scholarly journals Plant Specialized Metabolites in Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) Kernel and Byproducts: An Update on Chemistry, Biological Activity, and Analytical Aspects

Planta Medica ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 840-855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfredo Bottone ◽  
Antonietta Cerulli ◽  
Gilda DʼUrso ◽  
Milena Masullo ◽  
Paola Montoro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Corylus Avellana ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Specialized Metabolites ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Hard Shell ◽  
Tree Leaf ◽  
Different Parts

Abstract Corylus avellana (hazelnut) is one of the most popular tree nuts on a worldwide basis. The main products of C. avellana are kernels, a nutritious food, with a high content of healthy lipids, contained in a hard shell. In recent years, along with the ongoing research carried out on hazelnut kernels, a growing interest has been addressed to the hazelnut byproducts including hazelnut skin, hazelnut hard shell, and hazelnut green leafy cover as well as hazelnut tree leaf. These byproducts deriving from the roasting, cracking, shelling/hulling, and harvesting processes have been found as a source of “phytochemicals” with biological activity. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and critical update on the chemistry and biological activity of specialized metabolites occurring in hazelnut kernels and byproducts. Phenolics are the most abundant phytochemicals not only in the kernels, but also in other processing byproducts. Attention has been also devoted to taxane derivatives isolated from C. avellana leaves. An overview on the biological activity, mainly antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial along with less common biological effects, has been provided, contributing to highlight C. avellana as a source of bioactive phytochemicals with the potential to exert beneficial effects on human health. Finally, analytical techniques for the quali-quantitative analysis of specialized metabolites occurring in the different parts of C. avellana have been reviewed.

Current Advances in the Biological Activity of Polysaccharides in Dendrobium with Intriguing Therapeutic Potential

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (14) ◽  
pp. 1663-1681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Ting Lee ◽  
Heng-Chun Kuo ◽  
Yung-Hsiang Chen ◽  
Ming-Yen Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
The Family ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

The polysaccharides in many plants are attracting worldwide attention because of their biological activities and medical properties, such as anti-viral, anti-oxidative, antichronic inflammation, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulation, and neuron-protective effects, as well as anti-tumor activity. Denodrobium species, a genus of the family orchidaceae, have been used as herbal medicines for hundreds of years in China due to their pharmacological effects. These effects include nourishing the Yin, supplementing the stomach, increasing body fluids, and clearing heat. Recently, numerous researchers have investigated possible active compounds in Denodrobium species, such as lectins, phenanthrenes, alkaloids, trigonopol A, and polysaccharides. Unlike those of other plants, the biological effects of polysaccharides in Dendrobium are a novel research field. In this review, we focus on these novel findings to give readers an overall picture of the intriguing therapeutic potential of polysaccharides in Dendrobium, especially those of the four commonly-used Denodrobium species: D. huoshanense, D. offininale, D. nobile, and D. chrysotoxum.

Biological Activity of Trans-Membrane Anion Carriers

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (30) ◽  
pp. 3560-3576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Tosolini ◽  
Paolo Pengo ◽  
Paolo Tecilla
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Membrane Transport ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Structure Activity Relationship ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Activity Relationship ◽  
Anion Channels ◽  
Cellular Homeostasis ◽  
Structure Activity

Natural and synthetic anionophores promote the trans-membrane transport of anions such as chloride and bicarbonate. This process may alter cellular homeostasis with possible effects on internal ions concentration and pH levels triggering several and diverse biological effects. In this article, an overview of the recent results on the study of aniontransporters, mainly acting with a carrier-type mechanism, is given with emphasis on the structure/activity relationship and on their biological activity as antibiotic and anticancer agents and in the development of new drugs for treating conditions derived from dysregulation of natural anion channels.

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Embelin and its Derivatives: An Overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 396-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaojun Sheng ◽  
Siyuan Ge ◽  
Min Gao ◽  
Rongchao Jian ◽  
Xiaole Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Hydroxyl Groups ◽  
Carbonyl Groups ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Embelia Ribes ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Ic50 Value ◽  
Apoptosis Protein

Embelin is a naturally occurring para-benzoquinone isolated from Embelia ribes (Burm. f.) of the Myrsinaceae family, and contains two carbonyl groups, a methine group and two hydroxyl groups. With embelin as the lead compound, more than one hundred derivatives have been reported. Embelin is well known for its ability to antagonize the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) with an IC50 value of 4.1 μM. The potential of embelin and its derivatives in the treatment of various cancers has been extensively studied. In addition, these compounds display a variety of other biological effects: antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and antifertility activity. This paper reviews the recent progress in the synthesis and biological activity of embelin and its derivatives. Their cellular mechanisms of action and prospects in the research and development of new drugs are also discussed.

Natural Compounds and Drug Discovery: Can Cnidarian Venom Play a Role?

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-118
Author(s):  
Gian Luigi Mariottini ◽  
Irwin Darren Grice
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Natural Compounds ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Sea Anemones ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Biological Compounds

Natural compounds extracted from organisms and microorganisms are an important resource for the development of drugs and bioactive molecules. Many such compounds have made valuable contributions in diverse fields such as human health, pharmaceutics and industrial applications. Presently, however, research on investigating natural compounds from marine organisms is scarce. This is somewhat surprising considering that the marine environment makes a major contribution to Earth's ecosystems and consequently possesses a vast storehouse of diverse marine species. Interestingly, of the marine bioactive natural compounds identified to date, many are venoms, coming from Cnidarians (jellyfish, sea anemones, corals). Cnidarians are therefore particularly interesting marine species, producing important biological compounds that warrant further investigation for their development as possible therapeutic agents. From an experimental aspect, this review aims to emphasize and update the current scientific knowledge reported on selected biological activity (antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumoral, anticoagulant, along with several less studied effects) of Cnidarian venoms/extracts, highlighting potential aspects for ongoing research towards their utilization in human therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals In Vivo and In Vitro Assays Evaluating the Biological Activity of Taurine, Glucose and Energetic Beverages

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 2198
Author(s):  
Marcos Mateo-Fernández ◽  
Fernando Valenzuela-Gómez ◽  
Rafael Font ◽  
Mercedes Del Río-Celestino ◽  
Tania Merinas-Amo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Damage ◽  
Drosophila Melanogaster ◽  
Biological Activity ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Methylation Status ◽  
Repetitive Sequences ◽  
Energy Drinks ◽  
Red Bull

Taurine is one of the main ingredients used in energy drinks which are highly consumed in adolescents for their sugary taste and stimulating effect. With energy drinks becoming a worldwide phenomenon, the biological effects of these beverages must be evaluated in order to fully comprehend the potential impact of these products on the health due to the fact nutrition is closely related to science since the population consumes food to prevent certain diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of taurine, glucose, classic Red Bull® and sugar-free Red Bull® in order to check the food safety and the nutraceutical potential of these compounds, characterising different endpoints: (i) Toxicology, antitoxicology, genotoxicology and life expectancy assays were performed in the Drosophila melanogaster model organism; (ii) The in vitro chemopreventive activity of testing compounds was determined by assessing their cytotoxicity, the proapoptotic DNA-damage capability to induce internucleosomal fragmentation, the strand breaks activity and the modulator role on the methylation status of genomic repetitive sequences of HL-60 promyelocytic cells. Whereas none tested compounds showed toxic or genotoxic effect, all tested compounds exerted antitoxic and antigenotoxic activity in Drosophila. Glucose, classic Red Bull® and sugar-free Red Bull® were cytotoxic in HL-60 cell line. Classic Red Bull® induced DNA internucleosomal fragmentation although none of them exhibited DNA damage on human leukaemia cells. In conclusion, the tested compounds are safe on Drosophila melanogaster and classic Red Bull® could overall possess nutraceutical potential in the in vivo and in vitro model used in this study. Besides, taurine could holistically be one of the bioactive compounds responsible for the biological activity of classic Red Bull®.

scholarly journals Methodologies in the Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.): Composition, Biological Activity, and Beneficial Effects on Human Health

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Bety W. Hapsari ◽  
Manikharda ◽  
Widiastuti Setyaningsih
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Analytical Methods ◽  
Environmental Influence ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Hibiscus Sabdariffa ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), as an edible flower, has long provided an array of positive effects on human health. This benefit is a result of phenolic compounds that are naturally present mainly in the calyx. Plentiful medicinal remedies and functional foods based on this flower are available worldwide, as supported by the studies of phenolic compounds in recent decades. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the composition, biological activity, and beneficial effects on human health of phenolic compounds in roselle. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A structured search in the published literature for phenolics compositions in roselle was required prior to the evaluation on the validity of the reported analytical methods. Reliable identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in roselle can be achieved by employing the proper extraction and separation methods. With ample alternative analytical methods discussed here, this review provided an aid for comprehending and selecting the most appropriate method for a particular study. The applications of the analytical methods highlighted indicated that phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their derivatives have been identified and quantified in roselle with a range of biological activities and beneficial effects on human health. It was also disclosed that the composition and concentration of phenolic compounds in roselle vary due to the growth factors, cultivars, and environmental influence. Finally, apart from the research progress carried out with roselle during the last ten years, this review also proposed relevant future works.

scholarly journals Extraction Techniques and Analytical Methods for Characterization of Active Compounds in Origanum Species

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (20) ◽  
pp. 4735
Author(s):  
Maša Knez Hrnčič ◽  
Darija Cör ◽  
Jana Simonovska ◽  
Željko Knez ◽  
Zoran Kavrakovski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Abiotic Stresses ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Extraction Techniques ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Activity Assessment ◽  
Current Contribution ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries

Phytochemical research based on ethnopharmacology is gaining interest in industries such as functional food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Plants and plant extracts are a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites. These compounds are often involved in plant protection against biotic or abiotic stresses. The exploitation of available technologies should be oriented and intensified to extend and enhance the continued usefulness of the plants as renewable sources of chemicals, especially medicinal compounds. This current contribution is focused on extraction and analytical techniques for their isolation from the oregano species, their characterization and their potential antioxidative, as well as their antimicrobial, antifungal and anticarcinogenic properties. The work is structured rendering to the different steps involved in the research; starting with extraction and sample preparation, followed by discussing the analytical techniques employed for the isolation and identification of compound/s responsible for the biological activity and methods and techniques for biological activity assessment.

scholarly journals Strawberry and Achenes Hydroalcoholic Extracts and Their Digested Fractions Efficiently Counteract the AAPH-Induced Oxidative Damage in HepG2 Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 2180 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Ariza ◽  
Tamara Forbes-Hernández ◽  
Patricia Reboredo-Rodríguez ◽  
Sadia Afrin ◽  
Massimiliano Gasparrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
Hepg2 Cells ◽  
In Vitro Digestion ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Digestion Process ◽  
Phytochemical Compounds

Strawberry fruits are highly appreciated by consumers worldwide due to their bright red color, typical aroma, and juicy texture. While the biological activity of the complete fruit has been widely studied, the potential beneficial effects of the achenes (commonly named seeds) remain unknown. In addition, when raw fruit and achenes are consumed, the digestion process could alter the release and absorption of their phytochemical compounds, compromising their bioactivity. In the present work, we evaluated the protective effects against oxidative damage of nondigested and digested extracts from strawberry fruit and achenes in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. For that purpose, cells were treated with different concentration of the extracts prior to incubation with the stressor agent, AAPH (2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride). Subsequently, intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the percentage of live, dead, and apoptotic cells were determined. Our results demonstrated that all the evaluated fractions were able to counteract the AAPH-induced damage, suggesting that the achenes also present biological activity. The positive effects of both the raw fruit and achenes were maintained after the in vitro digestion process.

scholarly journals Implications for Degenerative Disorders: Antioxidative Activity, Total Phenols, Flavonoids, Ascorbic Acid, β-Carotene and β-Tocopherol inAloe vera

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurten Ozsoy ◽  
Eda Candoken ◽  
Nuriye Akev
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Aloe Vera ◽  
Total Phenols ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Degenerative Disorders ◽  
Phosphatidylcholine Liposome ◽  
Aqueous Leaf Extract ◽  
Β Carotene

In order to demonstrate whether the known biological effects ofAloe vera(L.) Burm. fil. could correlate with the antioxidant activity of the plant, the antioxidant activity of the aqueous leaf extract was investigated. The present study demonstrated that the aqueous extract fromA. veraleaves contained naturally occuring antioxidant components, including total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, β-carotene and α-tocopherol. The extract exhibited inhibitory capacity against Fe3+/ascorbic acid induced phosphatidylcholine liposome oxidation, scavenged stable DPPH•, ABTS•+and superoxide anion radicals, and acted as reductant. In contrast, the leaf inner gel did not show any antioxidant activity. It was concluded that the known beneficial effects ofAloe veracould be attributed to its antioxidant activity and could be related to the presence of phenolic compounds and antioxidant vitamins.

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