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Gunes Ak
Physiology and Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, 42250 Konya, Turkey

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Journal article
Published: 30 August 2021 in Antioxidants
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Epilobium hirsutum is extensively used as a traditional remedy in folk medicine, especially against prostate inflammation. Therefore, we evaluated the chemical profiles and biopharmaceutical potentials of different extracts of E. hirsutum aerial parts and roots. Metabolomic, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory profiles were investigated. Human prostate cancer PC3 cells were exposed to the extracts to evaluate antiproliferative effects. Gene expression and bioinformatics analyses were performed to investigate anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Oenothein B and myricetin were prominent compounds in the extracts. In scavenging/reducing assays, the methanol, infusion, and methanol/water extracts exhibited similar activities. We also observed the reduction of PC3 viability occurring following exposure to methanol and methanol/water extracts. According to bioinformatics analysis, myricetin was predicted to interact with COX-2 and TNFα. The interaction between TNFα and oxo-dihydroxy-octadecenoic acid was predicted as well. Intriguingly, the gene expression of COX-2 and TNFα was reduced in PC3 cells after exposure to methanol and methanol/water extracts. These effects were paralleled by the decreased gene expression of IL-8 and NFkB and the inhibition of PGE2 release. Therefore, the present findings suggest the potential use of E. hirsutum for the management of the burden of inflammation and oxidative stress occurring in lower urinary tract diseases, including prostatitis.

ACS Style

Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally; Eulogio Llorent-Martínez; Giustino Orlando; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Luigi Brunetti; Lucia Recinella; Sheila Leone; Simonetta Cristina Di Simone; Luigi Menghini; Claudio Ferrante. Shedding Light into the Connection between Chemical Components and Biological Effects of Extracts from Epilobium hirsutum: Is It a Potent Source of Bioactive Agents from Natural Treasure? Antioxidants 2021, 10, 1389 .

AMA Style

Gunes Ak, Gokhan Zengin, Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally, Eulogio Llorent-Martínez, Giustino Orlando, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Luigi Brunetti, Lucia Recinella, Sheila Leone, Simonetta Cristina Di Simone, Luigi Menghini, Claudio Ferrante. Shedding Light into the Connection between Chemical Components and Biological Effects of Extracts from Epilobium hirsutum: Is It a Potent Source of Bioactive Agents from Natural Treasure? Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (9):1389.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally; Eulogio Llorent-Martínez; Giustino Orlando; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Luigi Brunetti; Lucia Recinella; Sheila Leone; Simonetta Cristina Di Simone; Luigi Menghini; Claudio Ferrante. 2021. "Shedding Light into the Connection between Chemical Components and Biological Effects of Extracts from Epilobium hirsutum: Is It a Potent Source of Bioactive Agents from Natural Treasure?" Antioxidants 10, no. 9: 1389.

Journal article
Published: 16 July 2021 in Plants
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The quest for sustainable strategies aimed at increasing the bioactive properties of plant-based foods has grown quickly. In this work, we investigated the impact of exogenously applied phenolics, i.e., chlorogenic acid (CGA), hesperidin (HES), and their combinations (HES + CGA), on Lactuca sativa L. grown under normal- and mild-salinity conditions. To this aim, the phenolic profile, antioxidant properties, and enzyme inhibitory activity were determined. The untargeted metabolomics profiling revealed that lettuce treated with CGA under non-stressed conditions exhibited the highest total phenolic content (35.98 mg Eq./g). Lettuce samples grown under salt stress showed lower phenolic contents, except for lettuce treated with HES or HES + CGA, when comparing the same treatment between the two conditions. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity was investigated through DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,20-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays, coupled with metal-chelating activity and phosphomolybdenum capacity. An exciting increase in radical scavenging capacity was observed in lettuce treated with exogenous phenolics, in both stress and non-stress conditions. The inhibitory activity of the samples was evaluated against target health-related enzymes, namely cholinesterases (acetylcholinesterase; AChE; butyryl cholinesterase; BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Lettuce treated with HES + CGA under non-stress conditions exhibited the strongest inhibition against AChE and BChE, while the same treatment under salinity conditions resulted in the highest inhibition capacity against α-amylase. Additionally, CGA under non-stress conditions exhibited the best inhibitory effect against tyrosinase. All the functional traits investigated were significantly modulated by exogenous phenolics, salinity, and their combination. In more detail, flavonoids, lignans, and stilbenes were the most affected phenolics, whereas glycosidase enzymes and tyrosinase activity were the most affected among enzyme assays. In conclusion, the exogenous application of phenolics to lettuce represents an effective and green strategy to effectively modulate the phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibitory effects in lettuce, deserving future application to produce functional plant-based foods in a sustainable way.

ACS Style

Leilei Zhang; Erika Martinelli; Biancamaria Senizza; Begoña Miras-Moreno; Evren Yildiztugay; Busra Arikan; Fevzi Elbasan; Gunes Ak; Melike Balci; Gokhan Zengin; Youssef Rouphael; Luigi Lucini. The Combination of Mild Salinity Conditions and Exogenously Applied Phenolics Modulates Functional Traits in Lettuce. Plants 2021, 10, 1457 .

AMA Style

Leilei Zhang, Erika Martinelli, Biancamaria Senizza, Begoña Miras-Moreno, Evren Yildiztugay, Busra Arikan, Fevzi Elbasan, Gunes Ak, Melike Balci, Gokhan Zengin, Youssef Rouphael, Luigi Lucini. The Combination of Mild Salinity Conditions and Exogenously Applied Phenolics Modulates Functional Traits in Lettuce. Plants. 2021; 10 (7):1457.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Leilei Zhang; Erika Martinelli; Biancamaria Senizza; Begoña Miras-Moreno; Evren Yildiztugay; Busra Arikan; Fevzi Elbasan; Gunes Ak; Melike Balci; Gokhan Zengin; Youssef Rouphael; Luigi Lucini. 2021. "The Combination of Mild Salinity Conditions and Exogenously Applied Phenolics Modulates Functional Traits in Lettuce." Plants 10, no. 7: 1457.

Journal article
Published: 28 May 2021 in Foods
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Cydonia oblonga Mill., normally known as the quince fruit, has been widely used in agro-food industries mainly to produce jams and jellies. However, other parts of the plants are still underutilized and not completely assessed for their nutraceutical profile. Therefore, in this work, the polyphenolic profile of C. oblonga was investigated using an untargeted metabolomics approach based on high-resolution mass spectrometry. Several compounds were identified in the different parts of the plants, including flavonoids (i.e., anthocyanins, flavones, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols), phenolic acids (both hydroxycinnamics and hydroxybenzoics), low-molecular-weight phenolics (tyrosol equivalents), lignans, and stilbenes. Overall, C. oblonga leaves showed the highest in vitro antioxidant potential, as revealed by 2,2-difenil-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays, being 189.5, 285.6, 158.9, and 348.8 mg Trolox Equivalent/g, respectively. The enzymes acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases were both inhibited by the different plant parts of C. oblonga, with stems showing the higher inhibitory potential. Interestingly, the fruit extracts were the only parts inhibiting the α-glucosidase, with a value of 1.36 mmol acarbose equivalents (ACAE)/g. On the other hand, strong tyrosinase inhibition was found for stems and leaves, being 72.11 and 68.32 mg Kojic acid Equivalent/g, respectively. Finally, a high number of significant (0.05 < p< 0.01) correlations were outlined between phenolics (mainly anthocyanins, flava-3-ols, and tyrosol equivalents) and the different biological assays. Taken together, our findings suggest a potential exploitation of C. oblonga leaves and stems for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

ACS Style

Leilei Zhang; Gabriele Rocchetti; Gökhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Fatema Saber; Domenico Montesano; Luigi Lucini. The UHPLC-QTOF-MS Phenolic Profiling and Activity of Cydonia oblonga Mill. Reveals a Promising Nutraceutical Potential. Foods 2021, 10, 1230 .

AMA Style

Leilei Zhang, Gabriele Rocchetti, Gökhan Zengin, Gunes Ak, Fatema Saber, Domenico Montesano, Luigi Lucini. The UHPLC-QTOF-MS Phenolic Profiling and Activity of Cydonia oblonga Mill. Reveals a Promising Nutraceutical Potential. Foods. 2021; 10 (6):1230.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Leilei Zhang; Gabriele Rocchetti; Gökhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Fatema Saber; Domenico Montesano; Luigi Lucini. 2021. "The UHPLC-QTOF-MS Phenolic Profiling and Activity of Cydonia oblonga Mill. Reveals a Promising Nutraceutical Potential." Foods 10, no. 6: 1230.

Journal article
Published: 17 May 2021 in Antioxidants
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Jatropha L. species, in particular, J. curcas and J. gossypiifolia, are well known medicinal plants used for treating various diseases. In the present study, leaf and stem bark extracts of J. curcas and J. gossypiifolia obtained by maceration or homogenizer assisted extraction, were investigated for their phytochemical contents and biological potential as antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors and neuromodulators. In this regard, the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was investigated in hypothalamic HypoE22 cells. Finally, a bioinformatics analysis was carried out with the aim to unravel the putative mechanisms consistent with both metabolomic fingerprints and pharmacological effects. The leaf extracts of J. curcas showed higher total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) than the stem bark extracts (range: 5.79–48.95 mg GAE/g and 1.64–13.99 mg RE/g, respectively), while J. gossypiifolia possessed TPC and TFC in the range of 42.62–62.83 mg GAE/g and 6.97–17.63 mg RE/g, respectively. HPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed that the leaf extracts of both species obtained by homogenizer assisted extraction are richer in phytochemical compounds compared to the stem bark extracts obtained by the same extraction method. In vitro antioxidant potentials were also demonstrated in different assays (DPPH: 6.89–193.93 mg TE/g, ABTS: 20.20–255.39 mg TE/g, CUPRAC: 21.07–333.30 mg TE/g, FRAP: 14.02–168.93 mg TE/g, metal chelating activity: 3.21–17.51 mg EDTAE/g and phosphomolybdenum assay: 1.76–3.55 mmol TE/g). In particular, the leaf extract of J. curcas and the stem bark extract of J. gossypiifolia, both obtained by homogenizer assisted extraction, showed the most potent antioxidant capacity in terms of free radical scavenging and reducing activity, which could be related to their higher TPC and TFC. Furthermore, anti-neurodegenerative (acetylcholinesterase inhibition: 1.12–2.36 mg GALAE/g; butyrylcholinetserase inhibition: 0.50–3.68 mg GALAE/g), anti-hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase inhibition: 38.14–57.59 mg KAE/g) and antidiabetic (amylase inhibition: 0.28–0.62 mmol ACAE/g; glucosidase inhibition: 0.65–0.81 mmol ACAE/g) properties were displayed differentially by the different extracts. Additionally, the extracts were effective in reducing the gene expression of both TNFα and BDNF, which could be partially mediated by phenolic compounds such as naringenin, apigenin and quercetin. Indeed, the scientific data obtained from the present study complement the several other reports highlighting the pharmacological potentials of these two species, thus supporting their uses as therapeutically active plants.

ACS Style

Gokhan Zengin; Mohamad Mahomoodally; Kouadio Sinan; Gunes Ak; Ouattara Etienne; Jugreet Sharmeen; Luigi Brunetti; Sheila Leone; Simonetta Di Simone; Lucia Recinella; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Luigi Menghini; Giustino Orlando; József Jekő; Zoltán Cziáky; Claudio Ferrante. Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Two Jatropha Species: Different Parts and Different Extraction Methods. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 792 .

AMA Style

Gokhan Zengin, Mohamad Mahomoodally, Kouadio Sinan, Gunes Ak, Ouattara Etienne, Jugreet Sharmeen, Luigi Brunetti, Sheila Leone, Simonetta Di Simone, Lucia Recinella, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Luigi Menghini, Giustino Orlando, József Jekő, Zoltán Cziáky, Claudio Ferrante. Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Two Jatropha Species: Different Parts and Different Extraction Methods. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (5):792.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gokhan Zengin; Mohamad Mahomoodally; Kouadio Sinan; Gunes Ak; Ouattara Etienne; Jugreet Sharmeen; Luigi Brunetti; Sheila Leone; Simonetta Di Simone; Lucia Recinella; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Luigi Menghini; Giustino Orlando; József Jekő; Zoltán Cziáky; Claudio Ferrante. 2021. "Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Two Jatropha Species: Different Parts and Different Extraction Methods." Antioxidants 10, no. 5: 792.

Journal article
Published: 23 April 2021 in Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
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Cyclamen coum Mill. used in traditional medicine has been reported to exhibit interesting biological activities. In this study, the ability of the C. coum tuber extracts to inhibit clinical enzymes, namely, cholinesterases, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase, as well as the antioxidant properties were assessed. High-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to obtain detailed phytochemical profiles and in silico studies were performed against the key clinical enzymes. HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS results confirmed the presence of saponins cyclacoumin and cyclaminorin, which were previously identified from C. coum tuber extracts. In addition, other phenolic compounds, namely, phloretin C-dihexoside, quercetin 3-galactoside, and catechin, were also identified from C. coum tuber extracts. The methanol extract showed interesting inhibition against tyrosinase (65.87 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract) and α-glucosidase (34.41 mg acarbose equivalent/g extract). Low inhibition was observed against cholinesterases and α-amylase. The methanol also showed active antioxidant properties (expressed as Trolox equivalent [TE]), namely, radical scavenging and reducing potential (15.17 and 21.86 mg TE/g extract, for 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays, respectively). In order to highlight the possible bioactive compounds responsible of the biological effect, phloretin C-diglucoside, catechin and quercetin 3-galactoside were docked via in silico molecular modelling approaches. For tyrosinase, quercetin 3-galactoside showed better docking and free binding energy which was found to bind very strongly to the enzymatic cavity of tyrosinase (via hydrogen bonds to Glu322, His85, His263, Gly281 and π-π stacks to His263 and His259). Findings from this study tend to advocate for further investigations focusing on the isolation of bioactive compounds from the methanol extract of C. coum tuber extracts and assessment of their cytotoxicity and their bioactivity.

ACS Style

Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally; Marie Carene Nancy Picot-Allain; Gokhan Zengin; Eulogio J. Llorent-Martínez; Azzurra Stefanucci; Gunes Ak; Ismail Senkardes; Michał Tomczyk; Adriano Mollica. Chemical profiles and biological potential of tuber extracts from Cyclamen coum Mill. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 2021, 33, 102008 .

AMA Style

Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally, Marie Carene Nancy Picot-Allain, Gokhan Zengin, Eulogio J. Llorent-Martínez, Azzurra Stefanucci, Gunes Ak, Ismail Senkardes, Michał Tomczyk, Adriano Mollica. Chemical profiles and biological potential of tuber extracts from Cyclamen coum Mill. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology. 2021; 33 ():102008.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally; Marie Carene Nancy Picot-Allain; Gokhan Zengin; Eulogio J. Llorent-Martínez; Azzurra Stefanucci; Gunes Ak; Ismail Senkardes; Michał Tomczyk; Adriano Mollica. 2021. "Chemical profiles and biological potential of tuber extracts from Cyclamen coum Mill." Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology 33, no. : 102008.

Review
Published: 19 April 2021 in Pharmaceuticals
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To date, the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide include viral infections, such as Ebola, influenza virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and recently COVID-19 disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Currently, we can count on a narrow range of antiviral drugs, especially older generation ones like ribavirin and interferon which are effective against viruses in vitro but can often be ineffective in patients. In addition to these, we have antiviral agents for the treatment of herpes virus, influenza virus, HIV and hepatitis virus. Recently, drugs used in the past especially against ebolavirus, such as remdesivir and favipiravir, have been considered for the treatment of COVID-19 disease. However, even if these drugs represent important tools against viral diseases, they are certainly not sufficient to defend us from the multitude of viruses present in the environment. This represents a huge problem, especially considering the unprecedented global threat due to the advancement of COVID-19, which represents a potential risk to the health and life of millions of people. The demand, therefore, for new and effective antiviral drugs is very high. This review focuses on three fundamental points: (1) presents the main threats to human health, reviewing the most widespread viral diseases in the world, thus describing the scenario caused by the disease in question each time and evaluating the specific therapeutic remedies currently available. (2) It comprehensively describes main phytochemical classes, in particular from plant foods, with proven antiviral activities, the viruses potentially treated with the described phytochemicals. (3) Consideration of the various applications of drug delivery systems in order to improve the bioavailability of these compounds or extracts. A PRISMA flow diagram was used for the inclusion of the works. Taking into consideration the recent dramatic events caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the cry of alarm that denounces critical need for new antiviral drugs is extremely strong. For these reasons, a continuous systematic exploration of plant foods and their phytochemicals is necessary for the development of new antiviral agents capable of saving lives and improving their well-being.

ACS Style

Tapan Behl; Gabriele Rocchetti; Swati Chadha; Gokhan Zengin; Simona Bungau; Arun Kumar; Vineet Mehta; Sahab Uddin; Gaurav Khullar; Dhruv Setia; Sandeep Arora; Kouadio Sinan; Gunes Ak; Predrag Putnik; Monica Gallo; Domenico Montesano. Phytochemicals from Plant Foods as Potential Source of Antiviral Agents: An Overview. Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14, 381 .

AMA Style

Tapan Behl, Gabriele Rocchetti, Swati Chadha, Gokhan Zengin, Simona Bungau, Arun Kumar, Vineet Mehta, Sahab Uddin, Gaurav Khullar, Dhruv Setia, Sandeep Arora, Kouadio Sinan, Gunes Ak, Predrag Putnik, Monica Gallo, Domenico Montesano. Phytochemicals from Plant Foods as Potential Source of Antiviral Agents: An Overview. Pharmaceuticals. 2021; 14 (4):381.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tapan Behl; Gabriele Rocchetti; Swati Chadha; Gokhan Zengin; Simona Bungau; Arun Kumar; Vineet Mehta; Sahab Uddin; Gaurav Khullar; Dhruv Setia; Sandeep Arora; Kouadio Sinan; Gunes Ak; Predrag Putnik; Monica Gallo; Domenico Montesano. 2021. "Phytochemicals from Plant Foods as Potential Source of Antiviral Agents: An Overview." Pharmaceuticals 14, no. 4: 381.

Journal article
Published: 05 April 2021 in Plants
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This study aimed to establish a rapid in vitro plant regeneration method from rhizome buds of Kaempferia parviflora to obtain the valuable secondary metabolites with antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties. The disinfection effect of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO NPs) on rhizome and effects of plant growth regulators on shoot multiplication and subsequent rooting were investigated. Surface sterilization of rhizome buds with sodium hypochlorite was insufficient to control contamination. However, immersing rhizome buds in 100 mg L−1 AgO NPs for 60 min eliminated contamination without affecting the survival of explants. The number of shoots (12.2) produced per rhizome bud was higher in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 8 µM of 6-Benzyladenine (6-BA) and 0.5 µM of Thidiazuron (TDZ) than other treatments. The highest number of roots (24), with a mean root length of 7.8 cm and the maximum shoot length (9.8 cm), were obtained on medium MS with 2 µM of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). A survival rate of 98% was attained when plantlets of K. parviflora were acclimatized in a growth room. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine the chemical profile of K. parviflora leaf extracts. Results showed that several biologically active flavonoids reported in rhizomes were also present in leaf tissues of both in vitro cultured and ex vitro (greenhouse-grown) plantlets of K. parviflora. We found 40 and 36 compounds in in vitro cultured and ex vitro grown leaf samples, respectively. Greenhouse leaves exhibited more potent antioxidant activities than leaves from in vitro cultures. A higher acetylcholinesterase inhibitory ability was obtained for greenhouse leaves (1.07 mg/mL). However, leaves from in vitro cultures exhibited stronger butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory abilities. These results suggest that leaves of K. parviflora, as major byproducts of black ginger cultivation, could be used as valuable alternative sources for extracting bioactive compounds.

ACS Style

Han-Yong Park; Kyung-Su Kim; Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Zoltán Cziáky; József Jekő; Kathalingam Adaikalam; Kihwan Song; Doo-Hwan Kim; Iyyakkannu Sivanesan. Establishment of a Rapid Micropropagation System for Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker: Phytochemical Analysis of Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of Biological Activities. Plants 2021, 10, 698 .

AMA Style

Han-Yong Park, Kyung-Su Kim, Gunes Ak, Gokhan Zengin, Zoltán Cziáky, József Jekő, Kathalingam Adaikalam, Kihwan Song, Doo-Hwan Kim, Iyyakkannu Sivanesan. Establishment of a Rapid Micropropagation System for Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker: Phytochemical Analysis of Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of Biological Activities. Plants. 2021; 10 (4):698.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Han-Yong Park; Kyung-Su Kim; Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Zoltán Cziáky; József Jekő; Kathalingam Adaikalam; Kihwan Song; Doo-Hwan Kim; Iyyakkannu Sivanesan. 2021. "Establishment of a Rapid Micropropagation System for Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker: Phytochemical Analysis of Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of Biological Activities." Plants 10, no. 4: 698.

Journal article
Published: 23 February 2021 in Antibiotics
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To avail the possible pharmacological actions of Bridelia ferruginea Benth., the present investigation was designed to quantitatively analyze the total flavonoid and phenolic contents and assess the various antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties of leaf and stem bark extracts (ethyl acetate, water and methanolic) of B. ferruginea. Anti-proliferative effect was also investigated against human colon cancer cells (HCT116) as well as the antimicrobial potential against multiple bacterial and fungal (yeasts and dermatophytes) strains. The methanolic and water extracts of the stem bark demonstrated the highest phenolic content (193.58 ± 0.98 and 187.84 ± 1.88 mg/g, respectively), while the leaf extracts showed comparatively higher flavonoid contents (24.37–42.31 mg/g). Overall, the methanolic extracts were found to possess the most significant antioxidant potency. Compared to the other extracts, methanolic extracts of the B. ferruginea were revealed to be most potent inhibitors of acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases, tyrosinase α-amylase, except α-glucosidase. Only the ethyl acetate extracts were found to inhibit glucosidase. Additionally, the stem bark methanolic extract also showed potent inhibitory activity against E. coli and gram-positive bacteria (MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration): 2.48–62.99 µg/mL), as well as all the tested fungi (MIC: 4.96–62.99 µg/mL). In conclusion, B. ferruginea can be regarded as a promising source of bioactive compounds displaying multifunctional pharmacological activities and thus is a potential candidate for further investigations in the endeavor to develop botanical formulations for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

ACS Style

Mohamad Mahomoodally; Sharmeen Jugreet; Kouadio Sinan; Gokhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Ramazan Ceylan; József Jekő; Zoltán Cziáky; Paola Angelini; Giancarlo Angeles Flores; Roberto Venanzoni; Simonetta Di Simone; Luigi Menghini; Giustino Orlando; Claudio Ferrante; Ouattara Etienne; Massimo Tacchini. Pharmacological Potential and Chemical Characterization of Bridelia ferruginea Benth.—A Native Tropical African Medicinal Plant. Antibiotics 2021, 10, 223 .

AMA Style

Mohamad Mahomoodally, Sharmeen Jugreet, Kouadio Sinan, Gokhan Zengin, Gunes Ak, Ramazan Ceylan, József Jekő, Zoltán Cziáky, Paola Angelini, Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Roberto Venanzoni, Simonetta Di Simone, Luigi Menghini, Giustino Orlando, Claudio Ferrante, Ouattara Etienne, Massimo Tacchini. Pharmacological Potential and Chemical Characterization of Bridelia ferruginea Benth.—A Native Tropical African Medicinal Plant. Antibiotics. 2021; 10 (2):223.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mohamad Mahomoodally; Sharmeen Jugreet; Kouadio Sinan; Gokhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Ramazan Ceylan; József Jekő; Zoltán Cziáky; Paola Angelini; Giancarlo Angeles Flores; Roberto Venanzoni; Simonetta Di Simone; Luigi Menghini; Giustino Orlando; Claudio Ferrante; Ouattara Etienne; Massimo Tacchini. 2021. "Pharmacological Potential and Chemical Characterization of Bridelia ferruginea Benth.—A Native Tropical African Medicinal Plant." Antibiotics 10, no. 2: 223.

Journal article
Published: 12 February 2021 in Biomolecules
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Industrial hemp is a multiuse crop that has been widely cultivated to produce fibers and nutrients. The capability of the essential oil (EO) from inflorescences as antimicrobial agent has been reported. However, literature data are still lacking about the hemp EO antiprotozoal efficacy in vivo. The present study aims to unravel this concern through the evaluation of the efficacy of hemp EOs (2.5 mL/kg, intraperitoneally) of three different cultivars, namely Futura 75, Carmagnola selezionata and Eletta campana, in mice intraperitoneally infected with Leishmania tropica. A detailed description of EO composition and targets-components analysis is reported. Myrcene, α-pinene and E-caryophyllene were the main components of the EOs, as indicated by the gas-chromatographic analysis. However, a prominent position in the scenario of the theoretical interactions underlying the bio-pharmacological activity was also occupied by selina-3,7(11)-diene, which displayed affinities in the micromolar range (5.4–28.9) towards proliferator-activated receptor α, cannabinoid CB2 receptor and acetylcholinesterase. The content of this compound was higher in Futura 75 and Eletta campana, in accordance with their higher scavenging/reducing properties and efficacy against the tissue wound, induced by L. tropica. Overall, the present study recommends hemp female inflorescences, as sources of biomolecules with potential pharmacological applications, especially towards infective diseases.

ACS Style

Luigi Menghini; Claudio Ferrante; Simone Carradori; Marianna D’Antonio; Giustino Orlando; Francesco Cairone; Stefania Cesa; Antonello Filippi; Caterina Fraschetti; Gokhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Massimo Tacchini; Kashif Iqbal. Chemical and Bioinformatics Analyses of the Anti-Leishmanial and Anti-Oxidant Activities of Hemp Essential Oil. Biomolecules 2021, 11, 272 .

AMA Style

Luigi Menghini, Claudio Ferrante, Simone Carradori, Marianna D’Antonio, Giustino Orlando, Francesco Cairone, Stefania Cesa, Antonello Filippi, Caterina Fraschetti, Gokhan Zengin, Gunes Ak, Massimo Tacchini, Kashif Iqbal. Chemical and Bioinformatics Analyses of the Anti-Leishmanial and Anti-Oxidant Activities of Hemp Essential Oil. Biomolecules. 2021; 11 (2):272.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luigi Menghini; Claudio Ferrante; Simone Carradori; Marianna D’Antonio; Giustino Orlando; Francesco Cairone; Stefania Cesa; Antonello Filippi; Caterina Fraschetti; Gokhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Massimo Tacchini; Kashif Iqbal. 2021. "Chemical and Bioinformatics Analyses of the Anti-Leishmanial and Anti-Oxidant Activities of Hemp Essential Oil." Biomolecules 11, no. 2: 272.

Journal article
Published: 04 February 2021 in Biomolecules
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Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. is a well-known African medicinal plant traditionally used for various healing purposes. In the present study, methanolic, ethyl acetate and infusion extracts of A. cordifolia leaves were studied for their total phenolic and flavonoid contents and screened for their chemical composition. Moreover, the enzyme (acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase) inhibitory and cytotoxicity activities on HepG2: human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, B16 4A5: murine melanoma cells, and S17: murine bone marrow (normal) cells of extracts were evaluated. Finally, components-targets and docking analyzes were conducted with the aim to unravel the putative mechanisms underlying the observed bio-pharmacological effects. Interestingly, the infusion and methanolic extracts showed significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents compared with the ethyl acetate extract (TPC: 120.38–213.12 mg GAE/g and TFC: 9.66–57.18 mg RE/g). Besides, the methanolic extracts followed by the infusion extracts were revealed to contain a higher number of compounds (84 and 74 compounds, respectively), while only 64 compounds were observed for the ethyl acetate extract. Gallic acid, ellagic acid, shikimic acid, rutin, quercetin, myricetin, vitexin, quercitrin, kaempferol, and naringenin were among the compounds that were commonly identified in all the studied extracts. Additionally, the methanolic and infusion extracts displayed higher antioxidant capacity than ethyl acetate extract in all assays performed. In ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays, the methanol extract (500.38 mg TE/g for DPPH and 900.64 mg TE/g for ABTS) exhibited the best ability, followed by the water and ethyl acetate extracts. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited differential enzyme inhibitory profiles. In particular, the methanolic and infusion extracts showed better cytotoxic selectivity activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Overall, this study demonstrated A cordifolia to be a species worthy of further investigations, given its richness in bioactive phytochemicals and wide potentialities for antioxidants and pharmacological agents.

ACS Style

Kouadio Sinan; Gunes Ak; Ouattara Etienne; József Jekő; Zoltán Cziáky; Katalin Gupcsó; Maria João Rodrigues; Luisa Custodio; Mohamad Mahomoodally; Jugreet Sharmeen; Luigi Brunetti; Sheila Leone; Lucia Recinella; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Giustino Orlando; Luigi Menghini; Massimo Tacchini; Claudio Ferrante; Gokhan Zengin. Deeper Insights on Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg Extracts: Chemical Profiles, Biological Abilities, Network Analysis and Molecular Docking. Biomolecules 2021, 11, 219 .

AMA Style

Kouadio Sinan, Gunes Ak, Ouattara Etienne, József Jekő, Zoltán Cziáky, Katalin Gupcsó, Maria João Rodrigues, Luisa Custodio, Mohamad Mahomoodally, Jugreet Sharmeen, Luigi Brunetti, Sheila Leone, Lucia Recinella, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Giustino Orlando, Luigi Menghini, Massimo Tacchini, Claudio Ferrante, Gokhan Zengin. Deeper Insights on Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg Extracts: Chemical Profiles, Biological Abilities, Network Analysis and Molecular Docking. Biomolecules. 2021; 11 (2):219.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kouadio Sinan; Gunes Ak; Ouattara Etienne; József Jekő; Zoltán Cziáky; Katalin Gupcsó; Maria João Rodrigues; Luisa Custodio; Mohamad Mahomoodally; Jugreet Sharmeen; Luigi Brunetti; Sheila Leone; Lucia Recinella; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Giustino Orlando; Luigi Menghini; Massimo Tacchini; Claudio Ferrante; Gokhan Zengin. 2021. "Deeper Insights on Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll.Arg Extracts: Chemical Profiles, Biological Abilities, Network Analysis and Molecular Docking." Biomolecules 11, no. 2: 219.

Journal article
Published: 21 January 2021 in Plants
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Leonurus cardiaca L. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb distributed in Asia and Southeastern Europe and has been used in traditional medicine since antiquity for its role against cardiac and gynecological disorders. The polar extracts obtained from L. cardiaca aerial parts contain several compounds among which alkaloids, iridoids, labdane diterpenes, and phenylethanoid glycosides play a major role in conferring protection against the aforementioned diseases. On the other hand, the antioxidant activities and the enzyme inhibitory properties of these extracts have not yet been deeply studied. On the above, in the present study, crude and purified extracts were prepared from the aerial parts of L. cardiaca and have been chemically characterized by spectrophotometric assays and HPLC-DAD-MS analyses. Notably, the content of twelve secondary metabolites, namely phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, caffeoylmalic and trans-ferulic acids), flavonoids (rutin and quercetin), phenylethanoid glycosides (verbascoside and lavandulifolioside), guanidine pseudoalkaloids (leonurine), iridoids (harpagide), diterpenes (forskolin), and triterpenes (ursolic acid), has been determined. Furthermore, the extracts were tested for their antioxidant capabilities (phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, and ferrous chelating assays) and enzyme inhibitory properties against cholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase. The purified extracts contained higher phytochemical content than the crude ones, with caffeoylmalic acid and verbascoside as the most abundant compounds. A linear correlation between total phenolics, radical scavenging activity, and reducing power of extracts has been found. Notably, quercetin, caffeic acid, lavandulifolioside, verbascoside, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and ursolic acid influenced the main variations in the bioactivities found in L. cardiaca extracts. Our findings provide further insights into the chemico-biological traits of L. cardiaca and a scientific basis for the development of nutraceuticals and food supplements.

ACS Style

Simone Angeloni; Eleonora Spinozzi; Filippo Maggi; Gianni Sagratini; Giovanni Caprioli; Germana Borsetta; Gunes Ak; Kouadio Sinan; Gokhan Zengin; Sabrina Arpini; Giacomo Mombelli; Massimo Ricciutelli. Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Crude and Purified Leonurus cardiaca Extracts. Plants 2021, 10, 195 .

AMA Style

Simone Angeloni, Eleonora Spinozzi, Filippo Maggi, Gianni Sagratini, Giovanni Caprioli, Germana Borsetta, Gunes Ak, Kouadio Sinan, Gokhan Zengin, Sabrina Arpini, Giacomo Mombelli, Massimo Ricciutelli. Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Crude and Purified Leonurus cardiaca Extracts. Plants. 2021; 10 (2):195.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Simone Angeloni; Eleonora Spinozzi; Filippo Maggi; Gianni Sagratini; Giovanni Caprioli; Germana Borsetta; Gunes Ak; Kouadio Sinan; Gokhan Zengin; Sabrina Arpini; Giacomo Mombelli; Massimo Ricciutelli. 2021. "Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Crude and Purified Leonurus cardiaca Extracts." Plants 10, no. 2: 195.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2021 in Antioxidants
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Industrial hemp is a multiuse crop whose phytocomplex includes terpenophenolics and flavonoids. In the present study, the phenolic and terpenophenolic compounds were assayed in the water extract of the hemp variety Futura 75. Protective effects were also investigated in human fibroblast and keratinocytes and isolate mouse skin specimens, which were exposed to hydrogen peroxide and/or to the extract (1–500 µg/mL). The results of phytochemical analysis suggested the cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid and rutin as the prominent phytocompounds. In the in vitro system represented by human keratinocytes and fibroblasts, the hemp extract was found to be able to protect cells from cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. Moreover, modulatory effects on IL-6, a key mediator in skin proliferation, were found. In isolated rat skin, the extract reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced l-dopa turnover, prostaglandin-E2 production and the ratio kynurenine/tryptpophan, thus corroborating anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effects. The in silico docking studies also highlighted the putative interactions between cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid and rutin with tyrosinase and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, involved in l-dopa turnover and tryptophan conversion in kynurenine, respectively. In conclusion, the present findings showed the efficacy of hemp water extract as a skin protective agent. This could be partly related to the extract content in cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid and rutin.

ACS Style

Viviana Di Giacomo; Lucia Recinella; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Giustino Orlando; Amelia Cataldi; Monica Rapino; Valentina Di Valerio; Matteo Politi; Marco Daniel Antolini; Alessandra Acquaviva; Francesco Bacchin; Massimo Di Mascio; Sheila Leone; Luigi Brunetti; Luigi Menghini; Simone Carradori; Gokhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Claudio Ferrante. Metabolomic Profile and Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Industrial Hemp Water Extract in Fibroblasts, Keratinocytes and Isolated Mouse Skin Specimens. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 44 .

AMA Style

Viviana Di Giacomo, Lucia Recinella, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Giustino Orlando, Amelia Cataldi, Monica Rapino, Valentina Di Valerio, Matteo Politi, Marco Daniel Antolini, Alessandra Acquaviva, Francesco Bacchin, Massimo Di Mascio, Sheila Leone, Luigi Brunetti, Luigi Menghini, Simone Carradori, Gokhan Zengin, Gunes Ak, Claudio Ferrante. Metabolomic Profile and Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Industrial Hemp Water Extract in Fibroblasts, Keratinocytes and Isolated Mouse Skin Specimens. Antioxidants. 2021; 10 (1):44.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Viviana Di Giacomo; Lucia Recinella; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Giustino Orlando; Amelia Cataldi; Monica Rapino; Valentina Di Valerio; Matteo Politi; Marco Daniel Antolini; Alessandra Acquaviva; Francesco Bacchin; Massimo Di Mascio; Sheila Leone; Luigi Brunetti; Luigi Menghini; Simone Carradori; Gokhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Claudio Ferrante. 2021. "Metabolomic Profile and Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Industrial Hemp Water Extract in Fibroblasts, Keratinocytes and Isolated Mouse Skin Specimens." Antioxidants 10, no. 1: 44.

Journal article
Published: 23 December 2020 in Molecules
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Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) has traditionally been employed as a phytotherapeutic remedy in the treatment of migraine. In this study, a commercial T. parthenium water extract was investigated to explore its anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory effects. Isolated mouse cortexes were exposed to a K+ 60 mM Krebs-Ringer buffer and treated with T. parthenium water extract. The prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and IL-1β gene expression were evaluated in the cortex. The effects on dopamine (DA) release and dopamine transporter (DAT) gene expression were assayed in hypothalamic HypoE22 cells. A bioinformatics analysis was conducted to further investigate the mechanism of action. The extract was effective in reducing cortex PGE2 release and IL-1β gene expression. In the same experimental system, IL-10 and BDNF gene expressions increased, and in HypoE22 cells, the extract decreased the extracellular dopamine level and increased the DAT gene expression due to the direct interaction of parthenolide with the DAT. Overall, the present findings highlight the efficacy of T. parthenium water extract in controlling the inflammatory pathways that occur during cortical-spreading depression. Additionally, the inhibition of the hypothalamic DA release observed in this study further supports the role of dopaminergic pathways as key targets for novel pharmacological approaches in the management of migraine attacks.

ACS Style

Lucia Recinella; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Viviana Di Giacomo; Marco Daniel Antolini; Alessandra Acquaviva; Sheila Leone; Luigi Brunetti; Luigi Menghini; Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Simonetta Cristina Di Simone; Claudio Ferrante; Giustino Orlando. Anti-Inflammatory and Neuromodulatory Effects Induced by Tanacetum parthenium Water Extract: Results from In Silico, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Studies. Molecules 2020, 26, 22 .

AMA Style

Lucia Recinella, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Viviana Di Giacomo, Marco Daniel Antolini, Alessandra Acquaviva, Sheila Leone, Luigi Brunetti, Luigi Menghini, Gunes Ak, Gokhan Zengin, Simonetta Cristina Di Simone, Claudio Ferrante, Giustino Orlando. Anti-Inflammatory and Neuromodulatory Effects Induced by Tanacetum parthenium Water Extract: Results from In Silico, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Studies. Molecules. 2020; 26 (1):22.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lucia Recinella; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Viviana Di Giacomo; Marco Daniel Antolini; Alessandra Acquaviva; Sheila Leone; Luigi Brunetti; Luigi Menghini; Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Simonetta Cristina Di Simone; Claudio Ferrante; Giustino Orlando. 2020. "Anti-Inflammatory and Neuromodulatory Effects Induced by Tanacetum parthenium Water Extract: Results from In Silico, In Vitro and Ex Vivo Studies." Molecules 26, no. 1: 22.

Journal article
Published: 25 November 2020 in Molecules
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Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston (also known as Cup Saucer plant) is a food plant with wide applications in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda. Extracts obtained with four solvents (dichloromethane, methanol, ethyl acetate and water), from three plant parts, (fruit, leaf and bark) were obtained. Extracts were tested for total phenolic, flavonoid content and antioxidant activities using a battery of assays including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (phosphomolybdenum) and metal chelating. Enzyme inhibitory effects were investigated using acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase as target enzymes. Results showed that the methanolic bark extract exhibited significant radical scavenging activity (DPPH: 202.09 ± 0.15; ABTS: 490.12 ± 0.18 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g), reducing potential (FRAP: 325.86 ± 4.36: CUPRAC: 661.82 ± 0.40 mg TE/g) and possessed the highest TAC (3.33 ± 0.13 mmol TE/g). The methanolic extracts were subjected to LC-DAD-MSn and NMR analysis. A two-column LC method was developed to separate constituents, allowing to identify and quantify forty-four and fifteen constituents in bark and fruits, respectively. Main compound in bark was epicatechin-3-O-sulphate and isolation of compound was performed to confirm its identity. Bark extract contained catechins, procyanidins, gallic acid derivatives and the sulfur containing spiroketal named breynins. Aerial parts mostly contained flavonoid glycosides. Considering the bioassays, the methanolic bark extract resulted a potent tyrosinase (152.79 ± 0.27 mg kojic acid equivalent/g), α-amylase (0.99 ± 0.01 mmol acarbose equivalent ACAE/g) and α-glucosidase (2.16 ± 0.01 mmol ACAE/g) inhibitor. In conclusion, methanol is able to extract the efficiently the phytoconstituents of B. retusa and the bark is the most valuable source of compounds.

ACS Style

Stefano Dall’Acqua; Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan; Irene Ferrarese; Stefania Sut; Kouadio Bene; Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally; Nabeelah Bibi Sadeer; Monika Waksmundzka-Hajnos; Gokhan Zengin. Chromatographic Separation of Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston Bark, Fruit and Leaf Constituents from Bioactive Extracts. Molecules 2020, 25, 5537 .

AMA Style

Stefano Dall’Acqua, Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan, Irene Ferrarese, Stefania Sut, Kouadio Bene, Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally, Nabeelah Bibi Sadeer, Monika Waksmundzka-Hajnos, Gokhan Zengin. Chromatographic Separation of Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston Bark, Fruit and Leaf Constituents from Bioactive Extracts. Molecules. 2020; 25 (23):5537.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stefano Dall’Acqua; Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan; Irene Ferrarese; Stefania Sut; Kouadio Bene; Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally; Nabeelah Bibi Sadeer; Monika Waksmundzka-Hajnos; Gokhan Zengin. 2020. "Chromatographic Separation of Breynia retusa (Dennst.) Alston Bark, Fruit and Leaf Constituents from Bioactive Extracts." Molecules 25, no. 23: 5537.

Journal article
Published: 12 November 2020 in Plants
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Mertensia maritima (L.) Gray is threatened with extinction owing to climate change, poor seed germination, and ocean warming. In vitro explant-culture is used for ex situ preservation and plantlet massive production. In vitro cell and organ cultures serve as an alternative plant material source to investigate the biological activities and phytochemical profiles of rare plants. We aimed to develop an efficient callus and shoot production protocol and investigate bioactive metabolites, antioxidants, and enzyme inhibitory potential of M. maritima calli, shoots, and in vivo seedlings. The effects of combinations of different plant growth regulators, 6-BA (N6-benzyladenine), 6-KN (Kinetin), TDZ (Thidiazuron), and NAA (1-Naphthylacetic acid), in MS (Murashige and Skoog) nutrient medium were studied. The highest callus proliferation was obtained after 5-week cultivation over a 16-h photoperiod on growth medium MS enriched with 4 µM each of 6-BA and NAA. The medium with 2 µM 6-BA and 4 µM 6-KN had the best shoot induction rate (91.1%) with a mean of 13.4 shoots. The combination of two cytokinins (6-BA and 6-KN) was found to be effective in M. maritima shoot regeneration. The rooting frequency was 100% in ½ MS with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA 2 µM). The number of detected compounds and chemical composition in the M. maritima shoots and seedlings extracts were similar. The total amount of phenolics in the shoots was 216.4% and 369.5% higher than in seedlings and calli, respectively. The total amount of flavonoids in the shoots was 241.1% and 429.3% higher than in seedlings and calli, respectively. The best antioxidant activity was obtained in the shoots, followed by seedlings and calli. However, the order was seedlings > calli > shoots regarding metal chelating ability. The strongest acetylcholinesterase inhibition properties were obtained in the calli, followed by seedlings and shoots. However, the tested samples can be ranked as seedlings > shoots > calli in butylcholinestrase inhibition assay. This study is the first report on the enzyme inhibitory effects of M. maritima extracts, providing valuable contributions to the scientific community.

ACS Style

Kihwan Song; Iyyakkannu Sivanesan; Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Zoltán Cziáky; József Jekő; Kannan Rr Rengasamy; O New Lee; Doo Hwan Kim. Screening of Bioactive Metabolites and Biological Activities of Calli, Shoots, and Seedlings of Mertensia maritima (L.) Gray. Plants 2020, 9, 1551 .

AMA Style

Kihwan Song, Iyyakkannu Sivanesan, Gunes Ak, Gokhan Zengin, Zoltán Cziáky, József Jekő, Kannan Rr Rengasamy, O New Lee, Doo Hwan Kim. Screening of Bioactive Metabolites and Biological Activities of Calli, Shoots, and Seedlings of Mertensia maritima (L.) Gray. Plants. 2020; 9 (11):1551.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kihwan Song; Iyyakkannu Sivanesan; Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Zoltán Cziáky; József Jekő; Kannan Rr Rengasamy; O New Lee; Doo Hwan Kim. 2020. "Screening of Bioactive Metabolites and Biological Activities of Calli, Shoots, and Seedlings of Mertensia maritima (L.) Gray." Plants 9, no. 11: 1551.

Journal article
Published: 06 November 2020 in Antibiotics
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Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition that is related to multiple infectious agents, including bacteria and fungi. Traditional herbal extracts proved efficacious in controlling clinical symptoms associated with prostatitis. In this context, the aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy of extracts from Solidago virga-aurea, Ononis spinosa, Peumus boldus, Epilobium angustifolium, and Phyllanthus niruri against bacterial (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) and fungi strains (Candida albicans; C. tropicalis) involved in prostatitis. Additionally, anti-mycotic effects were tested against multiple species of dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum, T. tonsurans, T. erinacei, Arthroderma crocatum, A. quadrifidum, A. gypseum, A. currey, and A. insingulare). Antioxidant effects were also evaluated in isolated rat prostates challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and phytochemical analyses were conducted to identify and quantify selected phenolic compounds, in the extracts. Finally, a bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict putative human and microbial enzymes targeted by extracts’ phytocompounds and underlying the observed bio-pharmacological effects. The phytochemical analysis highlighted that rutin levels could be crucial for explaining the highest antibacterial activity of P. boldus extract, especially against E. coli and B. cereus. On the other hand, in the E. angustifolium extract, catechin concentration could partially explain the highest efficacy of this extract in reducing lipid peroxidation, in isolated rat prostates stimulated with LPS. Concluding, the results of the present study showed moderate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects induced by water extracts of S. virga-aurea, P. boldus, E. angustifolium, P. niruri, and O. spinosa that could be related, at least partially, to the phenolic composition of the phytocomplex.

ACS Style

Claudio Ferrante; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Paola Angelini; Roberto Venanzoni; Giancarlo Angeles Flores; Luigi Brunetti; Massimiliano Petrucci; Matteo Politi; Luigi Menghini; Sheila Leone; Lucia Recinella; Gokhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Massimo Di Mascio; Francesco Bacchin; Giustino Orlando. Phenolic Content and Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Solidago virga-aurea, Phyllanthus niruri, Epilobium angustifolium, Peumus boldus, and Ononis spinosa Extracts. Antibiotics 2020, 9, 783 .

AMA Style

Claudio Ferrante, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Paola Angelini, Roberto Venanzoni, Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Luigi Brunetti, Massimiliano Petrucci, Matteo Politi, Luigi Menghini, Sheila Leone, Lucia Recinella, Gokhan Zengin, Gunes Ak, Massimo Di Mascio, Francesco Bacchin, Giustino Orlando. Phenolic Content and Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Solidago virga-aurea, Phyllanthus niruri, Epilobium angustifolium, Peumus boldus, and Ononis spinosa Extracts. Antibiotics. 2020; 9 (11):783.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudio Ferrante; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Paola Angelini; Roberto Venanzoni; Giancarlo Angeles Flores; Luigi Brunetti; Massimiliano Petrucci; Matteo Politi; Luigi Menghini; Sheila Leone; Lucia Recinella; Gokhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Massimo Di Mascio; Francesco Bacchin; Giustino Orlando. 2020. "Phenolic Content and Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Solidago virga-aurea, Phyllanthus niruri, Epilobium angustifolium, Peumus boldus, and Ononis spinosa Extracts." Antibiotics 9, no. 11: 783.

Journal article
Published: 26 October 2020 in Molecules
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This study aimed to investigate the impact of plant growth regulators, sucrose concentration, and the number of subcultures on axillary shoot multiplication, in vitro flowering, and somaclonal variation and to assess the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and enzyme inhibitory potential of in vitro-established callus, somaclonal variant, and normal green shoots of Catharanthus roseus. The highest shoot induction rate (95.8%) and highest number of shoots (23.6), with a mean length of 4.5 cm, were attained when the C. roseus nodal explants (0.6–1 cm in length) were cultivated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 2 µM thidiazuron, 1 µM 2-(1-naphthyl) acetic acid (NAA), and 4% sucrose. The in vitro flowering of C. roseus was affected by sucrose, and the number of subcultures had a significant effect on shoot multiplication and somaclonal variation. The highest levels of phenolics and flavonoids were found in normal green shoots, followed by those in somaclonal variant shoots and callus. The phytochemicals in C. roseus extracts were qualified using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 39, 55, and 59 compounds were identified in the callus, somaclonal variant shoot, and normal green shoot tissues, respectively. The normal green shoot extracts exhibited the best free radical scavenging ability and reducing power activity. The strongest acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects were found in the callus, with an IC50 of 0.65 mg/mL.

ACS Style

O. New Lee; Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Zoltán Cziáky; József Jekő; Kannan R.R. Rengasamy; Han Yong Park; Doo Hwan Kim; Iyyakkannu Sivanesan. Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activity in Callus, Somaclonal Variant, and Normal Green Shoot Tissues of Catharanthus roseus (L) G. Don. Molecules 2020, 25, 4945 .

AMA Style

O. New Lee, Gunes Ak, Gokhan Zengin, Zoltán Cziáky, József Jekő, Kannan R.R. Rengasamy, Han Yong Park, Doo Hwan Kim, Iyyakkannu Sivanesan. Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activity in Callus, Somaclonal Variant, and Normal Green Shoot Tissues of Catharanthus roseus (L) G. Don. Molecules. 2020; 25 (21):4945.

Chicago/Turabian Style

O. New Lee; Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Zoltán Cziáky; József Jekő; Kannan R.R. Rengasamy; Han Yong Park; Doo Hwan Kim; Iyyakkannu Sivanesan. 2020. "Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activity in Callus, Somaclonal Variant, and Normal Green Shoot Tissues of Catharanthus roseus (L) G. Don." Molecules 25, no. 21: 4945.

Journal article
Published: 17 September 2020 in Antibiotics
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Coronilla species, belonging to the Coronilla genus (Fabaceae), have long been used in traditional medicine for treating cold, diabetes, pain, and as cardiotonics. The goal of the present study was to explore the phytochemical composition and pharmaco-toxicological properties of C. minima. In this regard, phenolic content, scavenging/reducing properties and antimicrobial activity toward pathogen bacterial (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal strains (Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, Aspergillus tubigensis and A. minutus) were investigated. Extract effects on human colon cancer HCT116 cell viability were also assayed. Finally, a bioinformatics approach was conducted with the aim to identify putative microbial and human protein targets underlying antibacterial, antimycotic, and antiproliferative effects. Phytochemical investigation suggested that water extract is richer in terms of total flavonoid and phenol content, whereas the hydroalcoholic extract was revealed to be more potent as antioxidant agent. According to bioinformatics analysis, the antibacterial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract could be related to its content in resveratrol. The presence of resveratrol could also explain the hydroalcoholic extract efficacy in reducing HCT116 cell viability. In conclusion, the present study represents the first phytochemical and bio-pharmacological investigation about C. minima. Like other plants belonging to the Fabaceae family, C. minima revealed a good source of resveratrol, which could explain, albeit partially, the efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiproliferative agent.

ACS Style

Claudio Ferrante; Paola Angelini; Roberto Venanzoni; Giancarlo Angeles Flores; Bruno Tirillini; Lucia Recinella; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Luigi Brunetti; Sheila Leone; Simonetta Cristina Di Simone; Maria Chiara Ciferri; Gokhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Luigi Menghini; Giustino Orlando. Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Antiproliferative Effects of Coronilla minima: An Unexplored Botanical Species. Antibiotics 2020, 9, 611 .

AMA Style

Claudio Ferrante, Paola Angelini, Roberto Venanzoni, Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Bruno Tirillini, Lucia Recinella, Annalisa Chiavaroli, Luigi Brunetti, Sheila Leone, Simonetta Cristina Di Simone, Maria Chiara Ciferri, Gokhan Zengin, Gunes Ak, Luigi Menghini, Giustino Orlando. Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Antiproliferative Effects of Coronilla minima: An Unexplored Botanical Species. Antibiotics. 2020; 9 (9):611.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudio Ferrante; Paola Angelini; Roberto Venanzoni; Giancarlo Angeles Flores; Bruno Tirillini; Lucia Recinella; Annalisa Chiavaroli; Luigi Brunetti; Sheila Leone; Simonetta Cristina Di Simone; Maria Chiara Ciferri; Gokhan Zengin; Gunes Ak; Luigi Menghini; Giustino Orlando. 2020. "Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Antiproliferative Effects of Coronilla minima: An Unexplored Botanical Species." Antibiotics 9, no. 9: 611.

Journal article
Published: 26 August 2020 in Applied Sciences
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Calendula officinalis L., (marigold), well known for its medicinal properties, has been extensively studied for its therapeutic properties. Nonetheless, as far as the literature could establish, no study has attempted to comparatively assess the biological (antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potential) of the flowers, leaves, and roots of C. officinalis extracted using conventional (maceration and Soxhlet extraction (SE)) and non-conventional extraction (homogenizer (HAE) and ultrasound (UAE) assisted extraction) techniques. The detailed phytochemical profile of each extract along with the concentration of specific bioactive compounds has also been established. Total phenolic content was highest for the flower extracts while flavonoid content was highest in the leaf extracts. Phytochemical profiling showed that the extraction method influenced the phytochemical composition of the extract. Nicotiflorin was identified in the flower extracts only while amentoflavone occurred only in the roots, inferring that the occurrence of bioactive compounds varies within a plant. The flower extracts showed highest antioxidant potential while the roots extracts were potent inhibitors of cholinesterase and tyrosinase. This study provides valuable data on the influence of extraction techniques on the recovery of bioactive compounds from plants. In an endeavor to scale-up extraction from plant considering the more efficient extraction method is of paramount importance. Moreover, the study highlighted the necessity to thoroughly examine the biological activities of various parts of a plant obtained via different extraction protocols.

ACS Style

Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan; Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally; Marie Carene Nancy Picot-Allain; Oguz Cakır; Souheir Bensari; Mustafa Abdullah Yılmaz; Monica Gallo; Domenico Montesano. A Comparative Bio-Evaluation and Chemical Profiles of Calendula officinalis L. Extracts Prepared via Different Extraction Techniques. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 5920 .

AMA Style

Gunes Ak, Gokhan Zengin, Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan, Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally, Marie Carene Nancy Picot-Allain, Oguz Cakır, Souheir Bensari, Mustafa Abdullah Yılmaz, Monica Gallo, Domenico Montesano. A Comparative Bio-Evaluation and Chemical Profiles of Calendula officinalis L. Extracts Prepared via Different Extraction Techniques. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (17):5920.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gunes Ak; Gokhan Zengin; Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan; Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally; Marie Carene Nancy Picot-Allain; Oguz Cakır; Souheir Bensari; Mustafa Abdullah Yılmaz; Monica Gallo; Domenico Montesano. 2020. "A Comparative Bio-Evaluation and Chemical Profiles of Calendula officinalis L. Extracts Prepared via Different Extraction Techniques." Applied Sciences 10, no. 17: 5920.

Journal article
Published: 24 August 2020 in Processes
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In the present study, Passiflora foetida extracts characterized by different polarities were studied for their phytochemical profile, enzyme inhibitory, and antioxidant potentials. In silico, in vitro and ex vivo studies were also carried out on methanol and water extracts for predicting pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In this regard, neuronal HypoE22 cells, isolated mouse skin tissues, and pathogen dermatophytes strains were exposed to extracts. Emphasis was given to the preventing effects induced by the extracts on hydrogen peroxide-induced alterations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), l-dopa, and serotonin. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of similar compounds in infusion and methanolic extracts. The ex vivo studies also showed protective skin properties by P. foetida water and methanol extracts, as evidenced by the decrease of hydrogen peroxide-induced PGE2 level. Additionally, the blunting effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced l-dopa levels are consistent with the anti-tyrosinase effect exerted by both extracts. In silico studies demonstrated the affinity of extracts’ phytochemicals, namely apigenin, chrysoeriol, loliolide, luteolin, quercetin, and vitexin, towards cyclo-oxygenase-2 and tyrosinase. Finally, microbiological tests demonstrated the efficacy of P. foetida methanol and water extracts as anti-mycotic agents against Trichophyton and Arthroderma species, involved in skin inflammation. Hence, P. foetida L. extracts could represent potential sources of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

ACS Style

Annalisa Chiavaroli; Simonetta Cristina Di Simone; Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan; Maria Chiara Ciferri; Giancarlo Angeles Flores; Gokhan Zengin; Ouattara Katinan Etienne; Gunes Ak; Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally; Sharmeen Jugreet; Zoltán Cziáky; József Jekő; Lucia Recinella; Luigi Brunetti; Sheila Leone; Paola Angelini; Roberto Venanzoni; Luigi Menghini; Claudio Ferrante; Giustino Orlando. Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Profiles of Passiflora foetida L. Extracts: Novel Insights for Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals. Processes 2020, 8, 1034 .

AMA Style

Annalisa Chiavaroli, Simonetta Cristina Di Simone, Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan, Maria Chiara Ciferri, Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Gokhan Zengin, Ouattara Katinan Etienne, Gunes Ak, Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally, Sharmeen Jugreet, Zoltán Cziáky, József Jekő, Lucia Recinella, Luigi Brunetti, Sheila Leone, Paola Angelini, Roberto Venanzoni, Luigi Menghini, Claudio Ferrante, Giustino Orlando. Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Profiles of Passiflora foetida L. Extracts: Novel Insights for Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals. Processes. 2020; 8 (9):1034.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Annalisa Chiavaroli; Simonetta Cristina Di Simone; Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan; Maria Chiara Ciferri; Giancarlo Angeles Flores; Gokhan Zengin; Ouattara Katinan Etienne; Gunes Ak; Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally; Sharmeen Jugreet; Zoltán Cziáky; József Jekő; Lucia Recinella; Luigi Brunetti; Sheila Leone; Paola Angelini; Roberto Venanzoni; Luigi Menghini; Claudio Ferrante; Giustino Orlando. 2020. "Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Profiles of Passiflora foetida L. Extracts: Novel Insights for Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals." Processes 8, no. 9: 1034.