Cover Picture: Malagasy Dye Plant Species: A Promising Source of Novel Natural Colorants with Potential Applications – A Review (C&B 12/2019)

Searching for new bio-based herbicides is crucial for decreasing chemical pollution, protecting the environment, and sustaining biodiversity. Origanum vulgare is considered a promising source of essential oil with herbicidal effect. The mode of action is not known. The present study focused on (1) comparison of phytotoxic activity of Origanum vulgare EO on monocot (Triticum aestivum and Hordeum vulgare) and dicot species (Lepidium sativum and Sinapis alba); (2) and evaluating other antimicrobial biological activities against phytopatogen bacteria (Clavibacter michiganensis, Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola, Pseudomonas savastanoi, and Xanthomonas campestris); antifungal activity against Monilinia fructicola, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, and Botrytis cinerea; cytotoxic activity and antioxidant activity. According to the GC/MS analyses, the EO belongs to the thymol chemotype O. vulgare with its high content of thymol (76%). Germination of all four species was not influenced by EO. The phytotoxic effect was statistically significant in the monocot species, while in the dicot species the opposite was observed—a stimulation effect, which was also statistically significant. Strong biological activity of O. vulgare EO was noted on all phytopatogen bacteria and fungi in the highest dose. Cytotoxic activity showed an IC50 = 50.5 μg/mL. Antioxidant activity showed an IC50 = 106.6 μg/mL after 45 min experimental time. Based on the presented results, it is possible to conclude that thymol chemotype O. vulgare essential oil could be potentially used as a herbicide with selective effects on monocot plant species.

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Effects and applications of arthropod steroid hormones (ecdysteroids) in mammals

Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1677/joe.1.06900 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 191 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 107

Author(s):

Laurence Dinan ◽

René Lafont

Keyword(s):

Steroid Hormones ◽

Plant Species ◽

Short Review ◽

Pharmacological Effects ◽

Wide Range ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Gene Switch

Zooecdysteroids (arthropod steroid hormones) regulate the development of arthropods and probably many other invertebrates. Phytoecdysteroids are analogues occurring in a wide range of plant species, where they contribute to the deterrence of phytophagous invertebrates. The purpose of this short review is to summarise findings on the occurrence, metabolism and pharmacological effects of ecdysteroids in mammalian systems and to draw attention to their potential applications, particularly in gene-switch technology, where ecdysteroid analogues (steroidal and non-steroidal) can be used as effective and potent elicitors.

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Characterization of Polyphenolic Compounds Extracted from Different Varieties of Almond Hulls (Prunus dulcis L.)

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox8120647 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 647 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Maher Kahlaoui ◽

Stefania Borotto Dalla Vecchia ◽

Francesco Giovine ◽

Hayet Ben Haj Kbaier ◽

Nabiha Bouzouita ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Activity ◽

Desirability Function ◽

Polynomial Equation ◽

Prunus Dulcis ◽

Extraction Time ◽

Operating Parameters ◽

Ultrasound Assisted Extraction ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Solid Liquid ◽

Promising Source

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was applied as a pretreatment technique to improve the recovery of polyphenols from the almond hulls of four Tunisian and three Italian almond varieties, followed by the characterization with HPLC-DAD. The operating parameters (solid/liquid ratio, extraction time, and ethanol concentrations) were optimized using a Response Surface Methodology. A polynomial equation was calculated to describe the relationship between the operating parameters and dependent variables as total polyphenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (RSA). A desirability function approach was used to determine the optimum conditions for operating parameters: a solid:solvent ratio of 2 g/100 mL, an extraction time of 13 min, and an ethanol concentration of 51.2%. Among the almond varieties, Pizzuta and Fakhfekh showed the highest polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. HPLC-DAD analysis of almond hull extracts confirmed that chlorogenic acid, catechin, and protocatechuic acid were the most important polyphenols in almond hull. The results highlighted that UAE could be an effective technique for the recovery of phenolic compounds from almond hull, thereby making this byproduct a promising source of compounds with potential applications in food and healthcare sectors.

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Valorization of Agri-Food Waste from Pistachio Hard Shells: Extraction of Polyphenols as Natural Antioxidants

Resources ◽

10.3390/resources10050045 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 45

Author(s):

Nunzio Cardullo ◽

Melania Leanza ◽

Vera Muccilli ◽

Corrado Tringali

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Activity ◽

Ethanol Extract ◽

Natural Antioxidants ◽

Total Phenolic ◽

Industrial Processing ◽

Phenolic Constituents ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Hard Shell ◽

Promising Source ◽

By Products

The agricultural processing industry usually generates a remarkable amount of by-products rich in bioactive compounds, which can be exploited for agri-food or nutraceutical applications. Pistachio’s hard shell is one of the major by-products from pistachio industrial processing. The aim of this work was the evaluation of pistachio shells as a potential source of natural antioxidants. We evaluated different extraction procedures by measuring total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidative activity (DPPH•, TEAC and ORAC). The microwave-assisted ethanol extract turned out to be the most promising and was fractionated by XAD-16 column chromatography, affording six fractions analyzed through HPLC/ESI-MS/MS and 1H-NMR to identify the main antioxidative constituents. Fractions Fr4–Fr6 demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. Gallic acid and a monogalloylglusose isomer are the main phenolic constituents of Fr4. Both simple and complex phenolics, such as flavonoids and hydrolysable tannins, were identified in fractions Fr5 and Fr6; pentagalloylglucose and kaempferol, well-known for their antioxidant activity, are the most abundant constituents. The results highlighted that the proposed methodology can be an effective way to recover bioactive phenolic compounds from pistachio hard shell, making this by-product a promising source of compounds with potential applications in food and healthcare sectors.

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Seed germination promoting chemical compounds and their potential use in the malting industry

KVASNY PRUMYSL ◽

10.18832/kp2020.66.201 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 66 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hana Dufková

Keyword(s):

Seed Germination ◽

Plant Species ◽

Process Optimization ◽

Broad Spectrum ◽

Chemical Compounds ◽

Chemical Substances ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Barley Grains ◽

Improve Seed Germination ◽

Potential Use

Malting of barley grains is a procedure known for centuries, however, the technology of malt production is constantly being studied and optimized. The optimizations comprise different conditions of barley steeping, as well as using different additives to improve seed germination. Among the most famous group of seed germination regulators, gibberellins, a broad spectrum of diverse chemical substances also have stimulatory effects on seed germination. This review summarizes what is known about multiple barley seed germination promoting compounds, as well as other chemical/hormonal seed germination regulators described in other plant species. The goal is to provide an impulse for testing new stimulatory substances with potential applications in malting process optimization.

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Biodiesel and Other Value-Added Products from Bio-Oil Obtained from Agrifood Waste

Processes ◽

10.3390/pr9050797 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 797

Author(s):

Francisco José Sánchez-Borrego ◽

Paloma Álvarez-Mateos ◽

Juan F. García-Martín

Keyword(s):

Fossil Fuels ◽

Value Added ◽

Extraction Methods ◽

H2 Production ◽

Future Research ◽

Bio Oil ◽

Recent Developments ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Pyrolysis Of Biomass ◽

Promising Source

Bio-oil is a promising source of chemicals and renewable fuels. As the liquid phase obtained from the pyrolysis of biomass, the composition and amount of bio-oil generated depend not only on the type of the biomass but also on the conditions under which pyrolysis is performed. Most fossil fuels can be replaced by bio-oil-derived products. Thus, bio-oil can be used directly or co-fed along with fossil fuels in boilers, transformed into fuel for car engines by hydrodeoxygenation or even used as a more suitable source for H2 production than biomass. On the other hand, due to its rich composition in compounds resulting from the pyrolysis of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, bio-oil co-acts as a source of various value-added chemicals such as aromatic compounds. This review presents an overview of the potential applications of bio-oils and the pyrolysis conditions under which they are obtained. Then, different extraction methods for value-added chemicals, along with the most recent developments, are discussed and future research directions for bio-oil upgrades are highlighted.

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Potential of Malawi’s medicinal plants in Covid-19 disease management: A review

Malawi Medical Journal ◽

10.4314/mmj.v33i2.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 85-107

Author(s):

Ibrahim Chikowe ◽

Andrew G. Mtewa ◽

David Tembo ◽

Dallas Smith ◽

Edna Ibrahim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medicinal Plants ◽

Plant Species ◽

Antiviral Treatment ◽

Antiviral Agents ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

World Health ◽

Traditional Medicinal Plants ◽

Significant Public Health ◽

Health Organization ◽

Promising Source

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered an international pandemic that has led to significant public health problems. To date, limited evidence exists to suggest that drugs are effective against the disease. As possible treatments are being investigated, herbal medicines have shown potential for producing novel antiviral agents for the COVID-19 disease. Aim This review explored the potential of Malawi’s traditional medicinal plants for the management of COVID-19. MethodsThe authors searched on PubMed and Google scholar for medicinal plants that are used in Malawi and published in openly available peer reviewed journals. Plants linked with antiviral treatment, anti-COVID-19 activity or COVID-19 symptoms management were targeted. These included activity against pneumonia, inflammation, cough, difficulty in breathing, pain/aches, fever, diarrhoea, rheumatism, fatigue, asthma, immunocompromised and cardiovascular diseases.Results11 studies were found with 306 plant species. 127 plant species had at least one COVID-19 related pharmacological activity. Of these plant species, the number of herbal entities used for each indication was: pain/aches (87), fever (2), pneumonia (9), breathing/asthma problems (5), coughing (11), diarrhoea (1), immunosuppression (8), blood issues (10), fatigue (2), heart problems (11), inflammation (8), rheumatism (10) and viral diseases (12). Thirty (30) species were used for more than one disease and Azedarachta indica topped the list (6 of the 13 COVID-19 related diseases). The majority of the species had phytochemicals known to have antiviral activity or mechanisms of actions linked to COVID-19 and consequent diseases’ treatment pathways.ConclusionMedicinal plants are a promising source of compounds that can be used for drug development of COVID-19 related diseases. This review highlights potential targets for the World Health Organization and other research entities to explore in order to assist in controlling the pandemic.

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Antioxidants Characterization of the Fruit, Juice, and Pomace of Sweet Rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.) Cultivated in Estonia

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10111779 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 1779

Author(s):

Viive Sarv ◽

Petras Rimantas Venskutonis ◽

Reelika Rätsep ◽

Alar Aluvee ◽

Rita Kazernavičiūtė ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fruit Juice ◽

Phenolic Content ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Value Added ◽

Total Phenolic ◽

Fruit Sample ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Food Applications ◽

Promising Source

This study aimed to identify promising candidates of rowanberry cultivars for a wider cultivation and utilization. Antioxidant properties and phenolic content were evaluated for fruit, juice, and pomace samples of 16 different sweet rowanberry cultivars (cvs) and wild rowanberry (S. aucuparia L.), while the antioxidant potential was assessed using three different methods, based on the capacity to scavenge ABTS●+ and DPPH● and measure the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). In general, the radical scavenging capacity was higher for hybrid cultivars, e.g., for cvs Likernaja, Burka, Granatnaja, and Rubinovaja in all assays. The highest value in the ABTS●+ assay was determined for the fruit sample Likernaja, and in DPPH● assay in the pomace sample of cv. Likernaja, at 527.55 and 1068.28 µM TE/g dw, respectively. The highest ORAC value was found in the fruit sample of Burka (456.53 µM TE/g dw). Among the Nevezhino rowans, the highest radical scavenging values of all fractions were determined in cv. Solnechnaja. Regarding the total phenolic content (TPC), higher values were obtained in the whole fruits than in separated fractions, juice, and pomace. The tested hybrids had higher TPC values, either in fruit and pomace or in juice extracts, than those in the other analyzed S. aucuparia L. cultivars. While the fruit and juice samples showed higher anthocyanin (ACY) values, the pomace samples had higher hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) contents on average. The results revealed that the different fractions of selected rowanberry cultivars can be a promising source of antioxidants and polyphenols for further potential applications. It is envisaged that the results of this study will serve in valorizing sweet rowanberry cultivars as value-added functional ingredients for food and non-food applications.

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3D Cell Cultures as Prospective Models to Study Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13020307 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 307

Author(s):

Guillermo Bordanaba-Florit ◽

Iratxe Madarieta ◽

Beatriz Olalde ◽

Juan M. Falcón-Pérez ◽

Félix Royo

Keyword(s):

Extracellular Vesicles ◽

3D Culture ◽

Cell Communication ◽

Drug Carriers ◽

Antitumoral Activity ◽

Potential Applications ◽

Culture Models ◽

Stem Cell Populations ◽

Promising Source

The improvement of culturing techniques to model the environment and physiological conditions surrounding tumors has also been applied to the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer research. EVs role is not only limited to cell-to-cell communication in tumor physiology, they are also a promising source of biomarkers, and a tool to deliver drugs and induce antitumoral activity. In the present review, we have addressed the improvements achieved by using 3D culture models to evaluate the role of EVs in tumor progression and the potential applications of EVs in diagnostics and therapeutics. The most employed assays are gel-based spheroids, often utilized to examine the cell invasion rate and angiogenesis markers upon EVs treatment. To study EVs as drug carriers, a more complex multicellular cultures and organoids from cancer stem cell populations have been developed. Such strategies provide a closer response to in vivo physiology observed responses. They are also the best models to understand the complex interactions between different populations of cells and the extracellular matrix, in which tumor-derived EVs modify epithelial or mesenchymal cells to become protumor agents. Finally, the growth of cells in 3D bioreactor-like systems is appointed as the best approach to industrial EVs production, a necessary step toward clinical translation of EVs-based therapy.

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