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Summary: This study explores using pitomba peel and seeds to obtain a natural extract with high antioxidant capacity, employing extraction techniques with eutectic solvents combined with agitation and temperature control. The analysis revealed that, for the extraction with pitomba peel residues, the average levels of phenolic compounds did not show significant differences except for the extraction with ethanol. In contrast, the extractions performed with pitomba seeds showed significant differences, with the combination of choline chloride with lactic acid and choline chloride with glycerol providing the highest phenolic compound values. For flavonoids, the highest amount was obtained with the extraction using L‐proline and levulinic acid for the pitomba peel and ethanol and choline chloride with levulinic acid for the pitomba seeds. The results of the DPPH and FRAP assays indicate that, for antioxidant activity, the highest DPPH value was achieved with the extraction of pitomba peel using choline chloride with glycerol. In contrast, for pitomba seeds, elevated values were found with choline chloride with glycerol and choline chloride with levulinic acid. In the FRAP assay, the averages between L‐proline with levulinic acid and choline chloride with glycerol were not significantly different, showing high values. For pitomba seeds, the averages between ethanol and choline chloride with glycerol were also not significantly different and showed the highest obtained values. The results demonstrate that the extracts obtained from pitomba residues are rich in valuable compounds for potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. They highlight the significant levels of flavonoids extracted from pitomba peel and seeds and emphasise the effectiveness of deep eutectic solvents (DES), particularly choline chloride with glycerol, in the extraction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: De‐oiled rice bran (DORB), a substantial yet underutilized byproduct of rice processing, boasts a rich composition of active ingredients but suffers from limited application. Previous studies have indicated that enzymatic or fermentation treatments enhanced these active components. In this study, lactobacilli and complex enzymes were employed to co‐treat DORB, involving the determination of the changes in active components and functionalities of DORB extract (DORBE) before and after this treatment. RESULTS: Following fermentation–enzymolysis, the total phenol and total flavonoid contents in DORBE were significantly increased by 43.59% and 55.10%, reaching 19.66 and 34.34 g kg−1, respectively. Antioxidant tests in vitro demonstrated that the co‐treatment enhanced the scavenging activities of DPPH, hydroxyl and ABTS radicals. Porcine intestinal epithelial cell experiments revealed that, compared to DORBE, the fermentation and enzymolysis DORBE (FDORBE) exhibited significantly improved cell viability and catalase activity as well as scavenging capacity for reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde after induction by H2O2. Furthermore, FDORBE restored the decreased mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, HO‐1 and NQO1 in the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway stimulated by H2O2. CONCLUSION: Fermentation–enzymolysis co‐treatment increases the contents of bioactive components of DORBE and enhances its antioxidant capacity, leading to a better protection against intestinal disorders induced by oxidative stress, suggesting that this co‐treatment is a rational and effective strategy to increase the value of grains and promotes the use of DORB as a functional feed in animal production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seed extract is a valuable source of antioxidants with anti-aging potential, but extraction efficiency varies according to the method used. This study focused on determining the optimum yield of passion fruit seed extracts by percolation with n-hexane and ethanol, following regulations such as NTE INEN and Codex Alimentarius. Standardized methods were applied to analyze parameters such as moisture (UNE-EN 14774-3, 2010), ash (Sluiter et al., 2005); free acidity (ac. oleic acidity)/acidity index (NTE INEN 38, 1973), relative density (NTE INEN 35, 1973), loss on heating (NTE INEN 39, 1973), iodine index (NTE INEN 37, 1973), peroxide index (NTE INEN 277,1978), extract yield, fatty acid profile (AOAC 996.06, 2005). Ethanol showed superior performance in most of the parameters, meeting the established standards, except for relative density and heating loss, where n-hexane was more efficient. In conclusion, the use of ethanol is more beneficial for the extraction of passion fruit seed extracts by percolation, based on the yield obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, Satureja bachtiarica Bunge extract (SBBE) and Satureja bachtiarica Bunge oil (SBBO) were used as effective antioxidants for stabilizing flaxseed oil (FSO). FSOs treated with different concentrations (0.5% and 1%) of SBBE and SBBO were prepared. The acid degree value (ADV), peroxide value (PV), para‐anisidine value (pAV), Totox index, conjugated diene acids (CDAs), thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARS), antioxidant activity (DPPH), and fatty acid profile were measured after 35 days at 40°C. The results showed that SBBO was rich in bioactive compounds, including oxygenated monoterpenes, carvacrol, and γ‐terpinene. On the 35th day, the amounts of ADV, PV, pAV, TBARS, Totox, and CDA in the control sample were 1.21 mg/g, 46.80 meq O2/kg, 15.61, 2.43 mg MDA/g, 107.92, and 0.82%, respectively, which were significantly greater than those in the 1% SBBE and SBBO treatments (p < 0.05). The fatty acid profile showed that the content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in the FSO samples was greater than that of saturated fatty acids (SFAs). The UFA values were between 86.13% and 85.93%. The results of this study showed that SBBE and SBBO (1%) could be used as effective natural antioxidants for increasing the shelf life of FSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the protective effects of chokeberry fruit products and by-products against cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats. Potential mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammatory responses were examined through biochemical and histopathological analyses of kidney tissue. Chokeberry waste, along with the whole fruit extract and juice, was evaluated as a potential raw material for pharmaceutical use. The chemical composition of chokeberry juice and extracts was analyzed using spectrophotometry and HPLC. Rats were treated with chokeberry preparations via intragastric tube for ten days, with a single intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin (8 mg/kg BW) administered on the third day. Post-sacrifice, plasma samples were analyzed for biochemical nephrotoxicity markers, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. Kidneys were removed for histopathological and biochemical analysis. Cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity was confirmed by elevated plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Additionally, lipid peroxidation was significantly elevated, while reduced glutathione and catalase activity were significantly reduced. Pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the cisplatin group. Treatment with chokeberry extracts and juice significantly mitigated these nephrotoxic effects, as confirmed by histopathological examination and biochemical marker analysis. Notably, the waste extract demonstrated greater efficacy than the whole fruit extract, likely due to its higher concentration of polyphenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. These results highlight the potential of chokeberry as a therapeutic and preventive agent for kidney protection, emphasizing the value of by-products rich in biologically active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Protein extracts from chicken egg whites were prepared by utilizing different solvents and we studied the differences in proliferation. Methods: The egg white extract was prepared by using lysate, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), saline and pure water. The in vitro mixture experiment was carried out to observe the effect of different egg white preparations on the proliferation of cells. The samples were divided into the following groups: the control group with media, the original lysate group, the new lysate group, the PBS group, the saline group and the pure water group. Result: The study found that at final concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%, the differences among the six groups were statistically significant (P<0.01, F>100). The results of pairwise comparison showed that the proliferative effect of chicken egg albumin extract prepared by PBS was significantly higher than that of the medium at final concentrations of 20%, 30% and 50% (P<0.05). When the fetal bovine serum concentration was only 8%, 7% and 5%, the cell proliferation effect was better than that of the control group with 10% fetal bovine serum, indicating that the chicken egg white extract promoted cell proliferation. This result indicated that the best chicken egg albumin extract was obtained through PBS addition. The quantity of expensive fetal bovine serum could be considerably reduced by supplementing the media with chicken egg albumin extract. Among the solvents tested, PBS was the best solvent for preparing chicken egg albumin extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallot extract contains growth regulators (GR). Shallots can be used as an alternative source of natural GR that is cheap and easy to obtain to replace synthetic GR which is relatively expensive. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine the effect of shallot extract, and (2) determine the appropriate concentration of shallot extract on the growth of banana saplings of the Barangan variety. This research was conducted from February to August 2022, located in Huluduotamo Village, Suwawa District, Bone Bolango Regency. This research used Block Randomized Design (BRD). Trial design with 4 treatment levels of shallot extract concentration namely 0, 10, 20 and 30 g/L. Shallot bulbs are soaked for 2 hours at each level of treatment. Each treatment was repeated four time for 16 experimental unit. The variables observed were tillering height, number of leaves and stem circumference. The results of analysis variance at the level of 5% showed that shallot extract had a significant effect on the variable tillering height and stem circumference of banana saplings, not significant effect the number of leaves. Shallot extract affects the growth of the seedlings of banana; and the best concentration of shallot extract is 30 g/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oral acute and subchronic toxicities of Ziziphus jujuba were evaluated in rats. • No major signs of toxicity were observed in the liver and kidney. • Repeated oral administration is safe at up to 1000 mg kg-1 bw over a 28-day period. • Ziziphus jujuba bark is relatively safe at lower dose. Ziziphus jujuba is a medicinal botanical with various pharmacological properties against cardiovascular diseases, respiratory system diseases, gastrointestinal problems, dysentery, and diarrhea. Despite its exhaustive use for medicinal aims, no study has yet been directed to evaluate this plant's potentially toxic profile. The present work focused on the acute and subchronic toxicity of Z. jujuba bark extract. The acute oral toxicity was performed using the OECD guideline 425; Z. jujuba bark extract was administered to female rats at a single dose of 5000 mg kg-1 body weight. The subchronic acute oral toxicity was carried out according to OECD guidelines 407; Z. jujuba bark extract was administered to male and female rats at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg kg-1 bw; after 28 days of Z. jujuba bark extract daily administration, the animals were sacrificed. Hematological parameters, serum and urinary biochemical parameters, and histological sections of the liver and kidneys were assessed. Administration of the single-oral dose of Z. jujuba bark methanolic extract did not cause any death in rats, and the LD 50 was found to be greater than 5000 mg kg-1 bw. The repeated administration of Z. jujuba bark methanolic extract at 250, 500, and 1000 mg kg-1 bw did not induce any significant perturbation of the white blood cells, lymphocytes, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets in rats as compared to the controls. For the lipid parameters, namely triglycerides and cholesterol, no significant difference was recorded between the profiles of the treated and untreated groups of animals. Likewise, we registered non-significant changes in renal parameters such as creatinine, urea, and proteins; this was confirmed by the histological sections, which showed a normal kidney structure. Besides, we did not observe any significant modification in the values of liver parameters, ALT and AST. This finding was further confirmed by the histological examination of the liver, which revealed the organ's normal structure. Finally, for single-oral administration, Z. jujuba bark extract is almost non-toxic. For repeated oral administration, Z. jujuba bark extract is safe at doses up to 1000 mg kg-1 bw over a 28-day period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the allelopathic potential of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. on the germination and growth of 4-crops (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn., Echinochloa frumentacea Link, Glycine max (L.) Merr. and Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & H. Ohashi) of Garhwal Himalaya. Both in-vitro and pot culture bioassays were conducted to evaluate the impact of leaf and bark aqueous extracts (2 %, 5 % and 10 %) on germination (%), mean germination time (MGT), germination index (GI), and root and shoot growth of test crops. The crop species had significant and variable impacts on germination and growth parameters in both in-vitro and pot-culture bioassays. In contrast, extract types greatly influenced these parameters under in-vitro conditions than in pot culture. Under in-vitro conditions, leaf extracts significantly inhibited the germination and seedling development of Eleusine coracana and Glycine max, with reductions in radicle and plumule length. Bark extracts exhibited both inhibitory as well as stimulatory effect on germination and growth. In pot culture, both extract types elicited variable germination responses in all crops. Stimulatory effects on root and shoot growth were observed in V. umbellata and E. frumentacea. E. coracana showed inhibition in shoot growth but stimulation in root growth, while in G. max root and shoot development was inhibited. The allelopathic effects of R. arboreum extracts both inhibited and stimulated crop growth depending on extract concentration and crop type. R. arboreum longer-term interactions enhanced the growth of V. umbellata and E. frumentacea. Further research is needed to identify the specific allelochemicals involved and their mechanisms of action and to explore the broader ecological and agricultural implications of these interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pineappleweed (Matricaria discoidea DC. Asteraceae) herb is an essential oil containing raw material with spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory activity. It is also rich in phenolics, which may be used in pharmaceutical practice. This study aimed to investigate the phenolic and amino acid composition and the hyporific and analgesic effects of the M. discoidea aqueous-ethanolic extract and its amino acid modifications. In addition, we developed a polyethylene oxide gel formulation with M. discoidea extracts for the 3D-printed oral solid dosage preparations. In M. discoidea extracts, 16 phenolic substances and 14 amino acids were established. The extract and its amino acid preparations revealed both analgesic and soporific activity in the studies with rodents. Amino acids enhanced these effects. Arginine, β-alanine, glycine, valine, and lysine potentiated the analgesic activity by 27%–64%, while β-alanine, glycine, and valine increased the soporific activity by 136%, 176%, and 129%, respectively. The composition of the polyethylene oxide (PEO) printing gel with the M. discoidea extract was developed, and its printability was confirmed. The proposed 3D-printed medicines could be implemented for sleep disorders and painful conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with those of berries, the stems and leaves of the genus Vaccinium are important and underestimated sources of polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. In the course of this work, aqueous methanol extracts of the aerial parts of common bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) were studied to analyze the component compositions of their biologically active polyphenolic compounds. The aqueous methanol fractions of the stems and leaves of the studied samples contained 8.7 and 4.6% extractives, respectively, and were comparable in total polyphenol content, but presented significant differences in antioxidant activity. The identification of polyphenolic compounds was carried out via the following two-stage analytical procedure: (1) non-targeted screening of dominant structures via the 2D NMR method and (2) analysis of HPLC-HRMS data via the scanning of precursor ions for a specific ion. A total of 56 phenolic compounds were identified, including the glycosides quercetin, proanthocyanidins, and catechins, as well as various conjugates of caffeic and p-coumaric acids, including iridoids. Some of the latter, such as caffeoyl and p-coumaroyl hydroxydihydromonotropein, as well as a number of lignan glycosides, were described for the first time in V. uliginósum and V. myrtillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present report, a combination of classical and advanced methods, namely classical hydrodistillation (HD) and solvent free microwave extraction (SFME) have been used for the extraction of essential oils from flowers, leaves and stems of Perovskia abrotanoides Karel. as an endemic plant to Golestan Province, Iran. The volatile fractions from the same plant organs have been separated using a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibre and characterised using a GC/MS apparatus. Moreover, oxygenated monoterpenes, for example, 1,8-cineole and borneol were found as the most constituent components of the majority of the characterised profiles. Accordingly, for flowers, leaves and stems of P. abrotanoides Karel., the relevant quantities were HD: 12.0 and 12.4, 24.0 and 17.9, 12.9 and 16.8%; SFME: 15.6 and 15.2, 20.5 and 16.2, 13.5 and 14.7%; SPME: 20.9 and 5.2, 25.5 and 9.9, 26.4 and 8.5%, respectively. Total phenolic content (TPC: 52.02 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids content (TFC: 98.46 mg QE/g) as well as antioxidant and antibacterial effects of the extract from the aerial parts of this species have been also evaluated. The cytotoxicity of Perovskia abrotanoides Karel. MeOH extract has been tested against HUVECs cell line. Moreover, our study on the in vitro anti-bladder carcinoma demonstrated that the plant extract reduced the viability of malignant bladder cell line, in a dose dependent way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Herein, the ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions affecting the yield of EUPS (Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharide) were analyzed using a Box-Behnken response surface design. The alleviation effect of EUPS on diquat-induced oxidative stress in mice was also studied. A maximum EUPS yield of 2.60% was obtained under the following optimized conditions: an extraction temperature of 63 °C, extraction time of 1 h, and ratio of liquid to raw materials of 22:1. EUPS exhibited strong 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging ability (87.05%), 2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radical-scavenging ability (101.17%), and hydroxyl radical-scavenging ability (62.92%). The administration of EUPS increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and decreased malondialdehyde levels in the livers of mice exposed to diquat. EUPS may inhibit the downregulation of NAD(P)H:quinoneoxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase 1 mRNA expression in the livers of diquat-administered mice through the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. Moreover, the abundance of Firmicutes and Ligilactobacillus was enhanced, whereas that of Helicobacter decreased in the gut of the remaining groups of mice compared with that of the diquat-treated mice. Therefore, EUPS exhibited an antioxidant effect and improved oxidative stress and intestinal flora abundance in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of clove extract (CE: 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) on the viscoelasticity, viscosity, syneresis, texture, sensory quality, and antioxidant properties of set yogurt up to 21 days in cold storage. The addition of CE enlarged the total suspended solids (TSS) and mineral contents while reducing whey separation. On the other hand, CE existence dropped the consistency index (k) and elastic modulus (G') of yogurt gels and further lessening was observed with prolonged storage period. Moreover, the textural firmness remained unaffected whereas gels that are more cohesive were attained with integration of CE. Similarly, total phenolics and free radical scavenging activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) by CE supplementation, and amplified lipid oxidation was observed with increased storage time. Addition of CE lowered the lightness (L*) index and manipulated the organoleptic properties whereas the sample with 1% CE showed improvement in texture and flavor; however, the overall acceptability reduced for samples with higher concentration of CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In healing cut wounds, generally many use drugs with chemicals, the use of chemicals in wound healing has a lot of negative impacts, therefore it is necessary to conduct further research on the benefits of natural ingredients such as plants to treat cut wounds, some of the advantages of using medicinal plants include relatively safer, easy to obtain, cheap, does not cause resistance, and relatively harmless to the surrounding environment or the mixture between the plants, which has been used for treatment for generations. One way to treat cut wounds is to use herbal plants because they are cheaper, easier to get, and have low side effects. Compounds that play a role in the healing process of cut wounds include flavonoids, saponins, tannins, polyphenols, and essential oils. One of the plants that has health benefits is grapes. The purpose of this study is to find out the comparison of the effectiveness of grape seeds and onion extract in healing cut wounds in wistar rats. The type of research used in this study is experimental research with a true experimental method with a post-test only control group design pattern. The sample to be used in this study is 24 rats divided into 4 groups so that each group contains 6 rats. Data analysis uses the One-Way ANOVA test. The results showed that shallot gel extract had a significant effect on the percentage of reduction in incision length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated natural extracts from plant biomass for UV protection and oxidative stress reduction. Conducted in Bucharest, Romania, it focused on medicinal mushrooms and pomegranate bark. The biotechnological process involved a two-phase extraction: hot water processing of Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Inonotus obliquus, and Tremella mushrooms, followed by ethanol extraction with pomegranate bark and green tea. The spectrophotometric analysis identified phenolics and flavonoids. The ethanol extract showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity, particularly in DPPH radical scavenging. UVB exposure tests demonstrated its protective effect, comparable to vitamin B3, delaying oxidative stress onset by 30 min. This research underscores the potential of using natural biomass extracts in skincare, promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability by converting agricultural waste into valuable bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Virola elongata is popularly used to treat inflammation and in the present study we confirmed the pharmacological potential of this species to reduce the acute inflammation caused by LPS with the reduction of leukocytes infiltration, and topical inflammation induced by croton oil. The extract also showed a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines in vivo and in vitro. This study is relevant to develop new treatment strategies for inflammatory diseases based on medicinal plants. Background: Previous studies of the hydroethanolic extract of Virola elongata inner stem bark (HEVe) have demonstrated its antioxidant, gastroprotective, and antiulcer properties, but have not evaluated its anti-inflammatory potential. Methods: HEVe was obtained by maceration and phytochemically analyzed. Its systemic anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis in mice. HEVe gel (HEgVe) was employed to evaluate topical anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the ear edema resulting from croton-oil-induced dermatitis in mice. A cell viability assay was conducted to determine the non-cytotoxic concentrations of the HEVe. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated by LPS to determinate cytokine and nitric oxide production. Results: A phytochemical analysis of the HEVe revealed the presence of phenolic acids, neolignans, flavonoids, and monomeric catechins. The oral treatment of acute peritonitis with HEVe reduced the total leukocytes, neutrophils, TNF-α, and IL-1β and elevated IL-10 levels. The application of the HEgVe reduced local edema. The HEVe on the RAW 264.7 cells exhibited no cytotoxicity, and the cells with HEVe displayed reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO levels and increased IL-13 levels. Conclusions: HEVe demonstrated systemic and topical multitarget anti-inflammatory activity, likely due to the combined effects of secondary metabolites. HEVe emerges as a promising herbal remedy for inflammation with minimal cytotoxicity, emphasizing its potential therapeutic significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are a source of valuable organic chemical compounds with complex structures rich in therapeutic activities. The encapsulation of compounds in nanostructured systems is an alternative to avoid limitations, such as instability and low solubility, and to promote therapeutic use. The objective of the present review was to summarize the data in the literature on the physicochemical characteristics, biomedical efficacy, and toxicity of nanostructures containing extracts and oils obtained from annatto (Bixa orellana). For this, searches were conducted in the CINAHL, LILACS, Embase, FSTA, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies that carried out the development, physical-chemical characterization, and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and/or in vitro, in vivo, or clinical toxicity of nanostructures containing extracts and oils derived from annatto were included in the review. Of the 708 articles found, nine met the inclusion criteria. The included studies developed different nanostructures (nanofibers, nanocochleates, chitosan, lipid, polymeric, and metallic nanoparticles). These nanostructures showed leishmanicidal, photoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory efficacy, and tissue regeneration potential with no or low toxic effects in the tested models. Thus, the present work supports the nanostructuring of annatto extracts and oils as a relevant approach to the development of new technologies for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The culture of a cyanobacterium 'Anabaena' sp. was isolated from alluvial meadow soils in the south of Russia and deposited in the IPPAS collection of cultures of microalgae and cyanobacteria, Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, under the number IPPAS B-2020. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the studied strain belongs to a clade comprising the genera Sphaerospermopsis, Amphiheterocytum, Raphidiopsis, Wollea, and Neowollea, but cannot currently be assigned to any of them. The phytotoxicity and fungicidal and antioxidant activities of the strain were studied. The culture turned out to be non-toxic. Water–alcohol extract and biomass of 'Anabaena' sp. IPPAS B-2020 completely suppressed the micromycetes Fusarium culmorum, F. graminearum, and F. sporotrichioides with the maximum diameter of growth inhibition zone of 2.5 cm. The water extract of cyanobacteria 'Anabaena' sp. IPPAS B-2020 had a pronounced antioxidant activity (39.3%). Among the metabolites of 'Anabaena' sp. IPPAS B-2020, there were organic acids (citric, lactic, acetic), terpenes, alkanes, alcohols, and other low molecular weight organic compounds. The 'Anabaena' sp. IPPAS B-2020 culture is of interest for biotechnology as a producer of such important biologically active compounds as tributyl phosphate, D-limonene, squalene, and α-pinene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the transcriptomic response to virus simulant (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, poly I:C), and to determine if the aqueous leech (Whitmania pigra) extract has the function of interfering with the transcriptomic response in primary culture cells from the embryo of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). The results showed that the transfection with poly I:C and treatment with leech extract reduced cell viability. A total of 468 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was induced by poly I:C, including 272 upregulated genes and 196 downregulated genes. A total of 965 DEGs were induced by leech extract, including 209 upregulated genes and 756 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that 43 GO terms and 12 pathways were significantly enriched by poly I:C, including immune response and immune system processes, nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)–like receptor signaling pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Leech extract significantly enriched 50 GO terms and 56 pathways, including translation, peptide biosynthetic process, ribosome, and oxidative phosphorylation pathway. In addition, qRT-PCR of seven DEGs from poly I:C transfection and four DEGs from leech extract treatment verified the reliability of transcriptome analysis. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated poly I:C transfection enhanced the generation of DDX58 protein in cytoplasm and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB(p65), while the leech extract inhibited above action to DDX58 and NF-κB(p65). In conclusion, this study improved the understanding of immune system response to the virus in primary culture cells of Chinese soft-shelled turtle, and suggested that aqueous leech extract from W. pigra may inhibit immune response genes induced by poly I:C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Modern Food Science & Technology is the property of Editorial Office of Modern Food Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A unique starch-green tea extract composite was synthesized following a bio-inspired 'green' method under ultrasonication. The polar hydroxyl organofunction over the starch is coordinated with the polyphenolic phytochemicals of green tea extract to form a stable composite hydrogel. The materials were structurally analyzed through several instrumental methods such as FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM and EDX. Towards biological application, the composite hydrogel was used in controlling the inflammation of adenomyosis in mice. In the in vivo design, tamoxifen was used to induce the experimental adenomyosis model in mice. After treatment, the thymus, spleen, uterine, and body weights of all the animal samples were measured. Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and immuno histochemical (IHC) staining were applied to analyze the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway protein expression in adenomyosis mice. Then, inflammatory factors expression and the myometrial infiltration were determined by qRT-PCR, ELISA, and histology examination in the uterus. The adenomyosis amelioration of starch-green tea extract composite was gained by preventing the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway including decreasing the expressions of protein and mRNA of p-p38/p38, p-JNK/JNK, and p-ERK/ERK in the uterus. The raised levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in adenomyosis model mice uterus and serum were also reduced after starch-green tea extract composite treatment. Starch-green tea extract composite ameliorated the adenomyosis symptoms by raising the thymus and spleen index and decreasing myometrial infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of extracts of different citrus fruits peel on the oxidation of canola oil during 5-day accelerated condition and compare the antioxidant activity of the peel extracts from citrus fruits (cultivated in north and south of Iran).The citrus peel ethanolic extracts prepared by ultrasound-assisted technique (150 w, 40 ◦C, and 30 min) showed significantly higher extraction efficiency and phenolic compounds in comparison to the extracts produced through the conventional extraction method. Southern Bitter orange peels had the highest amount of TPC (1.78 mg GAE/g) followed by northern bitter orange (1.46 mg GAE/g), southern lemon (1.25 mg GAE/g), northern lemon (1.02 mg GAE/g), southern orange (1.32 mg GAE/g), and northern orange (1.10 mg GAE/g)peels. TPCs of citrus peels of the south of Iran were higher than TPCs of north-cultivated citrus fruits. The oxidative stability and the free radical scavenging(DPPH) activity of southern bitter orange peel extract was the highest among the other treatments followed by northern bitter orange, southern orange, northern orange, southern lemon, and northern lemon extracts. According to the results, the peel extracts containing phenolic compounds as natural antioxidants have the potential of reacting with the free radicals produced from lipid oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Using medicinal plants in Indonesia still needs to be optimized. Almost all parts of the Kawista plant have been traditionally used to treat various ailments such as antioxidants, antidiabetic, wound healing, and controlling uric acid levels. Existing research on Kawista fruit peel as an acne antibacterial includes studies on the ethyl acetate extract of Kawista fruit peel against Propionibacterium acnes, which falls into the moderate to strong category. In Indonesia, Kawista fruit is limited to the flesh and is used to make syrup and dodol (a traditional sweet). In contrast, the fruit's peel remains a waste product. Objective: This study aims to develop a formula for an ethyl acetate extract ointment of Kawista fruit peel (Limonia acidissima L.) as an antibacterial agent against Propionibacterium acnes with good physical quality. Methods: The fruit peel extract was obtained using the maceration method with 96% ethanol. The extract was then formulated into ointment preparations with concentration variations of 6.25% (F1), 12.50% (F2), and 25% (F3). The physical stability tests for the ointment included organoleptic parameters, homogeneity, spreadability, and pH value tests. The data were analyzed to determine the effect of the extract concentration and storage time on the ointment's physical stability. Result: The test results showed that the ointment formulation of Kawista fruit peel extract (Limonia acidissima L.) could be successfully formulated into an ointment form and met the required evaluation criteria, including organoleptic testing, homogeneity testing, pH testing, and spreadability testing. Conclusion: Based on the study, it can be concluded that the Kawista fruit peel extract ointment (Limonia acidissima L.) can be successfully formulated into an ointment and meets the required evaluation criteria, including organoleptic testing, homogeneity testing, pH testing, and spreadability testing. A skin irritation test is required to determine whether any irritation occurs after applying the ointment.

In recent years, there has been a significant restriction on the spectrum of active substances that can be used in fruit growing in the Czech Republic. This fact creates challenges in implementing effective protection systems against many pests. The limitation of active substances and the absence of effective replacements are also related to the selection of resistance to pesticides in certain species, the accumulation of specific residues of active substances in the environment, negative impacts on non-target organisms, etc. The presented study focuses on the issue of alternative products and plant protection aids that could have potential use in protecting against harmful organisms and could thus replace classical insecticidal active substances at certain stages of vegetation. In laboratory or operational trials, the effectiveness of selected natural-based products, mostly oils, was evaluated against the woolly apple aphid and European red mite. According to the results obtained, high effectiveness was achieved against the blood aphid with the products Rock Effect NEW and Neudosan. The population of overwintering eggs of the fruit spider mite can be reduced in the pre-spring period with the products Rock Effect NEW and Ekol at a dose of 30 l/ha.

Abstract Background Fomitopsis pinicola is one of the most common fungi found in temperate zone of Europe, widely distributed spread in Asia and North America. Fungus has a wide range of therapeutic activity: antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antifungal, hepatoprotective, hemostatic action. A number of studies have confirmed the significant antioxidant activity of F. pinicola fruiting bodies. However, the controlled cultivation conditions that influence fungal growth and metabolite production of F. pinicola, particularly the mycelial growth and biosynthesis of metabolites in its culture broth, as well as the antioxidant activity of its mycelium, remain poorly understood. Results This study investigated the impact of cultivation conditions on F. pinicola mycelium growth, phenols synthesis and antioxidant activity. Difference in the biosynthetic activity of F. pinicola under tested cultivation conditions was established. A highest value of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH•) inhibition (78.2 ± 0.9%) was found for a mycelium cultivated at 30 ºC, while cultivation at a lower temperature (20 ºC) was suitable for biomass growth (8.5 ± 0.3 g/L) and total phenolic content (TPC) 11.0 ± 0.6 mg GAE/g. Carbon and nitrogen sources in a cultivation broth significantly influenced the studied characteristics. Xylose supported the highest DPPH• inhibition (89.91 ± 0.5%) and TPC (16.55 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g), while galactose yielded the best biomass (4.0 ± 0.3 g/L). Peptone was the most effective nitrogen source for obtaining the mycelium with high potential of DPPH• radical inactivation (90.42 ± 0.5%) and TPC (17.41 ± 0.5 mg GAE/g), while the maximum biomass yield (7.8 ± 0.6 g/L) was found with yeast extract in cultivation medium. F. pinicola demonstrated the ability to grow and produce bioactive metabolites across a wide pH range from 2.5 to 7.5. Shaking cultivation resulted in the highest TPC (21.44 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g), though the same level of antioxidant activity (93%) was achieved under both shaking and static cultivation on the 7th and 28th days, respectively. Conclusion Controlling cultivation parameters makes it possible to regulate the metabolic and biochemical processes of F. pinicola, facilitating the balance needed to obtain optimal biomass, phenols and antioxidant activity. The findings show the potential to increase phenol production by 2.25 and 2.23 times under shaking and static conditions, respectively, while maintaining a high level of activity.

Abstract Background Two validated and effective extraction techniques have been developed to ascertain the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in traditional cigarettes and E-cigarettes. PAHs are a class of chemicals that occur naturally, and these contaminants may cause cancer and other harmful effects in human beings. Traditional cigarettes and E-cigarettes contain many PAHs. Method In terms of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy (%), and precision (%), the two in-house lab setups for 7PAHs extraction from traditional cigarettes and E-cigarette were validated using high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection. Results The concentration of Σ7PAHs for traditional cigarettes and E-cigarettes ranged from 6.23 ± 0.04 ng/cig to 75.61 ± 0.02 ng/cig, and non-detectable to 3.56 ± 2.71 ng/puff. The PAHs recovery in traditional cigarettes and E-cigarettes ranged from 92.74–110.45%, and 97.20–111.74%. The toxicity of equivalent (TEQs) of carcinogens revealed that traditional cigarettes brands have higher TEQs than E-cigarettes. Conclusion This study highlights the detection of 7PAHs levels and its risk assessment in product brands for traditional cigarettes and E-cigarettes marketed in Saudi Arabia. The results suggested that the developed methods are a precise and versatile approach for measuring 7PAHs in traditional cigarettes and E-cigarettes.

Biodegradable biopolymers like polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) hold promise for sustainable packaging, but their inherent degradability reduces material stability. Synthetic stabilizers, though effective, raise environmental and potential toxicity concerns. This study explores a multifunctional natural anti-aging agent: a hemp extract rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabichromene (CBC). PHB composites with varying hemp extract concentrations were prepared and subjected to thermooxidative and weathering aging. Characterization employed FTIR-ATR, carbonyl index, and spectrophotometry. Static mechanical properties, DSC, and surface free energy (SFE) were also assessed. Notably, the hemp extract exhibited stability under ambient conditions but showed migration with time and aging. The results suggest a plasticizing effect on PHB and highlight the contrasting roles of the extract: inhibiting thermooxidative aging while potentially accelerating aging under atmospheric conditions. This opens avenues for tailoring material durability, further evaluated by life cycle analysis (LCA). This work represents one of the first investigations into hemp extract as an anti-aging agent for eco-friendly polymers, expanding the knowledge base of natural multifunctional additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combination of various medical schools with modern medicine is one of the appropriate methods for diagnosing and treating diseases. Considering the expanded use of herbal remedies, this study aimed to investigate herbal remedies for hypothyroidism. Methods: Keywords related to medicinal plants and hypothyroidism were searched among titles and abstracts of papers published on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to find relevant papers published until the end of 2022. The quality of the extracted papers was assessed using JADAD scale. The data collected from the papers included general information, demographic characteristics of the participants, sample size in each group, type and duration of the intervention, doses of the herbs or extracts, side effects, and the effects of the intervention on thyroid function tests. The I2 index was used to measure the heterogeneity of the papers; if I2 statistic was above 50% or under 50%, the results of the papers were combined using random effect or fixed effect methods, respectively. Results: Five of the 301 papers extracted from the abovementioned databases were selected for systematic review and 4 for meta-analysis. Three of the papers were about the properties of Nigella sativa. The meta-analysis results showed that herbal medicines used in these papers significantly changed level of T4 (SMD=0.86 CI95%: 0.47-1.24), T3 (SMD=0.50 CI95%: 0.13-0.87), and TSH (SMD=-1.19 CI95%: -1.82-0.56) compared to placebo. Conclusions: Herbal medicines improved the results of thyroid function tests; their effects on TSH, T3, and T4 were strong, moderate, and mild, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: At present, use of synthetic pesticides to manage insects and other arthropods creates a number of issues that are related to the environment and public health. The goal of the present study is to find repellent activity of Vitex negundo and Curcuma longa herbal extracts against the wild species Simulium (blackfly) bite. Methods: We have studied Simulium biting behavior and tested the repellency of herbal extract obtained from Vitex negundo L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) and Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberal: Zingiberaceae) along with their essential oils in three locations in Arunachal Pradesh, India on human volunteers’ resistance to Simulium (blackflies). The reported herbal extracts were incorporated to topical drug delivery vehicle as a cream and gel. Results: The methanolic extract of Vitex negundo cream and gel formulation showed >2 h safety at 5% concentration and >5 h safety at 10% concentration in all the testing sites followed by ethyl acetate extract. Whereas, chloroform extract of Curcuma longa cream and gel formulation provided >1 h safety at 5% concentration and >4 h safety at 10% concentration. Interpretation & conclusion: At an optimum concentration of 10%, the methanolic extract of Vitex negundo cream provided complete protection times (CPTs) 320.4, 358.6, and 346.4 min, respectively. These findings offer confirmation of the methanolic extract and chloroform extract potential for use in new blackfly repellents.

Abstract The review explored the potential of cola acuminata (cola-nut) as a natural and eco-friendly dye source for textiles, taking into account its characteristics, and prospective applications on textile materials. Moreover, the review discusses the various techniques used to extract the dye from cola acuminata, the dye yield, the compound responsible for the color yield of the cola, its various applications, and prospect for sustainable management. There has been limited research on the sustainability of cola acuminata dye extract where there has also been a growing interest in the use of natural dye in the textile industry. Additionally, the production and use of synthetic dyes have been associated with several environmental issues, including water pollution, waste generation, carbon emissions, as well as health related problems for textile workers, particularly in developing countries. However, the dye extract of cola acuminata has been found to possess good color fastness properties and has proven to be a sustainable alternative to synthetic dye since it contains tannins, which are a type of polyphenolic compound that can be used as a natural dye. The tannins in the extract have been shown to have flavonoids properties, so that textiles dyed with the extract may be very resistant to microbial growth. Although, the tannin content of the seeds has been reported to be higher than that of some cola such as cola nitida, despite its lower dye yield. Moreso, the review emphasized on the importance of continued research in this field to optimize the dyeing process and contribute also to the enhancement of sustainable practice in the textile sector. It further provides valuable insights into the potential applications of cola acuminata dye extract particularly in the textile industry.

Objective: To explore the changes of active components in Polygonatum sibiricum extract and its regulation on intestinal flora by in vitro simulated digestion combined with 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology. Methods: P. sibiricum extract was prepared by heating reflux method. The contents of polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids in P. sibiricum extract before and after simulated digestion in vitro were determined, and its inhibitory ability on α-glucosidase was investigated. The effect of P. sibiricum extract on intestinal flora was analyzed based on 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Results: The P. sibiricum extract contained polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids, and the contents were 0.4732, 0.0632 and 0.0754 mg/mL, respectively. After in vitro simulated digestion, the contents of polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids were significantly reduced (P

Grape pomace contains many anthocyanins, catechins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes, so it must be utilized. The research used grape pomace from Cabernet Sauvignon and Rara Neagra, harvested in 2023. When creating the absorption spectra, a high content of anthocyanins was observed – components that describe the most significant increases in the spectral line at wavelengths between 510 and 550 nm, specific to these phenolic compounds, confirming the participation of anthocyanins in the formation of the color of grapes as main constituents. Studying the anthocyanin content showed that most pigments that gave the red color were found in acidulated samples of Cabernet Sauvignon, with an extraction temperature of 40°C. The same trend was observed in the acidulated extract of Rara Neagra with extraction temperatures of 40°C and 55°C. When determining the total phenolic content, values ranged between 4.59-5.16 mg GAE/g DW for Cabernet Sauvignon and 4.62-5.98 mg GAE/g DW for Rara Neagra. The antioxidant activity varied in Cabernet Sauvignon between 72.06-86.4%, and in Rara Neagra between 76.79-88.64%. The lowest values were recorded in the non-acidulated samples: 72% for Cabernet Sauvignon and 76.8% for Rara Neagra. As a result, acidulated extracts were the richest in biologically active substances.

In the present work, methanolic extracts from thyme and dittany plants were prepared and characterized in terms of their polyphenolic content through analytical and spectrophotometric techniques. Rosmarinic acid, thymol and carvacrol were found to be the main components of the extracts, which were further biologically assessed for their antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-lipase and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. As found, thyme extracts exhibited superior antioxidant activity (SC50 at 33.9 μg mL−1), while dittany extracts inhibited the microbial growth to a great extent against Bacillus subtilis strain (MIC at 0.5 mg mL−1) and E. coli strain (MIC at 2 mg mL−1). Furthermore, the thyme extract was proven to strongly inhibit the activity of lipase from Candida rugosa (IC50 at 63.9 μg mL−1), comparable to the standard inhibitor orlistat, while its inhibitory effect against mushroom tyrosinase was weak. On the other hand, the dittany extract presented an inhibitory effect against the tested lipase (IC50 over 500 μg mL−1) and an activation effect against tyrosinase (at concentrations > 500 μg mL−1). Additionally, molecular docking studies of the main compounds of the extracts showed that rosmarinic acid plays a crucial role on the inhibitory activity of the extracts against lipase, while thymol has a stronger effect on inhibiting tyrosinase. Furthermore, both extracts were employed in the preparation of gelatin-deep eutectic solvent (DES) hydrogels that were further studied for their antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The results showed that the incorporation of the extracts offered antibacterial properties to the biopolymer-based hydrogels and enhanced the antioxidant activity of gelatin up to 85%.

Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) are thought to be an excellent source of bioactive compounds, making them an aspirant for the manufacture of health-promoting compounds. This study aims at exploring the pro-apoptotic effects of spiny and thornless OFI cladode extracts on the human immortalized myelogenous leukemia cell line (K562).

As a common plant that is widely used for both medicinal and culinary purposes, ginger is rich in polysaccharides, terpenes, phenols and other active substances, imparting it with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, neuroprotective and antidiabetic properties. In this paper, we review the current understanding on the composition and biological activities of ginger extract, discusses the application of ginger in food packaging, and propose future directions for ginger extract research, hoping to arouse people’s attention on ginger and its further application so as to promote the comprehensive utilization of ginger resources.

Phosphorus (P) levels alter the allelopathic activity of rice seedlings against lettuce seeds. In this study, we investigated the effect of P deficiency on the allelopathic potential of non-pigmented and pigmented rice varieties. Rice seedlings of the white variety Khao Dawk Mali (KDML105, non-pigmented) and the black varieties Jao Hom Nin (JHN, pigmented) and Riceberry (RB, pigmented) were cultivated under high P (HP) and low P (LP) conditions. Morphological and metabolic responses to P deficiency were investigated. P deficiency inhibited shoot growth but promoted root growth of rice seedlings in all three varieties. Moreover, P deficiency led to decreased cytosolic phosphate (Pi) and total P concentrations in both shoot and root tissues. The subsequent reduction in internal P concentration enhanced the accumulation of phenolic compounds in both shoot and root tissues of the seedlings. Subsequently, allelopathy-based inter- and intra-specific interactions were assessed using water extracts from seedlings of the three varieties grown under HP and LP conditions. These extracts were tested on seeds of lettuce, the weed Dactyloctenium aegyptium, and the same rice variety. The shoot and root extracts from P-deficient seedlings reduced the germination of all recipient plants. Specifically, the shoot extract from P-deficient KDML105 seedlings reduced the germination index (GI) of lettuce seeds to 1%, while those from P-deficient RB and JHN seedlings produced GIs of 32% and 42%, respectively. However, when rice seeds were exposed to their own LP shoot and root extracts, their GIs increased up to 4-fold, compared with the HP extracts. Additionally, the shoot extracts from P-deficient plants also stimulated the germination of D. aegyptium by about 2–3-fold, whereas the root extracts did not have this effect. Therefore, P starvation led to the accumulation and exudation of phenolics in the shoots and roots of rice seedlings, altering their allelopathic activities. To adapt to P deficiency, rice seedlings potentially release signaling chemicals to suppress nearby competing species while simultaneously promoting their own germination and growth.

Abstract Doum palm and turmeric are traditional medicinal plants with a rich history of use. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, proximate analysis, and GC-MS characterization of doum palm and turmeric blends at different ratios (100%, 80:20%, 60:40%, and 50:50%) using ethanol and warm-water extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phenols, in the blends at ratios of 80:20%, 60:40%, and 50:50%. Alkaloids were absent in the 100% doum palm sample. Proximate analysis showed significant variations in moisture, ash, fat, and protein content among the samples. GC-MS characterization identified at most 30 phytochemical compounds in sample A and more additional 9 bioactive compounds in samples B, C and D, including two new compounds, eucalyptol and carotol, found in the doum palm-turmeric blends. These compounds have been known to possess various antioxidant and therapeutic potential. The findings suggest that doum palm and turmeric blends have improved potential health benefits due to their high content of phytochemical compounds and balanced proximate composition. Further research is warranted to determine the most effective doum palm to turmeric ratio (Optimal Blending Ratios) for specific health applications. This includes identifying the blend ratios that maximize the therapeutic benefits for particular conditions or diseases.

Abstract. The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is considered as one of the most important pests of vegetables worldwide. Nowadays, alternative safe control measures are usually recommended against various insect pests. We investigated the ethanolic extracts of a medicinal plant fruit called winter cherry Withania somnifera L. (Solanaceae) against third instar larvae of cotton bollworm. The LC50, LC30, and LC10 values were estimated by feeding through larval diet at 1.33, 0.53, and 0.14 (% w/v). Later, the LC30 value (0.53 % w/v) obtained was again treated on third instar larvae to find out its sublethal effects on some important molecules and enzymes. The results showed elevated amount of uric acid and also increased activity in acid phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione S-transferase in comparison with the controls (fed artificial diet with ethanol alone). However, decreased activity of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, catalase, acetylcholinesterase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were observed. The midgut histology showed disruption in main midgut epithelial cells as well as other cell types in treated vs controls. Chemical components of the ethanolic extract of winter cherry fruits were also identified using GC-MS where the main components included 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (51.18 %) and 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl (21.86%). Our results are indicative of a promising natural product that can be regarded as a new source for insect pest control.

Background and Aim: Although widely employed in traditional remedies globally, the safety and efficacy of Moringa oleifera remain inadequately documented through scientific research. This study evaluated the oral toxicity of M. oleifera leaf aqueous extract (MoAE) and its impact on gout-induced rats. Materials and Methods: 2000 mg/kg was given in a single dose during the acute oral toxicity test, while 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg were given daily for 28 days in the repeated dose toxicity test. 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg MoAE doses were administered during the assessment of its impact on gout caused by monosodium urate. In the hyperuricemia model induced by oxonic acid, serum uric acid levels were assessed and pain response was measured through acetic acid-induced writhing. Results: In acute oral and 28-day repeated dose tests, no indications of toxicity were detected, while MoAE alleviated ankle joint swelling and reduced serum uric acid concentrations in arthritic rats, causing a significant reduction in acetic acid-induced contortions. Conclusion: No acute oral toxicity or toxicity in 28-day repeated doses was found for MoAE, while it exhibited antiarthritic, antihyperuricemic, and pain-relieving effects in the murine model.

This study used lemon peel and Fe3O4 nanocomposite (LE-Fe3O4) to remove Congo red (CR) from the aqueous solution in batch adsorption techniques. The main factors influencing the adsorption process studied were pH, dose, contact time, and initial concentration. The results have shown the optimum conditions for making LE-Fe3O4 a suitable adsorbent were pH 6, 25 mg/50 mL dose, 90 ppm initial CR concentration, and 30-min contact time. The experimental data best fit with the Langmuir isotherm model with 16.28 mg/g max adsorption capacity and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which indicates the monolayer chemisorption adsorption process. The properties of the nanocomposite adsorbent were established through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, which often leads to the death of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is extremely complex, with high refractory rate and mortality rate. There are only two kinds of drugs for its treatment, so it is urgent to develop new treatment methods to improve the prognosis of patients. OBJECTIVE: To review the mechanism of Chinese medicine and mesenchymal stem cells regulating the immune response in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. METHODS: “Traditional Chinese medicine, medical stem cells, ALS, immune response” were Chinese and English search terms. Articles were retrieved from WanFang, CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science and other databases from 2010 to 2023. Finally, 69 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The article summarizes in detail the five mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine regulating the immune response in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: mainly including the promotion of expression of closed zone protein-1 and closed protein-5 by traditional Chinese medicine such as borneol and astragaloside IV to rebuild the integrity of the blood central nervous system barrier. Fufangteng Mixture can regulate the receptor molecules on the surface of the natural killer cells to inhibit their autotoxicity. The complement system factors such as Scutellaria barbata and patchouli can inhibit their abnormal activation. Tripterygium wilfordii and Uncaria rhynchophylla inhibit the activation of microglia by mediating the production of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 attenuated inducible nitric oxide synthase. Zuogui Pill and Trichosanthes kirilowii Root promote the expression of interleukin-10 and regulate T cells to improve the immune environment. (2) Through existing research, five mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells regulating the immune response in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been summarized, mainly including reducing the expression of aquaporin 4 and reducing endothelial nitric oxide synthase signal transduction to repair the integrity of the immune barrier; releasing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, prostaglandin E2 and other factors to resist natural killer cell toxicity; secretion factor H interferes with the activity of invertase and inhibits abnormal activation of the complement system; regulating the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 system axis or secreting transforming growth factors β, which can change the phenotype of microglia and inhibit its activity by other ways; increasing the expression of interleukin-10 or activating the STATS phosphorylation pathway to restore T cell function. (3) At present, there are few studies on the combination of traditional Chinese medicine and mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Relevant research reports have shown that Jiweiling Injection can promote stem cell proliferation and differentiation and that Buyang Huanwu decoction combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can significantly improve the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. In the future, further exploration is needed to explore the synergistic treatment effect of both on refractory amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Despite the growing popularity of medicinal plants, concerns remain regarding their potential side effects and toxicity, particularly on organs like the liver and kidneys. This study aims to evaluate the toxic effects of Citrulus colocynthis on liver enzymes and kidney biochemical markers in rats. Subjects and Methods In this study, 40 adult male rats weighing between 250-300 grams were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group and three experimental groups receiving Citrulus colocynthis extract at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Citrulus colocynthis extract was given through gavage, and after the completion of the test, the serum levels of liver enzymes and several renal factors were measured. Results The results of this study indicated that all three doses of the extract caused a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, different doses of the extract led to an increase in serum levels of urea, creatinine, and uric acid; however, this increase was not statistically significant compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion Although the extract of medicinal plants such as Citrulus colocynthis helps in the treatment of diabetes, asthma, allergies, cancer and colds, its toxicity on organs such as liver and kidney, which are vital organs of the body, should be studied more comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucheuma cottonii is a valuable marine algae species widely cultivated in Sumenep, Madura. Recent research on the biochemical characterization of various marine algae species has identified active anti-microbial polyphenols and their derivatives, such as flavonoids. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Organisms with sufficient levels of polyphenols and flavonoids tend to have an enhanced immunity against bacterial and viral infections. As a result, Eucheuma cottonii has the potential to serve as a natural source for new medicines derived from the marine resources of Madura Island. This study aimed to optimize the use of marine biological resources, specifically Eucheuma cottonii, as the main ingredient for anti-microbial drugs. The research was conducted between May and November 2021 at the Integrated Laboratory of the University of Trunojoyo Madura. The stages of the research included sampling Eucheuma cottonii, extracting its active compounds, and testing the anti-microbial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila. The results showed that the average yield of Eucheuma cottonii extract ranged from 2.978% to 3.296%. The extract demonstrated anti-microbial properties, as evidenced by the formation of inhibition zones in Aeromonas hydrophila colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our study, the biological activity of Hylocereus polyrhizus obtained from Türkiye was determined. Firstly, antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts obtained from H. polyrhizus against test microorganisms was determined by disc diffusion susceptibility assay, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal or bactericidal concentration (MFC or MBC) tests. Then, viable cell counting against Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 using the macro-dilution method was used to determine the probiotic-promoting effect of the fruit extracts. Finally, the photo-protective activity of the extracts and extract-cream mixtures was obtained spectrophotometrically. The inhibition zone diameter of the peel extract against the test microorganisms is in the range of 9.60-12.37 mm and the fruit extract is in the range of 7.85-12.00 mm. MBC values ranged from 40 µg/µl to 80 µg/µl in peel extract and between 10 µg/µl and >80 µg/µl in the fruit extract. The inhibition zone diameters of the extracts against probiotics were determined as 6.10 -10.25 mm. As a result of the viable cell count, the viability rate of L. fermentum MA-7 increased as the fruit methanol extract concentration and time increased. The photoprotective activities of the peel and fruit extracts were determined as 13.17 and 12.26. It was determined that the extracts increased sun protection factor (SPF) value of the cream. The results indicated that H. polyrhizus extracts may have potential for use in the nutraceutical products, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aromatized olive oils were prepared by the addition of ginger and turmeric spices and their combination (ginger + turmeric) with two different forms: powder and extracts. The spices were incorporated to olive paste at kneading stage (co‐processing) or directly to olive oil as infusion (maceration) (5% for powder, 3% for extract; w/w). Aromatization provided a lower peroxide value accompanied by a longer induction period, increased total phenolic content, and enhanced antioxidant activity. The use of turmeric as a powder may be advantageous for use in vegetable oils, especially because the bioactive antioxidant compounds it contains are hydrophobic. In another way, it was also the reason why the alcoholic extract of ginger gave more effective results than turmeric, which had a higher extraction yield than ginger. For both the co‐processing and maceration methods, ginger powder and extract induced the strongest radical scavenging activity in oil. The pungent taste was more marked in turmeric‐aromatized oils and spicy taste in ginger‐aromatized oils. The use of these two spices together incorporated the bioactive components into the oil while balancing the burning effect of ginger, making it more possible to benefit from its high antioxidant effect. Practical Applications: Aromatization of olive oil by maceration and co‐processing not only enriched it with bioactive components but also improved oxidative stability with quality indices such as free acidity and peroxide. In terms of quality indices and oxidative stability, maceration had advantages over co‐processing. However, co‐processing was more effective in terms of total phenolic and radical scavenging activity. At the industrial level, the incorporation of an aromatic material at one step of the process, that is, co‐processing or co‐milling, can be advantageous in terms of application without requiring extra time for the aromatization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recovery of polyphenol compounds is seen as an arduous task because polyphenol compounds are available as free aglycones, as sugar or ester conjugates, or as polymers with several monomeric components. The response surface method (RSM) as a tool to optimize the factors that affect extraction efficacy as well as to obtain maximum recovery of the compounds of interest. This study optimizes ultrasound-assisted polyphenol extraction from Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes using response surface methodology (RSM). Three variables were considered: Ethanol concentration (70 - 90 %, v/v), temperature (60 - 80 °C), and ultrasound time (15 - 25 min). Data were analyzed by ANOVA, yielding an R² of 0.9993, a significant interaction effect (p < 0.0001), and an insignificant lack-of-fit test (p = 0.6684). Optimal conditions for maximum polyphenol content (TPC = 31.05 ± 0.53 mg GAE/g powder) were 80.02 % ethanol, 68 °C, 20.47 min ultrasound time, and 1/10 (w/v) raw material/solvent ratio. Experimental values matched RSM predictions, confirming successful extraction optimization from Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes. The polyphenol-rich optimum extract from Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes has been studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. The results were found, the optimum extract of Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes could perform effective neutralization activities of free radicals performed in DPPH test (IC50 = 5.89 ± 0.23 µg/mL), NO* (IC50 = 5.89 ± 0.23 µg/mL) and ABTS*+ (IC50 = 8.28 ± 0.12 µg/mL). Besides, this optimum extract had the ability to protect red blood cell membranes and inhibit protein denaturation due to heat with IC50 times values such as 29.06 ± 0.35 and 30.24 ± 0.32 µg/mL. In addition, it also significantly inhibited α-amylase, α-glucosidase enzyme activities with IC50 values of 5.89 ± 0.23 and 9.62 ± 0.11 μg/mL, respectively. This investigation showed that the polyphenol-rich optimum extract from Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes was a promising antioxidant, antiinflammatory and anti-diabetic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, methanolic extracts from thyme and dittany plants were prepared and characterized in terms of their polyphenolic content through analytical and spectrophotometric techniques. Rosmarinic acid, thymol and carvacrol were found to be the main components of the extracts, which were further biologically assessed for their antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-lipase and antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. As found, thyme extracts exhibited superior antioxidant activity (SC50 at 33.9 μg mL−1), while dittany extracts inhibited the microbial growth to a great extent against Bacillus subtilis strain (MIC at 0.5 mg mL−1) and E. coli strain (MIC at 2 mg mL−1). Furthermore, the thyme extract was proven to strongly inhibit the activity of lipase from Candida rugosa (IC50 at 63.9 μg mL−1), comparable to the standard inhibitor orlistat, while its inhibitory effect against mushroom tyrosinase was weak. On the other hand, the dittany extract presented an inhibitory effect against the tested lipase (IC50 over 500 μg mL−1) and an activation effect against tyrosinase (at concentrations > 500 μg mL−1). Additionally, molecular docking studies of the main compounds of the extracts showed that rosmarinic acid plays a crucial role on the inhibitory activity of the extracts against lipase, while thymol has a stronger effect on inhibiting tyrosinase. Furthermore, both extracts were employed in the preparation of gelatin-deep eutectic solvent (DES) hydrogels that were further studied for their antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The results showed that the incorporation of the extracts offered antibacterial properties to the biopolymer-based hydrogels and enhanced the antioxidant activity of gelatin up to 85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MoMo30 is an antiviral protein isolated from aqueous extracts of Momordica balsamina L. (Senegalese bitter melon). Previously, we demonstrated MoMo30's antiviral activity against HIV-1. Here, we explore whether MoMo30 has antiviral activity against the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2. MLV particles pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein and a Luciferase reporter gene (SARS2-PsV) were developed from a three-way co-transfection of HEK293-T17 cells. MoMo30's inhibition of SARS2-PsV infection was measured using a luciferase assay and its cytotoxicity using an XTT assay. Additionally, MoMo30's interactions with the variants and domains of Spike were determined by ELISA. We show that MoMo30 inhibits SARS2-PsV infection. We also report evidence of the direct interaction of MoMo30 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike from WH-1, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. Furthermore, MoMo30 interacts with both the S1 and S2 domains of Spike but not the receptor binding domain (RBD), suggesting that MoMo30 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting fusion of the virus and the host cell via interactions with Spike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]