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Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries

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A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmaceutical Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 32199
Related Special Issue: Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ibrahim M. Abu-Reidah

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1. Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Avenida, Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
2. Core Science Facility, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada
Interests: phytochemicals; functional foods; natural products; plant biodiversity; medicinal plants; food plants; bioactivity; polyphenols; flavonoids; secondary metabolite profiling
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Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit original articles to the Special Issue entitled “Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification, and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries”.

Interest has grown around natural plant extracts in food and beverage applications, their role in food technology, quality, and their therapeutic use in inhibiting several diseases. The protecting effects of healthy diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are due not only to fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but also to a diversity of plant secondary metabolites, in particular, phenolic compounds, which are considered among the most important classes originating in plant-derived secondary metabolites. Phenolic compounds are renowned for their possession of a wide array of remarkable biochemical and pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Consequently, these compounds can be functional in the prevention of many diseases as well as in health maintenance, in addition to phenolic-varied applications in the nutraceutical, food, and pharmaceutical industries, and due to their importance in the pharma- and nutraceutical arenas. This Special Issue will gather the most recent contributions concerning their chemistry, extraction methods, and analytical techniques, along with their biological activities. The interpretation of phenolic bioactivities on a molecular basis by means of both well-established and advanced bio-analytical techniques is also welcome.

We would like to invite researchers to participate in this Special Issue by submitting a contribution in their field of expertise. Both original research papers and global or specialized critical reviews are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

Advanced analytical methodologies for the isolation, purification, and analysis of phytochemicals from food, food wastes, and medicinal plants;
Phenolic compounds and metabolites in plants, food, and biological samples;
Biological activities and mechanisms of action;
Health benefits, in vivo evaluation;
Development of novel antioxidants and phenolic-based nutraceuticals and functional ingredients.

Dr. Ibrahim M. Abu-Reidah
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Phytochemical characterization
Pharmacological activity
Fingerprint
Secondary metabolites
Liquid and gas chromatographies
Mass spectrometry
Analytical methods
Phenolics
Bioactive compounds
Functional ingredients

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 199 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue on “Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries”

by Ibrahim M. Abu-Reidah

Processes 2023, 11(9), 2801; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr11092801 - 21 Sep 2023

Viewed by 612

Abstract

There is a growing interest in utilizing natural plant extracts in the food and beverage industries [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

Research

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17 pages, 2960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Kojic Acid by Aspergillus niger M4 with Different Concentrations of Yeast Extract as a Nitrogen Source

by Tomasa Quiterio-Gutiérrez, Susana González-Morales, José Antonio González-Fuentes, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Fabián Fernández-Luqueño, Julia Medrano-Macías and Armando Robledo-Olivo

Processes 2023, 11(6), 1724; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr11061724 - 05 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2110

Abstract

In agro-industrial processes, microorganisms that are not pathogenic and that generate molecules are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The Aspergillus niger fungus has different industrial applications, being used to produce citric acid and 166 other secondary metabolites. The objective of this research was to optimize a culture medium to induce the production of kojic acid (KA) by the Aspergillus niger M4 strain in a liquid fermentation process. Four fermentative kinetics were developed in flasks, using different levels of yeast extract in (1) 0.05 g/L, (2) 0.10 g/L, (3) 2.5 g/L, and (4) 2.5 g/L + Zinc sulfate. The culture medium conditions influenced the formation and speed of biomass and the synthesis and yield of KA. The optimum production points were from 72 h and 96 h with 0.552 g/L and 0.510 g/L of KA using 2.5 g/L of yeast extract and with a pH of 5.5. The Aspergillus niger M4 strain had the ability to produce kojic acid, which was induced by the concentration of the nitrogen source. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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13 pages, 16404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Beneficial Effect of Salicornia herbacea Extract and Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside on Obesity

by Ji Hwan Lee, Sanghyun Lee, Jun Yeon Park, Il-Ho Park, Ki Sung Kang and Myoung-Sook Shin

Processes 2023, 11(4), 977; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr11040977 - 23 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2255

Abstract

Salicornia herbacea is a halophyte indigenous to marine coastal areas and salt fields and has been used as a traditional remedy for diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and indigestion. Its component isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside (IR3G) may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-adipogenic properties. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effect of S. herbacea extract and IR3G on mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes and db/db obesity mice. S. herbacea extract and IR3G inhibited lipase in a concentration-dependent manner. Oil Red O staining disclosed that S. herbacea extract and IR3G significantly suppressed lipid accumulation and adipogenesis and also inhibited the expression of the C/EBPα in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In experiments using db/db mice, administering of S. herbacea extract limited body weight gain and significantly reduced feed efficiency and adipose tissue weight. Moreover, analyzing blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein, it was confirmed that LDL was significantly decreased and total cholesterol slightly reduced by S. herbacea extract. However, there was no significant change by S. herbacea extract in the changes in blood levels of leptin and adiponectin. Taken together, these results suggest that S. herbacea extract and IR3G inhibit adipogenesis by suppressing the pro-adipogenic transcription factors in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and prevent obesity by regulating the blood lipid profile as well as the weight of adipose tissue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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17 pages, 6480 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Inhibitory Potential of Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil against Growth, Biofilm Formation, Swarming, and Swimming in Pseudomonas syringae Isolates

by María Evangelina Carezzano, María Fernanda Paletti Rovey, Jesica P. Sotelo, Melina Giordano, Pablo Bogino, María de las Mercedes Oliva and Walter Giordano

Processes 2023, 11(3), 933; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr11030933 - 18 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1364

Abstract

As a follow-up to previous studies, the effects of Thymus vulgaris essential oil on selected virulence factors (growth, sessile cell survival, swimming, swarming, and exopolysaccharide production) were evaluated in phytopathogenic Pseudomonas syringae strains isolated from soybean fields in Argentina; reference strains Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea B076 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. P. syringae are responsible for bacterial blight, a disease that affects crops worldwide. Plant bacterioses are usually treated with antibiotics and copper compounds, which may contribute to the development of resistance in pathogens and damage the environment. For these reasons, eco-friendly alternatives are necessary. Although aromatic plants are a natural source of antimicrobial substances, the effects of these substances on phytopathogenic bacteria remain largely unexplored. Subinhibitory concentrations of the oil significantly reduced the slope and rate of bacterial growth. In addition, biofilm and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production were inhibited, with swimming and swarming motility patterns being affected at all of the oil concentrations tested. Therefore, TEO could potentially be a highly efficient antipseudomonal agent for treating plant infections caused by P. syringae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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15 pages, 4027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Sargassum spp. from the Mexican Caribbean and Its Valorization through Fermentation Process

by Rosa María Paredes-Camacho, Susana González-Morales, José Antonio González-Fuentes, Rosa María Rodríguez-Jasso, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Ana Verónica Charles-Rodríguez and Armando Robledo-Olivo

Processes 2023, 11(3), 685; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr11030685 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3488

Abstract

Sargassum is a brown macroalga that has become a general environmental problem in the Mexican Caribbean. Despite the negative effects on the beaches, the algae contain compounds of biotechnological and agronomic interest. The possibility of using sargassum as a substrate under liquid media fermentation (LMF) processes will allow the obtention of bioactive compounds. In this research, five species of Sargassum from the Puerto Morelos region were collected from the beach. The samples were divided into natural Sargassum and washed Sargassum, and the total phenolic compounds (TPC), flavonoids (F), and antioxidant capacity (AOxC) were determined. Once the material was characterized, it was fermented in the LMF process using the Aspergillus niger strain, where the obtained extracts were analyzed. Three holopelagic and one benthic species were identified. The proximal analysis of the seaweed in natural and washed conditions shows adequate carbon–nitrogen ratio values for use as a substrate for microbial degradation. Comparing the fermented extracts with fresh Sargassum, the analyses showed a TPC increase for washed Sargassum fermentation and a TPC decrease for natural Sargassum fermentation; the flavonoid content reached 8-fold higher in the washed Sargassum fermentation. An average AOxC of 57% was achieved during the washed Sargassum LMF process, with a maximum of 69% of ABTS inhibition. Considering these results, Sargassum can be used as a substrate in LMF processes to obtain bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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11 pages, 1345 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Isolation, Characterization, and Breast Cancer Cytotoxic Activity of Gyrophoric Acid from the Lichen Umbilicaria muhlenbergii

by Mahshid Mohammadi, Vasudeo Zambare, Zacharias Suntres and Lew Christopher

Processes 2022, 10(7), 1361; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10071361 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

Lichens produce a large variety of secondary metabolites with diverse bioactivities, chemical structures, and physicochemical properties. For this reason, there is a growing interest in the use of lichen-derived bioactive molecules for drug discovery and development. Here, we report on the isolation, identification, and cytotoxic evaluation of gyrophoric acid (GA) from the lichen Umbilicaria muhlenbergii, a largely unexplored and scantly described lichen species. A simple purification protocol was developed for the fractionation of lichen crude extracts with silica gel column chromatography using solvents with changing polarity. GA was identified in one of the fractions with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ion trap mass spectrometry (MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR). The FTIR spectra demonstrated the presence of aromatic and ester functional groups C=C, C-H, and C=O bonds, with the most remarkable signals recorded at 1400 cm⁻¹ for the aromatic region, at 1400 cm⁻¹ for the CH₃ groups, and at 1650 cm⁻¹ for the carbonyl groups in GA. The MS spectra showed a molecular ion [M-1]⁻ at (m/z) 467 with a molecular weight of 468.4 and the molecular formula C₂₄H₂₀O_10. that correspond to GA. The ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectra verified the chemical shifts that are typical for GA. GA reduced the cell viability of breast cancer cells from the MCF-7 cell line by 98%, which is indicative of the strong cytotoxic properties of GA and its significant potential to serve as a potent anticancer drug. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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14 pages, 2731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GC–MS-Based Metabolites Profiling, In Vitro Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Properties of Different Solvent Extracts from the Botanical Parts of Micromeria fruticosa (Lamiaceae)

by Mohammad Al-Nuri, Ibrahim M. Abu-Reidah, Anwar A. Alhajeh, Ghadeer Omar, Ghaleb Adwan and Ismail Warad

Processes 2022, 10(5), 1016; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10051016 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1786

Abstract

The present study assessed the metabolites and bioactivities of Micromeria fruticosa plant parts extracted with various solvents (ethanol, n-hexane, and water) through the steeping extraction method. Thereafter, the extracts were analyzed using GC-MS. Moreover, the extracts were tested for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. The quali-quantitative analysis of Micromeria fruticosa crude extracts revealed the occurrence of 27 secondary metabolites. Some major bioactives identified were menthone, oleamide, pulegone, and menthol. Numerous antioxidant minerals, viz., Fe, Zn, and Mn, were present. The water extract of leaves exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity (89.73%), followed by the water extract of flowers (80.07%) at 100 μg/mL. The stems’ water extract demonstrated greater antimicrobial activity against all the bacteria species tested. The ethanolic leaf and aqueous stem extracts exhibited strong activity against C. albicans and E. coli. Flowers’ aqueous extract demonstrated the highest cytostatic effect on the colon cell line by reducing viability, followed by the leaves’ ethanol extract. The extraction solvents influenced the recovery of phytocompounds, and the highest pharmacological activities of the different extracts could be correlated to the presence of additional bioactives. Our results suggest that the Micromeria fruticosa plant is a favorable source of natural products with promising properties for potential nutraceutical and functional food applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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15 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

From Hops to Craft Beers: Production Process, VOCs Profile Characterization, Total Polyphenol and Flavonoid Content Determination and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation

by Matteo Iannone, Elisa Ovidi, Sara Vitalini, Valentina Laghezza Masci, Andrea Marianelli, Marcello Iriti, Antonio Tiezzi and Stefania Garzoli

Processes 2022, 10(3), 517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10030517 - 05 Mar 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2838

Abstract

In this work, selections of seven international hop varieties and three craft beers obtained from them were analyzed by SPME-GC/MS techniques with the aim to describe their volatile chemical profile. The brewing process was also reported. Furthermore, the hop extracts and beers were investigated to determine their flavonoid and polyphenol content and to evaluate their antioxidant power by DPPH and ABTS assays. The findings showed the presence of compounds belonging to different chemical classes such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, alcohols, esters and fatty acids. In particular, sesquiterpenes were the main compounds with β-caryophyllene (from 1.7 to 16.2%) and humulene (from 10.8 to 43.9%) as the major components in all varieties of dried hop cones investigated. On the contrary, with the exception for the Pacific sample, monoterpenes were the class of compounds that were more abundant in the hop extracts and, among these, β-myrcene appeared to be the predominant constituent (from 31.8 to 71.4%). Regarding the craft beers obtained by adding these hop varieties, some differences in the qualitative and quantitative volatile composition have been found. All hop samples showed a high scavenging potential against both radicals. In the case of DPPH, the obtained IC₅₀ values ranged from 0.027 to 0.047 mg/mL while they varied between 0.023 and 0.134 mg/mL by the ABTS assay. A positive correlation was found with polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Among beer samples, ACD was the richest one in polyphenols (292.0 mg GAE/100 mL beer) and flavonoids (5.8 mg QE/100 mL beer) and the most powerful against DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals with IC₅₀ values equal to 4.969 and 0.198 v/v%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

15 pages, 838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Characterization and Preliminary Evaluation of the Efficacy and Tolerability of a Food Supplement Based on Pomegranate Extract, B Vitamins, and Vitamin C against Prolonged Fatigue in Healthy Consumers

by Cristina Esposito, Cristina Santarcangelo, Alessandro Di Minno, Roberto Sacchi, Eduardo Sommella, Lorenza Francesca De Lellis, Maria Antonietta De Pasquale, Francesca Montarolo, Pietro Campiglia, Alessandra Baldi, Costanza Riccioni and Maria Daglia

Processes 2022, 10(2), 208; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr10020208 - 22 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3911

Abstract

Fatigue, characterized by periods of exhaustion that interfere with normal activities and negatively affect quality of life, can be classified as prolonged fatigue (or short-term fatigue, SF) or chronic fatigue. Vitamin deficiency and chronic inflammation seem to be possible causes of fatigue. Due to the unavailability of effective remedies that attenuate fatigue and provide consumer satisfaction, the aim of this investigation is to assess whether a commercial food supplement consisting of pomegranate extract with known anti-inflammatory activity, B vitamins, and vitamin C can help fight SF. To this end, the chemical composition of whole fruit pomegranate dry extract was determined through a RP-UHPLC–HRMS method, which indicated the presence of ellagitannins, gallotannins, and organic and phenolic acids. In a survey of consumers of food supplements aimed at reducing fatigue, 78 subjects (21 men and 57 women) were recruited for one month to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of this food supplement through validated questionnaires for assessing fatigue level and quality of life. The consumers reported a significant improvement in their conditions without adverse effects over this time period. Although further studies are needed, these preliminary data suggest the capacity of a combination of pomegranate extract and hydrosoluble vitamins to alleviate SF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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15 pages, 2172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Neuropharmacological Potential of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer and In-Silico Study against β-Amyloid Precursor Protein

by Md. Saidur Rahman, Md. Nazmul Hasan Zilani, Md. Aminul Islam, Md. Munaib Hasan, Md. Muzahidul Islam, Farzana Yasmin, Partha Biswas, Akinori Hirashima, Md. Ataur Rahman, Md. Nazmul Hasan and Bonglee Kim

Processes 2021, 9(8), 1449; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr9081449 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3888

Abstract

Medicinal plants possess a surplus of novel and biologically active secondary metabolites that are responsible for counteracting diseases. Traditionally, Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer is used to treat mental disorders. The present research was designed to explore phytochemicals from the ethanol leaf extract of Gomphandra tetrandra (Wall.) Sleumer to identify the potential pharmacophore(s) in the treatment of neurological disorders. The chemical compounds of the experimental plant were identified through GC-MS analysis. In-vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using different methods. Furthermore, in-vivo neurological activity was assessed in Swiss-albino mice. Computer-aided analysis was appraised to determine the best-fit phytoconstituent of a total of fifteen identified compounds in the experimental plant extract against beta-amyloid precursor protein. The experimental extract revealed fifteen compounds in GC-MS analysis and the highest content was 9, 12, 15-octadecatrienoic acid (z,z,z). The extract showed potent antioxidant activity in in-vitro assays. Furthermore, in in-vivo neurological assays, the extract disclosed significant (p < 0.05) neurological activity. The most favorable phytochemicals as neurological agents were selected via ADMET profiling, and molecular docking was studied with beta-amyloid precursor protein. In the computer-aided study, 1, 5-diphenyl-2h-1, 2, 4-triazoline-3-thione (Pub Chem CID: 2802516) was more active than other identified compounds with strong binding affinity to beta-amyloid precursor protein. The present in vivo and in silico studies revealed neuropharmacological features of G. tetrandra leaf extract as a natural agent against neurological disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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18 pages, 1033 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PROMANCOA Modular Technology for the Valorization of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) and Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Agricultural Biowastes

by Alberto J. Núñez-Sellés, Alejandro J. Abril-González and Marlen Ramil-Mesa

Processes 2021, 9(8), 1312; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr9081312 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1981

Abstract

PROMANCOA modular technology (PMT) aims at the development of modular agricultural biowaste valorization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) cultivars within the concept of circular economy in agriculture management. The modular design includes four modules: (1) green raw material (GRM) selection and collection, (2) GRM processing, (3) GRM extraction, in order to obtain bioactive green extracts (BGE) and bioactive green ingredients (BGI), and (4) quality control, which lead to formula components for food, feed, nutraceutical and/or cosmeceutical products. PMT was applied to mango stem bark and tree branches, and cocoa pod husk and bean shells, from cultivars of mango and cocoa in provinces of the Dominican Republic (DR). PMT might be applied to other agricultural biowastes, where a potential of value-added BGE/BGI may be present. Alongside the market potential of these bioactive ingredients, the reduction of carbon dioxide and methane emissions of agricultural biowastes would be a significant contribution in order to reduce the greenhouse effect of these residuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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12 pages, 1839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

UPLC-QToF Nanospray MS and NMR Analysis of Ficus sycomorus Stem Bark and Its Effects on Rabbit

by Ahmed Dawod, Said I. Fathalla, Ahmed Elkhatam, Noha Osman, Nagwa Sheraiba, Mohamed A. Hammad, Hesham R. El-Seedi, Awad A. Shehata and Anis Anis

Processes 2021, 9(7), 1201; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr9071201 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1985

Abstract

In the present study, a phytochemical of Ficus sycomorus (Moraceae family) was screened, and the effect of this extract on rabbit performance indices, immunity, and carcass quality measures was determined. Ficus sycomorus samples were collected, air-dried, and extracted with 70% methanol to prepare a solution of 100 mg/mL concentration. The extract was subjected to high-resolution mass spectrometric measurements via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-nanospray mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS) and 1H NMR analysis. Forty-eight male rabbits, one-month-old, belonging to the Blanc de Bouscat and New Zealand White breeds were selected and distributed equally in a 2 × 3 factorial trial. The rabbits within each breed received F. sycomorus extract at the dose of 0, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 60 days. Blood samples were collected and serum obtained for the detection of liver enzymes, serum lipids, and proteins. The results of UPLC-QToF-MS and molecular networking analysis revealed the presence of procyanidin B2, procyanidin A1, genistein, eriodyctiol, catechin, luteolin, biochanin A, and chlorogenic acid that might exhibit various pharmaceutical activities. However, the F. sycomorus extract reduced rabbit performance indices and carcass quality measures. In addition, this extract significantly depressed the low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, which may indicate the antidyslipidemia effect of this extract on rabbits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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Review

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15 pages, 1666 KiB

Open AccessReview

Signal Molecules Regulate the Synthesis of Secondary Metabolites in the Interaction between Endophytes and Medicinal Plants

by Yaxuan Wang, Zhaogao Li, Mengwei Xu, Zhihao Xiao, Chaobo Liu, Bing Du, Delin Xu and Lin Li

Processes 2023, 11(3), 849; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pr11030849 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2284

Abstract

Signaling molecules act as the links and bridges between endophytes and host plants. The recognition of endophytes and host plants, the regulation of host plant growth and development, and the synthesis of secondary metabolites are not separated by the participation of signaling molecules. In this review, we summarized the types and characteristics of signaling molecules in medicinal plants and the recent processes in intracellular conduction and multi-molecular crosstalk of signaling molecules during interactions between endophytic bacteria and medicinal plants. In addition, we overviewed the molecular mechanism of signals in medical metabolite accumulation and regulation. This work provides a reference for using endophytic bacteria and medicinal plants to synthesize pharmaceutical active ingredients in a bioreactor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolites: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Industries)

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