Search Results (194)

Pseudopodospermum szowitzii (DC.) Kuth. a member of the Asteraceae family, grows naturally in the Irano-Turanian phytogeographical area, including Anatolia. In Anatolia, P. szowitsii, known as “goftigoda,” has edible young leaves and roots and is used in folk medicine for antidiabetic and analgesic properties. Nine compounds, including chlorogenic acid and derivatives from the ethyl acetate layer as well as 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl-1-O-β-glucopyranoside, 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl-1-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-glucopyranoside, esculetin 6-O-β-glucopyranoside, and esculetin 6-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-glucopyranoside from the water part of the methanolic extract, were isolated as known compounds. Notably, all esculetin derivatives have been isolated from the Pseudopodospermum for the first time, and among them, three compounds, esculetin 6-O-β-xylosyl-(1→6)-β-glucopyranoside, esculetin 6-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-glucopyranoside, and esculetin 6-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-glucopyranoside, were isolated as new esculetin heterosides that have not yet been isolated from any natural sources. The antioxidant activities of the total extract, phases, fractions, and compounds of P. szowitsii were also tested by evaluating their radical-scavenging capacities against DPPH and ABTS radicals. The ethyl acetate phase and the isolated compounds displayed significant antioxidant activity. The most active compound was caffeic acid, with IC₅₀ values of 2.7 µg/mL and 3.4 µg/mL against DPPH and ABTS radicals, respectively, followed by dicaffeoylquinic acid derivatives and their methyl esters. On the other hand, none of the coumarin derivatives exhibited significant radical-scavenging activity. Full article

This study investigates the influence of agronomic management on the accumulation of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of Achillea millefolium L., a medicinal species of increasing relevance for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Different cultivation strategies were applied, including controlled drought stress, foliar fertilization, and inoculation with plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), in order to evaluate their impact on tissue-specific metabolic responses. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of flowers and roots was determined using FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS spectrophotometric assays, while metabolite profiling was performed by UHPLC–MS/MS analysis. Clear differences in antioxidant activity were observed among plant organs and cultivation treatments. Flower extracts showed intermediate antioxidant capacity, with FRAP values ranging from 55.86 to 66.55 mg TE g⁻¹ extract and the highest activity consistently recorded for treatment F_010 (addition of K, P fertilizers under water stress conditions and PGPR absence) across all assays. Root extracts exhibited substantially lower antioxidant values (FRAP 19.40–33.69 mg TE g⁻¹), although samples R_000 (no foliar fertilization, under water stress conditions and PGPR absence) and R_100 (no foliar fertilization, under water stress conditions and presence of PGPR) displayed comparatively higher radical scavenging activity. Metabolic profiling revealed a shared presence of caffeic acid derivatives and flavonoids, including mono- and di-caffeoylquinic acids and apigenin-related compounds, with marked quantitative differences among tissues. Overall, the results demonstrate that agronomic practices significantly influence the accumulation and distribution of antioxidant metabolites in A. millefolium L., highlighting the importance of cultivation strategies for optimizing the production of bioactive phytochemicals. Full article

Meadow arnica is a valuable medicinal plant, used in both the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the development, yield, and quality of flower heads (raw material) of meadow arnica grown in an organic farming system. The inoculation of plants with AMF improved the mass of above- and underground organs, including the mass of raw material, as well as the content of chlorophylls and general sugar in the leaves, followed by enhanced starch storage in the roots. The content of phenolics in the raw material was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The following flavonoids were assessed here: cynaroside, rutin, hyperoside, cosmosiin, astragalin, and diosmetin, as well as the phenolic acids: neochlorogenic, chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic, rosmarinic, cichoric, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic, and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids. The contents of these substances were higher in non-inoculated plants than in inoculated ones, which contradicts most studies conducted to date on medicinal and aromatic plants. Nevertheless, the results are interesting primarily because of the beneficial developmental changes in inoculated plants, as evidenced by a significantly higher mass of arnica flower heads, more efficient uptake of mineral nutrients from the soil, and lower nitrogen levels in aboveground organs. Full article

Ostericum palustre (Besser) Besser (synonym Angelica pancicii Vandas ex. Velen.) is a Eurasian species from the Apiaceae family, previously related to the Balkan endemic species A. pancicii. The study aims to provide a thorough profiling of methanol-aqueous extracts from O. palustre leaves, roots, and inflorescences integrated with an evaluation of antioxidant potential and enzyme inhibitory activity towards some therapeutic targets. For the first time, a series of simple coumarins and furanocoumarins alongside phenolic and acylquinic acids, and flavonoids were annotated/dereplicated in the O. palustre of Bulgarian origin by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole—Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry acquisition platform. According to the discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) of the biological potential, radical scavenging activity (47.9 mg TE/g in DPPH and 61.8 mg TE/g in ABTS), reducing power (102.2 mg TE/g in CUPRAC and 57.4 mg TE/g in FRAP), and metal-chelating capacity (20.1 mg EDTAE/g) accounted mainly for the stronger antioxidant activity of inflorescences extract than roots and leaves. Root extracts exhibited anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase effects with lower IC₅₀ values (IC₅₀ 37.22, 42.47 and 32.09 μg/mL, respectively). Pearson relationship analysis revealed potent antioxidants including furanocoumarins (oxypeucedanin hydrate, xanthotoxol/bergaptol, byakangelicin/isobyakangelicin, ostruthol) and phenolic acids, while a series of angelols alongside feruloylquinic and dicaffeoylquinic acids, and flavonol glycosides hold significance for the neuroprotective activity of the leaves extract. The enzyme inhibitory activity of the root extracts towards collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase, related to the anti-aging activity, was ascribed to simple hydroxylated/methoxylated coumarins. The study suggests the potential health benefits of O. palustre extracts as antioxidant, anti-aging, and neuroprotective agents. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder with a high incidence of anxiety and depression. However, the underlying mechanisms of these symptoms remain to be fully elucidated. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of a 20% ethanolic extract of Petasites japonicus leaves (EPJ) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and depression-like behaviors. The physiological compounds identified in the EPJ were citric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, fukinolic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucose-6″-acetate, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-acetyl)-β-glucopyranoside, and pedunculoside. EPJ significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis, as evidenced by improvements in body weight loss (87.41% vs. 76.02% in the DSS group), colon length (5.75 vs. 4.34 cm), intestinal permeability (52.80 vs. 163.01 μg/mL), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (0.24 vs. 0.67 U/mg) (p < 0.05). Histological analysis further confirmed recovery of goblet cells and attenuation of muscle layer thickening. EPJ also reversed DSS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and contributed to the restoration of microbial homeostasis. Behavioral assessments showed that EPJ effectively ameliorated depression-like behaviors. EPJ improved antioxidant systems in colon and brain tissues by modulating malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. EPJ further upregulated tight junction protein expression and suppressed TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway activation in both colon and brain tissues. Moreover, EPJ modulated serum stress-related hormones, normalized hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, regulated the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, and modulated tryptophan–kynurenine metabolism. Collectively, these findings suggest that EPJ exerts protective effects against DSS-induced colitis and depression-like behaviors. Full article

Diabetes Mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder, primarily characterized by persistent high blood sugar levels, and it is becoming increasingly prevalent with numerous associated complications. The leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskja, traditionally prepared as a tea beverage in China, is frequently used in folk medicine for managing metabolic syndromes, particularly diabetes and hyperlipidemia. However, the main active components responsible for its hypoglycemic effect and their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study aimed to clarify the main chemical components of the aqueous extract of C. paliurus leaves and to explore their mechanisms of action. The primary constituents from the aqueous extract of C. paliurus leaves were isolated and identified using macroporous adsorption resin, preparative liquid chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance technology. The contents of these identified compounds in the leaves were quantified using HPLC. An integrated approach combining network pharmacology and molecular docking was initially used to predict the potential molecular targets and associated signaling pathways responsible for the hypoglycemic activity of the compounds, with subsequent experimental validation performed in a hyperglycemic zebrafish model. From the aqueous extract, a total of seven compounds were obtained and subsequently identified as Chlorogenic Acid (CA), Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (Q3GA), Astragalin, 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid (3,4-DCA), Afzelin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol. Their contents in C. paliurus leaves, as determined by HPLC, were 24.88 mg/g, 30.87 mg/g, 1.21 mg/g, 1.19 mg/g, 5.24 mg/g, 2.43 mg/g, and 1.34 mg/g, respectively. Network pharmacology analysis identified AKT1, TNF, and IL1B as key targets for the hypoglycemic effects of both the aqueous extract and the seven individual compounds. These findings were further supported by RT-PCR experiments in a zebrafish model, which showed that blood glucose regulation occurs through the downregulation of TNF and IL1B and the upregulation of AKT1 protein. The aqueous extract is rich in Chlorogenic Acid, Quercetin, and their derivatives, all of which display significant hypoglycemic activity. Full article

Obesity is well-known as a major risk factor for metabolic disorders, and natural compounds are being explored as alternatives to conventional therapies. While Centella asiatica is well known for its medicinal and dietary benefits, the biological activities of Giant Centella asiatica (GCA), especially when extracted with mineral-rich lava seawater, remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-adipogenic and lipid-metabolism-regulating effects of a novel GCA extract (GCA-LS-90) and its ability to stimulate GLP-1 secretion in vitro. GCA-LS-90 significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by up to 24.3% at 200 µg/mL (p < 0.001). It downregulated adipogenic transcription factors (C/EBPβ, C/EBPα, PPARγ) and lipogenic regulators (SREBP1c, FAS, G6PD, ME), while upregulating KLF2 (all p < 0.001). Western blotting confirmed reduced SREBP1c and SREBP2 protein expression, increased phosphorylation of AMPKα/ACC, and enhanced HSL activity (p < 0.05–0.001). In STC-1 cells, GCA-LS-90 increased GLP-1 secretion (53.5 pmol/L at 90 µg/mL vs. 41.3 pmol/L in control, p < 0.001). The major compounds, 3,5- and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acids, reproduced these effects. In conclusion, GCA-LS-90 modulated adipogenesis-, lipid-metabolism-, and GLP-1 secretion-related pathways in vitro, suggesting its potential as a functional ingredient for obesity management. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm efficacy and translational relevance. Full article

Mugwort (Artemisia princeps Pamp.) is a traditional herb widely used across East Asia; despite this, optimal processing methods to preserve its functional components and palatability have not been fully established. Thus, we aimed to, for the first time, systematically examine the effects of 16 processing methods that combine blanching (steaming or boiling), drying [freeze-drying (FD), mechanical drying, shade drying, or silica gel drying], and rolling on mugwort’s appearance, total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and sensory characteristics. Our results showed that steaming for ≥2 min followed by FD was the most effective method for maintaining a high TPC and a vibrant green color. In contrast, boiling with sodium bicarbonate preserved color but substantially reduced both TPC and chlorogenic acid (CGA) content compared with steaming. Sensory evaluation revealed that consumers consistently preferred steaming over other processing methods. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that prolonged drying induced CGA isomerization to neochlorogenic acid. Moreover, processing time substantially influenced CGA stability, while high TPC did not compromise mugwort flavor. Our findings imply that an optimized combination of steaming and FD maximizes both functional and sensory quality of mugwort, highlighting the potential of mugwort tea as a flavorful functional food. Full article

Obesity and metabolic disorders are an increasing concern in companion animals, creating demand for herb-derived nutraceuticals and functional feeds. This study evaluated whether a water extract of Aster pekinensis (AP) ameliorates high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction in mice. The phytochemical profile of AP was characterized by mass spectrometry, revealing oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins and dicaffeoylquinic acids. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD and orally given AP (10–200 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks, with normal diet and untreated HFD groups as controls. AP at 50–200 mg/kg/day reduced body-weight gain, adipose tissue mass and food efficiency without lowering food intake, and improved fasting glucose and atherogenic lipid indices. AP also enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, attenuated hepatic steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, lobular inflammation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Activity Score, and decreased serum liver enzyme activities. These effects were accompanied by modulation of hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis and inflammation. Together, these findings indicate that AP extract mitigates diet-induced obesity and NAFLD-like liver injury and supports further development as a herb-derived nutraceutical or functional feed ingredient for managing obesity-related metabolic disorders in companion animals. Full article

Coffee silverskin is generated in large quantities as a co-product during the roasting process of coffee beans. This co-product is rich in bioactive compounds that offer potential health benefits, justifying its consideration as a functional ingredient in food. In this study, silverskin from the species Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora from six different countries was characterized to highlight its potential and applicability as a safe ingredient in new food formulations. The results revealed a dietary fiber content ranging from 71.81 to 76.86 g/100 g, with a high portion of insoluble fiber ranging from 54.02 to 60.58 g/100 g. The mineral content showed that, in all samples, potassium and calcium were the main elements with values ranging from 6.66 to 17.57 mg/g and from 9.25 to 16.44 mg/g, respectively. The caffeine content was quantified with levels ranging from 0.81 to 7.32 mg/g. In addition, high levels of phenolic compounds were identified in free and bound forms, with 5-caffeoylquinic, 3-caffeoylquinic, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic, and ferulic acids being the main components in both fractions. All samples analyzed showed a good antioxidant capacity in the four different methods used, with values ranging from 8.12 to 10.85 mg Trolox Equivalents (mgTE/g) in the DPPH assay; from 9.69 to 19.68 mgTE/g in the FRAP assay; from 5.96 to 11.05 mgTE/g in the FRAP assay; and from 0.21 to 1.11 and 4.69 mg EDTA/g sample in the FIC assay. In conclusion, coffee silverskin has the potential to play a beneficial role as an ingredient in new food formulations, thus contributing to the development of a circular economy in the food industry. Full article

Artemisia indica Willd., a traditional medicinal and dietary herb, has been widely recognized for its diverse bioactivities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Artemisia indica Willd. aqueous extract (AAE) on dysglycemia and dyslipidemia. HPLC–ESI–MS/MS analysis identified 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid as the major active constituent of AAE. BALB/cByJNarl mice subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) injection were supplemented with AAE for 6 weeks. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we examined multiple metabolic pathways, including oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and the polyol pathway. AAE administration attenuated fasting blood glucose and reduced fructosamine levels and also ameliorated protein kinase C α (PKC-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expression. Histopathological evaluation showed that AAE reduced lipid accumulation by modulating sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression. Additionally, AAE inhibited polyol pathway activation and restored antioxidant enzyme activities. Collectively, these findings indicate that AAE modulates glucose and cholesterol metabolism, attenuates oxidative stress, and improves metabolic homeostasis, supporting its potential as a natural herbal therapeutic agent. Full article

The extensive use of antibiotics in intensive farming weakens immunity and threatens food safety. Stevia isochlorogenic acid (SICA), a kind of dicaffeoylquinic acid derived from stevia residue, exhibits strong antioxidant activity. This study evaluated the ability of SICA to improve immune function in an immunosuppressed broiler model. SICA significantly increased the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius indices (p < 0.05), alleviated spleen damage, and elevated serum interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, interferon-γ, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG), and complement components C3 and C4 (p < 0.05). Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification-based proteomics indicated that SICA enhanced splenic immune function by activating cell adhesion molecules, phagosomes, and the intestinal immune network for IgA production pathways. Quantitative PCR analysis showed upregulation of mRNA and protein levels of B-cell receptor, major histocompatibility complex class II, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C, and neutrophil cytosolic factor 2 (p67phox) and downregulation of C-C motif chemokine receptor 9. Molecular docking demonstrated the strongest binding affinity between SICA and p67phox. Overall, SICA effectively alleviated immunosuppression in broiler chickens and represents a promising natural alternative to antibiotic feed additives. Full article

Gelasia tomentosa (L.) Zaika, Sukhor. & N.Kilian which is known formerly as Scorzonera tomentosa L., a wild edible plant species in Turkey, is traditionally used against rheumatism and for wound healing. In this study, we explore its anti-inflammatory compounds, evaluating effectiveness through human red blood cell stabilization and in silico models, alongside physico-chemical and pharmacokinetic profiles. In vitro activity-guided fractionation allowed the isolation of sixteen compounds from the aerial parts of G. tomentosa, which were identified as hyperoside (1), isoquercetin (2), quercetin 3-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-galactopyranoside (3), quercetin 3-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside (4), 7-methoxyapigenin-6-C-β-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside (5), apigenin-6-C-β-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranoside (6), dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl-alcohol-4-O-β-glucopyranoside (7), cichoriin (8), 7-O-methylisoorientin (9), isoorientin (10), swertisin (11), 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (12), 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (13), staphylinioside E (14), 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (15), and 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (16). Compound 16 displayed the highest potential anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.55 ± 0.00 mg/mL). However, the fraction with compounds displayed stronger biological activity than the isolated ones. In silico findings supported the anti-inflammatory potential, enhancing TP53 expression and cell membrane protection. Cichoriin (8) and staphylinioside E (14) are in accordance with Lipinski’s, Pfizer’s, GSK’s, and Golden Triangle rules, indicating a favorable ADME profile as a drug candidate. Further studies are needed to test this potential in specific inflammation models. Full article

Background/Objectives: Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) is an adaptogenic plant widely recognized for its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties; however its hepatoprotective potential properties are unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate whether the fruit extract of E. senticosus contains chemical constituents with hepatoprotective effects in a paracetamol-induced liver injury model in mice. Methods: Female BALB/c mice were randomized into five groups: control, paracetamol (300 mg/kg, IP), E. senticosus extract (750 or 1500 mg/kg, PO) + paracetamol, and silymarin (50 mg/kg) + paracetamol. Extracts were administered for seven days before paracetamol challenge. Biochemical markers (ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, protein, albumin) and hematological parameters were assessed, and organs were subjected to histopathological examination. Phytochemical characterization of the extract was performed using UHPLC-DAD-MS and ICP-OES. Results: The 750 mg/kg dose of E. senticosus extract maintained ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine levels close to control values, while the higher dose (1500 mg/kg) was less effective and showed an increase in serum urea. Both extract doses and silymarin attenuated creatinine elevation induced by paracetamol. No histopathological changes were detected in the kidneys or brains of treated animals. Phytochemical analysis revealed high contents of phenolic acids (chlorogenic and dicaffeoylquinic acids), flavonoids, amino acids, and essential minerals. Conclusions: E. senticosus fruit extract demonstrated a hepatoprotective effect at an optimal dose (750 mg/kg), indicating a potential dose-dependent effect. The absence of histopathological alterations in key organs supports the fruit extract’s safety. Full article

Sea mayweed (Tripleurospermum maritimum L. syn. Matricaria maritima) is a halophytic species widely distributed along the Atlantic shoreline. Unlike other Tripleurospermum species, the chemical composition and biological activities of this halophyte have received no attention. Here, a hydroalcoholic extract of sea mayweed leaves was evaluated for in vitro antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP bioassays), anti-inflammatory (NO reduction in RAW 264.7 macrophages), anti-diabetic (alpha-glucosidase inhibition), neuroprotective (inhibition of acetylcholinesterase), and skin protective (tyrosinase, melanogenesis, elastase, and collagenase inhibition) activities. Solid–liquid partition chromatography of the extract and NMR characterization of its fractions allowed the identification of some major compounds, including fructo-oligosaccharides in the MeOH_20% fraction, a new carbohydrate called tripleurospermine (1), 3-5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (2) in the MeOH_40% fraction, and matricaria lactone (3) in the MeOH_80% fraction. MeOH₄₀ fraction exhibited strong antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase (thus skin-whitening potential), and anti-glycosidase activities (anti-diabetic potential), whereas MeOH_80% fraction showed anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic potential. Overall, our results suggest that sea mayweed may have dietary or medicinal uses due to its biochemical composition and bioactivities. Full article