Insight into biological activities of chemically characterized extract from Marrubium vulgare L. in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches

Aqueous extracts of Marrubium vulgare L. (M. vulgare) are widely used in traditional medicine for their therapeutic effects. Hence, this study aims to evaluate in vitro, in vivo, and in silico the biological activities of M. vulgare aqueous extract to further support their traditional use. Qualitative phytochemical tests of M. vulgare extracts showed the presence of primary and secondary metabolites, while quantitative analyses recorded revealed the contents of total phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, with values of 488.432 ± 7.825 mg/EAG gallic acid extract/g, 25.5326 ± 1.317 mg/EQ Quercetin extract/g and 23.966 ± 0.187 mg/EC catechin extract/g, respectively. Characterization of the phytochemical constituents of the extract revealed the presence of catechin and maleic acid as the most abundant while the evaluation of the antioxidant power revealed that the extract possesses significant antioxidant capacity, antimitotic potential, and antimicrobial properties against Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus epidermidis among many others. The antidiabetic activity of the extract showed a potent antihyperglycemic effect and a significant modulation of the pancreatic α-amylase activity as revealed by both in vitro and in vivo analysis, while an in silico evaluation showed that chemicals in the studied extract exhibited the aforementioned activities by targeting 1XO2 antimitotic protein, W93 antidiabetic protein and 1AJ6 antimicrobial protein, which revealed them as worthy of exploration in drug discovery odyssey. Conclusively, the result of this study demonstrates the numerous biological activities of M. vulgare and gives credence to their folkloric and traditional usage

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of Mentha subtomentella: in sight in vitro and in silico analysis

Our research focused on assessing essential oils (MSEO) and aqueous extracts (MSAE) derived from M. subtomentella leaves, with a primary focus on evaluating their properties. From 1 kg of leaves, we successfully obtained 18 mL of essential oil. Upon conducting GC/MS analysis, we identified eleven compounds within the oil, collectively accounting for 100% of the constituents identified. Notably, the predominant compounds in the leaf oil were p-Menth-48) -en-3-one (50.48%), 9-Ethylbicyclo (3.3.1) nonan-9-ol (10.04%) (E)-3,3-Dimethyl-delta-1, alpha-cyclohexaneacetaldehyde (8.53%), and D-Limonene (7.22%). Furthermore, utilizing HPLC/DAD, we explored the phenolic profile of MSAE, extracted through decoction. This analysis revealed the presence of fifty-eight compounds, with five major components collectively constituting 61% of the total compounds identified, rosmarinic acid as the major one. We evaluated the antimicrobial effectiveness of the MSEO against ten different strains, observing its notable efficacy against A. Niger (MIC = 0.09%), P. digitatum (MIC = 0.5%), and G. candidum (MIC = 1%). However, the essential oil demonstrated comparatively lower efficacy against bacteria than fungi. In contrast, the MSAE did not exhibit any antimicrobial activity against the tested strains. Regarding antioxidant activity, the aqueous extract displayed a significantly higher antioxidant capacity than the essential oil, which exhibited relatively lower antioxidant activity. The IC50 values were determined to be 0.04 ± 0.01 mg/mL, 0.17 ± 0.01 mg/mL, and 13% ± 0.01% (V/V), for ascorbic acid MSAE and MSEO, respectively. We used a computational method called molecular docking to investigate how certain plant compounds affect antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. This involved analyzing the interactions between these compounds and specific protein targets known for their roles in these activities

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Analgesic Properties of Chemically Characterized Polyphenol-Rich Extract from <i>Withania adpressa</i> Coss. ex Batt

The current work was undertaken to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties of a polyphenol-rich fraction from Withania adpressa Coss. ex Batt. After being extracted, the polyphenol-rich fraction was chemically characterized through use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant potency was assessed through the use of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Inflammatory and analgesic properties were assessed in vivo through the use of carrageenan and heat stimulus assays, respectively. Chromatographic analysis of polyphenol-rich fraction revealed the presence of potentially bioactive phenols including epicatechin, apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and rosmarinic acid. The polyphenol-rich fraction showed interesting anti-free-radical potency with a calculated IC50 value of 27.84 ± 1.48 µg/mL. At the highest dose used (1000 µg/mL), the polyphenol-rich fraction scored good total antioxidant capacity with a calculated value of 924.0 ± 28.29 µg EAA/mg. The polyphenol-rich fraction strongly alleviated the inflammatory effect of carrageenan injected into the plantar fascia of rats resulting in inhibition up to 89.0 ± 2.08% at the highest tested dose (500 mg/kg). The polyphenol-rich fraction showed a good analgesic effect wherein the delay in reaction time to a thermal stimulus caused by 500 mg/kg had a highly similar effect to that induced by Tramadol used as a positive control. The findings of the current work highlight the importance of polyphenol-rich fractions from W. adpressa Coss. ex Batt. as an alternative source of natural antioxidant, inflammatory, and analgesic drugs to control relative diseases

<i>Convolvulus arvensis</i>: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Properties of Chemically Profiled Essential Oils: An Approach against Nosocomial Infections

Convolvulus arvensis is a medicinal plant in the family Convolvulaceae, which is used in traditional phytotherapy. The objective of this work was conducted to valorize essential oils of Convolvulus arvensis (EOCA) in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. To achieve this objective, the chemical composition was performed by the use of GC-SM. Antioxidant power was effectuated by the use of DPPH, FRAP, and TAC assays. Evaluation of the antimicrobial power was conducted against clinically important pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae, and S. aureus) and fungi (A. niger, C. albicans, and A. flavus) by the use of disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) assays. The results showed that the yield of recovered EOs from Convolvulus arvensis was 0.34% of the total mass of leaves and mainly was rich in cuprenne (34%), thymol (20%), himachalene (16%), and longifolene (10%). Notably, EOCA exhibited important antioxidant effects, wherein IC50 (DPPH) and EC50 (FRAP) were determined to be 30 µg/mL and 120 µg/mL, respectively, while the total antioxidant power was determined to be 508.0 ± 6.0 µg EAA/mg. An important antibacterial effect was noted for EOCA as an excellent inhibition zone was recorded against all bacterial strains, particularly K. pneumoniae and S. aureus with 14.27 ± 0.42 and 21.35 ± 0.76 mm, respectively. Similarly, MICs of K. pneumoniae and S. aureus were 21.35 ± 0.76 mm and 28.62 ± 1.65 µg/mL, respectively. Noticeably, important antifungal activity was shown by EOCA against all fungal strains wherein the inhibition zone diameters against all fungal species ranged from 19.44 ± 1.10 to 20.41 ± 1.81 mm. Notably, MICs of EOCA against F. oxysporum and C. albicans were 18.65 ± 0.94 and 19.38 ± 0.58 g/mL, respectively. The outcome of the present work showed that EOs from Convolvulus arvensis can be used to conceptualize drugs to manage diseases relative to free radicals and infections

Relationship between the Chemical Composition and the Biological Functions of Coffee

Coffee is a Rubiaceae coffee plant ranked as the first of the three most important beverages in the world, with effects including lowering blood sugar, protecting the liver, and protecting the nerves. Coffee contains many chemical components, including alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and so on. Chemical components in coffee are the basis of its biological function and taste. The chemical components are the basis of biological activities and form the characteristic aroma of coffee. The main chemical components and biological activities of coffee have been extensively studied, which would provide a relevant basis and theoretical support for the further development of the coffee industry

Buffalo Yogurt Fortified with Eucalyptus (<i>Eucalyptus camaldulensis</i>) and Myrrh (<i>Commiphora Myrrha</i>) Essential Oils: New Insights into the Functional Properties and Extended Shelf Life

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Myrrh (Commiphora Myrrha) essential oils (EOs) stand out for their benefits in terms of health and functionality. Buffalo set yogurt enriched with different concentrations of EOs (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9%) were investigated. The effects of addition on sensory, syneresis, antibacterial activity, and bioactive properties (total phenol content and antioxidant activity) of yogurt were studied. The most acceptable organoleptic properties of treated yogurt were those samples treated with Eucalyptus oil. The levels of syneresis were decreased by increasing the concentration of EOs. Moreover, the antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, and total phenolic content were enhanced by increasing the concentration of EOs. Yogurt with 0.9% Eucalyptus oil showed the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. The same concentration of Eucalyptus oil showed the highest antibacterial activity against S. typhimurium (the inhibition zone was 20.63 mm) then E. coli (the inhibition zone was 19.43 mm). On the other hand, the highest antibacterial effect against L. monocytogene was for Myrrh oil-enriched yogurt by 0.9% and the inhibition zone was 19.21 mm. The obtained results showed that Eucalyptus and Myrrh oils can be applied to yogurt to improve its beneficial properties in terms of physical characteristics and for human health due to their antioxidant activity and phenolic materials

Buffalo Yogurt Fortified with Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Myrrh (Commiphora Myrrha) Essential Oils: New Insights into the Functional Properties and Extended Shelf Life

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Myrrh (Commiphora Myrrha) essential oils (EOs) stand out for their benefits in terms of health and functionality. Buffalo set yogurt enriched with different concentrations of EOs (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9%) were investigated. The effects of addition on sensory, syneresis, antibacterial activity, and bioactive properties (total phenol content and antioxidant activity) of yogurt were studied. The most acceptable organoleptic properties of treated yogurt were those samples treated with Eucalyptus oil. The levels of syneresis were decreased by increasing the concentration of EOs. Moreover, the antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, and total phenolic content were enhanced by increasing the concentration of EOs. Yogurt with 0.9% Eucalyptus oil showed the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. The same concentration of Eucalyptus oil showed the highest antibacterial activity against S. typhimurium (the inhibition zone was 20.63 mm) then E. coli (the inhibition zone was 19.43 mm). On the other hand, the highest antibacterial effect against L. monocytogene was for Myrrh oil-enriched yogurt by 0.9% and the inhibition zone was 19.21 mm. The obtained results showed that Eucalyptus and Myrrh oils can be applied to yogurt to improve its beneficial properties in terms of physical characteristics and for human health due to their antioxidant activity and phenolic materials

Cis-vaccinic acid, Dibutyl-Cyanamide and 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid from pistachio (Pistachia vera) seed coat (PSCE) induced nuclear damage and cytotoxicity in human colon cancer HT-115 cells

Current strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy like regular intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of developing CRC but they induce the regression of adenomas. Even the CRC management technique include colectomy, have not yet been proven to reduce mortality. The present study aimed to reduce the susceptibility of CRC via controlling cellular oxidative stress, inflammation and caspase depended apoptosis in HT-115 human colorectal cancer cells using pistachio seed coat extract as nutritional therapy. Increasing concentrations of pistachio seed coat ethyl acetate extract (PSCE) were applied to HT-115 cells, which were incubated for 24 h and 48 h. The IC50 values were 14 mg/dl after 24 h, and and 7.5 mg/dl after 48 h. Acridine orange/ ethidium bromide staining confirmed the presence of 32% early apoptotic, 27% pre-apoptotic, 12% apoptotic, and 6% necrotic cells after 48 h. PSCE at 14 mg/dl significantly increased the antioxidant capacity via the expression of CYP1A and GSK3β, and decreased inflammatory agents via decreasing NF-κb, TNF-α, COX-2 and PGE-2 expression three-fold after 48 h. The expression of the tumor suppression related genes p53 and mdm2, and the apoptosis related genes Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase 3, p21, and PCNA levels increased one-fold, and levels of mdm2, Bcl-2 and PCNA decreased after PME treatment of 48 h. PSCE effectively controlled colon cancer cell proliferation via the caspase-dependent mitochondrial mediated apoptotic pathway.Keywords: Pistachia vera, cytotoxicity, human colon cancer, Cis-Vaccininc acid, apoptosi

Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation Improves Capparis spinosa&rsquo;s Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Water Deficit

Agricultural yields are under constant jeopardy as climate change and abiotic pressures spread worldwide. Using rhizospheric microbes as biostimulants/biofertilizers is one of the best ways to improve agro-agriculture in the face of these things. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate whether a native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculum (AMF-complex) might improve caper (Capparis spinosa) seedlings&rsquo; nutritional status, their morphological/growth performance and photosynthetic efficiency under water-deficit stress (WDS). Thus, caper plantlets inoculated with or without an AMF complex (+AMF and &minus;AMF, respectively) were grown under three gradually increasing WDS regimes, i.e., 75, 50 and 25% of field capacity (FC). Overall, measurements of morphological traits, biomass production and nutrient uptake (particularly P, K+, Mg2+, Fe2+ and Zn2+) showed that mycorrhizal fungi inoculation increased these variables significantly, notably in moderate and severe WDS conditions. The increased WDS levels reduced the photochemical efficiency indices (Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo) in &minus;AMF plants, while AMF-complex application significantly augmented these parameters. Furthermore, the photosynthetic pigments content was substantially higher in +AMF seedlings than &minus;AMF controls at all the WDS levels. Favorably, at 25% FC, AMF-colonized plants produce approximately twice as many carotenoids as non-colonized ones. In conclusion, AMF inoculation seems to be a powerful eco-engineering strategy for improving the caper seedling growth rate and drought tolerance in harsh environments