scholarly journals Lipidomic Signatures Reveal Seasonal Shifts on the Relative Abundance of High-Valued Lipids from the Brown Algae Fucus vesiculosus

Marine Drugs ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabete da Costa ◽  
Pedro Domingues ◽  
Tânia Melo ◽  
Elisabete Coelho ◽  
Rui Pereira ◽  
...  

Fucus vesiculosus is an edible brown macroalga, with health benefits associated with its consumption and also a source of bioactive molecules. It is acknowledged that the biochemical composition of macroalgae changes when exposed to different environmental conditions occurring on different habitats, such as the water temperature, and light intensity. In the present study, the polar lipidome of Fucus vesiculosus was characterized for the first time using modern high-resolution HILIC–MS, and MS/MS approaches, to evaluate the phenotypic variability in two seasons of the year, e.g., winter and spring. A total of 187 molecular species were identified over eighteen classes of glycolipids, phospholipids and betaine lipids. Principal component analysis (PCA) multivariate statistical analysis and cluster analysis of polar lipid classes, polar lipid species and total fatty acids (FA) datasets, showed clustering according to the seasonal groups. While the lipid profile of Fucus vesiculosus harvested in the winter and spring yielded the same molecular species, the relative abundance of these species was significantly different. In the winter, changes were mainly due to the increased relative abundance of some molecular species of glycolipids and phospholipids, bearing octadeca(poly)enoic (18:3, 18:4) and eicosa(poly)enoic (20:4, 20:5) FA and betaine lipids species with short saturated FA (14:0) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). Importantly, glycolipids with n-3 PUFA and sulfolipids, have been reported to have important biological activities and therapeutic value. Overall, Fucus vesiculosus is a promising source of bioactive compounds that can be used as functional food or ingredients for human nutrition, feed, pharma, and cosmetic formulations. In this study, samples harvested in the winter season maximized yields of these bioactive components, when compared with samples harvested in the spring.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago A. Conde ◽  
Daniela Couto ◽  
Tânia Melo ◽  
Margarida Costa ◽  
Joana Silva ◽  
...  

AbstractThere is a growing trend to explore microalgae as an alternative resource for the food, feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and fuel industry. Moreover, the polar lipidome of microalgae is interesting because of the reports of bioactive polar lipids which could foster new applications for microalgae. In this work, we identified for the first time the Chlorococcum amblystomatis lipidome using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization- tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC–HR–ESI–MS/MS). The Chlorococcum amblystomatis strain had a lipid content of 20.77% and the fatty acid profile, determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, has shown that this microalga contains high amounts of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The lipidome identified included 245 molecular ions and 350 lipid species comprising 15 different classes of glycolipids (6), phospholipids (7) and betaine lipids (2). Of these, 157 lipid species and the main lipid species of each class were esterified with omega-3 PUFAs. The lipid extract has shown antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory potential. Lipid extracts also had low values of atherogenic (0.54) and thrombogenic index (0.27). In conclusion, the lipid extracts of Chlorococcum amblystomatis have been found to be a source of lipids rich in omega-3 PUFAs for of great value for the food, feed, cosmetic, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saida Medjeldi ◽  
Nora Benrachou ◽  
Sabrina Bouchelaghem ◽  
Sélim Jallouli ◽  
Nadia Farès ◽  
...  

Background: Nowadays, the conventional chemical compounds used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors have proven to be less efficient from an economic and health point of view. Objective: Research has therefore focused on the isolation of bioactive molecules from plants or microorganisms to remedy this situation. Methods: The study focused on the leaf’s volatile compounds determination from Myrtus communis (McEOs) and Mentha spicata (MsEOs) as well as the evaluation of phytochemical fractions and biological activities from their methanol extracts (McME and MsME). Results: Phenolic compounds analysis revealed interesting concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. The antibacterial activity tested on seven pathogenic bacteria has to be effectuated by the gel diffusion method. The extracts showed much better DPPH radical scavenging activity than the volatile compounds. The McEOs and MsEOs profiles analyzed by CG-MS showed a mixture of several compounds with a predominance of 1,8-Cineole (48.1%) and α-pinene (39.02%) in the case of McEOs. In de case of MsEOs, the predominant compounds were D-Carvone (78.79%), dihydrocarvone (6.16%), and 1.8 Cineole (2.33%). It emerges from this study that the M. communis and M. spicata leaves, rich in phenolic and terpenic compounds constitute a promising source of diversified biological activities and can be used in agro-food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors.


Marine Drugs ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana C.S. Pais ◽  
Jorge A. Saraiva ◽  
Sílvia M. Rocha ◽  
Armando J.D. Silvestre ◽  
Sónia A.O. Santos

Marine resources are considered as a very promising source of bioactive molecules, and macroalgae in particular have gained special attention, due to their structurally diverse composition. Particular interest has been devoted to the brown macroalga Bifurcaria bifurcata, due to their abundance in bioactive linear diterpenes. In this appraisal, a thorough review concerning the methodologies used in the extraction, fractionation, and identification of diterpenes from B. bifurcata is provided and discussed in detail. An exhaustive compilation of the mass spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data are also provided. The in vitro and in chemico assays already performed to assess different biological activities attributed to B. bifurcata diterpenes are also reviewed, emphasizing the use of isolated components, enriched fractions, or crude extracts. The associated major strengths and challenges for the exploitation of B. bifurcata diterpenes for high-value applications are critically discussed.


Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 414
Author(s):  
Elisabete da Costa ◽  
Tânia Melo ◽  
Mariana Reis ◽  
Pedro Domingues ◽  
Ricardo Calado ◽  
...  

Grateloupia turuturu Yamada, 1941, is a red seaweed widely used for food in Japan and Korea which was recorded on the Atlantic Coast of Europe about twenty years ago. This seaweed presents eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in its lipid fraction, a feature that sparked the interest on its potential applications. In seaweeds, PUFAs are mostly esterified to polar lipids, emerging as healthy phytochemicals. However, to date, these biomolecules are still unknown for G. turuturu. The present work aimed to identify the polar lipid profile of G. turuturu, using modern lipidomics approaches based on high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The health benefits of polar lipids were identified by health lipid indices and the assessment of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The polar lipids profile identified from G. turuturu included 205 lipid species distributed over glycolipids, phospholipids, betaine lipids and phosphosphingolipids, which featured a high number of lipid species with EPA and PUFAs. The nutritional value of G. turuturu has been shown by its protein content, fatty acyl composition and health lipid indices, thus confirming G. turuturu as an alternative source of protein and lipids. Some of the lipid species assigned were associated to biological activity, as polar lipid extracts showed antioxidant activity evidenced by free radical scavenging potential for the 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS●+) radical (IC50 ca. 130.4 μg mL−1) and for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) radical (IC25 ca. 129.1 μg mL−1) and anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme (IC50 ca. 33 µg mL−1). Both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were detected using a low concentration of extracts. This integrative approach contributes to increase the knowledge of G. turuturu as a species capable of providing nutrients and bioactive molecules with potential applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.


Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Rima ◽  
Seyedeh Alavi Naini ◽  
Marc Karam ◽  
Riyad Sadek ◽  
Jean-Marc Sabatier ◽  
...  

Snake venom serves as a tool of defense against threat and helps in prey digestion. It consists of a mixture of enzymes, such as phospholipase A2, metalloproteases, and l-amino acid oxidase, and toxins, including neurotoxins and cytotoxins. Beside their toxicity, venom components possess many pharmacological effects and have been used to design drugs and as biomarkers of diseases. Viperidae is one family of venomous snakes that is found nearly worldwide. However, three main vipers exist in the Middle Eastern region: Montivipera bornmuelleri, Macrovipera lebetina, and Vipera (Daboia) palaestinae. The venoms of these vipers have been the subject of many studies and are considered as a promising source of bioactive molecules. In this review, we present an overview of these three vipers, with a special focus on their venom composition as well as their biological activities, and we discuss further frameworks for the exploration of each venom.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 970-981
Author(s):  
Hamed A. Ghramh ◽  
Essam H. Ibrahim ◽  
Mona Kilnay

Background: Juniperus procera and Majra honey are well-known as a folk medicine in many countries. Objectives: This work aimed to study the immunomodulatory effects after mixing Majra honey, J. procera water leaves extract and silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) on immune or cancer cells. Methods: Juniperus procera water leaves extract and 20% Majra honey were prepared. Both the extract and honey were used separately to synthesize AgNPs. AgNPs were characterized using UV/Vis spectrophotometry and electron microscopy. Bioactive molecules in honey and the extract were explored using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Protein profile of honey was explored using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate- Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and honey sugar content was determined using High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Biological activities of honey and the extract were tested. Results: The results demonstrated the ability of the extract/honey to produce AgNPs in a spherical shape. The extract/honey contained many functional groups. SDS-PAGE of Majra honey showed many protein bands. HPLC revealed honey is of good quality and no external additives are added to it. The extract and extract+ AgNPs inhibited the growth of normal rat splenic cells while honey stimulated it. The extract+honey turned stimulatory to the splenic cells’ growth and significantly diminished the inhibitory potential of the extract containing AgNPs. Both the extract and honey have antimicrobial activities, this potential increased in the presence of AgNPs. Honey and Honey+AgNPs inhibited HepG2 cancer cell proliferation while Hela cell growth inhibited only with honey+AgNPs. Conclusion: Both honey and the extract have antibacterial and immunomodulatory potentials as well as the power to produce AgNPs. Majra honey alone showed anticancer activity against HepGe2 cells, but not against Hela cells, and when contained AgNPs had anticancer activity on both cell lines. Mixing of Majra honey with J. procera extract showed characterized immunomodulatory potentials that can be described as immunostimulant.


Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1181
Author(s):  
Federica Finetti ◽  
Marco Biagi ◽  
Jasmine Ercoli ◽  
Giulia Macrì ◽  
Elisabetta Miraldi ◽  
...  

Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) is a leguminous species that is an important dietary component due to its high content of proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, dietary fibers and vitamins. Due to the high content of polyphenols, several biological activities have been described for bean extracts, making it possible to include P. vulgaris among food with beneficial effects for human health. Moreover, more than 40,000 varieties of beans have been recognised with different nutraceutical properties, pointing out the importance of food biodiversity. In this work, we describe for the first time the chemical composition and biological activity of a newly recognized Italian variety of P. vulgaris grown in a restricted area of the Tuscany region and named “Fagiola di Venanzio”. Fagiola di Venanzio water extract is rich in proteins, sugars and polyphenols and displays antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities in in vitro assays on colon cancer cellular models. Our data indicate that this variety of P. vulgaris appears to be a promising source of bioactive compounds and encourage more in-depth studies to better elucidate the implications of its consumption for public health.


Author(s):  
Jyothi M ◽  
Ramchander Merugu

Benzoxazoles being structurally similar to bases adenine and guanine interact with biomolecules present in living systems. These compounds possess antimicrobial, central nervous system activities, antihyperglycemic potentiating activity, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity. It can also be used as starting material for other bioactive molecules. Modifications in structure and the biological profiles of new generations of benzoxazoles were found to be more potent with enhanced biological activity. Considering all these, we have prepared this review and discussed the synthesis and biological activities of benzoxazoles.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (22) ◽  
pp. 6789
Author(s):  
Misael Bermúdez-Bazán ◽  
Gustavo Adolfo Castillo-Herrera ◽  
Judith Esmeralda Urias-Silvas ◽  
Antonio Escobedo-Reyes ◽  
Mirna Estarrón-Espinosa

Agaves are plants used in the production of alcoholic beverages and fibers. Ever since ancient times, pre-Hispanic cultures in Mexico have used them in traditional medicine to cure different ailments. Over the years, studies of the active principles responsible for the therapeutic benefits of agaves have increased. Leaves and fibers are the main agro-wastes generated in tequila and mezcal production, while fibers are the main waste product in the textile sector. Different investigations have referred to the agro-waste from agave processing as a source of bioactive molecules called secondary metabolites (SM). Among them, phenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, and saponins have been extracted, identified, and isolated from these plants. The role of these molecules in pest control and the prospect of metabolites with the biological potential to develop novel drugs for chronic and acute diseases represent new opportunities to add value to these agro-wastes. This review aims to update the biological activities and recent applications of the secondary metabolites of the genus Agave.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. I. Nasser ◽  
Shuoji Zhu ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
Mingyi Zhao ◽  
Huanlei Huang ◽  
...  

Nature is a vast source of bioactive molecules and has provided an active and efficient reservoir for drug discovery. Among natural compounds, one of the most promising is Schisandrin B (Sch B), isolated from Schisandra chinensis, which was documented to possess diversified pharmacokinetic propriety, among them antioxidant, anti-inflammation, cardioprotection, and neuroprotection. Due to its large biological properties, Sch B was recorded to be a potent cure for several diseases by targeting several signaling pathways. This review is aimed at emphasizing the recent data on the biological properties of Sch B among the molecular mechanism of this drug on tumoral, cardiac, and neural diseases. The data suggest that the antitumor activities of Sch B were mainly through apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the diver’s stage. It is reported that Sch B could be used as effective chemotherapy, neuroprotection, and cardioprotection since it possesses a spectrum of biological activities; however, further investigations on the mechanism of its action and preclinical trials are still mandatory to further validate the potential of this natural drug candidate.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document