Search Results (476)

Ficus lindsayana is recognized for its medicinal properties, with previous studies highlighting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of its latex (FLtA) and root (FRE) extracts. Harvesting these plant parts, however, raises ecological concerns. This study evaluates the phytochemical profiles, safety, and biological activities of F. lindsayana leaf (FL) extracts as more sustainable alternatives. Leaves were extracted using hot water (FLA) and 80% ethanol (FLE), yielding 32.9% and 11.4%, respectively. Metabolomic and targeted HPLC-MS/MS analyses revealed distinct phytochemical compositions. FLE was enriched in flavonoid aglycones and lipophilic compounds, while FLA contained higher levels of polar phenolics. FLA showed greater total phenolic and flavonoid contents and stronger antioxidant activity, with an SC₅₀ of 159 μg/mL for the DPPH assay. In contrast, FLE demonstrated more pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, FLE significantly reduced nitric oxide production and iNOS expression at both the protein and mRNA levels. FLE also reduced IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent manner without affecting TNF-α, suggesting selective cytokine modulation. Both extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity (IC₂₀ > 800 µg/mL in most cell types), non-hemolytic properties, and no mutagenic activity in the Drosophila wing spot assay. Compared to root and latex extracts, FLE ranked second in anti-inflammatory potency (FRE > FLE > FLA = FLtA). FLE, therefore represents a promising candidate, combining potent bioactivity with environmental responsibility and supporting the further development of F. lindsayana leaf-derived products for use in functional foods or botanical therapeutics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cinnamon leaves, an important source of the functional compound cinnamaldehyde (CA), have been shown to be effective in improving type II diabetes and Parkinson’s disease (PD) in rats following the incorporation of cinnamon leaf extract into a nanoemulsion. However, the effect of a cinnamon leaf extract nanoemulsion (CLEN) on improving Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent type of dementia, remains unexplored. The objectives of this study were to determine functional compounds in cinnamon leaves by UPLC-MS/MS, followed by the preparation of a nanoemulsion and its byproducts to study their effects on AD and PD in rats. Methods: Oven-dried (60 °C for 2 h) cinnamon leaf powder and hydrosol, obtained by steam distillation of cinnamon leaf powder, were stored at 4 °C. After determination of basic composition (crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate, moisture and ash) of cinnamon leaf powder, it was extracted with 80% ethanol with sonication at 60 °C for 2 h and analyzed for bioactive compounds by UPLC-MS/MS. Then, the CLEN was prepared by mixing cinnamon leaf extract rich in CA with lecithin, soybean oil, tween 80 and ethanol in an optimal ratio, followed by evaporation to form thin-film and redissolving in deionized water. For characterization, mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and surface morphology were determined. Animal experiments were done by dividing 90 male rats into 10 groups (n = 9), with groups 2–8 being subjected to mini-osmotic pump implantation surgery in brain to infuse Amyloid-beta 40 (Aβ40) solution in groups 2–8 for induction of AD, while groups 9 and 10 were pre-fed respectively with cinnamon powder in water (0.5 g/10 mL) and in hydrosol for 4 weeks, followed by induction of AD as shown above. Different treatments for a period of 4 weeks included groups 1–9, with group 1 (control) and group 2 feeding with sterilized water, while groups 3, 4 and 5 were fed respectively with high (90 mg/kg), medium (60 mg/kg) and low (30 mg/kg) doses of cinnamon leaf extracts, groups 6, 7 and 8 fed respectively with high (90 mg/kg), medium (60 mg/kg) and low (30 mg/kg) doses of nanoemulsions, groups 9 and 10 fed respectively with 10 mL/kg of cinnamon powder in water and hydrosol (0.5 g/10 mL). Morris water maze test was conducted to determine short-term memory, long-term memory and space probing of rats. After sacrificing of rats, brain and liver tissues were collected for determination of Aβ40, BACE1 and 8-oxodG in hippocampi, and AchE and malondialdehyde (MDA) in cortices, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and MDA in both cortices and livers, and dopamine in brain striata by using commercial kits. Results: The results showed that the highest level of CA (18,250.7 μg/g) was in the cinnamon leaf powder. The CLEN was prepared successfully, with an average particle size of 17.1 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.236, a zeta potential of −42.68 mV, and high stability over a 90-day storage period at 4 °C. The Morris water maze test revealed that the CLEN treatment was the most effective in improving short-term memory, long-term memory, and spatial probe test results in AD rats, followed by the cinnamon leaf extract (CLE), powder in hydrosol (PH), and powder in water (PW). Additionally, both CLEN and CLE treatments indicated a dose-dependent improvement in AD rats, while PH and PW were effective in preventing AD occurrence. Furthermore, AD occurrence accompanied by PD development was demonstrated in this study. With the exception of the induction group, declines in Aβ40, BACE1, and 8-oxodG in the hippocampi and AchE and MDA in the cortices of rats were observed for all the treatments, with the high-dose CLEN (90 mg/kg bw) exhibiting the highest efficiency. The antioxidant enzyme activity, including that of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, in the cortices of rats increased. In addition, dopamine content, a vital index of PD, was increased in the striata of rats, accompanied by elevations in SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px and decreased MDA in rat livers. Conclusions: These outcomes suggest that the CLEN possesses significant potential for formulation into a functional food or botanical drug for the prevention and treatment of AD and/or PD in the future. Full article

Camellia oleifera C. Abel is an economically important oilseed crop. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and bioactive potential of its leaf extracts, an underutilized by-product, for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Extracts of C. oleifera leaves were prepared using three solvents (water, 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol) via ultrasonication. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were quantified, and key bioactivities, including antioxidant capacity, tyrosinase inhibition, and effects on cell proliferation, were evaluated. The 50% ethanolic extract exhibited the highest total polyphenol (337.24 ± 1.94 GAE/g extract) and total flavonoid (189.23 ± 1.12 mg RE/g extract) contents. This extract also demonstrated superior antioxidant activity, with an IC₅₀ of 28.10 ± 0.46 μg/mL for DPPH scavenging and an ORAC value of 2651.54 ± 112.41 μmol/g. Nine compounds were isolated and identified, comprising flavonoids (1–3) and polyphenols (4–9). Compound 1 showed the strongest DPPH scavenging activity with IC₅₀ of 24.19 ± 0.07 μM. Compound 9 significantly stimulated HaCaT cell proliferation (169.30 ± 2.17%), while compound 2 promoted the growth of HFF-1 cells (129.36 ± 2.81%). These results highlight the potential of C. oleifera leaves as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most consumed medicinal plants and broadly included as an ingredient in plant food supplements (PFS) and herbal infusions, being potential targets for economically motivated adulteration. This work aimed at comparing the use of DNA and phytochemical markers to authenticate the botanical origin of ginkgo-leaf extracts and PFS. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect ginkgo DNA, while ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (UHPLC-MS/MS) determined its main phytochemicals (terpene lactones and flavonol aglycones). DNA was detected in all ginkgo leaf extracts, mainly water, while the highest levels of phytochemicals were obtained using ethanol or acetone as solvents. The results suggested that 4 out of a total of 19 PFS samples were adulterated, with two samples evidencing the addition of quercetin from sources other than ginkgo. The other two samples showed low amounts of ginkgo phytochemicals, which was corroborated by low DNA content, suggesting the use of reduced amounts of G. biloba leaf material. Full article

Olea europaea L. ‘Lavagnina’ is cultivated in the Eastern Ligurian coast (Italy), and during the pruning process a huge amount of pruning residues is produced. This by-product is generally disposed of by burning, despite still containing bioactive compounds. In particular, olive leaves are indeed rich in secondary metabolites, which can vary both in quality and quantity in relation to the cultivar considered and the area of cultivation. For this reason, we aimed to carry out a pharmacognostic study of the pruned leaves of the unexplored local cultivar ‘Lavagnina’, evaluating the possibility of reusing this by-product for new health applications. The micromorphological characterization was conducted by light and scanning electron microscopy. ‘Lavagnina’ leaf was micromorphologically similar to that of other olive cultivars; however, it differed in terms of midrib structure. Leaf extracts were obtained using solvents of increasing polarity (petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol) and the food-grade solvent, 70% ethanol. A high antioxidant activity was found only for the methanolic (ME) and hydroalcoholic (HAE) extracts, and, therefore, they were then characterized from a phytochemical point of view by LC-ESI-HR-MS. Such analysis allowed the identification of secondary metabolites belonging mainly to secoiridoids, flavonoids, and iridoids. Overall, the HAE had the highest antioxidant activity (17.3 ± 0.6 μg/mL), and it is, therefore, the best candidate for health applications related to a protective effect on a variety of inflammation-related diseases, also considering that inflammation may play a role in cancer progression. Full article

Background: Olive leaves are a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds, but extraction yields vary depending on methodological choices. The aim was to identify optimal parameters for maximizing recovery and preserving antioxidant activity. Methods: Fourteen studies (149 samples) were included, following predefined eligibility criteria and PRISMA guidelines for systematic review. Data on TPC, TFC, and antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS) were extracted and analyzed according to extraction method, solvent type, and processing conditions. Results: Soxhlet extraction and shaking achieved the highest TPC and antioxidant capacity, whereas ultrasound-assisted and high-voltage electrical discharge extractions showed lower averages unless intensity or duration was increased. Solvent polarity was critical: ≥75% aqueous methanol provided the highest TPC and FRAP, while ≥75% ethanol yielded the greatest TFC and ABTS activity. Pure water consistently gave the lowest yields. Extractions at >50 °C increased TPC up to fivefold compared to room temperature but did not proportionally improve radical-scavenging capacity. Most phenolic compounds were recovered within ≤1 h under optimized, heated, or assisted conditions, with longer times offering no significant advantage. Conclusions: Optimizing solvent composition, temperature, and extraction time is essential for maximizing yield and maintaining antioxidant quality in olive leaf extracts, and standardized protocols are needed to enable direct comparisons across studies. Full article

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to skin aging and related disorders. This study comparatively evaluated the bioefficacy of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaf extracts prepared using three extraction techniques: conventional extraction (CE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), and pulsed electric field (PEF) extraction, with 50% (v/v) ethanol and water as green solvents. Among all tested conditions, the CE-derived extract (C-4), obtained with 50% (v/v) ethanol for 120 min, exhibited the highest extraction yield (29.7%). It also showed the highest total phenolic (668.56 ± 11.52 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry material (DM)) and flavonoid content (2629.92 ± 112.61 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g DM), and potent antioxidant activity against 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical (12,645.50 ± 60.31 µmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g DM) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC: 7180.27 ± 101.79 µM TE/100 g DM). Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed a diverse phytochemical profile rich in polyphenols, including gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and epicatechin. Cellular assays in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced HaCaT keratinocytes demonstrated that C-4 extract significantly enhanced cell viability and upregulated endogenous antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX)), with effects comparable to established antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and ascorbic acid. These findings highlight the influence of extraction parameters on phytochemical yield and biological activity, supporting the potential application of CE-derived S. terebinthifolius extracts as effective, sustainable ingredients for cosmeceutical formulations targeting oxidative stress-mediated skin aging. Full article

The palo prieto (Lysiloma divaricata) is a tree with grayish bark and pinnate leaves that is native to Mexico. This tree can reach heights close to 15 m and is a source of phytochemical compounds, including polyphenols. The optimized extraction method is important for preserving phytochemical compounds, particularly gallic acid. In general, solid-liquid extraction methods are the most commonly used methods for obtaining phytochemical compounds from Lysiloma divaricata. Herein, we report the results of a complex experimental design in which different parts of the plant (leaf, stem, and fruit) were used to investigate their antioxidant activities and gallic acid contents. In this design, we included variations in the type of solvent, time, and temperature. This method yields an extract rich in phytochemical components that may exhibit significant antioxidant activity, making it suitable for isolating natural antioxidant compounds. For these compounds, bromatological analysis, quantification of phenolic content, and identification and quantification of phytochemical compounds via UPLC-MS/MS identified 27 compounds, with gallic epicatechin, catechin, kaemferol-3-glucoside, procyanidin B1, and gallic acid as the major compounds. For the quantification of gallic acid by HPLC, the highest concentration of gallic acid was detected in the water-leaf-40 °C-90 min fraction. In addition, antioxidant activity via 1,1-diphenyl-1,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was studied, and color measurements were performed. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the fruit samples was evaluated via the DPPH method with an ethanol/water ratio of 30:70 % v/v at 60 °C for 60 min, which resulted in the highest percentage of inhibition. There was no significant difference in the antioxidant activity when ABTS was used between the samples. For the antioxidant activity determined via FRAP, the leaf sample exhibited the most significant activity when ethanol was used as the solvent at 50 °C for 90 min, with a value of 195,861 ± 44.20 µM eq Trolox/g DM. The phenol compounds of Lysiloma divaricata are promising sources of natural antimicrobials and antioxidants for potential applications in food packaging. Full article

Olive leaves (Olea europaea) are the most abundant agricultural by-product of olive tree cultivation, generating substantial waste each year. Their disposal is deemed an environmental challenge, particularly in Mediterranean countries that dominate the olive oil sector, yet their rich bioactive profile makes them promising candidates for functional food development. This study aimed to determine the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of olive leaf powder extracts using different extraction solvents and methods to identify the most efficient strategy for possible incorporation into functional food systems. Extractions were performed with distilled water, 70% ethanol, 80% methanol, and 50% acetone using three methods: stirring, soaking, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). TAC and TPC were quantified using the FRAP and Folin–Ciocalteu assays, respectively. Among solvents, acetone consistently yielded the highest values across most methods (TAC: 19.02 mmol Fe²⁺/L, TPC: 1289.95 mg GA/L), while ethanol also showed strong extraction performance (TAC: 15.35 mmol Fe²⁺/L; TPC: 1214.76 mg GA/L), offering a safer and more scalable option for food applications. Method-wise, UAE achieved the greatest phenolic recovery, while both UAE and stirring proved effective for antioxidant extraction. Overall, these findings provide quantitative evidence supporting possible incorporation of olive leaf powder as a valuable ingredient in functional foods and other sustainable applications, while also contributing to the circular economy through the sustainable valorization of agricultural waste. Full article

Antibiotic resistance is on the rise, rendering discovery of new antibacterial sources essential. Biofilms drive resistance and cause complications in healthcare settings, emphasizing that preventing pathogenic biofilms is vital. Quercus species, with medicinal potential, might provide novel approaches against pathogens. Cyprus hosts four understudied Quercus species—Q. alnifolia Poech, Q. × campitica Hadjik. & Hand, Q.coccifera var. calliprinos (Webb) Boiss., and Q. infectoria subsp. veneris (A.Kern.) Meikle—where Q. alnifolia and Q. × campitica are endemic. This study assessed the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and preformed biofilm reduction effects of their ethanolic leaf extracts on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and performed phytochemical analysis. Because biofilm formation often drives recalcitrance, sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) of Quercus extracts were tested on planktonic and biofilm S. aureus. At a sub-MIC of 0.156 mg/mL, Q. alnifolia and Q. × campitica extracts displayed notable antibiofilm activity. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry of Q. alnifolia revealed several bioactive compounds where these compounds may support wider antibacterial effects. This is the first report of Q. alnifolia and Q. × campitica ethanolic leaf extracts with antibiofilm activity against S. aureus and associated phytochemical analyses. These results support further practical research into the potential applications of these Quercus extracts as antibacterial materials. Full article

Ginkgo biloba leaf flavonoids, while demonstrating antioxidant potential, remain underexplored as natural stabilizers for frying oils under thermo-oxidative stress. This study assessed Ginkgo biloba leaf flavonoids efficacy against synthetic tertiary-butylhydroquinone (0.02%). Ginkgo biloba leaf flavonoids were extracted via optimized ultrasonic-assisted methods (15 mL/g solvent, 80% ethanol, 45 °C, 120 s). Frying stability in flaxseed and soybean oils over 6 days (24 cycles/day) was evaluated using multi-indicator kinetic analysis. Ginkgo biloba leaf flavonoids significantly outperformed tertiary-butylhydroquinone in reducing oxidation markers after 6 days. In flaxseed oil, Ginkgo biloba leaf flavonoids reduced acid value (18.4%), peroxide value (33.79%), and polar compounds (52.03%); reductions in soybean oil reached 61.34% for polar compounds. Ginkgo biloba leaf flavonoids better preserved γ-tocopherol in flaxseed oil (increased 2.09% retention) and key tocopherols in soybean oil. Critically, it mitigated unsaturated fatty acid losses (flaxseed C18:3: 2.72% higher; soybean C18:2: 4.4% higher) and limited saturated fatty acid increases. Optimized Ginkgo biloba leaf flavonoid extraction facilitates its application as a promising natural candidate for high-temperature frying, where its matrix-specific stabilization effect shows potential in commercial functional oil formulations. Full article

Leaves of Gentiana lutea L., traditionally used for treating heart disorders, represent a sustainable and underutilized source of bitter secoiridoids and xanthones, also found in Gentianae radix—an official herbal drug derived from the same, protected species. As root harvesting leads to the destruction of the plant, using the more readily available leaves could help reduce the pressure on this endangered natural resource. This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction of the secoiridoid swertiamarin and the xanthone isogentisin from G. lutea leaves using response surface methodology (RSM). Subsequently, the stability of the bioactive compounds (swertiamarin, gentiopicrin, mangiferin, isoorientin, isovitexin, and isogentisin) in the optimized extract was monitored over a 30-day period under different storage conditions. The influence of extraction time (5–65 min), ethanol concentration (10–90% v/v), liquid-to-solid ratio (10–50 mL/g), and temperature (20–80 °C) was analyzed at five levels according to a central composite design. The calculated optimal extraction conditions for the simultaneous maximization of swertiamarin and isogentisin yields were 50 min extraction time, 30% v/v ethanol concentration, 30 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio, and 62.7 °C extraction temperature. Under these conditions, the experimentally obtained yields were 3.75 mg/g dry weight for swertiamarin and 1.57 mg/g dry weight for isogentisin, closely matching the RSM model predictions. The stability study revealed that low-temperature storage preserved major bioactive compounds, whereas mangiferin stability was compromised by elevated temperature and light exposure. The established models support the production of standardized G. lutea leaf extracts and may facilitate the efficient separation and purification of their bioactive compounds, thereby contributing to the further valorization of this valuable plant material. Full article

Crotalaria juncea L. (Fabaceae: Faboideae), traditionally used as green manure due to its nitrogen-fixing capacity, also exhibits therapeutic potential for conditions such as anemia and psoriasis. However, its cosmetic applications remain largely unexplored. This study examined the phytochemical profiles and biological activities of ethanolic extracts from the root, flower, and leaf of C. juncea, focusing on their potential use in cosmetic formulations. Soxhlet extraction with 95% ethanol was employed. Among the extracts, the leaf showed the highest total flavonoid content, while the root contained the highest total phenolic content. The root extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity, as assessed by DPPH, FRAP, and lipid peroxidation assays, along with significant anti-tyrosinase and anti-aging effects via collagenase and elastase inhibition. LC-MS/QTOF analysis identified genistein and kaempferol as the major bioactive constituents in the root extract. Molecular docking confirmed their strong interactions with enzymes associated with skin aging. Additionally, the root extract exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activity. These results suggest that C. juncea root extract is a promising multifunctional natural ingredient for cosmetic applications due to its antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: High concentration of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the predominant cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease progression and coronary heart disease. Nutraceutical combination together with a cholesterol-lowering action provides an alternative to pharmacotherapy in patients reporting intolerance to statins and in subjects with low cardiovascular risk. The effects on lipid parameters were evaluated over 6 months for a food supplement containing aqueous extract of Berberis aristata and Olea europea, fenugreek seed extract, water/ethanol extract of artichoke leaf and phytosterols from sunflower seeds (Ritmon Colesystem^®). Methods: Laboratory data were obtained at baseline from 44 otherwise healthy subjects (33 males, mean 50 ± 11 years) without cardiovascular disease having LDL-C in the range 115 to 190 mg/dL pharmacologically untreated for hypercholesterolemia. Subjects were re-evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months during which they took one tablet of Ritmon Colesystem^® after dinner. Results: At baseline, the mean values were 151 ± 21 mg/dL for LDL-C, 223 ± 24 mg/dL for total cholesterol (T-C), 52 ± 14 mg/dL for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and 124 ± 58 mg/dL for triglycerides. A significant reduction in LDL-C was observed; 9 mg/dL (95% confidence interval 3–14), 10 (4–17) and 7 (1–14) at 1, 3 and 6 months. A similar significant trend was detected for T-C while triglycerides did not show significant changes and HDL-C had lower values only at 3 months. Conclusions: These nutraceuticals in individuals with sub-optimal blood cholesterol levels at intermediate–low cardiovascular risk reduced LDL-C and T-C over 6 months contributing to the improvement of cholesterol control by dietary supplements. Full article

This study presents an integrated approach combining molecular, phytochemical, and biological analyses to characterize a newly discovered Zizania specimen from the northern Nile Delta, Egypt. Genetic fingerprinting using RAPD and ISSR markers revealed 85% band-sharing similarity with Zizania texana (Z. texana), though distinct morphological and genetic traits suggested potential intraspecific variation. Phytochemical profiling identified high concentrations of bioactive compounds, including quercetin (42.1 µg/mL), β-caryophyllene (11.21%), and gallic acid (23.4 µg/mL), which are pertinent and correlated with robust biological activities. The ethanolic leaf extract exhibited significant antioxidant capacity (IC₅₀ = 38.6 µg/mL in DPPH assay), potent antimicrobial effects against Candida albicans (C. albicans) (IC₅₀ = 4.9 ± 0.6 µg/mL), and dose-dependent cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. MCF-7 has the lowest IC₅₀ (28.3 ± 1.5 µg/mL), indicating the highest potency among the tested cell lines. In contrast, HepG2 demonstrates moderate sensitivity (IC₅₀ = 31.4 ± 1.8 µg/mL), while A549 shows the highest IC₅₀ value (36.9 ± 2.0 µg/mL), indicating greater resistance. These findings underscore the taxonomic novelty of the specimen and its potential as a source of natural antioxidants, antimicrobials, and anticancer agents. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in resolving taxonomic uncertainties and unlocking the medicinal value of understudied aquatic plants. Full article