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: The process of melanogenesis, that takes place in the melanocytes of the epidermis, leads to hyperpigmentation. The biosynthetic pathway for production of melanin involves the enzyme tyrosinase that has been an attractive target for cosmaceutical research. Numerous synthetic, semisynthetic and natural, especially plant-based, inhibitors of tyrosinase have been reported in the literature. In plants, the secondary metabolites like flavonoids, chalcones, stilbenes, tannins, hydroquinone and kojic acid, etc... have been shown to possess the anti-tyrosinase activity. In the current review, we have covered the progress in this sphere that would be useful for not only further mechanistic investigations but also for the optimization of the structure of the metabolites for improved activity and selectivity. Thus the review presents a comprehensive report on tyrosinase inhibitors of plant origin reported in the extract form or as isolated compounds. Huge gap has been found between research and industry due to inconsistent pursual of the potent plant based extracts. There is a need to completely evaluate the extracts for structure optimization using molecular docking and evaluation of the safety inorder to benefit the industry with non toxic biological friendly products through invivo and exvivo optimization.
Rabia Riaz; Paolo Zucca; Antonio Rescigno; Stefania Peddio; Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem; Salma Batool. Plants as a Promising Reservoir of Tyrosinase Inhibitors. Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry 2020, 17, 1 -23.
AMA StyleRabia Riaz, Paolo Zucca, Antonio Rescigno, Stefania Peddio, Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem, Salma Batool. Plants as a Promising Reservoir of Tyrosinase Inhibitors. Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry. 2020; 17 ():1-23.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRabia Riaz; Paolo Zucca; Antonio Rescigno; Stefania Peddio; Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem; Salma Batool. 2020. "Plants as a Promising Reservoir of Tyrosinase Inhibitors." Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry 17, no. : 1-23.
Polyphenol oxidase (PPO, E.C. 1.14.18.1) is a nearly ubiquitous enzyme that is widely distributed among organisms. Despite its widespread distribution, the role of PPO in plants has not been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we report for the absence of PPO in Cynomorium coccineum, a holoparasitic plant adapted to withstand unfavorable climatic conditions, growing in Mediterranean countries and amply used in traditional medicine. The lack of PPO has been demonstrated by the absence of enzymatic activity with various substrates, by the lack of immunohistochemical detection of the enzyme, and by the absence of the PPO gene and, consequently, its expression. The results obtained in our work allow us to exclude the presence of the PPO activity (both latent and mature forms of the enzyme), as well as of one or more genes coding for PPO in C. coccineum. Finally, we discuss the possible significance of PPO deficiency in parasitic plants adapted to abiotic stress.
Alessandra Padiglia; Paolo Zucca; Faustina B. Cannea; Andrea Diana; Cristina Maxia; Daniela Murtas; Antonio Rescigno. Absence of Polyphenol Oxidase in Cynomorium coccineum, a Widespread Holoparasitic Plant. Plants 2020, 9, 964 .
AMA StyleAlessandra Padiglia, Paolo Zucca, Faustina B. Cannea, Andrea Diana, Cristina Maxia, Daniela Murtas, Antonio Rescigno. Absence of Polyphenol Oxidase in Cynomorium coccineum, a Widespread Holoparasitic Plant. Plants. 2020; 9 (8):964.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandra Padiglia; Paolo Zucca; Faustina B. Cannea; Andrea Diana; Cristina Maxia; Daniela Murtas; Antonio Rescigno. 2020. "Absence of Polyphenol Oxidase in Cynomorium coccineum, a Widespread Holoparasitic Plant." Plants 9, no. 8: 964.
Weeds thrive in agricultural environments. However, in certain areas of the world, they are consumed by humans as food, and they can represent a source of valuable active ingredients of ethnomedical interest. In this study, three North African parasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae family,...
Imen Ben Attia; Paolo Zucca; Flaminia Cesare Marincola; Mariella Nieddu; Alessandra Piras; Antonella Rosa; Antonio Rescigno; Mohamed Chaieb. Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities on Cancer Cell Line of Extracts of Parasitic Plants Harvested in Tunisia. Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences 2020, 253 -263.
AMA StyleImen Ben Attia, Paolo Zucca, Flaminia Cesare Marincola, Mariella Nieddu, Alessandra Piras, Antonella Rosa, Antonio Rescigno, Mohamed Chaieb. Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities on Cancer Cell Line of Extracts of Parasitic Plants Harvested in Tunisia. Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences. 2020; ():253-263.
Chicago/Turabian StyleImen Ben Attia; Paolo Zucca; Flaminia Cesare Marincola; Mariella Nieddu; Alessandra Piras; Antonella Rosa; Antonio Rescigno; Mohamed Chaieb. 2020. "Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities on Cancer Cell Line of Extracts of Parasitic Plants Harvested in Tunisia." Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences , no. : 253-263.
Sisymbrium officinale (hedge mustard and formerly called Erysimum officinale) is a common plant in wild lands of Europe and Africa. It is also cultivated for its seeds and leaves to be used in salad or mustard. Sisymbrium officinale is useful not only in culinary preparations, but it also seems to possess interesting therapeutic properties, especially for throat diseases such as aphonia and hoarseness. For this reason, it is commonly called “herb of singers” (in Italian, “Erba dei cantanti”). Indeed a cup of Sisymbrium officinale infusion is frequently consumed by singers before artistic performance, even if its beneficial ability still needs to be scientifically demonstrated. Some preliminary data can be analyzed, but new efforts and resources should be devoted to study and investigate a plant with valuable therapeutic potential. This review summarizes the data available for Sisymbrium officinale.
Maira Zorzan; Paolo Zucca; Daniela Collazuol; Stefania Peddio; Antonio Rescigno; Raffaele Pezzani. Sisymbrium officinale, the Plant of Singers: A Review of Its Properties and Uses. Planta Medica 2020, 86, 307 -311.
AMA StyleMaira Zorzan, Paolo Zucca, Daniela Collazuol, Stefania Peddio, Antonio Rescigno, Raffaele Pezzani. Sisymbrium officinale, the Plant of Singers: A Review of Its Properties and Uses. Planta Medica. 2020; 86 (5):307-311.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaira Zorzan; Paolo Zucca; Daniela Collazuol; Stefania Peddio; Antonio Rescigno; Raffaele Pezzani. 2020. "Sisymbrium officinale, the Plant of Singers: A Review of Its Properties and Uses." Planta Medica 86, no. 5: 307-311.
Plants and their corresponding botanical preparations have been used for centuries due to their remarkable potential in both the treatment and prevention of oxidative stress-related disorders. Aging and aging-related diseases, like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders, which have increased exponentially, are intrinsically related with redox imbalance and oxidative stress. Hundreds of biologically active constituents are present in each whole plant matrix, providing promissory bioactive effects for human beings. Indeed, the worldwide population has devoted increased attention and preference for the use of medicinal plants for healthy aging and longevity promotion. In fact, plant-derived bioactives present a broad spectrum of biological effects, and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and, more recently, anti-aging effects, are considered to be a hot topic among the medical and scientific communities. Nonetheless, despite the numerous biological effects, it should not be forgotten that some bioactive molecules are prone to oxidation and can even exert pro-oxidant effects. In this sense, the objective of the present review is to provide a detailed overview of plant-derived bioactives in age-related disorders. Specifically, the role of phytochemicals as antioxidants and pro-oxidant agents is carefully addressed, as is their therapeutic relevance in longevity, aging-related disorders, and healthy-aging promotion. Finally, an eye-opening look into the overall evidence of plant compounds related to longevity is presented.
Bahare Salehi; Elena Azzini; Paolo Zucca; Elena Maria Varoni; Nanjangud V. Anil Kumar; Luciana Dini; Elisa Panzarini; Jovana Rajkovic; Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou; Ilaria Peluso; Abhay Prakash Mishra; Manisha Nigam; Youssef El Rayess; Marc El Beyrouthy; William N. Setzer; Letizia Polito; Marcello Iriti; Antoni Sureda; Maria Magdalena Quetglas Llabrés; Miquel Martorell; Natália Martins; Mehdi Sharifi-Rad; Leticia M. Estevinho; Javad Sharifi-Rad. Plant-Derived Bioactives and Oxidative Stress-Related Disorders: A Key Trend towards Healthy Aging and Longevity Promotion. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 947 .
AMA StyleBahare Salehi, Elena Azzini, Paolo Zucca, Elena Maria Varoni, Nanjangud V. Anil Kumar, Luciana Dini, Elisa Panzarini, Jovana Rajkovic, Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou, Ilaria Peluso, Abhay Prakash Mishra, Manisha Nigam, Youssef El Rayess, Marc El Beyrouthy, William N. Setzer, Letizia Polito, Marcello Iriti, Antoni Sureda, Maria Magdalena Quetglas Llabrés, Miquel Martorell, Natália Martins, Mehdi Sharifi-Rad, Leticia M. Estevinho, Javad Sharifi-Rad. Plant-Derived Bioactives and Oxidative Stress-Related Disorders: A Key Trend towards Healthy Aging and Longevity Promotion. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (3):947.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBahare Salehi; Elena Azzini; Paolo Zucca; Elena Maria Varoni; Nanjangud V. Anil Kumar; Luciana Dini; Elisa Panzarini; Jovana Rajkovic; Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou; Ilaria Peluso; Abhay Prakash Mishra; Manisha Nigam; Youssef El Rayess; Marc El Beyrouthy; William N. Setzer; Letizia Polito; Marcello Iriti; Antoni Sureda; Maria Magdalena Quetglas Llabrés; Miquel Martorell; Natália Martins; Mehdi Sharifi-Rad; Leticia M. Estevinho; Javad Sharifi-Rad. 2020. "Plant-Derived Bioactives and Oxidative Stress-Related Disorders: A Key Trend towards Healthy Aging and Longevity Promotion." Applied Sciences 10, no. 3: 947.
The botanical identity of the ancient vernacular cynomorium does not correspond to the modern scientific genus while it is not clear how many species of hipocistis (Cytinus sp.) were differentiated by the ancient physicians and whether Cynomorium coccineum was subsumed. The early history of therapeutic uses related to the herbal drugs derived from these parasitic taxa is therefore not easily accessible. Cynomorium coccineum became an important pharmaceutical commodity after the Siege of Malta but its importance decreased in the 18th century and now is considered obsolete. We compare the morphological, ecological and therapeutic information of Cynomorium and other parasitizing plant taxa across the past 2000 years and contextualize their uses with the pharmacological properties of their principal metabolites focusing on the raise and fall of C. coccineum as a medicine. The therapeutic uses of C. coccineum, the Maltese mushroom, seem to become clearly traceable since the Canon of Medicine by Avicenna. Styptic and astringent drugs such as Cynomorium, Cytinus but also gall apples and many others have been selected for their protein-linking capacity leading to the formation of a protective layer on the mucous membranes, which can be used to reduce the secretion of water and electrolytes in case of diarrhoea, dysentery and external bleedings. Whether C. coccineum is effective as a systemically applied anti-haemorrhagic drug is questionable. It appears that the vernacular cynomorium of the ancients corresponds to an edible Orobanche sp. while it remains doubtful whether the vernacular hipocistis was next to Cytinus sp. also applied to C. coccineum as evidence of C. coccineum parasitizing Cistus sp. is scarce. The isolation of gallic acid used as a styptic and the increasing availability of chemical styptics in the 18th century together with the availability of effective alternative anti-diarrhoeic drugs with a more reliable supply very probably led to the decline of the importance of the Maltese mushroom in pharmacy during the 18th century. The effectiveness of gallic acid as a systemic anti-haemorrhagic remains uncertain.
Marco Leonti; Sidonie Bellot; Paolo Zucca; Antonio Rescigno. Astringent drugs for bleedings and diarrhoea: The history of Cynomorium coccineum (Maltese Mushroom). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2019, 249, 112368 .
AMA StyleMarco Leonti, Sidonie Bellot, Paolo Zucca, Antonio Rescigno. Astringent drugs for bleedings and diarrhoea: The history of Cynomorium coccineum (Maltese Mushroom). Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2019; 249 ():112368.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarco Leonti; Sidonie Bellot; Paolo Zucca; Antonio Rescigno. 2019. "Astringent drugs for bleedings and diarrhoea: The history of Cynomorium coccineum (Maltese Mushroom)." Journal of Ethnopharmacology 249, no. : 112368.
In the continuous scientific search for new safe and effective drugs, there has recently been a rediscovery of natural substances as a potential reservoir of innovative therapeutic solutions for human health, with the prospect of integrating with and sometimes replacing conventional drugs. Cynomorium coccineum subsp. coccineum is a holoparasitic plant well known in ethnopharmacology, although its current use as a curative remedy is reported only in some ethnic groups of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Often known as 'Maltese mushroom' due to its unique appearance and the absence of chlorophyll, C. coccineum is present in almost all of the Mediterranean Basin. It is only recently that a few research groups have begun to look for confirmation of some of its traditional uses to highlight previously unknown biological activities. Here, we review the recent scientific findings on the plant's phytochemistry and the most significant descriptions of some of its antioxidant and biological activities (antimicrobial, anticancer, pro-erectile, and anti-tyrosinase enzyme) both in vivo and in vitro. Some of these may be promising from the perspective of food and cosmetic formulations. The purpose of this review is to provide an initial impetus to those who, in the foreseeable future, will want to increase the knowledge and possible applications of this plant full of history, charm, and mystery.
Paolo Zucca; Sidonie Bellot; Antonio Rescigno. The Modern Use of an Ancient Plant: Exploring the Antioxidant and Nutraceutical Potential of the Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium Coccineum L.). Antioxidants 2019, 8, 289 .
AMA StylePaolo Zucca, Sidonie Bellot, Antonio Rescigno. The Modern Use of an Ancient Plant: Exploring the Antioxidant and Nutraceutical Potential of the Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium Coccineum L.). Antioxidants. 2019; 8 (8):289.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Zucca; Sidonie Bellot; Antonio Rescigno. 2019. "The Modern Use of an Ancient Plant: Exploring the Antioxidant and Nutraceutical Potential of the Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium Coccineum L.)." Antioxidants 8, no. 8: 289.
Cytinus is small genus of endophytic parasitic plants distributed in South Africa, Madagascar, and in the Mediterranean region. In the latter area, two species occur, Cytinus hypocistis and C. ruber, distinguished by both morphological characters and ecological traits. We characterized the ethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from the inflorescences of C. hypocistis and C. ruber collected in Sardinia, Italy, and explored their tannin content, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activities. Total phenolic contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method. Tannin content was determined by HPLC. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested with both electron transfer-based (FRAP, TEAC, DPPH) and spectrophotometric HAT methods (ORAC-PYR). The antimicrobial activities of extracts/compounds were evaluated using the broth microdilution method. The bactericidal activity was evaluated using the time-kill method. Biofilm formation was evaluated by crystal violet (CV) staining assay. Characterization of the tannin profile of C. hypocistis and C. ruber revealed a significant amount of gallotannins, in particular 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. In addition, pentagalloyl-O-β-D-glucose was present in all extracts, reaching the concentration of 0.117 g/kg in the ethanolic extract of C. hypocistis. C. hypocistis extracts displayed a strongest antioxidant activity than C. ruber extracts. Three Gram-positive bacterial species tested (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium) resulted sensitive to both Cytinus extracts, with MICs ranging from 125 to 500 μg/ml for aqueous extracts and from 31.25 to 250 μg/ml for ethanolic extracts; on the contrary, Gram-negative strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) were not affected by Cytinus extracts. Intriguingly, we observed the suppressive activity of ethanolic extracts of C. hypocistis and C. ruber on biofilm formation of S. epidermidis. Experiments performed with synthetic compounds indicated that pentagalloyl-O-β-D-glucose is likely to be one of the active antimicrobial components of Cytinus extracts. These findings show that Cytinus extracts have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, suggesting a possible application of Cytinus as sources of natural antimicrobials and antioxidants.
Giuseppantonio Maisetta; Giovanna Batoni; Pierluigi Caboni; Semih Esin; Andrea C. Rinaldi; Paolo Zucca. Tannin profile, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial activity of extracts from two Mediterranean species of parasitic plant Cytinus. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2019, 19, 82 .
AMA StyleGiuseppantonio Maisetta, Giovanna Batoni, Pierluigi Caboni, Semih Esin, Andrea C. Rinaldi, Paolo Zucca. Tannin profile, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial activity of extracts from two Mediterranean species of parasitic plant Cytinus. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019; 19 (1):82.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppantonio Maisetta; Giovanna Batoni; Pierluigi Caboni; Semih Esin; Andrea C. Rinaldi; Paolo Zucca. 2019. "Tannin profile, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial activity of extracts from two Mediterranean species of parasitic plant Cytinus." BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 19, no. 1: 82.
Allicin is an organosulfur and defensive compound found in garlic (Allium sativum L.) and other Allium species. Its unique odor is easily detectable, and its effects on human health have been studied since ancient times. In this compressive review we report the presence of allicin in different Allium species, their biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, absorption and safety profile. Among the main allicin applications highlights its antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, reviewed in the present work from in vitro evidence and in vivo studies. Finally, a special attention was also given to the allicin state of the art in human health, including in vitro and in vivo assays, and clinical trials, on antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory effects, besides to its contribution as a cardioprotective agent. The promising capacity of allicin to interact with thiol groups seems to be directly related to its antimicrobial potential, showing both antibacterial and antifungal activities. Allicin also displayed an interesting potential in the prevention and treatment of several diseases including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Indeed, its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects are some of the mechanisms that may explains their biological activities. Future applications should be directed to allicin pharmaceutical formulation, its delivery and its compatibility with food matrices and other drugs due to allicin biosynthesis, instability, reactivity and volatility.
Bahare Salehi; Paolo Zucca; Ilkay Erdogan Orhan; Elena Azzini; Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji; Soheb Anwar Mohammed; Sanjay Banerjee; Farukh Sharopov; Daniela Rigano; Javad Sharifi-Rad; Lorene Armstrong; Miquel Martorell; Antoni Sureda; Natália Martins; Zeliha Selamoğlu; Zaheer Ahmad. Allicin and health: A comprehensive review. Trends in Food Science & Technology 2019, 86, 502 -516.
AMA StyleBahare Salehi, Paolo Zucca, Ilkay Erdogan Orhan, Elena Azzini, Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji, Soheb Anwar Mohammed, Sanjay Banerjee, Farukh Sharopov, Daniela Rigano, Javad Sharifi-Rad, Lorene Armstrong, Miquel Martorell, Antoni Sureda, Natália Martins, Zeliha Selamoğlu, Zaheer Ahmad. Allicin and health: A comprehensive review. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 2019; 86 ():502-516.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBahare Salehi; Paolo Zucca; Ilkay Erdogan Orhan; Elena Azzini; Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji; Soheb Anwar Mohammed; Sanjay Banerjee; Farukh Sharopov; Daniela Rigano; Javad Sharifi-Rad; Lorene Armstrong; Miquel Martorell; Antoni Sureda; Natália Martins; Zeliha Selamoğlu; Zaheer Ahmad. 2019. "Allicin and health: A comprehensive review." Trends in Food Science & Technology 86, no. : 502-516.
Naringenin is a flavonoid belonging to flavanones subclass. It is widely distributed in several Citrus fruits, bergamot, tomatoes and other fruits, being also found in its glycosides form (mainly naringin). Several biological activities have been ascribed to this phytochemical, among them antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiadipogenic and cardioprotective effects. Nonetheless, most of the data reported have been obtained from in vitro or in vivo studies. Although some clinical studies have also been performed, the main focus is on naringenin bioavailability and cardioprotective action. In addition, these studies were done in compromised patients (i.e., hypercholesterolemic and overweight), with a dosage ranging between 600 and 800 μM/day, whereas the effect on healthy volunteers is still debatable. In fact, naringenin ability to improve endothelial function has been well-established. Indeed, the currently available data are very promising, but further research on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects is encouraged to improve both available production and delivery methods and to achieve feasible naringenin-based clinical formulations.
Bahare Salehi; Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou; Mehdi Sharifi-Rad; Paolo Zucca; Raffaele Pezzani; Natália Martins; Javad Sharifi-Rad. The Therapeutic Potential of Naringenin: A Review of Clinical Trials. Pharmaceuticals 2019, 12, 11 .
AMA StyleBahare Salehi, Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou, Mehdi Sharifi-Rad, Paolo Zucca, Raffaele Pezzani, Natália Martins, Javad Sharifi-Rad. The Therapeutic Potential of Naringenin: A Review of Clinical Trials. Pharmaceuticals. 2019; 12 (1):11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBahare Salehi; Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou; Mehdi Sharifi-Rad; Paolo Zucca; Raffaele Pezzani; Natália Martins; Javad Sharifi-Rad. 2019. "The Therapeutic Potential of Naringenin: A Review of Clinical Trials." Pharmaceuticals 12, no. 1: 11.
The plant kingdom represents an unlimited source of phytotherapeutics with promising perspectives in the field of anticancer drug discovery. In this view, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a novel and major target in anticancer therapy. Therefore, this narrative review aims to provide an updated overview on the bioactive phytochemicals with anti-EMT activity. Among the plant products reviewed, phenylpropanoids were the most investigated at preclinical phase, thus exhibiting a promising potential as anticancer drugs, though an evidence-based clinical efficacy is still lacking.
Bahare Salehi; Elena Maria Varoni; Mehdi Sharifi-Rad; Sadegh Rajabi; Paolo Zucca; Marcello Iriti; Javad Sharifi-Rad. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition as a target for botanicals in cancer metastasis. Phytomedicine 2018, 55, 125 -136.
AMA StyleBahare Salehi, Elena Maria Varoni, Mehdi Sharifi-Rad, Sadegh Rajabi, Paolo Zucca, Marcello Iriti, Javad Sharifi-Rad. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition as a target for botanicals in cancer metastasis. Phytomedicine. 2018; 55 ():125-136.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBahare Salehi; Elena Maria Varoni; Mehdi Sharifi-Rad; Sadegh Rajabi; Paolo Zucca; Marcello Iriti; Javad Sharifi-Rad. 2018. "Epithelial-mesenchymal transition as a target for botanicals in cancer metastasis." Phytomedicine 55, no. : 125-136.
Cynomorium coccineum is a parasitic plant that has been known for centuries in ethnopharmacology. However, its biological activities have been scarcely studied, particularly in the case of plant grown in North Africa. Thus, we compared the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of C. coccineum taken from two regions characterized by very different climates: the Tataouine region in southeast Tunisia, which lies near the desert, and Sardinia in south Italy, which lies near the coast. The antioxidant potential of freeze-dried specimens from the hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanolic, and aqueous extracts was tested using both electron transfer (ET) methods (i.e., TEAC-ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) assay (ORAC-PYR). The metabolic profiles of both the methanolic and aqueous extracts were further investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. We also obtained fixed oils by supercritical fractioned extraction (SFE) with CO2. GC and HPLC were then used combined to determine the fatty acids profile. All extracts showed significantly different antioxidant capacities. 1H NMR spectroscopy showed evidence for the presence of amino acids, organic acids, and carbohydrates. The main fatty acids in the oils were 18:1 n-9, 18:2 n-6, 16:0, and 18:3 n-3. All the results showed a difference in chemical composition that influenced the total antioxidant power and the biological activity, verifying that climate affects the chemical composition of plants.
Imen Ben Attia; Paolo Zucca; Flaminia Cesare Marincola; Alessandra Piras; Antonella Rosa; Mohamed Chaieb; Antonio Rescigno. Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential Differences between Cynomorium coccineum L. Growing in Italy and in Tunisia: Effect of Environmental Stress. Diversity 2018, 10, 53 .
AMA StyleImen Ben Attia, Paolo Zucca, Flaminia Cesare Marincola, Alessandra Piras, Antonella Rosa, Mohamed Chaieb, Antonio Rescigno. Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential Differences between Cynomorium coccineum L. Growing in Italy and in Tunisia: Effect of Environmental Stress. Diversity. 2018; 10 (3):53.
Chicago/Turabian StyleImen Ben Attia; Paolo Zucca; Flaminia Cesare Marincola; Alessandra Piras; Antonella Rosa; Mohamed Chaieb; Antonio Rescigno. 2018. "Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential Differences between Cynomorium coccineum L. Growing in Italy and in Tunisia: Effect of Environmental Stress." Diversity 10, no. 3: 53.
Agriculture and intensive farming methods are the greatest cause of nitrogen pollution. In particular, nitrification (the conversion of ammonia to nitrate) plays a role in global climate changes, affecting the bio-availability of nitrogen in soil and contributing to eutrophication. In this paper, the Rhodotorula diobovata DSBCA06 was investigated for growth kinetics on nitrite, nitrate, or ammonia as the sole nitrogen sources (10 mM). Complete nitrite removal was observed in 48 h up to 10 mM initial nitrite. Nitrogen was almost completely assimilated as organic matter (up to 90% using higher nitrite concentrations). The strain tolerates and efficiently assimilates nitrite at concentrations (up to 20 mM) higher than those previously reported in literature for other yeasts. The best growth conditions (50 mM buffer potassium phosphate pH 7, 20 g/L glucose as the sole carbon source, and 10 mM nitrite) were determined. In the perspective of applications in inorganic nitrogen removal, other metabolic features relevant for process optimization were also evaluated, including renewable sources and heavy metal tolerance. Molasses, corn, and soybean oils were good substrates, and cadmium and lead were well tolerated. Scale-up tests also revealed promising features for large-scale applications. Overall, presented results suggest applicability of nitrogen assimilation by Rhodotorula diobovata DSBCA06 as an innovative tool for bioremediation and treatment of wastewater effluents.
Enrico Civiero; Manuela Pintus; Claudio Ruggeri; Elena Tamburini; Francesca Sollai; Enrico Sanjust; Paolo Zucca; Enrico Sanjust. Physiological and Phylogenetic Characterization of Rhodotorula diobovata DSBCA06, a Nitrophilous Yeast. Biology 2018, 7, 39 .
AMA StyleEnrico Civiero, Manuela Pintus, Claudio Ruggeri, Elena Tamburini, Francesca Sollai, Enrico Sanjust, Paolo Zucca, Enrico Sanjust. Physiological and Phylogenetic Characterization of Rhodotorula diobovata DSBCA06, a Nitrophilous Yeast. Biology. 2018; 7 (3):39.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEnrico Civiero; Manuela Pintus; Claudio Ruggeri; Elena Tamburini; Francesca Sollai; Enrico Sanjust; Paolo Zucca; Enrico Sanjust. 2018. "Physiological and Phylogenetic Characterization of Rhodotorula diobovata DSBCA06, a Nitrophilous Yeast." Biology 7, no. 3: 39.
Cancer is a multifactorial disease, and therefore, a multitarget approach is needed to face the complex cancer biology, based on the combined use of different natural and synthetic anticancer agents able to target synergistically multiple signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis, including angiogenesis and metastasis. In this view, the plant kingdom represents an unlimited source of phytotherapeutics with promising perspectives in the field of anticancer drug discovery. This narrative review aims to provide an updated overview on the bioactive phytochemicals exhibiting a promising potential as adjuvants in conventional anticancer therapies, with emphasis on antiangiogenic and antimetastatic activities.
Bahare Salehi; Paolo Zucca; Mehdi Sharifi-Rad; Raffaele Pezzani; Sadegh Rajabi; William N. Setzer; Elena Maria Varoni; Marcello Iriti; Farzad Kobarfard; Javad Sharifi-Rad. Phytotherapeutics in cancer invasion and metastasis. Phytotherapy Research 2018, 32, 1425 -1449.
AMA StyleBahare Salehi, Paolo Zucca, Mehdi Sharifi-Rad, Raffaele Pezzani, Sadegh Rajabi, William N. Setzer, Elena Maria Varoni, Marcello Iriti, Farzad Kobarfard, Javad Sharifi-Rad. Phytotherapeutics in cancer invasion and metastasis. Phytotherapy Research. 2018; 32 (8):1425-1449.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBahare Salehi; Paolo Zucca; Mehdi Sharifi-Rad; Raffaele Pezzani; Sadegh Rajabi; William N. Setzer; Elena Maria Varoni; Marcello Iriti; Farzad Kobarfard; Javad Sharifi-Rad. 2018. "Phytotherapeutics in cancer invasion and metastasis." Phytotherapy Research 32, no. 8: 1425-1449.
Thionines are recalcitrant and polluting textile dyes presenting various degrees of N-methylation. In this paper, a complete series of homologous thionines was used as the substrates for oxidation in the presence of a bioinspired commercial iron-porphyrin immobilized on to imidazole- and pyridine-functionalized fumed silica, to emulate the active site of ligninolytic peroxidases. The obtained catalytic adducts showed a remarkable ability to catalyze thionine dye oxidation in the presence of different oxidants such as potassium monopersulfate and hydrogen peroxide. Different oxidation patterns were obtained and mechanistically discussed, in comparison with those observed in the presence of some ligninolytic oxidizing enzymes.
Gianmarco Cocco; Andrea Cocco; Francesca Sollai; Enrico Sanjust; Paolo Zucca. Bioinspired versus Enzymatic Oxidation of Some Homologous Thionine Dyes in the Presence of Immobilized Metalloporphyrin Catalysts and Ligninolytic Enzymes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2017, 18, 2553 .
AMA StyleGianmarco Cocco, Andrea Cocco, Francesca Sollai, Enrico Sanjust, Paolo Zucca. Bioinspired versus Enzymatic Oxidation of Some Homologous Thionine Dyes in the Presence of Immobilized Metalloporphyrin Catalysts and Ligninolytic Enzymes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017; 18 (12):2553.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGianmarco Cocco; Andrea Cocco; Francesca Sollai; Enrico Sanjust; Paolo Zucca. 2017. "Bioinspired versus Enzymatic Oxidation of Some Homologous Thionine Dyes in the Presence of Immobilized Metalloporphyrin Catalysts and Ligninolytic Enzymes." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 18, no. 12: 2553.
Cynomorium coccineum L., the desert thumb, is a rather exotic, parasitic plant unable to engage in photosynthesis, yet rich in a variety of unique compounds with a wide spectrum of biological applications. Whilst extraction, separation and isolation of such compounds is time consuming, the particular properties of the plant, such as dryness, hardness and lack of chlorophyll, render it a prime target for possible nanosizing. The entire plant, the external layer (coat) as well as its peel, are readily milled and high pressure homogenized to yield small, mostly uniform spherical particles with diameters in the range of 300 to 600 nm. The best quality of particles is obtained for the processed entire plant. Based on initial screens for biological activity, it seems that these particles are particularly active against the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans, whilst no activity could be observed against the model nematode Steinernema feltiae. This activity is particularly pronounced in the case of the external layer, whilst the peeled part does not seem to inhibit growth of C. albicans. Thanks to the ease of sample preparation, the good quality of the nanosuspension obtained, and the interesting activity of this natural product, nanosized coats of Cynomorium may well provide a lead for future development and applications as “green” materials in the field of medicine, but also environmentally, for instance in agriculture.
Sharoon Griffin; Reem Alkhayer; Seda Mirzoyan; Astghik Turabyan; Paolo Zucca; Muhammad Sarfraz; Muhammad Jawad Nasim; Armen Trchounian; Antonio Rescigno; Cornelia M. Keck; Claus Jacob. Nanosizing Cynomorium: Thumbs up for Potential Antifungal Applications. Inventions 2017, 2, 24 .
AMA StyleSharoon Griffin, Reem Alkhayer, Seda Mirzoyan, Astghik Turabyan, Paolo Zucca, Muhammad Sarfraz, Muhammad Jawad Nasim, Armen Trchounian, Antonio Rescigno, Cornelia M. Keck, Claus Jacob. Nanosizing Cynomorium: Thumbs up for Potential Antifungal Applications. Inventions. 2017; 2 (3):24.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSharoon Griffin; Reem Alkhayer; Seda Mirzoyan; Astghik Turabyan; Paolo Zucca; Muhammad Sarfraz; Muhammad Jawad Nasim; Armen Trchounian; Antonio Rescigno; Cornelia M. Keck; Claus Jacob. 2017. "Nanosizing Cynomorium: Thumbs up for Potential Antifungal Applications." Inventions 2, no. 3: 24.
Agarose is a polysaccharide obtained from some seaweeds, with a quite particular structure that allows spontaneous gelation. Agarose-based beads are highly porous, mechanically resistant, chemically and physically inert, and sharply hydrophilic. These features—that could be further improved by means of covalent cross-linking—render them particularly suitable for enzyme immobilization with a wide range of derivatization methods taking advantage of chemical modification of a fraction of the polymer hydroxyls. The main properties of the polymer are described here, followed by a review of cross-linking and derivatization methods. Some recent, innovative procedures to optimize the catalytic activity and operational stability of the obtained preparations are also described, together with multi-enzyme immobilized systems and the main guidelines to exploit their performances.
Paolo Zucca; Roberto Fernandez-Lafuente; Enrico Sanjust. Agarose and Its Derivatives as Supports for Enzyme Immobilization. Molecules 2016, 21, 1577 .
AMA StylePaolo Zucca, Roberto Fernandez-Lafuente, Enrico Sanjust. Agarose and Its Derivatives as Supports for Enzyme Immobilization. Molecules. 2016; 21 (11):1577.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Zucca; Roberto Fernandez-Lafuente; Enrico Sanjust. 2016. "Agarose and Its Derivatives as Supports for Enzyme Immobilization." Molecules 21, no. 11: 1577.
Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium coccineum L.) is a non-photosynthetic plant that has been used in traditional medicine for many centuries. In this paper, water extracts from the whole plant, external layer and peeled plant were studied to determine the main components responsible for its biological activities, i.e., its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-tyrosinase activities; its cytotoxicity against mouse melanoma B16F10 cells; and its pro-erectile activity in adult male rats. The results of electron transfer and hydrogen transfer assays showed that the antioxidant activity was mainly due to anthocyanins in the external layer, whereas the external layer and peeled plant extracts both inhibited the microbial growth of several Gram-positive strains. In contrast, the whole plant extract had the highest anti-tyrosinase activity and exhibited pro-erectile activity when administered subcutaneously. Overall, this study elucidated which parts of Maltese Mushroom are responsible for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-tyrosinase activities and thus which extracts have potential for use in nutraceutical formulations.
Paolo Zucca; Antonio Argiolas; Mariella Nieddu; Manuela Pintus; Antonella Rosa; Fabrizio Sanna; Francesca Sollai; Daniela Steri; Antonio Rescigno. Biological Activities and Nutraceutical Potentials of Water Extracts from Different Parts of Cynomorium coccineum L. (Maltese Mushroom). Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences 2016, 66, 179 -188.
AMA StylePaolo Zucca, Antonio Argiolas, Mariella Nieddu, Manuela Pintus, Antonella Rosa, Fabrizio Sanna, Francesca Sollai, Daniela Steri, Antonio Rescigno. Biological Activities and Nutraceutical Potentials of Water Extracts from Different Parts of Cynomorium coccineum L. (Maltese Mushroom). Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences. 2016; 66 (3):179-188.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Zucca; Antonio Argiolas; Mariella Nieddu; Manuela Pintus; Antonella Rosa; Fabrizio Sanna; Francesca Sollai; Daniela Steri; Antonio Rescigno. 2016. "Biological Activities and Nutraceutical Potentials of Water Extracts from Different Parts of Cynomorium coccineum L. (Maltese Mushroom)." Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences 66, no. 3: 179-188.
Laccases (LCs) are multicopper oxidases that find application as versatile biocatalysts for the green bioremediation of environmental pollutants and xenobiotics. In this study we elucidate the degrading activity of Lac2 pure enzyme form Pleurotus pulmonarius towards aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and M1 (AFM1). LC enzyme was purified using three chromatographic steps and identified as Lac2 through zymogram and LC-MS/MS. The degradation assays were performed in vitro at 25 °C for 72 h in buffer solution. AFB1 degradation by Lac2 direct oxidation was 23%. Toxin degradation was also investigated in the presence of three redox mediators, (2,2′-azino-bis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) (ABTS) and two naturally-occurring phenols, acetosyringone (AS) and syringaldehyde (SA). The direct effect of the enzyme and the mediated action of Lac2 with redox mediators univocally proved the correlation between Lac2 activity and aflatoxins degradation. The degradation of AFB1 was enhanced by the addition of all mediators at 10 mM, with AS being the most effective (90% of degradation). AFM1 was completely degraded by Lac2 with all mediators at 10 mM. The novelty of this study relies on the identification of a pure enzyme as capable of degrading AFB1 and, for the first time, AFM1, and on the evidence that the mechanism of an effective degradation occurs via the mediation of natural phenolic compounds. These results opened new perspective for Lac2 application in the food and feed supply chains as a biotransforming agent of AFB1 and AFM1.
Martina Loi; Francesca Fanelli; Paolo Zucca; Vania C. Liuzzi; Laura Quintieri; Maria T. Cimmarusti; Linda Monaci; Miriam Haidukowski; Antonio F. Logrieco; Enrico Sanjust; Giuseppina Mulè. Aflatoxin B1 and M1 Degradation by Lac2 from Pleurotus pulmonarius and Redox Mediators. Toxins 2016, 8, 245 .
AMA StyleMartina Loi, Francesca Fanelli, Paolo Zucca, Vania C. Liuzzi, Laura Quintieri, Maria T. Cimmarusti, Linda Monaci, Miriam Haidukowski, Antonio F. Logrieco, Enrico Sanjust, Giuseppina Mulè. Aflatoxin B1 and M1 Degradation by Lac2 from Pleurotus pulmonarius and Redox Mediators. Toxins. 2016; 8 (9):245.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartina Loi; Francesca Fanelli; Paolo Zucca; Vania C. Liuzzi; Laura Quintieri; Maria T. Cimmarusti; Linda Monaci; Miriam Haidukowski; Antonio F. Logrieco; Enrico Sanjust; Giuseppina Mulè. 2016. "Aflatoxin B1 and M1 Degradation by Lac2 from Pleurotus pulmonarius and Redox Mediators." Toxins 8, no. 9: 245.
Synthetic and bioinspired metalloporphyrins are a class of redox-active catalysts able to emulate several enzymes such as cytochromes P450, ligninolytic peroxidases, and peroxygenases. Their ability to perform oxidation and degradation of recalcitrant compounds, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, phenolic and non-phenolic aromatic compounds, sulfides, and nitroso-compounds, has been deeply investigated. Such a broad substrate specificity has suggested their use also in the bleaching of textile plant wastewaters. In fact, industrial dyes belong to very different chemical classes, being their effective and inexpensive oxidation an important challenge from both economic and environmental perspective. Accordingly, we review here the most widespread synthetic metalloporphyrins, and the most promising formulations for large-scale applications. In particular, we focus on the most convenient approaches for immobilization to conceive economical affordable processes. Then, the molecular routes of catalysis and the reported substrate specificity on the treatment of the most diffused textile dyes are encompassed, including the use of redox mediators and the comparison with the most common biological and enzymatic alternative, in order to depict an updated picture of a very promising field for large-scale applications.
Paolo Zucca; Cláudia M. B. Neves; Mário M. Q. Simões; Maria Da Graça P. M. S. Neves; Gianmarco Cocco; Enrico Sanjust. Immobilized Lignin Peroxidase-Like Metalloporphyrins as Reusable Catalysts in Oxidative Bleaching of Industrial Dyes. Molecules 2016, 21, 964 .
AMA StylePaolo Zucca, Cláudia M. B. Neves, Mário M. Q. Simões, Maria Da Graça P. M. S. Neves, Gianmarco Cocco, Enrico Sanjust. Immobilized Lignin Peroxidase-Like Metalloporphyrins as Reusable Catalysts in Oxidative Bleaching of Industrial Dyes. Molecules. 2016; 21 (7):964.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Zucca; Cláudia M. B. Neves; Mário M. Q. Simões; Maria Da Graça P. M. S. Neves; Gianmarco Cocco; Enrico Sanjust. 2016. "Immobilized Lignin Peroxidase-Like Metalloporphyrins as Reusable Catalysts in Oxidative Bleaching of Industrial Dyes." Molecules 21, no. 7: 964.