Chemical basis underline the bioactivity fortification of licorice by honey-frying due to the natural deep eutectic solvent characteristics of honey

Background Honey has been widely used in medicine plants processing since ancient times. Honey-frying of herbal medicine is a well-known treatment in Chinese medicine. It has been reported that honey-frying can improve the immunomodulatory efficacy of licorice. However, it is still unknown why honey-frying improves the immunomodulatory activity of licorice. And our previous research demonstrated that honey has natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) characteristics. NADES is a kind of solvent with broad polarity range and has attracted extensive attention of scholars in different fields. In the present study, we investigated chemical basis underline the possible potentiation of honey-frying on licorice to elucidate its chemical mechanism. Methods Firstly, immunological experiments were conducted to investigate whether the honey-processing could enhance the immunomodulatory efficacy of licorice. Then, the synergistic mechanism of honey-processed licorice was explored based on cell biological activity test, chemical composition test, bioavailability test, and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra. Results Pharmacological experiment verified that honey-processing enhanced the immunomodulatory efficacy of licorice. Moreover, honey increased the total flavonoid and polysaccharide contents in licorice decoction, improved the thermal stability and oral bioavailability of certain pharmacologically active constituents, and augmented their overall immunostimulatory functions. Similar effects of honey were also observed with NADES. The above effects are due to multiple molecular interactions between active compounds and sugar molecules of NADES. Conclusion These findings indicate that the biological activities of medicinal plants might be fortified by NADES/honey in the processing of the plant material. At the meantime, these findings provide theoretical and empirical basis for potential novel applications of honey or other NADESs at augmenting the health-promoting effects of medicinal plants.

Effect of pH and Type of Stirring on the Spontaneous Precipitation of CaCO3 at Identical Initial Supersaturation, Ionic Strength and a(Ca2+)/a(CO32−) Ratio

CaCO3 precipitation is physical-chemical basis of biomineral formation of hard tissue (shells, skeletons) in marine calcifying organisms (=biomineralization). Processes controlling biomineralization are still not fully clarified, so the study of influence of pH on basic processes of CaCO3 precipitation should contribute to better understanding of biomineralization under climate change. This paper reports on the effect of initial pH (pH0) and type of stirring (mechanical and magnetical) on spontaneous precipitation and phase composition, size and morphology of spontaneously precipitated CaCO3 formed at the identical initial supersaturation, ionic strength and a(Ca2+)/a(CO32−) ratio. The initial pH varied in a range 8.50 ≤ pH0 ≤ 10.50 and included values relevant for mimicking the conditions related to biomineralization in marine organisms. In all systems two CaCO3 polymorphs were found: calcite and/or vaterite. The increase of pH0 favoured the formation of rhombohedral calcite no matter the type of stirring. This was exclusively influenced by the systems’ pH0 (other relevant initial parameters were identical). Furthermore, increase of pH0 caused change of vaterite morphology from cauliflower-like spheroids to regular spherulites. The mechanically stirred systems produced larger calcite and vaterite particles and higher content of calcite.

Phytochemical Analysis and Traditional uses of two locally available Ficus species (beneghalensis and sycomorus)

Two Ficus species that are commonly used in Sudanese Traditional Medicine for the management of various ailments were screened for their phytochemical groups using chemical reagent and Thin Layer Chromatography. Qualitative phytochemical tests were used to detect the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds and anthraquinones. Six compounds from F. benegalensis and seven from F. sycomorus quenching were reported from the various parts of these two plants. However , more number of compounds were found in the leaves. The data generated from this study have provided the chemical basis for wide use of F. sycomorus as therapeutic agent for treating various ailments. However, there is need to further carry out advanced hyphenated spectroscopic studies in order to elucidate the structure of these compounds. Furthermore, this data may be handy in probing of biochemistry of this plant in the future.

CHEMICAL BASIS OF FACESLIFTING

With the appearance of age-related changes, accompanied by sagging cheeks, the appearance of skin creases and folds in particularly vulnerable areas and deterioration of the contours of the face, indications for thread lifting also arise. It is possible to quickly and effectively correct the face, seal the skin , by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, as well as performing a lift.

The Chemistry of the Ketogenic Diet: Updates and Opportunities in Organic Synthesis

The high-fat, low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diet has grown in popularity in the last decade as a weight loss tool. Research into the diet’s effects on the body have revealed a variety of other health benefits. The use of exogenous ketone supplements to confer the benefits of the diet without strict adherence to it represents an exciting new area of focus. Synthetic ketogenic compounds are of particular interest that has received very little emphasis and is an untapped area of focus for chemical synthesis. In this review, we summarize the chemical basis for ketogenicity and opportunities for further advancement of the field.