7-O-tyrosyl Silybin Derivatives as a Novel Set of Anti-Prostate Cancer Compounds

Silybin is a natural compound extensively studied for its hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer properties. Envisioning the enhancement of silybin potential by suitable modifications in its chemical structure, here, a series of new 7-O-alkyl silybins derivatives were synthesized by the Mitsunobu reaction starting from the silybins and tyrosol-based phenols, such as tyrosol (TYR, 3), 3-methoxytyrosol (MTYR, 4), and 3-hydroxytyrosol (HTYR, 5). This research sought to explore the antioxidant and anticancer properties of eighteen new derivatives and their mechanisms. In particular, the antioxidant properties of new derivatives outlined by the DPPH assay showed a very pronounced activity depending on the tyrosyl moiety (HTYR > MTYR >> TYR). A significant contribution of the HTYR moiety was observed for silybins and 2,3-dehydro-silybin-based derivatives. According to the very potent antioxidant activity, 2,3-dehydro-silybin derivatives 15ab, 15a, and 15b exerted the most potent anticancer activity in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis for cell cycle and apoptosis revealed that 15ab, 15a, and 15b induce strong G1 phase arrest and increase late apoptotic population in PC-3 cells. Additionally, Western blotting for apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3 confirmed apoptosis induction by these silybin derivatives in PC-3 cells. These findings hold significant importance in the investigation of anticancer properties of silybin derivatives and strongly encourage swift investigation in pre-clinical models and clinical trials.

Advanced oxidation process of valsartan by activated peroxymonosulfate: Chemical characterization and ecotoxicological effects of its byproducts

In recent years, the antihypertensive drug Valsartan (VAL) has been detected in surface waters up to concentrations of 6300 ng/L, due to its high consumption and its mostly unchanged excretion. Moreover, wastewater treatment plants fail to completely mineralize/transform it, as evidenced by findings of up to 3800 ng/L in some effluents. In this paper, the possible degradation of VAL was evaluated through Fenton-like reaction with activation of peroxymonosulfate in the presence of Fe(II) under neutral conditions. Fourteen degradation byproducts were isolated and completely identified by both nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, five of which were discovered for the first time, and a mechanism of their formation was proposed. Furthermore, the potential acute and chronic toxicity of valsartan and its byproducts in the aquatic environment were evaluated in key organisms of the freshwater trophic chain belonging to producers and consumers, the alga Raphidocelis subcapitata and the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus, respectively. Acute effects occurred at concentrations in the order of tens/hundreds of mg/L, far from those of environmental concern. As regards chronic effects, algae were not particularly affected by the parent compound and its derivatives, while rotifers were less affected by derivatives (effective concentrations at units/tens of μg/L) compared to valsartan (effective concentrations at hundreds of ng/L).

Dimeric phenanthrenoids: possible biogenetic pathway and missing compounds

Secondary metabolites extracted from plants have historically been critical for drug discovery, but their isolation involves expensive and complicated procedures in terms of time and labor resources. Thus, the biogenetic pathway offers the possibility of identifying specific compounds that have not yet been isolated and predicting their isolation from specific natural sources. In plants, biphenanthrenes represent a relatively small group of aromatic secondary metabolites that are considered as important taxonomic markers with promising biological activities. To date, 38 mixed phenanthrenoid dimers have been identified, the biosynthesis of which involves the radical coupling of the two subunits, namely, a phenanthrene and a dihydrophenanthrene. For each of the compounds, it is possible to identify the single phenanthrenic and dihydrophenanthrenic units constituting the considered dimer. Based on the biogenetic pathway, it is possible to identify 19 phenanthrenes and 17 dihydrophenanthrenes, and to distinguish those already known from those not yet isolated. By comparing the results of the possible biosynthetic pathway for each compound with the data in the literature, it is possible to identify three known phenanthrenes and seven known dihydrophenanthrenes, as well as eleven new phenanthrenes and five new dihydrophenanthrenes, and to identify from which plant it is possible to isolate them. This could direct the work of researchers seeking to identify known or new molecules useful for their possible biological properties, and ultimately, to confirm the veracity of the proposed and generally accepted biosynthetic pathway.

Exploring the molecular and toxicological mechanism associated with interactions between heavy metals and the reproductive system of Mytilus galloprovincialis

A large number of heavy metals resulted toxic to the reproductive system, but invertebrate infertility has been poorly explored, and above all, there are limited molecular, cellular and toxicological studies. In the present work, we exposed Mytilus galloprovincialis to three individual metal chlorides (CuCl2 15 μM, CdCl2 1.5 μM, NiCl2 15 μM) and their mixture for 24 h, to evaluate the effects on the protamine-like proteins (PLs), sperm DNA and on their interaction in the formation of sperm chromatin. Under all exposure conditions, but particularly after exposure to the metals mix, relevant changes in the electrophoretic pattern, by AU-PAGE and SDS-PAGE, and in fluorescence spectroscopy measurements of PLs were shown. In addition, alterations in DNA binding of these proteins were observed by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and through their release from sperm nuclei. Moreover, there was evidence of increased accessibility of micrococcal nuclease to sperm chromatin, which was also confirmed by toluidine blue staining. Furthermore, morphological analyses indicated severe gonadal impairments which was also corroborated by increased PARP expression, by Western blotting, and sperm DNA fragmentation, by comet assay. Finally, we investigated the expression of stress genes, gst, hsp70 and mt10, in gonadal tissue. The latter investigations also showed that exposure to this metals mix was more harmful than exposure to the individual metals tested. The present results suggest that these metals and in particular their mixture could have a negative impact on the reproductive fitness of M. galloprovincialis. Based on these evidences, we propose a molecular mechanism.

Effects of Olea europaea L. Polyphenols on the Animal Welfare and Milk Quality in Dairy Cows

Here, we evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with an Olea europaea L. extract on the animal welfare and milk quality of dairy cows. Thirty Italian Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in the mid-lactation phase (90 to 210 days) were blocked into experimental groups based on parity class (namely, primiparous (P) (n = 10), secondiparous (S) (n = 10) and pluriparous (PL) (n = 10)) and received, for 60 days, Phenofeed Dry® at 500 mg/cow/day. Milk and blood samples were collected before the start of the treatment (T0), subsequently every 15 days (T1-T4) and at 45 days after the end of treatment (T5). In the serum, glucose and triglycerides, stress, the thyroid, lactation and sex hormones were measured; in the milk, lysozyme content as well as the fatty acid profile were assessed. In the whole animal, the enriched feed helped to maintain hormonal parameters in the physiological range while producing hypoglycemic (T4 vs. T0, for P and PL p < 0.001) and hypolipidemic effects (T4 vs. T0, for P p < 0.001 and for PL p < 0.01). At the milk level, it resulted in a reduction in total fat (T5 vs. T0, for P, S and PL p < 0.001) and in the saturated fatty acids (SFAs)/monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) ratio paralleled by an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (T5 vs. T0, for P, S and PL p < 0.001), protein content (lysozyme (T4 vs. T0, for P and PL p < 0.001)) and lactose (T5 vs. T0, for P, S and PL p < 0.001). Thus, the inclusion of natural bioactive molecules such as O. europaea L. polyphenols in the dairy cow diet may help to improve animal welfare and milk quality.

Plasma fatty acid profile in Italian Holstein-Friesian dairy cows supplemented with natural polyphenols from the olive plant Olea Europaea L

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing with natural functional feed on the plasma fatty acid profile of lactating Italian Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Thirty cows in mid-lactation received the natural olive extract PHENOFEED DRY (500 mg/cow/day) which mainly comprises hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and verbascoside. The total content of polyphenols and the antioxidant power of standard feed, enriched feed and pure extract was evaluated respectively by Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH assay, and a characterization in HPLC-UV (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet) of bioactive molecules present in the extract PHENOFEED DRY was performed. PHENOFEED DRY was provided for 60 days, and the plasma profile of fatty acids was determined by Gas Chromatography. The administration of enriched feed resulted in an increase in the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from 3:1 to 4:1 (p<0.001). This was not influenced by the calving order. The addition of polyphenols helped to keep monounsaturated (MUFA) and saturated (SFA) levels constant and results in a significant increase in polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid after 15 days of administration. The Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio was in the optimal range. The findings show that inclusion of natural functional food such as plant polyphenols helps to maintain a healthy blood fatty acid profile in lactating dairy cows.

Dihydrophenanthrene Dimers: Why and Where It Is Possible to Isolate Their Precursors

An interesting class of compounds of natural origin is dihydrophenanthrene dimers, which are characterized by a series of remarkable biological properties. Considering the hypothesis that each dimer is obtained through a biosynthetic mechanism that involves the coupling of the corresponding radicals of the single dihydrophenanthrene unit, we identified 29 dihydrophenanthrenes. Of these dihydrophenanthrenes, 11 were new compounds that could be isolated from 10 different plant species; 11 had already been identified, but not yet isolated in the 17 different plant species from which the corresponding dimers had been isolated; and 7 were known and had been isolated in the same plant sources of the corresponding dimers. A targeted analysis of several natural extracts from specific plant sources would allow the identification of known or new molecules with potential and/or specific biological activities and, in a final analysis, would confirm the relative biosynthetic mechanism.

Inside out Porphyridium cruentum: Beyond the Conventional Biorefinery Concept

Here, an unprecedented biorefinery approach has been designed to recover high-added value bioproducts starting from the culture ofPorphyridium cruentum. This unicellular marine red alga can secrete and accumulate high-value compounds that can find applications in a wide variety of industrial fields. 300 ± 67 mg/L of exopolysaccharides were obtained from cell culture medium; phycoerythrin was efficiently extracted (40% of total extract) and isolated by single chromatography, with a purity grade that allowed the crystal structure determination at 1.60 Å; a twofold increase in β-carotene yield was obtained from the residual biomass; the final residual biomass was found to be enriched in saturated fatty acids. Thus, for the first time, a complete exploitation ofP. cruentumculture was set up.

Nutritive and Phytochemical Composition of Aromatic Microgreen Herbs and Spices Belonging to the Apiaceae Family

Microgreens represent a new generation of food products, commonly used to garnish and embellish culinary dishes, and recently associated with an increasing interest in their nutraceutical and phytochemical profiles. Four Apiaceae species: Pimpinella anisum L. (anise), Anthriscus cerefolium L. (chervil), Carum carvi L. (caraway), and Anethum graveolens L. (dill) were assessed for fresh yield, macro- and microminerals, total chlorophylls, total ascorbic acid, carotenoids, polyphenols, and their antioxidant activity. Anise was the species yielding the most (2.53 kg m^-2) and having the highest lutein content (18.4 µg g^-1 dry weight (DW)). Chervil and dill were characterized by the highest total ascorbic acid content (~151 mg AA g^-1 fresh weight (FW)). The phenolic profile highlighted the presence of five flavonoid derivatives and 12 phenolic acid derivatives, with quinic acid derivatives being the most abundant phenols in the species tested. In addition, anise, caraway, and dill proved to be considerably rich in total polyphenols (~11056 μg g^-1 DW). Caraway and dill were characterized by the highest antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH and ABTS methods, whereas the FRAP method revealed caraway as having the highest antioxidant activity. Such results highlight the potential of Apiaceae species as an alternative to other families which are commonly used for microgreens production.

Octocrylene: From Sunscreens to the Degradation Pathway during Chlorination Processes: Formation of Byproducts and Their Ecotoxicity Assessment

Octocrylene is an organic sunscreen whose main action is to absorb UVB radiation and short UVA wavelengths; it is used in various cosmetic products in order to provide an adequate sun-protection factor or to protect the cosmetic formulations themselves from UV radiation. This filter is believed to be a possible endocrine disruptor and is also questioned due to its allergic and/or photoallergic potential. However, it continues to be widely used, and it has been found in various environments, not least those of swimming pools, where it is evidently released by consumers, to the point that it is now considered an emerging micropollutant. The present investigation presents the possible chemical fate of octocrylene in the typical chlorination conditions of wastewater or swimming pools. A total of 11 disinfection byproducts were identified, and 6 were identified for the first time, and separated by HPLC. These products were identified through careful mass spectrometry studies and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. A formation mechanism has been proposed that justifies the chemical structures of all of the compounds identified. The ecotoxicological assessment of octocrylene and their products was carried out by employing Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Brachionus plicatilis and Aliivibrio fischeri as bioindicators. The ecotoxicity results reveal that toxic byproducts might be generated during the oxidation process, increasing the potential risk to the marine environment.

Silybins are stereospecific regulators of the 20S proteasome

A reduced proteasome activity tiles excessive amyloid growth during the progress of protein conformational diseases (PCDs). Hence, the development of safe and effective proteasome enhancers represents an attractive target for the therapeutic treatment of these chronic disorders. Here we analyze two natural diastereoisomers belonging to the family of flavonolignans, Sil A and Sil B, by evaluating their capacity to increase proteasome activity. Enzyme assays carried out on yeast 20S (y20S) proteasome and in parallel on a permanently "open gate" mutant (α3ΔN) evidenced that Sil B is a more efficient 20S activator than Sil A. Conversely, in the case of human 20S proteasome (h20S) a higher affinity and more efficient activation is observed for Sil A. Driven by experimental data, computational studies further demonstrated that the taxifolin group of both diastereoisomers plays a crucial role in their anchoring to the α5/α6 groove of the outer α-ring. However, due to the different stereochemistry at C-7" and C-8" of ring D, only Sil A was able to reproduce the interactions responsible for h20S proteasome activation induced by their cognate regulatory particles. The provided silybins/h20S interaction models allowed us to rationalize their different ability to activate the peptidase activities of h20S and y20S. Our results provide structural details concerning the important role played by stereospecific interactions in driving Sil A and Sil B binding to the 20S proteasome and may support future rational design of proteasome enhancers.

Known or Never before Identified Phenanthrenes: Where It Is Possible to Isolate Them and Why

The secondary metabolites of plant origin belong to different and numerous classes of organic compounds. One of these is that of dimeric phenanthrenes, symmetrical or not, characterized by a series of interesting biological activities. Of these compounds, 37 have been isolated since 1988, from only five plant families. Considering each dimer comprises two phenanthrenes and starting from the hypothesis that each dimer is obtained through a biosynthetic mechanism that involves the coupling of the corresponding radicals of the individual phenanthrene units, it is possible to identify 29 phenanthrenes, of which 6 not yet isolated. It is possible to establish that 16 known phenanthrenes can be isolated from 14 different plant species, just as 6 new phenanthrenes can be isolated from 6 different plant species. This would allow a targeted analysis of a few natural extracts from specific plant sources to identify known or new molecules, with potential and/or specific biological activities.

Phosphodiester Silybin Dimers Powerful Radical Scavengers: A Antiproliferative Activity on Different Cancer Cell Lines

Silibinin is the main biologically active component of silymarin extract and consists of a mixture 1:1 of two diastereoisomeric flavonolignans, namely silybin A (1a) and silybin B (1b), which we call here silybins. Despite the high interest in the activity of this flavonolignan, there are still few studies that give due attention to the role of its stereochemistry and, there is still today a strong need to investigate in this area. In this regard, here we report a study concerning the radical scavenger ability and the antiproliferative activity on different cell lines, both of silybins and phosphodiester-linked silybin dimers. An efficient synthetic strategy to obtain silybin dimers in an optical pure form (6aa, 6ab and 6bb) starting from a suitable building block of silybin A and silybin B, obtained by us from natural extract silibinin, was proposed. New dimers show strong antioxidant properties, determined through hydroxyl radical (HO^●) scavenging ability, comparable to the value reported for known potent antioxidants such as quercetin. A preliminary screening was performed by treating cells with 10 and 50 μM concentrations for 48 h to identify the most sensitive cell lines. The results show that silibinin compounds were active on Jurkat, A375, WM266, and HeLa, but at the tested concentrations, they did not interfere with the growth of PANC, MCF-7, HDF or U87. In particular, both monomers (1a and 1b) and dimers (6aa, 6ab and 6bb) present selective anti-proliferative activity towards leukemia cells in the mid-micromolar range and are poorly active on normal cells. They exhibit different mechanisms of action in fact all the cells treated with the 1a and 1b go completely into apoptosis, whereas only part of the cells treated with 6aa and 6ab were found to be in apoptosis.

Cytotoxicity of an Innovative Pressurised Cyclic Solid-Liquid (PCSL) Extract from Artemisia annua

Therapeutic treatments with Artemisia annua have a long-established tradition in various diseases due to its antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-malaria and anti-cancer effects. However, in relation to the latter, virtually all reports focused on toxic effects of A. annua extracts were obtained mostly through conventional maceration methods. In the present study, an innovative extraction procedure from A. annua, based on pressurised cyclic solid–liquid (PCSL) extraction, resulted in the production of a new phytocomplex with enhanced anti-cancer properties. This extraction procedure generated a pressure gradient due to compressions and following decompressions, allowing to directly perform the extraction without any maceration. The toxic effects of A. annua PCSL extract were tested on different cells, including three cancer cell lines. The results of this study clearly indicate that the exposure of human, murine and canine cancer cells to serial dilutions of PCSL extract resulted in higher toxicity and stronger propensity to induce apoptosis than that detected by subjecting the same cells to Artemisia extracts obtained through canonical extraction by maceration. Collected data suggest that PCSL extract of A. annua could be a promising and economic new therapeutic tool to treat human and animal tumours.

Investigation on the solid-phase synthesis of silybin prodrugs and their timed-release

Prodrugs are ingenious derivatives of therapeutic agents designed to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug. Here, we report an efficient and regioselective solid phase approach for obtaining new prodrugs of 9″-silybins conjugated with 3'-ribonucleotide units (uridine and adenosine) as pro-moieties. Uridine and adenosine conjugates were obtained in good yields (41-50%), beginning with silibinin and its diastereomers (silybin A and silybin B), using a NovaSyn® support functionalized with an ad hoc linker, which allowed selective detachment of only the desired products. As expected, the solubility of both uridine and adenosine conjugates was higher than that of the parental natural product (5 mg/mL and 3 mg/mL for uridine and adenosine, respectively). Our investigations revealed that uridine conjugates were quickly cleaved by RNase A, releasing silybin drugs, even at low enzyme concentrations. No toxic effects were found for any ribonucleotide conjugate on differentiated neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells when tested at increasing concentrations. All results strongly encourage further investigations of uridine-silybin prodrugs as potential therapeutic agents for both oral and intravenous administration. The present synthetic approach represents a valuable strategy to the future design of new prodrugs with modified nucleoside pro-moieties to modulate the pharmacokinetics of silybins or different natural products with strong pharmacological activities but poor bioavailability.

Phenanthrene Dimers: Promising Source of Biologically Active Molecules

To date, just over a hundred phenanthrenoid dimers have been isolated. Of these, forty-two are completely phenanthrenic in nature. They are isolated from fourteen genera of different plants belonging to only five families, of which Orchidaceae is the most abundant source. Other nine completely acetylated and five methylated dimers were also defined, which were effective in establishing the position of the free hydroxyls of the corresponding natural products, from which they were obtained by semi-synthesis. Structurally, they could be useful chemotaxonomic markers considering that some substituents are typical of a single-family, such as the vinyl group for Juncaceae. From a biogenetic point of view, it is thought that these compounds derive from the radical coupling of the corresponding phenanthrenes or by dehydrogenation of the dihydrophenanthrenoid analogs. Phenanthrenes or dihydroderivatives possess different biological activities, e.g., antiproliferative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, spasmolytic, anxiolytic, and antialgal effects. The aim of this review is to summarize the occurrence of phenanthrene dimers in the different natural sources and give a comprehensive overview their structural characteristics and biological activities.

Silymarin from Silybum marianum by Naviglio's extractor: a new and very efficient approach

The aim of this work is to compare new and traditional extraction methods to obtain silymarin from Silybum marianum, a biennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, present throughout the Mediterranean basin and used to treat several diseases. Silymarin primarily contains flavonolignans and flavonoids and is used in some pharmaceutical preparations to improve of liver function and as a protective against some hepatotoxins. In six extracts obtained by new and traditional extraction methods, the total contents of silymarin and its main flavonolignans, total phenols and condensed tannins were evaluated in addition to their respective antioxidant capacities. By the Naviglio extractor, that is a rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction method, it is possible to obtain a fraction quantitatively more abundant than other methods, and with a lower content of tannins and phenolic compounds but with a higher content of flavonolignans, rare and expensive, and therefore easier to separate and purify.

Solid-phase synthesis of curcumin mimics and their anticancer activity against human pancreatic, prostate, and colorectal cancer cell lines

Curcumin is a bioactive natural compound with a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antitumor activity; however, its clinical application has been limited because of its low solubility, stability, and bioavailability. In this study, a solid phase approach was proposed for the combinatorial synthesis of a mini library of the mimics of curcumin in good purity and yield. The non-effective findings in pancreatic cancer cells switched to strong growth inhibition and cell death efficacy for PC3 prostate cancer cells, and mimic 9, in which tyrosol (TYR) and homovanillyl alcohol (HVA) units were linked by a phosphodiester bond, was quite effective not only in cell growth inhibition but also in causing strong cell death under the study conditions and treatments that were not effective in PANC1 cells. The results got more exciting when we also consider the findings in SW480 human colorectal carcinoma cell line, where the growth inhibitor effects were more in line with that of the PC3 cells, but the lack of cell death effect was more in line with the PANC1 cells.

LC and NMR Studies for Identification and Characterization of Degradation Byproducts of Olmesartan Acid, Elucidation of Their Degradation Pathway and Ecotoxicity Assessment

The discovery of various sartans, which are among the most used antihypertensive drugs in the world, is increasingly frequent not only in wastewater but also in surface water and, in some cases, even in drinking or groundwater. In this paper, the degradation pathway of olmesartan acid, one of the most used sartans, was investigated by simulating the chlorination process normally used in a wastewater treatment plant to reduce similar emerging pollutants. The structures of nine isolated degradation byproducts (DPs), eight of which were isolated for the first time, were separated via chromatography column and HPLC methods, identified by combining nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, and justified by a proposed mechanism of formation beginning from the parent drug. Ecotoxicity tests on olmesartan acid and its nine DPs showed that 50% of the investigated byproducts inhibited the target species Aliivibrio fischeri and Raphidocelis subcapitata, causing functional decreases of 18% and 53%, respectively.

Synthesis of New Tyrosol-Based Phosphodiester Derivatives: Effect on Amyloid β Aggregation and Metal Chelation Ability

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial pathology that requires multifaceted agents able to address its peculiar nature. Increasing evidence has shown that aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) and oxidative stress are strictly interconnected, and their modulation might have a positive and synergic effect in contrasting AD-related impairments. Herein, a new and efficient fragment-based approach towards tyrosol phosphodiester derivatives (TPDs) has been developed starting from suitable tyrosol building blocks and exploiting the well-established phosphoramidite chemistry. The antioxidant activity of new TPDs has been tested as well as their ability to inhibit Aβ protein aggregation. In addition, their metal chelating ability has been evaluated as a possible strategy to develop new natural-based entities for the prevention or therapy of AD. Interestingly, TPDs containing a catechol moiety have demonstrated highly promising activity in inhibiting the aggregation of Aβ₄₀ and a strong ability to chelate biometals such as Cu^II and Zn^II .

Oxidation of diclofenac in water by sodium hypochlorite: Identification of new degradation by-products and their ecotoxicological evaluation

Diclofenac (DCF) is the most widely prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the world and it has been detected in drinking and surface waters. In this paper, the effect of chlorination process on DCF in aqueous solutions was investigated and the structures of 14 isolated degradation by-products (DPs), of which nine are new, have been determined from combining mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance data and justified by a proposed mechanism of formation beginning from the parent drug. Some degradation by-products show only one phenyl, others are dimers or trimers of the parental compound, which has undergone oxidative decarboxylation of the side chain and/or chlorination of this or one or both aromatic rings. Ecotoxicological bioassays evidenced the following sensitivities D. magna < R. subcapitata < A. fischeri. The isolated DPs (DP1-8, except for DP9) exhibited effects ≥ 50 % in the exposed microalgae and crustaceans showing toxicities mainly ranked from slight to acute.

Trehalose Conjugates of Silybin as Prodrugs for Targeting Toxic Aβ Aggregates

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to the abnormal accumulation of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) aggregates in the brain. Silybin B, a natural compound extracted from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), has been shown to significantly inhibit Aβ aggregation in vitro and to exert neuroprotective properties in vivo. However, further explorations of silybin B's clinical potential are currently limited by three main factors: (a) poor solubility, (b) instability in blood serum, and (c) only partial knowledge of silybin's mechanism of action. Here, we address these three limitations. We demonstrate that conjugation of a trehalose moiety to silybin significantly increases both water solubility and stability in blood serum without significantly compromising its antiaggregation properties. Furthermore, using a combination of biophysical techniques with different spatial resolution, that is, TEM, ThT fluorescence, CD, and NMR spectroscopy, we profile the interactions of the trehalose conjugate with both Aβ monomers and oligomers and evidence that silybin may shield the "toxic" surfaces formed by the N-terminal and central hydrophobic regions of Aβ. Finally, comparative analysis with silybin A, a less active diastereoisomer of silybin B, revealed how even subtle differences in chemical structure may entail different effects on amyloid inhibition. The resulting insight on the mechanism of action of silybins as aggregation inhibitors is anticipated to facilitate the future investigation of silybin's therapeutic potential.

Synthesis of new riboflavin modified ODNs: Effect of riboflavin moiety on the G-quadruplex arrangement and stability

In the panorama of modified G-quadruplexes (G4s) with interesting proprieties, here, it has been reported the synthesis of new modified d(TGGGAG) sequences forming G-quadruplexes, with the insertion of a riboflavin unit (Rf, vitamin B₂). Exploiting the flavin similarity with the hydrogen bond pattern of guanine and aiming at mimic a typical nucleoside scaffold, the synthesis of the riboflavin building block 3 it has been efficiently carried out. The effect of insertion of riboflavin mimic nucleoside on the G-quadruplex properties has been here, for the first time investigated. A biophysical characterization of Rf-modified sequences (A-D) has been carried out by circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and native gel electrophoresis. CD and electrophoresis data have suggested that Rf-modified sequences are able to form parallel tetramolecular G4 structures similar to that of the unmodified sequence. Analysis of the DSC thermograms has revealed that all modified G-quadruplexes have a higher thermal stability compared with the natural sequence, particularly the stabilisation is higher when the Rf residue is introduced at the 3'-end. Further, DSC analysis has revealed that the Rf residues introduced at the 3'-end are able to form additional stabilising interactions, energetically almost comparable to the enthalpic contribution of a G-tetrad. Fluorescence measurement are consistent with this result showing that the Rf residues introduced at 3'-end are able to form stacking interactions with the adjacent bases within the G-quadruplex structure. The whole of data suggested that the introduction of Rf unit can stabilize G-quadruplex structures and can be a promising candidate for future theranostic applications.

Disinfection by-products and ecotoxic risk associated with hypochlorite treatment of irbesartan

Recently, many studies highlighted the consistent finding of irbesartan in effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and in some rivers and lakes in both Europe and North America, suggesting that no >80% can be removed by specific treatments. The present investigation attempts to study the chemical fate of irbesartan in a simulated chlorination step, mimicking the conditions of a WWTP. A total of six disinfection by-products were identified, five were completely new, and separated on a C-18 column by employing a gradient HPLC method. Initially, a complete mass fragmentation pathway of the drug was established with the help of MS/TOF, and subsequently, the disinfection by-products were subjected to MS/TOF mass studies to obtain their mass and fragment pattern. The MS results helped to assign tentative structures to the disinfection products, which were verified through 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The chemical structures of the new compounds have been justified by a proposed mechanism of formation. A preliminary ecotoxicity assessment with the crustacean Daphnia magna showed that some of the identified by-products were up to 12-times more toxic than irbesartan.

Selenium Biofortification Impacts the Nutritive Value, Polyphenolic Content, and Bioactive Constitution of Variable Microgreens Genotypes

Selenium (Se) is considered essential for human nutrition as it is involved in the metabolic pathway of selenoproteins and relevant biological functions. Microgreens, defined as tender immature greens, constitute an emerging functional food characterized by overall higher levels of phytonutrients than their mature counterparts. The nutraceutical value of microgreens can be further improved through Se biofortification, delivering Se-enriched foods and potentially an enhanced content of bioactive compounds. The current study defined the effect of sodium selenate applications at three concentrations (0, 8, and 16 μM Se) on the bioactive compounds and mineral content of coriander, green basil, purple basil, and tatsoi microgreens grown in soilless cultivation. Analytical emphasis was dedicated to the identification and quantification of polyphenols by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS, major carotenoids by HPLC-DAD, and macro micro-minerals by ICP-OES. Twenty-seven phenolic compounds were quantified, of which the most abundant were: Chlorogenic acid and rutin in coriander, caffeic acid hexoside and kaempferol-3-O(caffeoyl) sophoroside-7-O-glucoside in tatsoi, and cichoric acid and rosmarinic acid in both green and purple basil. In coriander and tatsoi microgreens, the application of 16 μM Se increased the total phenols content by 21% and 95%, respectively; moreover, it improved the yield by 44% and 18%, respectively. At the same Se dose, the bioactive value of coriander and tatsoi was enhanced by a significant increase in rutin (33%) and kaempferol-3-O(feruloyl)sophoroside-7-O-glucoside (157%), respectively, compared to the control. In green and purple basil microgreens, the 8 μM Se application enhanced the lutein concentration by 7% and 19%, respectively. The same application rate also increased the overall macroelements content by 35% and total polyphenols concentration by 32% but only in the green cultivar. The latter actually had a tripled chicoric acid content compared to the untreated control. All microgreen genotypes exhibited an increase in the Se content in response to the biofortification treatments, thereby satisfying the recommended daily allowance for Se (RDA-Se) from 20% to 133%. The optimal Se dose that guarantees the effectiveness of Se biofortification and improves the content of bioactive compounds was 16 μM in coriander and tatsoi, and 8 μM in green and purple basil.

Genotype-Specific Modulatory Effects of Select Spectral Bandwidths on the Nutritive and Phytochemical Composition of Microgreens

Advanced analytical data on microgreens' response to different light spectra constitutes a valuable resource for designing future crop-specific spectral management systems. The current study defined variation in productivity, nutritive and functional quality (mineral-carotenoid-polyphenolic profiles and antioxidant capacity) of novel microgreens (amaranth, cress, mizuna, purslane) in response to select spectral bandwidths (red, blue, blue-red), and appraised clustering patterns configured by the genotype-light-spectrum nexus. Growth parameters dependent on primary metabolism were most favored by blue-red light's efficiency in activating the photosynthetic apparatus. Nitrate accumulation was higher under monochromatic light owing to the dependency of nitrite reductase on the light-driven activity of PSI, most efficiently promoted by blue-red light. Although mineral composition was mostly genotype-dependent, monochromatic red and blue lights tended to increase K and Na and decrease Ca and Mg concentrations. Lutein, β-carotene, and lipophilic antioxidant capacity were generally increased by blue-red light putatively due to the coupling of heightened photosynthetic activity to increased demand for protection against oxidative stress; the disparate response however of purslane highlights the importance of genotype specificity in these responses and calls for additional investigation. Analysis of polyphenols by Orbitrap LC-MS/MS revealed substantial genotypic differences. Most abundant phenolics were chlorogenic acid (x ¯ = 5503 µg g-1 dw), feruloylquinic acid (x ¯ = 974.1 µg g-1 dw), and caffeoyl feruloyl tartaric acid (x ¯ = 993 µg g-1 dw). Hydroxycinnamic acids accounted for 79.0% of the mean total phenolic content across species, flavonol glycosides for 20.7%, and flavone glycosides for 0.3%. The general response across species was a decrease in individual polyphenolic constituents, particularly flavonol glycosides, and total polyphenols under blue-red light. The pronounced effectiveness of monochromatic blue light in eliciting synthesis of flavonoids could be linked to their capacity for absorbing shorter wavelengths thereby quenching generated photo-oxidation potential. The light-induced stimulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway by monochromatic blue light through epigenetic mechanisms or redox signaling in the photosynthetic apparatus warrants further investigation. The current work highlights how optimized genetic background combined with effective light management might facilitate the production of superior functional quality microgreens.

A cascade extraction of active phycocyanin and fatty acids from Galdieria phlegrea

The setup of an economic and sustainable method to increase the production and commercialization of products from microalgae, beyond niche markets, is a challenge. Here, a cascade approach has been designed to optimize the recovery of high valuable bioproducts starting from the wet biomass of Galdieria phlegrea. This unicellular thermo-acidophilic red alga can accumulate high-value compounds and can live under conditions considered hostile to most other species. Extractions were performed in two sequential steps: a conventional high-pressure procedure to recover phycocyanins and a solvent extraction to obtain fatty acids. Phycocyanins were purified to the highest purification grade reported so far and were active as antioxidants on a cell-based model. Fatty acids isolated from the residual biomass contained high amount of PUFAs, more than those recovered from the raw biomass. Thus, a simple, economic, and high effective procedure was set up to isolate phycocyanin at high purity levels and PUFAs.

Optimisation of artemisinin and scopoletin extraction from Artemisia annua with a new modern pressurised cyclic solid-liquid (PCSL) extraction technique

INTRODUCTION

Artemisia annua is a small herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family declared therapeutic by the World Health Organisation, in particular for its artemisinin content, an active ingredient at the base of most antimalarial treatments, used every year by over 300 million people. In the last years, owing to low artemisinin content, research of new ways to increase the yield of the plant matrix has led to the use of the total extract taking advantage from the synergic and stabilising effects of the other components.

OBJECTIVE

In this work we evaluated and compared the content of artemisinin and scopoletin in extracts of A. annua collected in the Campania Region (southern Italy), by two different extraction processes.

METHODOLOGY

Artemisia annua plants were extracted by traditional maceration (TM) in hydroalcoholic solution as a mother tincture prepared according to the European Pharmacopeia and by pressurised cyclic solid-liquid (PCSL) extraction, a new generation method using the Naviglio extractor.

RESULTS

The results showed that the PCSL extraction technique is more effective than traditional methods in extracting both phytochemicals, up to 15 times more, reducing the extraction times, without using solvents or having risks for the operators, the environment and the users of the extracts.

CONCLUSION

The Naviglio extractor provides extracts with an artemisinin and scopoletin content eight times higher than the daily therapeutic dose, which should be evaluated for its stability over time and biological properties for possible direct use for therapeutic purposes.

Disinfection by-Products and Ecotoxic Risk Associated with Hypochlorite Treatment of Tramadol

In recent years, many studies have highlighted the consistent finding of tramadol (TRA) in the effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) and also in some rivers and lakes in both Europe and North America, suggesting that TRA is removed by no more than 36% by specific disinfection treatments. The extensive use of this drug has led to environmental pollution of both water and soil, up to its detection in growing plants. In order to expand the knowledge about TRA toxicity as well as the nature of its disinfection by-products (DBPs), a simulation of the waste treatment chlorination step has been reported herein. In particular, we found seven new by-products, that together with TRA, have been assayed on different living organisms (Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata and Daphnia magna), to test their acute and chronic toxicity. The results reported that TRA may be classified as a harmful compound to some aquatic organisms whereas its chlorinated product mixture showed no effects on any of the organisms tested. All data suggest however that TRA chlorination treatment produces a variety of DBPs which can be more harmful than TRA and a risk for the aquatic environment and human health.

A New Class of Synthetic Flavonolignan-Like Dimers: Still Few Molecules, but with Attractive Properties

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in dimeric molecules due to reports of their promising therapeutic value in the treatment of numerous diseases (such as cancer, HIV, Alzheimer's and, malaria). Many reports in the literature have highlighted the ability of these molecules to interact not only with specific biologic receptors but also to induce a biological response that more than doubles the results of the corresponding monomeric counterpart. In this regard, flavonolignan dimers or simply bi-flavonolignans are an emerging class of dimeric compounds that unlike bi-flavonoids, which are very widespread in nature, consist of synthetic dimers of some flavonolignans isolated from the milk thistle Silybum marianum [L. Gaertn. (Asteraceae)]. This mini-review will discuss recent developments in the synthesis, characterization and antioxidant activity of new families of flavonolignan dimers, in light of emerging medicinal chemistry strategies.

New findings on the d(TGGGAG) sequence: Surprising anti-HIV-1 activity

The biological relevance of tetramolecular G-quadruplexes especially as anti-HIV agents has been extensively reported in the literature over the last years. In the light of our recent results regarding the slow G-quadruplex folding kinetics of ODNs based on d(TGGGAG) sequence, here we report a systematic anti-HIV screening to investigate the impact of the G-quadruplex folding on their anti-HIV activity. In particular, varying the single stranded concentrations of ODNs, it has been tested a pool of ODN sample solutions with different G-quadruplex concentrations. The anti-HIV assays have been designed favouring the limited kinetics involved in the tetramolecular G4-association based on the d(TGGGAG) sequence. Aiming to determine the stoichiometry of G-quadruplex structures in the same experimental conditions of the anti-HIV assays, a native gel electrophoresis was performed. The gel confirmed the G-quadruplex formation for almost all sample solutions while showing the formation of high order G4 structures for the more concentrated ODNs solutions. The most significant result is the discovery of a potent anti-HIV activity of the G-quadruplex formed by the natural d(TGGGAG) sequence (IC₅₀ = 14 nM) that, until now, has been reported to be completely inactive against HIV infection.

Pioppino mushroom in southern Italy: an undervalued source of nutrients and bioactive compounds

BACKGROUND

Agrocybe aegerita (V. Brig.) Singer, commonly known as Pioppino, is a popular edible mushroom, known in the Campania Region (Italy). Despite its habitual consumption, little nutritional and biochemical information is available. Thus, nutritional values, anti-radical properties and chemical composition of the wild Pioppino were compared to those of the cultivated Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Imbach (known as Champignon), equally analysed.

RESULTS

Macronutrient components (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids), free and protein amino acids and fatty acid content of poplar mushroom were achieved. Total phenol content of a defatted Pioppino alcoholic extract (PM) was determined, whereas DPPH and ABTS methods were applied to determine the radical scavenging capabilities of the extract. Ferricyanide and ORAC-fluorescein methods were also performed. Finally, LC-HRMS was used to identify and quantify the main metabolites in the extract. PM was mainly constituted of disaccharides, hexitol derivatives and malic acid. Coumaric acid isomers and C₆ C₁ compounds were also detected.

CONCLUSION

All data revealed that wild Pioppino is an excellent functional food, by far exceeding that of the Champignon. Therefore, these data are useful to promote the consumption of this mushroom encouraging thus its biological cultivation, due to wild availability is strongly compromised by the extensive use of fungicides. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Inhibition of Aβ Amyloid Growth and Toxicity by Silybins: The Crucial Role of Stereochemistry

The self-assembling of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide into neurotoxic aggregates is considered a central event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Based on the "amyloid hypothesis", many efforts have been devoted to designing molecules able to halt disease progression by inhibiting Aβ self-assembly. Here, we combine biophysical (ThT assays, TEM and AFM imaging), biochemical (WB and ESI-MS), and computational (all-atom molecular dynamics) techniques to investigate the capacity of four optically pure components of the natural product silymarin (silybin A, silybin B, 2,3-dehydrosilybin A, 2,3-dehydrosilybin B) to inhibit Aβ aggregation. Despite TEM analysis demonstrated that all the four investigated flavonoids prevent the formation of mature fibrils, ThT assays, WB and AFM investigations showed that only silybin B was able to halt the growth of small-sized protofibrils thus promoting the formation of large, amorphous aggregates. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations indicated that silybin B interacts mainly with the C-terminal hydrophobic segment ³⁵MVGGVV⁴⁰ of Aβ40. Consequently to silybin B binding, the peptide conformation remains predominantly unstructured along all the simulations. By contrast, silybin A interacts preferentially with the segments ¹⁷LVFF²⁰ and ²⁷NKGAII³² of Aβ40 which shows a high tendency to form bend, turn, and β-sheet conformation in and around these two domains. Both 2,3-dehydrosilybin enantiomers bind preferentially the segment ¹⁷LVFF²⁰ but lead to the formation of different small-sized, ThT-positive Aβ aggregates. Finally, in vivo studies in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strain expressing human Aβ indicated that silybin B is the most effective of the four compounds in counteracting Aβ proteotoxicity. This study underscores the pivotal role of stereochemistry in determining the neuroprotective potential of silybins and points to silybin B as a promising lead compound for further development in anti-AD therapeutics.

Phosphate-Linked Silibinin Dimers (PLSd): New Promising Modified Metabolites

By exploiting the regioselective protection of the hydroxyl groups of silibinin along with the well-known phosphoramidite chemistry, we have developed an efficient strategy for the synthesis of new silibinin-modified species, which we have named Phosphate-Linked Silibinin Dimers (PLSd), in which the monomer units are linked by phosphodiester bonds. The antioxidant abilities of the new PLSd were estimated on HepG2 cells using DPPH free radical scavenging and xanthine/xanthine oxidase assays. The new phosphate-metabolites showed a higher anti-oxidant activity than the silibinin, as well as very low toxicity. The ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen () and hydroxyl radical () reveals that the two dimers are able to scavenge about two times more effectively than silibinin. Finally, solubility studies have shown that the PLSd present good water solubility (more than 20 mg·L^-1) under circumneutral pH values, whereas the silibinin was found to be very poorly soluble (less than 0.4 mg·L^-1) and not stable under alkaline conditions. Together, the above promising results warrant further investigation of the future potential of the PLSd as anti-oxidant metabolites within the large synthetic polyphenols field.

Stabilization vs. destabilization of G-quadruplex superstructures: the role of the porphyrin derivative having spermine arms

The interaction of the porphyrin derivative H₂TCPPSpm4, having spermine pendants in the four meso positions, with the G-quadruplex (GQ) structure formed by the DNA aptamer TGGGAG has been investigated by means of UV, electronic circular dichroism and PAGE studies. The results reported here demonstrate that the porphyrin derivative is capable of stabilizing or destabilizing the higher-ordered structures of parallel GQs, depending on the method used to reach their relative stoichiometry (titration vs. single addition). Noteworthily, when two equivalents of H₂TCPPSpm4 were mixed directly with one equivalent of the (TGGGAG)₄ GQ to reach a 2 : 1 H₂TCPPSpm4 : GQ ratio T_1/2 higher than 80 °C was also observed confirming the presence of higher-ordered GQ structures.

Traditional uses, chemical composition and biological activities of Sideritis raeseri Boiss. & Heldr

Sideritis species have been used in folk medicine for their antimicrobial, antiulcerogenic, digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Over the years, the phytochemistry of the genus Sideritis has been studied, and various terpenoids, sterols, coumarins and especially flavonoid aglycones and glycosides have been identified. In particular, species from the Balkan Peninsula have been studied and were found to be rich in flavonoids, with valuable antioxidant activity. In the folk medicine of the Balkan countries, Sideritis raeseri is used as a herbal tea in the treatment of inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders and coughs, and also as a tonic, whereas extracts are used as a component of dietary supplements for anaemia. Its dried inflorescences are used to prepare a beverage called 'mountain tea'. In light of the considerable interest generated in the chemistry, pharmacological properties and commercial value of S. raeseri Boiss. & Heldr., we review and summarise the available literature on these plants. The review details the chemical composition of the essential oil, its mineral and polyphenol contents, the naming of these plants and their physicochemical characterisation, and the nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data and biological properties associated with the plant extracts, with a focus on their potential chemotherapeutic applications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioactive Compounds of Aristotelia chilensis Stuntz and their Pharmacological Effects

Aristotelia chilensis ([Molina], Stuntz) a member of the family Eleocarpaceae, is a plant native to Chile that is distributed in tropical and temperate Asia, Australia, the Pacific Area, and South America. The juice of its berries has important medicinal properties, as an astringent, tonic, and antidiarrhoeal. Its many qualities make the maqui berry the undisputed sovereign of the family of so-called &quot;superfruits&quot;, as well as a valuable tool to combat cellular inflammation of bones and joints. Recently, it is discovered that the leaves of the maqui berry have important antibacterial and antitumour activities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional use, phytochemistry, and biological activity of A. chilensis using information collected from scientific journals, books, and electronic searches. Anthocyanins, other flavonoids, alkaloids, cinnamic acid derivatives, benzoic acid derivatives, other bioactive molecules, and mineral elements are summarized. A broad range of activities of plant extracts and fractions are presented, including antioxidant activity, inhibition of visible light-induced damage of photoreceptor cells, inhibition of α-glucosidase, inhibition of pancreatic lipase, anti-diabetic effects, anti-inflammatory effects, analgesic effects, anti-diabetes, effective prevention of atherosclerosis, promotion of hair growth, anti-photo ageing of the skin, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Although some ethnobotanical uses have been supported in in vitro experiments, further studies of the individual compounds or chemical classes of compounds responsible for the pharmacological effects and the mechanisms of action are necessary. In addition, the toxicity and the side effects from the use of A. chilensis, as well as clinical trials, require attention.

A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of an Anthocyanin-Maqui Berry Extract (Delphinol®) on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers

OBJECTIVE

Berries are a rich source of anthocyanins, and clinical data suggest that a polyphenol-rich diet may exert health-promoting effects by reducing oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of dietary supplementation with Delphinol (trademark owned by MNL Chile) standardized maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) extract on products of lipid peroxidation in healthy, overweight, and smoker subjects.

METHODS

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 42 participants (age 45-65 years) consumed in random order either a standardized extract of maqui berry (162 mg anthocyanins) or a matched placebo, given 3 times daily for 4 weeks. The samples were collected at baseline, after the end of the supplementation, and 40 days after the end of the study. Primary outcome was the measure of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and F2-isoprostanes in plasma and urine, respectively. Secondary outcomes included anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and lipid profile.

RESULTS

Delphinol supplementation was associated with reduced levels of Ox-LDL in the anthocyanin group compared to baseline (p < 0.05). There was also a decrease in urinary F2-isoprostanes (8-iso-prostaglandin F2α) at 4 weeks versus baseline in the Delphinol-supplemented group (p < 0.05). However, no differences in primary outcomes were evident at 40 days of follow-up. In the fourth week of the intervention, no significant differences were noted for anthropometric characteristics, ambulatory blood pressure, and lipid profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations suggest that dietary interventions with maqui berry extract may improve oxidative status (Ox-LDL and F2-isoprostanes) in healthy adults, overweight adults, and adult smokers.

Chemical and organoleptic characteristics of tomato purée enriched with lyophilized tomato pomace

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies have proved that tomato consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing several diseases (for example, certain types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, macular degeneration, age-related eye disease). Many micronutrients and bioactive compounds are mainly present in peel and seeds and are lost during the processing into sauce, purée, paste and juice.

RESULTS

The addition of lyophilized and powdered tomato pomace enhances the properties of purée. In this paper we report the chemical and physicochemical characterization of a purée enriched with 2% dry pomace. Comparison of the analytical data of starting purée with the enriched purée showed a significant increase of all micronutrients, without the taste and appearance being compromised or altered negatively.

CONCLUSION

The product obtained is an example of a functional food rich in health-promoting phytochemicals, with the significant aspect of recovering a waste fraction of the tomato processing that would normally be disposed of in landfill, with associated costs and environmental impact.

Polyphenolic Profile and Targeted Bioactivity of Methanolic Extracts from Mediterranean Ethnomedicinal Plants on Human Cancer Cell Lines

The methanol extracts of the aerial part of four ethnomedicinal plants of Mediterranean region, two non-seed vascular plants, Equisetum hyemale L. and Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman, and two Spermatophyta, Juniperus communis L. (J. communis) and Cotinus coggygria Scop. (C. coggygria), were screened against four human cells lines (A549, MCF7, TK6 and U937). Only the extracts of J. communis and C. coggygria showed marked cytotoxic effects, affecting both cell morphology and growth. A dose-dependent effect of these two extracts was also observed on the cell cycle distribution. Incubation of all the cell lines in a medium containing J. communis extract determined a remarkable accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase, whereas the C. coggygria extract induced a significant increase in the percentage of G1 cells. The novelty of our findings stands on the observation that the two extracts, consistently, elicited coherent effects on the cell cycle in four cell lines, independently from their phenotype, as two of them have epithelial origin and grow adherent and two are lymphoblastoid and grow in suspension. Even the expression profiles of several proteins regulating cell cycle progression and cell death were affected by both extracts. LC-MS investigation of methanol extract of C. coggygria led to the identification of twelve flavonoids (compounds 1–11, 19) and eight polyphenols derivatives (12–18, 20), while in J. communis extract, eight flavonoids (21–28), a α-ionone glycoside (29) and a lignin (30) were found. Although many of these compounds have interesting individual biological activities, their natural blends seem to exert specific effects on the proliferation of cell lines either growing adherent or in suspension, suggesting potential use in fighting cancer.

Kinetic ESI-MS Studies of Potent Anti-HIV Aptamers Based on the G-Quadruplex Forming Sequence d(TGGGAG)

To investigate what properties make tetramolecular G-quadruplex ODNs good anti-HIV aptamers, we studied the stoichiometry and the self-assembly kinetics of the highly active 5'-end modified G-quadruplexes based on the d(TGGGAG) sequence. Our results demonstrate that the 5'-end conjugation does not necessarily increase the folding rate of the G-quadruplex; indeed, it ascribes anti-HIV activity. Unexpectedly, the G4-folding kinetics of the inactive G4 is similar to that of the 5'-end modified sequences. ESI-MS studies also revealed the formation of higher order G4 structures identified as octameric complexes along with tetramolecular G-quadruplexes.

Valle Agricola lentil, an unknown lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) seed from Southern Italy as a novel antioxidant and prebiotic source

In order to promote 'Valle Agricola' lentil, an autochthonous lentil of the Campania Region, a thorough investigation of its biochemical and nutritional properties has been carried out. The macronutrient content (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids), free and total amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids were determined. The antioxidant capability of raw 'Valle Agricola' lentils, as well as of boiled ones, was estimated in terms of their total phenol content (TPC), ORAC value, and free radical scavenging capacities using DPPH and ABTS assays. The data obtained evidenced that the boiling process slightly decreased Valle Agricola lentil's antioxidant power. Furthermore, when trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities were measured, a large decrease of the levels of anti-nutritional factors was estimated. In order to have a phytochemical overview of this autochthonous lentil seed, LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis was applied to raw and boiled lentil extracts. Flavonol glycosides and free flavanols, as well as typical seed prebiotic saccharides, were the most representative constituents.

Is Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni a Non Cariogenic Sweetener? A Review

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a small perennial shrub of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family that is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Paraguay, where it is known as "stevia" or "honey leaf" for its powerful sweetness. Several studies have suggested that in addition to their sweetness, steviosides and their related compounds, including rebaudioside A and isosteviol, may offer additional therapeutic benefits. These benefits include anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diarrheal, diuretic, and immunomodulatory actions. Additionally, critical analysis of the literature supports the anti-bacterial role of steviosides on oral bacteria flora. The aim of this review is to show the emerging results regarding the anti-cariogenic properties of S. rebaudiana Bertoni. Data shown in the present paper provide evidence that stevioside extracts from S. rebaudiana are not cariogenic. Future research should be focused on in vivo studies to evaluate the effects on dental caries of regular consumption of S. rebaudiana extract-based products.