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22 pages, 12813 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Oil Extraction and Natural Drying Kinetics of the Pulp and Seeds of Commercially Important Oleaginous Fruit from the Rainforests of Guyana

by Shaveshwar Deonarine, Navindra Soodoo, Laziz Bouzidi and Suresh S. Narine

Processes 2023, 11(12), 3292; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11123292 - 24 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 912

Abstract

Ambient sun drying is the method most used by Indigenous communities for preserving fruits and seeds harvested from the forest. It is an effective method to increase the shelf-life of highly perishable foods and prevent spoilage until important bioactive compounds can be extracted [...] Read more.

Ambient sun drying is the method most used by Indigenous communities for preserving fruits and seeds harvested from the forest. It is an effective method to increase the shelf-life of highly perishable foods and prevent spoilage until important bioactive compounds can be extracted at distant locations. The ambient sun drying kinetics and oil extraction of the pulp and seeds of commercially important oleaginous fruit directly obtained from the rainforests and swamps of Guyana, namely Astrocaryum vulgare (Awara), Astrocaryum aculeatum (Kuru), Oenocarpus bacaba (Turu), Mauritia flexuosa (Ite), Euterpe oleracea (Acai), Caryocar nuciferum (Souari), Attalea maripa (Kukrit), and Carapa guianensis (Crabwood), were studied. The fruits were dried under ambient conditions from initial moisture contents ranging from 24–71% to a final moisture content of 5%. Three models, the Lewis model, the modified Page model, and the standard logistic function (SLF) model, were utilized to model the drying kinetics and to estimate the parameters governing the drying process. These models were demonstrated to fit the experimental data with excellent goodness of fit (>0.98). The SLF, never used before to model drying kinetics, was observed to be the best-suited model overall, with the highest correlation coefficient and the least Chi-square (χ²). Depending on the fruit type, the estimated point where the maximum drying rate occurs varies from 35 min to 350 min for sun-dried fruit pulp and up to 4000 min for sun-dried kernels. The steepness of the drying curves varied from −0.5 to −3.5 g/min. The results of this work will aid in the design, development, optimization, and control of the ambient drying processes of economically and functionally important oleaginous forest fruits. This knowledge will assist in addressing the key challenge of spoilage faced by Indigenous communities in the preservation of tropical oleaginous fruits and seeds, possibly aiding in the preservation of functional characteristics of the extracted oils and adducing to the sustainable economic utilization of such fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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31 pages, 4239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LC-MS/MS and GC-MS Identification of Metabolites from the Selected Herbs and Spices, Their Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic Potential, and Chemometric Analysis

by Hafiza Sehrish Kiani, Baber Ali, Mohammad Khalid Al-Sadoon, Hamad S. Al-Otaibi and Akhtar Ali

Processes 2023, 11(9), 2721; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11092721 - 12 Sep 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2061

Abstract

Culinary herbs and spices are widely used in daily diets. Pakistan’s flora is enriched with phytochemicals due to a diverse range of land. Phytochemicals, including volatile and non-volatile compounds, have captured much interest due to their numerous health advantages and significance in daily [...] Read more.

Culinary herbs and spices are widely used in daily diets. Pakistan’s flora is enriched with phytochemicals due to a diverse range of land. Phytochemicals, including volatile and non-volatile compounds, have captured much interest due to their numerous health advantages and significance in daily diet. The present study aimed to conduct in-depth metabolomic profiling of Pakistani-grown fenugreek leaves (Trigonella foenum-graecum), fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), mint leaves (Mentha royleana), coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum) and basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum) by using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The first study was conducted to optimize extraction using different solvents (methanol, ethanol, chloroform, acetone, and water). Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannins (TCT) were quantified along with the antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities. The highest TPC (125.42 ± 10.89 mg GAE/g) and the highest antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential were quantified in mint. Seventy-one phytochemical metabolites were identified using LC-MS/MS, while forty-nine volatile constituents were identified using GC-MS. A positive correlation was identified between phenolic contents and their biological activities. Furthermore, molecular docking helped to find drug molecules with more excellent anti-diabetic activity based on their binding affinities. This study suggests that selected herbs and spices from Pakistan have significant nutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical potential. This study could further help in drug discovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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22 pages, 4266 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Differential Metabolomic Fingerprinting of the Crude Extracts of Three Asteraceae Species with Assessment of Their In Vitro Antioxidant and Enzyme-Inhibitory Activities Supported by In Silico Investigations

by Gokhan Zengin, Nouran M. Fahmy, Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan, Abdullahi Ibrahim Uba, Abdelhakim Bouyahya, José M. Lorenzo, Evren Yildiztugay, Omayma A. Eldahshan and Shaimaa Fayez

Processes 2022, 10(10), 1911; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10101911 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1703

Abstract

The Asteraceae is a large family, rich in ornamental, economical, and medicinally valuable plants. The current study involves the analytical and pharmacological assessment of the methanolic extracts of three less investigated Asteraceae plants, namely Echinops ritro, Centaurea deflexa, and Tripleurospermum decipiens, [...] Read more.

The Asteraceae is a large family, rich in ornamental, economical, and medicinally valuable plants. The current study involves the analytical and pharmacological assessment of the methanolic extracts of three less investigated Asteraceae plants, namely Echinops ritro, Centaurea deflexa, and Tripleurospermum decipiens, obtained by three different extraction methodologies viz. maceration (MAC), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE). LC-MS-MS analysis of E. ritro, C. deflexa, and T. decipiens extracts led to the identification of ca. 29, 20, and 33 metabolites, respectively, belonging to flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids/amides. Although there were significant differences in the quantitative metabolite profiles in the extracts of E. ritro and T. decipiens based on the used extraction method, no significant variation was observed in the extracts of C. deflexa in the three implemented extraction techniques. The antioxidant activities of the nine extracts were assessed in vitro using six different assays viz. DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, PDA, and metal chelation assay (MCA). The HAE/UAE extracts of E. ritro and the UAE/ MAC extracts of C. deflexa displayed the highest antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay, while the UAE extract of T. decipiens showed the strongest antioxidant activity in both the CUPRAC and MCA assays. The enzyme inhibitory activities of the nine extracts were studied in vitro on five different enzymes viz. tyrosinase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinestrase (BChE), affecting various pathological diseases. Concerning C. deflexa, its MAC /UAE extracts showed the strongest inhibition on α-amylase, while its UAE/HAE extracts displayed strong inhibitory power on AChE. However, no significant difference was observed on their effects on tyrosinase or BChE. For T. decipiens, its UAE/HAE showed potent inhibition to α-glucosidase, MAC/ HAE significantly inhibited AChE and BChE, while UAE could strongly inhibit tyrosinase enzyme. For E. ritro, all extracts equally inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase, MAC/HAE strongly affected tyrosinase, HAE/MAC best inhibited BChE, while HAE inhibited AChE to a greater extent. Chemometric analysis using PCA plot was able to discriminate between the plant samples and between the implemented extraction modes. The in vitro enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracts were supported by in silico data, where metabolites, such as the lignan arctiin and the flavonoid vicenin-2, dominating the extract of C. deflexa, displayed strong binding to AChE. Similarly, chlorogenic and dicaffeoyl quinic acids, which are some of the major metabolites in the extracts of E. ritro and T. decipiens, bound with high affinity to α-glucosidase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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18 pages, 7230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Brachychiton populneus Leaf Extract

by Muhammad Naveed, Hira Batool, Shafiq ur Rehman, Aneela Javed, Syeda Izma Makhdoom, Tariq Aziz, Amal A. Mohamed, Manal Y. Sameeh, Mashael W. Alruways, Anas S. Dablool, Abdulraheem Ali Almalki, Abdulhakeem S. Alamri and Majid Alhomrani

Processes 2022, 10(8), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10081521 - 02 Aug 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

Bionanotechnology is the combination of biotechnology and nanotechnology for the development of biosynthetic and environmentally friendly nanomaterial synthesis technology. The presented research work adopted a reliable and environmentally sustainable approach to manufacturing silver nanoparticles from Brachychiton populneus (BP-AgNPs) leaf extract in aqueous medium. [...] Read more.

Bionanotechnology is the combination of biotechnology and nanotechnology for the development of biosynthetic and environmentally friendly nanomaterial synthesis technology. The presented research work adopted a reliable and environmentally sustainable approach to manufacturing silver nanoparticles from Brachychiton populneus (BP-AgNPs) leaf extract in aqueous medium. The Brachychiton populneus-derived silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). In addition, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities of AgNPs were brought to light. The synthesis of BP-AgNPs was verified at 453 nm wavelength by UV–Vis spectrum. FTIR analysis revealed that synthesis, stability, and capping of AgNPs depend on functional groups such as alkane, alkene, nitro, flouro, phenol, alcoholic, and flavones, present in plant extract. The SEM analysis revealed evenly distributed cubical-shaped nanoparticles. The average diameter of AgNPs was 12 nm calculated from SEM image through ImageJ software. EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of Ag at 3 keV and other trace elements such as oxygen and chlorine. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited proven antioxidant (DPPH assay), antidiabetic (alpha amylase assay), anti-inflammatory (albumin denaturation assay), and cytotoxic (MTT assay) potential against U87 and HEK293 cell lines in comparison to standard drugs. In these assays, BP-AgNPs exhibited inhibition in a concentration-dependent manner and had lower IC₅₀ values compared to standards. All these outcomes suggest that silver nanoparticles work as a beneficial biological agent. The salient features of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles propose their effective applications in the biomedical domain in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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19 pages, 3186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Screening, Nutritional Value, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Cancer, and Anti-Bacterial Assessment of Aqueous Extract from Abelmoschus esculentus Pods

by Salman Khan, Zeeshan Rafi, Abu Baker, Ambreen Shoaib, Ali G. Alkhathami, Mohammed Asiri, Mohammad Y. Alshahrani, Irfan Ahmad, Yasser Alraey, Ali Hakamy, Mohd Saeed and Shazia Mansoor

Processes 2022, 10(2), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10020183 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4620

Abstract

Known for its high nutritional and medicinal value, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is commonly used for replacing plasma and expanding blood volume in humans. It is a major economic crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The present study aimed to [...] Read more.

Known for its high nutritional and medicinal value, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is commonly used for replacing plasma and expanding blood volume in humans. It is a major economic crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate and evaluate the nutritional properties and prospective applications of the consumable parts of okra. The total ash content (mineral content), carbohydrate, crude fiber, fat, protein, and moisture fractions of okra pod aqueous extract were determined. The results show that okra aqueous extract contained 84.670–87.650% moisture, 1.514–1.197% ash, 7.857–8.261% carbohydrate, 2.367–3.410% crude protein, and 6.781–8.314% crude fiber. Okra was determined to have high nutritional value, with γ-tocopherol and α-tocopherol contents about 2.67 mg/100 g and 1.62 mg/100 g, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to determine the sugars present in okra aqueous extract. The water-soluble polysaccharide content was 10.22–16.45 g/100 g. The tested aqueous extract was a rich source of total phenolic compounds in gallic acid equivalents (288.2–3426.2 mg/100 g), chlorophyll a (3.53 mg/100), chlorophyll b (2.43 mg/100), and carotenoids (1.3 mg/100 g). The detected minerals were Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, K, Na, and Mn. Atomic absorption spectrometry analysis of these ashed minerals was performed. In addition to the nutritional benefits, okra pods exhibited antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. The aqueous extract was found to be potentially active against bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC value = 21.8 mg/mL), Escherichia coli (MIC value = 18.7 mg/mL), Bacillus cereus (MIC value = 20.7 mg/mL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC value = 20.2 mg/mL). Okra aqueous extract exhibited inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 120 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 115 µg/mL). The okra extract exhibited high anticancer activity, concentration-dependent and with an IC₅₀ value of about 158.3 mg/mL. The results indicated that okra pods have nutritional and medicinal properties and, hence, can be used as a functional food and broad-spectrum nutraceutical supplement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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11 pages, 1693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Silico Assessment and Molecular Docking Studies of Some Phyto-Triterpenoid for Potential Disruption of Mortalin-p53 Interaction

by Minh Quan Pham, Thuy Huong Le Thi, Quoc Long Pham, Le Thi Le, Huy Toan Dao, Thanh Le Thi Dang, Dung Thuy Nguyen Pham and Hai Ha Pham Thi

Processes 2021, 9(11), 1983; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9111983 - 07 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2335

Abstract

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, represents the second most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. The high toxicity and side effects of some cancer chemotherapy drugs increase the demand for new anti-cancer drugs from natural products. [...] Read more.

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, represents the second most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. The high toxicity and side effects of some cancer chemotherapy drugs increase the demand for new anti-cancer drugs from natural products. Mortalin/mtHsp70, a stress response protein, has been reported to contribute to the process of carcinogenesis in several ways, including the inhibition of the transcriptional activation of p53. This study conducted a molecular docking study of 41 phyto triterpenes originated from Vietnamese plants for potential Mortalin inhibition activity. Nine compounds were considered as promising inhibitors based on the analysis of binding affinity and drug-like and pharmacokinetic properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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17 pages, 6107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of Salvianolic Acid B in Acetic Acid-Induced Experimental Colitis in a Mouse Model

by Mydhili Govindarasu, Mohammad Azam Ansari, Mohammad N. Alomary, Sami AlYahya, Saad Alghamdi, Azzah M. Bannunah, Mazen Almehmadi, Pari Abirami, Ekambaram Gayathiri, Mariyappan Palani, Govindasamy Rajakumar, Muthu Thiruvengadam and Manju Vaiyapuri

Processes 2021, 9(9), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091589 - 05 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2613

Abstract

In its prominent experimental studies salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is novel because of its well-defined, common physiological effects, which include anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, cardioprotective, DNA protective, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective activity in experimental animals. Initially, Sal B was studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, used [...] Read more.

In its prominent experimental studies salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is novel because of its well-defined, common physiological effects, which include anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, cardioprotective, DNA protective, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective activity in experimental animals. Initially, Sal B was studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, used as a remedy for a wide range of disease conditions, but its specific efficacy on inflammatory bowel disease is still unclear. The aim of this current study was to understand the therapeutic potential of Sal B in an acetic acid (AA)—triggered experimental mouse colitis model. Colitis was triggered by intrarectal injection of 5% AA, and then laboratory animals were given Sal B (10, 20 and 40 μg/kg) for seven days. The ulcerated colonic mucosa was assessed by clinical experiment, macroscopical, biological and histopathological analysis. The results showed depleted SOD, CAT, GSH levels and consequential elevated MPO and MDA levels and aberrant crypt foci and mast cells were seen in the AA-induced colonic mucosa of experimental animals. The data obtained from this study demonstrate that a dose of 40 µg/kg showed an efficacious anti-ulcer effect against AA-induced experimental colitis. Based on its antioxidant efficacy, Sal B may therefore be useful as a therapeutic approach for ulcerative colitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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15 pages, 3264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Characterization of the Lichen-Symbiont Microalga Asterochloris erici and Study of Its Cytostatic Effect on the L929 Murine Fibrosarcoma Cell Line

by M. Concepción Matesanz, Mercedes Villa-Carvajal, Javier Linares, Sonia Morante-Zarcero, Isabel Sierra, Eva Barreno, Myriam Catalá and M. Teresa Portolés

Processes 2021, 9(9), 1509; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091509 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1911

Abstract

New resources of food, pharmaceuticals or biotechnological products are needed. The huge biodiversity of aero-terrestrial lichen-symbiont microalgae belonging to the Chlorophyta group remains unexplored despite they present interesting features such as extreme stress tolerance and growth in water shortage. Appropriateness for human consumption [...] Read more.

New resources of food, pharmaceuticals or biotechnological products are needed. The huge biodiversity of aero-terrestrial lichen-symbiont microalgae belonging to the Chlorophyta group remains unexplored despite they present interesting features such as extreme stress tolerance and growth in water shortage. Appropriateness for human consumption demands the demonstration of the absence of toxic effects. In vitro biocompatibility of crude homogenates of axenic microalga Asterochloris erici, isolated from the lichen Cladonia cristatella, was analyzed after treatment of cultured L929 fibroblasts with different concentrations of microalgal homogenates. The microalgal protein content (37%) was similar to spirulina or soybean. Antioxidant capacity (10.6 ± 0.6 µmol TE/g WW) or phenolic content (7.5 ± 0.5 mg GAE/g DW) were high compared to Chlorella. The results show that crude homogenates of A. erici do not induce cytotoxicity but seem to have some cytostatic effect inducing slight cell cycle alterations and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase at the highest concentration. Carotenoid analysis demonstrates high contents of lutein (1211 µg/g microalga DW), a xanthophyll with antioxidant and cytostatic properties in vivo and high commercial added value. These findings confirm that Asterochloris erici can be suitable for the development of alimentary or pharmaceutical applications and further in vivo animal testing. The cytostatic effects should be further investigated for antitumor agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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20 pages, 2473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic Profiling, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Bidens pilosa

by Paola Angelini, Florentina Matei, Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Roberto Maria Pellegrino, Lydie Vuguziga, Roberto Venanzoni, Bruno Tirillini, Carla Emiliani, Giustino Orlando, Luigi Menghini and Claudio Ferrante

Processes 2021, 9(6), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9060903 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3354

Abstract

Bidens pilosa L. (fam. Asteraceae) is an annual herb used globally in phytotherapy and each plant material or the whole plant have been declared to be effective. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct metabolomic profiling of different plant materials, [...] Read more.

Bidens pilosa L. (fam. Asteraceae) is an annual herb used globally in phytotherapy and each plant material or the whole plant have been declared to be effective. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct metabolomic profiling of different plant materials, including the quali-quantitative composition of phenolic compounds. The intrinsic scavenging/reducing properties and antimicrobial effects of the extracts were assayed against numerous bacterial, Candida and dermatophytes species, whereas docking runs were conducted for tentatively unravelling the mechanism of action underlying antimicrobial effects. Oligosaccharide, disaccharide and fatty acids were present at higher concentrations in root rather than in the other plant parts. Monoglycerides were more abundant in stem than in the other plant parts, whereas peptide and diterpenoid were prominent in leaf and root, respectively. By contrast, amino acids showed very different distribution patterns in the four plant parts. Regarding the phenolic composition, appreciable levels of caftaric acid were found in most of the analyzed methanol extracts, that were also particularly efficacious as antiradical and anti-mycotic agents against C. albicans and dermatophytes. The docking experiments also showed a micromolar affinity of caftaric acid towards the lanosterol 14α-demethylase, deeply involved in fungal metabolism. In conclusion, the present study corroborates the B. pilosa as a phytotherapy remedy against infectious disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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15 pages, 4050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Environmental Conditions on Growth and the Phenolic Profile of Achillea atrata L.

by Lysanne Salomon, Peter Lorenz, Bernhard Ehrmann, Otmar Spring, Florian C. Stintzing and Dietmar R. Kammerer

Processes 2021, 9(5), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050853 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1677

Abstract

Achillea atrata L. is a traditionally used medicinal plant. With its pronounced antimicrobial potential, this alpine Achillea species may also be used in modern phytotherapy to treat MRSA infections and prevent dermal infections, such as acne vulgaris. For the present study, A. atrata [...] Read more.

Achillea atrata L. is a traditionally used medicinal plant. With its pronounced antimicrobial potential, this alpine Achillea species may also be used in modern phytotherapy to treat MRSA infections and prevent dermal infections, such as acne vulgaris. For the present study, A. atrata was cultivated in its natural habitat in Switzerland as well as in Germany to elucidate the potential of standardizing plant material derived from this species for pharmaceutical production. Phytochemical characterization of phenolic constituents by HPLC-DAD-MSⁿ revealed that environmental conditions have only a minor impact on the phenolic profile. Metabolic differences between cultivated and wild plants grown in the same environment suggested the possible existence of genetically derived chemotypes. In total, 28 substances were identified, with marked differences in the occurrence of phenolic compounds observed between flowers and leaves. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, 7 phenolic compounds have been reported for the first time in A. atrata in the present study. The quantitation of individual constituents revealed their contents to depend on environmental factors and to reach their maximum at increasing altitudes. The results here presented may help to select and cultivate A. atrata plant material with defined and constant compound profiles, which is of particular importance for potential pharmaceutical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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14 pages, 5853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Purification Process of Mangiferin from Mangifera indica L. Leaves and Evaluation of Its Bioactivities

by Nguyen Thi Truc Loan, Dang Thanh Long, Pham Nguyen Dong Yen, Truong Thi Minh Hanh, Tri Nhut Pham and Dung Thuy Nguyen Pham

Processes 2021, 9(5), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050852 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7507

Abstract

Mangiferin (C₁₉H₁₈O₁₁) is a C-glucoside xanthone that is mainly found in the leaves of mango (Mangifera indica L). The compound has been recognized for several pharmacological values, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Therefore, the present study [...] Read more.

Mangiferin (C₁₉H₁₈O₁₁) is a C-glucoside xanthone that is mainly found in the leaves of mango (Mangifera indica L). The compound has been recognized for several pharmacological values, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Therefore, the present study aims to utilize the old leaves of mango as a potential source for mangiferin extraction and purification, and evaluate its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In the present study, mangiferin was extracted from a local variety of mango leaves using ultrasonic-assisted extraction methods and ethanol as the extraction solvent. The crude ethanolic extract of mangiferin was then purified by the liquid–liquid fractionation method with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate, then further separated by HPLC. The crude extract, ethyl acetate fractions and purified mangiferin were investigated for anti-microorganism activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Aspergillus flavus by using the paper disc diffusion assay. The results have shown that the extraction efficiency was 14.17%. The obtained mangiferin was 1.97 g of content and 94.2% of purity. The oxidation resistance of purified mangiferin was 1.77 times higher than the crude extract and 1.05 times higher than the standard mangiferin (IC₅₀ = 13.841 μg/mL). However, the purified mangiferin has shown no inhibitory action against the experimental strains of microorganisms. The findings from the present study suggest an effective scheme of extraction and purification to obtain mangiferin from the local variety of mango with high purity and antioxidant potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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13 pages, 1423 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Extraction Optimization by Experimental Design of Bioactives from Pleurotus ostreatus and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

by Federica Ianni, Francesca Blasi, Paola Angelini, Simonetta Cristina Di Simone, Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Lina Cossignani and Roberto Venanzoni

Processes 2021, 9(5), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050743 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2212

Abstract

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) has gained in the last years increasing attention due to its richness in bioactive metabolites with health properties, making this variety an attractive candidate for promising developments in nutraceutical and cosmeceutical fields. According to the conditions planned [...] Read more.

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) has gained in the last years increasing attention due to its richness in bioactive metabolites with health properties, making this variety an attractive candidate for promising developments in nutraceutical and cosmeceutical fields. According to the conditions planned by the experimental design approach, the ultrasound-assisted extraction of the phenol fraction from P. ostreatus was performed by evaluating the influence of critical variables (solvent, solvent/solid ratio, time, temperature) on total phenol content and antioxidant activity. The results of the optimization showed that a more performing extraction can be obtained with the highest values of solvent/solid ratio and water % in ethanol. The optimal extraction conditions were applied to four P. ostreatus samples, differing for geographical origin and growth substrate. The hydroalcoholic extracts were characterized in terms of total phenol content, and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and interesting correlations were found among them. The obtained results highlighted significant differences for the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities for P. ostreatus samples grown on different substrates and geographical areas. The investigation on biological activity of edible mushroom extracts has a high relevance since it has a positive impact on the nutritional and health properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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Review

Jump to: Research

26 pages, 2959 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants Used in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: An Updated Review

by Idowu Jonas Sagbo and Ahmed A. Hussein

Processes 2022, 10(9), 1817; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10091817 - 09 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3510

Abstract

Oral antidiabetic drugs are usually costly and are associated with several adverse side effects. This has led to the use of medicinal plants that are considered to have multiple therapeutic targets and are readily accessible. In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, [...] Read more.

Oral antidiabetic drugs are usually costly and are associated with several adverse side effects. This has led to the use of medicinal plants that are considered to have multiple therapeutic targets and are readily accessible. In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, the number of people using medicinal plants for the management of diabetes has been climbing steadily over the past two decades due to their cultural acceptability, accessibility, affordability, efficacy, and safety claims. In this study, a review of antidiabetic medicinal plants used in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa was conducted. A comprehensive literature survey was thoroughly reviewed using several scientific databases, ethnobotanical books, theses and dissertations. About forty-eight (48) plant species were identified as being used to treat diabetes by the people of Eastern Cape province. Among the plant species, only eight (8) species have not been scientifically evaluated for their antidiabetic activities and twenty antidiabetic compounds were isolated from these medicinal plants. This review has confirmed the use and potential of the antidiabetic medicinal plants in the Eastern Cape province and identified several promising species for further scientific investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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21 pages, 1058 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Health Benefits and Pharmacological Properties of Hinokitiol

by Naoufal El Hachlafi, Fatima Lakhdar, Aya Khouchlaa, Saad Bakrim, Nasreddine El Omari, Abdelaali Balahbib, Mohammad Ali Shariati, Gokhan Zengin, Kawtar Fikri-Benbrahim, Giustino Orlando, Claudio Ferrante, Luigi Meninghi and Abdelhakim Bouyahya

Processes 2021, 9(9), 1680; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9091680 - 18 Sep 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4870

Abstract

Hinokitiol is a natural bioactive compound found in several aromatic and medicinal plants. It is a terpenoid synthetized and secreted by different species as secondary metabolites. This volatile compound was tested and explored for its different biological properties. In this review, we report [...] Read more.

Hinokitiol is a natural bioactive compound found in several aromatic and medicinal plants. It is a terpenoid synthetized and secreted by different species as secondary metabolites. This volatile compound was tested and explored for its different biological properties. In this review, we report the pharmacological properties of hinokitiol by focusing mainly on its anticancer mechanisms. Indeed, it can block cell transformation at different levels by its action on the cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy via inhibiting gene expression and dysregulating cellular signaling pathways. Moreover, hinokitiol also exhibits other pharmacological properties, including antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. It showed multiple and several effects through its inhibition, interaction and/or activation of the main cellular targets inducing these pathologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extraction, Characterization and Pharmacology of Natural Products (II))

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