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The phytochemical constituents of plants fall into two main categories based on their role in basic metabolic processes: primary and secondary. Primary metabolites are involved in basic life functions and are similar in all living cells, whereas secondary metabolites are derived from subsidiary pathways. Although traditionally referred to as secondary metabolites, more recently these compounds have been termed ‘plant specialized metabolites’, as the exact biochemical boundary between primary and secondary metabolites has not been fully established. Plant specialized metabolites are the main element in the study and use of ‘medicinal’ plants and herbs, as well as in nutrition and food chemistry. In modern medicine, plant specialized metabolites provide many of the lead compounds in the production of medicines targeted at treating a broad variety of diseases. Such metabolites also play an important role in sessile plants: to resist and withstand different biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant specialized metabolites are classified according to their chemical structures and this book will present the different classes in turn, while discussing their sources and distribution in plant families, their biosynthetic pathways, and their important and notable uses in phytochemistry and pharmacology. Chemical Diversity of Plant Specialized Metabolites will be a useful guide and reference point for chemists and students in many disciplines including synthetic organic chemists, medicinal chemists, plant scientists, pharmacognosists, chemical ecologists, bioengineers, and synthetic biologists, in addition to those working in related fields.

Introduction: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used to prevent symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease which is initiated due to oxidative stress. Piper betle L. is a tropical evergreen perennial vine whose leaves are widely consumed as masticator in Asia and has medicinal properties. Objectives: The present study is aimed to investigate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory property of methanolic extracts of different varieties of Piper betle leaves and chemometrically identify different bioactive ingredients in vitro and in silico. Materials and Methods: Methanol extracts of the leaves collected in February and October from eight varieties of P. betle (Chhanchi, Bagerhati, Manikdanga, Kalibangla, Bangla, Ghanagete, Meetha and Haldi) were studied for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties. Chemical components were analyzed by Gas Chromatography – Mass spectrometry and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography. Active metabolites were identified chemometrically. The activities were proved in vitro and in silico. Results: All the extracts inhibited acetylcholinesterase. Statistical analysis suggested that several phenolic compounds were correlated to anti-cholinesterase activity. Piceatannol, hydroxychavicol, benzene-1,2,4-triol, and 4-methylcatechol are reported here to have such enzyme inhibitory properties. These four small molecules were further subjected to molecular docking analysis to explore their binding mechanism with the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. All the four small molecules are found to interact with the targeted enzyme in similar fashion like the molecular interactions observed for the standard inhibitor, Donepezil, at the active site of acetylcholiesterase. Conclusion: Thus, consumption of P. betle leaves may have a beneficial effect in the prevention and treatment of this neurodegenerative disease.

Salinity hinders agricultural productivity worldwide by distressing plant metabolism. Growth of blackgram (Vigna mungo L. var. Sulata), an adverse climate-resistant pulse, is arrested under salinity. Present research integrates study of physio-biochemical parameters and non-targeted metabolomics approach to explore the alterations in metabolic pathway during adaptive responses of nonprimed and haloprimed blackgram seedlings grown hydroponically under NaCl stress. Salinity provoked accumulation of peroxides, compatible solutes and phenolics which increased free radical scavenging activities of nonprimed seedlings under salinity. Pre-germination seed halopriming abrogated NaCl-mediated adversities in haloprimed plantlets favouring better growth. Thus, farmers may adopt seed halopriming technique to improve blackgram productivity in saline-prone fields. Additionally, metabolomics study uncovered numerous metabolites amongst which 35 compounds altered significantly under salinity. The candidate metabolites were aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-proline, L-asparagine, DL-isoleucine, L-homoserine, citrulline, L-ornithine, D-altrose, D-allose, N-acetyl-D-mannosamine, fructose, tagatose, sucrose, D-glucose, maltose, glycerol-1-phosphate, D-sorbitol, benzoic acid, shikimic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, arbutin, succinic acid, pipecolic acid, fumaric acid, nicotinic acid, L-pyroglutamic acid, oxalic acid, glyceric acid, maleamic acid, adenine, guanosine, lauric acid, stearic acid and porphine. Comparing metabolic responses of nonprimed and haloprimed seedlings, it was clear that efficient alteration in carbohydrate metabolism, phenolics accumulation, amino acid, organic acid and nucleic acid metabolism were the key places of metabolic reprogramming for tolerating salinity. Overall, we report, for the first time, 35 contributory candidate compounds that constituted core fundamental metabolome invoking salinity tolerance in nonprimed and haloprimed blackgram. These metabolites may be targeted by biotechnologists to produce high vigour salt-tolerant transgenic blackgram via genetic engineering.

The fruits of Psidium guajava L., known as guava, are edible. The objectives of the study were to analyse the chemical composition of the skin, flesh, and pulp of two different Indian varieties of ...

The hexane soluble non-polar metabolites in pericarp and seeds of Capsicum chinense (cv. ghee smelling group), C. frutescens (cv. erect upward bird’s eye chili group and cv. upward tobasco ...

Rice, a most salt-sensitive cereal plant, adopts diverse pathways to withstand sodium chloride-induced salinity-related adversities. During the present study, attempt was made to understand the role of calcium on metabolite profile of the leaves of salt tolerant rice seedlings of variety of Nonabokra under sodium chloride induced salinity, by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-based metabolomics approach. Calcium availability in the seedlings was reduced or enhanced applying inhibitors (vanadyl sulfate, lanthanum chloride, and verapamil) or promoters of calcium influx (calcimycin also known as calcium ionophore A23187) in the sodium chloride (100 mM) supplemented growth medium. Growth medium of ten-day-old seedlings was replaced by sodium chloride supplemented hydroponic solution with promotor or inhibitors of calcium channel. Fifteen days old seedlings were harvested. It was observed that depletion of calcium availability increased the level of serotonin and gentisic acid whereas increased calcium level decreased these metabolites. It was concluded from the results that production of the signaling molecules serotonin and gentisic acids was elevated in calcium-deficient seedlings under salt stress the condition that was considered as control during the experiment. The two signaling molecules probably help this tolerant rice variety Nonabokra to withstand the salt-induced adversities.

The aroma and taste of different locally available varieties of Piper betle L. leaves vary due to their essential oil and other constituents. In this study, the essential oils were extracted from seven local varieties of P. betle L. leaves (Bangla, Bagerhati, Manikdanga, Meetha, Kalibangla, Chhaanchi and Ghanagete) with the aim to characterize the varieties on the basis of oil constituents and to study their enzyme inhibitory and cytotoxic properties. Forty five identified essential oil constituents were subjected to different multivariate statistical analyses e. g. PCA, PLS-DA (R2 = 0.40694; Q2 = 0.31199), OPLS-DA (R2X = 0.154; R2Y = 0.742; Q2 = 0.664) and sPLS-DA. The first three statistical models distinguished mainly Chhaanchi, Meetha, Manikdanga from the others. sPLS-DA model separated all the varieties. The biplot, VIP score plot and other loading plots obtained from the above mentioned models identified mainly the phenylpropanes and a few terpenes to be responsible for distinguishing the varieties chemically. The essential oils exhibited very good acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties, suggesting their potential for enhancing memory function. The essential oils also inhibited β-glucuronidase, involved in excretion of xenobiotics and other materials from the body, and showed cytotoxic properties. The study suggested potential applicability of the P. betle L. leaf essential oils in medical and cosmetic sector.

Background: Antioxidants have important role on human health as well as in food industry. Natural antioxidants are preferred to synthetic antioxidants. Objective: In this study attempt was made to explore the leaf biomass, generally wasted and burnt, as sources of important antioxidant compounds. Methods: Extracts of leaves from five plants e.g. Artocarpus heterophyllus, Haldina cordifolia, Magnolia champaca, Mimusops elengi and Syzygium cumini were analyzed for their antioxidant properties by four different systems of assays. Identification and quantification of important components were performed using GC-MS. Results: All the extracts scavenged DPPH radical, superoxide radical, and chelated metal. S. cumini showed strongest antioxidant activities in all systems of assays. Many important phenols and other metabolites were identified. Correlation between activity and metabolite profile helped to identify important antioxidant compounds in the extracts. Important phenolic antioxidants identified were catechin, epicatechin, protocatechuic acid (from S. cumini), gallic acid, myricetin (from S. cumini, M. elengi), arbutin, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (from M. elengi). Conclusion: Thus, the leaf biomass may be used as an alternative source of these important phytochemicals having antioxidant activity.

Mango fruits from different varieties vary in aroma and taste. In this study, methanol extracts of fruit pulps obtained from seven Indian varieties of Mangifera indica (Amrapali, Fazli, Golapkhas, ...

Phoenix sylvestris is an underutilized seasonal fruit in West Bengal, India. Methanol extract and extracts after alkaline hydrolysis of the mesocarp tissue of full-mature edible fruits of P. sylvestris were analyzed by GC-MS following a metabolomics approach. The fractions were tested for their antioxidant and inhibitory properties against the two key enzymes involved in diabetes, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Total 71 metabolites belonging to organic acids, amino acids, sugars, sugar alcohols, fatty acids, and phenols were identified in the methanol extract and in fractions after saponification. All the extracts and fractions showed high antioxidant, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibitory activities. Sugars like raffinose (IC50 = 0.36 μM), sucrose (IC50 = 0.51 μM), trehalose (IC50 = 0.85 μM), and phenols like taxifolin (IC50 = 0.31 μM), benzoic acid (IC50 = 2.74 μM) inhibited only the enzyme α-amylase. Phenolic components which inhibited both the enzymes were caffeic acid (IC50 = 1.42 μM for α-a...

Rationale Piper betle leaf, used as masticatory in South Asia, is also medicinally important. Objective This work was done to analyze phytochemical composition of two solvent fractions (chloroform and ethyl acetate) of the aqueous extracts obtained from eight varieties of P. betle leaves and to identify the active components against β-glucuronidase by chemometric analysis. Results Twenty-four phenolic compounds, in addition to different organic acids, fatty acids, amino acids, sugars, and polyols, were identified from the solvent fractions. The extracts inhibited the enzyme β-glucuronidase. Piceatannol was the most active constituent against the enzyme (activity 12 times higher than that of silymarin), Chlorogenic acid also inhibited β-glucuronidase (activity 4.4 times higher when compared to silymarin). 2,2'-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide free radical scavenging activities of both the fractions of eight varieties of P. betle leaf extracts showed very strong antioxidant potentiality. Conclusion The findings validated some medicinal properties of the said leaves. Practical applications Edible leaves of Piper betle are medicinally and economically important. Leaves of different local varieties are reported to be used for the treatment of different diseases. The leaves have many biological properties, hepatoprotection being one of them. A large number of rural population is economically dependent on the cultivation of betel vine. But with a rapid change in lifestyle, the chewing habit of P. betle is decreasing ultimately affecting the livelihood of farmers dependent on betel cultivation. Knowledge on β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity and the mechanism for hepatoprotection of different P. betle varieties may validate the medicinal properties of betel, which would increase consumption of these leaves.

The flower extracts of two cultivated varieties of Musa X paradisiaca viz. Kanthali and Kancha Kela were assayed against the enzymes α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, β-glucuronidase and Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme, which are related to different diseased states like diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, hepatic disorder and cardiovascular diseases, respectively. The extracts inhibited all the enzymes except α-amylase by Musa X paradisiaca cv. Kanthali. Significantly high activities were observed in both the cultivated varieties for inhibiting the enzymes β-glucuronidase and Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme with respect to the known inhibitors of such enzymes silymarin and Lisinopril, respectively. The chemical constituents present in the methanol extracts were profiled following GC-MS based metabolomics approach. Eleven organic acids, seven sugars and sugar alcohols, six fatty acids, three phenols, two amino acids and a sterol could be identified. Practical Applications The male flowers of Musa X paradisiaca are cooked as vegetable in South-East Asia. The flowers are also useful in diabetes. Enzyme inhibitors have properties to prevent or control different noninfectious diseases. So, the flower extracts of two varieties of the plant were assayed for their activities against the glycosidases, acetylcholinesterase, β-glucuronidase and Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme. The activities of the flower extracts against the enzymes suggest that they may have beneficial effects in controlling diseases.

The methanolic extract of

The methanolic extract of Cycas revoluta cone (MECR) was analyzed by GC-MS and UHPLC for metabolite profiling and was evaluated for anti-colon cancer property by using in vitro assays like Cell Viability Assay, Colony Formation Assay, ROS Determination, Flowcytometry, DAPI staining assay, Tunel assay. GC-MS and HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of different phytochemicals in the extract of Cycas revoluta cone. In-vitro studies showed MECR extract showed significant anti-colon cancer activity by reducing proliferation and inducing apoptosis in colon cancer cell (HCT-8) line, but no such activity was seen in normal colon cell (CCD-18Co) line. The investigation confirms that MECR may be a promising candidate in colon cancer protection.

Achras sapota L. fruit extracts have previously been reported to have activities against the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The present work was aimed to identify the inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase using metabolomics and chemometric approaches. Metabolite profile of Achras sapota fruit extracts at different stages of post-harvest ripening was analyzed using GC–MS-based metabolomics approach. The extracts were also assayed for their properties to inhibit the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro. The fruit extracts just after harvesting showed maximum activities against the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The activities declined with post-harvest ripening. It was observed from the chemometric analysis that gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, benzene-1,2,4-triol, and d-malic acid are responsible for high α-amylase inhibitory activity. Gallic acid and chlorogenic acid are positively correlated with high α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Inhibition of the two enzymes by gallic acid, benzene-1,2,4-triol, chlorogenic acid, and α-amylase by d-malic acid supported the findings. The present experiment reports the importance of both primary and secondary metabolites for the bioactivity of plant extracts.

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the antioxidant, anti-amylase, anti-glucosidase and antiacetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE) properties of the leafy shoots of three Indian species of Swertia e.g. Swertia chirata and its substitutes Swertia bimaculata, and Swertia decussata, their xanthones and amarogentin. Methods: Antioxidant activity of the methanolic extracts of leafy shoots was measured in terms of DPPH, superoxide and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities as well as metal chelating properties. Enzyme inhibitory properties were measured using AChE, α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. Five xanthones bellidifolin (1), swerchirin (2), decussatin (3), mangiferin (4) and 1-hydroxy-3,5,8-trimethoxy xanthone (6) and one iridoid, amarogentin (5) were isolated from Swertia chirata. The activities of the isolated components were compared. Results: Swertia chirata exhibited best antioxidant and antiAChE properties than the other two species. The plants also possessed α-glucosidase inhibitory properties but weak α-amylase inhibitory activity. Highest activities were observed in Swertia chirata. We report here, for the first time, the antioxidant, anti-AChE and anti-glycosidase activity of 1-hydroxy-3,5,8-trimethoxy xanthone. This xanthone had strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity and anti-AChE property. Conclusion: The results suggest the beneficial effects of the xanthones of Swertia chirata. But further study should be carried out to prove the efficacy in vivo.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors are used as therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension. Regular consumption of black tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Theaceae) has been reported to lower blood pressure. The aims of the present work were to compare chemical composition and angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory properties of infusion and decoction of four samples of black tea. GC/MS based metabolomics approach helped in identification of fifty-one metabolites including ten organic acids, one inorganic acid, sixteen amino acids, two sugars, five sugar alcohols, fifteen phenols and flavonoids, two fatty acids from infusions and decoctions of four black tea samples. Partial least squares discriminant analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis models showed good classification among the two groups, diffusion and infusion, based on metabolites. Both infusion and decoction inhibited the enzyme. However, the activity differed with samples. Multivariate analysis also segregated extracts on the basis of activity. Thearubigin, theaflavin, catechin inhibited the enzyme. Epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, gallic acid, caffeine showed lower activity. Keywords: Black tea, Angiotensin I-converting enzyme, Metabolites, Metabolomics

In plants, cell wall bound phenolics change in response to stress. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of NaCl induced stress on wall bound phenolics in four rice varieties, of which two (Bhutnath, Nonabokra) were salt tolerant and two (MTU 7029, Sujala) were salt sensitive. After germination, seedlings were grown in hydroponic solution and subjected to salinity stress (25 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM NaCl) on day 12. Wall bound phenolic compounds were determined by GC-MS based metabolite analysis. Total seven wall bound phenols were identified from the leaf tissues and eight from the root tissues. Ferulic acid and 4-hydroxycinnamic acid were found in all the four varieties. After NaCl treatment, these two wall bound phenols increased in the leaves of tolerant varieties only. Significant inverse correlation between leaf length and leaf fresh weight with wall bound ferulic acid and 4-hydroxycinnamic acid in Nonabokra suggests the positive role of these wall bound phenolics in salt tolerance.

Plant carotenoids are one of the most important classes of plant pigments and play a crucial role in defining the quality parameter of fruits and vegetables. They possess a large numbers of important biological activities such as antioxidant properties, anti – carcinogenic, precursor of vitamin A and preventive in a large number of chronic diseases. The objective of the present study was to characterize the carotenoids present in Phoenix sylvestris fruits and their inflorescence axis which are orange red in colour. So, in this study we isolated carotenoids from both the epicarp and the extensively large inflorescence axis by preparative TLC and also characterized some of the major components like β- carotene and lutein using HPTLC analytical techniques. The present findings suggest that the consumption of β-carotene and lutein from this fruit crop can be helpful in providing potential targets for combating vitamin A deficiency in countries where vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem

β-Glucuronidase inhibitors are suggested as potential hepatoprotective agents. Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) Buch.-Ham. ex C.B. Clarke, Gentianaceae, is known for its hepatoprotective and anti-hepatotoxic activity in Ayurvedic system of medicine for ages. This plant is substituted by other species like S. decussata Nimmo ex C.B. Clarke and S. bimaculata (Siebold & Zucc.) Hook. f. & Thomson ex C.B. Clarke. The aim of the study was to compare metabolite profile and β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity of these three important species of Swertia and to identify the active constituents. S. chirayita (IC50 210.97 μg/ml) and S. decussata (IC50 269.7 μg/ml) showed β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity significantly higher than that of silymarin, the known inhibitor of the enzyme. The activity of S. bimaculata was low. The metabolites present in the three species were analyzed by HPLC and GC-MS based metabolomics approach. Five amino acids, twenty one organic acids, one inorganic acid, eight fatty acids, twenty one phenols including xanthones, eight sugars, seven sugar alcohols, five terpenoids and amarogentin were identified. Activities of the xanthones mangiferin (IC50 16.06 μg/ml), swerchirin (IC50 162.84 μg/ml), decussatin (IC50 195.11 μg/ml), 1-hydroxy-3,5,8-trimethoxy xanthone (IC50 245.97 μg/ml), bellidifolin (IC50 390.26 μg/ml) were significantly higher than that of silymarin (IC50 794.62 μg/ml). Quinic acid (IC50 2.91 mg/ml), O-acetylsalicylic acid (IC50 48.4 mg/ml), citric acid (IC50 1.77 mg/ml), d-malic acid (IC50 14.82 mg/ml) and succinic acid (IC50 38.86 mg/ml) also inhibited the enzyme β-glucuronidase. The findings suggest that constituents, in addition to the xanthones, probably also contribute to the bioactivity of different Swertia species by synergistic effect. Further in vivo study is required to support the claim. Keywords: Swertia, β-Glucuronidase, Xanthones, Hepatoprotective

The objective of the present study was to determine the inhibitory properties of the infusions and decoctions of four samples of Indian black tea (BT) and some of the tea flavonoids, gallic acid and caffeine, in vitro, against β - glucuronidase, lipase,α -amylase and α-glucosidase. These enzymes are related to liver disorders, obesity and diabetes. The phenolic constituents and caffeine content in the BT extracts were measured quantitatively by HPLC. It was noted that both infusion and decoction of BT had β -glucuronidase inhibitory property close to that of silymarin. Epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, and gallocatechin showed higher β -glucuronidase inhibitory activity than that of BT extracts and silymarin. BT extracts also inhibited the enzyme lipase. Thearubigin, theaflavin, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin and gallocatechin showed significant lipase inhibitory properties that were superior to the drug orlistat. The tea extracts, flavonoids and gallic acid inhibited the activity of α -amylase and α-glucosidase. Theaflavin and catechin had α -amylase inhibitory activity better than that of acarbose. This in vitro study reveals that BT extract and the phenolic components may have potential benefit for controlling liver disorders, obesity and diabetes.

Identification of the genus Curcuma is poorly understood. The objective of the study is to find biomarker compound(s) in some Indian Curcuma species with the aim to identify, through metabolite profiling and chemometric approach. Total 45 terpenes, including 19 monoterpenes and 16 sesquiterpenes could be detected in the hexane extract of five species of Curcuma e.g. C. amada, C. aromatica, C. caesia, C. longa, and C. zedoaria. Based on terpene profile, dendrogram and OPLSDA separated all the five species from each other. Multivariate analysis carried out considering C. longa as one group and the other species as another group revealed that sesquiterpenes and a few monoterpenes played important role to distinguish species particularly C. longa. Ar-Curcumene, beta-sesquiphellandrene, and alpha-zingiberene were detected in only C. longa. Curzerene, isoborneol, germacrene D could not be detected from C. longa and C. amada. C. caesia is characterized by the presence of delta-cadinene.

Introduction.AngiotensinI-ConvertingEnzyme(ACE)isakeycomponentinregulationofblood pressure by virtue of the rennin-angiotensin system. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the potent vasopressor octapeptide, angiotensin II, and inactivates bradykinin, which has a vasodilating action. So, inhibition of ACE has become a major target in control of hypertension. It is well known that the consumption of fruits could provide health benefits by lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our current study was focused on investigating the ACE inhibitory property of a few underutilized minor fruits of West Bengal using an in vitro assay. Materials and methods. The potential antihypertensive activity of underutilized indigenous edible fruits of West Bengal, India, was evaluated by their ability to inhibit Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE). The ACE inhibitory property was assayed using ACE from rabbit lung and hippuryl-histidyl-leucine as the substrate. Nineteen fruit species belonging to 15 families were investigated. The percentage ACE inhibitory activities of these fruits were studied at 20 µg fresh weight of fruit extract per mL. The total phenol content of all these fruits was determined following the standard Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was also measured. Results. The aqueous fruit extracts of the red variety of Trapa bispinosa, Phoenix sylvestris, Cicca acida, Achras sapota and Averrhoa carambola presented more than 75% ACE inhibition. On the other hand, Punicagranatum, Spondiaspinnata, Trapabispinosa (green) and Ziziphusmauritianashowed about 50% inhibition. Aegle marmelos, Annona squamosa, Annona reticulata, Feronia elephantum, Physalis peruvianaandSyzygiumjambosshowedlowactivity(< 50%inhibition).Discussions.Todatetherehasbeen no report on Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme inhibitory activities of these underutilized minor fruits of West Bengal, India. During our study no correlation could be established between the % ACE inhibition and the total phenol or flavonoid content of these fruit extracts. So, it appears that non-phenolic components may also be responsible for ACE inhibitory activity. In our investigation we tried to establish the fact that the consumption of these underutilized minor fruits might have potential in managing cardiovascular diseases.

In human body, several categories of degenerative processes are largely determined by free radicals originating in cell. Free radicals are also known to have correlated with a variety of cognitive disorders (CDs) resulting in neuronal injury and eventually to death. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are such kind of killer CDs that occur due to dysfunction of cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons. Plant parts of Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri etc. are being used for the treatment of cognitive disorders in several countries. The present study was aimed to explore the detailed antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activity of Acaciacatechu leaf (ACL) over CDs. Gas chromatography-Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) were employed to identify the bioactive components present in ACL. Furthermore, the extract was evaluated to check the cytotoxic effects of ACL on normal cells. Amongst several antioxidant assays, DPPH assay, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide radical and hypochlorous acid inhibitory activities were found to be greater in ACL than that of the respective standards while other assays exhibited a moderate or at per inhibitory activity with standards. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were also found to be present in decent amount. In addition, we found, a greater acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity of ACL when compared to other medicinally important plants, indicating its positive effect over CDs. Forty one bioactive components were explored through GC-MS. Of these, gallic acid, epicatechin, catechin, isoquercitrin etc. were found, which are potent antioxidant and a few of them have anti-neurodegenerative properties. Eventually, ACL was found to be nontoxic and safer to consume. Further studies with animal or human model however, would determine its efficacy as a potential anti-schizophrenic drug.

In India, many flowers are consumed as food. During the present study, 37 flowers have been analyzed for their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity. The flowers were found to have different levels of antioxidant properties in the systems tested. On the basis of the activity and availability, a few flowers were further studied for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation prevention, and DNA damage prevention properties. The correlations suggest that the total phenol contents of the flowers were responsible for the antioxidant properties of the aqueous extracts. The unweighted-pair group average dendrogram showing interrelationships between the investigated species grouped them into two high level clusters based on activity.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory properties of grains of some red and white varieties of rice from India.Design/methodology/approach – Methanolic extracts of different rice varieties were analyzed for their α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory properties. Total phenol and total anthocyanin contents were measured.Findings – The white varieties of rice grains showed weak α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity and no α‐amylase inhibitory activity. The red varieties of rice grains showed good α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activities. The activities in these red varieties of rice, as determined by the IC50 values, were found to be correlated to total anthocyanin content. α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, the anthocyanin reported from rice grains was studied. But the IC50 values of different red varieties of rice were much less than that of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside indicating higher activity of red rice grain extracts than ...

Aqueous extracts of different seasonal as well as less popular but edible indigenous fruits of West Bengal, India were studied for their α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory properties. Of the 22 different species of fruits, sixteen fruits inhibited both the carbohydrate digesting enzymes. Concentrations of the extracts are presented as fresh weight of fruit used to make extract / ml. Very high α-amylase (IC50 value = 5.0 μg/ml) and α-glucosidase (IC50 value = 9.0 μg/ml) inhibitory activity was shown by extracts of Phoenix sylvestris. Achras sapota also showed high α-amylase (IC50 value = 53.0 μg/ml) and α-glucosidase (IC50 value = 56.0 μg/ml) inhibitory activities. During the present study, no correlation could be established between total phenol / flavonoid content and α-amylase / α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Unweighted pair-group average (UPGA) dendrogram showing interrelationships between the investigated species shows that the fruits can be grouped into two high level clusters. The cluster I brought together Borassus flabellifer and Physalis peruviana having very low α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The cluster II included fruits with moderate to high α- glucosidase inhibitory activity.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the antioxidant properties and phenol content of methanolic extracts of six white varieties and six purple/brown varieties of Indian rice and to find some relationship between the antioxidant properties, phenolic content in the varieties analyzed.Design/methodology/approachMethanolic extracts of different rice varieties were analyzed for their superoxide radical scavenging activity, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity, reducing power and ferrous ion chelating properties. The extracts were analyzed for determination of total phenol content, anthocyanin content, oryzanol content. Phenolic acids were determined by HPLC.FindingsAll the rice varieties (white and purple/brown) showed activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Free phenolic acids, e.g. protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, p‐coumaric acid (PCA), ferulic acid and sinapic acid and the phenolic aldehyde vanillin could be detected in all the rice samples analyzed. No relationship could be established between activity and metabolite content. Principal component analysis and classification shows that superoxide radical scavenging activity, total phenolic acid, protocatechuic acid and ferulic acid are the components to differentiate the varieties from each other.Originality/valueLittle work has been done on the antioxidant activity of white rice. The authors report superoxide radical scavenging activity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, reducing power and ferrous ion chelating properties and phenolic contents of six white varieties and six purple/brown varieties of Indian rice. Free phenolic acids like protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, PCA, ferulic acid and sinapic acid are reported from all the 12 varieties of rice.

Seedlings of Trigonella foenum-graecum were treated with four heavy metal salts (CdCl2, CoCl2, K2Cr2O7 and NiCl2) to study the effect of heavy metals on growth and diosgenin production. It was found that CdCl2 increased diosgenin production up to 40-fold and CoCl2 increased diosgenin production up to 41-fold at concentrations which did not affect growth significantly. But K2Cr2O7 and NiCl2 were toxic to growth and inhibited diosgenin production. Effect of exogenously applied methyl jasmonate (MeJa) and calcium (Ca2+) on diosgenin production in seedlings of T. foenum-graecum was also investigated. MeJa enhanced the production of diosgenin. Maximum increase (10.5-fold) was found at 100 µL L−l concentration of MeJa. To study the role of Ca2+ on diosgenin production, seedlings of T. foenum-graecum were treated with a promoter of Ca2+ influx (calcium ionophore A23187), calcium depleted medium, Ca2+ channel blocker (verapamil) and antagonist (LaCl3), a divalent cation chelator (EGTA) and modulator of calcium release (caffeine). All the treatments were compared with a control containing 220 mg L−l concentration of CaCl2. The results suggest that the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ has an inhibitory role on diosgenin production. However, a calcium chelator or Ca2+ channel inhibitors could be used to elicit diosgenin production in this plant.

Eleven edible leafy vegetables of India have been analysed for their free radical-scavenging activity in different systems of assay, e.g. DPPH radical-scavenging activity, superoxide radical-scavenging activity in riboflavin/light/NBT system, hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation induced by FeSO4 in egg yolk. Total antioxidant activity was measured, based on the reduction of Mo(VI) to Mo(V) by the extract and subsequent formation of green phosphate/Mo(V) complex at acid pH. The extracts were found to have different levels of antioxidant properties in the systems tested. Considering all the activities, it can be said that Ipomoea reptans has good activity amongst the eleven plant materials screened for their antioxidant properties. Lowest activity was found in Nyctanthes arbortristis. Many flavonoids and related polyphenols contribute significantly to the total antioxidant activity of many fruits and vegetables. However, there was no correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenol/flavonoid content.

Food rich in antioxidants plays an essential role in the prevention of diseases. The fruits of wild Indian Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae), also known as black plum, are edible. Traditionally they are also used to cure a number of ailments. In this paper, the antioxidant activity of the fruit skin has been analysed using different assays, such as hydroxyl radical-scavenging assay, based on the benzoic acid hydroxylation method, superoxide radical-scavenging assay, based on photochemical reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) in the presence of a riboflavin-light-NBT system, DPPH radical-scavenging assay, and lipid peroxidation assay, using egg yolk as the lipid-rich source. Total antioxidant capacity was determined by the assay based on the reduction of Mo(VI)–Mo(V) by the extract and subsequent formation of a green phosphate/Mo(V) complex. In all the systems, a significant correlation existed between concentration of the extract and percentage inhibition of free radicals or percentage inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The antioxidant property of the fruit skin may come in part from the antioxidant vitamins, phenolics or tannins and anthocyanins present in the fruit.

Piper betle leaves are used as masticatory in Asian countries. In the present study, antioxidant activities of aqueous extracts of three local varieties of P. betle leaves were evaluated by several in vitro systems, e.g. DPPH radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity in a riboflavin/light/NBT system, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation induced by FeSO 4 in egg yolk. Total antioxidant activity was measured by the reduction of Mo(VI) to Mo(V), by the extract, and subsequent formation of a green phosphate/Mo(V) complex at acid pH. The extracts were found to have different levels of antioxidant activity in the systems tested. The data indicate that the antioxidant activities differed in varieties. The antioxidant activities of the three varieties are in the order Kauri > Ghanagete > Bagerhati. All three varieties of P. betle have more potential to prevent lipid peroxidation than does tea. Total antioxidant capacity (equivalent to gallic acid) of Kauri is also higher than tea. Total phenolic concentration, expressed as gallic acid equivalents showed correlation with the antioxidant activity, being highest in Kauri and lowest in Bagerhati.

To study the effect of ethylene on growth, diosgenin production and activities of the two antioxidant enzymes catalase and peroxidase, the seedlings of Trigonella foenum-graecum were treated with different concentrations of ethephon (as ethylene generating agent). The fresh weight and the length of seedlings decreased significantly and the dry weight of seedlings increased with increase in concentration of ethephon. At 100 mg/l concentration of ethephon, enzyme activities and diosgenin content decreased significantly. Subsequently, enzyme activities and diosgenin content increased with increase in concentration of ethephon. But diosgenin content did not increase over that of the control. The results suggest that although there is a relation between ethephon concentration, ethephon-induced catalase and peroxidase activities and diosgenin content, ethylene is not required for induction of diosgenin content in T. foenum-graecum seedlings.

A GC-MS based analytical approach was undertaken to understand the metabolomic responses of seedlings of 2 salt sensitive (Sujala and MTU 7029) and 2 tolerant varieties (Bhutnath, and Nonabokra) of indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) to NaCl induced stress. The 4 varieties responded differently to NaCl treatment with respect to the conserved primary metabolites (sugars, polyols, amino acids, organic acids and certain purine derivatives) of the leaf of rice seedlings. However, there were significant differences in salt induced production of chorismic acid derivatives. Serotonin level was increased in both the salt tolerant varieties in response to NaCl induced stress. In both the salt tolerant varieties, increased production of the signaling molecule gentisic acid in response to NaCl treatment was noticed. Salt tolerant varieties also produced increased level of ferulic acid and vanillic acid. In the salt sensitive varieties, cinnamic acid derivatives, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (in Sujala) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (in MTU 7029), were elevated in the leaves. So increased production of the 2 signaling molecules serotonin and gentisic acid may be considered as 2 important biomarker compounds produced in tolerant varieties contributing toward NaCl tolerance.

The aim of the present work was to analyze metabolic diversity in 26 different indica varieties of rice grains. Seventy-six metabolites could be identified in the methanol extracts of each of the rice varieties analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. These metabolites included 9 sugars/sugar alcohols, 17 amino acids/derivatives, 18 fatty acids, 5 free phenolic acids and 19 other organic acids, 3 phytosterols, 5 other constituents. Cluster analyses to extract information for similarity and differences in metabolites unveiled diversity in metabolite profile. Two hierarchical clusters were generated based on the metabolite contents of the rice varieties. The first cluster (cluster I) consisted of one variety only. The second cluster again segregated into four clusters (clusters II, III, IV and V). Very distinct differences were visible amongst the clusters with respect to their sugars/sugar alcohols, organic acid, amino acid and fatty acid, phenol, and sterol profiles. Metabolites determine nutritional quality, taste, aroma. This and future efforts on the metabolomic information would help biochemists and nutritionists to better understand the nutritional quality of such grains at varietal level and correlating metabolites and long term human health related issues.

Background Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult. & Schult. F. (Family: Asparagaceae) rhizome has been claimed to possess antidiabetic activity in the ethno-medicinal literature in India. Therefore, present experiments were carried out to explore the protective role of edible (aqueous) extract of S. roxburghiana rhizome (SR) against experimentally induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated cardiomyopathy in Wistar rats. Methods SR was chemically characterized by GC-MS analysis. Antidiabetic activity of SR (50 and 100 mg/kg, orally) was measured in high fat diets (ad libitum) + low-single dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) induced type 2 diabetic (T2D) rat. Fasting blood glucose level was measured at specific intermissions. Serum biochemical and inflammatory markers were estimated after sacrificing the animals. Besides, myocardial redox status, expressions of signal proteins (NF-κB and PKCs), histological and ultrastructural studies of heart were performed in the controls and SR treated T2D rats. Results Phytochemical screening of the crude extract revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, sugar alcohols, sterols, amino acids, saturated fatty acids within SR. T2D rats exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) higher fasting blood glucose level with respect to control. Alteration in serum lipid profile (p < 0.01) and increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.01) and creatine kinase (p < 0.01) in the sera revealed the occurrence of hyperlipidemia and cell destruction in T2D rats. T2DM caused significant (p < 0.05–0.01) alteration in the biochemical markers in the sera. T2DM altered the redox status (p < 0.05–0.01), decreased (p < 0.01) the intracellular NAD and ATP concentrations in the myocardial tissues of experimental rats. While investigating the molecular mechanism, activation PKC isoforms was observed in the selected tissues. T2D rats also exhibited an up-regulation in nuclear NF-κB (p65) in the cardiac tissues. So, oral administration of SR (50 and 500 mg/kg) could reduce hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, membrane disintegration, oxidative stress, vascular inflammation and prevented the activation of oxidative stress induced signaling cascades leading to cell death. Histological and ultra-structural studies of cardiac tissues supported the protective characteristics of SR. Conclusions From the present findings it can be concluded that, SR could offer protection against T2DM and its associated cardio-toxicity via multiple mechanisms viz. hypoglycemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Phyllanthus amarus (Euphorbiaceae), an Ayurvedic plant is used in many problems of stomach, genito-urinary system, liver and kidney. The plant is often admixed with different small herbs and also with medicinally less important related species. An attempt has been made to distinguish the plant from other herbs on the basis of macromorphology, micromorphology, histochemical study and physical pharmacognostic study.

Dioscorea floribunda cells aggregates were cultured in liquid modified MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2 mg/l) and kinetine (0.1 mg/l). The cells were treated with different concentrations of ethylene-generating-agent 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (2-CEPA). 2-CEPA at concentrations of 50 mg/l, 100 mg/l elicited production of diosgenin. The level of diosgenin increased to 72-fold higher than those of non-treated cells with 100 mg/l of 2-CEPA.

Regeneration of adventitious shoots from young leaves of Datura metel is described. Shoot buds developed on MS medium with 2 mg/l and elongated on hormone-free solid basal medium. The microshoots failed to produce alkaloids, but a number of steroidal compounds were detected. The C(28) sterol 3beta,24xi-dihydroxy-ergosta-5,25-dienolide, regarded as the precursor of withanolides and related steroidal lactones, was identified. The withanolide 12-deoxywithastramonolide was also detected.