Screening of anti-inflammatory phytocompounds from Crateva adansonii leaf extracts and its validation by in silico modeling

Anti-inflammatory phytocompounds from Crateva adansonii DC leaf extracts were identified by GCMS analysis and its anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by in silico molecular docking study against inflammatory molecular targets. Three different (Aqueous, Methanol and Petroleum ether) dried leaf extracts of Crateva adansonii were obtained from soxhlet extraction method. Preliminary phytoconstituents analysis of three different leaf extracts of C. adansonii confirmed the presence of various major classes of bioactive phytoconstituents such as polyphenols (tannins and flavonoids), steroids, alkaloid, coumarin, carbohydrate and terpenoids. Among three leaf extracts, methanolic leaf extract possess highest total phenolic content of 77?±?1.65?µg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of dry weight of leaf extract, subsequently methanolic leaf extract also shows maximal in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging activity) of 71.22?±?1.32% among three different leaf extracts. GC–MS analysis of petroleum ether leaf extract revealed the presence of nine phytocompounds representing 95.43% peak area percentage, among nine identified phytocompounds three phytocompounds of C. adansonii possess anti-inflammatory property namely phytol, 1-Hexyl-2-Nitrohexane and 2-Isopropyl-5-Methylcyclohexyl 3-(1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-Oxobutyl)-Coumarin-4-Yl Carbonate were chosen for in silico molecular docking study against four inflammatory receptor targets (COX-2, TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6) and they shows less binding energy with highest docking score ranging from ?15.9500 to 5.0869. The present study substantially indicated and proven that anti-inflammatory potential of phytocompounds from C. adansonii leaf extracts which can be exploited for commercial designing of novel anti-inflammatory drug to treat various inflammatory disorders.     

Antioxidative and cytotoxic potential of some Chenopodium L. species growing in Poland

The cytotoxic and antioxidant properties of lipophilic compounds extracted from different parts of four Chenopodium L. (Chenopodium album, Chenopodium hybridum, Chenopodium rubrum and Chenopodium urbicum) species were evaluated. The highest phenolic content was found in herb and seeds of all examined plants. Large amounts of free polyphenols were observed in herb extracts of C. album (3.36 mg/g DW), seeds of C. urbicum (3.87 mg/g DW) and roots of C. urbicum (1.52 mg/g DW). The cytotoxic activities of the extracts were assessed against human lung carcinoma A-549 and ovarian carcinoma TOV-112D and normal human fibroblast cell lines. Our study demonstrated that the extracts from the herb of C. rubrum and C. urbicum had the best antioxidant effect of all the extracts analyzed. Most of the extracts tested exhibited low cytotoxicity. However, the extracts from herb and seeds of C. album and C. hybridum showed the significant antiproliferative effect on the TOV-112 cell line.It can be concluded that antioxidant activity and phenolic composition differ mainly between plant parts and are quite similar between the plants, when the same plant part is analyzed. Thus, the Chenopodium extracts could be used as a readily accessible source of natural antioxidants, and may be used in the pharmaceutical industry and for food supplements production.     

Insecticidal,biological and biochemical response of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) to some indigenous weed plant extracts

In the current study; insecticidal, growth regulation, oviposition deterrence and repellency of petroleum ether extracts of Azadirachta indica, Penganum harmala, Datura stramonium, Tribulus terrestris and Chenopodium murale against 2nd instar larvae of housefly was investigated. Five different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%) were used through larval feeding and the mortality data was recorded after 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Highest mortality was induced by P. harmala (63.87%) followed by D. stramonium (62.78%), A. indica (53.84%), T. terrestris (41.86%) and C. murale (4.09%) after 72 h at 25% concentration, respectively. Increased mortality was observed with increased time duration and concentration. Longest larval duration (9.33 ± 0.33 days) and pupal duration (7.33 ± 0.33 days) days) was recorded in larvae treated with 25% concentration of P. harmala which also caused a decrease in the activity of AChE, ACP, AKP, α-Carboxyl, and β-Carboxyl enzymes. However, at 25% concentration, C. murale showed highest oviposition deterrence activity (81.88%) followed by D. stramonium (79.58%). In comet assay test, at highest concentration (25%) the mean comet tail lengths represented by Penganum harmala, Datura stramonium and Azadirachta indica (Reference plant) were 10.20 ± 0.49, 9.20 ± 0.37 and 7.80 ± 0.49 μm while percent DNA damage was 10.56 ± 0.77, 10.67 ± 1.62 and 8.11 ± 0.85% respectively compared to controls cells. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, steroids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids and anthraquinones. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of phenolic flavonoids, saponins, tannins as major functional groups. Further studies are needed to explore and thus, to incorporate weed plant extracts for the management of house flies.     

Bioreactor type affects the accumulation of phenolic acids and flavonoids in microshoot cultures of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.

Microshoots of the East Asian medicinal plant species Schisandra chinensis (Chinese magnolia vine) were grown in bioreactors characterized by different construction and cultivation mode. The tested systems included two continuous immersion systems—a cone-type bioreactor (CNB) and a cylindric tube bioreactor (CTB), a nutrient sprinkle bioreactor (NSB), and two temporary immersion systems (TIS)—RITA® and Plantform. Microshoots were grown for 30 and 60 days in the MS medium enriched with 1 mg l^?1 NAA and 3 mg l^?1 BA. The accumulation of two groups of phenolic compounds: phenolic acids and flavonoids in the bioreactor-grown S. chinensis biomass, was evaluated for the first time. In the microshoot extracts, seven phenolic acids: chlorogenic, gallic, p–hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, syringic, salicylic and vanillic, and three flavonoids: kaempferol, quercitrin and rutoside, were identified. The highest total amount of phenolic acids (46.68 mg 100 g^?1 DW) was recorded in the biomass maintained in the CNB for 30 days. The highest total content of flavonoids (29.02 mg 100 g^?1 DW) was found in the microshoots maintained in the NSB for 30 days. The predominant metabolites in all the tested systems were: gallic acid (up to 10.01 mg 100 g^?1 DW), protocatechuic acid (maximal concentration 16.30 mg 100 g^?1 DW), and quercitrin (highest content 21.00 mg 100 g^?1 DW).

     

祁连山东段高寒草甸植物总酚和黄酮含量及抗氧化活性研究

采用Folin-Ciocalteu法和铝盐显色法对祁连山东段12种高寒植物(灌木嫩枝和草本植物叶片)进行总酚、黄酮含量的测定,并用FRAP法和ABTS法测定其总抗氧化能力。结果表明:(1)金露梅、山生柳、高山绣线菊、西藏沙棘、珠芽蓼的总酚和总黄酮含量较高且总抗氧化能力较强,其中山生柳的总酚含量最高为19.58%,高山绣线菊的黄酮含量最高为13.23%。(2)采用FRAP法测得西藏沙棘的抗氧化能力最强为49.58mmol/L,而用ABTS法测得金露梅的抗氧化能力最强为32.46mmol/L。(3)总酚、总黄酮与总抗氧化能力(FRAP法)具有极显著的相关性(相关系数分别为0.887 1和0.915 7)。分析认为,12种高寒植物的植株体内总酚和总黄酮含量越高,其抗氧化能力越强。     

Phytogenic compounds from avocado (Persea americana L.) extracts; antioxidant activity,amylase inhibitory activity,therapeutic potential of type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a worldwide public health disease. Currently, the most effective way to treat diabetes is to mitigate postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolysis enzymes in the digestive system. Plant extracts are rich in bioactive compounds, which can be used in diabetes treatment. This study aims to evaluate the polyphenols content in ethanolic extracts of avocado fruit and leaves (Persea americana Mill.). Additionally, their antioxidant activity using DPPH, while the inhibition ability of α-amylase was examined by reacting different amounts of the extracts with α-amylase compared to acarbose as standard inhibitor. The active compounds were detected in the extracts by LC/MS. The obtained results showed that the leaf extract recorded a significant content of total phenolic compounds compared to the fruit extract (178.95 and 145.7 mg GAE /g dry weight, respectively). The total flavonoid values ??ranged from 32.5 to 70.08 mg QE/g dry weight of fruit and leaves extracts, respectively. Twenty-six phytogenic compounds were detected in leaf and fruit extract by LC/MS. These compounds belong to fatty acids, sterols, triterpenes, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of the extracts is due to the exist of phytogenic compounds, i.e., polyphenols and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity increased in a concentration dependant manner. Avocado fruit extract (1000 µg/mL) scavenged 95% of DPP? while leaf extract rummaged 91.03% of free radicals compared with Vit C and BHT. Additionally, higher α-amylase inhibitory activity was observed in fruit extract than the leaf extract, where the fruit and leaf extract (1000 μg/ml) inhibited the enzyme by 92.13% and 88.95%, respectively. The obtained results showed that the ethanolic extracts of avocado could have a significant impact on human health due to their high content of polyphenols.     

Variability of phenolic composition and biological activities of two Tunisian halophyte species from contrasted regions

The present study consists in evaluating the inter- and intraspecific variability of phenolic contents and biological capacities of Limoniastrum monopetalum L. and L. guyonianum Boiss. extracts. Ultimately, they were subjected to HPLC for phenolic identification. Results showed a great variation of phenolic content as function of species and localities. In fact, L. guyonianum extracts (El Akarit) contained the highest polyphenol (57 mg GAE g^?1 DW), flavonoid (9.47 mg CE g^?1 DW) and condensed tannin contents (106.58 mg CE g^?1 DW). These amounts were accompanied by the greatest total antioxidant activity (128.53 mg GAE g^?1 DW), antiradical capacity (IC₅₀ = 4.68 μg/ml) and reducing power (EC₅₀ = 120 μg/ml). In addition, L. monopetalum and L. guyonianum extracts exhibited an important and variable antibacterial activity with a diameter of inhibition zone ranging from 6.00 to 14.83 mm. Furthermore, these extracts displayed considerable antifungal activity. L. monopetalum extracts (Enfidha) showed the strongest activity against Candida glabrata and C. krusei with a diameter exceeding 12 mm. The phytochemical investigation of these extracts confirmed the variability of phenolic composition, since the major phenolic compound varied as a function of species and locality. These findings suggest that these two halophytes may be a new source of natural antioxidants that are increasingly important for human consumption, as well as for agro-food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.     

低海拔地区黑苦荞酚类物质含量、组成及抗氧化活性研究

为探究黑苦荞的市场利用价值,该研究选择种植于湖北江汉平原低海拔地区的川荞1号和九江苦荞作为材料,分析苦荞籽粒中游离酚、结合酚、总酚、游离黄酮、结合黄酮和总黄酮的含量,利用DPPH自由基法、ABTS自由基法和铁离子还原抗氧化法(FRAP)三种抗氧化测试模型综合评价其体外抗氧化活性,并运用高效液相色谱(HPLC)技术对其酚类物质的组成进行鉴定。结果表明:(1)川荞1号籽粒的总酚和总黄酮含量显著高于九江苦荞,分别为27.38 mg GAE·g~(-1)DW、31.46 mg RE·g~(-1)DW和12.71 mg GAE·g~(-1)DW、14.68 mg RE·g~(-1)DW;其中游离酚与游离黄酮含量显著高于结合酚与结合黄酮含量,均占总酚和总黄酮含量的79%以上,且九江苦荞中结合酚和结合黄酮的含量高于川荞1号。(2)苦荞籽粒中酚类物质主要由芦丁、槲皮素、表儿茶素、山奈酚、山奈酚-3-芸香糖苷和槲皮素-3-O-芸香糖苷-3'-O-吡喃葡萄糖苷等黄酮类化合物组成,其中游离酚以芦丁和槲皮素为主,结合酚以表儿茶素和芦丁为主。(3)苦荞籽粒提取物均具有一定的抗氧化活性,黑苦荞川荞1号游离态DPPH、ABTS和FRAP抗氧化能力值分别为30.14、11.03、18.84 mg TE·g~(-1)DW,高于九江苦荞,而结合态三种抗氧化能力值低于九江苦荞,但黑苦荞川荞1号总抗氧化能力显著高于九江苦荞。在低海拔地区江汉平原,种植的黑苦荞川荞1号籽粒具有较高含量的酚类物质,符合后续的食品加工的生产要求,市场开发前景广阔。     

Antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of 112 traditional Chinese medicinal plants associated with anticancer

Cancer prevention and treatment using traditional Chinese medicines have attracted increasing interest. This study characterizes antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of traditional Chinese medicinal plants associated with anticancer, comprising 112 species from 50 plant families. The improved ABTS(*+) method was used to systematically assess the total antioxidant capacity (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, TEAC) of the medicinal extracts. The TEAC values and total phenolic content for methanolic extracts of herbs ranged from 46.7 to 17,323 micromol Trolox equivalent/100 g dry weight (DW), and from 0.22 to 50.3 g of gallic acid equivalent/100 g DW, respectively. A positive, significant linear relationship between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (all R(2) values>/=0.95) showed that phenolic compounds were the dominant antioxidant components in the tested medicinal herbs. Major types of phenolic compounds from most of the tested herbs were preliminarily identified and analyzed, and mainly included phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, lignans, quinones, stilbenes, and curcuminoids. These medicinal herbs exhibited far stronger antioxidant activity and contained significantly higher levels of phenolics than common vegetables and fruits. Traditional Chinese medicinal plants associated with anticancer might be potential sources of potent natural antioxidants and beneficial chemopreventive agents.     

Seasonal variation in leaf characteristics and food selectionby larval noctuids on an evergreen Mediterranean shrub

Despite year round availability of foliage, abundance of generalist noctuid larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in evergreen-dominated Mediterranean forests has a narrow, distinct spring peak. This restricted larval period has been suggested to result in part from avoidance of the nutritionally poor mature foliage, and preference for nutritionally superior spring-produced young leaves. This study examines this hypothesis by (i) documenting differences in nutritional characteristics between expanding (April) and mature (June) young leaves of the evergreen Mediterranean shrub Daphne laureola L. (Thymelaeaceae), and (ii) experimentally studying the feeding preferences of noctuid larvae for young leaves, old leaves (≥ 1 yr old), and developing fruits of this species in one south-eastern Spanish locality. Young leaves of D. laureola declined in nutrient concentration and specific dry mass from April to June. The responses of noctuid larvae, in terms of both relative preference and total consumption, to this seasonal variation in chemical and physical features of young leaves were also investigated. When noctuid larvae were simultaneously offered young leaves, old leaves and developing fruits, they exhibited similar preferences for young leaves and developing fruits, and rejected old leaves developed during the previous year. Noctuid larvae did not modify their consumption of young leaves relative to old leaves and developing fruits in response to seasonal changes. Food selection patterns exhibited by D. laureola noctuid herbivores, notably the rejection of old leaves in favour of young ones, are consistent with the hypothesis relating restricted larval periods of these generalist consumers with the low food value of the previous season leaves of evergreen Mediterranean plants.     

Studies on the accumulation of phenolic acids and flavonoids in different in vitro culture systems of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. using a DAD-HPLC method

Different in vitro culture systems of the East-Asian origin medicinal plant species − Schisandra chinensis, were tested in order to investigate their potential for the accumulation of two groups of phenolic compounds. In vitro cultures were maintained on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3 mg/l BA and 1 mg/l NAA in an agar system (30- and 60-day growth cycles), and also in two different liquid systems: stationary and agitated. Stationary liquid cultures were grown in batch (30- and 60-day growth cycles) and fed-batch modes. Of the twenty compounds, seven free phenolic acids and of the eleven compounds, five flavonoids were quantified in methanolic extracts from lyophilized biomass and in the growth media using the RP-HPLC-DAD method. For comparison purposes, phytochemical analyses of leaf and fruit extracts from the parent plant were also conducted. The estimated compounds were not detected in the growth media. The highest total amounts of phenolic acids (71.48 mg/100 g DW) and flavonoids (29.36 mg/100 g DW) were found in extracts from the biomass of agar cultures harvested after 30 days of cultivation. The main metabolites in all the tested systems were: protocatechuic acid (max. 35.69 mg/100 g DW), chlorogenic acid (max. 13.05 mg/100 g DW), and quercitrin (max. 27.43 mg/100 g DW).     

Comparative assessment of solvents and lignocellulolytic enzymes affiliated extraction of polyphenols from the various lignocellulosic agro-residues: identification and their antioxidant properties

Abstract

The present investigation was aimed to utilize lignocellulosic agro-residues and compare the extraction of polyphenols utilizing lignocellulolytic enzymes secreted by Sphingobacterium sp. ksn and with that of the solvents (ethanol, methanol) affiliated methods. The maximum amount of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins were 94.29, 11.36, and 79.21?g 100?g^?1 respectively, found in the extracts obtained by enzymes affiliated extraction of coffee cherry husk (CCH). The phenolics namely, gallic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, 1-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde were commonly found whereas syringic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, and epicatechin were hardly found in the extracts of agro-residues. The extracts of CCH shown maximum antioxidant properties for DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. The present study reports that the affiliation of enzymes for the extraction of polyphenols from agro-residues is more efficient than that of the solvents affiliation and CCH as the good source of polyphenols.     

Variation of phenolic composition and biological activities in Limoniastrum monopetalum L. organs

Changes in phenolic composition and biological activities were investigated in different Limoniastrum monopetalum L. organs. For that, 80% aqueous acetone extracts were used to estimate total phenolic contents and their antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH· and O₂^·− radical scavenging activities and reducing power. The efficiency of organ extracts was tested against human pathogen strains. Ultimately, acid hydrolysis of all organs was subjected to RP-HPLC for phenolic identification. Results showed that flower extracts exhibited the highest polyphenol (65.42 GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (35.36 CE/g DW) contents. Stems were enriched in condensed tannin content (21.4 mg CE/g DW) and displayed the best antiradical activities and the highest reducing power. Besides, stem and gall extracts showed the highest efficiency against pathogenic bacteria as compared with those of flower. Concerning the antifungal test, a slight activity was found in gall extracts. The RP-HPLC showed a difference in phenolic compounds that varied as function of organ. In fact, the major phenolic compound varied as function of organ. Results suggest that L. monopetalum could be a promising source of biomolecules for therapeutic and nutraceutical industries and the difference between organs may be related to their physiological role.     

Variation in polyphenolic profile and in vitro antioxidant activity of eastern teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens L.) leaves following foliar development

Seasonal dynamics in the polyphenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and their relationships during plant development were evaluated for eastern teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens L.) leaves, a traditional herbal medicine of North American natives. With the complementary UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS³, HPLC-PDA-fingerprint, Folin-Ciocalteau, and n-butanol/HCl assays of methanol-water (75:25, v/v) extracts, the dried leaf samples harvested monthly across the growing season under Polish climate conditions were found rich in structurally diverse polyphenols (149.2–210.7 mg/g DW) including the dominating salicylates (64.6–107.5 mg/g DW), proanthocyanidins (53.0–66.8 mg/g DW), and flavonoids (17.3–25.3 mg/g DW), and the accompanying chlorogenic acid isomers (2.4–4.4 mg/g DW) and simple phenolic acids (0.9–1.1 mg/g DW). Among 28 detected analytes, gaultherin (64.6–107.5 mg/g DW), miquelianin (14.6–21.1 mg/g DW), procyanidin A-type trimer (5.5–9.5 mg/g DW), and (–)-epicatechin (5.8–7.8 mg/g DW) were the most abundant. The phenolic levels and antioxidant activity parameters in the DPPH (EC₅₀, 15.0–18.2 μg DW/mL; 0.95–1.16 mmol Trolox equivalents/g DW) and FRAP (2.3–3.4 mmol Fe ²⁺/g DW; 0.86–1.26 mmol Trolox equivalents/g DW) assays showed parallel seasonal trends with maxima in September and October. As the subsequent correlation studies confirmed the determinative impact of polyphenols on the leaf antioxidant activity and its seasonal fluctuations, the Fall season could be recommended as optimal for harvesting the plant material for medicinal purposes and cost-effective production of natural health products.     

Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of unconventional leafy vegetables consumed in southern Africa

Indigenous leafy vegetables possess high horticultural potential based on their long utilisation history by local communities across Africa. Phytochemical and antioxidant properties of 50% aqueous methanol and water extracts of three indigenous as well as two commercial leafy vegetables commonly consumed in southern Africa were evaluated. The total extractable phenolic content was highest for Amarathus dubius (5.16 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g DW) followed by Cleome gynandra (3.94 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g DW). Total flavonoid concentration was highest for A. dubius (3.89 ± 0.28 mg CE/g DW) followed by C. gynandra (2.19 ± 0.11 mg CE/g DW) and Cucurbita maxima (1.55 ± 0.04 mg CE/g DW). No proanthocyanidins were detected in C. maxima and Brassica napus cv Covo whereas low concentrations were recorded in other vegetables. Total saponins were variable across the evaluated extracts, with the highest concentrations recorded for B. napus cv Covo (83.2 ± 16.58 mg DE/g DW). Total iridoid content was highest for C. gynandra (9.14 ± 0.20 mg HE/g DW). More potent DPPH radical scavenging activities were exhibited by 50% aqueous methanol extracts compared to water extracts. A similar trend was observed in the ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay. The antioxidant activity based on the rate of β-carotene bleaching was higher for water extracts compared to 50% aqueous methanol extracts. The indigenous vegetables evaluated in this study had higher levels of phytochemicals and also exhibited more potent antioxidant activity compared to the commercial varieties. These findings not only suggest the importance of the indigenous vegetables in a healthy diet, but also provide a motivation for exploring their horticultural potential.     

Agitated shoot cultures of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aronia arbutifolia</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aronia</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">prunifolia</Emphasis>: biotechnological studies on the accumulation of phenolic compounds and biotransformation capability

In methanolic extracts of the biomass from agitated cultures of Aronia arbutifolia and Aronia?×?prunifolia grown on four variants of the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, with different concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs): BA and NAA (0.5–3.0 mg/l), the quantities of phenolic acids (19 compounds) and flavonoids (11 compounds) were estimated using the LC-DAD method. The amounts of individual metabolites and total contents were dependent on the concentration of PGRs in MS medium variant. The maximum total amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids reached 360.80 and 65.26 mg/100 g DW, and 659.51 and 78.34 mg/100 g DW for A. arbutifolia and A. × prunifolia, respectively. The main metabolites in the biomass of both plants were chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid and quercitrin (max. 175.94, 147.98 and 41.14 mg/100 g DW, and 260.34, 225.26 and 78.34 mg/100 g DW, respectively). The cells of both plants convert the exogenously supplied hydroquinone into its β-D-glucoside—arbutin. The maximal total content of the product accumulated in the biomass and media reached 83.55 and 73.62 mg/g DW. The obtained results demonstrated for the first time a high biosynthetic potential of agitated cultures of both plants.     

Comparative analysis of antioxidant activity,toxicity, and mineral composition of kernel and pomace of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in Balochistan,Pakistan

The present study aims to investigate some physical attributes, total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, mineral composition, bioluminescence toxicity assay and antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH, HPS, TAC and FRAP assays in the kernel and pomace samples of six apricot cultivars grown in Balochistan, Pakistan. TFC and TPC determined by the AlCl₃ and Folin-Ciocalteu assays in apricot kernel extracts of six cultivars varied from 1797.5 (Chagali) to 4778.9 (Badoghur) mg QUE/100 g DW and from 1750.0 (Chagali) to 5005.8 (Badoghur) mg GAE/100 g DW. Apricot kernels exhibited higher antioxidant activity than pomace; antioxidant activity in terms of IC₅₀ in kernels ranged from 24.88 to 98.61 μg/ml for DPPH, 334.84 to 516.63 μg/ml for HPS, from 22.02 to 110.80 μg/ml for TAC and from 96.27 to 163.35 μg/ml for FRAP. The apricot kernels showed higher TPC, TFC, bioluminescence toxicity to V. logei and antioxidant activity than the pomace. The correlation analysis demonstrated substantial contributions of polyphenols and flavonoids to antioxidant assays. The sample type was the leading factor affecting the amounts of K, Na, Ca, Fe, and Mn in the tested samples; mineral contents were higher in pomace than kernels. The highest inhibition to V. logei was found in the kernels of Badoghur (IC₅₀ = 1.61 mg/ml). The PCA analysis showed significant contributions of phenolic and flavonoid contents towards antioxidant bioluminescence toxicity assays. Our results suggest Badoghur, Shakarpara and Sardai kernels are rich sources of secondary metabolites and possess remarkable antioxidant and antiluminescence activity and can make a significant contribution to the treatment and prevention of chronic health problems.     

Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of Ocimum americanum L extracts against pathogenic microorganisms

The aim of the present study is to assess the antimicrobial activities of various leaf extracts of Ocimum americanum were tested against pathogenic microorganisms. Preparation of different extracts viz., aqueous, acetone, ethyl acetate and methanol through soxhlet extraction method. Various extracts were investigated against MTCC strains of Bacillus cereus, Clostridium penfrigens, Klebsilla pnemoniae, Salmonella paratyphi, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger by agar well diffusion and disc diffusion methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicindal Concentration (MBC/MFC) were determined through micro dilution method. Elucidation of phytochemicals and functional groups were observed by HPLC and FT-IR respectively. Ethyl acetate leaf extract of O.americanum showed significant antimicrobial activity against the all tested pathogens in agar well diffusion method in which B.cereus (17 mm) was observed high zone of inhibition. Whereas lowest inhibition was observed in aqueous extract against C.pentrigens (7 mm). The ranges of MIC values from 0.78 μg/ml to 50 μg/ml and MBC/MFC 1.56 μg/ml to 50 μg/ml were observed. Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terepenes, phenolic compounds cardiac glycosides were detected. Saponinns, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds were observed in only ethyl acetate leaf extracts. Functional group of the leaf extracts was exhibited by FTIR and HPLC analysis of the ethyl acetate leaf extract was elutated at six peaks. Based on the results we concluded that ethyl acetate leaf extract of O.americanum has proved to be potentially effective than the other extracts. Therefore, ethyl acetate leaf extract of O.americanum could act as antimicrobial agent and further studies are recommended for isolation of compounds and toxicological studies.     

Phenolic composition of Cynara cardunculus L. organs, and their biological activities

Polyphenols are bioactive molecules exhibiting a lot of scientific attention due to their multiple biological activities. This study compared phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in Cynara cardunculus L. organs and focus on leaf phenolic compounds identification by RP-HPLC and their antibacterial activity. The analyzed organs exhibited different total polyphenol contents (7-14.8 mg GAE g(-1) DW). Leaf and seed phenolic contents were similar and two times higher than those in flowers. The same tendency was observed for the amount of flavonoids and tannins. However, seed extracts displayed the highest DPPH. scavenging ability with the lowest IC50 value (23 microg ml(-1)), followed by leaves and flowers (over 50 microg ml(-1)). In contrast, leaves showed the highest capacity to quench superoxide (IC50: 1 microg ml(-1)) as compared to seeds (6 microg ml(-1)). In addition, cardoon leaves were efficient to inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria mainly against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The identification of phenolic compounds from leaves revealed that syringic and trans-cinnamic acids were the major molecules.     

Phytotoxic analysis of coastal medicinal plants and quantification of phenolic compounds using HPLC

Abstract

Medicinal plants are rich sources of bioactive phytochemicals. Production of such chemicals usually increased under unfavorable conditions. This study investigated the phytotoxic potential of 105 medicinal plants distributed in arid/semiarid areas along Arabian Sea coast of Pakistan. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and composition of individual phenolic compounds were also determined in species which showed high phytotoxic potential. Sandwich method was used to determine the phytotoxicity of medicinal plants on the growth of lettuce seedlings. Radicle growth was inhibited more than the hypocotyl growth. In general, halophytes showed higher phytotoxic potential than non-halophytes. Capparis cartilaginea, Indigofera hochstetteri, Parkinsonia aculeata and Prosopis glandulosa showed highest degree of inhibition. Higher amount of total phenols (16.35–25.33?mg GAE g^?1), flavonoids (3.32-6.41?mg QE g^?1) and tannins (1.54–2.54?mg TAE g^?1) were found in these species. Pyrocatechol, quercetin, gallic, hydroxybenzoic and ferulic acids were detected as major phytotoxins, of which, gallic acid, pyrocatechol and quercetin were most abundant. These phytochemicals could be used for the production of natural, safe, healthy and eco-friendly agro-chemicals. Furthermore, these plants can be grown without encroaching agricultural lands, and can convert vast areas of arid/saline lands into economically viable resources, which also helps to halt climate change and desertification.