Chemical composition, diuretic, and antityrosinase activity of traditionally used romanian cerasorum stipites

Cherry stems (CS) represent a by-product intensively used in Eastern European countries as a traditional remedy for urinary tract disorders. Ethnopharmacological evidences sustain the use of CS as aqueous preparations (infusion and decoction), but few data were previously reported about phytochemical profile and pharmacological potential of CS hydroalcoholic extracts. In this regard, we aimed to evaluate the phenolic profile, in vitro antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory potential, and in vivo diuretic activity of 70% hydroethanolic cherry stems extract and cherry stems decoction (CSD). LC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis revealed the presence of flavonoid-type compounds as main constituents for both preparations, especially flavanones (naringenin glycosides). Antioxidant activity evaluated through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods was superior for cherry stems extract, probably due to the presence of phenolic-derived compounds in higher amounts than CSD. On the other hand, tyrosinase inhibitory potential and diuretic effect exerted by CSD were stronger, highlighting that other types of hydrophilic secondary metabolites are responsible for this bioactivity. Overall, our findings indicate that CS preparations could be used as promising mild diuretic agents and encourage further investigations regarding the correlation between their chemical composition and bioactive potential.This work was supported by a Grant of the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research, CCCDI—UEFISCDI, project number PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-5360, within PNCDI III.” The authors MID, LB, and ICFRF are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020) and FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC); national funding by F.C.T. and P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for MID and LB contracts. To FEDER-Interreg Es-paña- Portugal programme for financial support through the project TRANSCoLAB 0612_TRANS_CO_LAB_2_P.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

EMG signal processing for the study of localized muscle fatigue—pilot study to explore the applicability of a novel method

This pilot study aimed to explore a method for characterization of the electromyogram frequency spectrum during a sustained exertion task, performed by the upper limb. Methods: Nine participants underwent an isometric localized muscle fatigue protocol on an isokinetic dynamometer until exhaustion, while monitored with surface electromyography (sEMG) of the shoulder’s external rotators. Firstly, three methods of signal energy analysis based on primer frequency contributors were compared to the energy of the entire spectrum. Secondly, the chosen method of analysis was used to characterize the signal energy at beginning (T1), in the middle (T2) and at the end (T3) of the fatigue protocol and compared to the torque output and the shift in the median frequencies during the trial. Results: There were statistically significant differences between T1 and T3 for signal energy (p < 0.007) and for central frequency of the interval (p = 0.003). Moreover, the isometric peak torque was also different between T1 and T3 (p < 0.001). Overall, there were no differences between the signal energy enclosed in the 40 primer frequency contributors and the analysis of the full spectrum energy; consequently, it was the method of choice. The reported fatigue and the decrease in the produced muscle torque was consistent with fatigue-induced alterations in the electromyogram frequency spectrum. In conclusion, the developed protocol has potential to be considered as an easy-to-use method for EMG-based analysis of isometric muscle exertion until fatigue. Thus, the novelty of the proposed method is to explore, in muscle fatigue, the use of only the main contributors in the frequency domain of the EMG spectrum, avoiding surplus information, that may not represent muscle functioning. However, further studies are needed to investigate the stability of the present findings in a more comprehensive sample.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CeDRI (UIDB/05757/2020 and UIDP/05757/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Morphological and Histo-Anatomical Study of Bryonia alba L. (Cucurbitaceae)

The purpose of this study consisted in the identification of the macroscopic and microscopic characters of the vegetative and reproductive organs of Bryonia alba L., by the analysis of vegetal material, both integral and as powder. Optical microscopy was used to reveal the anatomical structure of the vegetative (root, stem, tendrils, leaves) and reproductive (ovary, male flower petals) organs. Histo-anatomical details were highlighted by coloration with an original combination of reagents for the double coloration of cellulose and lignin. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and stereomicroscopy led to the elucidation of the structure of tector and secretory trichomes on the inferior epidermis of the leaf. Micrographic analysis of the powder obtained from aerial parts revealed segments of each organ (e.g. stomata, trichomes) and confirmed furthermore the results obtained by the histo-anatomical studies. Sections achieved through vegetative organs reveal typical anatomical structures: a transition to the secondary structure for the root, a typical dicotyledons’ structure with bicollateral vascular bundles for the stem, a bifacial structure of the leaf and stem-like structures for the tendrils and petioles, which prove they are metamorphosis of the stem. Anatomical structure of reproductive organs was performed hereby for the first time and revealed a typical anatomical structure for the 3-lodged ovary and a leaf-like structure of the male flower petal. Some of the results obtained confirm existing data from the scientific literature and additional information have been provided, outlining features that were not previously reported, such as SEM analysis of the leaf trichomes and histo-anatomical structure of the reproductive organs

Polyphenolic profile and biological activities of the leaves and aerial parts of Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. et A.Gray (Cucurbitaceae)

peer reviewedThe aim of the present study consisted in the quantification of the polyphenols in leaves and aerial parts of Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. et A.Gray and testing its biological potential. Analysis of polyphenols was performed by a HPLC-MS method. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested by DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP, TEAC, EPR and SNPAC assays. Cytotoxic activity was assessed on cancerous and healthy cell lines. Anti-plasmodial tests were performed on two strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Ethanolic extracts of E. lobata contain mainly p-coumaric acid, isoquercitrin, rutin, quercitrin and kaempferol. Biological assays showed a significant antioxidant effect and no cytotoxic and anti-plasmodial activity. These results offer a new perspective on E. lobata, proving it as an important source of antioxidant compounds

Valorization of Corn Silk as an Agricultural By-Product through the Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Corn silk, derived from the stigmas of corn (Zea mays, Poaceae) flowers, possesses valuable bioactive compounds that can be harnessed for therapeutical, nutritional, and industrial purposes. This research aimed to optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from corn silk, specifically flavonoids and total antioxidant capacity, by comparing it with classical extraction (infusion and maceration). The study identified significant factors influencing total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity (assessed through an ABTS assay), including ethanol concentration, ultrasonic amplitude, and their quadratic interactions. This optimized combination of independent variables (37.89% ethanolic concentration, 48.58% ultrasound amplitude, and an extraction time of 38.72 min) yielded a balanced extraction, maximizing both TFC and antioxidant activity. Further analyses revealed significant total phenolic content, total flavonoid content (50.69 ± 0.36 mg GAE, 23.54 ± 0.01 mg QE, and 78.33 ± 0.94 mg TE/g extract, respectively), and potent in vitro antioxidant activity, affirming the efficacy of the optimized extraction. The study also explored the inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase (IC50 = 411.67 ± 25.39 µg/mL), acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 1166.4 ± 399.38 µg/mL), and pancreatic lipase (IC50 = 1519.67 ± 209.04 µg/mL), showcasing potential antidiabetic and neuroprotective properties. While tyrosinase inhibition activity was not observed, the research emphasizes the nutraceutical potential of corn silk, offering valuable insights for its utilization and further exploration in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries

Hypericum spp.&mdash;An Overview of the Extraction Methods and Analysis of Compounds

The Hypericum genus contains one of the few genera of flowering plants that contains a species with authorization for marketing as a traditional medicine, H. perforatum. Due to the fact that this is a large genus, comprising numerous species, a large amount of interest has been shown over the years in the study of its various pharmacological activities. The chemical composition of these species is quite similar, containing compounds belonging to the class of phloroglucinol derivatives, naphthodianthrones, phenols, flavonoids and essential oils. Taking all of this into consideration, the present study aims to offer an overview of the species of the genus from the point of view of their extraction techniques and analysis methods. An extensive study on the scientific literature was performed, and it revealed a wide range of solvents and extraction methods, among which ethanol and methanol, together with maceration and ultrasonication, are the most frequent. Regarding analysis methods, separation and spectral techniques are the most employed. Therefore, the present study provides necessary data for future studies on the species of the genus, offering a complete overview and a possible basis for their development

HPLC-DAD IDENTIFICATION OF SOME FLAVONOIDS FROM THE LEAVES AND AERIAL PARTS OF BRYONIA ALBA L. SPECIES SPONTANEOUS IN THE ROMANIAN FLORA

Bryonia alba L. is a climbing species, spontaneous in the Romanian flora, which can be found throughout the whole country [1]. It is known for its cytotoxic, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-rheumatic, laxative-purgative and smooth muscle relaxant proprieties, being used both in traditional medicine and in homeopathy [2]. The main objective of this study consists in the evaluation of the flavonoid profile of this species. The vegetal material was harvested from the spontaneous flora of Cluj county (Romania). The vegetal extracts were obtained by ultrasonication, in methanol. Analysis of flavonoids was performed by a HPLC-DAD method and revealed mainly the presence of C-glycosides, of which saponarine was found as the main compound. Quantification of saponarin was also performed, using the HPLC method, on samples collected at different periods of time. Variation of the quantity of saponarine according to harvested samples was determined. Further analysis are under process in order to investigate the structure of these flavonoids and the pharmacological effects of the Bryonia alba L. plant extracts. References: 1. *** Flora Europea, vol. 2, Cambridge, Univ. Press. Cambridge London-New York Melbourne, 1979, p. 298-299 2. Demarque D, Jouanny J, Poitevin B, Saint Jean Y. Pharmacologie et matière médicale homéopathique, 3ième edition, France, CEDH, 2007

Flavonoid Analysis and Antioxidant Activities of the <em>Bryonia alba</em> L. Aerial Parts

Bryonia alba L. is the only Bryonia species found in Romanian flora, being known as a remedy for inflammatory pathologies or for its hepatoprotective and adaptogen activities. The present investigation studied the flavonoid composition and antioxidant activities of the aerial parts of this species. Flavonoid profile was evaluated by HPLC coupled with Diode Array Detection (DAD), while antioxidant capacity was assessed by various methods, testing different antioxidant mechanisms: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity), FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma), TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance method) and SNPAC (silver nanoparticles antioxidant capacity). Cytotoxicity was tested on human cancerous and healthy cell lines. Anti-plasmodial tests were performed on two strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Whole organism toxicity was assessed on zebrafish larvae. The HPLC-DAD analysis proved the presence of lutonarin, saponarin, isoorientin, and isovitexin as the major flavonoids in the composition of tested samples. Significant results were obtained for all antioxidant capacity assays. The cytotoxicity tests proved the absence of cellular and parasitic toxicity and these results were confirmed by the lack of toxicity on the zebrafish larvae model. This study proves a promising potential of the aerial parts of Bryonia alba L. as antioxidant agents

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench. and Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn. Flowers

Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn. and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench. are two species of the Asteraceae family, known in Romanian traditional medicine for their diuretic, choleretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phenolic and sterolic composition of flowers from the two species and to assess their antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. LC-MS analyses were performed on methanolic, ethanolic and 70% v/v ethanolic extracts, before and after acid hydrolysis, and revealed high amounts of polyphenols. Chlorogenic acid was found as the main compound for the flowers of A. dioica (502.70 ± 25.11 mg/100 g d.w.), while quercitrin was dominant in H. arenarium (424.28 ± 21.21 mg/100 g d.w.) in 70% v/v ethanolic extracts before hydrolysis. Antioxidant capacity assays showed an important antioxidant potential, which can be correlated with the determined polyphenolic compounds, showing the 70% v/v ethanolic extracts of the two species as being the most effective antioxidant samples for the DPPH assay. Antibacterial and antifungal assays confirm a modest biological potential for the same extract of both species. Results obtained in the present study bring important data and offer scientific evidence on the chemical composition and on the biological activities of the flowers belonging to the two species

Flavonoid composition, cellular antioxidant activity and (myelo)peroxidase inhibition of a Bryonia alba L. (Cucurbitaceae) leaves extract

peer reviewe