scholarly journals Hunting Bioactive Molecules from the Agave Genus: An Update on Extraction and Biological Potential

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
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Waste Product ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Novel Drugs ◽  
Ancient Times

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.

scholarly journals The Role of Yeasts in Fermentation Processes

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1142
Author(s):  
Sergi Maicas
Keyword(s):  
Food Processing ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Yeast Fermentation ◽  
Fermented Foods ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Global Food

In recent years, vessels have been discovered that contain the remains of wine with an age close to 7000 years. It is unclear whether, in ancient times, humans accidentally stumbled across fermented beverages like wine or beer, or was it a product intended as such. What is a fact is that since then, alcoholic beverages have been part of the diet and culture of many of the civilizations that have preceded us. The typical examples of beer and wine are an example of many other drinks resulting from the action of yeasts. In addition to these two beverages, various companies have developed other types of fermented foods and non-alcoholic beverages prepared in a traditional or commercial manner. The climatic conditions, the availability of raw material and the preferences of each region have conditioned and favored the maintenance of some of these products. In addition to the aforementioned traditional alcoholic beverages produced from fruits, berries, or grains, humans use yeast in the production of chemical precursors, global food processing such as coffee and chocolate, or even wastewater processing. Yeast fermentation is not only useful in food manufacturing. Its uses extend to other products of high interest such as the generation of fuel from vegetable sources.

Review: Phytochemicals of the Seriphidium, Economically and Pharmaceutically Important Genus of Asteraceae Family

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-168
Author(s):  
Nusrat Shafiq ◽  
Sahrish Shafiq ◽  
Naila Rafiq ◽  
Shagufta Parveen ◽  
Irum Javed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Pyridine Derivatives ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Medicinal Properties ◽  
Phenolic Derivatives ◽  
Asteraceae Family

Seriphidium plants were reported to be utilized by local communities to cure their ailments in the form of paste, tincture, tea, nutraceuticals due to their medicinal properties. Most of the species are used as food, forage and ornamentals, etc. Due to the significant properties of the Seriphidium plants, the present article was designed to compile the data of major aspects and chemical constituents of genus Seriphidium responsible for their significant uses. This review article comprehensively covers the biological potential of different plants with their secondary metabolites and describes an overview of the biological activities of the different species belonging to genus Seriphidium. The main secondary metabolites isolated from different species of the genus Seriphidium are triterpenoid, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, coumarins, chromones, anthraquinones, polyphenols and their glycosides, phenolic derivatives, balchanins, costunolides, Vulgarin, pyridine derivatives, ceramides, biphenyls, isoflavones. All these compounds are used in the drug industry.

The possible role of Saponin in Type-II Diabetes- A review

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeraj Choudhary ◽  
Gopal Lal Khatik ◽  
Ashish Suttee
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Type Ii Diabetes ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Complete Information ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
The Impact

Background: The possible role of secondary metabolites in the management of diabetes is a great concern and constant discussion. This characteristic seems relevant and should be the subject of thorough discussion with respect to saponin. Objective: Current data mainly focus on the impact of saponin in the treatment of type-II diabetes. The majority of studies emphasis on other secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and flavonoids but very few papers are there representing the possible role of saponin as these papers express the narrow perspective of saponin phytoconstituents but lacking in providing the complete information on various saponin plants. The aim of the study was to summarize all available data concerning the saponin containing plant in the management of type-II diabetes. Methods: All relevant papers on saponin were selected. This review summarizes the saponins isolation method, mechanism of action, clinical significance, medicinal plants and phytoconstituents responsible for producing a therapeutic effect in the management of diabetes. Results: The saponin is of high potential with structural diversity and inhibits diabetic complications along with reducing the hyperglycemia through different mechanisms thereby providing scope for improving the existing therapy and developing the novel medicinal agents for curing diabetes. Conclusion: Saponins having potential therapeutic benefits and are theorized as an alternative medication in decreasing serum blood glucose levels in the patient suffering from diabetes.

Antimicrobial Peptides: Phylogenic Sources and Biological Activities. First of Two Parts

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1043-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thea Magrone ◽  
Matteo Antonio Russo ◽  
Emilio Jirillo
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
New Class ◽  
Novel Drugs ◽  
Broad Variety ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Self Protection

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are phylogenetically ancient substances released by living organisms for self protection against a broad variety of microbes. Moreover, AMPs are endowed with immune modulatory activities, linking innate and adaptive immunity together. Lantibiotics are AMPs of bacterial origin currently investigated for the generation of a new class of anti-infective compounds, owing to the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance against a broad variety of bacteria. Also, plants and marine AMPs are screened as novel drugs against human pathogens. Human AMPs encompass defensins and cathelicidins produced by various cell types mostly at mucosal sites. Besides their antimicrobial activity, both AMPs have been shown to trigger either inflammatory or anti-inflammatory pathways. Food-derived AMPs are mostly represented by lactoferrin and lysozyme both present in secretions, e.g., milk, and appear to be very exploitable for the generation of functional foods. Finally, the role of natural products ingested with food or administered as supplements on induction and production of AMPs will be discussed.

scholarly journals Endophytic Fungi from Terminalia Species: A Comprehensive Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rufin Marie Kouipou Toghueo ◽  
Fabrice Fekam Boyom
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Endophytic Fungi ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Fungal Endophytes ◽  
Structural Complexity ◽  
Chemical Diversity ◽  
Antioxidant Compounds ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Insight Into

Endophytic fungi have proven their usefulness for drug discovery, as suggested by the structural complexity and chemical diversity of their secondary metabolites. The diversity and biological activities of endophytic fungi from the Terminalia species have been reported. Therefore, we set out to discuss the influence of seasons, locations, and even the plant species on the diversity of endophytic fungi, as well as their biological activities and secondary metabolites isolated from potent strains. Our investigation reveals that among the 200–250 Terminalia species reported, only thirteen species have been studied so far for their endophytic fungi content. Overall, more than 47 fungi genera have been reported from the Terminalia species, and metabolites produced by some of these fungi exhibited diverse biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anticancer, and biocontrol varieties. Moreover, more than 40 compounds with eighteen newly described secondary metabolites were reported; among these, metabolites are the well-known anticancer drugs, a group that includes taxol, antioxidant compounds, isopestacin, and pestacin. This summary of data illustrates the considerable diversity and biological potential of fungal endophytes of the Terminalia species and gives insight into important findings while paving the way for future investigations.

scholarly journals New Drugs from the Sea: Pro-Apoptotic Activity of Sponges and Algae Derived Compounds

Marine Drugs ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Ercolano ◽  
Paola De Cicco ◽  
Angela Ianaro
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Mitochondrial Pathway ◽  
Marine Organisms ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Bioactive Metabolites ◽  
Apoptotic Activity

Natural compounds derived from marine organisms exhibit a wide variety of biological activities. Over the last decades, a great interest has been focused on the anti-tumour role of sponges and algae that constitute the major source of these bioactive metabolites. A substantial number of chemically different structures from different species have demonstrated inhibition of tumour growth and progression by inducing apoptosis in several types of human cancer. The molecular mechanisms by which marine natural products activate apoptosis mainly include (1) a dysregulation of the mitochondrial pathway; (2) the activation of caspases; and/or (3) increase of death signals through transmembrane death receptors. This great variety of mechanisms of action may help to overcome the multitude of resistances exhibited by different tumour specimens. Therefore, products from marine organisms and their synthetic derivates might represent promising sources for new anticancer drugs, both as single agents or as co-adjuvants with other chemotherapeutics. This review will focus on some selected bioactive molecules from sponges and algae with pro-apoptotic potential in tumour cells.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Sambucus nigra L. Biopotential as an Unused Natural Resource

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 11207
Author(s):  
Marija Radojković ◽  
Milena Vujanović ◽  
Tatjana Majkić ◽  
Gokhan Zengin ◽  
Ivana Beara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlorogenic Acid ◽  
Ursolic Acid ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Traditional Foods ◽  
Sambucus Nigra ◽  
Ultrasound Assisted Extraction ◽  
Assisted Extraction ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Medicinal Properties

An unbreakable relationship between plants, nutrition, and health has directed researchers to deeply investigate and characterize the biopotential and medicinal properties of traditional foods. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the phytochemical composition and biological potential of plant extracts with the idea of defining the most potent extracts as a natural source of bioactive molecules and their application in different industries. We evaluated unused plant species Sambucus nigra L. for investigation of bioactivities as potential natural products. Extracts of fresh elderberry fruits were obtained by modern (microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)) and traditional (maceration (MAC)) extraction techniques, using 50% ethanol (50% EtOH) and water (H2O) of different polarities. In analyzed extracts, rutin and chlorogenic acid were dominant compounds in both 50% EtOH and H2O extracts, while ursolic acid was identified in 50% EtOH extracts as a terpenic compound with notable concentration. Elderberry extracts were evaluated regarding antioxidant, neuroprotective, antityrosinase, and antidiabetic abilities: MAE extracts had the best overall activity, and in general, 50% EtOH extracts were more potent than water extracts. The correlation of the dominant compound—rutin with all biological activities, indicates the importance of its presence in elderberries. S. nigra fruits showed excellent biopotential and opened possibilities of creating new food products or remedies, which are not present on the market because elderberry extracts are an exceptional source of rutin, chlorogenic acid, and ursolic acid.

scholarly journals Modulation of Secondary Metabolites among Mexican Medicinal Plants by Using Elicitors and Biotechnology Techniques

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Adelina Jiménez-Arellanes ◽  
Mariana Z. Pérez-González
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Plant Biotechnology ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Biological Potential ◽  
Biotechnological Processes ◽  
Cnidoscolus Chayamansa

Medicinal plants are being utilized as raw material and the use has increased in recent decades due that these biosynthesize compounds with several pharmacological activities. Some plant species with biological potential are of interest to the industry for preparation of drugs, phytodrugs, or food supplements. This causes overexploitation and deforestation, which endangers plant species-of-interest. In recent years, alternatives have been sought to eradicate this problem. A solution that was give and is maintained is plant biotechnology, which favors the production of active Secondary Metabolites (SMt). Plant biotechnology allows us to increase the yield of a compound-of-interest, reduces its production times and costs, and allows constant and controlled production of the raw material, and while aiding in the protection of medicinal plants that are found in danger of extinction. In the scientific literature, procuring the SMt by means of biotechnological processes is described, highlighting the study of four species from Mexican traditional medicine (Lopezia racemosa, Galphimia glauca, Cnidoscolus chayamansa, Sphaeralceae angustifolia and Buddleja cordata), and the main biological activities are as follows: anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotector, neuroprotector, anxiolytic, antitumoral, antibacterial, and antioxidant, among others.

scholarly journals SULFATION PATHWAYS: Sources and biological activities of marine sulfated steroids

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. T211-T231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisca Carvalhal ◽  
Marta Correia-da-Silva ◽  
Emília Sousa ◽  
Madalena Pinto ◽  
Anake Kijjoa
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Structure Activity Relationship ◽  
Activity Relationship ◽  
Structure Activity ◽  
Fda Approval ◽  
Novel Drugs ◽  
Sulfated Steroids

Marine environment is rich in structurally unique molecules and can be an inspiring source of novel drugs. Currently, six marine-derived drugs are in the market with FDA approval and several more are in the clinical pipeline. Structurally diverse and complex secondary metabolites have been isolated from the marine world and these include sulfated steroids. Biological activities of nearly 150 marine sulfated steroids reported from 1978 to 2017 are compiled and described, namely antimicrobial, antitumor, cardiovascular and antifouling activities. Structure–activity relationship for each activity is discussed.

scholarly journals Isoflavonoids — an overview of their biological activities and potential health benefits

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 211-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Miadoková
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Plant Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Health Promoting

Isoflavonoids — an overview of their biological activities and potential health benefitsThere are many biological activities attributed to isoflavonoids. The majority of them could be beneficial and some of them may be detrimental, depending on specific circumstances. Isoflavonoids play an important role in human nutrition as health promoting natural chemicals. They belong to plant secondary metabolites that mediate diverse biological functions through numerous pathways. They are structurally similar to estrogens, exerting both estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties in various tissues. The results of epidemiologic studies exploring the role of isoflavonoids in human health have been inconclusive. Some studies support the notion of a protective effect of their consumption in immunomodulation, cognition, risk reduction of certain cancers, cardiovascular and skin diseases, osteoporosis and obesity, as well as relief of menopausal symptoms. Other studies failed to demonstrate any effects.

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