The human body is highly complex and comprises a variety of living cells and extracellular material, which forms tissues, organs, and organ systems. Human cells tend to turn over readily to maintain ...homeostasis in tissues. However, postmitotic nerve cells exceptionally have an ability to regenerate and be sustained for the entire life of an individual, to safeguard the physiological functioning of the central nervous system. For efficient functioning of the CNS, neuronal death is essential, but extreme loss of neurons diminishes the functioning of the nervous system and leads to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases range from acute to chronic severe life-altering conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Millions of individuals worldwide are suffering from neurodegenerative disorders with little or negligible treatment available, thereby leading to a decline in their quality of life. Neuropathological studies have identified a series of factors that explain the etiology of neuronal degradation and its progression in neurodegenerative disease. The onset of neurological diseases depends on a combination of factors that causes a disruption of neurons, such as environmental, biological, physiological, and genetic factors. The current review highlights some of the major pathological factors responsible for neuronal degradation, such as oxidative stress, cell death, and neuroinflammation. All these factors have been described in detail to enhance the understanding of their mechanisms and target them for disease management.
Elastases are a broad group of enzymes involved in the lysis of elastin, the main component of elastic fibres. They are produced and released in the human body, mainly by neutrophils and the ...pancreas. The imbalance between elastase activity and its endogenous inhibitors can cause different illnesses due to their excessive activity. The main aim of this review is to provide an overview of the latest advancements on the identification, structures and mechanisms of action of peptide human neutrophil elastase inhibitors isolated from natural sources, such as plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and sponges. The discovery of new elastase inhibitors could have a great impact on the pharmaceutical development of novel drugs through the optimization of the natural
. Bacteria produce mainly cyclic peptides, while animals provide for long and linear amino acid sequences. Despite their diverse natural sources, these elastase inhibitors show remarkable IC
values in a range from nM to μM values, thus representing an interesting starting point for the further development of potent bioactive compounds on human elastase enzymes.
•The chemical composition and biological activities of extracts of C. ambigua were investigated.•Presence of bioactive compounds in ethyl acetate and n-hexane extract justified the inhibitory ...activity key enzymes.•Ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were most active for the antioxidant assays.•Docking studies further confirmed the observed biological activity of the phytochemicals.
Plant from Caragana genus have interesting potential in folklore medicines and have been explored for various pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to probe into the chemical and biological effects of different extracts of Caragana ambigua Stocks (Fabaceae). Total phenolic and total flavonoids contents were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods, whereas, the secondary metabolites composition was established by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) analysis. Antioxidant potential was estimated via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating assays and the enzyme (cholinesterases, α-amylase, α-glucosidase and tyrosinase) inhibition potential were also assessed. Moreover, in silico docking studies were performed to highlight possible interactions between three major secondary metabolites and the tested enzymes. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited higher phenolic (85.87 ± 2.96 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (66.45 ± 0.37 mg RE/g) contents, which, we propose, are responsible for its higher radical scavenging, reducing power, total antioxidant capacity and tyrosinase inhibition. The n-hexane extract showed stronger anti-cholinesterase and anti-diabetic property. Similarly, UHPLC-MS profiling of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts identified the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and coumarin derivatives. Three of the dominant compounds (isobergaptene, jujubasaponin IV and phellodensin D), were docked against all enzymes and their affinity were compared. Among these compounds, phellodensin D showed highest affinity towards all the studied enzymes. It is therefore, concluded that extracts from C. ambigua showed potent antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potential with potent bioactive molecules which could open new industrial applications.
Mints (Mentha species) are widely used as food, medicine, spice, and flavoring agents. At the present work, phenolics profile of infusion and ethanol extract of Mentha longifolia was determined using ...an RP-HPLC-DAD system. Total bioactive contents, radical scavenging, reducing power, metal chelating, and enzyme inhibitory activities relevant to Alzheimer's disease, diabetes mellitus, and skin disorders were evaluated. Sixteen phenolic compounds (ten phenolic acids and six flavonoids) were identified in the extracts in which sinapic acid (7132 µg/g extract) and rosmarinic acid (6260 µg/g extract) were the most abundant compounds. Strong antioxidant effects were observed in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), cupric ion reducing activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating assays. Results indicated selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and high α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. Findings showed that M. longifolia has promising health benefits due to its high concentration of useful phenolic compounds and has great potential for possible applications in the preparation of functional ingredients.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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•Modern (MAE and UAE) and traditional (MAC) extraction techniques are applied to obtain elderflower extracts.•The qualitative and quantitative content of polyphenolic compounds was ...analyzed.•The best enzyme-inhibitory activity was achieved against tyrosinase.•Significant antioxidant activity was achieved by CUPRAC test.
Since ancient times, elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) has been used in traditional medicine, but also as a supplement in various beverages and dishes. Although elderberry is a widespread species in the Balkan Peninsula, it is not sufficiently exploited and it is barely chemically and biologically characterized. The present study was focused on the phytochemical composition and biological effects of S. nigra flowers’ extracts, obtained by different techniques (microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and maceration (MAC)) in the presence of different solvents (50% ethanol (EtOH) or water (H2O)). The phytochemical profiles of the obtained extracts were determined by LC–MS/MS and spectrophotometric techniques: rutin and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid were found to be the major compounds in all extracts.
To evaluate its biological potential, antioxidant, neuroprotective (acetyl – and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (AChE and BChE)), antityrosinase and antilipase abilities were tested. MAE with 50% EtOH exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, which was in good correlation with the high content of phenolics. The best AChE inhibitory effect was observed by MAC with H2O extract. However, the strongest tyrosinase inhibitors were 50% EtOH extracts. The presented results prove the high biological and industrial potential of S. nigra flowers and open new directions towards novel product design.
•The studied leaves extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity.•Phenolic components were explained for each of the leaves.•Enzyme inhibitory activities of the leaves were assessed for the first ...time.•The leaves are a valuable source of antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors.
The antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of two extracts methanolic and water of nine different fruit tree leaves were assessed. The antioxidant activity of leaves was determined by ABTS (2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical), CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power)assays. The enzyme inhibitory activity was evaluated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and tyrosinase. Individual phenolic components were detected using HPLC-DAD (high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector) technique. Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant compounds in the leaves. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined as 22.24–274.50 milligram gallic acid equivalents (mgGAE/g) and 4.93–46.99 milligram rutin equivalents (mgRE/g), respectively. A higher antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity was observed in pomegranate and carob extract as compared to other leaves. This study suggested that the leaves may be beneficial for preparing novel functional food ingredients.
Berry-derived polyphenols are bioactive compounds synthesized and secreted by several berry fruits. These polyphenols feature a diversity of chemical compounds, including phenolic acids and ...flavonoids. Here, we report the beneficial health effects of berry-derived polyphenols and their therapeutical application on gut-microbiota-related diseases, including inflammation and cancer. Pharmacokinetic investigations have confirmed the absorption, availability, and metabolism of berry-derived polyphenols. In vitro and in vivo tests, as well as clinical trials, showed that berry-derived polyphenols can positively modulate the gut microbiota, inhibiting inflammation and cancer development. Indeed, these compounds inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and also promote beneficial bacteria. Moreover, berry-derived polyphenols exhibit therapeutic effects against different gut-microbiota-related disorders such as inflammation, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Moreover, these polyphenols can manage the inflammation via various mechanisms, in particular the inhibition of the transcriptional factor Nf-κB. Berry-derived polyphenols have also shown remarkable effects on different types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, esophageal, and prostate cancer. Moreover, certain metabolic disorders such as diabetes and atherosclerosis were also managed by berry-derived polyphenols through different mechanisms. These data showed that polyphenols from berries are a promising source of bioactive compounds capable of modulating the intestinal microbiota, and therefore managing cancer and associated metabolic diseases. However, further investigations should be carried out to determine the mechanisms of action of berry-derived polyphenol bioactive compounds to validate their safety and examinate their clinical uses.
Though the incidence of several cancers in Western societies is regulated wisely, some cancers such as breast, lung, and colorectal cancer are currently rising in many low- and middle-income ...countries due to increased risk factors triggered by societal and development problems. Surgery, chemotherapy, hormone, radiation, and targeted therapies are examples of traditional cancer treatment approaches. However, multiple short- and long-term adverse effects may also significantly affect patient prognosis depending on treatment-associated clinical factors. More and more research has been carried out to find new therapeutic agents in natural products, among which the bioactive compounds derived from plants have been increasingly studied. Naringin and naringenin are abundantly found in citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits. A variety of cell signaling pathways mediates their anti-carcinogenic properties. Naringin and naringenin were also documented to overcome multidrug resistance, one of the major challenges to clinical practice due to multiple defense mechanisms in cancer. The effective parameters underlying the anticancer effects of naringenin and naringin include GSK3β inactivation, suppression of the gene and protein activation of NF-kB and COX-2, JAK2/STAT3 downregulation, downregulation of intracellular adhesion molecules-1, upregulation of Notch1 and tyrocite-specific genes, and activation of p38/MAPK and caspase-3. Thus, this review outlines the potential of naringin and naringenin in managing different types of cancers.
Medicinal plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds widely used as medicaments, food additives, perfumes, and agrochemicals. These secondary compounds are produced under stress conditions to ...carry out physiological tasks in plants. Secondary metabolites have a complex chemical structure with pharmacological properties. The widespread use of these metabolites in a lot of industrial sectors has raised the need to increase the production of secondary metabolites. Biotechnological methods of cell culture allow the conservation of plants, as well as the improvement of metabolite biosynthesis and the possibility to modify the synthesis pathways. The objective of this review is to outline the applications of different in vitro culture systems with previously reported relevant examples for the optimal production of plant-derived secondary metabolites.
•Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Capparis spinosa from Lipari Island.•Extractions of buds, salty buds, leaf by different techniques.•HLPC-DAD analysis.•Enzyme inhibition tests on ...α-amylase and α-glucosidase.•Histophysiology modifications of pancreas, liver, kidney.
In this study, the nutraceutical potential of Capparis spinosa L. for the treatment of hyperglycemic states has been thoroughly investigated. A series of in vivo and in vitro tests have been conducted on fresh leaf, buds and salty buds (24h desalted) processed to dry powder. 60% MeOH/H2O extracts were obtained for HPLC analysis and for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition tests. To estimate the in vivo anti-diabetic effect, dry powders of C. spinosa leaf and buds were orally administered to streptozocin-induced diabetic rats over a period of 28days. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed, blood taken for assessment of lipid profile and liver/kidney biochemistry while section of the pancreas, liver and kidneys were processed for general histology. Results showed that the regular administration of C. spinosa leaf or buds normalized all the biochemical parameters and reversed the liver/kidney injury with variable degrees of organ protection.
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