Potential anthelmintic and antioxidant activities of Jasminum fruticans L. and its phytochemical analysis

Background: Ethnobotanical investigations conducted in Turkey demonstrated that Jasminum fruticans L. extract and fruit juice had been used against parasites in animals. In this study, the possible antihelmintic activity of various J. fruticans extracts contributing to its traditional use, was relatively assessed. In addition, the antioxidant potentials and phytochemical composition of the extracts were investigated since there is a relationship between helminthiasis, oxidative stress and phenolic metabolites. Methods: In this study, aerial parts of J. fruticans were subsequently extracted using n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH). In vivo anthelmintic activitiy of the extracts was compared with albendazole used as a reference in adult earthworms. Various methods, including free radical scavenging and metal-related activity assays, were used to assess the antioxidant capacity of the above-mentioned extracts. Assessment of phenolic composition was accomplished through total phenolic, phenolic acid, and flavonoid content assays as well as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan modes. Further chlorogenic acid (3-O-caffeoylquinic acid) contents of extracts were quantified using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Results: Between all tested extracts, MeOH extract at a quantity of 50.0 mg/mL, paralysed worms in 8.1 min and killed them in 12.8 min, showing a high anthelmintic effect similar to albendazole. Similarly, in vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity, cupric ion reduction and total antioxidant capacity experiments demonstrated that MeOH extract had significant antioxidant activity. Further phytochemical screening showed that MeOH extract was richer regarding phenolic metabolites. Chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid and gallic acid were only detected in the MeOH extract. Conclusion: Results justify and support the use of J. fruticans in traditional medicine as an anthelmintic agent. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between the strong antioxidant capacity along with the phenolic composition determined in the MeOH extract and anthelmintic activity.

Multi-Mechanistic In Vitro Evaluation of Antihyperglycemic, Antioxidant and Antiglycation Activities of Three Phenolic-Rich Indian Red Rice Genotypes and In Silico Evaluation of Their Phenolic Metabolites

The study evaluated the antidiabetic potential of three traditional Indian red rice genotypes/RR (Kattuyanam/KA, Chennangi/CH & Karungkuruvai/KU) using a combination of in vitro, metabolomics (Quadrupole-Time of Flight-Liquid chromatography-Mass spectrometry/Q-TOF-LC-MS/MS), and in silico techniques. In terms of antihyperglycemic potential, KA exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against α-amylase; CH against α-glucosidase; and KU against DPPIV and PTP1B enzymes. KA exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS) and greater inhibition of protein glycation compared to other RR indicating its potential to mitigate diabetic complications. The metabolomic analysis confirmed the presence of 99 phenolics in the sample extracts (KU-71, KA-70, CH-68). Molecular docking studies revealed seven metabolites to be good inhibitors of the four target enzymes and activators of insulin receptor substrate/IRS. The antihyperglycemic and oxidation-glycation reduction composite index revealed KA to have the highest overall antidiabetic potential. Hence, the RR could be utilized in functional foods with a multi-barrelled strategy for diabetes prevention/management.

Effect of Selected Trichoderma Strains and Metabolites on Olive Drupes

Beneficial fungal strains of the genus Trichoderma are used as biofungicides and plant growth promoters. Trichoderma strains promote the activation of plant defense mechanisms of action, including the production of phenolic metabolites. In this work, we analyzed the effects of selected Trichoderma strains (T. asperellum KV906, T. virens GV41, and T. harzianum strains TH1, M10, and T22) and their metabolites (harzianic acid and 6-pentyl-α-pyrone) on drupes of young olive trees (4-year-old) cv. Carolea. This study used the untargeted analysis of drupe metabolome, carried out by LC–MS Q-TOF, to evaluate the phenolics profiles and target metabolomics approach to detect oleuropein and luteolin. The untargeted approach showed significant differences in the number and type of phenolic compounds in olive drupes after Trichoderma applications (by root dipping and drench soil irrigation method) compared to control. The levels of oleuropein (secoiridoid) and luteolin (flavonoid) varied according to the strain or metabolite applied, and in some cases, were less abundant in treated plants than in the control. In general, flavonoids’ levels were influenced more than secoiridoid production. The dissimilar aptitudes of the biological treatments could depend on the selective competence to cooperate with the enzymes involved in producing the secondary metabolites to defend plants by environmental stresses. Our results suggest that using selected fungi of the genus Trichoderma and their metabolites could contribute to selecting the nutraceutical properties of the olive drupe. The use of the metabolites would bring further advantages linked to the dosage in culture and storage.

Study of the Antioxidant Effects of Coffee Phenolic Metabolites on C6 Glioma Cells Exposed to Diesel Exhaust Particles

The contributing role of environmental factors to the development of neurodegenerative diseases has become increasingly evident. Here, we report that exposure of C6 glioma cells to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), a major constituent of urban air pollution, causes intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In this scenario, we suggest employing the possible protective role that coffee phenolic metabolites may have. Coffee is a commonly consumed hot beverage and a major contributor to the dietary intake of (poly) phenols. Taking into account physiological concentrations, we analysed the effects of two different coffee phenolic metabolites mixes consisting of compounds derived from bacterial metabolization reactions or phase II conjugations, as well as caffeic acid. The results showed that these mixes were able to counteract DEP-induced oxidative stress. The cellular components mediating the downregulation of ROS included extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). Contrary to coffee phenolic metabolites, the treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a known antioxidant, was found to be ineffective in preventing the DEP exposure oxidant effect. These results revealed that coffee phenolic metabolites could be promising candidates to protect against some adverse health effects of daily exposure to air pollution.

The Influence of Locality on Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Bud Extracts

Gemmotherapy represents the most recent therapeutic technique that uses the properties of extracts from fresh meristematic plant tissues, mainly buds and sprouts, by macerating them in ethanol and glycerol. The harvesting time and the location can significantly affect the chemical composition of the buds. Therefore, this work aimed to point out the possible variability in the phenolic content and the antioxidant potential of extracts prepared from commonly grown trees in the Czech Republic. Extracts from buds collected during autumn and spring in three different localities were analysed using UHPLC-MS (ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography) for the phenols profile. Five tests assays were used for the evaluation of the extract antioxidant potential. The sampling time positively affected the content of total phenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. The increased levels of total phenols and flavonoids in localities with high and medium pollution may be the result of the higher levels of NO and SO2, the main air pollutants. However, surprisingly, the content of phenolic acid showed the highest values in the area with the lowest pollution. The results of antioxidant tests did not completely correlate with the levels of phenolic metabolites, which may be due to the involvement of other active molecules (e.g., ascorbate, tocopherol, or proline) in the antioxidant machinery.

Influence of Different Types of Drying Methods on Color Properties, Phenolic Metabolites and Bioactivities of Pumpkin Leaves of var. Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir)

Leaves of pumpkin species var. Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir) is a popularly consumed leafy vegetable in the Southern African region. Traditional vegetables are commonly sun-dried as a method of postharvest preservation during the off-season. However, different drying methods affect the superior quality, functional properties, and bioactivities of the final product. Therefore, in this study, var. Butternut squash (C. moschata) underwent different drying methods, such as freeze-, oven, sun-, solar, and microwave drying to evaluate the color properties, pigments, phenolic metabolites, in vitro antioxidants, and antidiabetic activities. Results indicate that freeze-drying retained the total chlorophyll content with green color by reducing the color difference (ΔE), improved the concentration of different phenolic metabolites and the content of ascorbic acid, and enhanced the FRAP, ABTS activities and the inhibitory effects of α-glucosidase, and α-amylase. Freeze-dried leaves contained the highest concentrations of quercetin 3-glucoside 7-rhamnoside (rutin), quercetin 3-galactoside, isorhamnetin-3-galactoside-6″-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside compared with the leaves that underwent four other drying treatments and raw leaves. The OPLS-DA and the UPLC–QTOF/MS and chemometric approach showed that the peak at m/z 609, 1441 (quercetin 3-galactoside 7-rhamnoside) separated the freeze-dried leaves of var. Butternut squash (C. moschata) from the other four drying treatments. Therefore, freeze-drying is highly recommended to obtain good quality leaf powders that are rich in functional compounds and bioactive properties for use as functional ingredients.

Four-Week Strawberry Consumption on Selected (Poly)phenolic Metabolites: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Older Adults With Moderate Hypercholesterolemia

Objectives Strawberries are a rich source of bioactive (poly)phenols, such as anthocyanins, ellagitannins and proanthocyanidins, which are absorbed and metabolized to various (poly)phenolic metabolites in the human body. Phenolic acids metabolites have been characterized and reported previously. This study aimed to investigate the presence of anthocyanin, urolithin and phenyl-γ-valerolactone metabolites present in circulation after 4-week strawberry consumption in older adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia. Methods This research was performed using blood samples from a randomized, controlled, double-blinded, 2-arm, 2-period (4-week/period) crossover trial. Adults (n = 33, male: female 16:17, age 53 ± 1 years, body mass index 31 ± 1 kg/m2, mean ± SEM) were randomized to 1 of 2 study sequences. Subjects drank study beverages twice-daily containing freeze-dried strawberry powder (2 × 25 g) or energy-, volume-matched control powder for 4 weeks separated by a 4-week washout. Fasting plasma samples after each intervention were quantified for (poly)phenolic metabolites using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole (UHPLC-QQQ). Statistical analysis was performed using PC-SAS. Results Four-week strawberry beverage vs. control beverage intake significantly increased fasting plasma concentrations of pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside (0.2 ± 0.03 nmol/L vs. 0 ± 0 nmol/L, P < 0.0001), pelargonidin glucuronide (3.8 ± 0.9 nmol/L vs. 0 ± 0 nmol/L, P < 0.0001), 8-hydroxy-urolithin-glucuronide (urolithin A-3-glucuronide, 70.1 ± 18.1 nmol/L vs. 0.3 ± 0.3 nmol/L, P = 0.0001), phenyl-γ-valerolactone-glucuronide (4.4 ± 1.1 nmol/L vs. 0 ± 0 nmol/L, P = 0.0001), and hydroxyphenyl-γ-valerolactone-glucuronide (3.5 ± 0.9 nmol/L vs. 1.1 ± 0.4 nmol/L, P = 0.009). Conclusions Strawberry (poly)phenols are absorbed and metabolized and can persist in the circulation with daily intake. The persistent concentration of selected (poly)phenolic metabolites in older adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia warrant further research to determine their potential health benefits. Funding Sources This project was funded by the California Strawberry Commission and various donor funds to the Center for Nutrition Research, Illinois Institute of Technology.