bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Effects of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Leaves against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chang Shi-Yuan , Xiao Kai , Zhang Jia-Qi , Zhong Kai , Grosu Elena , Gao Zhen , Wu Yan-Ping , Gao Hong
Published: March 2019

Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus on food contact surfaces is one of the most important issues for the food safety. The difficulties in controlling biofilms have driven the search for new antibacterial and antibiofilm agents from natural resources. The aims of the present study were to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the methanolic extract from Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. leaves and identify the active compounds. By bioassay guide of inhibitory activity against S. aureus, four antibacterial compounds were separated from this extract and identified as neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid and 4- O-caffeoyl-2,3-dihydroxy-2- C-methylbutyric acid based on MS and NMR data analyses. The four compounds exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration of 5 mg/mL. Moreover, a fraction consisted of the four compounds was subjected to antibiofilm assays against S. aureus. Crystal violet staining and XTT reduction assay demonstrated that this fraction showed an excellent inhibitory efficacy on the biomass and metabolic activity of S. aureus biofilm. Scanning electron microscopic observation displayed that this fraction induced severe morphological changes in the architecture of S. aureus biofilm, which further confirmed that it possessed a potent inhibitory activity on the biofilm formation of S. aureus. So, these results suggested that Z. bungeanum leaves could be used as an attractive and promising candidate for the development of natural antibacterial agent for controlling food-related bacterial biofilms.
Evaluation of Anti-glycation Activities of Phlorotannins in Human and Bovine Serum Albumin-glyceraldehyde Models
Authors: Sugiura Shingo , Taniguchi Ryosuke , Nishioka Yoshihiko , Iwase Ryota , Tanaka Reiji , Miyake Hideo , Mori Tetsushi , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Shibata Toshiyuki
Published: March 2019

The anti-glycation activities of phlorotannins contained in the Japanese Lessoniaceae ( Ecklonia cava, Eck. kurome, Eck. stolonifera, Eisenia arborea, and Eis. bicyclis) were tested using serum albumin-glyceraldehyde (GA) models. In the human serum albumin (HSA)-GA model and the bovine serum albumin (BSA)-GA model, the concentrations of crude phlorotannins at 50% inhibition (IC50) of fluorescent advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation was in the range of 0.48 to 0.70 mg/mL and 0.52 to 0.75 mg/mL, respectively. In tests using phloroglucinol and purified phlorotannins (eckol, fucofuroeckol A, phlorofucofuroeckol A, dieckol, and 8,8'-bieckol), dieckol had the highest inhibitory activity (IC50: 5.5 × 102 μM) against fluorescent AGEs formation in HSA-GA model and showed about 18 times inhibition compared with aminoguanidine hydrochloride of positive control. In the BSA albumin model, 8,8'-bieckol had about 27 times AGEs formation inhibitory activity (IC50: 6.2 × 102 μM) against aminoguanidine hydrochloride. In tests on GA scavenging activity, it was shown that compounds with phloroglucinol tetramer or higher had a scavenging rate of 70%, or more, with a reaction time of 120 minutes. These results suggest that among the phlorotannins, in particular the dimers of eckol (dieckol and 8,8'-bieckol), there are effective compounds for inhibiting the formation of AGEs derived from GA.
Stereoselective Total Synthesis of 1,4-Dideoxy-1,4-imino-L-ribitol by an Intramolecular Ring Opening of Epoxide with a Tethered Amide
Authors: Dhudmal Chaya N , Biradar Dhanraj O , Satyanarayana Maddipatla V. , Reddy Basi V Subba
Published: March 2019

Stereoselective total synthesis of 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-L-ribitol has been accomplished from D-glucose. The key step involved in this synthesis is the regioselective ring-opening of the epoxide with a tethered amido group to give the N-tosyl-3,6-dideoxy-3,6-imino-1,2- O-isopropylidene-α-D-glucofuranose.
Impact of Melittin on Microalgae Cell Wall: A Monolayer Study
Authors: Vargas-Perez Magda , Sierra-García Gerardo , Olvera Hugo Luna , Chavez-Montes Abelardo , Gonzalez-Horta Azucena
Published: March 2019

The cell wall of microalgae presents a formidable barrier necessary for survival in aquatic environments. Unfortunately, this barrier affects certain processes of interest in algal biotechnology such as oil extraction. Thus, assessing the impact of lytic peptides or enzymes on algal cell wall degradation is a critical first step to utilizing algal biomass more efficiently. Galactolipids are the main structural component of plant chloroplastic membranes and blue-green algae cell membranes. The predominant lipids in this class are monogalactosyl-diacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyl-diacylglycerol (DGDG). Here using de Langmuir monolayer technique, we have demonstrated that melittin, a lytic peptide, has an intrinsic propensity to interact and perturb interfacial monolayers made of MGDG or DGDG that mimic microalgae cell wall.
Phytochemical Profile and Anti-lipase Activity of Balkan Endemic Jurinea tzar-ferdinandii
Authors: Trendafilova Antoaneta , Todorova Milka , Kutova Nikolina , Guncheva Maya
Published: March 2019

Phytochemical study of the Balkan endemic J. tzar-ferdinandii Davidov allowed the identification of twenty-two components. β-Amyrin, lupeol, taraxasterol and Ψ-taraxasterol and their 3- O-acetates and 3- O-palmitates were identified by GC/MS. Six closely related sesquiterpene lactones and four flavones were isolated from the chloroform extract using column chromatography, and their structural identification was performed by spectral analyses. All isolated compounds are described for the first time in Jurinea species. The inhibitory potential of the total chloroform extract, fractions containing triterpenes, flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones as well as individual compounds against a bacterial lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL) and a lipase from porcine pancrease (PPL) was evaluated. The half maximal inhibitory constants (IC50) for the two enzymes were in the range of 28–150 μg/mL. The strongest inhibitory activity was found for the total chloroform extract (29±1 μg/mL and 39±1 μg/mL for CRL and PPL, respectively.). Among the individual compounds, onopordopicrin was found to be the most potent inhibitor for CRL and PPL with IC50 values of 32±1 μg/mL and 36±1 μg/mL, respectively.
Morphologic and Essential oil Profiles of Three Species from Asteraceae
Authors: Dolarslan Melda , Gurkok Tugba
Published: March 2019

In this study we aimed to evaluate the morphological traits and essential oil compositions of three members of Astreraceae ( Helichrysum plicatum subsp. plicatum DC., Tanacetum vulgare L., Anthemis cretica L. subsp. albida (Boiss.) Grierson) growing wild in the semi-arid areas of Cankiri province, Turkey. Some morphological characters were reported for the first time. Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation, and their components were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Forty eight compounds were detected for Helichrysum plicatum subsp. plicatum DC., 39 for Tanacetum vulgare L., and 15 for Anthemis cretica L. subsp. albida (Boiss.) Grierson. Although these species belong to the same family, the essential oil profiles revealed significant alterations. The dominant compounds in Helichrysum plicatum subsp. plicatum DC. were sesquiterpenes, whereas monoterpenes were the most abundant compounds in Tanacetum vulgare L. and Anthemis cretica L. subsp. albida (Boiss.) Grierson. The results indicated that the three species use different morphological and chemical processes for broad and specific adaptation.
Composition and Chemical Variability of Needle and Berry Oils from Corsican Juniperus communis var. communis
Authors: Ottavioli Joséphine , Bighelli Ange , Casanova Joseph , Tomi Félix
Published: March 2019

Juniperus communis L. var. communis is widespread in European countries. In Corsica a very small population grows wild in the North-Eastern side of the island. The chemical compositions of nine needle oil samples and three berry oil samples from Corsican J. communis L. var. communis have been investigated by GC(RI), GC-MS and 13C NMR. The composition of needle oils was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, α-pinene (2/9 oil samples, 70.4 and 67.1%) or sabinene (7/9 oil samples, 24.4–45.3%). Berry oils displayed α-pinene/myrcene (43.0/24.1%) or α-pinene/sabinene/limonene/terpinen-4-ol (19.9/17.3/14.0/13.8%) as main components. A third oil sample contained mainly α-pinene (22.0%) accompanied by 21 sesquiterpenes (42.0% in total). It is noticeable that various needle and berry oil compositions have been observed within a really small population of J. communis L. var. communis.
Antimicrobial Activity of two Mentha Species Essential Oil and its Dependence on Different Origin and Chemical Diversity
Authors: Pl'uchtová Mária , Gervasi Teresa , Benameur Qada , Pellizzeri Vito , Grul'ová Daniela , Campone Luca , Sedlák Vincent , Cicero Nicola
Published: March 2019

Genus Mentha presents group of plants which are the most studied in family Lamiaceae. Aboveground parts are used for different purposes in pharmacy, food industry or confectionery. Most important is natural product extracted from leaves - essential oil (EO). The aim of presented experiment was to demonstrate different chemotype and compare antibacterial activity of two Mentha species EO. Plant samples were obtained from various environments – from Slovakia and from Italy. Dominant compounds were determined by GC/MS. The results showed high amount of menthol and menthone in tested Slovak peppermint EO. On the other hand, carvone and 1,8-cineole were determinate as dominant compounds in Italian spearmint EO. The antimicrobial activity of the EO was investigated by disc diffusion and broth micro dilution methods. EO was evaluated for their antibacterial activity against 7 microorganisms: Enterobacter cloacae, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes. The determination results of antibacterial activity by agar disk diffusion method ranged from 7 to 14 mm of the growth inhibition zone. MIC of tested mint EO varied from 0.625 to 2.5 μg/mL. In addition, both EO showed relatively the same antibacterial activity against the selected Gram-negative bacteria. However, there is a variation in the antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
The Roles of Natural Compounds in Epigenetics
Authors: Yang Yanhong , Chi Zuohua , Gao Ruiping , Lei Zili
Published: March 2019

Epigenetic modifications include DNA methylation, histone modification, microRNA and lncRNA regulations, and take part in many physiological and pathological processes. Recently, it has been found that natural compounds are essential in regulation of epigenetics. By influencing the expression and activities of genes related with epigenetics and altering the expression and functions of miRNAs, many natural compounds exhibit the biological and pharmaceutical activities in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of many kinds of human diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Here in this review, the effects of several natural compounds on epigenetics and the underlying mechanisms were summarized, providing a new insight into the role of natural compounds.
The Sulfated Polysaccharides of Brown Algae and Products of Their Enzymatic Transformation as Potential Vaccine Adjuvants
Authors: Kuznetsova Tatyana A. , Persiyanova Elena V. , Ermakova Svetlana P. , Khotimchenko Maxim Yu. , Besednova Natalya N.
Published: March 2019

The review is devoted to critical analysis of literature data, deal with effects and mechanisms of action of sulfated polysaccharides (PSs) – fucoidans from brown algae and products of their enzymatic transformation as potential adjuvants for enhancement of anti-infective and antitumor immune response. Numerous experimental data indicate that sulfated PSs demonstrate properties of vaccine adjuvants. Application perspectiveness of fucoidans as vaccine adjuvants is defined by their high biocompatibility, low-toxicity, safety and good tolerance by macroorganism, and also mechanisms of their immunomodulatory action. In particular, fucoidans are agonists of receptors of innate immunity and strong inducers of cellular and humoral immune response. At presenting the data of structural - functional interrelations, attention focused to the defining role of degree of sulfation, uronic acids and polyphenols contents, and also molecular mass in actions of fucoidans to innate and adaptive immunity cells. Insufficiency of literary data on studying of correlation of structure – physicochemical characteristics with adjuvanticities of the sulfated PSs, and also the problem of standardization of their active fractions are noted. Special attention is paid to the analysis of immunomodulatory and adjuvant activity of fucoidan oligosaccharides. Presented here results of experimental trial indicate that, despite the difficulties due to preparation of highly purified structurally characterized fractions and complex structure of fucoidans, these substances can be used as safe and effective adjuvants in vaccines against various pathogens including viruses, and also in antitumor vaccines.
New Terpenoids from Tricholoma saponaceum
Authors: Gozzini Davide , Mellerio Giorgio Giacomo , Gilardoni Gianluca , Clericuzio Marco , Vidari Giovanni
Published: March 2019

Two new terpenoids, saponaceolide T (7), and lanostane triterpenoid saponaceol D (11), were isolated from an EtOAc extract of Tricoloma saponaceum fruiting bodies and their structures have been established by spectroscopic analysis. In addition, known saponaceolides A (1), C (3), F (5), H (6), together with cerevisterol and fasciculol B depsipeptides pardinol B (9) and D (10), were isolated. Representative saponaceolides exhibited high antiproliferative activities against A549 and HEP G2 human tumor cell lines.
Alkaloid Profiles and Activity in Different Mitragyna speciosa Strains
Authors: Boffa Luisa , Ghè Corrado , Barge Alessandro , Muccioli Giampiero , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: March 2019

Mitragyna speciosa (K.) H. (Kratom) is a tree that possesses stimulant and opioid-like analgesic effects, and is indigenous to Southeast Asia and Indochina, where it has seen widespread use for hundreds of years. The principal pharmacologically active alkaloids in kratom leaves include mitragynine (MG), 7-hydroxymitragynine (HMG), speciociliatine (SC), speciogynine (SG) and paynantheine (P). The pharmacological effects induced and their potency can vary dramatically according to variations in the proportions of alkaloid compounds present, which are related to geographic origin, stage of maturity and ecotype. Much of the analgesic and opiate-like psychoactive effect of kratom has been associated with the MG and HMG detected in M. speciosa (K.). H. Five different strains of M. speciosa (K.) H., which present differing vein colours and geographic origin, have been studied herein; red vein strains from Thailand, Malaysia and Bali, named Red Thai, Red Malay and Red Bali, a white vein strain from Borneo (White Borneo) and a green vein strain from Malaysia (Green Malay) were included in the study. Plant leaves were extracted under magnetic stirring at room temperature in a MeOH/H2O 1:1 mixture. Purified alkaloids were isolated in a number of organic extraction steps, from either aqueous basic or acidic phases, that culminated in precipitation (yields between 0.94 and 1.43%). These samples have been analysed using HPLC-DAD, HPLC-MS, HPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS to optimize the identification and quantification of the principal alkaloids present in the different strains. 24 alkaloids were detected in Red Bali whereas 11 compounds were found in the other varieties. Red Thai, Red Bali, Green Malay and White Borneo strains had a higher w/w percentage for MG than for P, while P was more abundant in Red Malay. The Green Malay variety (GMK) showed the highest w/w percentages for MG and total alkaloids in its extracts (59.7 and 94.9% respectively). The Green Malay variety was therefore chosen for in vivo pharmacological studies. The Green Malay extract has shown remarkable and significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity in mouse hot plate and carrageenan-induced paw edema tests.
LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS/MSn Analysis Reveals Diarylheptanoids and Flavonol O-glycosides in Fresh and Roasted Hazelnut (Corylus avellana cultivar “Tonda di Giffoni”)
Authors: Cerulli Antonietta , Napolitano Assunta , Masullo Milena , Pizza Cosimo , Piacente Sonia
Published: March 2019

Hazelnut represents one of the most consumed food, containing a large range of bioactive and health-promoting compounds. Investigation of the fatty component of C. avellana nut has been widely carried out, but little is known about its phenolic content. In order to achieve deeper insight into the polar fraction of the n-butanol extracts of both fresh and roasted kernels of C. avellana cultivar, “Tonda di Giffoni” a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) product of Campania region (Italy), a phytochemical investigation was carried out.

High performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization, multiple-stage linear ion-trap and orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS/MSn) profile of the fresh and roasted hazelnut led to the identification of eleven phenolic compounds corresponding to diarylheptanoid derivatives, flavonoid O-glycosides and ellagic acid. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of isolated compounds was evaluated by TEAC assay which showed that ellagic acid and flavonoid derivatives possessed the highest free-radical-scavenging activity.
Bioactive Constituents from the Traditional Kurdish plant Iris persica
Authors: Amin Hawraz Ibrahim M. , Hussain Faiq H. S. , Maggiolini Marcello , Vidari Giovanni
Published: March 2019

In the first phytochemical investigation of non-volatile secondary metabolites from the Kurdish traditional plant Iris persica L, (-)-embinin was isolated from flowers and leaves, isovitexin from flowers, trans-resveratrol-3- O-β-D-glucopyranoside from rhizomes and tectorigenin from bulbs. The complete NMR spectra of embinin are reported for the first time. In an MTT assay, embinin showed an inhibition activity higher than the well-known antitumor drug cisplatin against five of the six tested human tumor cells. Moreover, embinin showed a significant DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 value of 112.16) comparable to the reference antioxidant ascorbic acid. The remarkable biological activities exhibited by the extracts of Iris persica and isolated compounds have validated the uses of I. persica in the traditional medicine of Kurdistan.
Microscale Thermophoresis and Docking Studies Suggest Lapachol and Auraptene are Ligands of IDO1
Authors: Fiorito Serena , Greco Francesco A. , Coletti Alice , Dolciami Daniela , Viola Silvia , Grohmann Ursula , Macchiarulo Antonio
Published: March 2019

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a key target for the development of small molecule immunotherapies in oncology. In this framework, the screening of chemotherapeutic agents to identify compounds binding to IDO1 represents a valuable strategy for the development of multitarget drug candidates that combine synergic immunoregulatory properties to cytotoxic activity. In this study, we report that two natural compounds endowed with anticancer activity, namely lapachol and auraptene, act as IDO1 ligands with dissociation constant (Kd) in the micromolar range of potency. Docking studies provide plausible binding modes of these compounds to the catalytic cleft of IDO1. Our results support the notion that lapachol and auraptene may be considered interesting lead compounds in the immuno-oncology setting.
A New Phytochemical and Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Different Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa Extracts
Authors: Zekkori Badr , Khallouki Farid , Bentayeb Amar , Fiorito Serena , Preziuso Francesca , Taddeo Vito Alessandro , Epifano Francesco , Genovese Salvatore
Published: March 2019

The phytochemical composition of Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa, commonly known as crisphead lettuce, from Morocco has been re-investigated for the presence of oxyprenylated cinnamic acid and coumarin derivatives. In the mean time also the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts from leaves obtained by the use of a Soxhlet apparatus have been assessed. The extracts had a high content of polyphenols with remarkable differences ranging from 0.19 to 0.38 mg gallic acid eq/mg, while the content of flavonoids ranged from 3.75 to 9.64 mg catechin eq/g. The hydroalcoholic extract with a polarity index of 5.8 displayed the best anti-oxidant, radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory activities. The same extracts were screened by reverse-phase HPLC-UV/V analysis for the presence of biologically active oxyprenylated phenylpropanoids. Only 4'-geranyloxyferulic acid was recorded in detectable amounts. Results described herein enforce the nutraceutical value and depict a potential chemopreventive dietary feeding role for crisphead lettuce.
In vitro Digestion of Zingiber officinale Extract and Evaluation of Stability as a First Step to Determine its Bioaccesibility
Authors: Annunziato Giannamaria , Falavigna Claudia , Pieroni Marco , Faccini Andrea , Micheli Fabrizio , Costantino Gabriele
Published: March 2019

Zingiber officinale (Ginger) is one of the most spice used worldwide and since antiquity it has been used in traditional medicine to treat different diseases. Although ginger is generally considered safe, there are no more information about the mechanism of its therapeutic action and its nutraceutical value. For these reasons the purpose of this work is to apply in vitro digestion model, as the first step in the study of its bioaccessibility, to understand which is the fate of its bioactive compounds after ingestion. This allow us to characterize which ginger metabolite are stable under gastrointestinal conditions and, thus, available for intestinal absorption. The aim of this study is to provide valuable information to better understand ginger pharmacological activities, paving the way for the definition of suitable dosage and source of food matrices to ensure nutritional efficacy.
In Vitro Culture for Ex Situ Conservation of “Roveja” and Nutritional Considerations on this Italian Rare Legume
Authors: Fraternale Daniele , Bruno Marco , Rocchi Luigi , Amicucci Antonella , Ceccarini Chiara , Ricci Donata
Published: March 2019

Roveja is a pea cultivar from the Sibillini Mountains (Umbria-Marche Apennine mountain range, Italy). Abandoned for long time, Roveja is nowadays cultivated only in few farms. The present work deals with the in vitro plant growth of this pea by tissue culture for shoots regeneration and ex situ conservation. Total polyphenols content evaluation, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity test and ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay were performed on the flour obtained from Roveja seeds and the results were compared to those collected by performing the same tests on the flour from two common green peas. The best shoots regeneration from embryonic axes was obtained in Murashige & Skoog (MS) media with combinations of 4.0 mg/L BA (6-Benzyladenine) plus 0.4 mg/L NAA (1-Naphthaleneacetic acid), and the best roots induction from the regenerated shoots was obtained in half strength MS media containing 1.0 mg/L IBA (3-Indolebutyric acid). The embryonic axes of Roveja seeds can be used as the starting material for in vitro regeneration of the plant; the antioxidant properties shown by this legume suggest further investigations to evaluate its nutritional/functional benefit.
Italian Lycium barbarum L. Berry: Chemical Characterization and Nutraceutical Value
Authors: Montesano Domenico , Rocchetti Gabriele , Cossignani Lina , Lucini Luigi , Simonetti Maria Stella , Blasia Frances
Published: March 2019

Lycium barbarum L. has received considerable attention in recent years also in western countries because of the interesting healthy value of these berries. In this paper, goji samples cultivated in Southern Italy were analyzed for their chemical composition and nutritional profile in order to characterize fruits of Italian origin and to increase the awareness about their nutraceutical value. Lipid fraction was characterized by high percentages of unsaturated fatty acids, in particular oleic and linoleic acids, and very low values of atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes (0.1 and 0.2, respectively). In addition, goji berry was an interesting source of phytosterols (41.5 mg/100 g), essentially represented by β-sitosterol. Carotenoid analysis showed the presence of zeaxanthin, in esterified form, with high content of zeaxanthin dipalmitate (277.9 mg/100 g). Finally, in vitro antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds were investigated. The results suggested that goji hydro-alcoholic extract possessed the ability to scavenge free radicals. Phenolic acids were clearly the most abundant compounds followed by flavonols and favanols. The results reported in this study confirm that Italian L. barbarum berry is a rich source of bioactive molecules with nutraceutical properties.
Plants Extracts Loaded in Nanocarriers: An Emergent Formulating Approach
Authors: Bilia Anna Rita , Piazzini Vieri , Asprea Martina , Risaliti Laura , Vanti Giulia , Bergonzi Maria Camilla
Published: March 2019

Over the millennia, plants have represented for Humankind the main source of food, but also a vast resource to maintain health, for prophylactic properties or to cure human and animal diseases. Presently, between 65 and 80% of populations in developing countries use medicinal plants as therapeutic remedies for their primary healthcare and in Europe and USA there is an increasing demand of botanical products both on the form of food supplements and herbal medicinal products. Botanicals on the market are mainly based on traditional (infusions or decoctions), conventional (using organic solvents) and innovative (supercritical CO2 or subcritical water) extracts but there is an increasing demand of essential oils for aromatherapy. Conversely, the clinical use of many extracts is limited due to the need of repeated administrations or high doses because of low hydrophilicity and intrinsic dissolution rate(s), or physical/ chemical instability. Other limits are low absorption, poor pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, scarce biodistribution, first pass metabolism, trivial penetration and accumulation in the organs of the body. In the case of essential oils, the high volatility and instability are further limitations. Nowadays, the design and production of appropriate drug delivery systems, in particular nanosized ones (between 50 and 300 nm), have already entered into clinical use and can offer an advanced approach to optimized the therapeutic efficacy of extracts and essential oils. A successful drug carrier system should have optimal drug loading and release properties, a long shelf life, and exert a much higher therapeutic efficacy as well as lower side effects. Polymeric nanoparticles and lipid based-nanocarriers including micelles, vesicles, nanocochleates, micro- and nanoemulsions represent successful examples of extract nanoformulations overcoming these limitations. This review reports on some paradigmatic success stories of extract and EO nanoformulations with remarkable advantages over conventional formulations, which include increase of solubility, stability, permeation and bioavailability, sustained delivery. Paradigmatic examples include formulations of extracts from Vitex agnus-castus, Sylibum marianum, Phyllanthus amarus, Ginkgo biloba, Panax notoginseng, Hypericum perforatum and thyme essential oil.
Antioxidant Activity of Several Essential Oils from Different Rosmarinus officinalis Cultivars Grown in Sanremo (Italy)
Authors: Pistelli Laura , Giovanelli Silvia , D'Angiolillo Francesca , Karkleva Kalina , Leonardi Michele , Ambryszewska Katarzyna , Cervelli Claudio , Pistelli Luisa
Published: March 2019

The evaluation of the essential oil (EO) profile of several cultivars of Rosmarinus officinalis, usually not used for food, and the assessment of their antioxidant activity as potential sources of natural antioxidants were studied in this work. Five different cultivars of Rosmarinus officinalis: R. officinalis ‘Alba'; R. officinalis ‘Blue Rain'; R. officinalis ‘Corsican Blue'; R. officinalis ‘Israeli'; R. officinalis ‘Majorca Pink’ and one hybrid of rosemary, Rosmarinus x lavandulaceus Noë, cultivated at CREA Sanremo (Italy), were hydrodistilled separately and the obtained EOs were analysed by GC-MS. Monoterpenes predominated in all the EO profiles but oxygenated monoterpenes were the most abundant constituents in R. officinalis ‘Blue Rain’, R. officinalis ‘Corsican Blue’, R. officinalis ‘Israeli’ and R. officinalis ‘Majorca Pink’. R. x lavandulaceus Noë and R. officinalis ‘Alba’ showed percentages of monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes very similar. α-pinene, camphene, 1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, verbenone, isobornyl acetate and β-caryophyllene were the main constituents present in all the plant cultivars, even though in different percentages. Myrcene predominate in R. officinalis ‘Alba’ (30.3 %), 1,8 cineol in R. officinalis ‘Blue Rain’ and R. officinalis ‘Israeli’ (21.9% and 26.4%, respectively), while camphor was the main constituent in R. officinalis ‘Majorca Pink’ (42.5%) and in R. x lavandulaceus (24.2%). R. officinalis ‘Corsican Blue’ showed similar amount of the three main components, verbenone, camphor and isobornyl acetate (18.5% >18.2% >15.4%, respectively). All the EOs were also tested for their antioxidant activity using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method and the stable radical DPPH. R. x lavandulaceus Noë showed the highest antioxidant activity, two folds more than that observed in R. officinalis ‘Israeli’.
Volatile Components from Aerial Parts of Centaurea diffusa and C. micrantha ssp. melanosticta and Their Biocidal Activity on Microorganisms Affecting Historical Art Crafts
Authors: Bruno Maurizio , Milia Azzurra , Catinella Giorgia , Bancheva Svetlana
Published: March 2019

The chemical composition of the essential oils from aerial parts of two taxa of Centaurea belonging to subgenus Acrolophus, Centaurea diffusa Lam. and C. micrantha Hoff. ssp. melanosticta (Lange) Dostàl, respectively collected in Croatia and Spain, were evaluated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of C. diffusa were hexadecanoic acid (31.1%), ( Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid (10.7%) and damascenone isomers (6.4%), whereas hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (27.8%), hexadecanoic acid (8.3%) and caryophyllene oxide (6.4%) were the most abundant components of C. micrantha ssp. melanosticta. The oils showed good antibacterial and antifungal activities against some microorganisms that infest historical art works.
Potential Health Benefits of Origanum heracleoticum Essential Oil: Phytochemical and Biological Variability among Different Calabrian Populations
Authors: Marrelli Mariangela , Araniti Fabrizio , Abenavoli Maria Rosa , Statti Giancarlo , Conforti Filomena
Published: March 2019

The potential health benefits of the essential oils of six different populations of Origanum heracleoticum L. from Calabria (Italy) were assessed, together with the evaluation of the influence of the site of collection on their metabolic profile and biological activity. Different terpenoids were identified, being thymol, carvacrol and o-cymene among the most abundant ones. Hierarchical cluster analysis allowed the identification of two main groups, which were discriminated by the altitude of collection. The antioxidant activity was tested by means of two in vitro assays: DPPH and β-carotene bleaching test. Samples EO-4 and EO-3 were the most active in protecting linoleic acid from peroxidation, with IC50 values of 4.00 and 4.68 μg/mL after 30 minutes of incubation. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed through the evaluation of the capacity to inhibit NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. All essential oils induced a dose-depending inhibitory effect. An excellent activity was demonstrated for sample EO-4, followed by sample EO-3 (IC50 values equal to 32.77 and 49.48 μg/mL, respectively). Observed biological properties were correlated to the phytochemical content of analyzed samples.
Phytochemistry of the Genus Trichocolea
Authors: Preziuso Francesca , Taddeo Vito Alessandro , Genovese Salvatore , Epifano Francesco , Fiorito Serena
Published: March 2019

The genus Trichocolea (Fam. Trichocoleaceae) comprise 31 species of liverworts, most of which are endemic in a wide geographical area of the southern Pacific Ocean including New Zealand, Tasmania, and South Australia. Although few reports have been reported on the phytochemistry and pharmacognosy of these briophytes, data reported so far show a great pharmacological potential for their secondary metabolites. Phytochemicals isolated from Trichocolea spp. include benzoate esters, flavonoids, and diterpenes. The reported biological activities of these natural compounds refer to cancer cells growth inhibitory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant effects. The aim of this short review is to examine in detail from a phytochemical and pharmacological point of view what is reported in the current literature about the properties of phytopreparations or individual chemicals obtained from liverworts belonging to the Trichocolea genus.
The Chemistry behind Tomato Quality
Authors: Paolo Dario , Bianchi Giulia , Scalzo Roberto Lo , Morelli Carlo F. , Rabuffetti Marco , Speranza Giovanna
Published: March 2019

Tomato is one of the most widely consumed fresh vegetables in the industrialized world and an important source of healthy constituents of the human diet. Despite the unique flavor characteristics of tomatoes, which make them extremely valuable in cooking, and their recognized beneficial role in the diet, the quality of tomato was traditionally only considered in connection to external appearances. As it happened with other highly requested crops, breeding programs of tomato focused their efforts on developing new varieties with higher yields and stress resistance, with better uniformity in fruit size, brighter color and prolonged shelf life. The downside of these strategies was that organoleptic features and nutritional value were often neglected, with a detrimental effect on commercial tomatoes. Over the last years, there has been an increase in consumers’ demand for tasty and healthy products. This aspect, paired with novel and multidisciplinary approaches to tomato research, allowed both sensory and nutritional qualities to be reconsidered as valuable parameters in breeding. In this review we describe the main chemical constituents of tomato, focusing on the flavor compounds (both volatile and non-volatile compounds) and secondary metabolites. Particular attention is paid to their beneficial effects on human health and their relevance to the overall quality of tomato.
Rhabdaprovidines D–G, Four New 6,6,5-Tricyclic Terpenoids from the Vietnamese Sponge Rhabdastrella providentiae
Authors: Dung Duong Thi , Hang Dan Thi Thuy , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Quang Tran Hong , Tai Bui Huu , Yen Pham Hai , Hoai Nguyen Thi , Thung Do Cong , Van Minh Chau , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2019

Four new 6,6,5-tricyclic terpenoids, named rhabdaprovidines D-G (1–4), were isolated from the Vietnamese sponge Rhabdastrella providentiae. The structures of 1–4 were elucidated by extensive analysis of HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopy. The absolute stereochemistry of compounds 3 and 4 were determined by both experimental and theoretical calculated circular dichroism (CD) spectra. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 contained trans-syn-trans 6,6,5-tricyclic nucleus meanwhile compound 3 possessed trans-syn-cis ring junction. Compound 4 displayed novel structure by the presence of five rings and nine chiral carbon centers in the isomalabaricane triterpene backbone.
Two New Steroidal Saponins from Solanum procumbens
Authors: Hien Truong Thi Thu , Tuan Hoang Anh , Huong Do Phuong , Van Luong Hoang , Mai Ngo Thi Tuyet , Tai Bui Huu , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2019

Two new steroidal saponins, solaprocumosides A (1) and B (2), and a known compound paniculonin B (3) were isolated from the aerial parts of Solanum procumbens. Their chemical structures were determined by analysis of HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectra. Compound 1 had ketone functional groups at C-16 and C-22 of sterol skeleton which is rarely found in nature. Meanwhile, compound 2 could be form by oxidative breakdown C-20/C-22 bonding of a furostane-type saponin. Compounds 1–3 showed weak cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line with IC50 values of 55.7 ± 1.5, 48.1 ± 2.2, and 78.3 ± 2.4 μM, respectively.
Bioactive Aporphine Alkaloids from the Roots of Artabotrys spinosus: Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Sichaem Jirapast , Tip-pyang Santi , Lugsanangarm Kiattisak
Published: March 2019

Six aporphine alkaloids (1–6) were isolated from Artabotrys spinosus roots based on bioassay-guided fraction and chromatographic methods. All isolated alkaloids were evaluated for their cholinesterase (ChEs) inhibitory activities, in which compounds 4 and 6 exhibited the highest activity toward butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), respectively. The Lineweaver-Burk plots suggested that 4 and 6 were mixed mode inhibitors toward BChE and AChE enzymes, respectively. In addition, the experimental results were also confirmed by molecular docking analysis. This information can help in designing a new inhibitor in the class of aporphine alkaloids in against Alzheimer's disease.
Cupolamide B, A Cyclic Heptapeptide from Theonella cupola
Authors: Bonnington Lea S. , Tanaka Junichi
Published: March 2019

A new cyclic heptapeptide named cupolamide B (2) was isolated as a minor constituent from the Okinawan sponge Theonella cupola. The structure was elucidated by analyzing spectral data in combination with Marfey analysis of its acid lysate.
Jaceosidin Inhibits Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes through the PPARγ Pathway
Authors: Lee Seul Gi , Chae Jongbeom , Kim Jin Soo , Min Kyoungjin , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Nam Ju-Ock
Published: March 2019

Jaceosidin, a natural flavone, has been reported to have anti-tumorigenic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the anti-adipogenic effects of jaceosidin have not been investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that jaceosidin suppresses adipocyte differentiation and cellular lipid accumulation without cytotoxicity. Jaceosidin also suppresses the mRNA and protein expression of adipogenesis-related genes. To our knowledge, these results are the first evidence of the anti-adipogenic effects of jaceosidin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and suggest the use of jaceosidin as a treatment for obesity.
Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from the Roots of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Authors: Tung Nguyen Huu , Hung Le Quoc , Van Oanh Ha , Huong Duong Thi Ly , Thuong Phuong Thien , Long Dinh Doan , Hai Nguyen Thanh
Published: March 2019

Danshen ( Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge) is one of the most used medicinal plants in the Oriental medicine and has been well studied for application in modern medicine. In our continuing study on chemical constituents of danshen cultivated in Vietnam, using chromatography separation resulted in the isolation of six phenolic compounds including a benzophenone, iriflophenone 2- O- α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), and five phenolic acids including rosmarinic acid (2), rosmarinic acid methyl ester (3), rosmarinic acid ethyl ester (4), salvianolic acid A methyl ester (5) and salvianolic acid A ethyl ester (6) from the butanol portion of the danshen crude extract. Beside the typically main phenolic acid components, to our knowledge, iriflophenone 2- O- α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1) was first isolated from salvia sp. On biological testing, compound 1 showed strong antiproliferative activity on HL-60 leukemia cells with the IC50 of 8.9 μM; compounds 1 and 3–6 inhibited markedly nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 cells.
Content of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Properties in Seeds of Sweet and Bitter Cultivars of Lupine (Lupinus angustifolius)
Authors: Król Angelika , Amarowicz Ryszard , Weidner Stanisław
Published: March 2019

The main purpose was to demonstrate differences in the total content of phenolic compounds, phenolic acids and to analysis differences in the antioxidant properties of extracts obtained from seeds of several narrow-leaf lupine cultivars ( Lupinus angustifolius L.). The biological material consisted of seeds of four cultivars of narrow-leaf lupine characterized by different concentrations of alkaloids. The total content of phenolics was determined with the colorimetric method using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. Other determinations included the ability of seed extracts to scavenge DPPH• radicals and ABTS•+ cation radicals. The reducing power of the extracts was also determined. Chromatographic and qualitative separation of the phenolic compounds present in seeds was performed with the RP-HPLC method. Out of the four cultivars, the bitter narrow-leaf lupine produced seeds with the highest total content of phenolic compounds, which was also correlated with its antiradical characteristics. In the analyzed seeds were also found to contain three phenolic acids: ferulic, sinapinic and p-coumaric one.
Metabolite Profiling of Commiphora wightii (Guggul) with Respect to Seasons
Authors: Tripathi Tusha , Bhatia Anil , Singh Suruchi , Sarvendra Kunwar , Khan Abdul Rahman , Sidhu Om P. , Roy Raja
Published: March 2019

Aim of the study was to undertake comprehensive metabolic profiling of plant parts of Commiphora wightii during two contrasting seasons i.e. summer and winter; compared seasonal metabolic variations; and assess antioxidant activity of fractions for commercial applications. Leaves, young stems and gum-resin extracts from summer and winter seasons were analyzed using GC-MS, HPLC and NMR spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity on each set was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Complete metabolic profiling from two contrasting seasons identified one hundred and four major known and unknown metabolites. Also, two alkylated phenols, 2,4-di- tert-butyl phenol and 3-(3,5-di- tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid not reported earlier from this taxon were isolated from the vegetative part. Comparative analysis of seasonal metabolic profiles of leaves, young stems and gum-resin revealed significant variations in concentrations of several metabolites. Multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) showed significant qualitative and quantitative variations in the polar (glycine, quinic acid and myo-inositol) and non-polar metabolites (alkylated phenols, guggulsterones and α-tocopherol) between the two seasons. Variation amongst metabolites such as myo-inositol, quinic acid α- tocopherol and alkylated phenols that are important for nutraceutical industry in the two contrasting seasons is a useful finding. These metabolites are of medicinal and nutraceutical importance and are commonly used in nutraceuticals and dietary supplement industry. DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 values) of polar and non-polar extracts varied significantly between summer and winter seasons. The antioxidant activity can be attributed to major polar metabolite, quinic acid biosynthesized in excess during winter, and to non-polar metabolites like alkylated phenols and α-tocopherol present during the summer season. The study shall be useful for medicinal, nutraceutical and dietary supplement industry for selection of polar or non-polar extracts from a particular season for obtaining targeted products with optimized functionality.
Metabolic Analysis of Vigna unguiculata Sprouts Exposed to Different Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yeo Hyeon Ji , Park Chang Ha , Lee Kyoung Bok , Kim Jae Kwang , Park Jong Seok , Lee Jong-Won , Park Sang Un
Published: March 2019

In order to determine the effect of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on plant metabolism, the present study examined the primary and secondary metabolite profiles of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. sprouts that were exposed to red, blue, white, or a combination of red and blue LEDs using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS). A total of 39 hydrophilic compounds were identified and quantitated using GC-TOF-MS, and six phenylpropanoids and six carotenoids were quantified using HPLC. The plants grown under blue LED light contained the highest level of total carotenoids (253.72 ± 17.27 μg/g) and phenylpropanoids (2600.51 ± 4.90 μg/g). Thus, the current study provides a new approach for enhancing the carotenoid and phenylpropanoid production of V. unguiculata.
Phenanthridone Alkaloids of the Amaryllidaceae as Activators of the Apoptosis-related Proteolytic Enzymes, Caspases
Authors: Nair Jerald J. , van Staden Johannes
Published: March 2019

Apoptosis-inducing anticancer drugs have garnered widespread interest in recent years. Targets which concomitantly also exhibit minimal adverse effects in normal, healthy cells have been particularly well-received. The phenanthridone alkaloids such as pancratistatin and narciclasine exemplify such a class of chemotherapeutics, with potent and selective cytotoxic effects in a wide variety of cancer cells which are manifested via the apoptotic mode of cell death. Caspases are central to the apoptotic process through their key function as effector molecules in apoptosis-related signaling pathways. Any attempt to mediate in such pathways, for example to probe the efficacy or mechanism of action of a drug, would inexorably serve to have a modulatory effect on these proteolytic enzymes. Apoptosis studies of phenanthridone alkaloids of the Amaryllidaceae have only gathered momentum over the past decade, following which caspases have understandably emerged as reliable biochemical markers of the process in an assortment of cancers. This review covers such studies of these alkaloids based on their structural-type, pointing out the various caspases which have been activated in different cancer cells and how structure modification can to a certain extent have a bearing on such activity. Also considered are clues to the apoptosis signaling pathways mediated following phenanthridone-induced activation of caspases.
Phytoconstituents and Biological Activities of Panax vietnamensis (Vietnamese Ginseng): A Precious Ginseng and Call for Further Research-A systematic review
Authors: Le Quang-Ung , Lay Horng-Liang , Wu Ming-Chang , Nguyen Thi Hong-Hanh , Nguyen Duy-Lam
Published: March 2019

Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv., a Vietnamese ginseng, is a well-known plant, naturally distributed in the Ngoc Linh and Hoang Lien Son mountain areas in Vietnam. It is used as a tonic and medicinal food in traditional folk medicine because it possesses wondrous health benefits. To support its functional attributes, various investigations have been carried out to find out its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-stress, anti-nociception, psychomotor and sedative-hypnotic effects and anxiolytic activities. Also similar to other ginsengs, Vietnamese ginseng is a rich source of saponins and it has higher content of protopanaxadiol-, protopanaxatrial- and ocotillol-type saponins compared to other ginsengs in the world. Majonoside R2 is a main saponin in Vietnamese ginseng but this compound does not exist in Panax ginseng. Based on this systematic review, we discussed for future prospects and suggest that thorough scientific scrutiny is necessary in future researches.