Phyto-constituents profiling of Luffa echinata and in vitro assessment of antioxidant,anti-diabetic,anticancer and anti-acetylcholine esterase activities

Luffa echinata Roxb. is one of the neglected medicinal plants. It is an important source of bioactive metabolites and used in several Ayurvedic formulations. In the present analysis, mature leaves and fruits were extracted with acetone, ethanol, acetonitrile, methanol and water. Phytochemicals like total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), tannin (TTC), alkaloid (TAC) and terpenoid (TTEC) content were analysed. Further, antioxidant (AOX) activities like 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethyl) benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging, metal chelating activity (MC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and phosphomolybdenum assay (PMA) were studied. Highest TPC and TFC (189.57 ± 1.9 mg TAE/g extract, 30.48 ± 0.7 mg CE/g extract, respectively) were reported from acetone extract of the leaves. Ethanolic fruit extract showed the highest TTC (13.79 ± 0.2 mg CE/g extract). Acetone and acetonitrile fruit extract revealed maximum TTEC (602.79 ± 3.5 mg UAE/g extract) and moderate TAC (19.96 ± 0.9 mg GE/g extract), respectively. In AOX, highest DPPH (50.52 ± 0.03 mg AAE/g extract) and ABTS (26.78 ± 0.03 mg TE/g extract) radical scavenging reported in methanolic extract of fruit; however, acetone extract of leaf showed highest FRAP (376.89 ± 1.95 mg Fe(II)/g extract) and PMA (326.54 ± 4.73 mg AAE/g extract). In contrast, aqueous extract of leaf and fruit revealed highest metal chelating activity (41.67 ± 0.49 mg EDTA/g extract). In anti-diabetic studies, acetonitrile extract of leaves and fruits exhibited appreciable inhibition of α-amylase (83.33%) and α-glycosidase (77.42%) enzymes. Similarly, acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibition was highest in water (88.91%) and acetone (81.87%) extracts of leaf and fruits. Fruit extracts showed potent anticancer activity against breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines (LC₅₀ 329.36 and 385.17 µg/mL, respectively). RP-HPLC analysis revealed highest cucurbitacin B (CuB) (196.24 ± 1.4 mg/g DW), followed by cucurbitacin I (CuI) and cucurbitacin E (CuE) in the fruits (57.14 ± 4.9 and 2.03 ± 0.03 mg/g DW, respectively). RP-HPLC analysis of extracts revealed presence of gallic acid (GA), catechin (CA), vanillic acid (VA), chlorogenic acid (CHLA) and coumaric acid (COA), in which highest GA found in the fruits (1.26 ± 0.07 mg/g DW). Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed presence of bioactive compounds from various groups. Based on the present findings, it was revealed that the fruit and leaf of L. echinata can be used as potent bioresource for natural antioxidants, anti-diabetic, and anticancer drug.     

Profiling the phyto-constituents of Punica granatum fruits peel extract and accessing its in-vitro antioxidant,anti-diabetic,anti-obesity,and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory properties

This context was investigated to assess the in vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition traits of Punica granatum fruits peel extract. Initially, among various extracts tested, aqueous and ethanolic peel extracts depicted the presence of diverse phytoconstituents. In vitro antioxidative properties of peel extracts were determined using standard methodologies. Results showed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts had IC₅₀ values of 471.7 and 509.16 μg/mL, respectively in terms of 1,1,diphenyl 2,2,picrylhydrazyl scavenging. Likewise, IC₅₀ values of aqueous and ethanol extract were obtained as 488.76 and 478.47 μg/mL towards the degradation of hydrogen peroxide. The ethanolic extract exhibited the highest inhibition of α-glucosidase by showing activity of 53.34 ± 2.0 to 15.18 ± 1.4 U/L in a dose dependent manner (100–1000 µg/mL). Ethanolic extract was reported as the most active inhibitor of lipase with an IC₅₀ value of 603.50 µg/mL. Ethanolic extract showed increased inhibition of ACE in a concentration dependent manner (100–1000 µg/mL) with IC₅₀ value of 519.45 µg/mL. Fourier transform-infrared spectrum revealed the availability of various functional groups in the ethanolic extract of peel. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry chromatogram of peel extract illustrated 23 diversified chemical constituents including 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol, Dimethyl sulfone, 9-octadecenamide, and Pentadecanoic acid as predominant compounds. In summary, P. granatum fruits peel extract revealed promising antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-hypertensive properties.     

In-vitro antibacterial,antioxidant potentials and cytotoxic activity of the leaves of Tridax procumbens

The present study explored the phytochemicals, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic effect of Tridax procumbens leaves. The leaves were dried and extracted with various organic solvents. The leaves contained the phytochemicals such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, polyphenols and tannins respectively. Antimicrobial potentials of the extracts were determined by performing the disc diffusion techniques. Results revealed that different organic solvents extracts namely methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts documented comparatively good activity against the studied microbial strains. The methanol extract of leaves of T. procumbens showed combatively better antioxidant potential. The tested plant leaf extract showed high activity against human lung cancer cells than breast cancer cell lines. 250 µg/ml plants extract showed 84 ± 2.8% toxicity against human lung cancer cells.     

Phytochemical composition,antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effect of Crataegus pinnatifida fruit

Various neurodegenerative diseases e.g., Alzheimer's affect many elderly people that eventually leads to disability and premature death. No effective treatment for these neurodegenerative diseases has been developed yet. Oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration is one of the key pathophysiological factors involved in these diseases. Since numerous botanic components are well-known potent antioxidants, in this study, we aim to examine the neuroprotective effects of phytochemical compositions from the water, methanolic, and 95% ethanolic extracts of the Crataegus pinnatifida fruit against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 neuronal cells. Our results revealed that the methanolic extract showed the most favorable antioxidant activities in scavenging various sources of free radicals. All three extracts concentration (0.5–5 μg/ml)-dependently protected PC12 against H₂O₂-induced cell death with the methanolic extract being the most potent one. Component elucidation revealed that the methanolic extract contained the greatest amounts of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannin content. Conversely, the water soluble and 95% ethanolic extracts yielded a comparable amount of total triterpenoid. Our results indicated that methanolic and 95% ethanolic extracts of C. pinnatifida fruit show the potential to be novel neuroprotective agents to be considered in nutraceutical products for preventing oxidative-related disorders. Further investigation is necessary to verify the neuroprotective efficacy and mechanisms in vivo.     

Antioxidant, α-amylase inhibitory and oxidative DNA damage protective property of Boerhaavia diffusa (Linn.) root

Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. of family Nyctaginaceae is a known traditional medicinal plant and has been used in the treatment of many free radical mediated diseases. Excessive formation of free radicals, either reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is responsible for damaging various biomolecules like DNA, lipids and proteins. The present investigation was initially carried out to explore the possible link between antioxidant, oxidative DNA damage protective and α-amylase inhibitory property of B. diffusa root extract and their bioactive fraction. Our results illustrated an enhanced DPPH radical scavenging activity/antioxidant power of methanol root extract (IC₅₀ < 250 μg/ml) than ethanol (IC₅₀ = 250 μg/ml) and aqueous extract (IC₅₀ > 250 μg/ml). In addition, the methanol root extract also showed better oxidative DNA damage protective activity and α-amylase inhibitory property than ethanol and aqueous root extract. Phytochemical screening of B. diffusa ethanol and methanol root extract showed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and terpenoids in large amount. By means of repetitive preparatory TLC and HPLC the potent antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory fraction was isolated from methanol root extract. Our results illustrated that DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ < 250 μg/ml) and oxidative DNA damage protective and α-amylase inhibitory activity of the isolated/purified bioactive compound from methanol extract were significantly closer to that of crude extract, which in turn confirm that antioxidant and antidiabetic property of methanol root extract resides in this fraction and established a significant correlation between antioxidant and inhibitory α-amylase property of this bioactive fraction compound. These profound effects of B. diffusa methanol root extract and its purified fraction against oxidative plasmid DNA damage, antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activity may explain its extensive use in daily life and possible health benefits.     

Flavoring and extending the shelf life of cucumber juice with aroma compounds-rich herbal extracts at 4 °C through controlling chemical and microbial fluctuations

This work aims to enhance the flavor of functional cucumber juice using herbal extracts of peppermint, basil, lavender, and lemongrass ethanolic extracts and extend its lifetime by controlling the chemical and microbial fluctuations. Cucumber juices were processed as; non-supplemented (J-Con), J-PME, J-BE, J-LE, and J-LEE supplemented with peppermint, basil, lavender, and lemongrass ethanolic extracts, respectively. Peppermint extract was significantly scavenged 88% of DPPH radicals and inhibited the growth of tested gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and fungi followed by the lemongrass extract. The antioxidant activity of cucumber juices increased due to polyphenols and aroma compounds in the added extracts. However, the antioxidant content was decreased after two months of storage at 4 °C, due to the decrease in polyphenols. The flavor compounds were determined using GC mass, wherein hydrocarbons, acids, alcohols, and carbonyl compounds were the main aroma contents in cucumber juices, and their contents decreased with storage time. Peppermint and lemongrass extracts were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the whiteness of J-PME, and J-LEE, respectively. The highest score of flavor and taste was observed in J-PME that scored 8.3 based on panelists' reports followed by J-LEE. The PME was significantly maintained 91% of the odor and color of J-PME as compared to other juices.     

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions for total phenols with anti-hyperglycemic activity from Psidium guajava leaves

The high concentration of total phenolic compounds (TPC) in Psidium guajava leaf extracts (GvEx) is correlated to its anti-hyperglycemic activity. In this study, we established the optimum ultrasound extraction conditions for maximizing TPC yield. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for empirical model building. The maximum value of TPC (26.12%) was obtained at solvent to solid ratio (v/w) of 12.1, extraction temperature of 59.8 °C, and extraction time of 5.1 min. The anti-hyperglycemic activity of GvEx was compared to the commonly used diabetic drug acarbose. The IC₅₀ of GvEx for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition was 50.5 μg/mL and 34.6 μg/mL, respectively. However, the IC₅₀ of acarbose for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition was 95.3 μg/mL and 1075.2 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, GvEx obtained under optimum extraction conditions had higher anti-hyperglycemic activity than acarbose. In addition, the recommended extraction procedures for GvEx save time and are environmentally friendly.     

Antioxidant activity of leaf extracts from Bauhinia monandra

Bauhinia monandra Kurz. is used in Brazil for the treatment of diabetes. Since this activity may be correlated with the presence of antioxidant compounds, leaf extracts of B. monandra were evaluated for their radical scavenging capacity (RSC). An ethanolic extract was taken up in aqueous methanol and partitioned with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate to yield three organic extracts together with remaining aqueous extract. The RSC was determined spectrophotometrically using 1,1-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH). The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts were the most appropriate as sources of antioxidant compounds as shown by their inhibition concentration (IC50) and inhibition percentage (IP) values. The antioxidant activity of such extracts was attributed to the presence of three compounds of different polarities (flavonoids and steroids). The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited an IC50 of approximately 2 mg/g DPPH and IP values in the range of 60-65%. The results indicate that the extracts of B. monandra have a very potent antioxidant activity, compared with the pure catechins used as positive controls and with other plant extracts.     

Evaluation of phenolic profile,antioxidant and anticancer potential of two main representants of Zingiberaceae family against B164A5 murine melanoma cells

Background

Curcuma longa Linnaeus and Zingiber officinale Roscoe are two main representatives of Zingiberaceae family studied for a wide range of therapeutic properties, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, antibacterial, analgesic, immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, anti-human immunodeficiency virus properties and anticancer effects. This study was aimed to analyse the ethanolic extracts of Curcuma rhizome (Curcuma longa Linnaeus) and Zingiber rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in terms of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and anti-melanoma potential employing the B164A5 murine melanoma cell line.

Results

In order to evaluate the total content of polyphenols we used Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The antioxidant activity of the two ethanolic extracts was determined by DPPH assay, and for the control of antiproliferative effect it was used MTT proliferation assay, DAPI staining and Annexin-FITC-7AAD double staining test. Results showed increased polyphenols amount and antioxidant activity for Curcuma rhizome ethanolic extract. Moreover, 100 μg/ml of ethanolic plant extract from both vegetal products presented in a different manner an antiproliferative, respectively a proapoptotic effect on the selected cell line.

Conclusions

The study concludes that Curcuma rhizome may be a promising natural source for active compounds against malignant melanoma.     

Polyphenolic extracts from pomegranate and watermelon wastes as substrate to fabricate sustainable silver nanoparticles with larvicidal effect against Spodoptera littoralis

The agricultural wastes adversely affect the environment; however, they are rich in polyphenols; therefore, this study aimed to employ polyphenol-enriched waste extracts for silver nanoparticles synthesis, and study the larvicidal activity of silver nanoparticles fabricated by pomegranate and watermelon peels extracts (PPAgNPs and WPAgNPs) against all larval instars of Spodoptera littoralis. The polyphenol profile of pomegranate and watermelon peel extracts (PP and WP) and silver nanoparticles was detected by HPLC. The antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH, and FARP assays and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc assay. The Larvicidal activity of AgNPs against Egyptian leaf worm was performed by dipping technique. The obtained AgNPs were spherical with size ranged 15–85 nm and capped with proteins and polyphenols. The phenolic compounds in silver nanoparticles increased about extracts; therefore, they have the best performance in antioxidant/reducing activity, and inhibit the growth of tested bacteria and yeast. The PPAgNPs were the most effective against the first instar larvae instar (LC₅₀ = 68.32 µg/ml), followed by pomegranate extract with (LC₅₀ = 2852 µg/ml). The results indicated that obvious increase in polyphenols content in silver nanoparticles enhance their larvicidal effect and increasing mortality of 1^st larval of S. littoralis Egyptian leafworms causing additive effect and synergism. We recommend recycling phenolic enriched agricultural wastes in producing green silver nanoprticles to control cotton leafworm that causes economic loses to crops.     

Avocado seeds (Persea americana cv. Criollo sp.): Lipophilic compounds profile and biological activities

This study aimed to evaluate the volatile or lipophilic chemical profiling and the biological activities of avocado (Persea americana cv. Criollo sp.) seed extracts. Chemical profile of volatile compounds (GC/MS), antioxidant properties (phenolic compounds, DPPH radical scavenging activities and reducing power), and antimicrobial activity (Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus) of avocado (Persea americana cv. Criollo sp.) seed extracts (ethanol and acetone) were characterized. Sixteen volatile chemical compounds were determined, including isoprenoid derivatives (estragole), esters of fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids), and their derivatives (9,12-Octadecadien-1-ol and 9,12,15-Octadecatrien-1-ol). Acetone was the best solvent to obtain volatile compounds from avocado seed; this extract also showed a higher reducing power (56.35 mg AAE/100 g). Maximum S. aureus and S. Typhimurium log reductions were 4.0 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.3 at the highest amount used (2000 mg/L), without significant effect (p < 0.05) of the solvent used. According to the results of the volatile chemical profiling of avocado (Persea americana cv. Criollo sp.) seed extracts, they can have potential application as antioxidant (212.75 and 183.75 mg Trolox/100 g) and antimicrobial additives.     

Irrigation of Solanum lycopersicum L. with magnetically treated water increases antioxidant properties of its tomato fruits

Antioxidant effects of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) have been studied and an association between dietary intake of tomatoes and lowered risk of cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases has been suggested. Here we used magnetically treated water (MTW; 0.03–0.15 T), which promotes better germination and productivity in tomatoes, and we investigated the effects of aqueous and ethanolic (10–400 μg/ml) extracts of S. lycopersicum as potential antioxidant against 10 μM Fe(II)-induced thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) in liver and brain homogenates from rats. The ethanolic extracts from magnetically treated plants were more effective than aqueous extracts in preventing TBARS formation in brain and liver. The protective effects of ethanolic extract can be associated with antioxidants (polyphenols and flavonoids), lycopene and other lipophilic components found in the extract. In effect, magnetically treated plants had higher content of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds than nontreated plants and they can be a better source of antioxidants than nontreated plants. Consequently, MTW can be used to produce functional foods with high contents of antioxidant components and may have better beneficial health effects than traditionally produced foods.     

Comparison of the effects of cereal and legume proteinaceous seed extracts on α-amylase activity and development of the Sunn pest

The Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps Puton (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae), is a significant limiting factor in the production of wheat and barley in many areas of the world. In the current study, the effect of semi-purified proteinaceous extracts of seeds on digestive enzymes, and the growth and development of the Sunn pest were studied. The results showed that the purified α-amylase inhibitor from Triticum aestivum (type І) and rice semi-purified seed extract did not significantly affect the Sunn pest α-amylase activity. However, bean and cowpea seed extracts significantly affected α-amylase activity in vitro. For example, the bean seed extract at concentrations of 0.125 and 2.0 mg · mL^− 1 inhibited α-amylase activity of the pest by 15% and 45%, respectively, while the cowpea seed extract, at the same concentrations, inhibited α-amylase activity of the pest by 9% and 40%, respectively. Further, incorporation of the seed extracts into the insect diet showed that the rice seed extract did not affect insect development time, while bean and cowpea seed extracts at high concentrations (e.g., 3.0%) significantly affected nymphal development time and survivability (P > 0.05). These results show that semi-purified seed extracts affect α-amylase activity, developmental time, and survivability but not the adult weight of the Sunn pest.     

Anatomical,Morphological, and Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Gagea taurica Steven (Liliaceae): A New Record for the Turkish Flora

Gagea genus, which is native to the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, has attracted significant attention due to its biodiversity and potential health benefits. In this study, the biochemical composition and biological activities of methanol extracts from various parts of G. taurica were investigated, along with their anatomical and morphological characteristics. The best antimicrobial activity was found to be MeOH extracts of corm and leaf against several Candida strains with MIC=640 μg/mL. The highest level of phenolics together with significant results of antioxidant activities were observed in flowers extracts. The α-amylase inhibition assay results showed that the highest inhibition percentage was observed with acarbose (59 %), followed by leaf extract (43 %). Leaf exhibited the most effective inhibitory activity in AChE inhibition assay, whereas flower demonstrated the most significant inhibitory activity in BChE inhibition assay. Hesperidin was found as 1621.0001 ng/ml value in flower extract and 283.9339 ng/ml value leaf.     

Biochemical and in silico study of leaf and bark extracts from Aphanamixis polystachya against common pathogenic bacteria

Aphanamixis polystachya may be a natural, renewable resource against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The antibacterial activity of A. polystachya leaf and bark extracts was investigated against three antibiotic-resistant bacterial species and one fungus. Methanolic leaf extract showed only limited antibacterial activity but both methanolic and aqueous bark extract showed high antimicrobial activity. In an antioxidant activity test, leaf and bark extracts exhibited 50% free radical scavenging at a concentration of 107.14 ± 3.14 μg/mL and 97.13 ± 3.05 μg/mL, respectively, indicating that bark extracts offer more antioxidative activity than leaf extracts. Bark extracts also showed lower toxicity than leaf extracts. This suggests that bark extracts may offer greater development potential than leaf extracts. The molecular dynamics were also investigated through the simulated exploration of multiple potential interactions to understand the interaction dynamics (root-mean-square deviation, solvent-accessible surface area, radius of gyration, and the hydrogen bonding of chosen compounds to protein targets) and possible mechanisms of inhibition. This molecular modeling of compounds derived from A. polystachya revealed that inhibition may occur by binding to the active sites of the target proteins of the tested bacterial strains. A. polystachya bark extract may be used as a natural source of drugs to control antibiotic-resistant bacteria.     

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.     

Enzyme inhibition and antioxidant functionality of eleven Inula species based on chemical components and chemometric insights

The members of the genus Inula have been widely used in traditional medicinal. In the present study, 11 Inula species were investigated for their phytochemical composition, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects. While quinic acid was the principal compound in I. anatolica, I. britannica, I. inuloides, I. oculus-christi, I. peacockiana, I. sechmenii, I. thapsoides and I. viscidula extracts (22.43–42.02 mg/g dry extract (DE)), I. aucheriana and I. discoidea extracts contained rutin as their most abundant compound (23.28 and 79.10 mg/g extract, respectively). Interestingly, all the Inula extracts were active inhibitors of the five key clinical enzymes (acetylcholinesterase (3.56–5.13 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g), butyrylcholinesterase (1.49–7.34 mg GALAE/g), tyrosinase (112.31–122.13 mg kojic acid equivalent (KAE)/g), α-glucosidase (0.77–2.08 mmol acarbose equivalent (ACAE)/g) and α-amylase (0.73–0.90 mmol ACAE/g)). Furthermore, the extracts were observed to exhibit substantial antioxidant capacity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH): 58.99–188.22 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g); 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS): 90.51–220.97 mg TE/g; cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC): 169.88–460.53 mg TE/g; ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP): 81.57–237.99 mg TE/g; metal chelating activity: 8.31–25.39 mg ethylenediamine tetraacetate equivalent (EDTAE)/g; phosphomolybdenum: 1.55–2.49 mmol TE/g). In conclusion, the Inula species studied herein showed promising pharmacological potentials justified by the presence of a panoply of bioactive compounds.     

Phenolic Profile of Artemisia alba Turra

The aim of this study was to evaluate flower and leaf methanol extracts of Artemisia alba Turra for their total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity and to investigate their phenolic composition. The flower extract was richer in total phenolics and flavonoids and possessed higher antioxidant activity through DPPH and ABTS assays. The UHPLC‐PDA‐MS analysis of the flower and leaf methanol extracts revealed similar phenolic profile and allowed identification of 31 phenolic compounds (flavonoids, coumarins, and phenolic acids) by comparison with the respective reference compounds or tentatively characterized by their chromatographic behavior, UV patterns, and MS fragmentations. The presence of hispidulin, jaceosidin, desmethoxycentaureidin, and dicaffeoyl esters of quinic acid in A. alba is reported herein for the first time. The distribution of flavonoids in A. alba from different origins was discussed from chemotaxonomic point of view.     

Biological Insights and NMR Metabolic Profiling of Different Extracts of Spermacoce verticillata (L.) G. Mey.

Spermacoce verticillata (L.) G. Mey. is commonly used in the folk medicine by various cultures to manage common diseases. Herein, the chemical and biological profiles of S. verticillata were studied in order to provide a comprehensive characterization of bioactive compounds and also to highlight the therapeutic properties. The in vitro antioxidant activity using free-radical scavenging, phosphomolybdenum, ferrous-ion chelating and reducing power assays, and the inhibitory activity against key enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase of S. verticillata extracts (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water) were investigated. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content were observed in the methanolic and aqueous extracts. Exhaustive 2DNMR investigation has revealed the presence of rutin, ursolic and oleanoic acids. The methanolic extract, followed by aqueous extract have showed remarkable free radical quenching and reducing ability, while the dichloromethane extract was the best source of metal chelators. The tested extracts showed notable inhibitory activity against cholinesterases (AChE: 1.63–4.99 mg GALAE/g extract and BChE: 12.40–15.48 mg GALAE/g extract) and tyrosinase (60.85–159.64 mg KAE/g extract). No inhibitory activity was displayed by ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts against BChE and tyrosinase, respectively. All the tested extracts showed modest α-amylase inhibitory activity, while only the ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts were potent against α-glycosidase. This study further validates the use of S. verticillata in the traditional medicine, while advocating for further investigation for phytomedicine development.     

Pancreatic α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activity of polyphenolic compounds present in the extract of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) extract on the activity of porcine pancreatic α-amylase and lipase. An in vitro study demonstrated that three kinds of chokeberry extracts: methanolic, water and acetic caused inhibition of α-amylase and lipase. The methanolic and acetic extracts exhibited the highest inhibitory activities against α-amylase with the IC₅₀ values of 10.31 ± 0.04 mg/ml and pancreatic lipase 83.45 ± 0.50 mg/ml, respectively. In order to identify the compounds which may be the potential inhibitors of α-amylase and lipase, chokeberry extract was analyzed by preparative reverse phase chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS). These studies have shown that both anthocyanins and phenolic acids are compounds which inhibit the ability of the reaction catalyzed by α-amylase and lipase. The most effective inhibitor of pancreatic α-amylase was chlorogenic acid (IC₅₀ = 0.57 ± 0.16 mg/ml). In the group of anthocyanins the most potent inhibitor of α-amylase was cyanidin-3-glucoside (IC₅₀ = 1.74 ± 0.04 mg/ml), which also showed an ability to inhibit the reaction catalyzed by pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ = 1.17 ± 0.05 mg/ml). These findings seem to indicate the use of chokeberry as a functional food component, contributing to its anti-obesity activities.