Phytochemical Analysis最新文献

Introduction: Magnoliae officinalis cortex (MOC) has been used for thousands of years as a traditional Chinese herb. In Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), it has two types of decoction pieces, raw Magnoliae officinalis cortex (RMOC) and ginger juice processed Magnoliae officinalis cortex (GMOC). The quality difference between RMOC and GMOC has not been explored systemically.

Objective: This study aimed to discover the quality difference between RMOC and GMOC, and clarify the effect of ginger juice during processing comprehensively.

Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were applied to study the non-volatile and volatile components of RMOC and GMOC; electronic eye was applied for color measurement. Meanwhile, water processed Magnoliae officinalis cortex (WMOC) was studied as the blank sample.

Results: There were 155 non-volatile and 72 volatile substances identified. Between RMOC and GMOC, 29 distinctive non-volatile and 34 distinctive volatile compounds were detected, among which 23 new compounds appeared and five compounds disappeared due to the addition of ginger juice during processing. The intensities of 12 common non-volatile compounds and the relative percentage contents of four common volatile compounds showed significant differences between RMOC and GMOC. In color measurement of RMOC, GMOC, and WMOC, 14 common compounds with significant differences were discovered related to their color values, and their mathematical prediction functions were built.

Conclusion: There were significant differences between RMOC and GMOC; the processing mechanism of GMOC would be carried out based on the differential compounds in further investigation.

Kalanchoe species products are commercially available in local markets and by internationally accessible online retailers and may exhibit quality issues because of misidentification from similar common names and anatomical similarities among related species used as feedstock. This study proposes an approach using UPLC-MS/MS^E and HPTLC, coupled with morphoanatomical analysis to establish chemical composition pattern data for five Kalanchoe species. Subsequently, the methods were validated by analyzing commercial products purported to contain 100% Kalanchoe extract. UPLC-MS/MS^E and HPTLC profiles demonstrated that quercetin and kaempferol derivatives were identified as the primary flavonoids in genuine plant extracts. Chemometric analysis showed clear differences in chemical profiles and no similarities between the Kalanchoe plant extracts and commercial products. Different patterns of anticlinal epidermal cell walls and midrib of the leaves and shape and arrangement of the vascular bundles in the petiole were the primary micro-morphological differences observed. Evaluation of commercial samples revealed that products labeled as containing Kalanchoe did not match the pharmacobotanical analysis nor the chemical composition of the species. These methods can be considered important tools for quality control in commercial products derived from Kalanchoe species.

Introduction: Berberis fortunei Lindl. (BF) is a medicinal plant widely utilized in East Asia. However, the chemical components present in its roots, stems, and leaves have not been systematically analyzed and compared. The specific active ingredients that inhibit HT29 colorectal cancer cells are still unclear.

Objective: The aim of this study is to comprehensively analyze the chemical compositions of BF's roots, stems, and leaves and to evaluate their biological function against HT29 cells.

Methodology: GC-IMS and LC-QTOF-MS were employed to analyze the volatile and nonvolatile components of BF, respectively. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the inhibitory effects of extracts and compounds from BF on HT29 cells. A network analysis based on molecular docking was conducted to identify the potential targets of compounds.

Results: A total of 77 volatile components and 116 nonvolatile components were identified in the roots, stems, and leaves of BF. The inhibitory activity of different parts of BF against HT29 cells followed the order: roots > stems > leaves. Protoberberine-type alkaloids showed more pronounced effects at 24 h, whereas bisbenzylisoquinoline-type alkaloids demonstrated stronger activity at 48 h. Network analysis based on molecular docking revealed significant differences in the pathways targeted by the two types of alkaloids.

Conclusion: This study not only comprehensively analyzed the compositions of BF but also examined its biological function in inhibiting HT29 cells, laying a theoretical foundation for its further development and application. The findings provide diverse lead compounds for the subsequent development of drugs against colorectal cancer.

Introduction: Weeds are a major threat to crop productivity, competing for essential resources and often developing resistance to herbicides, which underscores the need for novel, sustainable control strategies. The valorization of agricultural and forestry underutilized byproducts, such as plant needles, presents a promising opportunity for developing eco-friendly bioherbicides based on allelopathy.

Objectives: This study investigates the phytotoxicity of Pinus pinea needle extracts and metabolites to evaluate their potential for controlling dicotyledonous weeds.

Material and methods: The chemical characterization of extracts and isolated compounds was performed via GC-MS, NMR, and optical methods while phytotoxicity bioassays were carried out using the herbicides Pacifica Plus (Bayer CropScience) and pendimethalin, the active ingredient in Stone Aqua (Tokyo Chemical Industry), as positive controls.

Results: The dichloromethane extract exhibited the highest phytotoxicity, significantly inhibiting Portulaca oleracea and Plantago lanceolata weeds. GC-MS analysis revealed an array of aromatic compounds of interest for phytochemical research, and through bio-guided purification, five lignans and the diterpenic acid (+)-isocupressic acid were isolated. (+)-Isocupressic acid showed the strongest phytotoxicity on P. oleracea, particularly on root growth (-83% ± 4% at 1000 μM), which could be correlated with structural moieties in its structure (fused-ring scaffold with an exocyclic double bond, an exocyclic chain containing a double bond or hydroxyl group, and a carboxylic acid group), a number of H-bond donors ≤ 2, and higher lipophilicity (Clog p = 5.11). Some lignans displayed mild inhibitory or stimulatory effects on P. lanceolata.

Conclusion: P. pinea needle extracts and metabolites have demonstrated potential as natural bioherbicides for weed management. Further research is prompted to explore large-scale applicability, environmental safety through ecotoxicological studies, and optimized formulations to enhance their practical use in sustainable agriculture.

Introduction: In the last few decades, nanoparticles have found extensive use in a variety of biological applications. Traditional medicine widely uses Acanthophora sp., a marine macroalgae, to cure and prevent diabetes, skin disorders, and blood clotting.

Objective: The present study aims to investigate whether green-synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) might work as an anticoagulant.

Methodology: The CuNPs were made using an environmentally friendly method that uses Acanthophora extract. We used UV-vis spectroscopy to assess the surface plasmon resonance of the material, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze its form, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy to identify the material's constituent elements. Furthermore, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) determined the functional groups of the CuNPs.

Results: The biosynthesis of CuNPs was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, which showed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 570 nm. The FT-IR analysis showed that certain functional groups are involved in the formation of CuNPs. These groups include OH stretching, C=O stretching, C-H bonding, C-N bonding, and Cu vibration. SEM analysis demonstrated the morphology of CuNPs synthesized, with a size of 0.5 μm, while EDS analysis confirmed their purity. The anticoagulant activity of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assays showed that the clotting time got longer depending on the concentration. The CuNPs synthesized from Acanthophora had strong anticoagulant effects at 100 μg/mL, further suggesting that they might be useful as a natural blood thinner.

Conclusion: The interesting thing we observed is that the green-synthesized CuNPs made from Acanthophora extract could be used in anticoagulation therapy.

Introduction: Insight into comparing key active ingredients of Radix Bupleuri (RB) based on different processing technologies is a key step to reveal the material basis of drug efficacy and a challenging task for developing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Objective: This work aims to establish a comprehensive comparative analysis method of TCM and its processed products, which can be used to analyze the changing trend of active components of RB before and after processing.

Methods: First, RB was processed with rice vinegar, rice wine, and honey. Then, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) technology as well as multiple statistical analyses were used to comprehensively evaluate the compositional variation of polar and volatile compounds in RB under different processing processes. Meanwhile, in UHPLC-MS, a sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectral and information-dependent acquisition mutual authentication (SIMA) was developed.

Results: A total of 30 polar components and 33 volatile components were identified as chemical markers (mainly type II saikosaponins, terpenes, and fatty acid esters). These may be the material basis for giving unique pharmacological activities to RB and its processed products.

Conclusions: These findings provided a solid foundation for the differentiated clinical application of RB, and the SIMA method held great potential for achieving accurate analysis of TCM processing ingredients.

Introduction: Natural products such as green propolis and cinnamon have been used traditionally in medicine due to their medicinal value. Recently, interest has grown in developing nanotechnology-based approaches to enhance the biological activity of these compounds.

Objective: This study evaluated the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of macro-sized and nanostructured forms of green propolis and cinnamon against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.

Material and methods: The sonochemical method was used to synthesize green propolis nanoparticles (PNPs) and cinnamon nanoparticles (CNPs). Their size was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering measurements, while they were compared with propolis (P) and cinnamon (C). The antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH assay, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test determined the antibacterial activity against S. mutans. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc tests (α = 0.05) were conducted to analyze the data. Furthermore, docking calculations were carried out to examine the potential of incorporating any new supplements or therapies into your routine.

Results: The MIC were 5.46, 21.87, 21.87, and 175 g/L for PNPs, P, CNPs, and C groups, respectively. The PNPs exhibited the most significant antibacterial effect while C was weakest. About antioxidant activity, PNPs and P exhibited significant differences from other groups (P = 0.000 and 0.001, respectively), while CNPs and C showed no significant difference between each other (P = 0.07). The docking calculations revealed a strong interaction between both nanoparticles and S. mutans. The binding energy of dihydroflavonols on propolis nanoparticles was -6.83 kcal/mol, indicating a stable connection.

Introduction: Terpenes, which are found in high concentrations in the essential oil fraction of the Cannabis sativa flower, have demonstrated potential in many therapeutic and industrial applications.

Objectives: This work reports on a method developed for quantifying 18 terpenes in C. sativa essential oil obtained through hydrodistillation. The following method has been evaluated for specificity, selectivity, accuracy, linearity, precision, stability, limit of detection, and limit of quantification.

Materials and methods: Samples were prepared by separating the essential oil fraction through hydrodistillation and then diluting with ethyl acetate containing a 100 μg/mL solution of n-tridecane and octadecane as internal standards. Analysis was performed on a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) using selected ion monitoring (SIM).

Results: The developed method enabled quantification of isomers of nerolidol and ocimene and several coeluting compounds, with recoveries of 87.35%-116.61%. Two cultivars of C. sativa flower were evaluated, and the dominant terpene compounds in both cultivars were β-myrcene (5.85-8.62 mg/g dried plant) and β-caryophyllene (3.89-4.69 mg/g), followed by α-humulene (1.35-1.99 mg/g), limonene (0.91-1.33 mg/g), and α-bisabolol (0.66-0.68 mg/g).

Conclusion: This method provides an accurate and reliable procedure for separating and quantifying the major terpene compounds in C. sativa flower using hydrodistillation and GCMS with SIM. The simplicity and solvent-free nature of the hydrodistillation extraction, combined with the specificity and accuracy of using SIM and external standards, enables the determination of total and individual terpenes concentrations within plant material and supports numerous industrial and therapeutic applications.

Introduction: Osteoporosis, one of the common bone diseases, manifests itself as a decrease in bone mass. Recently, the use of medicinal plants in the search for effective and low-toxicity therapeutics for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis has become a trending topic.

Objective: In this study, we aim to prepare a controlled drug carrier system loaded with Gypsophila eriocalyx to determine its potential for anti-osteoporosis applications.

Methods: Gypsophila eriocalyx extract (GEE) was prepared, and components were determined. The molecular interactions of the components with Cathepsin K (CatK), which is used as a target in drug development against osteoporosis, were revealed by in silico molecular docking and MD methods. ADMET profiles were also examined. GEE-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were synthesized. The nanoparticles' morphology, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, release profile, average size, polydispersity index, and zeta potentials were determined. The cytotoxic effects of GEE and GEE-loaded CNPs on the L929 and osteogenic proliferation profiles on human bone marrow stem cells (hBMC) were examined.

Results: The MD analysis revealed no breaks or atomic changes in the dynamic system, and the docking analysis confirmed the continued interaction of identical residues. It was determined that the GEE-loaded CNP formulation was produced successfully, had no toxic effect on the L929, and had an osteogenic proliferation effect on hBMC.

Conclusion: In line with the in vitro and in silico results obtained, it was evaluated that GEE-loaded CNPs can be used as a controlled drug release system as a candidate formulation with phytotherapeutic properties for osteoporosis treatment.q1.

Introduction: With an increasing interest in healthy and affordable cereal intake, efforts are made toward exploiting underutilized cereals with high nutritional values.

Objectives: The current study aims to explore the metabolome diversity in 14 cultivars of chia and quinoa collected from Germany, Austria, and Egypt, compared with wheat and oat as major cereals.

Material and methods: The samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Multivariate data analysis (MVA) was employed for sample classification and markers characterization.

Results: A total of 114 metabolites were quantified (sugars, alcohols, organic and amino acids/nitrogenous compounds, fatty acids/esters), but the inorganic and phenolic acids were only identified. Fatty acids were the major class followed by amino acids in quinoa and chia. Chia and oats were richer in sucrose. Quinoa encompassed higher amino acids. Quinoa and chia were rich in essential amino acids. Higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids especially omega 6 and omega 9 were detected in quinoa versus omega 3 in chia compared with oat and wheat, whereas ω6/ω3 fatty acid ratio of chia was the lowest. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive metabolite profiling of these pseudo cereals.

Conclusion: Quinoa and chia, especially red chia, are more nutritionally valuable compared with oat and wheat because of their compositional profile of free amino acids, organic acids, and essential fatty acids, besides their low ω6/ω3 fatty acid ratio. Such results pose them as inexpensive alternative to animal proteins and encourage their inclusion in infant formulas.