The Phenolic Compounds Profile and Cosmeceutical Significance of Two Kazakh Species of Onions: Alliumgalanthum and A. turkestanicum

Numerous species of Allium genus have been used in the traditional medicine based on their vast biological effects, e.g., antimicrobial, digestion stimulant, anti-sclerotic, soothing, antiradical or wound healing properties. In this work, unpolar and polar extracts from two lesser-investigated species of Allium growing in Kazakhstan, Alliumgalanthum Kar. & Kir. (AG) and A. turkestanicum Regel. (AT), were studied for their composition and biological effects. In the HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analyses of water and alcoholic extracts simple organic acids, flavonoids and their glycosides were found to be the best represented group of secondary metabolites. On the other hand, in the GC-MS analysis diethyl ether, extracts were found to be rich sources of straight-chain hydrocarbons and their alcohols, fatty acids and sterols. The antimicrobial activity assessment showed a lower activity of polar extracts, however, the diethyl ether extract from AT bulbs and AG chives showed the strongest activity against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, B. cereus ATCC 10876, some species of Staphylococcus (S. aureus ATCC 25923 and S. epidermidis ATCC 12228) and all tested Candida species (Candida albicans ATCC 2091, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida glabrata ATCC 90030, Candida krusei ATCC 14243 and Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019) with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.125–0.5 mg/mL. The highest antiradical capacity exhibited diethyl ether extracts from AG bulbs (IC50 = 19274.78 ± 92.11 mg Trolox eq/g of dried extract) in DPPH assay. In ABTS scavenging assay, the highest value of mg Trolox equivalents, 50.85 ± 2.90 was calculated for diethyl ether extract from AT bulbs. The same extract showed the highest inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase (82.65 ± 1.28% of enzyme activity), whereas AG bulb ether extract was the most efficient murine tyrosinase inhibitor (54% of the enzyme activity). The performed tests confirm possible cosmeceutical applications of these plants.

Elucidation of Phytochemical Content of Cupressus macrocarpa Leaves: In Vitro and In Vivo Antibacterial Effect against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolates

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important human pathogen that causes various infections. The increasing resistance of MRSA to different antibiotics is widely spreading; therefore, plant extracts may be novel therapeutic alternatives. The phytochemical profiling of Cupressus macrocarpa Hartw. ex Gordon leaves in vitro, and in vivo, antimicrobial potential of its extracts against MRSA clinical isolates were explored. A phytochemical tentative identification of 49 compounds was performed in the leaves using LC-ESI-MS/MS; in addition, isolation, and structure elucidation of hesperidin and eriocitrin were achieved for the first time. The diethyl ether extract (DEEL) exhibited the best antibacterial effect with MIC values ranging from 2 to 8 µg/mL, which significantly reduced the growth and efflux activity in 48.78% and 29.26% of isolates, respectively. qRT-PCR showed a significant down expression of norA and norB genes, which significantly affected the bacterial cell morphology and had a non-significant effect on membrane depolarization (using flow cytometry). In a rat model, four groups were wounded and treated with normal saline or DEEL, or infected with MRSA, or infected and treated with DEEL. The regeneration of the epidermis, maturation of granulation tissue, and reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration were observed after treatment with DEEL. Thus, C. macrocarpa leaves may be a promising source for new antimicrobials against MRSA.

Mineral Content, Chemical Analysis, In Vitro Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities, and Antibacterial Power of Aqueous and Organic Extracts of Moroccan Leopoldia comosa (L.) Parl. Bulbs

Medicinal plants are a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals or bionutrients. Studies carried out during the past few decades have shown that these phytochemicals play an important role in preventing metabolic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The present study was dedicated to the analysis of mineral and chemical composition and evaluation of antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of aqueous and organic extracts of Leopoldia comosa, a plant with a long history of therapeutic and food use. Mineral content was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Chemical composition was carried out by extraction of essential oils, preparation of aqueous and organic extracts, and qualitative and quantitative analysis. The biological study consisted of the evaluation of antidiabetic activity by inhibition of three enzymes, antioxidant activity by five tests, and antibacterial activity by the disc diffusion method. The correlation between chemical composition and antidiabetic and antioxidant properties was explored by PCA. The results showed that L. comosa contains high levels of Fe, K, P, Na, Cu, Mg, and Ca with values, respectively, in the order of 33552, 1843.14, 756.36, 439.65, 303.9, 272.37, and 20.55 mg/kg. Quantitative analysis showed that the diethyl ether extract had the highest content of polyphenols (129.75 ± 0.29 µg GAE/mg E), flavonoids (988.26 ± 0.18 µg QE/mg E), and tannins (30.22 ± 0.15 µg CE/mg E). All extracts of L. comosa possess inhibitory activity of alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and beta-galactosidase enzymes, mainly the decocted and the acetone extract. The antioxidant results showed that organic extracts are more active than aqueous extracts especially diethyl ether extract which was similarly found to have an antibacterial effect on Listeria innocua and Proteus mirabilis. PCA allowed us to deduce that phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins are strongly correlated with antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. L. comosa may have potential remedy in the prevention of metabolic disease.

Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxicity and Chemical Constituents of the Freshwater Microalga Oscillatoria princeps

The microalgae Oscillatoria sp. are promising sources of bioactive metabolites used in both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. The main objective of present study is to determine the antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and chemical profile of Oscillatoria princeps r extracts and its fractions. O. princeps extracts were prepared by successive extraction method, and chemical constituents were identified using GC-MS. Diethyl ether extract (DEE) had antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms and the highest inhibition zones 20.7 and 20.2 mm was observed against P. aeruginosa and A. flavus, respectively. Also, DEE showed an anticancer activity with IC50 values of 35.18, 46.6, and 79.18 µg ml-1 against breast cancer (MCF7), colon cancer (HCT116), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG2) cell lines, respectively. By DEE fractionation, fraction F7 showed the highest antimicrobial activity followed by fraction F4 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged between 0.5 and 1.9 mg ml-1. Fraction F4 recorded anticancer activity against HCT116, MCF7, and HePG2 with IC50 of 22.62, 24.43, and 102.52 µg ml-1, respectively. While fraction F7 had anticancer activity against HCT116 and MCF7 without any effect on the HePG2 cell line. GC-MS analysis of fractions F4 and F7 represented that the main compounds responsible for the bioactivity were Pentadeconic acid,4-hexadecyl ester, and 9-Octadecenoic acid in F4, while the main compounds in F7 were Quercetin 7,3',4'-trimethoxy and Methyl tetradecanoate. The study concluded that O. princeps DEE extract and fractions had a sufficient amount of bioactive compounds that possess antimicrobial and anticancer activity, which could be a promising source for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredients.

Loliolide, a New Therapeutic Option for Neurological Diseases? In Vitro Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of a Monoterpenoid Lactone Isolated from Codium tomentosum

Parkinsons Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Without an effective treatment, it is crucial to find new therapeutic options to fight the neurodegenerative process, which may arise from marine resources. Accordingly, the goal of the present work was to evaluate the ability of the monoterpenoid lactone Loliolide, isolated from the green seaweed Codium tomentosum, to prevent neurological cell death mediated by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on SH-SY5Y cells and their anti-inflammatory effects in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Loliolide was obtained from the diethyl ether extract, purified through column chromatography and identified by NMR spectroscopy. The neuroprotective effects were evaluated by the MTT method. Cells’ exposure to 6-OHDA in the presence of Loliolide led to an increase of cells’ viability in 40%, and this effect was mediated by mitochondrial protection, reduction of oxidative stress condition and apoptosis, and inhibition of the NF-kB pathway. Additionally, Loliolide also suppressed nitric oxide production and inhibited the production of TNF-α and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results suggest that Loliolide can inspire the development of new neuroprotective therapeutic agents and thus, more detailed studies should be considered to validate its pharmacological potential.

The GCMS Analysis of the Diethylether and Ethylacetate Fraction of the Peel of Solanum incanum and the Study of Their Antibacterial Activity

The ethyl acetate and diethyl ether extracts of the peel of the fruit of Solanum incanum. (S. incanum) was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 105 compounds were identified in the diethyl ether extract and 75 compounds were identified in ethyl acetate extract. Among them, the mass spectral data of 5 compounds were analyzed, discussed and compared with NIST database. The antibacterial screening was also conducted for both the diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fraction of the fruit peel S.incanum using four pathogens, two Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and Streptococcus pyogenes ( S. pyogenes ) ant two Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), Klebsiella pneumoniae ( K. pneumonia ), at four different concentrations (250, 500, 750 and 1000 μg/mL). The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate extracts of the peel of S. incanum exhibited activity against E. coli and K. pneumonia at 1000 μg/mL concentration

Isolation and Elucidation Structure of 28-Hydroxy-3-Friedelanone of Nyamplung (Callophyllum inophyllum, Linn.) Leaves

The isolation triterpenoid from Nyamplung (Callophyllum inophyllum, Linn.) leaves has been conducted. The isolation was employed by maceration using ethanol as solvent and liquids extraction using ethyl acetate. Ethyl acetate extract was partitioned successively using nonpolar solvent with hexane, dichloromethane, and diethyl ether, respectively. The diethyl ether extract was purified by column chromatography. The isolated compound of fraction D1 was obtained as white solids crystal with yield of 0.0035%. The isolated compound was determined based on the FTIR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HSQC, and HMBC spectra. The isolated compound was identified as 28-hydroxy-3-friedelanone.

Determination of the in vitro digestibility and nutrient content of commercial premium extruded foods with different types of protein content for adult dogs

The purpose of this study was to compare the in vitro digestibility levels and chemical compositions of commercial extruded dry-type adult dog foods with different types of protein contents [fish meat (F-dog foods) (n = 7), lamb meat (L-dog foods) (n = 9), or poultry meat (P-dog foods) (n = 8)]. The in vitro digestion values of premium commercial dog foods were examined at three stages: gastric digestion, small intestine digestion and large intestine digestion/fermentation. The metabolisable energy (ME), crude protein (CP), starch, diethyl ether extract (EE) and ash contents and the in vitro cumulative gas production values of all the premium dog foods differed significantly among the commercial brands in the same category (F-, L- or P-dog foods) (P < 0.05). The crude fibre (CF) and the CP/1 000 kcal ME values of the F- and P-dog foods demonstrated a significant difference among the commercial brands (P < 0.05). The organic matter disappearance (OMd) values of the L-dog foods showed a significant difference among the commercial brands (P < 0.05); but the OMd values of the F- and P-dog foods did not differ among the commercial brands (P > 0.05). The average values of the OMd for the F-dog foods were more rapid than the average for the L- and P-dog foods, in the evaluation of all the foods (P = 0.001). Besides, the price of the L-dog foods was positively correlated with the OMd and CP of the L-dog foods; however, it was negatively correlated with the NFE (nitrogen free extract) and CHO (total carbohydrates) of the L-dog foods (P < 0.05). The CP values of the L-dog foods were positively correlated with the OMd values (P < 0.05). Although price is an important determinant of food quality in the L-dog foods, it is not in the F- and P-dog foods. In the general evaluation of all the dog foods, there was no correlation among the food price and the digestibility and the nutrient content for all of the premium dog foods. The present study indicated that the energy, nutrient matter and digestibility of premium dog foods changed with the change in the variety and the amount of the feedstuffs. The digestibility of the dog foods with the fish meat were higher than those of the other dog foods. The amount of protein that an adult dog will receive with 1 000 kcal of DM (dry matter) consumption of premium dog foods with fish meat and chicken meat, varied among the brands. This point showed the need to pay attention to the food consumption amount of the dogs and the energy-protein balance in their diets, especially dog foods with fish meat and chicken meat.

Screening and characterization of potential bioactive compounds from Selaginella wightii

A chemical investigation of the whole plant of Selaginella wightii was undertaken and the extracts of Selaginella wightii were screened for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities . The antioxidant activity by DPPH method was higher in ethanol extract and diethyl ether extract. In β-carotene-Linoleic acid assay, ethanol extract and diethyl ether extract showed good inhibition zone exhibiting significant antioxidant activity. The various extracts were then examined for antimicrobial activity by using the standard well-diffusion method. The diethyl ether extracts, ethanol, and aqueous extracts showed higher levels of antimicrobial activity than the other extracts. All the extracts also showed good anticandidal activity. The extracts were found to be rich in flavonoids and three compounds were identified. Our study indicates the potential use of Selaginella wightii extracts for treating antimicrobial or fungal infections.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors among Zingiber officinale Terpenes—Extraction Conditions and Thin Layer Chromatography-Based Bioautography Studies

Although numerous studies have been conducted on ginger extracts and fractions, the data on the pharmacological activity of single constituents of Zingiber officinale are still insufficient. To assess the antidementia properties of the plant, a thin layer chromatography (TLC)-based bioautography acetylcholinesterase inhibitory assay was performed on the Zingiber officinale diethyl ether extract. It led to the recognition of three active inhibitors among volatile constituents of the plant: ar-curcumene (A), α-sesquiphellandrene (B) and a-zingiberene (C). The identification of the components was possible thanks to the application of a TLC–HPLC-MS interface analysis of active zones and the GC-MS qualitative analysis of the tested samples. Based on the obtained results, the influence of several extraction techniques (hydrodistillation—HD, pressurized liquid extraction or accelerated solvent extraction—ASE, shaking maceration–SM, supercritical fluid extraction–SFE, and ultrasound-assisted extraction—UAE) on the recovery of the active metabolites from plant material was assessed to deliver enriched extracts. As a result, HD and SFE, were found to be the most efficient methods to recover the volatile components and the concentrations of A, B, and C reached 0.51 ± 0.025, 0.77 ± 0.045, and 1.67 ± 0.11 percent, respectively. Only HD and SFE were found to recover monoterpene hydrocarbons from the plant matrix. The remaining techniques provided extracts rich in more complex constituents, like sesquiterpenes.