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Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 25327

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Przemysław Kowalczewski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food Technology of Plant Origin, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-624 Poznań, Poland
Interests: bioactive compounds; medicinal plants; antioxidants; edible insects; functional food; plant-based food additives; waste management in food system; plant-based meat analogues; biopolymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Joanna Zembrzuska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Chemistry and Technical Electrochemistry, Poznan University of Technology, 4 Berdychowo Street, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
Interests: LC-MS/MS; ITP; solid phase extraction; liquid–liquid extraction; non-ionic surfactant; selenium speciation; pharmaceutical residues
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue titled “Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts” focuses on the biological activity of plant extracts. From time immemorial, plant extracts and essential oils from plants have been used for therapeutic purposes. A number of phytochemicals—secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, carotenoids, polysaccharides, or volatile oils—are responsible for their medicinal properties. These bioactive phytochemicals from plants can limit or regulate the imbalance generated by reactive oxygen species, which can lead to inflammatory, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic dysfunctions, or even to the appearance of tumors. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of certain plant extracts are exploited to fight pathogens, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Plant extracts are an important source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and are always of scientific interest. Many studies are being conducted in order to identify their mechanism of action. Considering the above-mentioned worldwide circumstances, we would like to encourage leading scientists working on the topics of bioactive food, as well as studying biological activities of novel plant extracts, to submit original research or review papers. In particular, we welcome those that address any aspect of the use of novel bioactive compounds for food production and human nutrition. Papers on the study of medicinal plant bioactivity are also welcome.

Dr. Przemyslaw Lukasz Kowalczewski
Dr. Joanna Zembrzuska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biological activity
  • plant extracts
  • bioactive food
  • biological compounds
  • natural products
  • medicinal plants bioactivity

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

6 pages, 235 KiB  
Editorial
Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts
by Przemysław Łukasz Kowalczewski and Joanna Zembrzuska
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(16), 9324; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13169324 - 17 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4385
Abstract
For centuries, plants have been part of human civilisation, serving as food, healing substances and treatments for various diseases [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

19 pages, 4582 KiB  
Article
Anti-Allergic Effects of Lonicera caerulea L. Extract and Cyanidin-3-Glucoside on Degranulation and FcεRI Signaling Pathway of RBL-2H3 Cells
by Ye-Eun Choi, Jung-Mo Yang, Chae-Won Jeong, Sung-Hwan Park, Hee-Won Yoo, Hyun-Duck Jo and Ju-Hyun Cho
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11722; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411722 - 16 Dec 2024
Viewed by 542
Abstract
(i) Background: The increasing prevalence of allergic diseases highlights the need for effective treatments. Lonicera caerulea fruit has been recognized for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects, but the mechanisms underlying its anti-allergic properties remain unclear. (ii) Objective: This study aims to evaluate [...] Read more.
(i) Background: The increasing prevalence of allergic diseases highlights the need for effective treatments. Lonicera caerulea fruit has been recognized for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects, but the mechanisms underlying its anti-allergic properties remain unclear. (ii) Objective: This study aims to evaluate the total phenolic, total flavonoid, and cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) contents of Lonicera caerulea extract (HR2302-30E) and to investigate its antioxidant and anti-allergic activities. (iii) Methods: Using an IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 cell model, we assessed the effects of HR2302-30E and C3G on mast cell degranulation, β-hexosaminidase and histamine release. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the expression of high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI)β/γ and the phosphorylation of Src family kinases (Syk, Fyn). We also examined the phosphorylation of downstream factors phospholipase Cγ, protein kinase Cδ, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. (iv) Results: Total phenolic, flavonoid, and C3G contents of HR2302-30E were 18.73 mg GAE/g, 11.83 mg QE/g, and 7.02 mg/g, respectively. In IgE-activated mast cells, HR2302-30E and C3G inhibited β-hexosaminidase and histamine release. Western blot analysis revealed reduced expression of FcεRIβ/γ and decreased phosphorylation of key downstream signaling molecules. Conclusions: These findings suggest that HR2302-30E and C3G modulate FcεRI signaling, indicating their potential as natural anti-allergic agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Antioxidant activity of HR2302-30E. (<b>a</b>) 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. (<b>b</b>) 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. (<b>c</b>) Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). (<b>d</b>) Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) plot. ORAC values are expressed as the net area under the curve. Data are represented as the mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) of three independent experiments. Different letters on the bars indicate significant differences (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05) in the Duncan multiple range test. a~g, significant differences among various samples. AsA, Ascorbic acid.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatograms and photodiode array (PDA) spectra of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) (<b>a</b>,<b>c</b>) and HR2302-30E (<b>b</b>,<b>d</b>).</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Effects of HR2302-30E and C3G on the viability of RBL-2H3 mast cells. Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Negative control: untreated cells. Data are represented as the mean ± SEM of three independent experiments. The statistical analyses were performed using the Dunnett <span class="html-italic">t</span>-test. PP2 is a general Src family kinase inhibitor. −, No treatment.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Effects of HR2302-30E and C3G on (<b>a</b>) β-hexosaminidase and (<b>b</b>) histamine release in RBL-2H3 mast cells. IgE-primed RBL-2H3 cells were incubated with 250 ng/mL of DNP-HSA and HR2302-30E (500, 1000, and 2000 μg/mL) and C3G (5 and 10 μg/mL). Negative control: non-IgE-primed RBL-2H3 cells without DNP-HSA; positive control: IgE-primed RBL-2H3 cells with DNP-HSA and PP2. Data are represented as the mean ± SEM of the three independent experiments. The statistical analyses were performed using the Dunnett <span class="html-italic">t</span>-test. PP2 is a general Src family kinase inhibitor. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 and *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 vs. anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA (IgE/Ag); ### <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 vs. control. −, No treatment, +, Treatment.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Effects of HR2302-30E and C3G on the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) signaling cascade in RBL-2H3 cells. IgE-primed RBL-2H3 cells were incubated with 250 ng/mL of DNP-HSA and HR2302-30E (1000 and 2000 μg/mL) and C3G (5 and 10 μg/mL). The protein expression of (<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) FcεRI β and FcεRI γ, (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) Syk, Fyn, and Src were determined using immunoblotting. Data are represented as the mean ± SEM of the three independent experiments. The statistical analyses were performed using the Dunnett <span class="html-italic">t</span>-test. PP2 is a general Src family kinase inhibitor. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, and *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 vs. anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA (IgE/Ag); ### <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 vs. control. −, No treatment, +, Treatment.</p> Full article ">Figure 5 Cont.
<p>Effects of HR2302-30E and C3G on the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) signaling cascade in RBL-2H3 cells. IgE-primed RBL-2H3 cells were incubated with 250 ng/mL of DNP-HSA and HR2302-30E (1000 and 2000 μg/mL) and C3G (5 and 10 μg/mL). The protein expression of (<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) FcεRI β and FcεRI γ, (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) Syk, Fyn, and Src were determined using immunoblotting. Data are represented as the mean ± SEM of the three independent experiments. The statistical analyses were performed using the Dunnett <span class="html-italic">t</span>-test. PP2 is a general Src family kinase inhibitor. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, and *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 vs. anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA (IgE/Ag); ### <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 vs. control. −, No treatment, +, Treatment.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Effects of HR2302-30E and C3G on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phospholipase C (PLC)-γ, and protein kinase C (PKC)-δ levels in RBL-2H3 cells. IgE-primed RBL-2H3 cells were incubated with 250 ng/mL of DNP-HSA and HR2302-30E (1000 and 2000 μg/mL) and C3G (5 and 10 μg/mL). The protein expression of (<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) p38, ERK, and JNK, (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) PLCγ and PKCδ were determined using immunoblotting. Data are represented as the mean ± SEM of the three independent experiments. The statistical analyses were performed using the Dunnett <span class="html-italic">t</span>-test. PP2 is a general Src family kinase inhibitor. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, and *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 vs. anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA (IgE/Ag); ### <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 vs. control. −, No treatment, +, Treatment.</p> Full article ">Figure 6 Cont.
<p>Effects of HR2302-30E and C3G on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phospholipase C (PLC)-γ, and protein kinase C (PKC)-δ levels in RBL-2H3 cells. IgE-primed RBL-2H3 cells were incubated with 250 ng/mL of DNP-HSA and HR2302-30E (1000 and 2000 μg/mL) and C3G (5 and 10 μg/mL). The protein expression of (<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) p38, ERK, and JNK, (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) PLCγ and PKCδ were determined using immunoblotting. Data are represented as the mean ± SEM of the three independent experiments. The statistical analyses were performed using the Dunnett <span class="html-italic">t</span>-test. PP2 is a general Src family kinase inhibitor. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, and *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 vs. anti-DNP IgE plus DNP-HSA (IgE/Ag); ### <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 vs. control. −, No treatment, +, Treatment.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>HR2302-30E and C3G suppress mast cell degranulation by inhibiting FcεRI signaling pathway. HR2302-30E and C3G inhibit FcεRI signaling by suppressing Src family kinases (Syk, Fyn) and downstream pathways (PLCγ, PKCδ, MAPK), thereby reducing the release of allergic mediators.</p> Full article ">
30 pages, 6389 KiB  
Article
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Barleria albostellata C.B. Clarke Leaves and Stems: Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activity
by Serisha Gangaram, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir, Moganavelli Singh, Johnson Lin, Aliscia Nicole Daniels and Nóra Mendler-Drienyovszki
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8331; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188331 - 16 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1687
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have increasingly gained attention owing to their distinctive physicochemical and biological properties. The objective of the investigation was to biologically synthesize AgNPs using plant extracts from Barleria albostellata. The synthesized AgNPs, obtained from B. albostellata (leaves and stems), were [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have increasingly gained attention owing to their distinctive physicochemical and biological properties. The objective of the investigation was to biologically synthesize AgNPs using plant extracts from Barleria albostellata. The synthesized AgNPs, obtained from B. albostellata (leaves and stems), were characterized through various techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated utilizing the disk diffusion method. The cytotoxicity effects of the synthesized AgNPs were determined using the MTT assay (3-[(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide]) in cervical cancer (HeLa), embryonic kidney (HEK293), and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines. The results indicate that B. albostellata extracts could serve as eco-friendly biofactories for the synthesis of AgNPs. UV-vis spectroscopy of the leaf and stem extracts revealed absorption peaks within the range of 400–450 nm, thereby confirming the synthesis of AgNPs. Elemental Ag was highest in the methanol leaf extracts (16.87 ± 0.89%) and lowest in the powdered stem extracts (7.13 ± 1.44%). Synthesized AgNPs were predominantly spherical in shape. HRTEM revealed that synthesized AgNPs from the methanolic stem extracts (34.32 ± 16.99 nm) were larger in size, while those from the powdered stem extracts were smaller (16.57 ± 5.55 nm). AgNPs synthesized from both the leaf and stem extracts exhibited zeta potential values between −8.8 and −32.1 mV, with hydrodynamics diameters ranging from 34.3 to 111.3 nm. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of various functional groups on the AgNPs. AgNPs synthesized from the leaf and stem extracts displayed significant antibacterial activity and were sensitive to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity (diameter of the zone of inhibition) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.67 ± 2.87 mm) in the leaf methanolic extract. Synthesized AgNPs exhibited selective in vitro cytotoxicity against HEK293, HeLa, and MCF-7 cell lines. The IC50 values of the AgNPs synthesized from the various extracts were all above 9 µg/mL. Significant cytotoxic levels (IC50 16.11 and 27.23 µg/mL) were observed for the MCF-7 cell line upon exposure to the methanolic leaf and stem AgNPs. This study recommends the use of medicinal plant extracts in producing economically effective AgNPs, due to their efficient capping. Overall, AgNPs synthesized from B. albostellata extracts comprised novel antibacterial and anticancer agents, and warrant further investigation. Bio-synthesized AgNPs show great potential in the area of nanotechnology and may be used as an affordable, eco-friendly alternative for the delivery of conventional therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
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Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Silver nanoparticles synthesized from <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span> leaf and stem extracts: (<b>A</b>) Leaf and stem methanolic extracts before AgNP synthesis; (<b>B</b>) Leaf and stem methanolic extracts after incubation with AgNO<sub>3</sub>; (<b>C</b>) Fresh leaf and stem extracts before AgNP synthesis; (<b>D</b>) Fresh leaf and stem extracts after incubation with AgNO<sub>3</sub>; (<b>E</b>) Powdered leaf and stem extracts before AgNP synthesis; (<b>F</b>) Powdered leaf and stem extracts after incubation with AgNO<sub>3</sub>.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>UV-visible spectroscopy of AgNPs synthesized from methanol, fresh and powdered leaves, and stem extracts of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span> after 3 h incubation with AgNO<sub>3</sub>. ML = Methanol leaf; MS = Methanol stem; FL = Fresh leaf; FS = Fresh stem; PL = Powdered leaf; PS = Powdered stem.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Micrographs of AgNPs synthesized from the methanol leaf extracts (<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) and stem extracts (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>. (<b>A</b>,<b>C</b>) Aggregated AgNPs; (<b>B</b>,<b>D</b>) EDX spectroscopy. Circles indicate AgNP agglomeration.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Micrographs of AgNPs synthesized from the fresh leaf extracts (<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) and fresh stem extracts (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>. (<b>A</b>,<b>C</b>) Aggregated AgNPs; (<b>B</b>,<b>D</b>) EDX spectroscopy. Circles indicate AgNP agglomeration.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Micrographs of AgNPs synthesized from the powder leaf extracts (<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) and powder stem extracts (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>. (<b>A</b>,<b>C</b>) Aggregated AgNPs; (<b>B</b>,<b>D</b>) EDX spectroscopy. Circles indicate AgNP agglomeration.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>HRTEM micrographs of the AgNPs synthesized from (<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) methanolic leaf extracts; (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) methanolic stem extracts, (<b>E</b>,<b>F</b>) fresh leaf extracts; (<b>G</b>,<b>H</b>) fresh stem extracts, and (<b>I</b>,<b>J</b>) powdered leaf extracts; (<b>K</b>,<b>L</b>) powdered stem extracts of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>. Arrowhead indicates film around AgNPs.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>The mean particle size of synthesized AgNPs. (<b>A</b>) methanolic leaf extracts; (<b>B</b>) methanolic stem extracts; (<b>C</b>) aqueous fresh leaf extracts; (<b>D</b>) aqueous fresh stem extracts; (<b>E</b>) powdered leaf extracts; (<b>F</b>) powdered stem extracts of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>.</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>FTIR spectra of synthesized AgNPs synthesized. (<b>A</b>) leaf methanolic extracts; (<b>B</b>) Stem methanolic extracts of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>.</p> Full article ">Figure 8 Cont.
<p>FTIR spectra of synthesized AgNPs synthesized. (<b>A</b>) leaf methanolic extracts; (<b>B</b>) Stem methanolic extracts of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>.</p> Full article ">Figure 9
<p>FTIR spectra of the synthesized AgNPs. (<b>A</b>) aqueous fresh leaf extracts; (<b>B</b>) aqueous fresh stem extracts of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>.</p> Full article ">Figure 10
<p>FTIR spectra of the synthesized AgNPs. (<b>A</b>) powdered leaf extracts; (<b>B</b>) powdered stem extracts of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>.</p> Full article ">Figure 11
<p>The in vitro cytotoxicity assessment (% cell viability) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from the leaf and stem extracts of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>. (<b>A</b>) HEK293 human embryonic kidney cells; (<b>B</b>) HeLa cervical carcinoma cells; (<b>C</b>) MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells. (* <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt;0.05 and ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt;0.001 were deemed statistically significant across the varying concentrations, ranging from 15 to 240 µg/mL). The results are expressed as means ± standard deviation (SD), with <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3, and represented as a percentage relative to the control sample. Control Leaves 1—cells only; Control Stems 1—cells only; Control Leaves 2—DMSO control only; Control Stems 2—DMSO control; LM—Leaf methanol extract; SM—Stem methanol extract; FL—Fresh leaf material; FS—Fresh stem material; PL—Ground leaf powder; PS—Ground stem powder.</p> Full article ">Figure 11 Cont.
<p>The in vitro cytotoxicity assessment (% cell viability) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from the leaf and stem extracts of <span class="html-italic">B. albostellata</span>. (<b>A</b>) HEK293 human embryonic kidney cells; (<b>B</b>) HeLa cervical carcinoma cells; (<b>C</b>) MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells. (* <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt;0.05 and ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt;0.001 were deemed statistically significant across the varying concentrations, ranging from 15 to 240 µg/mL). The results are expressed as means ± standard deviation (SD), with <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3, and represented as a percentage relative to the control sample. Control Leaves 1—cells only; Control Stems 1—cells only; Control Leaves 2—DMSO control only; Control Stems 2—DMSO control; LM—Leaf methanol extract; SM—Stem methanol extract; FL—Fresh leaf material; FS—Fresh stem material; PL—Ground leaf powder; PS—Ground stem powder.</p> Full article ">
16 pages, 1346 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of Ajuga reptans L. Leaf and Root Extracts
by Anna Dziki, Magdalena Anna Malinowska, Agnieszka Szopa and Elżbieta Sikora
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5105; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125105 - 12 Jun 2024
Viewed by 937
Abstract
In this work, the phytochemical composition and the biological activity of the ethanolic extracts obtained from Ajuga reptans L. (Lamiaceae) leaves and roots (growing in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland) were compared. The phytochemical composition of the extracts were determined by the [...] Read more.
In this work, the phytochemical composition and the biological activity of the ethanolic extracts obtained from Ajuga reptans L. (Lamiaceae) leaves and roots (growing in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland) were compared. The phytochemical composition of the extracts were determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC–DAD) method. The dominant compounds in both extracts were verbacoside, isoverbacoside, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and rosmarinic acid. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2’-azobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) tests. The Folin–Ciocalteu assay was used to determine the total polyphenolic content. Additionally, enzyme (tyrosinase, collagenase) inhibition tests and metal chelating ability were studied to assess the anti-aging properties of the extracts. Moreover, the A. reptans extracts’ capacity to absorb the whole range of ultraviolet radiation and high-energy visible (HEV) light was evaluated. The skin irritation test (SIT) EpiDerm was applied to evaluate the safety of the bugle extracts. The noteworthy point is that there is a lack of literature on the assessment of A. reptans root extract activity. Our study is the only one that compares the quantitative composition and biological activity of extracts from the root and leaves of A. reptans. The obtained results indicated that both of the extracts exhibit high antioxidant, chelating and photoprotective activity, but the extract from A. reptans roots showed a higher enzyme inhibition effect for mature skin. The A. reptans root extract, similarly to the leaf extract, could be applied as potentially multi-functional, safe and sensitive cosmetic raw materials, especially in anti-aging and anti-pollution cosmetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>The selected active compounds present in <span class="html-italic">A. reptans</span> according to the literature: (<b>a</b>) 20-hydroxyecdysone (<b>b</b>) harpagoside (<b>c</b>) stigmasterol (<b>d</b>) ajugavensin A (<b>e</b>) ecdysterone (<b>f</b>) verbascoside (<b>g</b>) quercetin (<b>h</b>) 1-octen-3-ol.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>UV–Vis spectrum of freeze—dried plants (L_L—freeze-dried leaves and R_L—freeze-dried root).</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>UV–Vis spectrum of plants dried at 40 °C (L_D—dried leaves and R_D—dried roots).</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Relative tissue viability with the application of A. reptans (L_D—dried leaves, R_D—dried roots, L_L—freeze-dried leaves, R_L—freeze-dried roots, NC—negative control, DPBS, PC—positive control, 5% sodium dodecyl sulphate).</p> Full article ">
19 pages, 1957 KiB  
Article
Red Potato Pulp and Cherry Pomace for Pasta Enrichment: Health-Promoting Compounds, Physical Properties and Quality
by Dorota Gumul, Eva Ivanišová, Joanna Oracz, Renata Sabat, Anna Wywrocka-Gurgul and Rafał Ziobro
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4873; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114873 - 4 Jun 2024
Viewed by 761
Abstract
Cherry pomace and red potato pulp were examined as a source of nutritional and health-promoting compounds in pasta products, which could gain popularity among consumers. An attempt was made to obtain such pasta with the help of low-temperature extrusion (50 °C). The purpose [...] Read more.
Cherry pomace and red potato pulp were examined as a source of nutritional and health-promoting compounds in pasta products, which could gain popularity among consumers. An attempt was made to obtain such pasta with the help of low-temperature extrusion (50 °C). The purpose of the study was to demonstrate which additive and in what quantity would have a more favorable effect on the nutritional, pro-health and physical quality of pasta. It was found that all pasta samples obtained with cherry pomace had a higher content of fat (10%), ash (3%), fiber (2 times) and polyphenols (22%), together with α tocopherols, than pasta with red potato pulp. Nonetheless, it had a lower water-binding capacity (20%) and higher optimum cooking time. Pasta with cherry pomace was characterized by a good taste and an attractive smell, so this additive should be recommended to obtain products with better nutritional and pro-health value and quality, especially at 30%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
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<p>Photographs of the raw pasta (from the upper right): Control, RPP-10, RPP-20, RPP-30, CP-10, CP-20 and CP-30.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Main groups of aroma compounds in the control and fortified pasta detected by e-nose.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Principle components analysis of aroma compounds in the control and fortified pasta by e-nose.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>The results of e-tongue taste descriptors for the analyzed samples (<b>A</b>) and their principle components analysis (<b>B</b>).</p> Full article ">
28 pages, 3454 KiB  
Article
Application of Response Surface Methodology for Fermented Plant Extract from Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Optimisation of Antioxidant Activity, Total Polyphenol Content, and Lactic Acid Efficiency
by Edyta Kucharska, Martyna Zagórska-Dziok, Paweł Bilewicz, Sebastian Kowalczyk, Martyna Jurkiewicz, Dominika Wachura, Piotr Miądlicki and Robert Pełech
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4763; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114763 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 1178
Abstract
Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae is one of the plants rich in bioactive compounds that have beneficial effects on the skin. Fermented plant extracts (FPEs) obtained from this plant have recently been exploited as new cosmetic ingredients. The concept of our study was related [...] Read more.
Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae is one of the plants rich in bioactive compounds that have beneficial effects on the skin. Fermented plant extracts (FPEs) obtained from this plant have recently been exploited as new cosmetic ingredients. The concept of our study was related to the use of clove buds in the fermentation process in order to obtain new cosmetic raw materials with high antioxidant potential. The focus was on evaluating antioxidant activity (AA), total polyphenol content (TPC), and lactic acid efficiency (LAe). For this purpose, the most favourable technological parameters of the fermentation process of clove buds were determined, including the type of microorganisms, initial sugar content, plant raw material content, and fermentation time. The most favourable parameters were correlated with the optimal parameters, which were determined based on response surface methodology (RSM). Based on DPPH and Folin–Ciocalteu assays and GC-MS analysis, optimal points of antioxidant activity against reactive oxygen species (analysed with RSM) were successfully selected, enabling quantitative mathematical representations. The optimisation revealed that using a strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus MI-0272 in lactic fermentation and plant material (6.40%) and beet molasses (3.20%) results in the highest antioxidant potential of FPE (33.90 mmol Tx/L) and yielding LA with the highest efficiency (96%). The optimised FPE had higher polyphenol content (11.60 mmol GA/L ± 0.14), chelating and antioxidant activity (0.32 mmol Fe2+/L ± 0.01 and 11.60 mmol Tx/L ± 0.09), and Fe3+ ion reduction (49.09 mmol Fe3+/L ± 0.16) than the PE. In addition, the possibility of using the spent plant material remaining after the extraction process to prepare activated carbons capable of treating wastewater was investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
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<p>Lactic acid efficiency of fermented plant extracts: FPE-1, FPE-2, FPE-3, FPE-4, FPE-5, and FPE-6 obtained using 6 individual strains of lactic acid bacteria: 1. <span class="html-italic">L. reuteri</span> MI_0168, 2. <span class="html-italic">L. salivarius</span> LY_0652, 3. <span class="html-italic">L. brevis</span> LY_1120, 4. <span class="html-italic">L. acidophilus</span> MI-0078, 5. <span class="html-italic">L. rhamnosus</span> MI-0272, and 6. <span class="html-italic">L. plantarum</span> MI-0102. Process conducts parameters: initial sugar content 3.20%; inoculum content 3.20%; plant material content 1.6%.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>(<b>A</b>) changes in antioxidant activity (AA); (<b>B</b>) changes in total polyphenols content (TPC); (<b>C</b>) changes in lactic acid efficiency (LA<sub>e</sub>), relationship: raw material content—reaction time. Constant parameters of the process: <span class="html-italic">L. rhamnosus</span> strain MI-0272; initial sugar content: 3.20%; inoculum content: 3.20%; (<b>D</b>) changes in antioxidant activity (AA); (<b>E</b>) changes in total polyphenols content (TPC); (<b>F</b>) Changes in lactic acid efficiency (LA<sub>e</sub>), relationship: initial sugar content—reaction time. Constant parameters of the process: <span class="html-italic">L. rhamnosus</span> strain MI-0272; raw material content 6.40%; inoculum content: 3.20%.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>The effect of <span class="html-italic">S. aromaticum</span> L. <span class="html-italic">Myrtaceae</span> FPE and PE in concentrations of 0.1% (corresponding to 0.055 and 0.048 mg/mL); 1.0% (corresponding to 0.55 and 0.48 mg/mL); 2.5% (corresponding to 1.375 and 1.196 mg/mL); 5.0% (corresponding to 2.75 and 2.39 mg/mL); and 10.0% (corresponding to 5.5 and 4.8 mg/mL) on the reduction in resazurin in keratinocytes (HaCaT) after 24-h exposure. Control cells were keratinocytes untreated with the tested samples, for which viability was assumed to be 100%. Data are the means ± SD of three independent experiments, each consisting of three replicates per test group: **** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.0001 *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01 * <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.0320.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>The effect of <span class="html-italic">S. aromaticum</span> L. <span class="html-italic">Myrtaceae</span> FPE and PE in concentrations of 0.1% (corresponding to 0.055 and 0.048 mg/mL); 1.0% (corresponding to 0.55 and 0.48 mg/mL); 2.5% (corresponding to 1.375 and 1.196 mg/mL); 5.0% (corresponding to 2.75 and 2.39 mg/mL); and 10.0% (corresponding to 5.5 and 4.8 mg/mL) on the reduction in resazurin in fibroblasts (HDF) after 24-h exposure. Control cells were fibroblasts untreated with the tested sample, for which viability was assumed to be 100%. Data are the means ± SD of three independent experiments; each consisting of three replicates per test group: **** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.0001 *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.0004 ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.0014.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>The effect of <span class="html-italic">S. aromaticum</span> L. <span class="html-italic">Myrtaceae</span> FPE and PE in concentrations of 0.1% (corresponding to 0.055 and 0.048 mg/mL); 1.0% (corresponding to 0.55 and 0.48 mg/mL); 2.5% (corresponding to 1.375 and 1.196 mg/mL); 5.0% (corresponding to 2.75 and 2.39 mg/mL); and 10.0% (corresponding to 5.5 and 4.8 mg/mL) on the Neutral Red dye uptake in keratinocytes (HaCaT) after 24-h exposure. Control cells were keratinocytes untreated with the tested samples, for which viability was assumed to be 100%. Data are the means ± SD of three independent experiments; each consisting of three replicates per test group: *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.0001 ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>The effect of <span class="html-italic">S. aromaticum</span> L. <span class="html-italic">Myrtaceae</span> FPE and PE in concentrations of 0.1% (corresponding to 0.055 and 0.048 mg/mL); 1.0% (corresponding to 0.55 and 0.48 mg/mL); 2.5% (corresponding to 1.375 and 1.196 mg/mL); 5.0% (corresponding to 2.75 and 2.39 mg/mL); and 10.0% (corresponding to 5.5 and 4.8 mg/mL) on the Neutral Red dye uptake in fibroblasts (HDF) after 24-h exposure. Control cells were keratinocytes untreated with the tested samples, for which viability was assumed to be 100%. Data are the means ± SD of three independent experiments; each consisting of three replicates per test group: ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.0054 * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>The magnitude of adsorption of methylene blue for the initial carbonizate (sample A-0) and for the activated (samples A-1, A-2, and A-3).</p> Full article ">
12 pages, 1876 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Effects of Fermented Sophora flavescens and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus Extract
by Ju Yeon Kim, Min Joo Chae, Yun Gon Son, Su Min Jo, Na Rae Kang, Seong Doo Kang, Kwang Dong Kim, Sang Won Lee and Jeong Yoon Kim
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4074; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104074 - 10 May 2024
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
In this study, a microbial strain was isolated from humus soil to ferment Sophora flavescens and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus extracts. The isolated microbial was identified as the Bacillus genus by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The fermented plant extracts exhibited antifungal effects against four types [...] Read more.
In this study, a microbial strain was isolated from humus soil to ferment Sophora flavescens and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus extracts. The isolated microbial was identified as the Bacillus genus by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The fermented plant extracts exhibited antifungal effects against four types plant pathogen, P. carotorum, B. cinerea, C. fructicola Sau-3, and C. gloeosporioides, according to incubation time. In particular, the fermented plant extracts showed the most activity for Colletotrichum genus in inhibiting mycelium growth. Metabolite changes in fermented S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts were confirmed through LC-Q-TOF/MS. Flavonoid and peptide derivatives were improved in fermented S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts compared to their unfermented counterparts. This study suggested that isolated Bacillus microbial fermentation could be a valuable tool in improving the bioactivity of S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts, with the potential to form more environmentally friendly antifungal agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
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<p>Classification and 16S rRNA sequences of bacteria isolated from humus soil.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Antifungal effects of the fermented and unfermented Sophora flavescens and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus extract against (<b>a</b>) <span class="html-italic">Phytophthora cactorum</span>, (<b>b</b>) <span class="html-italic">Botrytis cinerea</span>, (<b>c</b>) Colletotrichum fructicolo Sau-3, and (<b>d</b>) <span class="html-italic">Colletotrichum gloeosporioides</span>.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>LC-Q-TOF/MS analysis of the fermented and unfermented <span class="html-italic">Sophora flavescens</span> and <span class="html-italic">Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus</span> extract. Base peak intensity (BPI) of (<b>a</b>) unfermented <span class="html-italic">Sophora flavescens</span> extract, (<b>b</b>) fermented <span class="html-italic">Sophora flavescent</span> extracts, (<b>c</b>) unfermented <span class="html-italic">Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus</span> extract, and (<b>d</b>) fermented <span class="html-italic">Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus</span> extract.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Mass gram of individual peaks from (<b>a</b>) fermented <span class="html-italic">S. flavescens</span> extract (FSE) and (<b>b</b>) fermented <span class="html-italic">E. sessiliflorus</span> extract (FEE) from BPI chromatograms.</p> Full article ">
15 pages, 1957 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Profiles and Anti-Glioma Activity of Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. Leaf Extracts
by Piotr Sugier, Joanna Jakubowicz-Gil, Adrian Zając, Danuta Sugier, Małgorzata Wójcik, Joanna Czarnecka, Rafał Krawczyk, Danuta Urban and Łukasz Sęczyk
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3418; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083418 - 18 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1092
Abstract
The use of diversified raw materials and various extractant types is justified because the varied chemical composition of extracts obtained via extraction determines their biological activity. Therefore, the objective of this study was (i) to characterize the chemical profile of two types of [...] Read more.
The use of diversified raw materials and various extractant types is justified because the varied chemical composition of extracts obtained via extraction determines their biological activity. Therefore, the objective of this study was (i) to characterize the chemical profile of two types of bearberry extracts (70% ethanolic and water) and (ii) to investigate the biological activity of the analyzed extracts through an assessment of their possible proapoptotic effects on glioma cell lines. The HPLC-UV analysis of individual compounds was performed for the determination of the phytochemical profile of the bearberry extracts, and their total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined spectrophotometrically. The induction of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis in anaplastic astrocytoma MOGGCCM and human glioblastoma LN229 cell lines were investigated. The results indicated that the ethanolic (Et) and aqueous (Aq) extracts had different chemical profiles. The TPC in the Et was ca. 60% higher than in the Aq. Similarly, the TFC and methylarbutin (mARB) concentrations were significantly higher in the Et. On the other hand, the concentration of hydroquinone (HQ) was ca. 70% and that of corilagin (COR) was ca. 100% higher in the Aq. In turn, the presence of ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) was confirmed solely in the Et. In contrast to Aq, Et demonstrated high proapoptotic activity. At the concentration of 2 µL/mL, the level of apoptosis varied between 14.7% and 26% in the case of the MOGGCCM cells and between 12.3% and 33.3% in the case of the LN229 cell line. The knowledge and information obtained in this study indicate a need for further research on the anticancer effect of the studied bearberry phytochemicals on the MOGGCCM and LN229 cell lines and for the elucidation of their molecular anticancer mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
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<p>Cluster analysis based on the mean content of phytochemicals in bearberry leaf extracts. Ethanolic extracts: 1–6 and aqueous extracts: 7–12.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Level of apoptosis (%) observed in human anaplastic astrocytoma MOGGCCM cells treated with the ethanolic extracts (Et) and aqueous extracts (Aq) (concentrations: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 μL/mL) from the leaves of bearberry plants. Values designated by different small letters are significantly different (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05). A,B—statistically significant difference (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05) between the values of apoptosis induced by Et and Aq prepared from raw material taken from different sites.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Level of apoptosis (%) observed in human glioblastoma LN229 cells treated with the ethanolic extracts (Et) and aqueous extracts (Aq) (concentrations: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 μL/mL) from the leaves of bearberry plants. Values designated by different small letters are significantly different (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05). A,B—statistically significant difference (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05) between the values of apoptosis induced by Et and Aq prepared from raw material taken from different sites.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Principal component analysis based on the phytochemistry of bearberry leaf extracts and the level of apoptosis (Ap) and necrosis (Nec) in the MOGGCM cell line. TFC—total flavonoid content, TPC—total phenolic content, ARB—arbutin, HQ—hydroquinone, UA—ursolic acid, HYP—hyperoside, mARB—methylarbutin, PGG—penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, PIC—picein, OA—oleanolic acid, and COR—corilagin.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Principal component analysis based on the phytochemistry of bearberry leaf extracts and the level of apoptosis (Ap) and necrosis (Nec) in the LN229 cell line. TFC—total flavonoid content, TPC—total phenolic content, ARB—arbutin, HQ—hydroquinone, UA—ursolic acid, HYP—hyperoside, mARB—methylarbutin, PGG—penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, PIC—picein, OA—oleanolic acid, and COR—corilagin.</p> Full article ">
24 pages, 3808 KiB  
Article
Use of Silybum marianum Extract and Bio-Ferment for Biodegradable Cosmetic Formulations to Enhance Antioxidant Potential and Effect of the Type of Vehicle on the Percutaneous Absorption and Skin Retention of Silybin and Taxifolin
by Edyta Kucharska, Richard Sarpong, Anna Bobkowska, Joanna Ryglewicz, Anna Nowak, Łukasz Kucharski, Anna Muzykiewicz-Szymańska, Wiktoria Duchnik and Robert Pełech
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010169 - 24 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2023
Abstract
In the present study, extract (E) and bio-ferment (B) were obtained from ground and defatted thistle seeds of Silybum marianum. Their antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP techniques, while total polyphenols were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. High antioxidant [...] Read more.
In the present study, extract (E) and bio-ferment (B) were obtained from ground and defatted thistle seeds of Silybum marianum. Their antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP techniques, while total polyphenols were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. High antioxidant activity was found in both the E (0.91 mmol Trolox/L ± 0.2) and B (1.19 mmol Trolox/L ± 0.2) using DPPH methods, so the obtained cosmetic raw materials were incorporated into hydrogel and organogel substrates to obtain cosmetic formulations with antioxidant activity. However, there is a scarcity of research providing information on the skin penetration of the main active components of S. marianum, which have an antioxidant effect. Therefore, we assessed in vitro the penetration through pig skin of the main components contained in the obtained B and E, such as silybin and taxifolin, which are part of the silymarin complex. We also used pure silymarin (S) for comparison. Among the tested preparations, H-S showed the utmost significant penetration of taxifolin, having a cumulative permeation of 87.739 ± 7.457 μg/cm2. Biodegradation tests of the prepared formulations were also performed, containing cosmetic raw materials and S. Studies of the effect of the cosmetic formulations on aerobic biodegradation showed a good level of degradation for the prepared formulations, some of which (O-B and O-S) were classified as easily degradable (OECD). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
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<p>Contact angle (c.a.<sub>av.</sub>) of the formulations: (<b>a</b>) H 12.1° ± 2.0; (<b>b</b>) H-B 15.3° ± 2.1; (<b>c</b>) H-E 9.9° ± 1.9; (<b>d</b>) H-S 42.3° ± 2.1; (<b>e</b>) O 31.2° ± 2.1; (<b>f</b>) O-B 25.1° ± 2.1; (<b>g</b>) O-E 10.4° ± 1.8; (<b>h</b>) O-S 36.4° ± 2.0.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>The carbon dioxide measurement method.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Time course of the cumulative mass of silybin during the 24 h penetration period (mean ± SD, n = 3).</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Time course of the cumulative mass of taxifolin during the 24 h penetration period (mean ± SD, n = 3).</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>The penetration rate of silybin during the 24 h penetration period (mean ± SD, n = 3).</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>The penetration rate of taxifolin during the 24 h penetration period (mean ± SD, n = 3).</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>The phases of degradation of formulations: (<b>a</b>) H-B; (<b>b</b>) H-E; (<b>c</b>) H-S.</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>The phases of degradation of formulations: (<b>a</b>) O-B; (<b>b</b>) O-E; (<b>c</b>) O-S.</p> Full article ">Figure 8 Cont.
<p>The phases of degradation of formulations: (<b>a</b>) O-B; (<b>b</b>) O-E; (<b>c</b>) O-S.</p> Full article ">
14 pages, 598 KiB  
Article
Assessment and Comparison of Phytochemical Constituents and Biological Activities between Full Flowering and Late Flowering of Hypericum perforatum L.
by Diletta Piatti, Riccardo Marconi, Giovanni Caprioli, Simone Angeloni, Massimo Ricciutelli, Gokhan Zengin, Filippo Maggi, Luca Pagni and Gianni Sagratini
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13304; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413304 - 16 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1313
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of full and late flowering stages on the polyphenols and enzyme inhibitory properties of Hypericum perforatum from Poland. Recognizing the significance of phenolic compounds in disease prevention and melatonin’s emerging protective role, we employed an UHPLC-MS/MS system to [...] Read more.
This study assessed the impact of full and late flowering stages on the polyphenols and enzyme inhibitory properties of Hypericum perforatum from Poland. Recognizing the significance of phenolic compounds in disease prevention and melatonin’s emerging protective role, we employed an UHPLC-MS/MS system to quantify 38 phenolic compounds, not typical of St. John’s wort, and to develop a new method for melatonin quantification. Afterward, the extracts were tested for their antioxidant capabilities (using phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and ferrous chelating assays). Moreover, we investigated enzymes (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase) involved in neurodegenerative disorders and (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) in diabetes. This study recognized the importance of phenolic compounds in disease prevention and explored the emerging protective role of melatonin, taking into account the floral ontogeny of the plant. Indeed, the full-flowering plant contained the greatest concentration of phenolic compounds (a total of 65,276.5 µg/g): hyperoside (18,726.59 µg/g), isoquercitrin (11,895.02 µg/g) and delphindin-3.5-diglucoside (10,619.51 µg/g), and showed the highest inhibitory enzyme activity. Moreover, only full-flowering St. John’s wort contained melatonin (40 ng/g). Our results offer additional perspectives on the chemical-biological characteristics of H. perforatum and scientific knowledge that testifies to the importance of considering plant growth conditions for the development of nutraceuticals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
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<p>Overlay of UHPLC-MS/MS chromatograms of the 2 µg/mL melatonin standard solution before and after the purification process.</p> Full article ">
19 pages, 4700 KiB  
Article
Phytogenic Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Metallic/Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Beta vulgaris L. Extract and Assessments of Their Potential Biological Activities
by Khaled M. Elattar, Abeer A. Ghoniem, Fatimah O. Al-Otibi, Mohammed S. El-Hersh, Yosra A. Helmy and WesamEldin I. A. Saber
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10110; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810110 - 8 Sep 2023
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1978
Abstract
The synthesis of novel nanomedicines through eco-friendly protocols has been applied on a large scale with the prediction of discovering alternate therapies. The current work attained phytogenic synthesis of Ag-mNPs, AgSeO2-bmNPs, and Ag-TiO2-bmNPs through bio-reduction using an aqueous extract [...] Read more.
The synthesis of novel nanomedicines through eco-friendly protocols has been applied on a large scale with the prediction of discovering alternate therapies. The current work attained phytogenic synthesis of Ag-mNPs, AgSeO2-bmNPs, and Ag-TiO2-bmNPs through bio-reduction using an aqueous extract of Beta vulgaris (red beetroot). The phytochemical profile of the eco-friendly synthesized metallic/bimetallic nanoparticles was studied. The optical properties of nano-solutions were studied via UV-visible spectroscopy. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectral analyses revealed that stretching vibrations at wavenumbers 3303.81–3327.81 cm−1 attributed to phenolic hydroxyl groups documented shifts in the values in this range owing to proton dissociation through the bio-reduction of the metal ions. The surface morphology and the charge of the nanoparticles were investigated using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and zeta potential analyses. The prepared nano-solutions showed lower antioxidant activity (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and phosphomolybdate assays) than the plant extract. These results together with phytochemical analyses support the participation of the reactive species (phenolic contents) in the bio-reduction of the metal ions in the solutions through the formation of metallic/bimetallic nanoparticles. Ag-mNPs, AgSeO2-bmNPs, and Ag-TiO2-bmNPs showed antibacterial potentiality. AgSeO2-bmNPs were superior with inhibitory zone diameters of 34.7, 37.7, 11.7, and 32.7 mm against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica, respectively. Applying the Methylthiazole Tetrazolium (MTT) assay, the Ag-TiO2 bmNPs revealed potent cytotoxicity against the HePG2 tumor cell line (IC50 = 18.18 ± 1.5 µg/mL), while Ag-SeO2 bmNPs revealed the most potent cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 17.92 ± 1.4 µg/mL). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
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<p>(<b>a</b>) UV–visible spectroscopy of the plant extract and nano solutions; (<b>b</b>) a photograph of the prepared nano-solutions: (1) Ag-TiO<sub>2</sub> bmNPs; (2) Ag-SeO<sub>2</sub> bmNPs; (3) Ag NPs; (4) <span class="html-italic">Beta vulgaris</span> L. aqueous extract.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Charts of the FT-IR data of <span class="html-italic">Beta vulgaris</span> L. extract and its metallic/bimetallic nanoparticles.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>TEM and selected area diffraction analysis of metallic/bimetallic nanoparticles: (<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) refer to the TEM images of the Ag-mNPs (Mag. 120 and 650 kx); (<b>d</b>,<b>e</b>) refer to the TEM images of the Ag-SeO<sub>2</sub> bmNPs (Mag. 150 kx and 1.05 Mx); (<b>g</b>,<b>h</b>) refer to the TEM images of the Ag-TiO<sub>2</sub> bmNPs (Mag. 245 and 630 kx) with Ceta = 50 and 10 nm; and (<b>c</b>,<b>f</b>,<b>i</b>) refer to the images of the selected area diffraction of the Ag-mNPs, Ag-SeO<sub>2</sub> bmNPs, and Ag-TiO<sub>2</sub> bmNPs, respectively.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Zeta potential analyses of the biosynthesized metallic/bimetallic nanoparticles.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>A comparison of the phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents of the tested samples.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>The antioxidant results via DPPH assay: (<b>a</b>) Plotted % scavenging activity versus sample concentration. (<b>b</b>) A comparison of the antioxidant results.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>The planned free radical reaction between the antioxidants and DPPH<sup>•</sup>.</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>Comparison of the cytotoxic results against the various tumor and normal cell lines.</p> Full article ">Figure 9
<p>Comparison of the percentages of cell viability at different concentrations.</p> Full article ">
20 pages, 6570 KiB  
Article
Culturable Diversity and Biological Properties of Bacterial Endophytes Associated with the Medicinal Plants of Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd
by Niu Litao, Nigora Rustamova, Paiziliya Paerhati, Hui-Xia Ning and Abulimiti Yili
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9797; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179797 - 30 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1554
Abstract
As one of the important traditional medicinal plants listed in the Chinese pharmacopoeia, Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd has been shown to possess various biological activities. In this study, we characterized culturable endophytic bacteria associated with the medicinal plant V. anthelmintica collected from Hotan [...] Read more.
As one of the important traditional medicinal plants listed in the Chinese pharmacopoeia, Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd has been shown to possess various biological activities. In this study, we characterized culturable endophytic bacteria associated with the medicinal plant V. anthelmintica collected from Hotan within the Xinjiang autonomous region of China. Bacterial endophytes were identified via 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and compared to similar sequences from the GenBank. Isolated strains exhibited 99.08–100% similarity to Bacillus haynesii XJB-5, Bacillus proteolyticus XJB-16, Bacillus halotolerans XJB-35, Bacillus safensis XJB-71, Pseudomonas punonensis XJB-7, Lysinibacillus fusiformis XJB-17, Streptococcus lutetiensis XJB-66, Leclercia adecarboxylata XJB-12, Paenibacillus alvei XJB-14, and Pantoea agglomerans XJB-62. The ethyl acetate extracts of the bacterial endophytes demonstrated various pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activity, according to a melanin content assay and have shown tyrosinase activity in murine B16 cells. A crude extract of B. halotolerans XJB-35 displayed more powerful biological activities than other bacterial endophytes; therefore, this strain was studied further in order to select the optimized parameters for enhancing the synthesis of bioactive compounds. The optimal culture medium was found to be nutrient broth (NB) medium, using peptone as its carbon source and yeast extract as its nitrogen source. A 24 h incubation time produced the optimal conditions for the maximum growth of B. halotolerans XJB-35 and the production of bioactive compounds. Moreover, we investigated the volatile chemical component of the dichloromethane fraction using GC-MS analysis. Our findings provide valuable information regarding the synthesize of bioactive natural products by B. halotolerans XJB-35 for use by the medicinal and pharmaceutical industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
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<p>Isolated bacterial endophytes of <span class="html-italic">V. anthelmintica</span> stem.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>The phylogenetic tree of bacterial endophytes isolated from <span class="html-italic">V. anthelmintica</span> and their closest relatives from the GenBank of NCBI.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>(<b>A</b>) Effect of the crude ethyl acetate extracts of endophytic bacteria on melanin content and tyrosinase activity in B16 melanoma cells. (<b>B</b>,<b>C</b>) melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity of cells treated with different concentrations of crude extracts. Note: * Compared to the blank control group (NC), <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05; ** compared to the blank control group (NC), <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01; *** compared to the blank control group (NC), <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001; **** compared to the blank control group (NC), <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.0001.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Melanin content of B16 cells treated with different concentrations (1, 10, and 50 µM) of secondary metabolites for 48 h. DMSO (50 µM) was used as the vehicle control and 8-MOP (50 µM) as the positive control.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Effect of incubation time (<b>A</b>) and different media (<b>B</b>) on growth and produced secondary metabolites by the most active endophytic bacteria, <span class="html-italic">B. halotolerans</span> XJB-35.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Lower to higher magnification SEM images of colonies surfaces of the most active endophytic bacteria, <span class="html-italic">B. halotolerans</span> XJB-35, from a plate cultured with agar medium. Scale bars = 1 (<b>A</b>,<b>B</b>) and 200 (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) µm.</p> Full article ">

Review

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28 pages, 3377 KiB  
Review
D-Limonene: Promising and Sustainable Natural Bioactive Compound
by Haoran Lin, Ziyu Li, Yue Sun, Yingyue Zhang, Su Wang, Qing Zhang, Ting Cai, Wenliang Xiang, Chaoyi Zeng and Jie Tang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4605; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114605 - 27 May 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5634
Abstract
The discovery of antibiotics and pesticides has greatly contributed to the social and economic development of human society but, due to the long-term irrational application, it has led to drug-resistant microorganisms, environmental damage, and other hazards, so the selection of alternative natural, safe, [...] Read more.
The discovery of antibiotics and pesticides has greatly contributed to the social and economic development of human society but, due to the long-term irrational application, it has led to drug-resistant microorganisms, environmental damage, and other hazards, so the selection of alternative natural, safe, and non-hazardous bioactive substances is an effective solution for this problem. D-limonene is a bioactive compound widely present in various plant essential oils, exhibiting excellent broad-spectrum bioactivity and promising prospects for development and clinical application. This review provides a detailed overview of the biological activities of D-limonene, emphasizing its antimicrobial, anthelmintic, insecticidal, and medicinal potential. While nanoencapsulation technology shows promise in improving the physicochemical properties of D-limonene and enhancing its practical applications, it is also crucial to comprehensively evaluate the potential side effects of D-limonene before use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
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<p>The formation of biofilm.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>The antimicrobial mechanisms of D-limonene.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>(<b>A</b>) Active quorum sensing; (<b>B</b>) Inhibited quorum sensing (Inhibited QS molecule synthesis, transport, and competition for receptors); (<b>C</b>) Active efflux pump; (<b>D</b>) Inhibited efflux pump (Inhibited substance transport in the EP system).</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>The application of D-limonene: (<b>a</b>) D-limonene using a novel organogel-based nanoemulsion (Reprinted from Zahi et al. [<a href="#B187-applsci-14-04605" class="html-bibr">187</a>]). (<b>b</b>) D-limonene-loaded nanoemulsions (Reprinted from Feng et al. [<a href="#B188-applsci-14-04605" class="html-bibr">188</a>]). (<b>c</b>) D-limonene-loaded edible film (Reprinted from Luo et al. [<a href="#B189-applsci-14-04605" class="html-bibr">189</a>]). (<b>d</b>) D-limonene-thioctic acid-ionic liquid polymer (Reprinted from Sun et al. [<a href="#B190-applsci-14-04605" class="html-bibr">190</a>]). (<b>e</b>) Electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/D-limonene fibers (Reprinted from Lan et al. [<a href="#B191-applsci-14-04605" class="html-bibr">191</a>]). (<b>f</b>) Microcapsules loaded with D-limonene (Reprinted from Chen et al. [<a href="#B192-applsci-14-04605" class="html-bibr">192</a>]).</p> Full article ">
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