Bioactive responses of Hep-G2 cells to soyasaponin extracts differs with respect to extraction conditions

Soyasaponins are bioactive oleanane triterpenoids found in soy and other legumes. The effect of two methanolic extractions of soy flour, room temperature (RT) and reflux (RE) extractions on composition and bioactive properties in hepatocarcinoma cells (Hep-G2) were investigated. A greater amount of 2,3-dihydro-2,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (DDMP) conjugated soyasaponins βg was measured in RT and a greater amount of the structurally related non-DDMP soyasaponins I and III were detected in RE. MTT cell viability yielded an LC50 of 0.926 ± 0.08 mg/mL for RT and 0.546 ± 0.06 mg/mL for RE. ViaCount viability assay showed similar results for RE as the MTT assay however, RT treatment produced no difference compared with the control. Analysis using TUNEL and cell cycle analysis revealed that RE treatment induced apoptosis and flow cytometry forward side scatter and morphological assessment of RT showed evidence of Hep-G2 differentiation after 72 h. Differences in the bioactivities may be attributed to the different concentration of DDMP conjugated soyasaponin βg recovered in RT and RE extracts.     

Hemagglutinating activity of polyphenols extracts from six grain legumes

The erythrocyte agglutinating activity of polyphenol extracts from six grain legumes was investigated. Polyphenols are amphipathic molecules that can bind to proteins and lipids through hydrophobic and polar interactions, leading to agglutination of liposomes and bacteria. The extracts from four of the six legumes that were studied caused erythrocyte agglutination at concentrations in the μM range. Soybean extracts had the highest activity, followed by the extracts from lentils, broad bean, and chickpea. As a good representative of these legumes, binding of the polyphenols extracted from lentils to erythrocytes was investigated in more detail, showing that agglutination was mediated by binding of 84% of the polyphenols present in the incubation, which corresponds to 2.42 μg bound polyphenols/mg erythrocytes, and a maximum polyphenol binding of 96% according to Lineweaver–Burk plots. The relatively high concentrations that are required for agglutination justify that polyphenols more probably do not agglutinate erythrocytes in vivo, but the possibility still exists that in vivo binding without agglutination could occur, which could have some effects on the metabolism and health-promoting properties of polyphenols.     

Rapid characterization of metabolites in soybean using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and screening for α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant properties through different solvent systems

This work was the first to investigate on the simultaneous characterization of metabolite profiles in soybean using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Twenty two compositions were observed within 14 min from the methanol extract and confirmed as twelve isoflavones of three types and ten soyasaponins (Ab, Af, I–III, αg, βg, βa, γg, and γa). Moreover, the patterns of two chemicals showed considerable differences in seven solvent systems by HPLC analysis and their optimal extraction was achieved by 70% methanol (isoflavone: 4102.69 μg/g; soyasaponin: ten peaks). The second abundant isoflavones were detected in 50% methanol (4054.39 μg/g), followed by 30% methanol, 100% methanol, 10% methanol, CH₂Cl₂, and acetone extracts with 3134.03, 2979.49, 1681.33, 366.19, and 119.00 μg/g, respectively. Soyasaponins exhibited similar tendencies as those of isoflavones. The highest total phenolic was found as 2.10 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g in 70% methanol with remarkable differences by comparing other extracts. Specifically, this extract showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory (81%) and antioxidant capacities (DPPH: 93% and ABTS: 95%) at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. Our results may be contributed to enhancing the value to functional foods and evaluating the secondary metabolites concern to antioxidant properties using solvent system in soybean.     

Haemolytic activity and adjuvant effect of soyasaponins and some of their derivatives on the immune responses to ovalbumin in mice

Immunological adjuvants are agents that enhance specific immune responses to vaccines. At present more studies are needed to identify a suitable adjuvant for a particular vaccine with maximum safety and efficacy. In this study, six soyasaponins (Aa, Ab, Af, Ba, Bb, and Bb′) and three soyasaponin Ab-derivatives (AbDs) were selected to evaluate their toxicities and adjuvant activities. The haemolytic activity assay was performed to evaluate the toxicity of the tested soyasaponins and AbDs. Immunoadjuvant activity was investigated in vivo and in vitro using a splenocyte proliferation assay and sera indirect ELISA. Our results demonstrated that soyasaponins and AbDs showed a slight haemolytic effect to 0.5% red blood cell. Except for the Af and Ba groups, other soyasaponins and AbDs groups stimulated by concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) showed a greater proliferative response at appropriate doses (0.01–10 μg/ml) compared with the control and Alum groups. Anti-OVA IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b were significantly enhanced by the soyasaponins (Ab, Ba, Bb, and Bb′), QS and AbDs groups (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). In addition, three AbDs indicated a tendency of immunoadjuvant potential improvement after structural modification. Moreover, Ab-D2 showed adjuvant activity at the lowest injection dose among the three AbDs. In conclusion, these results suggested that soyasaponins together with their derivatives may represent viable candidates for effective vaccine adjuvants due to their higher immune response and lower or non-haemolytic effects.     

Rapid characterization of metabolites in soybean using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and screening for α-glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant properties through different solvent systems

This work was the first to investigate on the simultaneous characterization of metabolite profiles in soybean using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Twenty two compositions were observed within 14 min from the methanol extract and confirmed as twelve isoflavones of three types and ten soyasaponins (Ab, Af, I–III, αg, βg, βa, γg, and γa). Moreover, the patterns of two chemicals showed considerable differences in seven solvent systems by HPLC analysis and their optimal extraction was achieved by 70% methanol (isoflavone: 4102.69 μg/g; soyasaponin: ten peaks). The second abundant isoflavones were detected in 50% methanol (4054.39 μg/g), followed by 30% methanol, 100% methanol, 10% methanol, CH₂Cl₂, and acetone extracts with 3134.03, 2979.49, 1681.33, 366.19, and 119.00 μg/g, respectively. Soyasaponins exhibited similar tendencies as those of isoflavones. The highest total phenolic was found as 2.10 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g in 70% methanol with remarkable differences by comparing other extracts. Specifically, this extract showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory (81%) and antioxidant capacities (DPPH: 93% and ABTS: 95%) at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. Our results may be contributed to enhancing the value to functional foods and evaluating the secondary metabolites concern to antioxidant properties using solvent system in soybean.     

ESG approach in the valorization of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) by-products by subcritical water: Application in the cosmetic industry

In this research valorization potentials of cocoa hull extracts in cosmetic industry, following Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, have been investigated and reported, presenting increased value of this biowaste. The extracts of cocoa hull obtained by subcritical water were characterized in respect to chemical composition and certain bioactive properties, and were used to develop functional cosmetic formulation. In this work cocoa hull of cocoa beans originating from different geographical locations (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Grenada) were extracted by subcritical water to obtain functional extracts rich in valuable compounds. The extracts were characterized in respect to their total proteins (10–27%), total phenols (37–45 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (14–21 mg RE/g) contents. In addition, the minerals K (41–60 mg/100 g), Na (0.78–1.17 mg/100 g), and Ca (2.47–5.94 mg/100 g) were also quantified. Antiradical activity against DPPH (IC₅₀ ～ 11–13 μg/ml) and ABTS (IC₅₀ ～ 7–9 μg/ml) radicals, as well as total antioxidant activity (～14–20 mg EAK/100 g DE), were determined and compared for all extracts. The extract with the highest antioxidant and antiradical activity was used for the formulation of a functional cosmetic product – a day cream with sun protective properties and added qualities. The prepared facial cream was analysed in respect to basic quality parameters for cosmetic products, proving the safety of the newly developed product based on subcritical water extracts of cocoa hull. The application of subcritical water extraction, as a green technology, can significantly enhance the ESG development in the cosmetic industry.     

Solute Absorption from the Airways of the Isolated Rat Lung. II. Effect of Surfactants on Absorption of Fluorescein

To determine the effects on the pulmonary barrier of several surface active agents, a series of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) was prepared and used to dose aerosolized surfactant to the airways of isolated perfused rat lungs. The MDIs contained a range of concentrations, from 0.1 to 5.0% (w/w), of either oleic acid, oleyl alcohol, or Span 85, which released 45 µg (0.1%, w/w) to 1660 µg (5.0%, w/w) of surfactant per actuation. The permeability of the pulmonary barrier was assessed by the rate of transfer of disodium fluorescein dosed as 100 µl of aqueous solution (1 mg/ml) after administering the surfactants. Some 12.1 ± 4.7% of the recovered surfactant, per dose, was assessed to reach the pulmonary regions of the lung. All surfactants tested caused an increase in fluorescein transfer rates. A single actuation from the MDI containing 5% (w/w) oleic acid produced gross edema in all lungs tested within 40 min and the first-order half-lives of absorption were reduced almost threefold, from 12.9 ± 2.5 min for controls to 4.5 ± 0.8 min. Differences in absorption were noted between the acid and the alcohol, which is consistent with the hypothesis that both the hydrocarbon chain and the polar head group have roles in the altered permeability to fluorescein. The absorption of fluorescein when dosed from the MDI containing 5% (w/w) Span 85 was increased but all surfactants dosed from the lowest concentration MDI of 0.1% (w/w) did not alter absorption rates of the dye relative to those of controls. Results are discussed in light of current interest in absorption enhancement and the presence of surfactants in currently marketed MDIs.     

Extraction of bioactive compounds from buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) fruit by eco-friendly solvents: Chemical and functional characterization

Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) is a palm tree found in several regions of Latin America. Buriti fruit is a rich source of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds. Thus, the aim of this study was to extract bioactive compounds from buriti fruit by ethanol and a supramolecular solvent system (SUPRAS) formed by octanoic acid aggregates. The extracts were evaluated for total carotenoids, β-carotene, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, SUPRAS extracts were characterized for antibacterial activity and modulating effect. The extraction of β-carotene with SUPRAS showed a yield of 5.82 ± 0.05 mg/g for the peel and 26.7 ± 0.02 mg/g for the pulp. In relation to total phenolic compounds, the yields were 32.1 ± 1.2 μg GAE/g for the peel and 24.53 ± 4.9 μg GAE/g for the pulp. The presence of gallic acid, quercetin and catechin stand out regarding the phenolics identified. The extracts showed antioxidant activity, with an emphasis on the extracts obtained by SUPRAS, which presented EC₅₀ (concentration required to obtain a 50% antioxidant effect) for the ABTS radical sequestration of 3.00 μg/mL for the peel and 0.84 μg/mL for the pulp. When combined with norfloxacin and gentamicin antibiotics, the extracts also showed a synergistic action against multi-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Thus, the extraction of bioactive compounds from buriti fruit using a safe, biocompatible, biodegradable and environmentally friendly solvent such as SUPRAS represents potential for developing new pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and functional foods.     

The impact of different extracts of six Lamiaceae species on deleterious effects of oxidative stress assessed in acellular,prokaryotic and eukaryotic models in vitro

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Origanum majorana L., Origanum vulgare L., Teucrium chamaedrys L., Teucrium montanum L., Thymus serpyllum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) on the effects of free radicals using different model systems. The extracts were characterized on the basis of the contents of total phenolics, phenolic acids, flavonoids and flavonols, and also using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection. Antioxidant activity in vitro was assessed using DPPH assay. The genoprotective properties were tested using plasmid relaxation assay on pUC19 E. coli XL1-Blue, while SOS/umuC assay on Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 and Comet assay on human lung fibroblasts were used to assess the antigenotoxicity of the extracts. Ethanolic extracts had the most phenolics (up to 236.20 mg GAE/g at 0.5 mg/mL), flavonoids (up to 42.47 mg QE/g at 0.5 mg/mL) and flavonols (up to 16.56 mg QE/g at 0.5 mg/mL), and they exhibited the highest DPPH activity (up to 92.16% at 0.25 mg/mL). Interestingly enough, aqueous extracts provided the best protection of plasmid DNA (the lowest IC₅₀ value was 0.17 mg/mL). Methanolic extracts, on the other hand, most efficiently protected the prokaryotic DNA, while all the extracts had a significant impact against genomic damages inflicted on human fibroblasts. O. vulgare extracts are considered to be the most promising in preserving the overall DNA integrity against oxidative genomic damages. Moreover, HPLC-DAD analysis highlighted rosmarinic acid as the most abundant in the investigated samples (551.45 mg/mL in total in all the extracts), followed by luteolin-7-O-glucoside (150.19 mg/mL in total), while their presence correlates with most of the displayed activities. The novelty of this study is reflected in the application of a prokaryotic model for testing the antigenotoxic effects of Lamiaceae species, as no previous reports have yet been published on the genoprotective potential of these species.     

Carbon dioxide supercritical fluid extracts from yarrow and rose hip herbal dust as valuable source of aromatic and lipophilic compounds

The present study was designed to demonstrate the potential of supercritical extracts from Achillea millefolium and Rosa canina herbal dust, and their mixtures, as a source of valuable aromatic and lipophilic compounds. The supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE-CO₂) was performed at the pressures from 10-30 MPa, providing the total extraction yields (EY) in the range from 0.12 to 10.57%, being the highest when pure R. canina herbal dust was extracted using SFE-CO₂ at 30 MPa for 5 h. Chemical profiles of SFE-CO₂ extracts were determined by GC-MS and GC-FID. Oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were among the most abundant compounds in the extracts produced from A. millefolium and mixtures with a higher share of A. millefolium herbal dust. In the same mixtures, at the pressure of 10 MPa, a cosolvent effect was observed, which provided enhanced extraction of eucalyptol. The major tocol in A. millefolium and R. canina mixtures was α-tocopherol (589.49 mg/L). By investigating the influence of extraction pressure, it has been determined that higher compound recoveries could be obtained at lower pressures. The results clearly demonstrate that SFE-CO₂ extracts of the A. millefolium and R. canina and their herbal dust mixtures are a promising source of valuable compounds to be used in pharmaceutical formulations.     

Morphological study on apoptosis Hela cells induced by soyasaponins.

Soyasaponins are present in legumes and soybeans are the primary dietary source of saponins. SS-II, the second fraction of soyasaponins, was separated by column chromatographic method with D101A macroporous resin from soybean. In this paper, at the concentration range of 100-400 mg/L, SS-II had obvious cytotoxic effect on Hela cells by MTT assay. After Hela cells were treated with SS-II, typical apoptotic morphological changes, including nuclear fragmentation, cytoplasm shrinkage and decrease of cell volume, were observed by fluorescence microscope, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), respectively. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay also confirmed that SS-II-treated Hela cells showed apoptotic features. The results suggested that soyasaponins were a potential antitumor compound and the apoptosis induced by soyasaponins was a key antitumor mechanism.     

Antioxidant activities of the essential oils and methanol extracts from myrtle (Myrtus communis var. italica L.) leaf,stem and flower

This study was designed to examine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oils and methanol extracts of Myrtus communis var. italica L. leaf, stem and flower. Myrtle leaf and flower were the valuable organs for the essential oil production representing a yield of 0.61% and 0.30% (w/w), respectively. The essential oil composition of myrtle leaf and flower was characterized by high proportions of α-pinene, the main compound of monoterpene hydrocarbon class, with 58.05% for leaf and 17.53% for flower. Stem was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes, largely due to 1,8-cineole with 32.84%. The total phenol contents varied between different myrtle parts; leaf extract had higher total phenol content (33.67 mg GAE/g) than flower (15.70 mg GAE/g) and stem (11.11 mg GAE/g) extracts. Significant differences were also found in total tannin contents among different myrtle parts, representing 26.55 mg GAE/g in leaf, 11.95 mg GAE/g in flower, 3.33 mg GAE/g in stem. The highest contents of total flavonoids and condensed tannins were observed in stem (5.17 and 1.99 mg CE/g, respectively) and leaf (3 and 1.22 mg CE/g, respectively) extracts. The HPLC analysis indicated that the main phenolic class was hydrolysable tannins (gallotannins) in leaf (79.39%, 8.90 mg/g) and flower (60.00%, 3.50 mg/g) while the stem was characterized by the predominance of flavonoid class (61.38%, 1.86 mg/g) due to the high presence of catechin (36.91%, 1.12 mg/g). Antioxidant activities of the essential oil and the methanolic extract from different myrtle parts were evaluated by using DPPH radical scavenging, β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching, reducing power and metal chelating activity assays. In all tests, methanolic extracts of different myrtle parts showed better antioxidant activity than essential oils.     

Formulation and evaluation of gels containing coconut kernel extract for topical application

The biological activity of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) extracts from its kernels and various parts was reported by many previous studies, it is therefore believable that the extracts of its kernels might show some activities in topical formulations. Among several kernel extracts, the TC06 extract prepared by soaking the steamed coconut kernels in hot water showed the highest total phenolic content (6.98 ± 0.30 mg GAE/g extract) and the strongest antioxidant activity as determined using FRAP and DPPH methods with a reducing power value of 4.12 ± 0.16 mg AAE/g of extract and an SC₅₀ value of 2.38 ± 0.14 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, this extract did not display any cytotoxic effects in the concentration range of 50–3200 µg/ml. Meanwhile, it revealed cytoprotective effects against t-BHP-induced cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells at concentrations higher than 400 µg/ml. The results of phytochemical investigations including a chemical color test, TLC, ¹H NMR and FTIR suggested that the TC06 extract was mainly composed of flavonoids and terpenoids. Furthermore, the concentrations of heavy metals including As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in the TC06 extract were below permissible limits. According to the solubility, the TC06 extract was incorporated into gels using Carbopol Ultrez 21 as a gelling agent. The formulated gel containing 3% (w/w) TC06 extract was stable at 4 °C and 25 °C with 75% RH throughout the storage period. It was found that the Carbopol Ultrez 21-based hydroalcoholic gel containing an aqueous extract of coconut kernels exhibited antioxidant activities in the two assays and showed a sufficient consistency, a pleasing color, and a non-oily perception during the period of observation.     

Antioxidant and antidermatophytic activities of essential oil and extracts of Magnolia liliflora Desr.

This study was carried out to assess the antioxidant and antidermatophytic activities of the essential oil and extracts of Magnolia liliflora Desr. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The free radical scavenging activities of the oil and ethyl acetate extract were found to be superior (IC₅₀ values = 10.11 and 16.17 μg/ml, respectively) as compared to butylatedhydreoxyanisole (BHA), (IC₅₀ value = 18.27 μg/ml). Also the ethyl acetate extract revealed the highest phenolic contents (96.13 mg/g of dry wt) as compared to the other extracts. Further, the oil (1000 μg/disc) and extracts (1500 μg/disc) revealed 42.36–63.12% and 19.07–54.14% antidermatophytic effect, respectively along with their respective MIC values ranging from 62.5 to 500 and 250 to 2000 μg/ml against the members of Trichophyton and Microsporum spp. Also the oil had strong detrimental effect on spore germination of tested fungal pathogens as well as concentration and time dependent kinetic inhibition of Microsporum canis KCTC 6348. The results of this study justify a potential role of M. liliflora to serve as a natural antioxidant and antidermatophytic agent.     

Drug solubilization and in vitro toxicity evaluation of lipoamino acid surfactants

To improve solubilization of a water insoluble anticancer drug, novel surfactants were synthesized. All surfactants derived from lysine, with a so-called nitrilo triacetic acid (NTA) polar head, and differed from the length and saturation degree of their hydrophobic moieties: C19:0-NTA, C20:4-NTA, C25:0-NTA and C25:4-NTA. Self-assembling properties and critical micellar concentration (CMC) values were determined using pyrene fluorescence and cytotoxicity using MTT and LDH assays on endothelial cells. Surfactant haemolytic activity and drug solubilization capacity were also evaluated. All surfactants self-assemble with low CMC values from 0.012 to 0.430 mg/mL. Cytotoxicity assays showed that C20:4-NTA and C25:0-NTA were less cytotoxic than polysorbate 80. Unsaturations and alkane chain length have a marked influence on toxicity. Saturated surfactants had a similar haemolytic activity, explained by their low CMC values and the linear configuration of their hydrophobic tail. C20:4-NTA and C25:4-NTA were less haemolytic than polysorbate 80. Furthermore, C19:0-NTA, C25:0-NTA and C25:4-NTA increased drug solubility from <0.15 μg/mL up to 7 mg/mL, with 46% (w/w) drug loading, due to their linear and flexible hydrophobic chain configuration, as evidenced by molecular modelling. Although these solubilizers are promising, a compromise between drug solubilization and toxicity remains to be found.     

Comparative study on pesticide mixture of organophosphorus and pyrethroid in commercial formulation

The marketing of mixtures of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides has become very common in developing countries and has resulted in an increase in the prevalence of toxicity. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of a commercial preparation of the pesticide mixture durasin, which contains 60% diazinon and 0.5% deltamethrin, compared with the individual commercial pesticides of diazinon 30% and deltamethrin 5%. Forty male albino rats weighing 160 ± 20 g were divided into; DA (diazinon 20 mg/Kg b.w.), DA (deltamethrin 2 mg/Kg b.w.), M (durasin 20 mg/Kg b.w.) and control (C); cholinesterase (ChE), malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and non-specific esterase's isoenzymes in rat's blood were determined following 7 and 14 days of treatment. The weekly- recorded biochemical results were used as criteria for estimating the joint effects of the tested pesticide mixture. Antioxidant defense mechanisms and lipid peroxidation in rat plasma displayed the same responses with intensities which were related to the different treatments. Biochemical analysis showed that (DA) or (DM) individually cause alteration in lipid metabolism and non-specific esterase, while mixture treatment (M) induced antagonistic effects toward all the tested parameters except total reduced glutathione level, which was synergistic at the 2nd week. In conclusion the commercial mixture (M) under study has potentially greater toxic impact than the components alone in the rat.     

Cytotoxic and bioactive properties of different color tulip flowers and degradation kinetic of tulip flower anthocyanins

This study was conducted to determine the potential use of anthocyanin-based extracts (ABEs) of wasted tulip flowers as food/drug colorants. For this aim, wasted tulip flowers were samples and analyzed for their bioactive properties and cytotoxicity. Total phenolic contents of the extracts of the claret red (126.55 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract) and orange–red (113.76 mg GAE/g dry extract) flowers were the higher than those of the other tulip flowers. Total anthocyanin levels of the violet, orange–red, claret red and pink tulip flower extracts were determined as 265.04, 236.49, 839.08 and 404.45 mg pelargonidin 3-glucoside/kg dry extract, respectively and these levels were higher than those of the other flowers. The extracts were more effective for the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica compared to other tested bacteria. Additionally, the cytotoxic effects of five different tulip flower extracts on human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line were investigated. The results showed that the orange red, pink and violet extracts had no cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell lines while yellow and claret red extracts appeared to be toxic for the cells. Overall, the extracts of tulip flowers with different colors possess remarkable bioactive and cytotoxic properties.     

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of three Sideritis species from Turkey and evaluations bioactivity potentials

The members of the genus Sideritis have a wide variety of phytochemicals and thus the genus are gaining interest to fabricate nanoparticles (via green synthesis) as sources reducing or stabilizer agents. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by an easy and eco-friendly method using aqueous extracts of three Sideritis species (Sideritis argyrea (SA), S. brevidens (SB), and S. lycia (SL)). These AgNPs were investigated in terms of cholinesterase (AChE: acetylcholinesterase and BChE: butyrylcholinesterase) and tyrosinase activities. The presence of (111), (200), (220) and (311) planes in Bragg's reflections verified the fcc (face-cantered-cubic) crystalline AgNPs. Sideritis species-directed AgNPs were characterized by surface plasmon resonance at 428–440 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations were showed the spherical and monodispersed of the AgNPs with an average particle size of 22–26 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were revealed functional groups responsible for the reduction of silver ions. Also, for the AgNPs were confirmed by the characterizations of Zeta Potential and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Chlorogenic acid (CGA) was found as major component for all three species. We demonstrated that Sideritis-directed AgNPs showed excellent inhibitory activity against BChE, while Sideritis extracts have no effective inhibitory activity against AChE. Among AgNPs, SA AgNPs exhibited the greatest tyrosinase inhibitory activity with the value of 33.02 mg kojic acid equivalents (KAE)/g, following CGA AgNPs (18.31 mg KAE/g) and SB AgNPs (5.46 mg KAE/g). Regarding the extracts, they had similar tyrosinase inhibition activity (33.61–36.34 mg KAE/g). Our findings suggest that the green synthesis by using Sideritis extracts could be open a new horizon in the biotechnological applications such as bioactivity and drug delivery.     

Antihyperglycaemic and aldose reductase inhibitory potential of Acacia catechu hard wood and Tectona grandis leaves

The ethanolic extract of Acacia catechu hard wood (Ac) and the ethanolic as well as aqueous extracts of Tectona grandis leaves (Tg) showed marked antihyperglycaemic activity in both normoglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at 250 mg/kg dose levels. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ac and Tg also showed marked inhibition on AR from eye lens of normal rats with IC 50 values of 9.30 and 9.08 and 3.05, 4.51 μg/ml, respectively. The ethanolic as well as aqueous extracts of both Ac and Tg also showed marked inhibition on AR from eye lens of STZ-induced diabetic rats with IC₅₀ values of 4.70 and 4.91 and 4.71 and 4.83 μg/ml. These results suggest that Acacia catechu hard wood and Tectona grandis leaves could be a new approach in the development of therapeutic or preventive agents for diabetic late-stage complications.     

Extraction of flavonoid compounds from bark using sustainable deep eutectic solvents

The use of green solvents in extraction processes, especially for applications of lignocellulosic biomass, has been extensively studied over the last years. Among the range of different green solvents, deep eutectic solvents (DES) show promising results for extraction processes. Therefore, the aim of this work was the use of DES as additives in aqueous mixtures for the selective extraction of flavonoid compounds from the bark of Larix decidua. For this purpose, bark has been treated using different solvent ratios consisting of a DES/H₂O mixture (0, 25, 50 and 75 wt%). Two DES were studied, choline chloride:urea and choline chloride:1,4-butanediol. In order to study the success of the extractions, the extracts and the remaining solid fraction were characterised. From the results, it was concluded that the choline chloride:1,4-butanediol (75 wt%) gave the best results, obtaining the richest extracts in flavonoids (383 mg CE/g dried bark extract), as well as those with the highest antioxidant capacity. These good results confirm the capacity of this DES to obtain active biomolecules for further application.