Search Results (136)

This study aimed to optimize the extraction of phytocompounds intended for wound care applications from three plant species, Sambucus nigra L. flowers and Epilobium hirsutum L. and Lythrum salicaria L. aerial parts, by using a Quality by Design approach. The effects of different extraction methods (ultra-turrax and ultrasonic-assisted extraction), ethanol concentrations (30%, 50%, 70%), and extraction times (3, 5, 10 min) were studied, and during the optimization step, the polyphenol and flavonoid contents were maximized. The phytochemical profiles of the optimized HEs (herbal extracts) were assessed using LC-MS/MS methods. The antioxidant capacity of the optimized HEs was determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity) TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays, while the antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and MSSA—methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA—methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Cell viability and antioxidant and wound healing potential were assessed on keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed on fibroblasts by measuring levels of interleukins IL-6 and IL-8 and the production of nitric oxide from RAW 264.7 cells. The major compounds of the optimized HEs were rutin and chlorogenic acid. The Lythrum salicaria optimized HE showed the strongest antibacterial activity, while the Sambucus nigra optimized HE demonstrated high cell viability. Lythrum salicaria and Epilobium hirsutum optimized HEs showed increased antioxidant capacities. All extracts displayed anti-inflammatory effects, and the Epilobium hirsutum optimized HE exhibited the best in vitro wound-healing effect. Full article

In this study, α-cellulose was extracted from lignocellulosic simpor leaf residue as a sustainable alternative to conventional cellulose sources. The extraction process involved the removal of hemicellulose, lignin, and other phytocompounds using alkali (NaOH) treatment and bleaching with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was isolated from α-cellulose using sulfuric acid hydrolysis treatment followed by ultrasonication. The extracted α-cellulose and isolated NCC were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The obtained results confirmed that the extracted NCC exhibited characteristic cellulose functional groups and a crystallinity index of 64.7%, indicating the effective removal of amorphous regions through sulfuric acid hydrolysis. The thermal stability of the extracted cellulose increased to 332 °C due to the elimination of extractives. DLS analysis showed that the extracted NCC exhibited high colloidal stability in polar solvents, characterized by a zeta potential of −70.8 mV and an average particle size of 251.7 nm. This study highlights an environmentally friendly approach for converting low-value biomass waste into high-value cellulose materials with potential applications in sustainable packaging, biomedical applications and composite reinforcement. Full article

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GD)-induced gut dysbiosis in pregnant mothers may increase the risk of cognitive impairment and neurological disorders in both the mother and offspring as they age. Restoring gut balance could improve cognitive outcomes for both. Despite advancements in GD treatment, side effects have increased, and long-term neurocognitive impacts on offspring born to GD mothers remain underexplored. This study uses a GD mouse model, inducing pancreatic dysfunction in 3-month-old pregnant C57BL/6J mice with Streptozotocin. The efficacy and mechanism of the prebiotic phytocompound green leaf extract (Allmania nodiflora) were assessed, with metformin as the standard. GD dams exhibited weight and glucose reduction, pancreatic IL-6 elevation, GLUT3 reduction, astroglia changes in the cerebral cortex, gut barrier impairment, cognitive impairment, and heightened anxiety compared to controls. Bacterial 16s rRNA sequencing revealed dysbiosis, with reduced Erysipelotrichales in GD dams compared to controls. Metformin lowered blood glucose levels but failed to rescue functional and behavioral phenotypes in both GD dams and offspring. Phytocompound treatment improved blood glucose, reduced pancreatic inflammation, improved gut barrier integrity, reversed dysbiosis, and enhanced brain health. It rescued behavioral deficits and improved cognitive outcomes in offspring, suggesting the prebiotic phytocompound may be a more effective therapeutic agent for GD in humans. Full article

Hawthorns (Crataegus monogyna L.) contain numerous bioactive compounds, with its extracts demonstrating health benefits. This study focused on optimizing a more sustainable extraction method, specifically microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), to obtain polyphenols from hawthorn leaves and flowers. HPLC/UV analysis identified key compounds, including gallic and chlorogenic acids, isoquercetin, rutin, hyperoside, vitexin, and quercetin. Principal component analysis (PCA) assessed correlations between extraction conditions, total phenolic content (TPC), and key compounds. PCA grouped conditions into three clusters, with two remaining ungrouped. The highest vitexin, rutin, and isoquercetin contents were achieved at 60 °C for 10 min using 160–500 μm particles in 75% ethanol (20/1 ratio) or 50% ethanol (20/1 and 30/1 ratios). An ungrouped condition (60 °C, 10 min, < 160 μm particles, 50% ethanol, 20/1 ratio) produced a higher TPC and greater gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and hyperoside concentrations. The TPC and antioxidant activity (AA) of the extracts were optimized using a 2³ full factorial design, with temperature, ethanol concentration, and solvent-to-plant ratio as variables. Optimal MAE conditions (S/P_opt = 20.4 mL/g, T_opt = 65 °C, and EtOH_opt = 60%) yielded a TPC of 116.23 ± 2.85 mg GAE/g DM and an AA of 237.6 ± 6.33 mg TE/g DM using hawthorn leaves and flowers. Summarizing the above, to maximize phytocompound content, a one-factor-at-a-time design identified extraction parameters, but its limitations led to a 2³ full factorial design. The latter effectively optimized the TPC and AA, while PCA revealed correlations between extraction parameters, total phenolics, and key compounds. Full article

In this modern era, in which interest in natural compounds is gaining more ground, Geranium robertianum L. (Gr), a species with long use in traditional medicine, stands out for its promising potential in managing a multitude of health issues. In this context, the present review aims to explore the main phytocompounds detected in various types of extracts, as well as the biological activity of Gr species. This review was conducted by analyzing data published up to February 2025 from peer-reviewed journals and databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using key words combinations such as Geranium robertianum L. and the searched phytocompound and biological effect. According to the literature the main phytochemical classes identified in different types of extracts include tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils. The most important biological actions described in the literature are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiulcerative, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and antidiabetic effects. However, knowledge about Gr is still relatively limited, requiring more detailed study regarding its pharmacological proprieties and the molecular mechanisms behind them. Full article

Background: Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom) and Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) are well-known spices and are also used as natural mouth fresheners. This study was performed to evaluate their neuroprotective ability based on certain acellular and cellular assays. Methods: Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared using cardamom and fennel seeds. GC/MS was performed for the identification of important bioactive compounds. Cell-based assays were performed using SH-SY5Y cells. Hydrogen peroxide was used for the induction of oxidative stress, and evaluation was done based on neuroprotection, reduced reactive oxygen species, and restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Additionally, anti-Aβ fibrillization/oligomerization activities were also analyzed along with anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. Results: α-Terpinyl acetate and anethol were identified as major phytocompounds in cardamom and fennel, respectively. Cardamom extracts and α-terpinyl acetate were more potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors than fennel extracts and anethol [IC₅₀ cardamom extracts, 130–150 μg/mL; α-terpinyl acetate, 61.87 μg/mL; anethol, 374.2 μg/mL; fennel extracts, >1 mg/mL] and showed mixed-type inhibition. Only the extracts displayed potent anti-Aβ fibrilization activity (>50%). Anethol showed potent anti-Aβ oligomerization activity (>50%), followed by α-terpinyl acetate and fennel-H (~36%). The neuroprotective potential of the spice extracts/phytochemicals was evaluated in SH-SY5Y cells by using H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. Cardamom-EA displayed the best neuroprotection (0.01 to 30 μg/mL). No neuroprotection was observed by α-terpinyl acetate and anethol. Cardamom extracts and fennel-H restored the normal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels at 30 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, the extracts provided better neuroprotection than the pure compounds in cellular assays and displayed strong anti-Aβ fibrilization activity. Full article

Glycyrrhiza glabra L., also known as licorice, belongs to the Fabaceae family and is one of the most commercially valuable plants worldwide, being used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, both for its therapeutic benefits as well as for the sweetening properties of the extract. This study evaluates the phytochemical composition, the biological activities, and the safety profile of a methanolic extract of licorice root (LRE) obtained from Romania. Ten phytocompounds were quantified by the HPLC-DAD-ESI+, the most abundant being the triterpene glycyrrhizin (13.927 mg/g dry extract.), followed by these flavonoids: liquiritin, liquiritigenin-apiosyl-glucoside, and apigenin-rutinoside liquiritigenin. The total phenolic content of the LRE was found to be 169.83 mg gallic acid/g dry extract. (GAE/g d.e.), and the extract showed a maximum of 79.29% antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Good antimicrobial activity of the LRE was observed for Gram-negative bacteria, especially for S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes. The mineral content of the LRE was indicative of the lack of toxicity; heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and cobalt were below the detection limit. The safety profile of the licorice extract was assessed using the in vivo hen egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM protocol), indicating no irritability, good tolerability, and biocompatibility. The phytochemical and biological characterization of the Romanian licorice root extract reveals a good source of glycyrrhizin and polyphenols with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, along with a safety profile that may be useful for future therapeutic applications. Full article

Gaillardia pulchella is an important plant species with pharmacological and ornamental applications. It contains a wide array of phytocompounds which play roles against diseases. In vitro propagation requires callogenesis and differentiation of plant organs, which offers a sustainable, alternative synthesis of compounds. The morphogenetic processes and the underlying mechanisms are, however, known to be under genetic regulation and are little understood. The present study investigated these events by generating transcriptome data, with de novo assembly of sequences to describe shoot morphogenesis molecularly in G. pulchella. The RNA was extracted from the callus of pre- and post-shoot organogenesis time. The callus induction was optimal using leaf segments cultured onto MS medium containing α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA; 2.0 mg/L) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 0.5 mg/L) and further exhibited a high shoot regeneration/caulogenesis ability. A total of 68,366 coding sequences were obtained using Illumina150bpPE sequencing and transcriptome assembly. Differences in gene expression patterns were noted in the studied samples, showing opposite morphogenetic responses. Out of 10,108 genes, 5374 (53%) were downregulated, and there were 4734 upregulated genes, representing 47% of the total genes. Through the heatmap, the top 100 up- and downregulating genes’ names were identified and presented. The up- and downregulated genes were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. Important pathways, operative during G. pulchella shoot organogenesis, were signal transduction (13.55%), carbohydrate metabolism (8.68%), amino acid metabolism (5.11%), lipid metabolism (3.75%), and energy metabolism (3.39%). The synthesized proteins displayed phosphorylation, defense response, translation, regulation of DNA-templated transcription, carbohydrate metabolic processes, and methylation activities. The genes’ product also exhibited ATP binding, DNA binding, metal ion binding, protein serine/threonine kinase -, ATP hydrolysis activity, RNA binding, protein kinase, heme and GTP binding, and DNA binding transcription factor activity. The most abundant proteins were located in the membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, ribosome, ribonucleoprotein complex, chloroplast, endoplasmic reticulum membrane, mitochondrion, nucleosome, Golgi membrane, and other organellar membranes. These findings provide information for the concept of molecular triggers, regulating programming, differentiation and reprogramming of cells, and their uses. Full article

Inflammation is a physiological condition that when unattended causes serious health concerns over the long term. Several phytocompounds have emerged as promising sources of anti-inflammatory agents. Thottea siliquosa is a traditional medicine for inflammatory and toxicity insults; however, this has not been scientifically confirmed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of T. siliquosa methanol leaf extract in a mouse model. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory activities of a plant extract obtained from leaves of T. siliquosa (TSE) with a focus on carrageenan- and formalin-induced paw oedema in mice. The extract’s efficacy was assessed using well-established inflammation models, and the results showed a considerable reduction in paw edema in both cases. In the case of carrageenan model TSE at 50 mg/kg showed a 53.0 ± 2.5% reduction in edema, while those treated with TSM at 100 mg/kg exhibited a 60.0 ± 1.8% reduction (p < 0.01). In the case of a formalin model when a higher dose of TSE (100 mg/kg) was given, paw thickness decreased by 47.04 ± 1.9% on the fifth day and by 64.72 ± 2.2% on the tenth day. LC-MS analysis reported the presence of gallic acid, quinic acid, quercetin, clitorin, myricitrin, retronecine, batatasin II, gingerol, and coumaric acid in the extract. Overall, this study confirms that T. siliquosa extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects in animals and is possibly mediated through the combined effects of these phytochemicals. Full article

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have attracted attention from researchers as novel compounds for extracting active substances because of their negligible toxicity, polarity, and ability to be tailored depending on the experiment. In this review, we discuss deep eutectic solvents as a promising medium for the extraction of adaptogenic compounds. In comparison to traditional methods, extraction with the use of DESs is a great alternative to the excessive usage of harmful organic solvents. It can be conducted in mild conditions, and DESs can be designed with different precursors, enhancing their versatility. Adaptogenic herbs have a long medicinal history, especially in Eastern Asia. They exhibit unique properties through the active compounds in their structures, including saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids. Therefore, they demonstrate a wide range of pharmaceutical effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer abilities. Since ancient times, many different adaptogenic herbs have been discovered and are well known, including Panax ginseng, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Schisandra chinensis. Active compounds can be extracted using standard methods, such as hydrolyzation, maceration, and conventional reflux extraction. However, due to the limitations of classical processing technologies, there has been a need to develop new and eco-friendly methods. We focus on the types of solvents, extraction efficiency, properties, and applications of the obtained active compounds. This review highlights the potential of DESs as eco-friendly alternatives for extracting bioactive compounds. Full article

Background: Plants have long been recognized for their potential to influence neurological health, with both neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties. This review explores the dual nature of plant-derived compounds and their impact on the human brain. Discussion: Numerous studies have highlighted the neuroprotective effects of various phytoconstituents, such as those found in Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, and Curcuma longa. The neuroprotective compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing properties, making them promising candidates for combating neurodegenerative diseases and improving brain function. Polyphenolic compounds, triterpenic acids, and specific phytocompounds like the ones from EGb 761 extract have shown interactions with key enzymes and receptors in the brain, leading to neuroprotective outcomes. However, this review also acknowledges the neurotoxic potential of certain plants, such as the Veratrum species, which contains steroidal alkaloids that can cause DNA damage and disrupt neurological function, or Atropa belladonna, which interfere with the normal functioning of the cholinergic system in the body, leading to a range of symptoms associated with anticholinergic toxicity. Conslusions: This review also emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of plant-derived compounds, as well as to identify novel phytoconstituents with therapeutic potential. Understanding the complex relationship between plants and the human brain is crucial for harnessing the benefits of neuroprotective compounds while mitigating the risks associated with neurotoxic substances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge on the neurological properties of plants and highlights the importance of continued research in this field for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting brain health and neurological disorders. Full article

Natural bioactives are mixtures of compounds extracted from plants with physicochemical properties that are usually not favorable for penetrating the skin’s complex barrier. Nanoparticles have important advantages both in dermatology and cosmetology: improved solubility and stability of encapsulated phytocompounds, controlled and sustained skin delivery, and enhanced skin permeation, leading to an improved bioavailability. This review focuses on two generations of lipid-based nanoparticles: solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). An extensive overview on the recent studies on SLNs and NLCs entrapping essential oils, oils, herbal extracts, and phytocompounds for topical applications is presented, emphasizing their composition, physicochemical characterization, efficacy, and methodologies used to evaluate them. This review also summarizes topical systems containing natural bioactives incorporated into SLNs and NLCs, commercially available products and registered patents in the field. SLNs and NLCs turn out to be effective nanocarriers for skin applications, offering significantly improved encapsulation efficiency, stability, and bioactives delivery. However, their full potential is underexplored. Future applications should study the encapsulation potential of new natural bioactives and show more specialized solutions that address specific requirements; an improved product performance and a pleasant sensory profile could lead to increased customer compliance with the product use. Full article

In the present study, two A. melanocarpa berry extracts were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). After the optimization of synthesis, the AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, EDX, DLS, and STEM analyses. The stability in different media, phytotoxicity, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. The ideal synthesis conditions were represented by a 3 mM AgNO₃ concentration, 1:9 extract:AgNO₃ volume ratio, alkaline medium, and stirring at 40 °C for 120 min. The synthesis was confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 403 nm, and the strong signal at 3 keV from the EDX spectra. FTIR analysis indicated that polyphenols, polysaccharides, and amino acids could be the compounds responsible for synthesis. Stability tests and the negative zeta potential values showed that phytocompounds also play a role in the stabilization and capping of AgNPs. The preliminary phytotoxicity studies on T. aestivum showed that both the extracts and their corresponding AgNPs had an impact on the growth of roots and shoots as well as on the microscopic structure of leaves. The synthesized AgNPs presented antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Moreover, considering the results obtained in the lipoxygenase inhibition, the DPPH and hydroxyl scavenging activities, and the ferrous ion chelating assay, AgNPs exhibit promising antioxidant activity. Full article

From the perspective of circular economy, it is extremely useful to recycle waste products for human health applications. Among the health-beneficial properties of bioactive phyto-compounds, grape pomace represents a precious source of bioactive molecules with potential antitumor properties. Here, we describe the effects of a Sicilian grape pomace hydroalcoholic extract (HE) in colon and breast cancer cells. The characterization of HE composition revealed the predominance of anthoxanthins and phenolic acids. HE treatment was more effective in reducing the viability of colon cancer cells, while breast cancer cells appeared more resistant. Indeed, while colon cancer cells underwent apoptosis, as shown by DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, and PARP1 degradation, breast cancer cells seemed to not undergo apoptosis. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. Interestingly, ROS increased in both cell lines but, while in colon cancer, cells’ ROS rapidly increased and progressively diminished over time, in breast cancer, cells’ ROS increase was persistent up to 24 h. This effect was correlated with the induction of pro-survival autophagy, demonstrated by autophagosomes formation, autophagic markers increase, and protection by the antioxidant NAC. The autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1 significantly increased the HE effects in breast cancer cells but not in colon cancer cells. Overall, our data provide evidence that HE efficacy in tumor cells depends on a balance between ROS-mediated autophagy and apoptosis. Therefore, inhibiting pro-survival autophagy may be a tool to target those cells that appear more resistant to the effect of HE. Full article

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium in the Enterobacteriaceae family associated with a wide range of diseases, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis and urinary tract infections. Infections caused by drug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae pose a significant threat to the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Hence, this has led to the need to explore alternative antimicrobial therapies, especially natural products derived from plant sources. This study assessed the phytochemical composition and antibacterial properties and performed a molecular docking analysis of Henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis L.) extracts on strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Crude ethanol and methanol extracts of L. inermis L. were prepared at different concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/mL) and tested on extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Phytocompounds were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and further subjected to virtual ligands screening with DataWarrior (v05.02.01) and a molecular docking analysis using AutoDock4.2 (v4.2.6). The active compounds of L. inermis L. were determined by the docking analysis, including phytochemical, physicochemical, pharmacokinetics and docking score. The GC-MS analysis identified 27 phytoconstituents, including ethyl acetate, sclareol, 2-[1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-9-[β-d-ribofuranosyl] hypoxanthine, α-bisabolol and 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl 3-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-oxobutyl)-coumarin-4-yl carbonate. The 27 compounds were then screened for their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. The results revealed that the methanol extracts at 100 mg/mL showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) zones of inhibition (13.7 ± 1.2 mm), while the ethanol extracts at 50 mg/mL were significantly lower (6.3 ± 0.6 mm) compared to all the other treatments. The docking analysis revealed that out of the 27 compounds identified, only twelve (12) compounds have a drug-likeness activity. The 12 compounds were further subjected to docking analysis to determine the binding energies with the CTX-M protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Only one compound [CID_440869; (2-[1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-9-[β-d-ribofuranosyl] hypoxanthine)] had the best binding energy of −9.76 kcal/mol; hence, it can be considered a potentially suitable treatment for infections caused by ESBLs-producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. This study has demonstrated that L. inermis L. extracts have antibacterial effects. Further research could explore the potential antimicrobial applications of L. inermis L. extracts to many bacterial strains. Full article