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The growing emergence of multi-drug resistant microbial strains has kept the scientific world searching for novel bioactive compounds with specific chemical characteristics. Accordingly, researchers have started exploring the understudied metabolites from endophytes as a new source of bioactive compounds. In this context, the current study was designed to evaluate the bioactive properties of endophytic fungi from the Mokrzański forest in Wrocław, Poland that have not yet been fully researched. Forty-three endophytic fungi were isolated from twelve distinct plants. Following their cultivation, fungal extracts were separately prepared from biomass and cell-free filtrates, and their antibacterial, antifungal (against human and plant pathogens), and antioxidant properties were examined. Five promising fungi after screening were identified to possess all of these activities. These strains and their respective plant hosts were Trichoderma harzianum BUK-T (Fagus sylvatica), Aspergillus ochraceus ROB-L1 (Robinia pseudoacacia), Chaetomium cochliodes KLON-L1, Fusarium tricinctum KLON-L2 (Acer platanoides), and Penicillium chrysogenum SOS-B2 (Pinus sylvestris). Moreover, gamma irradiation at several doses (Gy) was separately applied to the fungal cultures to study their effects on the recorded activities. Finally, compounds after preparative thin-layer chromatography fractionation of the five fungal strains were identified by GC-MS. These findings suggest that the isolated endophytic fungi could serve as novel sources of bioactive metabolites with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, potentially paving the way for future research and the development of new bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bactrian camel (BC) milk has gained increasing attention due to its unique nutritional profile and potential bioactivities. This comprehensive review explores the chemical composition, bioactivities, processing techniques, and economic potential of BC milk in China. The distinctive chemical composition of BC milk, including protein, lipid, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral content, is discussed, emphasizing its differences from other mammalian milk. The review highlights the various bioactivities of BC milk, such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and anticancer properties, as well as its modulatory effects on intestinal microbiota. The technological properties of BC milk, focusing on its heat stability, coagulation behavior, and potential for product development, are examined. The review also addresses current processing techniques and their impact on milk quality. Finally, the economic potential and future perspectives of BC milk in China are evaluated. This review provides valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of BC milk, serving as a foundation for future research and development in this emerging field. The motivation for this review stems from the growing interest in BC milk as a functional food and the need for a comprehensive understanding of its properties, applications, and market potential to guide future research and industry development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pursuit of cosmetic ingredients with proven efficacy and safety that meet consumer needs drives the advancement of new products. Ascorbic acid (AA) is utilized in cosmetic products, predominantly for its potent antioxidant properties. Nonetheless, its instability compromises its efficacy. In this work, ascorbyl 2-O-glucoside persulfate (AAGS) was synthesized, characterized, and evaluated regarding its safety profile and potential bioactivities and the results were compared to AA and its glycoside AAG. Pre-formulation studies were performed to assess the stability of the compounds and their compatibility with typical excipients commonly used in topical formulations. AAGS did not affect the metabolic activity of keratinocyte, macrophage, and monocyte cell lines, up to 500 µM. AAGS also exhibited a non-prooxidant and non-sensitizing profile and anti-allergic activity by impeding the allergen-induced maturation of THP-1 cells. When compared to AA and AAG, AAGS was shown to be more stable at pH values between 5 and 7, as well as superior thermostability and photostability. AAGS demonstrated higher stability in metal solutions of Fe(II) and Mg(II) than AA. AAGS demonstrated similar DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to AA. These results provide useful information for the development of new AA derivatives, highlighting AAGS as a novel cosmetic ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ayocote beans (Phaseolus coccineus L.) are a rich source of some bioactive molecules, such as phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant capacity that promote health benefits. Ayocote is mainly consumed after cooking, which can impact the antioxidant characteristics of the phenolic compounds responsible for some of its health benefits. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of boiling on the phenolic composition and bioactivities of ayocote beans before and after boiling. Boiling decreased the total phenolic content (70.2, 60.3, and 58.2%), total anthocyanin (74.3, 80.6, and 85.7%), and antioxidant activity (DPPH: 41.2, 46.9, and 59.1%; ORAC: 48.23, 53.6 and 65.7%) of brown, black, and purple ayocote beans, respectively. All the extracts also inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase with efficacy values from 29.7 to 87.6% and α-amylase from 25.31 to 56.2%, with moderate antiglycation potential (15.2 to 73.2%). Phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoid decreases were detected in boiled samples by HPLC-MS analysis. Although boiling reduced the phenolic compounds, bioactive compounds remained in a considerable content in boiled ayocote. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycium ruthenicum Murray possesses significant applications in both food and medicine, including antioxidative, anti-tumor, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, and various other effects. Consequently, there has been a surge in research endeavors dedicated to exploring its potential benefits, necessitating the organization and synthesis of these findings. This article systematically reviews the extraction and content determination methods of active substances such as polysaccharides, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols in LRM in the past five years, as well as some active ingredient composition determination methods, biological activities, and product development. This review is divided into three main parts: extraction and determination methods, their bioactivity, and product development. Building upon prior research, we also delve into the economic and medicinal value of Lycium ruthenicum Murray, thereby contributing significantly to its further exploration and development. It is anticipated that this comprehensive review will serve as a valuable resource for advancing research on Lycium ruthenicum Murray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proanthocyanidins, natural polyphenolic compounds abundantly present in plants, exhibit diverse bioactivities, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. These bioactivities are intricately linked to the degree of polymerization of these compounds. Through a comprehensive analysis of recent domestic and international research, this article synthesizes the latest advancements in the extraction process, degradation methods, as well as the biological activities and underlying mechanisms of proanthocyanidins. Furthermore, future research endeavors should prioritize the refinement of extraction techniques, the elucidation of bioactive mechanisms, and the development of formulations with enhanced potency. This will maximize the utilization of proanthocyanidins across diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Euodia genus comprises numerous untapped medicinal plants that warrant thorough evaluation for their potential as valuable natural sources of herbal medicine or food flavorings. In this study, untargeted metabolomics and in vitro functional methods were employed to analyze fruit extracts from 11 significant species of the Euodia genus. An investigation of the distribution of metabolites (quinolone and indole quinazoline alkaloids) in these species indicated that E. rutaecarpa (Euodia rutaecarpa) was the most widely distributed species, followed by E. compacta (Euodia compacta), E. glabrifolia (Euodia glabrifolia), E. austrosinensis (Euodia austrosinensis), and E. fargesii (Euodia fargesii). There have been reports on the close correlation between indole quinazoline alkaloids and their anti-tumor activity, especially in E. rutaecarpa fruits which exhibit effectiveness against various types of cancer, such as SGC-7901, Hela, A549, and other cancer cell lines. Additionally, the E. rutaecarpa plant contains indole quinazoline alkaloids, which possess remarkable antibacterial properties. Our results offer novel insights into the utilization of Euodia resources in the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bactrian camel (BC) milk has gained increasing attention due to its unique nutritional profile and potential bioactivities. This comprehensive review explores the chemical composition, bioactivities, processing techniques, and economic potential of BC milk in China. The distinctive chemical composition of BC milk, including protein, lipid, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral content, is discussed, emphasizing its differences from other mammalian milk. The review highlights the various bioactivities of BC milk, such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and anticancer properties, as well as its modulatory effects on intestinal microbiota. The technological properties of BC milk, focusing on its heat stability, coagulation behavior, and potential for product development, are examined. The review also addresses current processing techniques and their impact on milk quality. Finally, the economic potential and future perspectives of BC milk in China are evaluated. This review provides valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of BC milk, serving as a foundation for future research and development in this emerging field. The motivation for this review stems from the growing interest in BC milk as a functional food and the need for a comprehensive understanding of its properties, applications, and market potential to guide future research and industry development.

The pursuit of cosmetic ingredients with proven efficacy and safety that meet consumer needs drives the advancement of new products. Ascorbic acid (AA) is utilized in cosmetic products, predominantly for its potent antioxidant properties. Nonetheless, its instability compromises its efficacy. In this work, ascorbyl 2-O-glucoside persulfate (AAGS) was synthesized, characterized, and evaluated regarding its safety profile and potential bioactivities and the results were compared to AA and its glycoside AAG. Pre-formulation studies were performed to assess the stability of the compounds and their compatibility with typical excipients commonly used in topical formulations. AAGS did not affect the metabolic activity of keratinocyte, macrophage, and monocyte cell lines, up to 500 µM. AAGS also exhibited a non-prooxidant and non-sensitizing profile and anti-allergic activity by impeding the allergen-induced maturation of THP-1 cells. When compared to AA and AAG, AAGS was shown to be more stable at pH values between 5 and 7, as well as superior thermostability and photostability. AAGS demonstrated higher stability in metal solutions of Fe(II) and Mg(II) than AA. AAGS demonstrated similar DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to AA. These results provide useful information for the development of new AA derivatives, highlighting AAGS as a novel cosmetic ingredient.

Ayocote beans (Phaseolus coccineus L.) are a rich source of some bioactive molecules, such as phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant capacity that promote health benefits. Ayocote is mainly consumed after cooking, which can impact the antioxidant characteristics of the phenolic compounds responsible for some of its health benefits. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of boiling on the phenolic composition and bioactivities of ayocote beans before and after boiling. Boiling decreased the total phenolic content (70.2, 60.3, and 58.2%), total anthocyanin (74.3, 80.6, and 85.7%), and antioxidant activity (DPPH: 41.2, 46.9, and 59.1%; ORAC: 48.23, 53.6 and 65.7%) of brown, black, and purple ayocote beans, respectively. All the extracts also inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase with efficacy values from 29.7 to 87.6% and α-amylase from 25.31 to 56.2%, with moderate antiglycation potential (15.2 to 73.2%). Phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoid decreases were detected in boiled samples by HPLC-MS analysis. Although boiling reduced the phenolic compounds, bioactive compounds remained in a considerable content in boiled ayocote.

Alkaloids represent a large family of natural products with diverse structures and bioactivities. These compounds and their derivatives have been widely used in clinics to treat various diseases. The endophytic Aspergillus is a filamentous fungus renowned for its extraordinary ability to produce active natural products of high therapeutic value and economic importance. This review is the first to focus on Aspergillus-derived alkaloids. Through an extensive literature review and data analysis, 263 alkaloids are categorized according to their structural features into those containing cytochalasans, diketopiperazine alkaloids, quinazoline alkaloids, quinoline alkaloids, indole alkaloids, pyrrolidine alkaloids, and others. These metabolites exhibited diverse biological activities, such as antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity, and α-glucosidase, ACE, and DPPH inhibitory activities. The bioactivity, structural diversity, and occurrence of these alkaloids are reviewed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distiller's grains (DGs) are solid mixtures that remain after the production of alcoholic beverages. A large amount of DGs is produced each year during the brewing process. Currently, they are mostly used as a feedstock or substrate in the feed industry. However, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the chemical composition of DGs is a major constraint on their further development and application for high-value-added usages. Some studies were published on the bioactive constituents of DGs in several different types of journals. Data were therefore collated to provide a comprehensive overview of these natural products. DGs are rich in phenols, phytosterols, and fatty acids, in addition to general lipid and protein constituents. These compounds and their related extracts possess diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperglycaemic effects. We hope that this review will provide research incentives for the further development and utilisation of DGs to develop high-value-added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proanthocyanidins, natural polyphenolic compounds abundantly present in plants, exhibit diverse bioactivities, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. These bioactivities are intricately linked to the degree of polymerization of these compounds. Through a comprehensive analysis of recent domestic and international research, this article synthesizes the latest advancements in the extraction process, degradation methods, as well as the biological activities and underlying mechanisms of proanthocyanidins. Furthermore, future research endeavors should prioritize the refinement of extraction techniques, the elucidation of bioactive mechanisms, and the development of formulations with enhanced potency. This will maximize the utilization of proanthocyanidins across diverse applications.

Lycium ruthenicum Murray possesses significant applications in both food and medicine, including antioxidative, anti-tumor, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, and various other effects. Consequently, there has been a surge in research endeavors dedicated to exploring its potential benefits, necessitating the organization and synthesis of these findings. This article systematically reviews the extraction and content determination methods of active substances such as polysaccharides, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols in LRM in the past five years, as well as some active ingredient composition determination methods, biological activities, and product development. This review is divided into three main parts: extraction and determination methods, their bioactivity, and product development. Building upon prior research, we also delve into the economic and medicinal value of Lycium ruthenicum Murray, thereby contributing significantly to its further exploration and development. It is anticipated that this comprehensive review will serve as a valuable resource for advancing research on Lycium ruthenicum Murray.

The Euodia genus comprises numerous untapped medicinal plants that warrant thorough evaluation for their potential as valuable natural sources of herbal medicine or food flavorings. In this study, untargeted metabolomics and in vitro functional methods were employed to analyze fruit extracts from 11 significant species of the Euodia genus. An investigation of the distribution of metabolites (quinolone and indole quinazoline alkaloids) in these species indicated that E. rutaecarpa (Euodia rutaecarpa) was the most widely distributed species, followed by E. compacta (Euodia compacta), E. glabrifolia (Euodia glabrifolia), E. austrosinensis (Euodia austrosinensis), and E. fargesii (Euodia fargesii). There have been reports on the close correlation between indole quinazoline alkaloids and their anti-tumor activity, especially in E. rutaecarpa fruits which exhibit effectiveness against various types of cancer, such as SGC-7901, Hela, A549, and other cancer cell lines. Additionally, the E. rutaecarpa plant contains indole quinazoline alkaloids, which possess remarkable antibacterial properties. Our results offer novel insights into the utilization of Euodia resources in the pharmaceutical industry.

The 21st century has seen a substantial increase in the industrial applications of glycolipid biosurfactant technology. The market value of the glycolipid class of molecules, sophorolipids, was estimated to be USD 409.84 million in 2021, with that of rhamnolipid molecules projected to reach USD 2.7 billion by 2026. In the skincare industry, sophorolipid and rhamnolipid biosurfactants have demonstrated the potential to offer a natural, sustainable, and skin-compatible alternative to synthetically derived surfactant compounds. However, there are still many barriers to the wide-scale market adoption of glycolipid technology. These barriers include low product yield (particularly for rhamnolipids) and potential pathogenicity of some native glycolipid-producing microorganisms. Additionally, the use of impure preparations and/or poorly characterised congeners as well as low-throughput methodologies in the safety and bioactivity assessment of sophorolipids and rhamnolipids challenges their increased utilisation in both academic research and skincare applications. This review considers the current trend towards the utilisation of sophorolipid and rhamnolipid biosurfactants as substitutes to synthetically derived surfactant molecules in skincare applications, the challenges associated with their application, and relevant solutions proposed by the biotechnology industry. In addition, we recommend experimental techniques/methodologies, which, if employed, could contribute significantly to increasing the acceptance of glycolipid biosurfactants for use in skincare applications while maintaining consistency in biosurfactant research outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processing of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) is a traditional pharmaceutical technology in Chinese medicine. Traditionally, proper processing of CHMs is necessary to meet the specific clinical requirements of different syndromes. Processing with black bean juice is considered one of the most important techniques in traditional Chinese pharmaceutical technology. Despite the long-standing practice of processing Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PCH), there is little research on the changes in chemical constituents and bioactivity before and after processing. This study investigated the influence of black bean juice processing on the chemical composition and bioactivity of PCH. The results revealed significant changes in both composition and contents during processing. Saccharide and saponin content significantly increased after processing. Moreover, the processed samples exhibited considerably stronger DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacity, as well as FRAP-reducing capacity, compared to the raw samples. The IC50 values for DPPH were 1.0 ± 0.12 mg/mL and 0.65 ± 0.10 mg/mL for the raw and processed samples, respectively. For ABTS, the IC50 values were 0.65 ± 0.07 mg/mL and 0.25 ± 0.04 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the processed sample demonstrated significantly higher inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase (IC50 = 1.29 ± 0.12 mg/mL and 0.48 ± 0.04 mg/mL) compared to the raw sample (IC50 = 5.58 ± 0.22 mg/mL and 0.80 ± 0.09 mg/mL). These findings underscore the significance of black bean processing in enhancing the properties of PCH and lay the foundation for its further development as a functional food. The study elucidates the role of black bean processing in PCH and offers valuable insights for its application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus spinosa L. fruit, commonly known as blackthorn, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, which exhibit significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Notably, flavonoids such as catechin, epicatechin, and rutin have been reported to have protective effects against diabetes, while other flavonoids, including myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, exhibit antihypertensive activity. Solvent extraction methods are widely used for the extraction of phenolic compounds from plant sources, owing to their simplicity, efficacy, and broad applicability. Furthermore, modern extraction techniques, such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), have been employed to extract polyphenols from Prunus spinosa L. fruits. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the biologically active compounds found in blackthorn fruits, emphasizing their direct physiological effects on the human body. Additionally, the manuscript highlights the potential applications of blackthorn fruits in various industries, including the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and functional product sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and seriously affects patients' daily tasks. Plant endophytic fungi are known for providing novel and unique secondary metabolites with diverse activities. This review focuses primarily on the published research regarding anti-Alzheimer's natural products derived from endophytic fungi between 2002 and 2022. Following a thorough review of the literature, 468 compounds with anti-Alzheimer's-related activities are reviewed and classified based on their structural skeletons, primarily including alkaloids, peptides, polyketides, terpenoids, and sterides. The classification, occurrences, and bioactivities of these natural products from endophytic fungi are summarized in detail. Our results provide a reference on endophytic fungi natural products that may assist in the development of new anti-Alzheimer's compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaloids represent a large family of natural products with diverse structures and bioactivities. These compounds and their derivatives have been widely used in clinics to treat various diseases. The endophytic Aspergillus is a filamentous fungus renowned for its extraordinary ability to produce active natural products of high therapeutic value and economic importance. This review is the first to focus on Aspergillus-derived alkaloids. Through an extensive literature review and data analysis, 263 alkaloids are categorized according to their structural features into those containing cytochalasans, diketopiperazine alkaloids, quinazoline alkaloids, quinoline alkaloids, indole alkaloids, pyrrolidine alkaloids, and others. These metabolites exhibited diverse biological activities, such as antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity, and α-glucosidase, ACE, and DPPH inhibitory activities. The bioactivity, structural diversity, and occurrence of these alkaloids are reviewed in detail.

Distiller’s grains (DGs) are solid mixtures that remain after the production of alcoholic beverages. A large amount of DGs is produced each year during the brewing process. Currently, they are mostly used as a feedstock or substrate in the feed industry. However, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the chemical composition of DGs is a major constraint on their further development and application for high-value-added usages. Some studies were published on the bioactive constituents of DGs in several different types of journals. Data were therefore collated to provide a comprehensive overview of these natural products. DGs are rich in phenols, phytosterols, and fatty acids, in addition to general lipid and protein constituents. These compounds and their related extracts possess diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperglycaemic effects. We hope that this review will provide research incentives for the further development and utilisation of DGs to develop high-value-added products.

Wedelia chinensis is a folk medicine used in many Asian countries to treat various ailments. Earlier investigations reported that the petroleum ether extract of the plant has potential biological activity, but the compounds responsible for activity are not yet completely known. Therefore, the current work was designed to isolate and characterize the compounds from the petroleum ether extract and to study their bioactivities. Four compounds including two diterepenes (-) kaur-16α-hydroxy-19-oic acid (1) and (-) kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (2), and two steroids β-sitosterol (3), and cholesta-5,23-dien-3-ol (4) were isolated and characterized. Among the compounds, the diterpenes were found to have more biological activities than the steroidal compounds. Compound 1 showed the highest cytotoxicity with LC50 of 12.42 ± 0.87 μg/mL. Likewise, it possesses good antioxidant activity in terms of reducing power. On the contrary, compound 2 exerted the highest antiacetylcholinesterase and antibutyrylcholinesterase activity. Both the diterpenes showed almost similar antibacterial and antifungal activity. The identification of diterpenoid and steroid compounds with multifunctional activities suggests that W. chinensis may serve as an important source of bioactive compounds which should be further investigated in animal model for therapeutic potential in the treatment of different chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meliaceae plants are found worldwide in tropical or subtropical climates. They are important ethnobotanically as sources of traditional medicine, with 575 species and 51 genera. Previous research found that microorganisms are plant pioneers to produce secondary metabolites with diverse compound structures and bioactivities. Several plants of the Meliaceae family contain secondary metabolites isolated from endophytic fungi. Furthermore, related articles from 2002 to 2022 were collected from SciFinder, Google Scholar, and PubMed. About 276 compounds were isolated from endophytic fungi such as terpenoids, polyketides, lactones, pyrones, quinone, anthraquinones, xanthones, coumarines, isocoumarines, resorcylic acid lactones, cytochalasins, aromatics, ester, quinols, alkaloids, nitro compound, fatty acids, and sugars with bioactivities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-influenza, neuroprotective activities, anti-HIV, cytotoxic, allelopathic, anti-inflammatory, antifeedant effects, and BSLT toxicity. Meanwhile, secondary metabolites isolated from endophytic fungi were reported as one of the sources of active compounds for medicinal chemistry. This comprehensive review summarizes the ethnobotanical uses and secondary metabolites derived from Meliaceae endophytic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), insects from the family Blattidae have a long history of application, and their related active compounds have excellent pharmacological properties, making them a prominent concern with significant potential for medicinal and healthcare purposes. However, the medicinal potential of the family Blattidae has not been fully exploited, and many problems must be resolved urgently. Therefore, a comprehensive review of its chemical composition, pharmacological activities, current research status, and existing problems is necessary. In order to make the review clearer and more systematic, all the contents were independently elaborated and summarized in a certain sequence. Each part started with introducing the current situation or a framework and then was illustrated with concrete examples. Several pertinent conclusions and outlooks were provided after discussing relevant key issues that emerged in each section. This review focuses on analyzing the current studies and utilization of medicinal insects in the family Blattidae, which is expected to provide meaningful and valuable relevant information for researchers, thereby promoting further exploration and development of lead compounds or bioactive fractions for new drugs from the insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the 2,5-dioxopiperazine-containing natural products generated by "head-to-tail" cyclization of peptides, those derived from tryptophan allow further structural diversification due to the rich chemical reactivity of the indole heterocycle, which can generate tetracyclic fragments of hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole or pyrrolidinoindoline skeleton fused to the 2,5-dioxopiperazine. Even more complex are the dimeric bispyrrolidinoindoline epi(poly)thiodioxopiperazines (BPI-ETPs), since they feature transannular (poly)sulfide bridges connecting C3 and C6 of their 2,5-dioxopiperazine rings. Homo- and heterodimers composed of diastereomeric epi(poly)thiodioxopiperazines increase the complexity of the family. Furthermore, putative biogenetically generated downstream metabolites with C11 and C11'-hydroxylated cores, as well as deoxygenated and/or oxidized side chain counterparts, have also been described. The isolation of these complex polycyclic tryptophan-derived alkaloids from the classical sources, their structural characterization, the description of the relevant biological activities and putative biogenetic routes, and the synthetic efforts to generate and confirm their structures and also to prepare and further evaluate structurally simple analogs will be reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenaloenones are structurally unique aromatic polyketides that have been reported in both microbial and plant sources. They possess a hydroxy perinaphthenone three-fused-ring system and exhibit diverse bioactivities, such as cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-HIV properties, and tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, lipase, AchE (acetylcholinesterase), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme, and tyrosine phosphatase inhibition. Moreover, they have a rich nucleophilic nucleus that has inspired many chemists and biologists to synthesize more of these related derivatives. The current review provides an overview of the reported phenalenones with a fungal origin, including their structures, sources, biosynthesis, and bioactivities. Moreover, more than 135 metabolites have been listed, and 71 references have been cited. SuperPred, an artificial intelligence (AI) webserver, was used to predict the potential targets for selected phenalenones. Among these targets, we chose human glucose transporter 1 (hGLUT1) for an extensive in silico study, as it shows high probability and model accuracy. Among them, aspergillussanones C (60) and G (60) possessed the highest negative docking scores of −15.082 and −14.829 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to the native inhibitor of 5RE (score: −11.206 kcal/mol). The MD (molecular dynamics) simulation revealed their stability in complexes with GLUT1 at 100 ns. The virtual screening study results open up a new therapeutic approach by using some phenalenones as hGLUT1 inhibitors, which might be a potential target for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungus continues to attract great attention as a promising pool of biometabolites. Aspergillus ochraceus Wilh (Aspergillaceae) has established its capacity to biosynthesize a myriad of metabolites belonging to different chemical classes, such as isocoumarins, pyrazines, sterols, indole alkaloids, diketopiperazines, polyketides, peptides, quinones, polyketides, and sesquiterpenoids, revealing various bioactivities that are antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, and neuroprotective. Additionally, A. ochraceus produces a variety of enzymes that could have variable industrial and biotechnological applications. From 1965 until June 2022, 165 metabolites were reported from A. ochraceus isolated from different sources. In this review, the formerly separated metabolites from A. ochraceus, including their bioactivities and biosynthesis, in addition, the industrial and biotechnological potential of A. ochraceus are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine sponges continue to attract remarkable attention as one of the richest pools of bioactive metabolites in the marine environment. The genus Smenospongia (order Dictyoceratida, family Thorectidae) sponges can produce diverse classes of metabolites with unique and unusual chemical skeletons, including terpenoids (sesqui-, di-, and sesterterpenoids), indole alkaloids, aplysinopsins, bisspiroimidazolidinones, chromenes, γ-pyrones, phenyl alkenes, naphthoquinones, and polyketides that possessed diversified bioactivities. This review provided an overview of the reported metabolites from Smenospongia sponges, including their biosynthesis, synthesis, and bioactivities in the period from 1980 to June 2022. The structural characteristics and diverse bioactivities of these metabolites could attract a great deal of attention from natural-product chemists and pharmaceuticals seeking to develop these metabolites into medicine for the treatment and prevention of certain health concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processing of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) is a traditional pharmaceutical technology in Chinese medicine. Traditionally, proper processing of CHMs is necessary to meet the specific clinical requirements of different syndromes. Processing with black bean juice is considered one of the most important techniques in traditional Chinese pharmaceutical technology. Despite the long-standing practice of processing Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PCH), there is little research on the changes in chemical constituents and bioactivity before and after processing. This study investigated the influence of black bean juice processing on the chemical composition and bioactivity of PCH. The results revealed significant changes in both composition and contents during processing. Saccharide and saponin content significantly increased after processing. Moreover, the processed samples exhibited considerably stronger DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacity, as well as FRAP-reducing capacity, compared to the raw samples. The IC50 values for DPPH were 1.0 ± 0.12 mg/mL and 0.65 ± 0.10 mg/mL for the raw and processed samples, respectively. For ABTS, the IC50 values were 0.65 ± 0.07 mg/mL and 0.25 ± 0.04 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the processed sample demonstrated significantly higher inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and α-amylase (IC50 = 1.29 ± 0.12 mg/mL and 0.48 ± 0.04 mg/mL) compared to the raw sample (IC50 = 5.58 ± 0.22 mg/mL and 0.80 ± 0.09 mg/mL). These findings underscore the significance of black bean processing in enhancing the properties of PCH and lay the foundation for its further development as a functional food. The study elucidates the role of black bean processing in PCH and offers valuable insights for its application.

Prunus spinosa L. fruit, commonly known as blackthorn, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, which exhibit significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Notably, flavonoids such as catechin, epicatechin, and rutin have been reported to have protective effects against diabetes, while other flavonoids, including myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, exhibit antihypertensive activity. Solvent extraction methods are widely used for the extraction of phenolic compounds from plant sources, owing to their simplicity, efficacy, and broad applicability. Furthermore, modern extraction techniques, such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), have been employed to extract polyphenols from Prunus spinosa L. fruits. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the biologically active compounds found in blackthorn fruits, emphasizing their direct physiological effects on the human body. Additionally, the manuscript highlights the potential applications of blackthorn fruits in various industries, including the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and functional product sectors.

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and seriously affects patients’ daily tasks. Plant endophytic fungi are known for providing novel and unique secondary metabolites with diverse activities. This review focuses primarily on the published research regarding anti-Alzheimer’s natural products derived from endophytic fungi between 2002 and 2022. Following a thorough review of the literature, 468 compounds with anti-Alzheimer’s-related activities are reviewed and classified based on their structural skeletons, primarily including alkaloids, peptides, polyketides, terpenoids, and sterides. The classification, occurrences, and bioactivities of these natural products from endophytic fungi are summarized in detail. Our results provide a reference on endophytic fungi natural products that may assist in the development of new anti-Alzheimer’s compounds.

Pluchea indica (L.) Less. (Asteraceae) commonly known as Indian camphorweed, pluchea, or marsh fleabane has gained great importance in various traditional medicines for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. It is utilized to cure several illnesses such as lumbago, kidney stones, leucorrhea, inflammation, gangrenous and atonic ulcer, hemorrhoids, dysentery, eye diseases, itchy skin, acid stomach, dysuria, abdominal pain, scabies, fever, sore muscles, dysentery, diabetes, rheumatism, etc. The plant or its leaves in the form of tea are commonly used for treating diabetes and rheumatism. The plant is a rich source of calcium, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and β-carotene. Various biomolecules have been isolated from P. indica, including thiophenes, terpenes, quinic acids, sterols, lignans, phenolics, and flavonoids. The current review reports detailed information about the phytoconstituents and pharmacological relevance of P. indica and the link to its traditional uses. The reported studies validated the efficacy and safety of P. indica, as well as supported its traditional uses for treating various ailments and promoting health and well-being. Thus, this could encourage the development of this plant into a healthy food supplement or medicine for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, further studies on the drug interactions, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and metabolism, as well as clinical trials, should be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meliaceae plants are found worldwide in tropical or subtropical climates. They are important ethnobotanically as sources of traditional medicine, with 575 species and 51 genera. Previous research found that microorganisms are plant pioneers to produce secondary metabolites with diverse compound structures and bioactivities. Several plants of the Meliaceae family contain secondary metabolites isolated from endophytic fungi. Furthermore, related articles from 2002 to 2022 were collected from SciFinder, Google Scholar, and PubMed. About 276 compounds were isolated from endophytic fungi such as terpenoids, polyketides, lactones, pyrones, quinone, anthraquinones, xanthones, coumarines, isocoumarines, resorcylic acid lactones, cytochalasins, aromatics, ester, quinols, alkaloids, nitro compound, fatty acids, and sugars with bioactivities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-influenza, neuroprotective activities, anti-HIV, cytotoxic, allelopathic, anti-inflammatory, antifeedant effects, and BSLT toxicity. Meanwhile, secondary metabolites isolated from endophytic fungi were reported as one of the sources of active compounds for medicinal chemistry. This comprehensive review summarizes the ethnobotanical uses and secondary metabolites derived from Meliaceae endophytic fungi.

Wedelia chinensis is a folk medicine used in many Asian countries to treat various ailments. Earlier investigations reported that the petroleum ether extract of the plant has potential biological activity, but the compounds responsible for activity are not yet completely known. Therefore, the current work was designed to isolate and characterize the compounds from the petroleum ether extract and to study their bioactivities. Four compounds including two diterepenes (-) kaur-16α-hydroxy-19-oic acid (1) and (-) kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (2), and two steroids β-sitosterol (3), and cholesta-5,23-dien-3-ol (4) were isolated and characterized. Among the compounds, the diterpenes were found to have more biological activities than the steroidal compounds. Compound 1 showed the highest cytotoxicity with LC50 of 12.42 ± 0.87 μg/mL. Likewise, it possesses good antioxidant activity in terms of reducing power. On the contrary, compound 2 exerted the highest antiacetylcholinesterase and antibutyrylcholinesterase activity. Both the diterpenes showed almost similar antibacterial and antifungal activity. The identification of diterpenoid and steroid compounds with multifunctional activities suggests that W. chinensis may serve as an important source of bioactive compounds which should be further investigated in animal model for therapeutic potential in the treatment of different chronic diseases.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), insects from the family Blattidae have a long history of application, and their related active compounds have excellent pharmacological properties, making them a prominent concern with significant potential for medicinal and healthcare purposes. However, the medicinal potential of the family Blattidae has not been fully exploited, and many problems must be resolved urgently. Therefore, a comprehensive review of its chemical composition, pharmacological activities, current research status, and existing problems is necessary. In order to make the review clearer and more systematic, all the contents were independently elaborated and summarized in a certain sequence. Each part started with introducing the current situation or a framework and then was illustrated with concrete examples. Several pertinent conclusions and outlooks were provided after discussing relevant key issues that emerged in each section. This review focuses on analyzing the current studies and utilization of medicinal insects in the family Blattidae, which is expected to provide meaningful and valuable relevant information for researchers, thereby promoting further exploration and development of lead compounds or bioactive fractions for new drugs from the insects.

Within the 2,5-dioxopiperazine-containing natural products generated by “head-to-tail” cyclization of peptides, those derived from tryptophan allow further structural diversification due to the rich chemical reactivity of the indole heterocycle, which can generate tetracyclic fragments of hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole or pyrrolidinoindoline skeleton fused to the 2,5-dioxopiperazine. Even more complex are the dimeric bispyrrolidinoindoline epi(poly)thiodioxopiperazines (BPI-ETPs), since they feature transannular (poly)sulfide bridges connecting C3 and C6 of their 2,5-dioxopiperazine rings. Homo- and heterodimers composed of diastereomeric epi(poly)thiodioxopiperazines increase the complexity of the family. Furthermore, putative biogenetically generated downstream metabolites with C11 and C11’-hydroxylated cores, as well as deoxygenated and/or oxidized side chain counterparts, have also been described. The isolation of these complex polycyclic tryptophan-derived alkaloids from the classical sources, their structural characterization, the description of the relevant biological activities and putative biogenetic routes, and the synthetic efforts to generate and confirm their structures and also to prepare and further evaluate structurally simple analogs will be reported.

Phenaloenones are structurally unique aromatic polyketides that have been reported in both microbial and plant sources. They possess a hydroxy perinaphthenone three-fused-ring system and exhibit diverse bioactivities, such as cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-HIV properties, and tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, lipase, AchE (acetylcholinesterase), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme, and tyrosine phosphatase inhibition. Moreover, they have a rich nucleophilic nucleus that has inspired many chemists and biologists to synthesize more of these related derivatives. The current review provides an overview of the reported phenalenones with a fungal origin, including their structures, sources, biosynthesis, and bioactivities. Moreover, more than 135 metabolites have been listed, and 71 references have been cited. SuperPred, an artificial intelligence (AI) webserver, was used to predict the potential targets for selected phenalenones. Among these targets, we chose human glucose transporter 1 (hGLUT1) for an extensive in silico study, as it shows high probability and model accuracy. Among them, aspergillussanones C (60) and G (60) possessed the highest negative docking scores of −15.082 and −14.829 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to the native inhibitor of 5RE (score: −11.206 kcal/mol). The MD (molecular dynamics) simulation revealed their stability in complexes with GLUT1 at 100 ns. The virtual screening study results open up a new therapeutic approach by using some phenalenones as hGLUT1 inhibitors, which might be a potential target for cancer therapy.

Fungus continues to attract great attention as a promising pool of biometabolites. Aspergillus ochraceus Wilh (Aspergillaceae) has established its capacity to biosynthesize a myriad of metabolites belonging to different chemical classes, such as isocoumarins, pyrazines, sterols, indole alkaloids, diketopiperazines, polyketides, peptides, quinones, polyketides, and sesquiterpenoids, revealing various bioactivities that are antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, and neuroprotective. Additionally, A. ochraceus produces a variety of enzymes that could have variable industrial and biotechnological applications. From 1965 until June 2022, 165 metabolites were reported from A. ochraceus isolated from different sources. In this review, the formerly separated metabolites from A. ochraceus, including their bioactivities and biosynthesis, in addition, the industrial and biotechnological potential of A. ochraceus are highlighted.

Gelatin/chitosan solutions incorporated with betel leaf ethanolic extract (BLEE) at varying concentrations were electrospun on polylactic acid (PLA) films. Nanofibers with different morphologies, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were formed after solutions of gelatin/chitosan with and without BLEE were electrospun on PLA films at a constant voltage (25 kV) and a feed rate of 0.4 mL/h. Beaded gelatin/chitosan nanofibers (GC/NF) were found, particularly when high concentrations of BLEE were encapsulated. PLA films coated with GC/NF, and with BLEE added, showed antioxidant and antibacterial activities, which were augmented by increasing BLEE concentrations. Lower water vapor permeability and enhanced mechanical properties were achieved for GC/NF-coated PLA film (p < 0.05). Microbial growth and lipid oxidation of Nile tilapia slices packaged in PLA film coated with GC/NF containing 2% BLEE were more retarded than those packaged in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags over refrigerated storage of 12 days. Based on microbial limits, the shelf-life was escalated to 9 days, while the control had a shelf-life of 3 days. Therefore, such a novel film/bag could be a promising active packaging for foods.

Marine sponges continue to attract remarkable attention as one of the richest pools of bioactive metabolites in the marine environment. The genus Smenospongia (order Dictyoceratida, family Thorectidae) sponges can produce diverse classes of metabolites with unique and unusual chemical skeletons, including terpenoids (sesqui-, di-, and sesterterpenoids), indole alkaloids, aplysinopsins, bisspiroimidazolidinones, chromenes, γ-pyrones, phenyl alkenes, naphthoquinones, and polyketides that possessed diversified bioactivities. This review provided an overview of the reported metabolites from Smenospongia sponges, including their biosynthesis, synthesis, and bioactivities in the period from 1980 to June 2022. The structural characteristics and diverse bioactivities of these metabolites could attract a great deal of attention from natural-product chemists and pharmaceuticals seeking to develop these metabolites into medicine for the treatment and prevention of certain health concerns.

Pluchea indica (L.) Less. (Asteraceae) commonly known as Indian camphorweed, pluchea, or marsh fleabane has gained great importance in various traditional medicines for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. It is utilized to cure several illnesses such as lumbago, kidney stones, leucorrhea, inflammation, gangrenous and atonic ulcer, hemorrhoids, dysentery, eye diseases, itchy skin, acid stomach, dysuria, abdominal pain, scabies, fever, sore muscles, dysentery, diabetes, rheumatism, etc. The plant or its leaves in the form of tea are commonly used for treating diabetes and rheumatism. The plant is a rich source of calcium, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and β-carotene. Various biomolecules have been isolated from P. indica, including thiophenes, terpenes, quinic acids, sterols, lignans, phenolics, and flavonoids. The current review reports detailed information about the phytoconstituents and pharmacological relevance of P. indica and the link to its traditional uses. The reported studies validated the efficacy and safety of P. indica, as well as supported its traditional uses for treating various ailments and promoting health and well-being. Thus, this could encourage the development of this plant into a healthy food supplement or medicine for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, further studies on the drug interactions, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and metabolism, as well as clinical trials, should be carried out.

Cupressus sempervirens L., Juniperus communis L. and Cistus ladanifer L. are Mediterranean arboreal and shrub species that possess essential oils (EO) in their leaves and branches. This study aimed at characterizing the EOs obtained by steam distillation from the three species collected in different locations from Spain (Almazán, Andévalo, Barriomartín, Cerezal, Ermitas and Huéscar). For this purpose, volatiles composition was determined by GC-MS, and different bioactivities were evaluated. The highest content in terpenes was observed in C. sempervirens (Huéscar origin) followed by J. communis (Almazán origin), corresponding to 92% and 91.9% of total compounds, respectively. With exception of C. ladanifer from Cerezal that presented viridiflorol as the most abundant compound, all the three species presented in common the α-pinene as the major compound. The EOs from C. ladanifer showed high antibacterial potential, presenting MIC values from 0.3 to 1.25 mg/mL. Concerning other bioactivities, C. ladanifer EO revealed an oxidation inhibition of 83%, while J. communis showed cytotoxicity in the MCF-7 cell line, and C. sempervirens and C. ladanifer EOs exhibited the highest potential on NCI-H460 cell lines. Nevertheless, some EOs revealed toxicity against non-tumoral cells but generally presented a GI50 value higher than that of the tumor cell lines.

Qingzhuan tea (QZT) is a typical Chinese dark tea that has a long-time manufacturing process. In the present study, liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to study the chemical changes of tea samples during QZT processing. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the pile-fermentation and turnover (post-fermentation, FT) was the crucial stage in transforming the main compounds of QZT, whose contents of flavan-3-ols and flavonoids glycosides were decreased significantly. The bioactivities, including the antioxidant capacities and inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, were also reduced after the FT process. It was suggested that although the QZT sensory properties improved following pile-fermentation and aging, the bioactivities remained restrained. Correlation analysis indicated that the main galloylated catechins and flavonoid glycosides were highly related to their antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Chalcones are secondary metabolites belonging to the flavonoid (C6-C3-C6 system) family that are ubiquitous in edible and medicinal plants, and they are bioprecursors of plant flavonoids. Chalcones and their natural derivatives are important intermediates of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Plants containing chalcones have been used in traditional medicines since antiquity. Chalcones are basically α,β-unsaturated ketones that exert great diversity in pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitubercular, antiplasmodial, antileishmanial, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and so on. This review provides an insight into the chemistry, biosynthesis, and occurrence of chalcones from natural sources, particularly dietary and medicinal plants. Furthermore, the pharmacological, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological aspects of naturally occurring chalcone derivatives are also discussed herein. In view of having tremendous pharmacological potential, chalcone scaffolds/chalcone derivatives and bioflavonoids after subtle chemical modification could serve as a reliable platform for natural products-based drug discovery toward promising drug lead molecules/drug candidates.

There are abundant natural diterpenoids in the plants of the genus Daphne from the Thymelaeaceae family, featuring a 5/7/6-tricyclic ring system and usually with an orthoester group. So far, a total of 135 diterpenoids has been isolated from the species of the genus Daphne, which could be further classified into three main types according to the substitution pattern of ring A and oxygen-containing functions at ring B. A variety of studies have demonstrated that these compounds exert a wide range of bioactivities both in vitro and in vivo including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, antifertility, neurotrophic, and cholesterol-lowering effects, which is reviewed herein. Meanwhile, the fascinating structure–activity relationship is also concluded in this review in the hope of providing an easy access to available information for the synthesis and optimization of efficient drugs.

Herein, a comprehensive review is given focusing on the chemical profiles of the essential oils (EOs), non-volatile compounds, ethnobotany, and biological activities of different Haplophyllum (Rutaceae family) species. To gather the relevant data, all the scientific databases, including Scopus, ISI-WOS (Institute of Scientific Information-Web of Science), and PubMed and highly esteemed publishers such as Elsevier, Springer, Taylor and Francis, etc., were systematically retrieved and reviewed. A wide array of valuable groups of natural compounds, e.g., terpenoids, coumarins, alkaloids, lignans, flavonoids, and organic acids have been isolated and subsequently characterized in different organic extracts of a number of Haplophyllum species. In addition, some remarkable antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cytotoxic, antileishmanial, and antialgal effects as well as promising remedial therapeutic properties have been well-documented for some species of the genus Haplophyllum.

The attractive colour characteristics of the flowers of the species Impatiens walleriana have been arousing great interest in the food industry, which is looking for potential natural sources of colouring ingredients. In this sense, the present work focused on the chemical and bioactive characterization of pink and orange flowers of I. walleriana. The phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS; in addition, different bioactivities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity) were also analysed. Both samples studied showed significant amounts of phenolic compounds, especially phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which justifies the excellent performance in the different bioactivities studied. The orange variety, despite having a greater variety of phenolic compounds, showed a total amount of compounds lower than the pink variety. Overall, the flowers of I. walleriana emerge as a promising resource to be explored by the food industry.

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), worldwide appreciated and used as condiments, dyes, and preservatives, possess several biological properties that justify their continuous application in the food industry. In the present study, the nutritional and chemical profiles, as well as the bioactive properties of four combinations of condiments, sold for seasoning poultry, meat, fish, and salads, were evaluated. Twenty-five phenolic compounds (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) were identified, with apigenin-O-malonyl-pentoside-hexoside as the major compound detected in all extracts. Oxalic and citric acids were identified in all mixtures (UFLC-PDA), as well as all the four tocopherol isoforms (HPLC-fluorescence). Regarding bioactivities, the mixtures for meat and salads (TBARS) and meat and poultry (OxHLIA) stood out for their antioxidant potential, whereas for the anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, the mixtures revealing the greatest results were those for poultry and salad, respectively. In terms of antimicrobial activity, all the mixtures revealed the capacity to inhibit the growth of some bacterial strains. In brief, condiment mixtures showed to be a good source of bioactive compounds, as they confer health benefits, validating the importance of their inclusion in the human diet as a good dietary practice.

Ruscus aculeatus L. is a subshrub used in traditional medicine in different parts of the world, namely in Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. According to reported folk knowledge, the aerial parts are mainly used as diuretics and the underground organs are used for the treatment of disorders of the urinary system and as a laxative. In this work, the aerial part and the roots and rhizomes of R. aculeatus were chemically characterized with regard to the content of phenolic compounds and bioactive properties. Aqueous (infusions and decoctions) preparations and hydroethanolic extracts from the two mentioned parts of the plant were prepared. Nine phenolic compounds were detected in all the extracts. Apigenin-C-hexoside-C-pentoside isomer II was the major compound in aqueous extracts and, in the hydroethanolic extract was quercetin-O-deoxyhexoside-hexoside followed by apigenin-C-hexoside-C-pentoside isomer II. All extracts revealed antioxidant activity and potential to inhibit some of the assayed bacteria; aqueous extracts of the aerial part and infusions of roots and rhizomes did not show cytotoxic effects on a non-tumor primary cell culture. This preliminary study provides suggestions of the biological potential associated with the empirical uses and knowledge of this species, in particular its bioactivities.

Bacillus subtilis fmb60, which has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, was isolated from plant straw compost. A hybrid NRPS/PKS cluster was screened from the genome. Sixteen secondary metabolites produced by the gene cluster were isolated and identified using LC-HRMS and NMR. Three lipoamides D–F (1–3) and two amicoumacin derivatives, amicoumacins D, E (4, 5), were identified, and are reported here for the first time. Lipoamides D–F exhibited strong antibacterial activities against harmful foodborne bacteria, with the MIC ranging from 6.25 to 25 µg/mL. Amicoumacin E scavenged 38.8% of ABTS+ radicals at 1 mg/mL. Direct cloning and heterologous expression of the NRPS/PKS and ace gene cluster identified its importance for the biosynthesis of amicoumacins. This study demonstrated that there is a high potential for biocontrol utilization of B. subtilis fmb60, and genome mining for clusters of secondary metabolites of B. subtilis fmb60 has revealed a greater biosynthetic potential for the production of novel natural products than previously anticipated.