Identification of Plant Metabolites: Characterization and Biological Activities

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 July 2023) | Viewed by 24455

Special Issue Editors

Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hațieganu”, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: morphology; histology and anatomy of plant species; polyphenols and isoquinoline alkaloids; pharmacological activities of medicinal plants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hațieganu”, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: polyphenols; flavonoids; terpenes; antioxidant; antimicrobial; antidiabetic; antiplasmodial; Cucurbitaceae; Lamiaceae
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

“Identification of Plant Metabolites: Characterization and Biological Activities” is a Special Issue aiming to encourage researchers worldwide to discover novel insights concerning natural compounds from natural sources, especially focusing on their biological activities. The COVID-19 pandemic represents an important challenge that researchers have faced in their attempt to establish a common communication platform for the latest discoveries in the areas of natural compounds; however, at the same time, they opened numerous paths for novel subjects or collaborations. In this context, the present Special Issue aims to provide a platform for the exchange ideas, subjects and discoveries in the field of plant science, with the hopes of providing an excellent opportunity for researchers to offer novel perspectives regarding the characterization of natural metabolites through different separation methods and their corresponding biological activities.

Dr. Ramona Paltinean
Dr. Irina Ielciu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • natural compounds
  • plant metabolites
  • separation techniques
  • biological activities

Published Papers (14 papers)

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14 pages, 2600 KiB  
Article
Cycloartane Saponins from Astragalus glycyphyllos and Their In Vitro Neuroprotective, Antioxidant, and hMAO-B-Inhibiting Effects
by Ivan Stambolov, Aleksandar Shkondrov, Olaf Kunert, Franz Bucar, Magdalena Kondeva-Burdina and Ilina Krasteva
Metabolites 2023, 13(7), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13070857 - 19 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1002
Abstract
Astragalus glycyphyllos (Fabaceae) is used in the traditional medicine of many countries against hepatic and cardiac disorders. The plant contains mainly flavonoids and saponins. From a defatted methanol extract from its overground parts, a new triterpenoid saponin, 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β [...] Read more.
Astragalus glycyphyllos (Fabaceae) is used in the traditional medicine of many countries against hepatic and cardiac disorders. The plant contains mainly flavonoids and saponins. From a defatted methanol extract from its overground parts, a new triterpenoid saponin, 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-xylopyranosyl]-24-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-3β,6α,16β,24(R),25-pentahydroxy-20R-cycloartane, together with the rare saponin astrachrysoside A, were isolated using various chromatography methods. The compounds were identified via extensive high resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and NMR analyses. Both saponins were examined for their possible antioxidant and neuroprotective activity in three different in vitro models. Rat brain synaptosomes, mitochondria, and microsomes were isolated via centrifugation using Percoll gradient. They were treated with the compounds in three different concentrations alone, and in combination with 6-hydroxydopamine or tert-butyl hydroperoxide as toxic agents. It was found that the compounds had statistically significant dose-dependent in vitro protective activity on the sub-cellular fractions. The compounds exhibited a weak inhibitory effect on the enzyme activity of human recombinant monoamine oxidase type B (hMAO-B), compared to selegiline. Full article
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16 pages, 1013 KiB  
Article
Prenylated Isoflavanones with Antimicrobial Potential from the Root Bark of Dalbergia melanoxylon
by Duncan Mutiso Chalo, Katrin Franke, Vaderament-A. Nchiozem-Ngnitedem, Esezah Kakudidi, Hannington Origa-Oryem, Jane Namukobe, Florian Kloss, Abiy Yenesew and Ludger A. Wessjohann
Metabolites 2023, 13(6), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13060678 - 23 May 2023
Viewed by 1171
Abstract
Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr (Fabaceae) is widely utilized in the traditional medicine of East Africa, showing effects against a variety of ailments including microbial infections. Phytochemical investigation of the root bark led to the isolation of six previously undescribed prenylated isoflavanones together [...] Read more.
Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr (Fabaceae) is widely utilized in the traditional medicine of East Africa, showing effects against a variety of ailments including microbial infections. Phytochemical investigation of the root bark led to the isolation of six previously undescribed prenylated isoflavanones together with eight known secondary metabolites comprising isoflavanoids, neoflavones and an alkyl hydroxylcinnamate. Structures were elucidated based on HR-ESI-MS, 1- and 2-D NMR and ECD spectra. The crude extract and the isolated compounds of D. melanoxylon were tested for their antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic and cytotoxic properties, applying established model organisms non-pathogenic to humans. The crude extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis (97% inhibition at 50 μg/mL) and antifungal activity against the phytopathogens Phytophthora infestans, Botrytis cinerea and Septoria tritici (96, 89 and 73% at 125 μg/mL, respectively). Among the pure compounds tested, kenusanone H and (3R)-tomentosanol B exhibited, in a panel of partially human pathogenic bacteria and fungi, promising antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Mycobacterium showing MIC values between 0.8 and 6.2 μg/mL. The observed biological effects support the traditional use of D. melanoxylon and warrant detailed investigations of its prenylated isoflavanones as antibacterial lead compounds. Full article
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18 pages, 2671 KiB  
Article
Cytotoxic Metabolites from Calophyllum tacamahaca Willd.: Isolation and Detection through Feature-Based Molecular Networking
by Elise Gerometta, Gaëtan Herbette, Elnur Garayev, Arnaud Marvilliers, Jean-Valère Naubron, Carole Di Giorgio, Pierre-Eric Campos, Patricia Clerc, Allison Ledoux, Michel Frederich, Béatrice Baghdikian, Isabelle Grondin and Anne Gauvin-Bialecki
Metabolites 2023, 13(5), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13050582 - 23 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1255
Abstract
Isocaloteysmannic acid (1), a new chromanone, was isolated from the leaf extract of the medicinal species Calophyllum tacamahaca Willd. along with 13 known metabolites belonging to the families of biflavonoids (2), xanthones (35, 10), [...] Read more.
Isocaloteysmannic acid (1), a new chromanone, was isolated from the leaf extract of the medicinal species Calophyllum tacamahaca Willd. along with 13 known metabolites belonging to the families of biflavonoids (2), xanthones (35, 10), coumarins (68) and triterpenes (9, 1114). The structure of the new compound was characterized based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) data. Its absolute configuration was assigned through electronic circular dichroism (ECD) measurements. Compound (1) showed a moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 and HT29 cell lines, with IC50 values of 19.65 and 25.68 µg/mL, respectively, according to the Red Dye method. Compounds 7, 8 and 1013 exhibited a potent cytotoxic activity, with IC50 values ranging from 2.44 to 15.38 µg/mL, against one or both cell lines. A feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) approach led to the detection of a large amount of xanthones in the leaves extract, and particularly analogues of the cytotoxic isolated xanthone pyranojacareubin (10). Full article
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14 pages, 2516 KiB  
Article
Identification and Analysis of Antimicrobial Activities from a Model Moss Ceratodon purpureus
by Ashley L. Dague, Lia R. Valeeva, Natalie M. McCann, Margarita R. Sharipova, Monica A. Valentovic, Lydia M. Bogomolnaya and Eugene V. Shakirov
Metabolites 2023, 13(3), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13030350 - 27 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1960
Abstract
The emergence of bacterial drug resistance is often viewed as the next great health crisis of our time. While more antimicrobial agents are urgently needed, very few new antibiotics are currently in the production pipeline. Here, we aim to identify and characterize novel [...] Read more.
The emergence of bacterial drug resistance is often viewed as the next great health crisis of our time. While more antimicrobial agents are urgently needed, very few new antibiotics are currently in the production pipeline. Here, we aim to identify and characterize novel antimicrobial natural products from a model dioicous moss, Ceratodon purpureus. We collected secreted moss exudate fractions from two C. purpureus strains, male R40 and female GG1. Exudates from the female C. purpureus strain GG1 did not exhibit inhibitory activity against any tested bacteria. However, exudates from the male moss strain R40 exhibited strong inhibitory properties against several species of Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium, though they did not inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria. Antibacterial activity levels in C. purpureus R40 exudates significantly increased over four weeks of moss cultivation in liquid culture. Size fractionation experiments indicated that the secreted bioactive compounds have a relatively low molecular weight of less than 1 kDa. Additionally, the R40 exudate compounds are thermostable and not sensitive to proteinase K treatment. Overall, our results suggest that the bioactive compounds present in C. purpureus R40 exudates can potentially add new options for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Full article
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15 pages, 2702 KiB  
Article
Widely Targeted Metabolomics Reveals Metabolite Diversity in Jalapeño and Serrano Chile Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)
by Dennis N. Lozada, Sahithi Reddy Pulicherla and Francisco Omar Holguin
Metabolites 2023, 13(2), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13020288 - 16 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1848
Abstract
Chile peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are good sources of vitamins and minerals that can be included in the diet to mitigate nutritional deficiencies. Metabolomics examines the metabolites involved in biological pathways to understand the genes related to complex phenotypes such as the [...] Read more.
Chile peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are good sources of vitamins and minerals that can be included in the diet to mitigate nutritional deficiencies. Metabolomics examines the metabolites involved in biological pathways to understand the genes related to complex phenotypes such as the nutritional quality traits. The current study surveys the different metabolites present in jalapeño (‘NuMex Pumpkin Spice’) and serrano (‘NuMex LotaLutein’) type chile peppers grown in New Mexico using a widely targeted metabolomics approach, with the ‘NuMex LotaLutein’ as control. A total of 1088 different metabolites were detected, where 345 metabolites were differentially expressed; 203 (59%) were downregulated and 142 (41%) were upregulated (i.e., relative metabolite content is higher in ‘NuMex Pumpkin Spice’). The upregulated metabolites comprised mostly of phenolic acids (42), flavonoids (22), and organic acids (13). Analyses of principal component (PC) and orthogonal partial least squares demonstrated clustering based on cultivars, where at least 60% of variation was attributed to the first two PCs. Pathway annotation identified 89 metabolites which are involved in metabolic pathways and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Altogether, metabolomics provided insights into the different metabolites present which can be targeted for breeding and selection towards the improvement of nutritional quality traits in Capsicum. Full article
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14 pages, 2126 KiB  
Article
Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside Protects RIN-5F Cells from High-Glucose-Induced Toxicity, Improves Glucose Homeostasis in L6 Myotubes, and Prevents Onset of Type 2 Diabetes
by Pandurangan Subash-Babu, Sahar Abdulaziz AlSedairy, Manal Abdulaziz Binobead and Ali A. Alshatwi
Metabolites 2023, 13(2), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13020269 - 14 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1536
Abstract
Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside (lut-7-O-rutin), a flavonoid commonly present in Mentha longifolia L. and Olea europaea L. leaves has been used as a flavoring agent with some biological activity. The present study is the first attempt to analyze the protective effect of [...] Read more.
Luteolin-7-O-rutinoside (lut-7-O-rutin), a flavonoid commonly present in Mentha longifolia L. and Olea europaea L. leaves has been used as a flavoring agent with some biological activity. The present study is the first attempt to analyze the protective effect of lut-7-O-rutin on high-glucose-induced toxicity to RIN-5F cells in vitro. We found that lut-7-O-rutin improved insulin secretion in both normal and high-glucose conditions in a dose-dependent manner, without toxicity observed. In addition, 20 µmol of lut-7-O-rutin improves insulin sensitization and glucose uptake significantly (p ≤ 0.01) in L6 myotubes cultured in a high-glucose medium. Lut-7-O-rutin has shown a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on glucose uptake in L6 myotubes compared to the reference drug, rosiglitazone (20 µmol). Gene expression analysis confirmed significantly lowered CYP1A, TNF-α, and NF-κb expressions in RIN-5F cells, and increased mitochondrial thermogenesis-related LPL, Ucp-1 and PPARγC1A mRNA expressions in L6 myotubes after 24 h of lut-7-O-rutin treatment. The levels of signaling proteins associated with intracellular glucose uptakes, such as cAMP, ChREBP-1, and AMPK, were significantly increased in L6 myotubes. In addition, the levels of the conversion rate of glucose to lactate and fatty acids were raised in insulin-stimulated conditions; the rate of glycerol conversion was found to be higher at the basal level in L6 myotubes. In conclusion, lut-7-O-rutin protects RIN-5F cells from high-glucose-induced toxicity, stimulates insulin secretion, and promotes glucose absorption and homeostasis via molecular mechanisms. Full article
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19 pages, 2912 KiB  
Article
LC-MS/MS and GC/MS Profiling of Petroselinum sativum Hoffm. and Its Topical Application on Burn Wound Healing and Related Analgesic Potential in Rats
by Meryem Slighoua, Ismail Mahdi, Fatima Zahrae Moussaid, Omkulthom Al Kamaly, Fatima Ez-zahra Amrati, Raffaele Conte, Aziz Drioiche, Asmaa Saleh, Abdelilah Iraqi Housseini, Amina Bari and Dalila Bousta
Metabolites 2023, 13(2), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13020260 - 11 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1727
Abstract
Parsley (Petroselinum sativum Hoffm.) is renowned for its ethnomedicinal uses including managing pain, wound, and dermal diseases. We previously highlighted the estrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of parsley and profiled the phytochemistry of its polyphenolic fraction using HPLC-DAD. To extend our investigation, we [...] Read more.
Parsley (Petroselinum sativum Hoffm.) is renowned for its ethnomedicinal uses including managing pain, wound, and dermal diseases. We previously highlighted the estrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of parsley and profiled the phytochemistry of its polyphenolic fraction using HPLC-DAD. To extend our investigation, we here characterized the phytochemical composition of the hydro-ethanolic extract using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS upon silylation, and evaluated the antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, and wound healing activities of its hydro-ethanolic and polyphenolic fraction. The antioxidant property was assessed using FRAP, DPPH, and TAC assays. The antimicrobial activity was tested against four wound infectious microbes (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans). The analgesic effect was studied using acetic acid (counting the number of writhes) and formalin (recording the licking and biting times) injections while the wound healing activity was evaluated using burn model in vivo. The LC-MS/MS showed that the hydro-ethanolic contains four polyphenols (oleuropein, arbutin, myricetin, and naringin) while GC-MS revealed that it contains 20 compounds including malic acid, D-glucose, and galactofuranoside. The hydro-ethanolic (1000 mg/kg) decreased abdominal writhes (38.96%) and licking time (37.34%). It also elicited a strong antioxidant activity using DPPH method (IC50 = 19.38 ± 0.15 µg/mL). Polyphenols exhibited a good antimicrobial effect (MIC = 3.125–12.5 mg/mL). Moreover, both extracts showed high wound contraction by 97.17% and 94.98%, respectively. This study provides evidence that P. sativum could serve as a source of bio-compounds exhibiting analgesic effect and their promising application in mitigating ROS-related disorders, impeding wound infections, and enhancing burn healing. Full article
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13 pages, 1653 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant Activity and Metabolite Profiling of Xylocarpus granatum Extracts Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
by Rudi Heryanto, Cecep Abdurohman Putra, Munawar Khalil, Mohamad Rafi, Sastia Prama Putri, Alfi Hudatul Karomah and Irmanida Batubara
Metabolites 2023, 13(2), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13020156 - 20 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1943
Abstract
The potential application of Xylocarpus granatum, a mangrove species, as traditional medicine has been widely linked to its high secondary metabolite and antioxidant contents. However, few studies have been reported to identify and classify active metabolites responsible for such excellent biological activities. [...] Read more.
The potential application of Xylocarpus granatum, a mangrove species, as traditional medicine has been widely linked to its high secondary metabolite and antioxidant contents. However, few studies have been reported to identify and classify active metabolites responsible for such excellent biological activities. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the antioxidant activity, identify the metabolite profiles, and predict the metabolites acting as antioxidants in X. granatum extract using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomics approach. The seeds, stems, fruit peel, pulp, leaves, and twigs of X. granatum were macerated with ethanol. Each extract was analyzed with GC-MS, and the data were processed using mass spectrometry data-independent analysis (MS-DIAL) software to identify the metabolites. The IC50 value of plant parts of X. granatum ranged from 7.73 to 295 ppm. A total of 153 metabolites were identified and confirmed in the X. granatum extracts. Among the identified metabolites, epicatechin and epigallocatechin were the two most abundant in the stem extracts and are expected to have the greatest potential as antioxidants. Principal component analysis (PCA) succeeded in grouping all parts of the plant into three groups based on the composition of the metabolites: group 1 (stems, fruit peel, and twigs), group 2 (seeds and pulp), and group 3 (leaves). Full article
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16 pages, 1809 KiB  
Article
Co-Localization of Resistance and Metabolic Quantitative Trait Loci on Carrot Genome Reveals Fungitoxic Terpenes and Related Candidate Genes Associated with the Resistance to Alternaria dauci
by Claude Emmanuel Koutouan, Valérie Le Clerc, Anita Suel, Latifa Hamama, Patricia Claudel, David Halter, Raymonde Baltenweck, Philippe Hugueney, Jean-François Chich, Sitti Anlati Moussa, Clémentine Champlain, Sébastien Huet, Linda Voisine, Sandra Pelletier, Sandrine Balzergue, Wilfried Chevalier, Emmanuel Geoffriau and Mathilde Briard
Metabolites 2023, 13(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13010071 - 02 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1619
Abstract
Alternaria leaf blight, caused by the fungus Alternaria dauci, is the most damaging foliar disease of carrot. Some carrot genotypes exhibit partial resistance to this pathogen and resistance Quantitative Trait Loci (rQTL) have been identified. Co-localization of metabolic QTL and rQTL identified [...] Read more.
Alternaria leaf blight, caused by the fungus Alternaria dauci, is the most damaging foliar disease of carrot. Some carrot genotypes exhibit partial resistance to this pathogen and resistance Quantitative Trait Loci (rQTL) have been identified. Co-localization of metabolic QTL and rQTL identified camphene, α-pinene, α-bisabolene, β-cubebene, caryophyllene, germacrene D and α-humulene as terpenes potentially involved in carrot resistance against ALB. By combining genomic and transcriptomic analyses, we identified, under the co-localization regions, terpene-related genes which are differentially expressed between a resistant and a susceptible carrot genotype. These genes include five terpene synthases and twenty transcription factors. In addition, significant mycelial growth inhibition was observed in the presence of α-humulene and caryophyllene. Full article
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18 pages, 3761 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition of Ducrosia flabellifolia L. Methanolic Extract and Volatile Oil: ADME Properties, In Vitro and In Silico Screening of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities
by Mejdi Snoussi, Ramzi Hadj Lajimi, Riadh Badraoui, Mousa Al-Reshidi, Mohammad A. Abdulhakeem, Mitesh Patel, Arif Jamal Siddiqui, Mohd Adnan, Karim Hosni, Vincenzo De Feo, Flavio Polito, Adel Kadri and Emira Noumi
Metabolites 2023, 13(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13010064 - 31 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1698
Abstract
In the present study, the chemical composition of the volatile oil and methanolic extract from Ducrosia flabellifolia Boiss. was investigated. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the methanolic extract from D. flabellifolia aerial parts were screened using experimental and computational approaches. Results [...] Read more.
In the present study, the chemical composition of the volatile oil and methanolic extract from Ducrosia flabellifolia Boiss. was investigated. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the methanolic extract from D. flabellifolia aerial parts were screened using experimental and computational approaches. Results have reported the identification of decanal (28.31%) and dodecanal (16.93%) as major compounds in the essential oil obtained through hydrodistillation. Farnesyl pyrophosphate, Methyl 7-desoxypurpurogallin-7-carboxylate trimethyl ether, Dihydro-Obliquin, Gummiferol, 2-Phenylaminoadenosine, and 2,4,6,8,10-dodecapentaenal, on the other hand, were the dominant compounds in the methanolic extract. Moreover, the tested extract was active against a large collection of bacteria and yeast strains with diameter of growth inhibition ranging from 6.67 ± 0.57 mm to 17.00 ± 1.73 mm, with bacteriostatic and fungicidal activities against almost all tested microorganisms. In addition, D. flabellifolia methanolic extract was dominated by phenolic compounds (33.85 ± 1.63 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract) and was able to trap DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals with IC50 about 0.05 ± 0 mg/mL and 0.105 ± 0 mg/mL, respectively. The highest percentages of anticancer activity were recorded at 500 µg/mL for all cancer cell lines with IC50 about 240. 56 µg/mL (A-549), 202.94 µg/mL (HCT-116), and 154.44 µg/mL (MCF-7). The in-silico approach showed that D. flabellifolia identified compounds bound 1HD2, 2XCT, 2QZW, and 3LN1 with high affinities, which together with molecular interactions and the bond network satisfactorily explain the experimental results using antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer assays. The obtained results highlighted the ethnopharmacological properties of the rare desertic D. flabellifolia plant species growing wild in Hail region (Saudi Arabia). Full article
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11 pages, 453 KiB  
Article
Moringa oleifera and Propolis in Cattle Nutrition: Characterization of Metabolic Activities in the Rumen In Vitro
by Mubarik Mahmood, Hasan Ersin Samli, Arife Sener-Aydemir, Suchitra Sharma, Qendrim Zebeli and Ratchaneewan Khiaosa-ard
Metabolites 2022, 12(12), 1237; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12121237 - 09 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1569
Abstract
Moringa oleifera by-products such as seed cake and leaves are protein-rich ingredients, while raw propolis has the potential to influence ruminal protein metabolism. These substances are also known to be sources of functional compounds. With these properties, they could modulate ruminal fermentation activities. [...] Read more.
Moringa oleifera by-products such as seed cake and leaves are protein-rich ingredients, while raw propolis has the potential to influence ruminal protein metabolism. These substances are also known to be sources of functional compounds. With these properties, they could modulate ruminal fermentation activities. Using the rumen simulation technique, we investigated ruminal fermentation and the antioxidant properties of four dietary treatments. These included a control diet (CON) without supplementation; the CON diet top-dressed on a dry matter (DM) basis, either with moringa seed cake (MSC, containing 49% crude protein (CP)), moringa leaf powder (ML, containing 28% CP), or raw propolis (PRO, 3% CP). MSC, ML, and PRO accounted for 3.8, 7.4, and 0.1% of the total diet DM, respectively. Both ML and MSC resulted in 14 and 27% more ammonia concentration, respectively than CON and PRO (p < 0.05). MSC increased the propionate percentage at the expense of acetate (p < 0.05). Both ML and MSC decreased methane percentages by 7 and 10%, respectively, compared to CON (p < 0.05). The antioxidant capacity of the moringa seed cake, moringa leaf powder, and raw propolis were 1.14, 0.56, and 8.56 mg Trolox/g DM, respectively. However, such differences were not evident in the fermentation fluid. In conclusion, the supplementation of moringa seed cake desirably modulates rumen microbial activities related to protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Full article
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13 pages, 1952 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of Cadmium Phytoremediation Potential of Helianthus annuus L. with Application of EDTA and IAA
by Naila Shah, Muhammad Qadir, Muhammad Irshad, Anwar Hussain, Muhammad Hamayun, Waheed Murad, Ajmal Khan and Ahmed Al-Harrasi
Metabolites 2022, 12(11), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12111049 - 31 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1187
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to assess the cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation potential of Helianthus annuus L. that was exposed to 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg of cadmium for 15, 30, and 60 days with application of EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) in the [...] Read more.
The aim of the current study was to assess the cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation potential of Helianthus annuus L. that was exposed to 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg of cadmium for 15, 30, and 60 days with application of EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) in the soil and IAA (indole acetic acid) as a foliar spray. The results indicated that the concentration, duration of exposure, and amount of Cd affect the phytoremediation potential. The maximum Cd was observed at 60 days (32.05, 16.86, and 10.63%) of Cd application, compared to 15 (2.04, 0.60, and 1.17%) or 30 days (8.41, 3.93, and 4.20%, respectively), in a dose-dependent manner. The application of EDTA in the soil and foliar IAA enhanced the Cd accumulation in the plants at 15, 30, and 60 days of exposure, with maximum accumulation at 60 days. Exposed plants with foliar IAA application showed 64.82%, 33.77%, and 25.84% absorption at 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, respectively. Apart from higher absorption, the cadmium translocation to the edible part of the plants ceased, i.e., the seeds had 0% accumulation. The interesting fact was recorded that efficient phytoremediation was recorded at 15 days of exposure, whereas maximum phytoremediation was recorded at 60 days of exposure. To minimize the stress, the host also produced stress-related metabolites (i.e., flavonoids, phenolics, proline, and sugar) and antioxidants (i.e., catalases and ascorbate peroxidases). From the current evidence, it could be assumed that the use of EDTA and IAA, along with hyperaccumulating plants, could be a possible green method to remediate Cd-contaminated soil efficiently in a short period of time. Full article
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16 pages, 3518 KiB  
Article
Phragmanthera austroarabica A.G.Mill. and J.A.Nyberg Triggers Apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 Cells In Vitro and In Vivo Assays: Simultaneous Determination of Selected Constituents
by Marwa S. Goda, Sameh S. Elhady, Mohamed S. Nafie, Hanin A. Bogari, Raina T. Malatani, Rawan H. Hareeri, Jihan M. Badr and Marwa S. Donia
Metabolites 2022, 12(10), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12100921 - 29 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1623
Abstract
Phragmanthera austroarabica (Loranthaceae), a semi-parasitic plant, is well known for its high content of polyphenols that are responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Gallic acid, catechin, and methyl gallate are bioactive metabolites of common occurrence in the family of Loranthaceae. Herein, the [...] Read more.
Phragmanthera austroarabica (Loranthaceae), a semi-parasitic plant, is well known for its high content of polyphenols that are responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Gallic acid, catechin, and methyl gallate are bioactive metabolites of common occurrence in the family of Loranthaceae. Herein, the concentrations of these bioactive metabolites were assessed using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Methyl gallate, catechin, and gallic acid were scanned at 280 nm. Their concentrations were assessed as 14.5, 6.5 and 43.6 mg/g of plant dry extract, respectively. Phragmanthera austroarabica extract as well as the three pure compounds were evaluated regarding the cytotoxic activity. The plant extract exhibited promising cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231 breast cells with the IC50 value of 19.8 μg/mL while the tested pure compounds displayed IC50 values in the range of 21.26–29.6 μg/mL. For apoptosis investigation, P. austroarabica induced apoptotic cell death by 111-fold change and necrosis by 9.31-fold change. It also activated the proapoptotic genes markers and inhibited the antiapoptotic gene, validating the apoptosis mechanism. Moreover, in vivo studies revealed a significant reduction in the breast tumor volume and weight in solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) mice. The treatment of SEC mice with P. austroarabica extract improved both hematological and biochemical parameters with amelioration in the liver and kidney histopathology to near normal. Taken together, P. austroarabica extract exhibited promising anti-cancer activity through an apoptosis-induction. Full article
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Review

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27 pages, 441 KiB  
Review
Nutraceutical Properties of Medicago sativa L., Agave spp., Zea mays L. and Avena sativa L.: A Review of Metabolites and Mechanisms
by Tannia A. Quiñones-Muñoz, Socorro J. Villanueva-Rodríguez and Juan G. Torruco-Uco
Metabolites 2022, 12(9), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12090806 - 28 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
Plants are the main sources of bioactive compounds (nutraceuticals) that function under different mechanisms of action for the benefit of human health. Mexico ranks fifth in the world in biodiversity, offering opportunities for healthy food. An important variety of crops are produced in [...] Read more.
Plants are the main sources of bioactive compounds (nutraceuticals) that function under different mechanisms of action for the benefit of human health. Mexico ranks fifth in the world in biodiversity, offering opportunities for healthy food. An important variety of crops are produced in the state of Hidalgo, e.g., based on the 2021 production, alfalfa, oats, maguey, and corn. The present review presents the latest findings of these crops, regarding the benefits they provide to health (bioactivity, nutraceuticals), and presents the compounds and mechanisms identified by which the benefit is provided. The knowledge compiled here is for the benefit of the recovery of the crops, the recognition of their bioactivities, in search of identifying the best routes of action for prevention, treatment and possible cure of chronic degenerative diseases (thereby promoting crop valorization). Exhaustive bibliographic research was carried out by means of engines and scientific databases. Articles published between 2001 and 2022 that included specific keywords (Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCO, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar). Outstanding activities have been identified for the compounds in the crops, such as antiinflammatory, anticholesterolemic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and chelating. The compounds that provide these properties are total phenols, phenolic acids, tannins, anthocyanins, carotenoids, iso-flavones, phytosterols, saponins, fructans, glycosides, glucans, avenanthramides, and polysaccharides. Full article
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