Phytochemical Analysis最新文献

Introduction: Myricariae Ramulus (MR) is a traditional anti-inflammatory Tibetan medicine derived from the branches and leafy twigs of various Myricaria plants, such as Myricaria wardii Marquand.

Objective: This study performed spectrum-effect analyses on 15 batches of MR, sourced from various origins and medicinal parts, to identify quality markers associated with its anti-inflammatory effects.

Materials and methods: The anti-inflammatory effects of different extracts and fractions from M. wardii were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-infected mice. Further analysis was conducted utilizing UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS in the negative ion mode to recognize the compound composition of ethyl acetate (EA) fractions from the branches and leafy twigs of M. wardii. Subsequently, anti-complementary and antioxidant activities were conducted via the hemolysis and ABTS radical scavenging methods, and UPLC chromatograms for 15 batches of samples were established. Finally, spectrum-effect analysis was performed by gray relational analysis and partial least squares regression to identify the quality markers.

Results: The EA fraction effectively alleviated inflammatory responses by regulating IL-6 and myeloperoxidase. A total of 46 compounds from M. wardii were recognized, which mainly encompass gallic derivatives, phenolic amides, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Activity assays demonstrated that the two activities of leafy twigs were significantly stronger than those of branches. Moreover, an obvious distinction in chemical composition between the two parts was observed. Combining the spectrum-effect analysis results, methyl 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzoate, myricarin A, protocatechualdehyde, and N-feruloyl normetanephrine from the branches, and protocatechuic acid from the leafy twigs were considered quality markers.

Conclusion: These results provide insights into improving the quality control of MR.

Introduction: In metalliferous ecosystems, bacteria could develop membrane efflux pumps to extrude heavy metals. Native plants, frequently exposed to such bacteria, may serve as rich chemical reservoirs for discovering potential antibacterial and/or resistance-modifying agents.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the antibacterial properties of Pteris vittata L., a metal hyperaccumulator abundant in metal-rich environments, against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia K279a, an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen linked to severe respiratory tract infections.

Material and methods: A novel approach was used, employing the metabolome of P. vittata in a partial least squares regression model to predict the correlation between the whole chemical profile and activity. Marked compounds were then subjected to in vitro test for bactericidal and synergistic properties using broth dilution and time-kill assays.

Results: The multivariate analysis demonstrated a strong synergistic effect among a range of flavonoids compared to the individual responses. Notably, nine flavonoids were confirmed to reduce the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration values of active compounds, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside and perlagonin, from 64.0 and 108 μg/mL to 0.25 and 3.38 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion: These results provide insights into the possibility of combating clinical infections caused by S. maltophilia and highlight the potential of exploring new synergetic interactions among natural products as an alternative to the conventional bio-guided isolation strategy.

Introduction: The quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a prerequisite for clinical efficacy. However, the existing quality evaluation methods are not strongly correlated with efficacy, and they are unable to adequately reflect the quality grade of Changii Radix (CR).

Objectives: In this study, a biology-related chemical indicator quality grading prediction model was developed to predict the quality grade of CR.

Materials and methods: Firstly, the quality grade of CR was pre-classified based on immunological activity. Subsequently, one-way analysis of variance, gray correlation analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis were employed to identify the chemical indicators associated with immunological activity. Finally, separately using chemical indicators as independent variables and quality grades as dependent variables, the logistic regression model and a multi-index weighted quality comprehensive evaluation index (QCEI) were constructed to predict the quality grade of CR.

Results: The results indicated that 27 batches of CR samples could be divided into three grades of I, II, and III. The gray correlation degrees and Pearson correlation coefficients between water-soluble extractives, polysaccharide, amino acid, and immunological activity all exceeded 0.8 and 0.4 (p < 0.05), respectively. Additionally, both the logistic regression model and QCEI could effectively predict the quality grade of CR, with the logistic regression model showing superior performance.

Conclusion: This study is the first to establish a chemistry-biology integrated strategy for evaluating the quality grade of CR, providing a novel insight into the assessment of TCM quality grade.

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has revealed a deficiency in antiviral agents. Plants, traditionally used for respiratory infections, are valuable sources of antiviral compounds. Such a plant is the Sideritis L. taxa (mountain tea), traditionally used against cold and cough.

Objectives: Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of dichloromethane extracts from Sideritis species against SARS-CoV-2.

Materials and methods: Eight Sideritis extracts were tested in an in vitro pretreatment assay to assess the protective effect against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, infectious virus particles were pre-incubated with the extract, then incubated with Vero E6 cells to finally measure cell viability as a surrogate for virus infection. Untargeted analyses (GC-MS and LC-PDA-HRESIMS) were performed to determine metabolite profiles.

Results: Using an orthogonal approach that combines untargeted metabolomics and biological data from a screening assay, we characterized the phytochemical profiles of the different extracts and prioritized samples for targeted isolation. The dichloromethane extract of Sideritis cypria exhibited a notable protective effect. Untargeted analysis revealed coumarins as key compounds, with varying amounts across Sideritis species. Accordingly, fractionation of extract resulted in the isolation of two coumarin derivatives. Structure elucidation was performed using one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The coumarin, more abundant in S. cypria, demonstrated a slight protective effect in the SARS-CoV-2 pretreatment assay.

Conclusion: This study highlights the antiviral effects of Sideritis taxa, although further investigations are necessary to clarify the full potential of the herb. Additionally, the methodology presented herein can serve as a valuable resource for future phytochemical investigations focused on coumarin content within Sideritis genus.

Introduction: Geum japonicum Thunb. var. chinense F. Bolle (GJ) holds significance as a traditional Miao medicine, one of China's ethnic minorities, extensively utilized in the clinical management of cardiovascular ailments. However, little attention has been directed toward the chemical constituents of GJ, as well as the metabolic and distribution of its chemical constituents in vivo.

Objective: The objective of this study is to qualitatively analyze the chemical constituents of GJ, as well as their prototype components and metabolites in vivo.

Methods: We established a reliable method using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) to conduct a comprehensive analysis of GJ as well as systematically to screen the prototype and metabolite constituents in rat plasma, urine, feces, brain, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney after gastric perfusion.

Results: A total of 94 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized in GJ. Moreover, a total of 75 in vivo components were identified from the plasma, urine, feces, brain, heart, liver, spleen, and kidney of rats gavaged with 500 mg/kg of GJ extract, including 19 prototype components and 56 metabolites. The metabolic pathways, including Phase I reactions and Phase II reactions, for the absorbed constituents, were explored and summarized. Moreover, the metabolic pathways of GJ were proposed, which shed light on their mechanism.

Conclusion: This is the first systematic study on the components of GJ and their metabolites in vivo and in vitro. The metabolite distribution and metabolic pathways of GJ in vivo were further proposed.

Introduction: Cistanche deserticola Ma (CD), an edible and medicinal plant native to Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu in China, is rich in bioactive polysaccharides known for their health-promoting properties. The polysaccharides of C. deserticola (CDPs) have been shown to possess a range of beneficial activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-osteoporosis effects.

Objective: This study seeks to identify the optimal conditions for extracting CDPs using hot water. Additionally, it aims to evaluate their chemical properties, antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic effects, and cytotoxicity. The findings will provide a theoretical foundation for the potential use of CDPs in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Methodology: The study employed response surface methodology to optimize the hot water extraction conditions for CDPs. The extracted CDPs were characterized using a range of chemical, spectroscopic, and instrumental analyses. Furthermore, their antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic effects, and cytotoxicity were evaluated through relevant assays to assess their potential health benefits.

Results: Under optimal conditions, the yield of CDPs was 45.85% ± 1.91%. CDPs were identified as acidic heteropolysaccharides with a wide molecular weight distribution, ranging from 0.3 to 128.2 kDa. They were composed primarily of glucose (51.21%), arabinose (32.86%), galactose (17.88%), and smaller amounts of galacturonic acid (4.66%), rhamnose (1.85%), mannose (1.32%), glucosamine hydrochloride (1.08%), and xylose (0.56%). Antioxidant assays demonstrated that CDPs exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity, metal ion chelation, and reducing power. Additionally, CDPs inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase in vitro through a mixed-type mechanism, as well as static fluorescence quenching. Cytotoxicity assays showed that CDPs were nontoxic to L02 and AML12 cells.

Conclusion: This study offers a theoretical foundation for the potential use of CDPs in functional foods and pharmaceuticals and provides valuable insights for the development of new antioxidant and hypoglycemic agents from natural sources.

Introduction: The growth year of ginseng is relevant to its quality and commercial value. Ginseng rhizome joint number increases by growth year. The relationship between the metabolite accumulation and the growth year of a rhizome remains unclear. Most forest-grown ginseng rhizomes can conveniently be separated into different joints and are suitable materials for investigating ginseng metabolite accumulation.

Objectives: This work aims to elucidate how ginsenoside accumulates in the ginseng rhizome joint and if it is applicable for growth-year determination.

Methods: Forest-grown Panax ginseng rhizomes were separated into different joints according to their growth scars; ginsenosides in each joint were then tested using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The age-related ginsenosides screening was performed using orthogonal partial least squares analysis (OPLS). Several ground-cultivated ginseng rhizomes have also been tested.

Results: Ginsenoside contents in different joints of a rhizome increase with its growth year and reach their corresponding equilibriums in specific years. Notoginsenoside R3 and ginsenoside Rg1 were the most relevant to the growth year. They increase continuously from 0 to 8 years. Perhaps, the OPLS improved the linearity of the relationship between scores and ages. The predictions of the growth year of a rhizome joint using the OPLS models were accurate.

Conclusion: Some ginsenosides increased in ginseng rhizome joints by their growth year. The OPLS score of a rhizome joint can be used to determine its growth year.

Introduction: Morus alba, a member of the Moraceae family, has a long history of medicinal use in China. Its branches, fruits, leaves, and root bark are rich in various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals. These plant parts exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as antidiabetic, antitumor, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. Owing to these properties, various parts of M. alba have been developed into functional foods and health products, attracting considerable public and scientific interest.

Objectives: This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and product development related to different parts of M. alba, with particular emphasis on their respective roles in the development of functional products.

Methods: Relevant literature was retrieved from major scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Information related to the phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, and product development of various parts of M. alba was systematically collected and analyzed.

Results: This review summarizes the chemical composition of different parts of M. alba and their corresponding pharmacological properties. It also highlights recent advancements in the development of functional products derived from M. alba.

Conclusions: M.orus alba contains a wide array of bioactive compounds with promising pharmacological potential. Its various parts have demonstrated potential in the prevention and management of chronic diseases and have been increasingly utilized in the development of functional health products. Further interdisciplinary studies are warranted to facilitate its translational application in modern healthcare.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health problem that requires the development of new bioactive compounds. In this context, metabolomic analyses can expedite the research of fungal metabolites as a valuable resource.

Objectives: To investigate the metabolic profiles and isolate antibacterial compounds from micromycetes associated with Mexican cloud forest ants by utilizing network analysis of their chemical and bioactivity data.

Material and methods: 248 fungal strains isolated from six ant's species, soil of their anthills, and soil of the surroundings were evaluated for their in vitro inhibition growth of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae; subsequently, their metabolites were dereplicated and analyzed by molecular networking and compound activity mapping from spectrometric data. Prioritization of some fungi for isolation of their major constituents was performed, and their structures were established by spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis and their bioactivity determined.

Results: From the fungal collection, 15 secondary metabolites (1-15) were dereplicated, and 10 compounds (16-25), including the new (E)-tridec-7-ene-3,5,6,10-tetraol (25), were isolated from Ascomycetes of Trichoderma, Cladosporium, and Clonostachys genera. Compounds 16-18 stood out for being bioactive. This study is the first report of antibacterial activity against A. baumannii for the tricyclic pyridin-2-ones deoxy-PF1140 (16) and PF1140 (17), with minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 μg/mL.

Conclusion: Network analysis and dereplication proved effective in bioprospecting for antibacterial compounds, offering valuable insights into the chemical diversity of cloud forest soil fungi and their potential applications. Moreover, this study broadens the knowledge of fungal secondary metabolites linked to leafcutter, fire, and warrior ants.

Introduction: In China, Typhae Pollen (TP) has been extensively utilized as a medicinal product, which is the dried pollen from the male inflorescences of Typha angustifolia L. (TA), Typha orientalis Presl (TO), or species within the same genus. However, existing methods for differentiating the botanical origin and controlling the quality of TP are confusing, unreliable, and unsystematic.

Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the microstructural similarities and differences between pollen grains of the two species and to develop a comprehensive method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple flavonoids and phenolic acids in TP.

Methodology: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the dried pollen grains. A comprehensive analytical approach was developed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze 17 flavonoids and phenolic acids. Discrepancies in constituents were further explored using partial least squares discrimination analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis.

Results: Microscopic examination revealed distinct differences between the pollen grains of the two species, which could be distinguished using SEM. The analytical methods established for these 17 constituents-comprising 13 flavonoids and 4 phenolic acids-proved reliable and accurate. The flavonoid glycosides in TP could be categorized into three distinct groups. In TA, the average contents of constituents 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12 were higher than in TO, whereas the reverse was true for constituents 7, 14, 16, and 17. Constituents 9, 10, and 13 were unique to TO. And constituent 14 should be chosen as a more appropriate quality indicator for TO. Chemometric techniques effectively differentiated between TA and TO.

Conclusions: This study contributes to enhancing quality control and facilitating botanical origin identification of TP and provides an experimental foundation for improving its standards.