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One new phenylpropanoid glycoside, myxosmoside I (1) and six known compounds, arenarioside (2), verbacoside (3), 3-formylindole (4), 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5), D-manitol (6), and glycerol monooleate (7) were isolated from the roots of Myxopyrum smilacifolium (Wall.) Blume. Their chemical structures were determined by 1D-, 2D-NMR, and mass spectra, chemical methods, and compared with those reported in the literature. All compounds were evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory effect. Among them, phenylpropanoid glycosides 1-3 significantly inhibited α-glucosidase activity with IC50 values of 30.0 ± 0.9, 66.6 ± 2.3, and 36.9 ± 2.0 µM, respectively.

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai is a deciduous shrub that belongs to Oleaceae Abeliophyllum and grows only in Korea. In this study, the antioxidative activity, cytotoxicity, anti-aging activity, and levels of acteoside and isoacteoside were compared between non-fermented and fermented (using Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis) extracts of A. distichum Nakai. The cytotoxicity of these extracts, along with their ability to inhibit elastase activity and Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression, and their ability to promote type I procollagen synthesis were investigated in human dermal fibroblasts cells. These tests revealed that the fermented extract possessed higher antioxidant and anti-aging activities compared with the non-fermented extract. The levels of acteoside and isoacteoside were about 1.25 and 1.05 times higher in the fermented extract than in the non-fermented extract. It was speculated that they were converted from acteoside glucosides and isoacteoside glucosides via bioconversion by the fermentation strains. Together, these findings indicate that extracts of A. distichum Nakai show good potential as antioxidative and anti-aging cosmetic materials. Key words: Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, fermentation, antioxidative activity, anti-aging activity.

Background Osmanthus fragrans is an important economical plant containing multiple secondary metabolites including flavonoids and anthocyanins. During the past years, the roles of miRNAs in regulating the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plants have been widely investigated. However, few studies on miRNA expression profiles and the potential roles in regulating flavonoid biosynthesis have been reported in O. fragrans. Results In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the expression profiles of miRNAs in leaf and flower tissues of O. fragrans. As a result, 106 conserved miRNAs distributed in 47 families and 88 novel miRNAs were identified. Further analysis showed there were 133 miRNAs differentially expressed in leaves and flowers. Additionally, the potential target genes of miRNAs as well as the related metabolic pathways were predicted. In the end, flavonoid content was measured in flower and leaf tissues and potential role of miR858 in regulating flavonoid synthesis was illustrated in O. fragrans. Conclusions This study not only provided the genome-wide miRNA profiles in the flower and leaf tissue of O. fragrans, but also investigated the potential regulatory role of miR858a in flavonoid synthesis in O. fragrans. The results specifically indicated the connection of miRNAs to the regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis in non-model economical plant.

The fruits of Ligustrum lucidum were used as an efficient biological reducer of carbonyl compounds, and trials were carried out to optimise the reductive process using acetophenone as the model substrate. In order to try to eliminate the dependence on the seasonal production of the fruits, a study was carried out to find ways to conserve them. The results reported here show that it is possible to store the dehydrated fruits of glossy privet at room temperature over a prolonged period of time, during which time they can be used as a common chemical reagent. On the other hand, studies performed on different parts of the fruits established that the seeds are responsible for the bioreduction process, with the best reduction conditions found being isolated seeds from the fruits of glossy privet at 25 °C, in a 100 mM phosphate buffer pH 6.0, using 0.67% w/v of DMSO as co-solvent with an acetophenone charge of 2.67 g/L (22 mM). Moreover, seed reuse studies showed that it is possible to recycle them, providing almost the same activity and enantioselectivity from the first to the fifth cycle, without any loss of biocatalytic properties. Finally, using whole seeds of glossy privet in optimal reaction conditions, important alcohols useful as key intermediates in the synthesis of industrial products were obtained on a laboratory scale through the reduction of specially selected ketones and aldehydes.

The olive tree is a member of the Oleaceae family (Olea europaea). Olea europaea is commonly known as Zaitoon. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and other Mediterranean nations cultivated olives for its edible fruits and to obtain oil from them. Leaves of the tree became important when olive leaf extract was reported to be potent in reducing incidence of degenerative diseases, particularly coronary heart disease (CHD) and cancers of the breast, skin, and colon. Olive leaves have the highest antioxidant power among the different parts of the olive tree. While in olive fruit, phenols (e.g. TYR) and terpenoid hydrocarbon (squalene) are the major components found in the oil. Much research has been carried out on the medical applications of olive. The choice of the plant was based on the good previous biological study of Olea europaea. Interest to choose this plant, may have been due to the widespread use of olive species medicinally, food industry and cosmetics.

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai is a Korean endemic plant of the Oleaceae family that contains acteoside, a glycosylated caffeic acid, with neuroprotective, anti‑inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Previous studies, involving Accelerated Chromatographic Isolation, a high‑performance liquid chromatography‑photodiode array detector and a liquid chromatograph‑mass selective detector, isolated and identified acteoside in A. distichum (AAD) and documented its antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory activities. The aim of the present study was to determine whether AAD could protect from DNA damage by reducing oxidative stress. AAD treatment protected plasmid DNA against damage to DNA double‑strands induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased the levels of phosphorylated p53 and γ‑H2AX in ROS‑treated NIH 3T3 cells. These findings suggested that AAD could reduce ROS‑mediated cellular damage and may represent an effective, natural antioxidant with the ability to protect genetic material.

Malaria is a major global public health problem caused by Plasmodium parasites. Drug resistance is becoming a great challenge. New drugs with novel mechanism of action are urgently required. In malarious countries, medicinal plants are commonly used for malaria treatment. Olea europaea is traditionally used against malaria in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to isolate and evaluate antimalarial activity of chemical constituents extracted from Olea europaea against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Stem bark of Olea europaea was extracted with 80% methanol and fractionated with three solvents. The butanol fraction was subjected to isolation with preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC). Acute oral toxicity studies were conducted in mice as per the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline 425. Antimalarial activities of the test substances were evaluated using Peter’s 4-day suppressive test. The crude extract showed significant (p<0.01) antiplasmodial activity at all doses with a chemosuppression value of 52.40% at a dose of 600 mg/kg. All fractions also suppressed parasitaemia significantly (p<0.05), the highest suppression (45.42%) being with butanol fraction. In the phytochemical analysis, two compounds were isolated. Both compounds showed significant (p<0.05) antimalarial activities. Compound C inhibited parasitaemia up to 38.19% at a dose of 200 mg/kg. The crude extract, butanol fraction, and isolated compounds also prolonged survival time of mice. No sign of toxicity and mortality was seen in the test substances at up to a single dose of 2 g/kg. Findings of the current study may confirm the traditional antimalarial claim of Olea europaea and its relative safety as well as the potentiality of compound C for further investigations.

Background: Olive tree (Olea europaea, Oleaceae) leaves have been widely used in traditional herbal medicine to prevent and treat various diseases especially in Mediterranean countries. They contain several potentially bioactive compounds that may have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Summary: The literature has recently been attempting to define the relationship between olive leaf (Olea europaea L. folium) polyphenols and a number of health problems. Oleuropein, the basic phenolic compound of olive leaf and its extract, is responsible for the characteristic bitter taste and unique aroma of olive fruits. Furthermore, it is shown that oleuropein and its hydrolyzed products have many beneficial effects on human health because of its antioxidant characters. A number of studies report that olive leaf has potentially positive effects on the parameters related to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases by various mechanisms. Besides, toxicity studies suggest that olive leaf is generally safe even at high doses. Key messages: Although current results obtained until today seem promising, the studies in this subject are usually on cell culture and animal trials. Moreover, mostly the extract forms of olive leaves are used in the studies. More randomized controlled human clinical trials with extensive toxicity studies are needed to evaluate potential health effects and safety.

Six new iridoid glycosides, myxosmosides A-F (1-6) were isolated from the roots of Myxopyrum smilacifolium (Wall.) Blume. Their chemical structures were determined using, 1D-, 2D-NMR, and mass spectra and chemical methods.

Carotenoids and phenylpropanoids play a dual role of limiting and countering photooxidative stress. We hypothesize that their “antioxidant” function is prominent in plants exposed to summer drought, when climatic conditions exacerbate the light stress. To test this, we conducted a field study on Phillyrea latifolia, a Mediterranean evergreen shrub, carrying out daily physiological and biochemical analyses in spring and summer. We also investigated the functional role of the major phenylpropanoids in different leaf tissues. Summer leaves underwent the most severe drought stress concomitantly with a reduction in radiation use efficiency upon being exposed to intense photooxidative stress, particularly during the central hours of the day. In parallel, a significant daily variation in both carotenoids and phenylpropanoids was observed. Our data suggest that the morning-to-midday increase in zeaxanthin derived from the hydroxylation of ß-carotene to sustain non-photochemical quenching and limit lipid peroxidation in thylakoid membranes. We observed substantial spring-to-summer and morning-to-midday increases in quercetin and luteolin derivatives, mostly in the leaf mesophyll. These findings highlight their importance as antioxidants, countering the drought-induced photooxidative stress. We concluded that seasonal and daily changes in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic pigments may allow P. latifolia leaves to avoid irreversible photodamage and to cope successfully with the Mediterranean harsh climate.

WRKY transcription factors, one of the largest transcription factor families, play important roles in regulating the synthesis of secondary metabolites. In sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), the monoterpenes have been demonstrated as the most important volatile compounds, and the W-box, which is the cognate binding site of WRKY transcription factors, could be identified in most of the terpene-synthesis-related genes’ promoters. However, the role of the WRKY family in terpene synthesis in sweet osmanthus has rarely been examined. In this study, 154 WRKY genes with conserved WRKY domain were identified and classified into three groups. The group II was further divided into five subgroups, and almost all members of IId contained a plant zinc cluster domain. Eight OfWRKYs (OfWRKY7/19/36/38/42/84/95/139) were screened from 20 OfWRKYs for their flower-specific expression patterns in different tissues. Simultaneously, the expression patterns of OfWRKYs and emission patterns of volatile compounds during the flowering process were determined and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results showed that monoterpenes, such as linalool and ocimene, accounted for the highest proportion, contributing to the floral scent of sweet osmanthus in two cultivars. In addition, correlation analysis revealed the expression patterns of OfWRKYs (OfWRKY7/19/36/139) were each correlated with distinct monoterpenes (linalool, linalool derivatives, ocimene and ocimene derivatives). Subcellular localization analysis showed that p35S::GFP–OfWRKY7/38/95/139 were localized in the nucleus and OfWRKY139 had very strong transactivation activity. Collectively, the results indicated potential roles of OfWRKY139 and OfWRKYs with plant zinc cluster domain in regulating synthesis of aromatic compounds in sweet osmanthus, laying the foundation for use of OfWRKYs to improve the aroma of ornamental plants.

Rationale Floral volatiles are commonly present only at trace amounts and can be degraded or lost during vapor collection, which is often challenging from the analytical standpoint. Osmanthus fragrans Lour. is a widely cultivated plant known for the highly distinct fragrance of its flowers. The identification of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and molecular differentiation of O. fragrans without any chemical pretreatment and VOC collection are important. Methods Twenty-eight VOCs released by the flowers from ten different cultivars of O. fragrans were identified using neutral desorption extractive atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (ND-EAPCI-MS) without any chemical pretreatment or VOC collection. Chemical identification was performed by high-resolution MSn analysis and whenever possible was confirmed by the analysis of standards. Results According to our literature search, nine of the identified VOCs, 3-buten-2-one, cyclohexadiene, 2-methylfuran, 3-allylcyclohexene, cuminyl alcohol, hotrienol oxide, epoxy-linalool oxide, N-(2-hydroxyethyl) octanamide, and 3-hydroxy-dihydro-β-ionone, have not been reported in O. fragrans in earlier studies. Confident differentiation between ten different cultivars of O. fragrans was achieved by the principal component analysis of the mass spectrometric results. Conclusions The results of our ND-EAPCI-MS analysis substantially increase our knowledge about the chemistry of the O. fragrans floral fragrance and demonstrate the power of this technique for direct molecular profiling for plant recognition or in biotechnological applications.

Olive (Olea europaea Linn., Fam. Oleaceae) is commonly known as Zaytoon in Mediterranean region. Its fruits and oil are essential components of Mediterranean diets. Olive tree is a prevalent plant species and one of the important cultivated crops of Mediterranean region. Oleuropein is a phenolic constituents of olive, which, along with its related compounds, has been indicated to be majorly responsible for its beneficial effects. Oleuropein is a secoiridoid type of phenolic compound and consists of three structural subunits: hydroxytyrosol, elenolic acid, and a glucose molecule. It is also reported to be the chemotaxonomic marker of olive. The oleuropein is reported to possess a number of biological activities including action against dyslipidemia, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiatherogenic, antihypertensive, antiinflammatory, and hepatoprotective actions. The scientific evidence supports the role of oleuropein as a potential agent against metabolic syndrome. The present review discusses chemistry of oleuropein along with potential role of oleuropein with reference to pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome.

This study of selected fruits of the Oleaceae and Solanaceae families quantified the contents of free and bound phenolics (FP and BP) and their in vitro antioxidant activity and inhibitory potential towards enzymes relevant for hypertension and hyperglycemia management. For all the fruits considered, FP extracted at 30 °C (FP-30 °C) were the predominant fraction of the total phenolics and had higher antioxidant activities. The highest inhibition (100%) towards angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), α-amylase and α-glucosidase was obtained respectively with extracts from tomato (FP-30 °C extract) and red pickled olive (BP-acid extract), red hot pepper (BP-base extract), and green and red pickled olives and yellow sweet pepper (BP-base extracts). Significant positive correlations existed between ACE inhibitory activity and total phenolics for Solanaceae fruits, and between the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of phenolics from olives, tomato and yellow sweet pepper. Distinct phenolic profiles were evidenced for each fruit, with p-coumaric acid detected in appreciable amounts in BP extracts from all fruits.

A specific HPLC-MS/MS (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with tandem Mass Spectrometry) method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of several monosaccharides in three kinds Osmanthus fragrans Lour. After extraction, separation, protein removal, pigment removal and hydrolysis, monosaccharides was finally obtained from Osmanthus fragrans Lour. Positive ion mode detection and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode were used for quantitative analysis by PMP pre-column derivatization and Electrospray Ionization (ESI). Analysis and content determination of 6 monosaccharide components in 3 kinds of Osmanthus fragrans Lour. The HPLC separation was achieved on a Shim-pack VP-ODS6022748 (150 L × 2.0) with gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.2 ml/min in a run time of 40 min, and the mobile phase was acetonitrile-5 mmol/L ammonium acetate. PMP derivatization in HPLC-MS/MS can accurately measure Osmanthus fragrans Lour. mannose (Man), ribose (Rib), rhamnose (Rha), galacturonic acid (Gal UA), glucose (Glu), galactose (Gal), xylose (Xyl), fucose (Fuc). The results showed that HPLC-MS/MS pre-column derivatization method was simple and rapid, with small measurement error, but high sensitivity and good repeatability. The analysis of monosaccharide components in polysaccharide components has important practical significance.

As noteworthy members of the terpenoid family, iridoids are a group of natural compounds that have a cyclopentane ring and hemiacetal structural features. Among them, phenylpropionyl iridoids- widely present in Bignoniaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Verbenaceae, and Oleaceae- were discovered and extracted from plants mainly between the 1980s and 2000s. Because of their unique structural features and complex stereo configurations, these compounds exhibit numerous desirable biological activities such as neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumour activities; they have received increasing interest recently. This review summarises progress in research on phenylpropionyl iridoids, including their occurrence and biological activities.

Triterpenoids, as an important family of plant secondary metabolites, have important biological activities associated with health and disease prevention. In this work, we proposed a HPLC-MS method for profiling multiple groups of triterpenoid acids and triterpenoid esters differing only in one position of the hydroxyl or methyl group in O. fragrans fruits. A total of thirty-one compounds were identified, and twenty-seven components were discovered in O. fragrans fruits for the first time. The HPLC-MS profiling method was applied in the analysis of the triterpenoids of O. fragrans flowers, and the time courses of triterpenoids of O. fragrans fruits.

Summary • The differential accumulation of various polyphenols, particularly of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamates, was studied in leaves of Ligustrum vulgare exposed to increasing sunlight under well watered or drought-stress conditions. • Light- and drought-induced changes in leaf polyphenol concentrations were normalized to the CO2 assimilation rate. The functional roles of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamates were analysed through tissue localization using multispectral fluorescence microimaging, and through efficiencies to scavenge superoxide radicals (O2−) and to screen UV wavelengths. • Clear effects of light and water treatments on leaf polyphenol concentrations were not observed, as the CO2 assimilation rate varied according to sunlight and water availability. However, biosynthesis of quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, luteolin 7-O-glucoside and echinacoside, which were efficient O2− scavengers, increased sharply in response to solar radiation. By contrast, carbon for the synthesis of p-coumaric acid and monohydroxyflavones, efficient UV screeners but poor O2− scavengers, did not vary depending on light treatments. Flavonoids accumulated in both the adaxial epidermis and the palisade tissue because of sunlight irradiance, whereas echinacoside occurred largely in abaxial tissues. • We hypothesize that flavonoids may serve antioxidant functions in response to excess light and drought stress, and that a coordinate control system between hydroxycinnamate and flavonoid pathways operated in L. vulgare exposed to excess light.

Experiments were conducted on Phillyrea latifolia plants grown under a dense overstorey of Pinus pinea (shade plants) or on seashore dunes (sun plants) in a coastal area of Tuscany (42° 46′ N, 10° 53′ E). Total integrated photon flux densities averaged 1.67 and 61.4 m mol m−2 d−1 for shade and sun sites, respectively. A leaf morphological–structural analysis, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenylpropanoids of leaf tissue and leaf surface, and a histochemical localization of flavonoids were conducted. The area of sun leaves reached 57% of that of shade leaves, whereas leaf angle (β), sclerophylly index (ratio of leaf d. wt:leaf area), and trichome frequency (trichome number mm−2 ) were markedly greater in leaves exposed to full solar radiation than in leaves acclimated to shade. The total thickness of sun leaves was 78% higher than that of shade leaves, mostly owing to a greater development of both palisade parenchyma and spongy mesophyll. The concentration, but not the composition, of leaf tissue phenylpropanoids varied significantly between sun and shade leaves, with a marked increase in flavonoid glycosides in sun leaves. Flavonoids occurred almost exclusively in the upper epidermal cells of shade leaves. By contrast, flavonoids largely accumulated in the upper and lower epidermis, as well as in the mesophyll tissue of leaves that were acclimated to full sunlight. Flavonoid glycosides were found exclusively in the secretory products of glandular trichomes of P. latifolia leaves exposed to high levels of light; luteolin 7-O- glucoside and quercetin 3-O-rutinoside were the major constituents. By contrast, verbascoside and an unidentified caffeic acid derivative constituted 72% of total phenylpropanoids secreted by glandular trichomes of shade leaves, whereas they were not detected in glandular trichomes of sun leaves. These findings suggest that the light-induced synthesis of flavonoids in glandular trichomes of P. latifolia probably occurs in situ and concomitantly inactivates other branch pathways of the general phenylpropanoid metabolism. This is the first report of the key role of glandular trichomes and of flavonoid glycosides in the integrated mechanisms of acclimation of P. latifolia to excess light.

summary Young ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior L.) growing in the field were exposed to episodes of 150 nl 1−1 ozone, or to clean air, in open-top chambers at the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, UK, May–October, 1992–1994. The episodes were for 8 h daily and for 1–4 d in succession, with seasonal totals of 24–27 d. A nondestructive method for estimating whole-tree leaf area was developed in 1992 and used to monitor leaf area, leaf number and leaf size in 1993 and 1994. Stomatal density and leaf abscission were also studied. No effects of exposure to ozone on leaf area and leaf number were detected. In 1994 there were consistent trends towards greater mean leaf size and higher stomatal density in trees exposed to ozone, but these effects were not significant at the 95% confidence level. Leaf abscission was slower in trees exposed to ozone in 1992 and 1994, but not in 1993 when there were fewer exposure days late in the season.

Forsythia fruit (Forsythia suspensa Vahl (Oleaceae)) is a common component of Kampo medicines for treating the common cold, influenza, and allergies. The main polyphenolic compounds in the leaves of F. suspensa are pinoresinol β-d-glucoside, phillyrin and forsythiaside, and their levels are higher in the leaves of the plant than in the fruit. It is known that polyphenolic compounds stimulate lipid catabolism in the liver and suppress dyslipidemia, thereby attenuating diet-induced obesity and polyphenolic anti-oxidants might attenuate obesity in animals consuming high-fat diets. Recently, phillyrin was reported as a novel cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor derived from forsythia fruit. It was expected that the leaves of F. suspensa might display anti-obesity effects and serve as a health food material. In this review, we summarized our studies on the biological effects of forsythia leaves containing phillyrin and other polyphenolic compounds, particularly against obesity, atopic dermatitis, and influenza A virus infection, and its potential as a phytoestrogen.

The spittlebugs Philaenus spumarius and Neophilaenus campestris (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) are xylem-feeder insects that have been identified as vectors of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe. In the present study, we aim to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may act as semiochemicals for these species. Using the dynamic headspace technique, we collected VOCs from Olea europaea L. and Polygala myrtifolia L., highly susceptible plant species to X. fastidiosa, Pinus halepensis Mill., a common plant where N. campestris is found during summer, and from host plant species that are used as cover crops or exist as natural vegetation in olive orchards, such as Cistus creticus L., Medicago sativa L., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh., Apium graveolens L. and Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss. We tested the response of female antennae on those blends with Gas Chromatography-Electroantennographic Detection (GC-EAD). The chemical profile of C. creticus and P. halepensis was rich in terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, and esters. In the O. europaea profile, the main compounds were terpenes. As for P. myrtifolia, the volatile profile consisted mostly of alkanes and their substitutes. In the volatile profile of M. sativa, C. dactylon and L. arundinaceum, common volatile compounds were detected. Petroselinum crispum and Apium graveolens chemical profiles were dominated by terpenes. Several compounds elicited a consistent response to the female antennae of both species. In total, 65 compounds elicited consistent EAD responses for P. spumarius and 16 compounds for N. campestris. α-pinene was found in all tested plants and elicited consistent EAD responses of P. spumarius in five plants. In addition, antennae of P. spumarius females responded to camphor, limonene, 4-methyl octane and sabinene. These compounds were found in the volatile profile of at least 5 out of 8 examined plant species. Behavioral bioassays using Y-tube olfactometry were performed on volatiles that elicited antennal responses during electrophysiological studies. Among the compounds tested in behavioral studies, namely (-)-α-pinene, (+)-α-pinene, sabinene, (-)-S-limonene and (1R)-(+)-camphor, only the last one elicited a significant attraction response by P. spumarius females. The results achieved shed light on the VOCs from selected host plant species of X. fastidiosa that are perceived by two important insect vectors and a non-host plant, P. crispum. The identification of semiochemicals for manipulating spittlebugs' behavior contribute to the development of efficient monitoring tools for X. fastidiosa vectors.

Oleuropein (OLE) is the main bioactive ingredient in the leaves of the olive plant Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae), which has proven beneficial due to the antiinflammatory, antiatherogenic, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects. This study aimed to investigate the antihypertensive and vasodilator potential of OLE by analyzing its acute effects on spontaneous atrial contractions and vasomotor responses of the isolated thoracic aorta in rats. We showed that the application of OLE induces negative chronotropic and inotropic effects on the heart. OLE also causes mild aortic vasodilation given that the maximal reduction in tension of intact aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine was approximately 30%. This vasodilation is likely dependent on the nitric oxide released from the endothelium based on the effect obtained on denuded and phenylephrine precontracted aortic rings and responses reordered following vasoconstriction induced by high concentrations of K+and heparin. Our findings provide a basis for further testing of OLE cardiovascular effects, which may lead to subsequent clinical research for its application in the treatment of hypertension and heart disease.

Olives, oldest cultivated tree, have always been considered as a symbol of sacredness and a source of medicines from prophetic times. Olives are low-calorie fruit due to low carbohydrate, protein and fibre content. However, the quality of protein is excellent as it contains almost all essential amino acids. Olives are known to exert several beneficial effects such as antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, chemopreventive effect and anti-proliferative activity due to the presence of certain phenols such as chlorogenic acids, oleanolic acid, cholinergic and maslinic acid. Several phenols from olives also act as intermediates in prevention of hyperglycemia, Alzheimer’s (dementia) and Parkinson’s disease. Open image in new window Family: Oleaceae Genus: Olea Species: Olea europaea Local name: Zaitoon

Abeliophyllum distichum (Oleaceae), which is the only species in the monotypic genus and is grown only on the Korean peninsula, has a high scarcity value. Its five variants (white, pink, round, blue, and ivory) have different morphological characteristics in terms of the color of petals and sepals or shape of the fruits. Despite its high value, there has been no study on variant classification except in terms of their morphological characteristics. Thus, we performed a volatile component analysis of A. distichum flowers and multivariate data analyses to reveal the relationship between fragments emitted from five variants of A. distichum flowers with their morphological characteristics. As a result, 66 volatile components of this plant were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography&ndash, mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), showing unique patterns for each set of morphological characteristics, especially the color of the petals. These results suggest that morphological characteristics of each variant are related to the volatile composition.

The frequency of combined stress events is increasing due to climate change and represents a new threat to olive (Olea europaea) culture. How olive plants modulate their profile of metabolites under multiple stressing agents remains to unveil, although several metabolites affect plants' resilience, and olive production and quality. Young olive plants were exposed to a water deficit (WD) for 30 days and then exposed to a shock of heat and high UVB-radiation (WDHS+UVB treatment) for 2 days. Then, plants were re-watered and grown under optimal conditions (recovery) for 30 days. Leaves were collected after stress and recovery, analysed by liquid and gas chromatography, and the lipophilic and phenolic profiles were characterized. Except for the oleuropein derivatives, the qualitative metabolite profile was similar during stress and recovery. Metabolite increases or decreases in response to stress were stronger when WD was followed by WDHS+UVB treatment. Phenolic compounds (luteolin-7-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, chrysoeriol-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol derivatives, oleuropein, and lucidumoside C) were the most involved after WD and WDHS+UVB, possibly acting as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers. Lipophilic compounds were more relevant during the recovery period. The catabolism of fatty acids and carbohydrates may provide the necessary energy for plant performance reestablishment, and sterols, long-chain alkanes, and terpenes metabolic pathways may be shifted for the production of compounds with a more important stress protection role. This work highlights for the first time that tolerance mechanisms activated by WD in olive plants are related to metabolite changes, that are adjusted when other stressors are overlapped (WDHS+UVB), and also help the plants recover. This metabolites' plasticity represents an essential contribution to understanding how dry-farming olive orchards may deal with drought combined with high UV-B or heat.

Four new meroterpenes named as guignardones U-X (1–4), along with eleven known meroterpenes (5–15) and three known dioxolanone derivatives (16–18), were obtained from the endophytic fungus Phyllosticta sp. WGHL2. The structural elucidation was conducted by HRESIMS, NMR, single crystal X-ray diffraction, along with ECD calculations and comparison. In antifungal tests, compound 16 possessed broad-spectrum antifungal activities against Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium graminearum and Botrytis cinerea with inhibition ratio of 48.43%, 40.98%, and 49.53% at 50 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, compound 16 showed moderate protective effect against B. cinerea in vivo at 200 μg/mL and exhibited effective inhibition on the spore germination of B. cinerea.

In this study, antioxidant properties of olive (Olea europaea L.) leaves containing oleuropein were investigated in nhexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol based extracts obtained from dried olive leaves at different concentration by various in vitro methods. Percentage yields of the O. europaea were found for the n-hexane extract 13.21%, for ethyl acetate extract 26.15% and for methanol extract 34.59%, respectively. Total phenolic substance content (85.27±15.03%), linoleic acid reduction (89.52±9.77%) and reduction capacity (1.49±0.03) were the highest in the methanol extract. Finally, the DPPH radical scavenging efficiency (72.93±0.42%), reduction of iron (II) ions (50.53±5.53%) and superoxide radical scavenging activity (72.93±0.42%). were the highest in the ethyl acetate extract. In conclusion, it was seen that total phenolic substances, linoleic acid reduction and reduction capacity of the methanol extract of the antioxidant activity of the O. europaea was more active when equated with n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts. Also, it was found out that the ethyl acetate extract was more effective in DPPH radical scavenging, iron reduction, linoleic acid reduction and superoxide radical scavenging activity. According to the data obtained, it is thought that olive leaf might be evaluated as a natural and cheap alternative antioxidant in different fields such as food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical industry and animal nutrition. Bu çalışmada pek çok sekonder metabolitin yanında major madde olarak oleuropein içeren zeytin (Olea europaea L.) yaprağından elde edilen edilen n-hekzan, etil asetat ve metanol ekstrelerin farklı konsantrasyonlardaki antioksidan aktiviteleri çeşitli in vitro yöntemlerle incelenmiştir. Zeytin yaprağının n-hekzan, etil asetat ve metanollü ekstrelerinin yüzde verimleri sırasıyla %13.21, 26.15 ve %34.59 olarak bulunmuştur. Toplam fenolik madde içeriği (85.27±15.03%), linoleik asit indirgeme (89.52±9.77%) ve indirgenme kapasitesi (1.49±0.03) methanol ekstresinde en yüksek idi. Son olarak, DPPH radikali süpürücü aktivitesi (72.93±0.42%), demir (II) iyonlarını indirgeme (50.53±5.53%) ve süperoksit radikali giderme aktivitesi (72.00±1.35%) etil asetat ekstresinde en yüksekti. Sonuç olarak zeytin yaprağının metanollü ekstresinde toplam fenolik madde, linoleik asit indirgeme ve indirgenme kapasitesi diğer ekstrelere göre daha aktif bulunmuştur. DPPH radikali tutma, demir (II) şelatlama ve süperoksit radikali giderme aktivitesinde ise etil asetat ekstresinin daha etkili olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler doğrultusunda, zeytin yaprağının gıda, kozmetik, ilaç endüstrisi ve hayvan besleme gibi alanlarda doğal alternatif bir antioksidan olarak değerlendirilebileceği düşünülmektedir.

Jasminum is an important genus in the olive family (Oleaceae), comprising about 200 species distributed all over the world. In the current study, the methanolic extract of Jasminum grandiflorum subsp. floribundum aerial parts and its respective fractions; dichloromethane and n-butanol fractions were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass (UPLC-HRMS) for profiling and characterization of the plant metabolites. More than seventy metabolites were identified belonging to different classes including phenolic acids, flavonoids, secoiridoids, iridoids, lignans, fatty acids, and triterpenes. The samples were also assessed for their angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) and renin inhibitory activity along with their antioxidant potential using five complementary assays: TAC (total antioxidant capacity), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and iron reducing power. The results revealed that the n-butanol fraction showed a potent ACE and renin inhibition as compared to Lisinopril and Aliskiren standard drugs (24.66 ± 2.41 ng/mL vs. 18.37 ± 1.21 ng/mL and 141.14 ± 5.28 ng/mL vs. 447.87 ± 3.2 ng/mL, respectively) and also a strong antioxidant activity. Interestingly, the secoiridoids, dominated metabolites detected in the n-butanol fraction, revealed the potential of them for management of the hypertension diseases. The total extract and fractions were also standardized using HPLC analysis of the major secoiridoid glycoside; oleuropein. Finally, J. grandiflorum standardized extract could be considered as a target for further studies to discover a new therapeutic anti-hypertensive drug.

Oleuropein (OLE), the main constituent of Olea europaea, displays pleiotropic beneficial effects in health and disease, which are mainly attributed to its anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. Several food supplements and herbal medicines contain OLE and are available without a prescription. This study investigated the effects of OLE on the main cytochrome P450s (P450s) catalyzing the metabolism of many prescribed drugs. Emphasis was given to the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), a nuclear transcription factor regulating numerous genes including P450s. 129/Sv wild-type and Ppara-null mice were treated with OLE for 6 weeks. OLE induced Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2, Cyp1b1, Cyp3a14, Cyp3a25, Cyp2c29, Cyp2c44, Cyp2d22, and Cyp2e1 mRNAs in liver of wild-type mice, whereas no similar effects were observed in Ppara-null mice, indicating that the OLE-induced effect on these P450s is mediated by PPARα. Activation of the pathways related to phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (AKT)/forkhead box protein O1, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, AKT/p70, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase participates in P450 induction by OLE. These data indicate that consumption of herbal medicines and food supplements containing OLE could accelerate the metabolism of drug substrates of the above-mentioned P450s, thus reducing their efficacy and the outcome of pharmacotherapy. Therefore, OLE-induced activation of PPARα could modify the effects of drugs due to their increased metabolism and clearance, which should be taken into account when consuming OLE-containing products with certain drugs, in particular those of narrow therapeutic window. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study indicated that oleuropein, which belongs to the main constituents of the leaves and olive drupes of Olea europaea, induces the synthesis of the major cytochrome P450s (P450s) metabolizing the majority of prescribed drugs via activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. This effect could modify the pharmacokinetic profile of co-administered drug substrates of the P450s, thus altering their therapeutic efficacy and toxicity.

Osmanthus fragrans &lsquo, Yinbi Shuanghui&rsquo, not only has a beautiful shape and fresh floral fragrance, but also rich leaf colors that change, making the tree useful for landscaping. In order to study the mechanisms of color formation in O. fragrans &lsquo, leaves, we analyzed the colored and green leaves at different developmental stages in terms of leaf pigment content, cell structure, and transcriptome data. We found that the chlorophyll content in the colored leaves was lower than that of green leaves throughout development. By analyzing the structure of chloroplasts, the colored leaves demonstrated more stromal lamellae and low numbers of granum thylakoid. However, there was a large number of plastoglobuli. Using transcriptome sequencing, we demonstrated that the expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in chlorophyll degradation was upregulated, i.e., heme oxygennase-1 (HO1), pheophorbide a oxidase (PAO), and chlorophyllase-2 (CLH2), affecting the synthesis of chlorophyll in colored leaves. The stay-green gene (SGR) was upregulated in colored leaves. Genes involved in carotenoid synthesis, i.e., phytoene synthase 1 (PSY1) and 1-Deoxyxylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS), were downregulated in colored leaves, impeding the synthesis of carotenoids. In the later stage of leaf development, the downregulated expression of Golden2-Like (GLK) inhibited chloroplast development in colored leaves. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to investigate the correlation between physiological indicators and DEGs, we chose the modules with the highest degree of relevance to chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid metabolism. A total of five genes (HSFA2, NFYC9, TCP20, WRKY3, and WRKY4) were identified as hub genes. These analyses provide new insights into color formation mechanisms in O. fragrans &lsquo, leaves at the transcriptional level.

Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus has been used for the treatment of menopausal pain, foul breath, and intestinal bleeding. Four phenylpropyl triterpenoids, 3-O-trans-p-coumaroyltormentic acid (1), 3β-trans-p-coumaroyloxy-2α-hydroxyl-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (2), 3β-cis-p-coumaroyloxy-2α-hydroxyl-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (3), 3-O-cis-coumaroylmaslinic acid (4), were isolated from the leaves of O. fragrans var. aurantiacus and the inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages were evaluated. Among them, compounds 2-4 concentration dependently showed NO production inhibitory effects. To determine the signaling factors involved in the inhibition of NO production by compounds 2-4, we assessed anti-inflammatory activity. Western blot analysis revealed compounds 2-4 significantly decreased the expression of LPS-stimulated protein, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (pERK)1/2. Also, compounds 2-4 downregulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 levels in LPS-induced macrophages and colonic epithelial cells. This study demonstrated that phenylpropyl triterpenoids 2-4 isolated from O. fragrans var. aurantiacus leaves can be used as potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Although the antidiabetic efficacy of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flowers has been reported, antiproliferative and anti-obesity activities are yet to be explored. We examined the anti-obesity and antiproliferative potentials of different fractions (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol) of N. abor-tristis flower extract for the first time using 3T3-L1 cells, primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from healthy and adult acute myeloid (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients, recombinant Jurkat T cells, and MCF7 cell lines. The in vitro hypoglycemic activity was evaluated using the inhibition of -amylase enzyme and glucose uptake by yeast cells. The percentage glucose uptake and -amylase inhibitory activity increased in a dose-dependent manner in the crude and the tested fractions (hexane and ethyl acetate). Inhibition of the 3T3-L1 cells&rsquo, differentiation was observed in the ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions, followed by the hexane fraction. Antiproliferative analyses revealed that Nyctanthes exerted a high specific activity against anti-AML and anti-CLL PBMC cells, especially by the hexane and ethyl acetate fractions. The gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis indicated the presence of 1-heptacosanol (hexane fraction), 1-octadecene (hexane and chloroform fractions), and other organic compounds. Molecular docking demonstrated that phenol,2,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) and 4-hydroxypyridine 1-oxide compounds showed specificity toward survivin protein, indicating the feasibility of N. abor-tristis in developing new drug leads against leukemia.

Purpose Hazelnut and birch pollen are known to destroy tear film components and attack ocular surface cells. We investigated further pollen species from different plant families, whether they show similar effects on human tear fluid and an epithelial cell line in vitro, to provide a broad basis for further research on pollen reactions affecting the tear film and ocular surface. Materials and methods Regional pollen species from different plant families (Adoxaceae, Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae, Malvaceae, Oleaceae, Pinaceae, Plantaginaceae, Poaceae, Salicaceae, Sapindaceae) were collected. Their proteolytic activity was evaluated by Zymography. Human tear fluid and cells of an epithelial cell line were incubated with pollen extracts. Tear fluid was analyzed by Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Cytomorphology was assessed microscopically and cell viability by proliferation (MTS), water-soluble tetrazolium (WST-1) assay and the impedance-based xCELLigence real-time analysis (RTCA). Results Zymography revealed significant protease activity and PAGE showed the degradation of tear proteins by different pollen species. Cells incubated with pollen extracts presented dose- and time-dependent cytomorphological changes. MTS, WST-1, and RTCA revealed cytostatic as well as cytotoxic effects of pollen extracts. Conclusions Pollen species from different plant families exert proteolytic activity and degrade human tear fluid as well as epithelial cells, which may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of allergic and non-allergic reactions affecting the ocular surface.

A repeated column chromatography for Forsythia koreana Nakai. flowers afforded a phenylethane glycoside, which was identified as 8′-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2-O-(E)-caffeoyl-α-l-arabinopyranoside based on spectroscopic analyses of 1D NMR (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT), 2D NMR (gCOSY, gHSQC, gHMBC), FAB/MS, specific rotation, and IR spectrometry. This compound was isolated from F. koreana flower for the first time in this study. The compound showed scavenge activities in ORAC and DPPH radicals with the values of 0.83 ± 0.01 and 84.66 ± 0.75% (at the concentration of 500 ppm), respectively. It also inhibited production of NO for RAW 264.7 stimulated by LPS and protected oxidative stress induced by glutamate in HT22-immortalized hippocampal. The IC50 on inhibition of NO production and EC50 value on protective efficacy of oxidative stress were 78.72 ± 1.43 μM and 176.25 ± 7.23 μM, respectively. These results demonstrate that the phenylethanoid glycoside might be useful as a neuroprotective agent because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.

Three new secoiridoids, nuezhenelenoliciside (1), isojaslanceoside B (2), 6'-O-trans-cinnamoyl-secologanoside (3), were isolated from the dried fruits of Ligustrum lucidum. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis. Among them, 1 featured a rare rearrangement product of secoiridoid, which underwent the cleavage of chemical bond between C-1 and O-2, and the reformation of a new iridoid ring between C-8 and O-2. In addition, all compounds were tested for their osteogenic activity on pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. As a result, 1 and 3 exhibited potent effects on promoting cell proliferation of pre-osteoblast cells.

A new secoiridoid, (1S,5R,8E)-1-butyl-ligstroside aglycon (1), and five known compounds, including ligstroside (2), oleuropein (3), jasminoid D (4), methyloleoside 7-ethyl ester (5), and syringin (6), were isolated from the stem bark of Syringa reticulata (Blume) H. Hara (Oleaceae). Their structures were elucidated using HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and comparison with the literature.

Olive and olive oil is a major part of the Mediterranean diet and breakfast. This tree is a member of Oleaceae family. The genus Olea is containing 2 subgenera Tetrapilus and Olea. The Mediterranean diet that includes up to 40% of calories as fat, led to a decrease in chronic diseases because of the high oleic acid intake. Olive oil is the oily juice, which is obtained from the olive fruit. It has a characteristic sensory profile and nutrition value. There is a good balance of fatty acids, between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated acids in olive oil. This oil is unique among edible and vegetable oils and it can be consumed in the crude form, therefore, its tocopherols and phenolic content is conserved. Olive oil has very valuable minor components, such as phenolic compounds, sterols, vitamin and antioxidants. This study aim to review, some significant pharmaceutical effects and health benefits.

11 Páginas.-- 6 Figuras.-- 3 Tablas, In Algeria, Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl (Oleaceae) is a prominent ingredient for the treatment of inflammatory diseases caused by oxidative stress. This study aimed to make a comparison between the phenolic compound compositions of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts (decoction and infusion) of this plant and to test the antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-pancreatic lipase activities of the ethanolic extracts from the leaf and bark. The identification and quantification of phenolic compounds was carried out by HPLC-DAD-MS and the antioxidant activity was assessed according to three methods: Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging activity. The cytotoxic effect was investigated using the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HCT-116; while pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity was examined using 4-nitrophenyl butyrate (NPB) as a substrate. A large variety of phenolic compounds were detected and the content of the leaf was much higher than that of the bark. The ethanolic extracts from the leaf had a higher antioxidant capacity than those of the bark, however, the latter showed greater antilipase activity and cytotoxicity than the former. These results suggest that this plant may be an important source of active compounds with a variety of biological activities which justify its use in traditional medicine., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (AGL2017-82428-R).

Ethnopharmacological relevance Jasminum grandiflorum L. is a medicinal plant widely used in the traditional system of Medicine as an anthelmintic in ringworm infections, for treating ulcers, stomatitis, skin diseases, and wounds. Aim of the study The emergence of resistance by different parasites to currently used chemicals has been reported. There are increasing needs for more effective and safer parasiticides. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of J. grandiflorum subsp. Floribundum (JGTE) to confirm its traditional uses as anthelmintic through a bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation of the active components with anthelmintic activity. Materials and methods The JGTE was partitioned into dichloromethane (DCM-F) and n-butanol (BuOH-F) fractions. The JGTE, fractions, and the isolated compounds were tested in vitro for their anthelmintic activity using two nematodes; one larval stage of cestode and one arthropod. Four major compounds were isolated from the most active fraction (BuOH-F) including two flavonoids and two secoirridoid glycosides, identified as kaempferol-3-O-neohesperoside (1), rutin (2), oleuropein (3), and ligstroside (4). Results Among the isolated compounds from most active fraction (BuOH-F), rutin (2) displayed the highest anthelmintic activity in a dose-dependent activity with IC50 of 41.04 μg/mL against H. muscae adult worm, followed by ligstroside (4) with IC50 of 50.56 μg/mL. Conclusions These findings could advocate the traditional use of J. grandiflorum L. and provide further insight into the anthelmintic activity of flavonoids.

Information on the chemical composition of Osmanthus fragrans fruits is still limited because there are many compounds present in low concentrations in the plant. In this work, the bioactive components in O. fragrans fruit extract were investigated by a new high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method, which allows sensitive analysis both in identification and quantitation. A total of 28 compounds were tentatively identified, and 16 components were discovered in O. fragrans fruits for the first time. The validated quantitative methods for the determination of the bioactive components were subsequently applied to analyze batches of O. fragrans fruits from different cultivars, which is beneficial for the comprehensive utilization of O. fragrans fruits.

Background: Forsythiae Fructus (FF) is a well-known medicinal herb derived from the dried fruits of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl. (Oleaceae). Recently, bioactive compounds isolated from hydrophobic solvent fractions of FF have been reported to have anti-oxidant, antibacterial, and anti-cancer effects. Objective: Almost all herbal medicines are derived from water extracts, which suggests different extraction methods might enhance the practical efficacies of herbal medicines. In this study, the authors further investigated the most potential anti-cancer fraction, that is, the hexane fraction (FFH) of the methanol extract (FFM) of the dried fruits of Forsythia suspensa. Materials and Methods: FFH was investigated by measuring its effects on the viability and apoptotic death of PC-3 cells (a prostate cancer cell line), on the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome c, procaspase-9, procaspase-3 and PARP, and caspase-3 activity. Results: FFH significantly accelerated apoptotic cell death and decreased the protein levels of Bcl-2, procaspase-9, and procaspase-3. Conclusion: FFH can act as a pro-oxidative agent and induce the apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. SUMMARY Hexane fraction of the methanol extract of Forsythiae Fructus (FFH) at a concentration more than 50 µg/mL significantly reduced PC-3 cell viabilityFFH time and dose dependently elevated intracellular ROS levels and increased the proportion of cells arrested in the G0/G1 phaseFFH significantly accelerated apoptotic cell death and diminished the protein expression levels of Bcl-2, procaspase-9, and procaspase-3The protein expression levels of Bax, cytochrome c, and cleaved PARP were increased by FFH, and so was the caspase-3 activity. Abbreviations used: FF: Forsythiae Fructus; FFM: Methanol extract of Forsythiae Fructus; FFH: Hexane fraction of the methanol extract; DCFH-DA: 2’,7’-dichlorodihydro-fluorescein diacetate.

As part of our ongoing research in medicinal herbs of Qinba Mountains in China, the plant Jasminum giraldii was chemically investigated. Four new phenylpropanoid glycosides, 9-O-(E-cinnamoyl)-coniferin (1), 6′-O-(E-cinnamoyl)-coniferin (2), 6′-O-(E-cinnamoyl)-syringin (3) and 2′-O-(E-cinnamoyl)-syringin (4), together with two known phenylpropanoid glucosides, coniferin (5) and ethylsyringin (6) were obtained from the roots of Jasminum girialdii. The structures of these compounds have been characterized according to spectral evidences and named on basis of their biosynthetic pathway. In addition, in vitro cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated, however, none of these compounds showed cytotoxicity.

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai is deciduous shrubs of flowering plant in Oleaceae. It is important plant resources and consists of one species in the world. Also the endemic plant of A. distichum has been protected and designed endangered plant in Korea. For this reason, study on the immature seeds of A. distichum (ADS) hasn’t progressed. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects on proteins and mRNA levels were related in the whitening effect in B16F10 cells. ADS was effective for reaction oxygen species (ROS). ROS causes various diseases such as aging, inflammation, cancer, and etc. Antioxidant properties were evaluated DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity and Reducing power. Plants were known that contained phenolic compounds were related in antioxidant activity. Phenolic compounds were phytochemicals commonly named natural polyphenols. These are secondary metabolites of plants involved in the defense against different types of stresses. In results, ADS suppressed the expression and transcription of Tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, and Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-2) are known to play an important role in melanin biosynthesis. MITF regulated the expression and transcription of Tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2. In conclusion, ADS was effective in both antioxidant activities and whitening effects. Also, they were associated with the content of phenolic compounds. We suggested that ADS can be use antioxidants and skin-whitening functional cosmetics material derived from natural plant resources.

Phenolic compounds, such as flavanols, flavones, flavonols, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, contribute to a plant’s adaptation to their ecological niches. These compounds serve as attractants of organisms beneficial to the plants or as defence against other biotic and abiotic factors during the plant evolution. In this paper, the accumulation patterns of phenolic compounds in the eight evergreen woody core eudicots indicated divergent and convergent evolution of plant secondary metabolites. The results indicated some phenolic acids and flavonols were distributed in all the studied eight evergreen woody plants, within Oleaceae, Theaceae, Caprifoliaceae and Celastraceae, with different accumulation profiles. The flavan-3-ols, monomeric catechins, and polymeric proanthocyanidins, were undetectable in Osmanthus fragrans, Ligustrum lucidum, and Fraxinus mariesii of Oleaceae, but highly accumulated in the other five species, especially in Camellia sinensis of Theaceae. It indicated Camellia sinensis evolved great ecological adaptive capacity to prevent herbivores, insect pests, and microbial pathogens.

Floral scent composed of low molecular weight volatile organic compounds. The sweet fragrance of any evening blooming flower is dominated by benzenoid and terpenoid volatile compounds. Floral scent of Jasminum sambac (Oleaceae) includes three major benzenoid esters - benzylacetate, methylbenzoate, and methylsalicylate and three major terpene compounds viz. (E)-β-ocimene, linalool and α-farnesene. We analyzed concentrations and emission rates of benzenoids and terpenoids during the developmental stages of J. sambac flower. In addition to spatial emission from different floral parts, we studied the time-course mRNA accumulations of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and the two representative genes of terpenoid pathway, namely 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) and terpene synthase (TPS). Further, in vitro activities of several enzymes of phenylpropanoid/benzenoid pathway viz., PAL and acetyl-coenzyme A: benzylalcohol acetyltransferase (BEAT), S-adenosyl-l-methionine: benzoic acid carboxyl methyl transferase (BAMT) and S-adenosyl-l-methionine: salicylic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (SAMT) were studied. All the above enzyme activities along with the in vitro activities of DXR and TPS were found to follow a certain rhythm as observed in the emission of different benzenoid and terpenoid compounds. Linalool emission peaked after petal opening and coincided with maximal expression of JsTPS gene as evidenced from RT-PCR analyses (semi-quantitative). The maximum transcript accumulation of this gene was observed in flower petals, indicating that the petals of J. sambac flower play an important role as a major contributor of volatile precursors. The transcripts accumulation of JsDXR and JsTPS in different developmental stages and in different floral part showed that emissions of terpenoid volatiles in J. sambac flower are partially regulated at transcription levels.

This study was aimed to classify the varieties and predict the antioxidant activity of Osmanthus fragrans flowers by UPLC-PDA/QTOF-MS and multivariable analysis. The PLS-DA model successfully classified the four varieties based on both the 21 identified compounds and the effective compounds. For the antioxidant activity prediction, PLS performed well to predict the antioxidant activity of O. fragrans flowers. Furthermore, acteoside, suspensaside A, ligustroside, forsythoside A, phillygenin and caffeic acid were selected as effective compounds by UVE-SPA for prediction. On the basis of effective compounds, PLS, MLR and PCR were applied to establish the calibration models. The UVE-SPA-MLR model was the optimal method to predict the antioxidant activity values with Rp of 0.9200, 0.9010 and 0.8905 for DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, respectively. The results revealed that the UPLC-PDA/QTOF-MS combined with chemometrics could be a new method to classify the varieties and predict the antioxidant activity of O. fragrans flowers.

Introduction Olea europaea L. organs such as leaves, stems and roots have been associated with numerous in vivo and in vitro biological activities and used for traditional medicinal purposes. However, tree wood is an untapped resource with little information about their chemical composition. Objective That is why, the objective of this study is to increase the knowledge about phytochemicals from ‘Chemlali’ olive wood by means of mass spectrometry-based analyses. Its comparison with by-products derived from leaves was also studied. Methodology Hydromethanol extracts from wood and leaves with stems of ‘Chemlali’ olive cultivar were analysed using reversed-phase (RP) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to two detection systems: diode-array detection (DAD) and quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry (MS) in negative ion mode. Tandem MS experiments were performed to establish the chemical structure of olive phytochemicals. Results A total of 85 compounds were characterised in the studied olive parts and classified as: sugars (3), organic acids (5), one phenolic aldehyde, simple phenolic acids (6), simple phenylethanoids (5), flavonoids (14), coumarins (3), caffeoyl phenylethanoid derivatives (6), iridoids (5), secoiridoids (32), and lignans (5). To our knowledge, the major part of these metabolites was not previously reported in olive tree wood, and 10 olive chemical constituents were identified for the first time in the Oleaceae family. Conclusion The results presented here demonstrated the usefulness of the methodology proposed, based on RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS and MS/MS, to develop an exhaustive metabolic profiling and to recover new biologically active compounds in olive wood with pharmacologic and cosmetic potential. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In this study, some different selected plant leaves grown in Jordan such as Citrus limon (Rutaceae), Ceratonia siliqua L., Olea europaea (Oleaceae), Washingtonia filifera, and Myoporum (Myoporaceae) were examined for removal of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) ions from aqueous solutions. Cu and Zn were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. A pH S-2 acidometer was used for determining the acidity of leaves solution system. Our findings showed the plants leaves were relatively efficient for removal of Cu and Zn compared to activated carbon. Removal of a 5 mg/L aqueous metal solution of Cu and Zn was treated with 2.5 g oven-dried plant in a 50 mL deionized water. The removal of Cu and Zn was expressed in terms of a time function ranged between 0 and 192 hours of contact time. The uptake of Cu and Zn by plant leaves was arranged in the following order