The H2S-releasing donor capabilities of garlic polysulfanes, particularly diallyl trisulfide, have been shown to exhibit cardioprotective, antiatherosclerotic, and anticarcinogenic effects. These properties lead to the ubiquitous use of garlic oil in pharmaceuticals; nevertheless, there is a lack of a simple, optimal, and environmentally friendly approach for increasing diallyl trisulfide levels. This study aimed to establish a one-pot extraction and enrichment method for diallyl trisulfide in garlic oil using solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME). In the SFME processes, a face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) was applied by treating the moisture content, microwave power, and irradiation time as independent factors, whereas the response was volatile oil yield. The extraction method was optimized using response surface methodology and Derringer's desirability function. Under optimal conditions, SFME was implemented to assure the maximum qualitative and quantitative quality of garlic oils collected from different origins. The volatile oils obtained were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The optimum conditions for SFME were a 68% moisture content and irradiation at 640 W for 20 min, yielding 0.30 +/- 0.02% w/w garlic oil. The proposed SFME conditions were more efficient than hydrodistillation (HD) in production yields and the proportion of diallyl trisulfides. When the proposed conditions were implemented, garlic oil yields varied between 0.14% w/w and 0.32% w/w, with a high proportion of the target diallyl trisulfide. This finding highlights an appropriate model for extracting diallyl trisulfide-rich garlic oil using an eco-friendly technology that is more efficient than the conventional HD method.

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro anti-skin-aging properties of Cratoxylum formosum extract and encapsulate this plant extract in nanostructured lipid carriers (CFE-NLCs) for dermal application. Methods: The biological properties of the plant extract, including enhanced procollagen type I synthesis and anti-matrix metalloproteinase activity, were evaluated to assess its cosmetic benefits. An artificial neural network (ANN) coupled with K-fold cross-validation was applied to investigate the effects of the formulants and optimize the CFE-NLCs. The physicochemical properties, percutaneous absorption, and irritation potential of the CFE-NLCs were analyzed. Results: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that CFE contained 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid as the vital constituent. Appropriate skin-care properties were also demonstrated with respect to enhanced type I procollagen synthesis and the inhibition of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 in primary human dermal fibroblasts. The optimal CFE-NLCs exhibited better skin absorption and biocompatibility and lower irritation potential than the free botanical extract solution. Conclusion: The findings obtained highlight CFE-NLCs as promising skin-care ingredients.

“Shanghuo” (“excessive internal heat”) is caused by exuberant endogenous fire, which does not have a comprehensive and systematic traditional Chinese medicine theory. In previous study, we had evaluated the therapeutic effect of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD) (granule) on patients with “Shanghuo”, however, the specific mechanism was not clear, which need further exploration. To explain its intervention mechanism, we select 57 patients with oral diseases caused by “Shanghuo” and 20 health volunteers to divide into oral disease group, HLJDD intervention group and healthy control group. Firstly, biochemical indicators before and after HLJDD intervention are detected, such as inflammatory factors, oxidative stress factors and energy metabolism factors. The results exhibit that HLJDD significantly decreases indicators succinic acid ( p < 0.001); tumor necrosis factor-alpha, adenosine triphosphate, citric acid ( p < 0.01); interleukin-8 (IL-8), 4-hydroxynonenal, pyruvic acid, lactate dehydrogenase ( p < 0.05). The levels of glucocorticoid, adrenocorticotropic hormone ( p < 0.01); lactic acid, IL-4, IL-10 ( p < 0.05) significantly increase after HLJDD intervention. In addition, we adopt multi-omics analysis approach to investigate the potential biomarkers. Nontargeted metabolomics demonstrate that the levels of 7 differential metabolites approach that in the healthy control group after HLJDD intervention, which are correlated with histidine metabolism, beta-alanine metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism through metabolic pathway analysis. Targeted lipidomics results and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis show that 13 differential lipids are identified in the three groups mainly focuse on lysophosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylethanolamines. Finally, the network associations of those differential biomarkers reveal the regulation of adenosine triphosphate and tricarboxylic acid cycle play essential role in the therapeutic effect mechanism of HLJDD in “Shanghuo”. The study has laid the foundation for further revealing the mechanism and finding clinical biomarkers related to “Shanghuo”.

The short bloom period of Shorea roxburghii G.Don is a technical challenge in the development of a fast and efficient process for recovering essential oils. This study aimed to optimize the conditions for the isolation of essential oil and the determination of the resulting oil's possible bioactivities for fragrance applications. Solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) coupled with response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to study essential oil from fresh inflorescences. The microwave power and irradiation time were chosen as crucial independent variables, while essential oil yield was the response variable. The physicochemical, antioxidant, olfactory, cytotoxic, and irritant properties of the resulting oil were evaluated. SFME yielded essential oil with a unique and pleasant scent, similar to that of fresh flowers. Increased microwave power and irradiation time increased the oil yield. The proportions of oxygenated compounds with high antioxidant properties were notably higher after SFME than after hydrodistillation. The optimal conditions for maximizing the oil yield were 800 W and 35 min. Among 51 volatile substances, germacrene B, kaur-16-ene, beta-caryophyllene, and (E)-linalool oxide (furanoid) were the oil's main components. Low toxicity to primary human dermal fibroblast cells was defined at an oil concentration < 50 mu g/mL. Moreover, the application of the extracted volatile oil to hen's egg-chorioallantoic membrane resulted in a low degree of irritation. This research establishes optimal extraction conditions for the isolation of essential oil with potential for fragrance applications.

The reaction of 2,3-dihydropyridines with sulfonyl halides surprisingly yielded open chain dienes with sulfonylimine structure. The products were specific out of several possible isomers and, therefore, a separation of isomers was not necessary. All new compounds were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, HRMS, and NMR spectroscopy. A bicyclic by-product from the reaction of a 2,3-dihydropyridine with mesyl chloride was isolated and its structure elucidated using a single X-ray crystal analysis. Some biological activities, like antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties were investigated.

The aim of this study was to establish ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions needed to maximize diarylheptanoid recovery from Curcuma comosa Roxb. The performances of a response surface methodology (RSM) and an artificial neural network (ANN) were compared in terms of the predicted yield of the target diarylheptanoids. Key parameters, including the amplitude of the ultrasonic wave (X-1), the extraction temperature (X-2) and the irradiation time (X-3), were studied by using ethanol as extraction solvent. The experimental data were also used to train a multilayer perceptron for creating an ANN model with a 3-7-3 architecture. The optimal UAE conditions predicted by RSM to provide the highest yield of the three diarylheptanoids were 57.32% X1, 64.60 degrees C X-2, and 17.02 min X-3. By contrast, the ANN model offered the optimal values for X-1, X-2 and X-3 of 60.27%, 63.92 degrees C and 16.60 min, respectively. Both statistical tools offered satisfactory results, and superior predictability was observed with the ANN. A vaginal epithelium cornification assay verified the estrogenlike properties of the plant extract. The integrated approach was not only effective at achieving a high recovery of the desired phytoestrogens but could also serve as a useful guide for the large-scale production of diarylheptanoid-rich C. comosa extract.

Seasonal variation can alter the profile, quantity, and bioactivity of secondary metabolites in aromatic plants. This study aimed to establish solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) conditions for the recovery of essential oil from Limnophila aromatica (Lam.) Merr. aerial parts and investigate the influence of seasonality on this oil. The effects of key SFME variables, including the microwave power and irradiation time, on the essential oil yield were evaluated, and these variables were optimized using response surface methodology. The chemical composition and antioxidant and antiproliferative capabilities of the essential oils obtained under the selected SFME conditions during different seasons of the year were then analyzed. The optimal SFME process conditions for achieving the maximal essential oil yield were 700 W for 25 min. The most important variable influencing oil recovery was the irradiation time (p < 0.001), followed by the microwave power (p < 0.01). The applied extraction method offered essential oil yields during the different seasons ranging from 0.20 % to 0.24 % (v/w). The obtained essential oils showed the presence of forty-seven constituents, mainly limonene, perillaldehyde, (E)-4-caranone, (Z)-4-caranone, and alpha-pinene. Monoterpene hydrocarbons were the dominant class of compounds in the oils. Seasonality affected both the antioxidant and antiproliferative properties to different degrees. These findings are not only useful for identifying eco-friendly essential oil extraction conditions but also serve as a useful guide for informing agronomic practices during the planting and cultivation of the studied medicinal plant.

New 1,3 dibenzyl -tetrahydropyridinylidene ammonium salts have been prepared from unsubstituted or N-benzylated tetrahydropyridinylidene ammonium salts. The antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal activities as well as their cytotoxic effects were determined using microplate assays. In addition, their activities against two gram positive and two gram negative bacteria strains and a yeast strain were examined. Furthermore, anticancer effects against two cell lines were investigated. Physicochemical parameters were calculated and structure-activity-relationships discussed. One compound showed antiplasmodial activity against a multiresistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum in subnanomolar concentration. Antitrypanosomal activities were detected in low nanomolar concentrations. A single compound was active against grampositive and gramnegative bacteria, as well as yeast. One compound inhibited the growth of a HCT cell line in low concentration.

Efficient plant extraction techniques that provide high yields of the desired molecules are important. This study focused on the optimization of the processing conditions for a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to obtain a maximal yield of prominent pentacyclic triterpenes from Centella asiatica. Response surface methodology (RSM) was tested in the experiments to improve the extraction conditions. The proportions of liquid-to-solid (X1), ethanol concentration (X2), microwave power (X3), and irradiation time (X4) were defined as the independent variables. The responses were the recovery of madecassoside, asiaticoside, and its sapogenin triterpene acids. The target compound-rich extract was intensified using Diaion HP-20 resin. The results showed that all the independent MAE variables are important for the isolation of specific compounds (p < 0.05). The optimal conditions for X1, X2, X3 and X4 were 10 mL/g, 58 % (v/v), 300 W and 3.4 min, respectively. The efficient macroporous resin method was successful at enriching the triterpenes in concentrated extracts. Both MAE crude extract and enriched samples exerted inhibitory effects on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-3 and 9 secretions against ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The MAE results, when enriched, are beneficial for increasing the amounts of the targeted active ingredients. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of extracting and enriching the target triterpenes.

Rhein is used as an active ingredient in laxatives in medicinal herbal products and is a chemical marker for quality control purposes. Thus, a simple and effective method for the optimized extraction of a high amount of rhein from the fruit pulp of Cassia fistula was investigated using ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). The response surface methodology was applied to find the most suitable parameters for optimizing the extraction process and to study the factors' relationships with each other. The best conditions for ultrasonic extraction were the application of 1:40 g/mL solid-to-liquid ratio and 10% EtOH-H2O as a solvent at 75 °C for 40 min. This method was compared to a conventional decoction in two variations. In these experiments, it was confirmed that the UAE was more favorable than the decoction methods. The resulting crude extract was further purified by liquid-liquid extraction with a basic pH adjustment, followed by recrystallization. High-purity rhein was obtained by using chromatographic techniques and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Therefore, this study suggests that UAE is an efficient alternative method for the extraction of rhein from C. fistula pod pulp. The resulting optimized conditions can be applied as a useful tool for the large-scale industrial production of a rhein-rich plant extract.

1Department of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Pharmacognosy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; 4Department of Polymer Chemistry, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands

A two-step approach, which included oil-in-water emulsification and spray drying, was employed to encapsulate citronella oil in acacia gum microcapsules. Crucial parameters that affect the quality of spray-dried citronella oil microcapsules were simultaneously evaluated. A central composite design was utilized to determine the optimum processing conditions as a function of various parameters. The optimal microencapsulation conditions consisted of an acacia gum percentage, citronella oil percentage and inlet air temperature of 14% w/w, 26% w/w of the wall material and 150 degrees C, respectively. Moreover, prolonged volatility and reduced irritation properties of citronella oil in the microcapsules were demonstrated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the microcapsules can be easily impregnated onto a nonwoven fabric. The resulting microcapsules not only have the potential to offer prolonged volatility of the odor with reduced irritation but also are a candidate for the further development of citronella essential oil-based cosmetic textiles. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transforming the anthocyanin-rich maoberry fruit extract (AE) into dry powder is a challenge due to its high sugar and alpha hydroxy acid contents. Moreover, anthocyanins in the sample are prone to instability. In the present study, the spray-drying conditions were studied for the microencapsulation of AE (Antidesma puncticulatum Miq.) in maltodextrin. Inlet air temperature, feed flow rate, and aspirator rate were defined as the independent variables, whereas microparticle recovery, accumulation of anthocyanins in the powders and residual water were dependent variables. A 23–factorial, 6–axial, 6–centred central composite design was applied for developing a response surface, studying their effects on the desired dependent variables, and determining the best optimal condition. The optimal spray-drying conditions were an inlet air temperature of 140°C, a feed flow rate of 6mL/min, and an aspiration rate of 29m3/h. There was no interaction between the AE extract and maltodextrin as analysed by the infrared spectroscopy. The microparticles preserved the anthocyanins and showed a more intense colour than the liquid extract during storage. The physicochemical characteristics (particle size, anthocyanins accumulated in the microparticles, residual water content, and thermal stability) of the developed microparticles were acceptable for nutraceutical application. Therefore, the application of optimal spray drying conditions causes the maltodextrin to enable the transformation of the gummy form of AE into the fast-dissolving dried microparticles with chemical stability improvement.

Macamides are very important secondary metabolites produced by Lepidium meyenii Walp, which possess multiple bioactivities, especially in the neuronal system. In a previous study, we observed that macamides exhibited excellent effects in the recovery of injured nerves after 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage in zebrafish. However, the mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. In the present study, we observed that N-benzylhexadecanamide (XA), which is a typical constituent of macamides, improved the survival rate of neurons in vitro. We determined the concentration of neurotransmitters in MN9D cells and used it in conjunction with an integrated proteomics and lipidomics approach to investigate the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of XA in an MPP+-induced neurodegeneration cell model using QqQ MS, Q-TOF MS, and Orbitrap MS. The statistical analysis of the results led to the identification of differentially-expressed biomarkers, including 11 proteins and 22 lipids, which may be responsible for the neuron-related activities of XA. All these potential biomarkers were closely related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, and their levels approached those in the normal group after treatment with XA. Furthermore, seven lipids, including five phosphatidylcholines, one lysophosphatidylcholine, and one phosphatidylethanolamine, were verified by a relative quantitative approach. Moreover, four proteins (Scarb2, Csnk2a2, Vti1b, and Bnip2) were validated by ELISA. The neurotransmitters taurine and norepinephrine, and the cholinergic constituents, correlated closely with the neuroprotective effects of XA. Finally, the protein–lipid interaction network was analyzed. Based on our results, the regulation of sphingolipid metabolism and mitochondrial function were determined to be the main mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of XA. The present study should help us to better understand the multiple effects of macamides and their use in neurodegenerative diseases.

This study aimed to apply the solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) for isolating the essential oil from the rhizomes of cassumunar ginger and study the kinetic mechanism during the extraction process by light microscopy. A central composite design was employed to evaluate the influence of the key variables including microwave power and irradiation time on the oil recovery. The optimal process conditions of SFME were irradiation of the sample at 700W for 70min. Microwave power had the most significant effect on the oil recovery (p<0.001), followed by irradiation time (p<0.01). The major volatile constituents in the oil obtained under the optimal conditions were sabinene, terpinen-4-ol, and (E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) butadiene with a higher amount of the oxygenated compounds compared to those isolated by a conventional hydrodistillation (HD). Isolating the essential oil by SFME showed a complete extraction with higher plant cell rupture and was quicker than HD.

A method for quantification of diarylheptanoids in Curcuma comosa rhizomes and selected pharmaceutical preparations was established by using HPLC-diode array detector (DAD). The chromatographic separation of three diarylheptanoids [(3S)-1-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-7-phenyl-(6E)-6-hepten-3-ol (1), (3R)-1,7-diphenyl-(4E,6E)-4,6-heptadien-3-ol (2), and (3S)-1,7-diphenyl-(6E)-6-hepten-3-ol (3)] was performed on a Luna C18 analytical column using gradient elution with 0.5% acetic acid in water and acetonitrile with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and a column temperature of 35°C. The calibration curves for the analytes showed good linearity (R2>0.999), high precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) <2%) and acceptable recovery (98.35-103.90%, RSD <2%). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.06-0.22 and 0.18-0.69 µg/mL, respectively. The results of all validated parameters were within the limits according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Guidelines. The established method was successfully applied for qualitative and quantitative determination of the three constituents in different samples of C. comosa and some commercial products in capsules. The simplicity, rapidity, and reliability of the method could be useful for the fingerprint analysis and standardization of diarylheptanoids, which are responsible for the estrogenic activity in raw materials and herbal medicinal products of C. comosa.

A series of N-benzyl tetrahydropiperidinylidene pyrrolidinium salts have been synthesized and investigated for their antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal activities as well as for their cytotoxic effects. The antibacterial, antimycobacterial and anticancer potencies of selected compounds were examined, too. Physicochemical parameters were calculated and structure-activity-relationships are discussed.

Ricegrass juice (Oryza sativa L.) was introduced as a functional food as the consumption of sprouts or seedlings has been claimed to provide high nutritive value. Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral that plays a key role in the human antioxidation scheme. Supplementation of Se into plants is one strategy to enhance plant bioactivities, and the consumption of Se plant foods may confer superior health benefits. In this study, ricegrass juice extract was analyzed for its major phenolic components. The effect of ricegrass juice extracts bio-fortified with 0, 10 and 40 mg Se/L named as RG0, RG10, and RG40, respectively, were investigated for a percentage of cell viability, changes of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide inhibition in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Flavone glycosides, namely chrysoeriol arabinosyl arabinoside derivatives, were found to be the foremost bioactive components in ricegrass juice extract indicated by UHPLC-MS. The results of cell culture assessment revealed that RG40 showed an ability to promote macrophage cell proliferation at low concentration. Ricegrass juice extract in all treatments possessed the ability to reduce malondialdehyde content, which may be regarded as the bioactivity of phenolic compounds. Moreover, Se also played a role in this effect since RG40 showed the greatest ability via increasing the level of GPx enzyme. It was also discovered that phenolic compounds in the extracts played a role in inhibiting nitric oxide in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, RG40 expressed significantly higher NO inhibition properties at IC50 118.76 µg/mL compared to RG0 and RG10, at 147.02 and 147.73 µg/mL, respectively. Se bio-fortified ricegrass juice could be considered as a new potent functional food that can lower the risk of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation diseases.