Introduction In the quest for peak performance and public health, the use of plant secondary metabolites to modulate exercise-induced fatigue is gaining traction. This narrative review explores the interaction between phytomolecules (polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids), redox homeostasis, and the immune system during physical exertion. Methodology A comprehensive literature search was conducted across international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar). The analysis includes biochemical identification methods, in vivo anti-fatigue evaluation models (forced swimming, metabolic biomarkers), and human clinical trials. Results The data reveal that the efficacy of phytomolecules is based on effects that promote recovery, membrane protection, adaptogenic capacity, mental alertness, and glycogen sparing. The study highlights that these compounds increase athletes' tolerance margin by modulating oxidative stress and preventing transient immunosuppression. Many phytomolecules have beneficial effects on the body's physiological and biochemical parameters during physical exertion. Furthermore, medicinal plants, combined with appropriate physical activity, could contribute to the prevention or treatment of certain diseases. While some plants such as Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Rhodiola rosea L., and Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer are extensively studied in this regard, many medicinal plants in Africa used in physical activity and sports practices remain understudied. Conclusion Medicinal plants can significantly contribute to improving physical performance, but they cannot replace training. Their use in sports must comply with strict rules and require knowledge to avoid unintentional doping and potential organic toxicity.

Coffee processing involves various steps, from harvest to the storage of dried green coffee beans, each of which can significantly affect the beans’ chemical composition and sensory qualities. Yet, a comprehensive evaluation that includes the coffee’s genetic background and chemical, sensory, and biological aspects is still uncommon for Robusta coffee. Four Robusta (C. canephora) genotypes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo were subjected to five different coffee processing methods: Strip-picked, unsorted, sundried cherries; Overripe, sorted, sundried cherries; ripe, sorted, sundried (Natural) cherries; ripe, sorted, Pulped, sundried parchment; and ripe, sorted, wet fermented (Washed), sundried parchment were processed separately. The resulting green beans underwent sensory descriptive cupping, seed germination tests, and metabolite profiling using LC-HRMS. The Pulped and Washed methods produced coffees with higher sensory attributes scores, while the Overripe method was associated with the sensory ‘potato taste’ defect. Washed coffee was characterized by smooth, fruity, cocoa notes, and was negatively correlated with rough mouthfeel, tobacco, and leather flavors. The Pulped and Washed method had significantly higher germination success after four months of storage. The processing method influenced caffeine concentration in green beans, depending on the genotype, while trigonelline levels varied significantly between genotypes but not between processing methods. The grouping of the metabolite profiles of roasted coffee and green beans was consistent with their genetic background rather than the processing method. Two metabolite marker compounds predictive of genotype in roasted coffee were putatively identified as cafamarine and likely theobromine, theophylline or paraxanthine. A metabolite feature, putatively identified as O-methylcorypalline, was a marker compound for genotype in both roasted coffee and green beans. Overall, we demonstrate that genotype plays a significant role in mediating the outcomes of different processing methods.

Coffee plants contain well-known xanthines as caffeine. Three Coffea species grown in a controlled greenhouse environment were the focus of this research. Coffea arabica and C. canephora are two first principal commercial species and commonly known as arabica and robusta, respectively. Originating in Central Africa, C. anthonyi is a novel species with small leaves. The xanthine metabolites in flower, fruit and leaf extracts were compared using both targeted and untargeted metabolomics approaches. We evaluated how the xanthine derivatives and FQA isomers relate to the expression of biosynthetic genes encoding N- and O-methyltransferases. Theobromine built up in leaves of C. anthonyi because caffeine biosynthesis was hindered in the absence of synthase gene expression. Despite this, green fruits expressed these genes and they produced caffeine. Given that C. anthonyi evolved successfully over time, these findings put into question the defensive role of caffeine in leaves. An overview of the histolocalisation of xanthines in the different flower parts of Coffea arabica was also provided. The gynoecium contained more theobromine than the flower buds or petals. This could be attributed to increased caffeine biosynthesis before fructification. The presence of theophylline and the absence of theobromine in the petals indicate that caffeine is catabolized more in the petals than in the gynoecium.

Research on the chemical composition of coffee beans and its correlation with sensory quality is advancing, but the metabolites in coffee leaves have often been overlooked. This study investigated the metabolite profiles of roasted coffee, green beans, and coffee leaves from 39 C. canephora genotypes through LC–HRMS with an untargeted metabolomics approach. Our results showed that metabolite profiles of roasted coffee, green beans, and coffee leaves can be discriminated based on the coffee's sensory quality. The highest predictive power of coffee sensory quality was achieved with the metabolite profiles of the coffee leaves. Genotypes with varying genetic backgrounds could only be discriminated by the metabolite profiles of the coffee leaves. Metabolite marker compounds predictive of sensory quality were a putative quercetin derivate in green beans and likely physagulin E and argophyllin in coffee leaves. Estimated levels of caffeoylquinic acids, dicaffeoylquinic acids, and caffeoylquinic acid lactones were higher in roasted coffee with a lower sensory quality. These differences were not apparent in their respective green beans and coffee leaves. Overall, our study revealed the promising potential of the metabolite profile of coffee leaves as a predictive tool for coffee sensory quality and the genetic background of C. canephora.

Introduction: Fadogiella stigmatoloba, Hygrophylla auriculata, Hylodesmum repandum and Porphyrostemma chevalieri are used against malaria in traditional medicine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). To evaluate their potential in the treatment of this disease, the in vitro antiplasmodial property of these four plants was evaluated. All experiments were conducted on methanolic extracts performed on selected organ parts of these plants. Methods: The methanolic extracts, obtained by maceration, were firstly screened in vitro against the chloroquine sensitive (3D7) and resistant (W2) Plasmodium falciparum strains by the measurement of lactate dehydrogenase activity, and on human keratinocytes (HaCat) cells by the MTT assay to determine their selectivity indices (SI). Secondly, the antioxidant activity of the same extracts was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. Finally, the presence of specific phytochemical constituents was evaluated using standard methods and tentatively identified by GC-MS. Results: An optimum antiplasmodial activity (IC50 = 3.4 +/- 0.7 mu g/mL, for 3D7, SI = 58.2; IC50 = 7 +/- 1.0 mu g/mL, for W2, SI = 28.3) was obtained with the leave extract of P. chevalieri. The leaves (for F. stigmatoloba and H. repandum), and the aerial part (for H. repandum) extracts showed promising and moderate antiplasmodial activities against respectively the 3D7 strain (IC50: <15 mu g/mL), and W2 strain (IC50:15-50 mu g/mL). All extracts presented a weak cytotoxic effect (IC50: >100 mu g/mL) on HaCat cells. For the antioxidant test, the most interesting activity was obtained with the leaf extract of P. chevalieri. The GC-MS analysis of these four plants species extracts revealed the presence of various compounds, such as Ethyl 2-nonenoate, 2-(2-Hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)-3,5,6-trimethyl pyrazine, Palmitic Acid, Ethyl palmitate, Ethyl linolenate, and N-Acetyltyramine. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, P. chevalieri could be selected for further investigations or and for the management of malaria after standardization.

The availability of cannabidiol (CBD) oil products has increased in recent years. No analytical controls are mandatory for these products leading to uncertainties about composition and quality. In this paper, a methodology was developed to identify the oil matrix and to estimate the CBD content in such samples, using mid-infrared and near-infrared spectroscopy. Different oils were selected based on the information labeled on products and were bought in food stores in order to create a sample set with a variety of matrices. These oils were spiked with CBD to obtain samples with CBD levels from 0% to 20%. The first part of the study was focused on the qualitative analysis of the oil matrix. A classification model, based on Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy, was build using the spiked oils to distinguish between the different oil matrices. For both spectroscopic techniques, the sensitivity, the specificity, the accuracy and the precision were equal to 100%. These models were applied to determine the oil matrix of seized samples. The second part of the study was focused on the quantitative estimation of CBD. After determination of CBD in seized samples using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, partial least square regression (PLS-R) models were built, one for each matrix in the sample set. Both techniques were able to classify unknown oily samples according to their matrix, and although only few samples were available to evaluate the PLS-R models, the approach clearly showed promising results for the estimation of the CBD content in oil samples.

While coffee beans have been studied for many years, researchers are showing a growing interest in coffee leaves and by-products, but little information is currently available on coffee species other than Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. The aim of this work was to perform a targeted and untargeted metabolomics study on Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora and Coffea anthonyi. The application of the recent high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics tools allowed us to gain a clear overview of the main differences among the coffee species. The results showed that the leaves and fruits of Coffea anthonyi had a different metabolite profile when compared to the two other species. In Coffea anthonyi, caffeine levels were found in lower concentrations while caffeoylquinic acid and mangiferin-related compounds were found in higher concentrations. A large number of specialized metabolites can be found in Coffea anthonyi tissues, making this species a valid candidate for innovative healthcare products made with coffee extracts.

The increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a worldwide concern. Essential oils are known to possess remarkable antibacterial properties, but their high chemical variability complicates their development into new antibacterial agents. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to standardize their chemical composition. Several commercial essential oils of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) and thyme (chemotype thymol) (Thymus vulgaris L.) were bought on the market. GC–MS analysis revealed that thyme essential oils have a chemical composition far more consistent than ajowan essential oils. Sometimes thymol was not even the major compound. The most abundant compounds and the homemade mixtures were tested against two Staphylococcus aureus strains. The antibacterial property of β-caryophyllene presented no direct activity against S. aureus LMG 15975, but in association with thymol or carvacrol at equal percentages an MIC of 125 μg/mL was observed. The mixture of those three compounds at equivalent percentages also decreased by 16-fold the MIC of the penicillin V. Against S. aureus LMG 21674, β-caryophyllene presented an MIC of 31.3 μg/mL and decreased by 267-fold the MIC of the penicillin V. These observations led us to question the benefits of using a complex chemical mixture instead of one active compound to fight bacterial resistance.

Unlike those of coffee beans, the healthy properties of coffee leaves have been overlooked for a long time, even if they are consumed as a beverage by local communities of several African countries. Due to the presence of xanthines, diterpenes, xanthones, and several other polyphenol derivatives as main secondary metabolites, coffee leaves might be useful to prevent many daily disorders. At the same time, as for all bioactive molecules, careless use of coffee leaf infusions may be unsafe due to their adverse effects, such as the excessive stimulant effects on the central nervous system or their interactions with other concomitantly administered drugs. Moreover, the presence of some toxic diterpene derivatives requires careful analytical controls on manufactured products made with coffee leaves. Accordingly, knowledge about the properties of coffee leaves needs to be increased to know if they might be considered a good source for producing new supplements. The purpose of the present review is to highlight the biosynthesis, metabolism, and distribution of the 4 main classes of secondary metabolites present in coffee leaves, their main pharmacological and toxicological aspects, and their main roles in planta . Differences in coffee leaf chemical composition depending on the coffee species will also be carefully considered.

Cocoa bean shell is one of the main by-products of chocolate manufacturing and possesses several compounds with biofunctionalities. It can function as an antibacterial agent, and its action is mostly reported against Streptococcus mutans. However, only a few studies have investigated the cocoa bean shell compounds responsible for this activity. This study aimed to evaluate several extracts of cocoa bean shells from different geographical origins and cocoa varieties and estimate their antimicrobial properties against different fungal and bacterial strains by determining their minimal inhibitory concentration. The results demonstrated antimicrobial activity of cocoa bean shell against one of the tested strains, S. mutans. Cocoa bean shell extracts were further analysed via LC-HRMS for untargeted metabolomic analysis. LC-HRMS data were analysed (preprocessing and statistical analyses) using the Workflow4Metabolomics platform. The latter enabled us to identify possible compounds responsible for the detected antimicrobial activity by comparing the more and less active extracts. Active extracts were not the most abundant in polyphenols but contained higher concentrations of two metabolites. After tentative annotation of these metabolites, one of them was identified and confirmed to be 7-methylxanthine. When tested alone, 7-methylxanthine did not display antibacterial activity. However, a possible cocktail effect due to the synergistic activity of this molecule along with other compounds in the cocoa bean shell extracts cannot be neglected. In conclusion, cocoa bean shell could be a functional ingredient with benefits for human health as it exhibited antibacterial activity against S. mutans. However, the antimicrobial mechanisms still need to be confirmed.

The cocoa bean shell (CBS), a byproduct from the cocoa industry, was recently proposed as a functional and low-cost ingredient, mainly because of its content in polyphenols. However, vegetal food products could significantly differ in their chemical composition depending on different factors such as their geographical provenience. This work is aimed to determine the polyphenolic and methylxanthine profile of different CBS samples and utilize it for achieving their differentiation according to their geographical origin and variety. RP-HPLC-PDA was used to determine the CBS polyphenolic profile. Spectrophotometric assays were used to obtain the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents, as well as to evaluate their radical scavenging activity. The results obtained from both methods were then compared and used for the CBS differentiation according to their origin and varieties through chemometric analysis. RP-HPLC-PDA allowed to determine 25 polyphenolic compounds, as well as the methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine. Polyphenolic profile results highlighted significant differences among the analyzed samples, allowing for their differentiation based on their geographical provenience. Similar results were achieved with the results of the spectrophotometric assays, considered as screening methods. Differentiation based on CBS variety was instead obtained based on the HPLC-determined methylxanthine profile.

To fight the rising resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics, a strategy followed by several researchers is to focus on natural compounds, such as essential oils, as a source of potent antibacterial compounds. These last decades, hundreds of original papers have been written about microbiological assays that prove the antibacterial activity of essential oils and their use in the medical field. But can we really compare all the data available in the literature when the raw material, the microbiological assays, and/or the strains are different from one article to another? This review will point out the differences and the inadequate practices found in published articles that tested 2 lesser-studied essential oils-Spanish lavender and the ajowan-by the broth dilution method against Staphylococcus aureus , a human pathogenic bacterium. Many pitfalls were found in the literature, for example, a variable chemical composition rarely underlined by the authors, unidentified strains or clinical strains used without a related antibiogram, a lack of quality controls, and the assertion of questionable positive results. At last, some general guidelines that should be followed by every scientific researcher will be discussed.

Quality control of CBD oils on the Belgium market showed that the CBD content not always corresponds to the label claim. There is a pressing need to develop new analytical methods specifically developed to the assay of such oily samples. Analytical issues are, however, encountered for routine analyses due to the matrix complexity, high cost of cannabinoid standards and low Delta 9-THC concentrations. An oily matrix could cause technical damages to analytical instruments and reduce the lifetime of the chromatographic columns. This paper proposes a procedure combining a sample cleanup by QuEChERS, removing the oily matrix, followed by a validated MRM GC-MS/MS method for the routine analysis of CBD oil samples. Eighteen CBD samples were selected on the Belgium market for analysis. This method allows the quantification of CBD, the legality check for the Delta 9-THC content by a CBN standard and the screening of seven other cannabinoids namely CBN, CBDV, CBT, CBC, Delta 8-THC, THCV and CBG. The method was validated at three concentration levels (0.5-1-2% (w/v)) for CBD and (0.05-0.1-0.2% (w/v)) for CBN. The detection limits for CBT, CBD, CBC, Delta 8-THC, CBN and for the other cannabinoids of interest, were 10 and 14 ng/mL respectively. The accuracy profile values for CBD and CBN showed that the beta-expectation tolerance intervals did not exceed the acceptance limits of +/- 20%, meaning that 90% of future measurements will be included within this error range. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Secondary metabolites are essential for plant survival and reproduction. Wild undomesticated and tropical plants are expected to harbor highly diverse metabolomes. We investigated the metabolomic diversity of two morphologically similar trees of tropical Africa, Erythrophleum suaveolens and E. ivorense, known for particular secondary metabolites named the cassaine-type diterpenoids. To assess how the metabolome varies between and within species, we sampled leaves from individuals of different geographic origins but grown from seeds in a common garden in Cameroon. Metabolites were analyzed using reversed phase LC-HRMS(/MS). Data were interpreted by untargeted metabolomics and molecular networks based on MS/MS data. Multivariate analyses enabled us to cluster samples based on species but also on geographic origins. We identified the structures of 28 cassaine-type diterpenoids among which 19 were new, 10 were largely specific to E. ivorense and five to E. suaveolens. Our results showed that the metabolome allows an unequivocal distinction of morphologically-close species, suggesting the potential of metabolite fingerprinting for these species. Plant geographic origin had a significant influence on relative concentrations of metabolites with variations up to eight (suaveolens) and 30 times (ivorense) between origins of the same species. This shows that the metabolome is strongly influenced by the geographical origin of plants (i.e., genetic factors).

Although cisplatin is used as a first-line therapy in many cancers, its nephrotoxicity remains a real problem. Acute kidney injuries induced by cisplatin can cause proximal tubular necrosis, possibly leading to interstitial fibrosis, chronic dysfunction, and finally to a cessation of chemotherapy. There are only a few nephroprotective actions that can help reduce cisplatin nephrotoxicity. This study aims to identify new prophylactic properties with respect to medicinal mushrooms. Among five Ganoderma species, the methanolic extracts of Ganoderma tuberculosum Murill., Ganoderma parvigibbosum Welti & Courtec. (10 µg/mL), and their association (5 + 5 µg/mL) were selected to study respective in vitro effects on human proximal tubular cells (HK-2) intoxicated by cisplatin. Measurements were performed after a pretreatment of 1 h with the extracts before adding cisplatin (20 µM). A viability assay, antioxidant activity, intracytoplasmic β-catenin, calcium, caspase-3, p53, cytochrome C, IL-6, NFκB, membranous KIM-1, and ROS overproduction were studied. Tests showed that both methanolic extracts and their association prevented a loss of viability, apoptosis, and its signaling pathway. G. parvigibbosum and the association prevented an increase in intracytoplasmic β-catenin. G. parvigibbosum prevented ROS overproduction and exhibited scavenger activity. None of the extracts could interfere with pro-inflammatory markers or calcium homeostasis. Our in vitro data demonstrate that these mushroom extracts have interesting nephroprotective properties. Finally, the chemical content was investigated through a phytochemical screening, and the determination of the total phenolic and triterpenoid content. Further studies about the chemical composition need to be conducted.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The main objective of the present study was to collect and gather information on herbal remedies traditionally used for the treatment of malaria in Bukavu and Uvira, two towns of the South Kivu province in DRC. Material and methods: Direct interview with field enquiries allowed collecting ethnobotanical data; for each plant, a specimen was harvested in the presence of the interviewed traditional healers (THs). The recorded information included vernacular names, morphological parts of plants, methods of preparation and administration of remedies, dosage and treatment duration. Plants were identified with the help of botanists in the herbaria of INERA/KIPOPO (DRC) and the Botanic Garden of Meise (Belgium), where voucher specimens have been deposited. The results were analysed and discussed in the context of previous published data. Results: Interviewees cited 45 plant species belonging to 41 genera and 21 families used for the treatment of malaria. These plants are used in the preparation of 52 recipes, including 25 multi-herbal recipes and 27 mono-herbal recipes. Apart of Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae; % Citation frequency = 34%) and Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae; % Citation frequency = 34%), the study has highlighted that the most represented families are Asteraceae with 12 species (26%), followed by Fabaceae with 7 species (16%) and Rubiaceae with 4 species (9%). For a majority of plants, herbal medicines are prepared from the leaves in the form of decoction and administered by oral route. Conclusion: Literature data indicate that part of cited species are already known (38%) and/or studied (30%) for antimalarial properties, which gives credit to the experience of Bukavu and Uvira interviewees and some level of confidence on collected information. The highly cited plants should be investigated in details for the isolation and identification of active ingredients, a contribution to the discovery of new possibly effective antimalarials.

Human phosphoantigen-reactive Vγ9Vδ2 T cells possess several characteristics, including MHC-independent recognition of tumor cells and potent killing potential, that make them attractive candidates for cancer immunotherapeutic approaches. Injectable preparations from the hemi-parasite plant Viscum album L. (European mistletoe) are commonly prescribed as complementary cancer therapy in European countries such as Germany, but their mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated in-depth the in vitro response of human T cells towards mistletoe-extract drugs by analyzing their functional and T-cell-receptor (TCR) response using flow cytometry and high-throughput sequencing respectively. Non-fermented mistletoe-extract drugs (AbnobaViscum), but not their fermented counterparts (Iscador), induced specific expansion of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells among T cells. Furthermore, AbnobaViscum rapidly induced the release of cytotoxic granules and the production of the cytokines IFNγ and TNFα in Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. This stimulation of anti-cancer Vγ9Vδ2 T cells was mediated by the butyrophilin BTN3A, did not depend on the accumulation of endogenous phosphoantigens and involved the same Vγ9Vδ2 TCR repertoire as those of phosphoantigen-reactive Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. These insights highlight Vγ9Vδ2 T cells as a potential target for mistletoe-extract drugs and their role in cancer patients receiving these herbal drugs needs to be investigated.

Cocoa bean shells (CBS) are one of the main by-products from the transformation of cocoa beans, representing 10%‒17% of the total cocoa bean weight. Hence, their disposal could lead to environmental and economic issues. As CBS could be a source of nutrients and interesting compounds, such as fiber (around 50% w/w), cocoa volatile compounds, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and a large spectrum of polyphenols, CBS may be a valuable ingredient/additive for innovative and functional foods. In fact, the valorization of food by-products within the frame of a circular economy is becoming crucial due to economic and environmental reasons. The aim of this review is to look over the chemical and nutritional composition of CBS and to revise the several uses that have been proposed in order to valorize this by-product for food, livestock feed, or industrial usages, but also for different medical applications. A special focus will be directed to studies that have reported the biofunctional potential of CBS for human health, such as antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, or neuroprotective activities, benefits for the cardiovascular system, or an anti-inflammatory capacity.