiles of Enshi Yulu, offering essential information for flavor and quality identification of Enshi Yulu.

Chemical Profiles and Toxicity of Electronic Cigarettes: An Umbrella Review and Methodological Considerations

BACKGROUND

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are often marketed as a safer alternative to combustible tobacco products. The global EC market has rapidly expanded since their introduction, creating an urgent need for research describing the toxicity and chemical composition of ECs. We conducted an umbrella review to summarize the evidence from existing systematic reviews (SRs).

METHODS

The search for SRs was conducted across four electronic databases through 25 January 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 quality appraisal tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-five SRs were included in our umbrella review. Chemical profiles widely varied across studies included in the reviews, which was mainly attributed to the lack of standardized protocols investigating the constituents, and differences in EC devices and e-liquids tested. Metals were more abundant in some EC aerosols than cigarettes, while carbonyls were typically found at lower levels. There was consistent evidence of in vitro toxicity from EC aerosol and e-liquid exposure. AMSTAR-2 revealed important limitations across reviews.

CONCLUSIONS

While most reviews concluded that ECs were likely less harmful than cigarettes, there was hesitancy to draw clear conclusions due to variable analytical procedures and inconsistent findings among the included studies. Future SRs with improved methodology and reporting are needed to adequately inform tobacco regulatory actions.

Chemical Profile, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potency of Extracts of Vitex madiensis Oliv. and Crossopteryx febrifuga (Afzel ex G. Don)

Vitex madiensis Oliv. (Lamiaceae) and Crossopteryx febrifuga (Rubiaceae), two plants commonly used in traditional African medicines to treat malaria and pain, were studied either to determine their chemical profiles or to evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated leaves, trunk bark, root bark and fruits methanolic extracts of both plants in order to find out which part of the plant is responsible for the activity. The analyses of the chemical profiles allowed us to confirm the presence of several ecdysteroids, especially 20-hydroxyecdysone in some parts of V. madiensis and to highlight the presence of organic acids and phenol derivatives in C. febrifuga. Among the four parts of the plants studied, only the fruits extract of C. febrifuga could present anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing ROS production. The leaves and trunk bark extracts of V. madiensis showed significant free radical scavenging activity compared to ascorbic acid, and the same extracts decrease ROS production significantly. The activity of these two extracts could be explained by the presence of ecdysteroids and flavonoids. The ROS production inhibition of V. madiensis is particularly interesting to investigate with further analyses.

[Identification of chemical constituents of Xiaoer Chiqiao Qingre Granules based on UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS and network pharmacology analysis]

This study aimed to qualitatively analyze the chemical components in Xiaoer Chiqiao Qingre Granules(XRCQ) by UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS and identify its material basis. The absorbed components in plasma were combined for exploring the potential action mechanism by integrated network pharmacology. ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm) column and mobile phase system of 0.1% formic acid solution(A)-acetonitrile(B) were used for gradient elution, followed by high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in both positive and negative ion scanning modes. According to the precise relative molecular mass and MS/MS fragment ions, a total of 124 chemical components were identified in XRCQ by the comparison with references and literature reports, among which 29 compounds were completely confirmed by comparison with reference substances. Then, the main absorbed components of XRCQ in plasma were also analyzed and clarified by UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS. BATMAN-TCM and SwissTargetPrediction were used for target prediction of absorbed components in plasma. Following the plotting of association network with Cytoscape 3.8.2, the core targets were subjected to GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and a component-target-pathway network was constructed. A total of eight main targets of XRCQ against fever in children were obtained together with eight absorbed components in plasma, including glycyrhydinic acid, hesperidin, emodin, reticuline, daidzein, magnolignan C, magnolignan A, and magnolaldehyde D. It was inferred that XRCQ might improve alimentary system abnormality, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and endocrine disorder through tumor necrosis factor, PI3 K-AKT, and other signaling pathways. The present study comprehensively expounded the chemical profiles of XRCQ and the main absorbed components in plasma and predicted the potential mechanism of XRCQ based on integrated network pharmacology, which has provided certain theoretical reference for the clinical application of XRCQ.

Aromatic Profile Variation of Essential Oil from Dried Makwhaen Fruit and Related Species

The aim of this research is to evaluate the relationship between genotype, phenotype, and chemical profiles of essential oil obtained from available Zanthoxylum spp. Three specimens of makhwaen (MK) distributed in Northern Thailand were genetically and morphologically compared with other Zanthoxylum spices, known locally as huajiao (HJ) and makwoung (MKO), respectively. HJ was taxonomically confirmed as Z. armatum while MKO and MK were identified as Z. rhetsa and Z. myriacanthum. Genetic sequencing distributed these species into three groups accordingly to their confirmed species. Essential oil of the dried fruits from these samples was extracted and analyzed for their chemical and physical properties. Cluster analysis of their volatile compositions separated MKO and MK apart from HJ with L-limonene, terpinen-4-ol, β-phellandrene, and β-philandrene. By using odor attributes, the essential oil of MKO and MK were closely related possessing fruity, woody, and citrus aromas, while the HJ was distinctive. Overall, the phenotypic characteristic can be used to elucidate the species among makhwaen fruits of different sources. The volatile profiling was nonetheless dependent on the genotypes but makwoung and makhwaen showed similar profiles.

Exploiting the Amazing Diversity of Natural Source-Derived Polysaccharides: Modern Procedures of Isolation, Engineering, and Optimization of Antiviral Activities

Naturally occurring polysaccharide sulfates are highly diverse, owning variations in the backbone structure, linkage pattern and stereochemistry, branching diversity, sulfate content and positions of sulfate group(s). These structural characteristics bring about diverse sulfated polymers with dissimilar negative charge densities and structure-activity relationships. Herein, we start with a short discussion of techniques needed for extraction, purification, chemical sulfation, and structural characterization of polysaccharides. Processes of isolation and sulfation of plant-derived polysaccharides are challenging and usually involve two steps. In this context, we describe an integrated extraction-sulfation procedure that produces polysaccharide sulfates from natural products in one step, thereby generating additional pharmacological activities. Finally, we provide examples of the spectrum of natural source-derived polysaccharides possessing specific features of bioactivity, in particular focusing on current aspects of antiviral drug development and drug-target interaction. Thus, the review presents a detailed view on chemically engineered polysaccharides, especially sulfated derivatives, and underlines their promising biomedical perspectives.

Implication of Modified Chemical Profiles of Different Seed Proteins through Heat-Related Processing to Protein Nutrition and Metabolic Characteristics in Ruminant Systems

The objectives of this study were to reveal the implication of modified chemical profiles of protein in cool-season-adapted cereal seeds through heat-related processing to protein nutrition and metabolic characteristics in ruminant systems. The parameters of protein-related chemical and nutritive profiles modified by heat-related processing included (a) chemical and nutrient profiles, (b) degradation kinetics (K_d and BCP), (c) digestion (IDP and TDP), (d) degraded protein balance (DPB/OEB value), and (e) metabolizable protein (MP, DVE, and FMV values). The seeds used in this study included cool-season-adapted wheat (CSW), triticale (CST), and corn (CSC). Each grain source had 3 consecutive year-replicated samples and were subjected to different heat-related processing: dry heating (DH) and moist heating (MH). The results showed that (1) the heat-related processing significantly modified metabolic characteristics of protein in the seeds (p < 0.05), (2) in comparison to DH, MH had a dramatic improvement (p < 0.05) in protein utilization profiles (decreased rumen degradation and increased intestinal digestion), (3) the seeds had significant (p < 0.05) difference in rumen degradation and intestinal digestion, (4) among the seeds, the CSW had the highest milk value (FMV; p < 0.05) and was increased by MH application (p < 0.05), and (5) the results showed that the seeds responded independently to different heat-related processing. MH-related processing had a more profound impact on CSW and CST in chemical profiles and nutrition. The CSC had less response to the heat-related processing.

Comparative Studies of Fraxinus Species from Korea Using Microscopic Characterization, Phytochemical Analysis, and Anti-Lipase Enzyme Activity

Fraxinus species belongs to the Oleaceae family, commonly known as Ash tree, and has been utilized as a folk medicine with various medicinal properties, including anti-obesity activity. The goal of the present study was to establish quality control parameters using microscopic characterization, phytochemical differentiation, and anti-lipase activity evaluation of five Fraxinus plants in Korea. Microscopic evaluation of the lower surface, petiole, and midrib of leaves, and stem bark showed discriminative anatomical characteristics, such as the stomatal index of the lower leaf surface; the number of sclerenchyma cells, and the diameter of parenchyma cells in the petiole and midrib; and the cork cell size and fiber frequency in the stem bark. Phytochemical analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the significant variation in the chemical profiles of the 12 major secondary metabolites among the samples. The orthogonal projections to latent structure-discrimination analysis efficiently differentiated each group belonging to each Fraxinus plant with the anatomical and quantification data. F. rhynchophylla and ligstroside showed the most potent anti-lipase activity among the plants and the 12 major metabolites, respectively. These findings could serve as the scientific criteria for the appropriate identification and establishment of standards for the use of Fraxinus species as medicinal plants.

Citrus × Clementina Hort. Juice Enriched with Its By-Products (Peels and Leaves): Chemical Composition, In Vitro Bioactivity, and Impact of Processing

This work investigated a model for the reuse of Citrus × clementina Hort. by-products for the development of a functional drink able to exert antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, and hypolipidemic effects. Juice obtained from fruits collected in three different areas of Calabria (Italy) was analysed. C. × clementina juice from Corigliano Calabro (JF), characterized by the highest content of bioactive compounds and bioactivity, was chosen as a matrix to be enrichment with hydroalcoholic ultrasound-assisted maceration of C. × clementina leaf from Corigliano Calabro (CO2) and ethanol ultrasound-assisted maceration of C. × clementina peel from Cetraro (BC3) extracts at different concentrations. The highest phytochemical content and bioactivities were found in juice enriched with leaf and leaf + peel extracts, with particular reference to antioxidant activity. In order to estimate the effects of pasteurization, 20% (mg/100 mL) enriched juice was subjected to this process. Based on obtained data of bioactivity and sensorial analysis, C. × clementina by-products could be proposed as a promising source of bioactive compounds useful for the formulation of a functional drink for preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Quality transitivity of Danhong Huayu Koufuye: A study on chemical profiles of medicinal herbs, compound preparation and dosed rat plasma using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Danhong Huayu Koufuye (DHK), an effective Chinese medicine preparation, is mainly used for the treatment of blurred vision and sudden blindness caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis, as well as the absorption period of central retinal vein occlusion. However, the current quality standard is relatively low, only stipulating the content of protocatechualdehyde. Chemical transitivity is the basis for discovering quality markers and is used in quality process control of Chinese medicines. Herein, the chemical profiles of seven medicinal herbs, DHK and dosed rat plasma were comprehensively analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. As a result, 134 chemical constituents were identified in seven medicinal herbs, including salvianolic acids, diterpene quinones, phenolic acids, phthalides, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins. Among them, 55 chemical constituents were transferred to DHK along with extraction and preparation, and 26 were further absorbed into blood and metabolized to produce 11 metabolites after oral administration. The transitivity of DHK from medicinal herbs to compound preparation and into blood was analyzed for the first time. This article will be valuable to ascertain the quality markers for quality process control and further pharmacokinetic studies.

Contribution of Flavonoids and Iridoids to the Hypoglycaemic, Antioxidant, and Nitric Oxide (NO) Inhibitory Activities of Arbutus unedo L

This study aims at investigating the contribution of two classes of compounds, flavonoids and iridoids, to the bioactivity of Arbutus unedo L. leaves and fruits. The impact of different extraction procedures on phytochemicals content and hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activities of A. unedo fresh and dried plant materials was investigated. Ellagic acid 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, and norbergenin were identified for the first time in this genus by using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Three iridoids (gardenoside, geniposide, unedoside) are specifically identified in the leaves. Interestingly, asperuloside was extracted only from dried fruits by ethanol with Soxhlet apparatus. Extracts were screened for their potential antioxidant activities by using the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Activity Power (FRAP), and β-carotene bleaching tests. Based on the Global Antioxidant Score (GAS) calculation, the most promising antioxidant extract was obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration of dried leaves that showed half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 0.42 and 0.98 μg/mL in ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. The hypoglycaemic activity was investigated by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition tests. Extracts obtained by ethanol ultrasound extraction of fresh leaves and hydroalcoholic maceration of fresh fruits (IC₅₀ of 19.56 and 28.42 μg/mL, respectively) are more active against α-glucosidase than the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀ of 35.50 μg/mL). Fruit extracts exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity.

Phenolic Compounds from Nuts: Extraction, Chemical Profiles, and Bioactivity

Nuts contain a vast array of phenolic compounds having important biological properties. They include substances allocated into the five major groups named phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic lignans, and stilbene derivatives. The complexity in composition does not allow for setting a universal extraction procedure suitable for extraction of all nut phenolics. The use of non-conventional extraction techniques, such as those based on microwave, ultrasound, and compressed fluids, combined with generally recognized as safe solvents is gaining major interest. With regard to the latter, ethanol, water, and ethanol-water mixtures have proven to be effective as extracting solvents and allow for clean, safe, and low-cost extraction operations. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in biological properties of natural phenolic compounds, especially on their role in the prevention of several diseases in which oxidative stress reactions are involved. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview on nut phenolic extraction and their chemical profiles and bioactive properties.

Neuroprotective and Anti-Amyloid β Effect and Main Chemical Profiles of White Tea: Comparison Against Green, Oolong and Black Tea

White tea (WT) is one of six tea types originally derived from Fujian Province, China. White tea is known for its health-promoting properties. However, the neuroprotective and anti-aggregatory properties of WT against the hallmark toxic Alzheimer's protein, Aβ have not been investigated. In this study, WT, green tea (GT), oolong tea (OT) and black tea (BT) were manufactured using tea leaves from the cultivar Camellia sinensis (Jin Guanyin). The protective effects of these tea extracts were then studied under oxidative stress conditions via t-bhp and H₂O₂ exposure, in addition to Aβ treatment using a PC-12 cell model. Each tea type failed to rescue PC-12 cells from either t-bhp or H₂O₂-mediated toxicity, however each extract exerted significant protection against Aβ-evoked neurotoxicity. Results of the Thioflavin T Kinetic (ThT) and TEM assay showed that Aβ aggregate formation was inhibited by each tea type. Additionally, TEM also supported the different anti-aggregatory effect of WT by modifying Aβ into an amorphous and punctate aggregate morphology. Higher accumulated precedent or potential neuroprotective compounds in WT, including ECG''3Me, 8-C-ascorbyl-EGCG, GABA and Gln, in addition to flavonol or flavone glycosides detected by using UPLC-QTOF-MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS, may contribute to a favourable anti-aggregative and neuroprotective effect of WT against Aβ.

Electrocardiographic effects of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) in healthy volunteers: A randomized controlled trial

The objective of this study was to evaluate the electrocardiographic effects of hawthorn in healthy adult volunteers. It was double-blind cross-over trial randomized 20 healthy adult volunteers to receive either a single oral 160-mg dose of hawthorn or matching placebo. Triplicate 12-lead electrocardiograms were taken before treatment and at 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-hr post-dose. Following at least a 7-day washout period, participants were crossed over to the opposing treatment arm and had the measurements repeated. The primary endpoint was the change in corrected (Fridericia) QT intervals (QT_c I) at 4 and 6 hr. Maximum post-dose QT_c I and changes in PR and QRS intervals were measured. No significant differences in 4- or 6-hr QT_c I were seen between hawthorn and placebo. Maximum post-dose QT_c I in the hawthorn and placebo groups were similar (346 ± 35 vs 346 ± 40 ms; p = .979). No significant adverse events were seen. In conclusion, a single dose of oral hawthorn had no effect on electrocardiographic parameters in healthy volunteers.

Chemical and biological comparison of different sections of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gou-Teng)

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gou-Teng in Chinese) is officially documented in Chinese pharmacopoeia as one of the authentic sources for the crude drug of Gou-Teng which has long been used for mental and cardiovascular diseases. Indole alkaloids are the characteristic constituents responsible for the desired hypotensive effect; however, the psychiatric active constituents of Gou-Teng are still unclear. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, only the hook-bearing stems of U. rhynchophylla are used as the crude materials for Gou-Teng, while its leaves and fruits are scarcely used. The present study aimed to compare the metabolic fingerprints of different parts (hooks, stems, leaves and fruits) of U. rhynchophylla by LC-DAD-MS/MS analysis and further evaluate their psychiatric activities on HEK293 cell line in vitro. A total of 38 constituents including 26 alkaloids, six flavonoids, two triterpenoids, two chlorogenic acid analogs and two other compounds were characterized. The different parts of U. rhynchophylla can be well differentiated from their chemical profiles. Leaves displayed the most potent activity on both MT₁ and MT₂ receptors, with agonistic rates of 39.7% and 97.6%. For 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2C receptors, hooks showed the strongest activity with agonistic rates of 92.6% and 83.1%, respectively. This investigation provided valuable information for understanding the chemical divergence between different parts of U. rhynchophylla, and their substantial bases for psychiatric purposes.

Chemical Profiles and Protective Effect of Hedyotis diffusa Willd in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Renal Inflammation Mice

Protective effect of Hedyotis diffusa (H. diffusa) Willd against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced renal inflammation was evaluated by the productions of cytokines and chemokine, and the bioactive constituents of H. diffusa were detected by the ultra-fast liquid chromatography-diode array detector-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UFLC-DAD-Q-TOF-MS/MS) method. As the results showed, water extract of H. diffusa (equal to 5.0 g/kg body weight) obviously protected renal tissues, significantly suppressed the productions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, as well as significantly promoted the production of IL-10 in serum and renal tissues. According the chemical profiles of H. diffusa, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides and anthraquinones were greatly detected in serum from H. diffusa extract treatment mice. Two main chemotypes, including eight flavonoids and four iridoid glycosides were found in renal tissues from H. diffusa extract treatment mice. The results demonstrated that water extract of H. diffusa had protective effect on renal inflammation, which possibly resulted from the bioactive constituents consisting of flavonoids, iridoids and anthraquinones.

Differences in the chemical profiles and biological activities of Paeonia lactiflora and Paeonia obovata

Paeonia lactiflora and P. obovata are perennial herbs, each root of which has been consumed as a major oriental medicine, Paeoniae Radix and a famous folk medicine, Mountain Paeony Root, respectively. Although morphological studies have been performed comparing these two plants, there is insufficient scientific evidence that characterizes the differences in their chemical profiles and biological activities. Hence, the present study was undertaken to compare these two medicinal foods using a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis and a gastric ulcer model in mice. HPLC analysis employed to assess the nine components revealed that P. lactiflora exhibited higher contents of phenolic compounds than P. obovata. Although a monoterpene glycoside, 6'-O-acetylpaeoniflorin was identified in P. obovata, it was not detected in P. lactiflora. Multivariate statistical analysis for HPLC data revealed that the orthogonal projections to latent structure-discriminant analysis is more appropriate than principal component analysis for differentiating the two groups. Moreover, the 50% methanol P. lactiflora extract (PL) was more effective against experimental gastric ulcer than P. obovata extract (PO) in the HCl/ethanol-induced ulcer model. In addition, PL displayed higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and lower nitric oxide production in a murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, than PO. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of PL was as high as that of the positive control, butylated hydroxytoluene, at a concentration of 25 μg/mL.