Antioxidant ability of Chenopodium formosanum extracted using an ethanol–ammonium sulfate two-phase system

Background Chenopodium formosanum (CF) provides the human body with numerous nutritional components. This study used the two-phase system to identify an efficient method to obtain CF extracts. CF extraction was performed using an ethanol–ammonium sulfate two-phase system. The efficacy of different CF extracts with five types of antioxidant ability was tested and compared with traditional aqueous and alcohol extractions. Results The results showed that a separated top of the two-phase system extract had higher total phenol content (120.35 ± 5.80 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry extract), total flavonoid content (447.06 ± 16.57 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry extract) and reducing ability (284.48 ± 4.60 mg vitamin C equivalent/g dry extract) than those of other extracts. Furthermore, the separated top of the two-phase system extract and the top of the two-phase system extract had higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging ability and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radical scavenging ability than those of the water extract, alcohol extract, bottom of two-phase system extract, and separated bottom of two-phase system extract. Conclusions The results indicate that CF has great potential for use in natural plant health supplements and skin care products and that the two-phase extraction system can yield an effective CF extract. Graphical Abstract

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for chrysanthemum stem and leaf in zebrafish inflammatory bowel disease model and identification of the bioactive compositions by UPLC-TQ/MS

Background Modern studies have shown that chrysanthemum has anti-inflammatory, regulating intestinal function and other effects, chrysanthemum stem and leaf as a nonmedicinal part of chrysanthemum, has similar chemical components with chrysanthemum, so it is speculated that chrysanthemum stem and leaf also has the effect of regulating intestinal inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiinflammatory and antioxidant effect of chrysanthemum stem and leaf extract through zebrafish inflammatory bowel disease model, and to detect flavonoids, phenolic acids and polysaccharides in chrysanthemum stem and leaf extract. Methods DSS induced inflammatory bowel disease model of zebrafish was used. Aliciin blue staining was used to observe the secretion of intestinal acid mucin, and H&E staining was used to detect the inflammatory cell infiltration. Superoxide dismutase activity was determined by kit, and the expression levels of key inflammatory cytokines IL-1 β , IL8 and MMP9 were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, UPLC-TQ /MS method was used to detect the contents of flavonoids and phenolic acids in chrysanthemum stem and leaf extracts. Neutral and acidic polysaccharides were determined by the phenol-sulfuric acid method and the carbazol-sulfuric acid method. Results H&E staining showed that extracts from chrysanthemum stem and leaf inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration to varying degrees. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines IL-1 β , IL8 and MMP9 were significantly increased in DSS induced zebrafish. The extracts inhibited the expression of IL-1 β , IL8 and MMP9 in DSS induced zebrafish. The water extract 0.2mg/ mL and alcohol extract 0.04mg/ mL had the most significant inhibition. Superoxide dismutase activity in extract treatment group was also up-regulated compared with model group. The results showed that the contents of total flavonoids and phenolic acids in the alcohol extract of chrysanthemum stem and leaf were significantly higher than those in the water extract of chrysanthemum stem and leaf, but the water-soluble polysaccharides were significantly more in the water extract of chrysanthemum stem and leaf. Conclusions In conclusion, this study suggests that chrysanthemum stem and leaf extract can improve inflammatory bowel disease of zebrafish through antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities.

First Total Synthesis of Isopsoralenoside

The first total synthesis of the natural product iopsoralenoside, isolated from the n-butyl alcohol extract of Fructus Psoraleae (FP), was achieved in 17% yield over 7 steps. The key steps of the process are the glycosylation and irradiation promoted by ultraviolet light. This synthesis provides a sufficient amount of synthesized trans- and cis-isopsoralenoside for further bioassays.

Green synthesis, characterization of Radix Hedysari-mediated silver nanoparticles and its sensitive colorimetric detection for Pb2+ in Yellow River Medium

In this study, a safe, rapid, and environment-friendly green synthesis for silver nanoparticles using the alcohol extract of Radix Hedysari (RH-AgNPs) was developed, the alcohol extract of Radix Hedysari (RH)...

Effects of alcoholic extract of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) on pregnancy outcome in female Wistar rats

Myristica fragrans has been reported to be a medicinal plant as it possesses hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, antiulcer, anticancer and immunostimulatory properties, as well as antifertility potentials. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of alcoholic extract of M. fragrans on dam size, litter size, pup weight, ovarian follicles, endometrial glands and histopathological indices on pregnancy outcomes in female Wistar rats using standard methods. Pregnancy was induced in forty-eight (48) female Wistar rats that were randomly selected and assigned into four (4) groups of twelve (12) rats each: Group 1 (pregestational phase of pregnancy), Group 2 (germinal phase of pregnancy), Group 3 (embryonic phase of pregnancy) and Group 4 (Fetal phase of pregnancy). The treated animals all received 1500 mg of alcoholic extract of M. fragrans. Administration of distilled water and the extract was by orogastric tube. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the IBM SPSS statistics software (Statistical Package for Social Science) (Version 25) and relevant statistical values were obtained. The extract prevented the proliferation of ovarian follicles and endometrial glands. In addition, during the pregestational, germinal and embryonic phases, there were significant increases in weight of pups when the treated animals were compared to the control group. The dams also showed decreases in body weight during the embryonic phase. This study therefore demonstrated that alcohol extract of Myristica fragrans may serve as a contraceptive agent in view of its anti-fertility effect.

The inhibitory effect of aqueous and alcoholic extract of red pepper on some isolated pathogenic bacteria from different areas of human body

In most underdeveloped nations, traditional medicine, including herbal treatment, is still widely used. Due to the growth of antibiotic resistance, this study aims to use pepper as an anti-bacterial as alternative to antibiotics. Pepper is one of the most important plants used as a medicine for a long time in various countries and civilizations. This study aims to use pepper as an anti-bacterial in alternative to antibiotics. The current study included the inhibitory efficacy of aqueous and alcoholic red pepper extract on seven bacterial isolates: -Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp, Escherichia coli, Klebseilla spp, Salmonella spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus spp. These isolates were isolated from different pathologies and regions, and they were diagnosed according to the site of infection. Several antibiotics were also used as a standard control sample for germs. This study shows that the highest inhibitory Effect against E. coli bacterium, as the average inhibition diameter was about 16.5 mm, and it is an excellent inhibitory when compared to the antagonist's gentamicin and nitrofurantoin as it showed good inhibitory efficacy against the bacteria such as S. aureus P. aeruginosa, and Salmonella spp. While the effect on Klebsiella was equal, on the other hand, the aqueous extract did not show any efficacy against Proteus spp, as was shown in the results. The results also showed that Staph. Aureus bacteria were the most affected by the alcohol extract of the red pepper as it showed a high inhibition zone compared with the control sample tetracycline and nitrofurantoin. The plant's aqueous and alcoholic red pepper extracts were effective against the tested bacterial isolates. The plant's aqueous and alcoholic red pepper extract has good inhibitory efficacy against the studied bacterial isolates.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF EXTRACTS OF GINSENG REAL ROOT (PANAX GINSENG) OBTAINED BY SEQUENTIAL EXTRACTION WITH DIFFERENT-POLAR SOLVENTS

Экстракцию корней женьшеня осуществляют водно-спиртовыми растворами или водой с последующим консервированием этиловым спиртом. При этом отмечается неполное извлечение биологически активных компонентов. Анализ химического состава корней женьшеня показал, что в них содержатся вещества различной полярности, поэтому целесообразно для лучшего извлечения экстрактивных веществ (ЭВ) проводить экстракцию этого лекарственного сырья в три этапа с использованием в качестве растворителей сжиженного диоксида углерода, этилового спирта и воды. Объектами исследования были экстракты, полученные из двух образцов измельченных корней женьшеня: из образца сырья 1 получены при последовательной экстракции СО2-экстракт из исходного сырья, спиртовой и водный экстракты; из образца сырья 2 – спиртовой экстракт из исходного сырья и водный экстракт из сырья, подвергнутого экстракции этиловым спиртом. Установлено, что последовательная экстракция сжиженным диоксидом углерода, этиловым спиртом и водой увеличивает выход ЭВ на 7% в сравнении с экстракцией только этиловым спиртом и водой. В составе СО2-экстракта корней женьшеня содержание токоферолов и других соединений фенольного ряда составляет 3,8%, каротиноидов 0,04%. Предварительная экстракция сжиженным диоксидом углерода корней женьшеня увеличивает выход органических кислот, флавоноидов и анионов солей в 5,8 раза; органических веществ, определенных методом ГЖХ, в 2,5 раза; моно-, ди- и полисахаридов в водном экстракте на 33,2% . В спиртовых экстрактах отмечено наибольшее содержание минеральных веществ: макроэлементов – магния, калия и фосфора; микроэлементов – марганца, железа, меди и йода. Общий выход сапонинов при последовательной экстракции корней женьшеня, включающей СО2-экстракцию, увеличивается на 9,7%. Результаты исследования подтверждают целесообразность разработки технологии комплексной переработки корней женьшеня, включающей применение в качестве растворителей сжиженного диоксида углерода, этилового спирта и воды. Extraction of ginseng roots is carried out with water-alcohol solutions or water, followed by preservation with ethyl alcohol. At the same time incomplete extraction of biologically active components is noted. Analysis of the chemical composition of ginseng roots shows that they contain substances of different polarities, so it is advisable to extract this medicinal raw material in three stages using liquefied carbon dioxide, ethyl alcohol and water as solvents for better extraction of extractive substances (ES). The objects of the study were extracts obtained from two samples of crushed ginseng roots: from a sample of raw materials 1, CO2-extract from the feedstock, alcohol and water extracts were obtained by sequential extraction; from a sample of raw materials 2 an alcohol extract from the feedstock and water aqueous extract from raw materials extracted with ethyl alcohol. It was found that sequential extraction with liquefied carbon dioxide, ethyl alcohol and water increases the ES yield by 7% in comparison with extraction with only ethyl alcohol and water. In the composition of the CO2-extract of ginseng roots, the content of tocopherols and other phenolic compounds is 3,8%, carotenoids 0,04%. Preliminary extraction of ginseng roots with liquefied carbon dioxide increases the yield of organic acids, flavonoids and anions of salts by 5,8 times; organic substances determined by the gas-liquid chromatography method by 2,5 times; mono-, di- and polysaccharides in an aqueous extract by 33,2%. The alcohol extracts have the highest content of minerals: macronutrients – magnesium, potassium and phosphorus; microelements – manganese, iron, copper and iodine. The total yield of saponins during sequential extraction of ginseng roots, including CO2-extraction, increases by 9,7%. The results of the study confirm the feasibility of developing a technology for complex processing of ginseng roots, including the use of liquefied carbon dioxide, ethyl alcohol and water as solvents.

An alcohol extract prepared from the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. promotes synoviocyte apoptosis and ameliorates bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease dominated by synovial hyperplasia and bone destruction. The male flower of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EF) has been shown to exert effects on the inflammation caused by RA. However, how EF affects synoviocyte apoptosis and bone destruction on RA have not been investigated thoroughly. The effects of EF on apoptosis of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes-rheumatoid arthritis (HFLS-RA) cells, osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells, and bone destruction in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in rats were explored. Methods First, the main components of EF were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro, we investigated the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of EF on HFLS-RA cells by immunofluorescence assays, flow cytometry, real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blotting; we also investigated how EF influenced the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts. In vivo, we used a rat model of CIA to investigate the effects of EF on anti-arthritis activity, toe swelling, Arthritis Score, serum levels of metabolic bone factors, and pathologic conditions. Micro-computed tomography was used to scan ankle joints. mRNA and protein expression of factors related to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were determined by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. Results EF inhibited synoviocyte proliferation and promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. EF inhibited osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB pathway. EF reduced articular inflammation in CIA rats, inhibited the expression of pro-angiogenic factors, and delayed the destruction of articular cartilage and bone. Our data indicated that EF acted via a mechanism related to bone metabolism induced by the NF-κB pathway. Conclusions EF exerts a potential therapeutic effect upon RA. Our research will help to elucidate the potential pharmacologic mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of EF, and provide an experimental basis for EF application in clinical treatments. Graphical Abstract

Ecological and sustainable synthesis of silver nanoparticles from alcoholic extract of Eucalyptus globulus: Evaluation of alcoholic solvent influence (70° and 96°)

The present study provides an ecological and sustainable methodology for obtaining nanostructured material from Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, as a potential value-added alternative and a contribution to circular economy. Silver nanoparticles (NP Ag) were synthesized, through the reducing action of the alcoholic extracts of eucalyptus on the precursor silver nitrate (AgNO3) evaluating the influence of alcoholic solvent (70 ° and 96 °) and pH in the synthesis. The silver colloids obtained were evaluated by UV-vis spectrophotometry, which shows the formation of nanoparticles through the plasmon resonance peak; showing that for pH values 9.9 and 10 with alcohol extract of 70 ° and 96 ° respectively, silver nanoparticles with plasmon resonance peaks at 410 nm and 412.5 nm are obtained. While for pH values 3.86, 11.8 (96°) and 4.7, 8.2 (70°) nanoparticles with higher polydispersity and in a lower proportion are obtained. The results suggest that the alcoholic extracts of eucalyptus can act as reducing agents and that the optimum pH value for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles corresponds to 10.

Compatibility of the fungus Lecanicillium muscarium and the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii for their combined application against the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum

The present study evaluated effects of the fungus Lecanicillium muscarium (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) and an organic extract from its mycelium on the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and its predator, mite Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Mites were exposed to fungal spores or organic extract prepared from L. muscarium mycelium. No negative effect was shown on the predator feeding on T. vaporariorum nymphs treated with fungal conidia at a concentration of 5 × 107 spores/ml; by day six the number of mite eggs and nymphs was 18.7 % higher than on leaves treated with Tween 80. In contrast, treatment of leaves with a 0.5 % alcohol extract derived from L. muscarium mycelium caused 35 % mortality of A. swirskii adults by day two. In a trial conducted in a commercial greenhouse on rose plants, the application of L. muscarium conidia followed by the release of A. swirskii suppressed T. vaporariorum more effectively than each of the control agents applied separately.