Article
Food Science & Technology
Hosam Ki, Jun-Seok Baek, Hye-Jin Kim Hawkes, Young Soo Kim, Kwang Yeon Hwang
Summary: In this study, Kamut sprouts were fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Latilactobacillus sakei, resulting in increased polyphenol and beta-glucan contents in the fermented KaS (fKaS-ex). The non-fermented KaS (nfKaS-ex) exhibited cytotoxicity, while the fKaS-ex showed improved cell viability and anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that fKaS-ex has potential applications in the food and other industries.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mihnea Paraschiv, Magda Csiki, Zorita Diaconeasa, Sonia Socaci, Ovidiu Balacescu, Elena Rakosy-Tican, Daniel Cruceriu
Summary: This study assessed the phytochemical profile and selective cytotoxicity of an extract from Solanum bulbocastanum against breast cancer cells. The extract showed high levels of phenolic compounds and flavanols, and demonstrated cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cell lines while exhibiting low toxicity towards healthy cell lines.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Neda Alvarez-Ortega, Karina Caballero-Gallardo, Cristina Juan, Ana Juan-Garcia, Jesus Olivero-Verbel
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic potential of the hydroethanolic extract of Fridericia chica leaves (HEFc) and determine their protective effects against proliferation induced by alpha-zearalenol (alpha-ZEL) and beta-zearalenol (beta-ZEL). The results showed that HEFc had an IC50 of 128, 249, and 602 μg/mL for HepG2, Calu-1, and HEKn cells, respectively. HEFc at 16 μg/mL was able to provide some protection against cytotoxicity induced by high concentrations of beta-ZEL.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xiangyu Bian, Yawen Wang, Renren Yang, Yuying Ma, Weiyun Dong, Changjiang Guo, Weina Gao
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-fatigue effect of the ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MLEE) on mice and its primary mechanism of action. The results showed that MLEE supplementation increased glucose and non-esterified fatty acids levels while decreasing lactate and blood urea nitrogen levels in serum. It also increased glycogen levels, glycogen synthase activity, and non-esterified fatty acids levels in the muscle. Furthermore, MLEE exerted its anti-fatigue effect via the AMPK-linked route and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giusy Rita Caponio, Tamara Lippolis, Valeria Tutino, Isabella Gigante, Valentina De Nunzio, Rosa Anna Milella, Marica Gasparro, Maria Notarnicola
Summary: Nutraceuticals have gained popularity due to their physiological and potential health effects. This review focuses on the major constituents of the Mediterranean diet and their effects on human health, specifically in the gastrointestinal tract. It provides a deeper understanding of nutraceuticals' therapeutic purpose and suggests personalized dietary components for adjuvant therapies.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Florence Malongane, Lyndy Joy McGaw, Oyinlola Oluwunmi Olaokun, Fhatuwani Nixwell Mudau
Summary: South Africa is known for its various herbal teas with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. This study investigated the antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and anti-diabetic properties of selected tea blends. The results showed that special tea and its blend with bush tea exhibited potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and blending increased the antioxidant activity. All the tea samples also showed anti-diabetic effects, although less potent than insulin. The findings support the use of blended herbal teas and suggest further research on the anti-inflammatory effects of special tea.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Qiao Yang, Xiaoyi Zhang, Huini Qin, Feijun Luo, Jiali Ren
Summary: Extracts from Lactarius hatsudake contain six main phenolic compounds and demonstrate anti-cancer properties by arresting cancer cell cycle, inhibiting cell proliferation, and promoting apoptosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Nowak, Paula Ossowicz-Rupniewska, Rafal Rakoczy, Maciej Konopacki, Magdalena Peruzynska, Marek Drozdzik, Edyta Makuch, Wiktoria Duchnik, Lukasz Kucharski, Karolina Wenelska, Adam Klimowicz
Summary: Bacterial cellulose membranes loaded with plant extract show potential antioxidant activity. The BC-FEEs exhibit low toxicity to healthy mouse fibroblasts and allow penetration of antioxidants through the skin, leading to their accumulation in the skin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hadar Peeri, Hinanit Koltai
Summary: Cancer is a complex disease and glioma is the most common subtype of brain tumors. Cannabis produces compounds with anticancer properties and is associated with the endocannabinoid system. However, there is a lack of clinical trials to confirm the anticancer therapeutic potential of cannabis compounds.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ahmed Noah Badr, Marwa M. El-Attar, Hatem S. Ali, Manal F. Elkhadragy, Hany M. Yehia, Amr Farouk
Summary: This study examined the efficacy of spent coffee grounds extract as an antimycotic and anti-ochratoxigenic material. The results showed that the extract contained bioactive molecules with activity against fungi and pathogenic bacteria. The extract exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against liver cancer cells, but lower toxicity to healthy cells. It also demonstrated strong antibacterial and antifungal properties in both liquid medium and food models. Additionally, the extract was found to reduce mycotoxin contamination in food products.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mikayel Ginovyan, Anush Babayan, Anahit Shirvanyan, Alvard Minasyan, Meri Qocharyan, Barbara Kusznierewicz, Izabela Koss-Mikolajczyk, Nikolay Avtandilyan, Anne Vejux, Agnieszka Bartoszek, Naira Sahakyan
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and anticancer potential of aerial part extracts from Vaccinium myrtillus plants harvested at high altitudes in Armenian landscape and characterize the bioactive phytochemicals. The results showed that the aerial part extract of Vaccinium myrtillus plants exhibited promising antioxidant properties and selective cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines.
DISCOVERY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Usama W. Hawas, Lamia T. Abou El-Kassem, Fekri M. Shaher, Radwan Al-Farawati, Mohamed Ghandourah
Summary: This study examined the chemical compositions of four Red Sea halophytes and found that they contain various beneficial compounds with antioxidant and anticancer effects.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mahroza Kanwal Khan, Hina Siddiqui, Ruby Sharif, Mustafa Guzel, Atia-tul Wahab, Sammer Yousuf, M. Iqbal Choudhary
Summary: A new series of quaternary ammonium salts of lamotrigine were synthesized and characterized. These compounds showed promising antibacterial and anti-cancer properties.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Mauricio M. de Souza Ribeiro, Luana C. dos Santos, Nathalia S. de Novais, Juliane Vigano, Priscila C. Veggi
Summary: The search for natural products as alternatives to synthetic products is increasing due to health concerns and the desire for a better quality of life. Extracting bioactive compounds from plants, such as Stryphnodendron adstringens (Barbatimao), offers promising strategies for pharmaceutical and food applications. The specific knowledge of extraction techniques and sustainability of the production chain are essential for obtaining high-purity extracts. This review provides updated information on Barbatimao extracts, including their biological activities, extraction techniques, and chemical composition. It also highlights the need for future research to explore the potential use of this species.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yineth Ruiz-Garcia, Carolina Beres, Davy W. H. Chavez, Danielle C. de S. Pereira, Manuela C. P. A. Santiago, Ronoel de O. Godoy, Flavia dos Santos Gomes, Rosemar Antoniassi, Renata Tonon, Lourdes M. C. Cabral
Summary: Grape skin extract from Alicante Bouschet contained high levels of anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavanols. After in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation, there was a decrease in anthocyanins and flavanols, but an increase in phenolic acids, particularly gallic acid. The antioxidant capacity also increased. The microbiota remained unchanged after 24 hours of colonic fermentation, but there was a significant increase in acetic acid. The bioaccessibility of phenolic acids significantly improved, indicating that grape skin extract can enhance the metabolic activity of the microbiota.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zaffar Malik, Natasha Malik, Iqra Noor, Muhammad Kamran, Aasma Parveen, Muhammad Ali, Freeha Sabir, Hosam O. Elansary, Tarek K. Zin El-Abedin, Eman A. Mahmoud, Shah Fahad
Summary: The combined use of biochar and humic acid has been found to effectively improve the growth and stress resistance of maize seedlings in saline soil, suggesting it as a promising strategy for salt resistance.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nitika Thakur, Mohit Nigam, Garima Awasthi, Aryan Shukla, Anis Ali Shah, Nidhi Negi, Sher Aslam Khan, Ryan Casini, Hosam O. Elansary
Summary: Globally, industrial farming poses threats to ecological mechanisms vital for food production, while a significant number of people suffer from undernutrition and malnutrition. Zero Hunger aims to address both global ecological sustainability and food security concerns. Recent breakthroughs in molecular tools have allowed scientists to understand agro-biodiversity at the molecular and genetic levels, providing advantages over traditional crop breeding methods.
FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE GENOMICS
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Nitika Thakur, Mohit Nigam, Neharika Ann Mann, Shivendra Gupta, Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain, Sudheesh K. Shukla, Anis Ali Shah, Ryan Casini, Hosam O. Elansary, Sher Aslam Khan
Summary: The agricultural sector and environmental safety are working together to promote sustainability in important areas like soil health, plant nutrition, food safety, and security. Traditional farming practices have caused harm to the environment and human health, resulting in declining soil fertility and quality. It is crucial to choose eco-friendly strategies to restore soil health, plant nutrition, and the environment. Researching the microbiome is a top priority as it provides insights into soil and plant aspects and contributes to plant health and productivity. Utilizing microbiome engineering technologies can enhance soil health and productivity by screening diverse and balanced microbial populations.
FUNCTIONAL & INTEGRATIVE GENOMICS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ewa Skala, Agnieszka Szopa
Summary: This work reviews the phytochemical profiles, ethnomedicinal uses, and biological activities of Dipsacus and Scabiosa species in the Caprifoliaceae family. These plants are rich sources of specialized metabolites with medicinal properties, and their constituents have various biological activities including anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. They are also used in traditional medicine for treating bone and joint problems, liver diseases, and have potential pharmacological applications.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Halina Maria Ekiert, Agnieszka Szopa
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tauqeer Sardar, Mehwish Maqbool, Muhammad Ishtiaq, Muhammad Waqas Mazhar, Mohamed A. El-Sheikh, Ryan Casini, Eman A. Mahmoud, Hosam O. Elansary
Summary: The challenges in producing medicinal metabolites from wild plants include low yields, slow growth, seasonal variations, genetic variability, and regulatory and ethical constraints. Overcoming these challenges requires interdisciplinary approaches and innovative strategies to optimize production, increase yield and biomass, and ensure sustainability and scalability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad Shakeeb Sharif, Hajra Hameed, Abdul Waheed, Muhammad Tariq, Afshan Afreen, Asif Kamal, Eman A. Mahmoud, Hosam O. Elansary, Saddam Saqib, Wajid Zaman
Summary: This study synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles from algae and plant extracts using a simple, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective method, and characterized their properties. Plant-based Fe3O4 NPs exhibited stronger antioxidant and antibacterial activities compared to algal-based NPs, possibly due to the higher content of phytochemicals in plants, which can encapsulate the nanoparticles during the fabrication process.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yasir Tariq, Nusrat Ehsan, Umair Riaz, Rabiya Nasir, Waqas Ahmed Khan, Rashid Iqbal, Shehzad Ali, Eman A. Mahmoud, Izhar Ullah, Hosam O. Elansary
Summary: This study investigates the effect of different water sources on the accumulation of heavy metal contamination in eggplants. Results show that sewage is the major source of heavy metal contamination in eggplants. Therefore, further research and improvement in the implementation of policies for irrigation water quality is needed.
Article
Plant Sciences
Shiekh Marifatul Haq, Aadil Abdullah Khoja, Fayaz A. Lone, Muhammad Waheed, Rainer W. Bussmann, Ryan Casini, Eman A. Mahmoud, Hosam O. Elansary
Summary: This study aimed to identify medicinal plants used by indigenous peoples of the Northwestern Himalayas to treat dermatological diseases. Through field trips and interviews, a total of 64 ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 34 families were identified. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part for treatments. The findings highlight the continued reliance on medicinal plants for dermatological ailments in the Northwestern Himalayas region.
Article
Plant Sciences
Muhammad Ishtiaq, Muhammad Waqas Mazhar, Mehwish Maqbool, Tanveer Hussain, Syed Atiq Hussain, Ryan Casini, Ahmed M. Abd-ElGawad, Hosam O. Elansary
Summary: In this study, the use of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as seed priming agents for enhancing drought tolerance in tomatoes was investigated. Four different SeNPs priming regimes were tested at different concentrations, along with a control treatment. The results showed that seed priming with 75 ppm SeNPs improved tomato crop performance under drought stress. The treatment reduced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels, while increasing the functions of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Additionally, it increased the content of various beneficial compounds in tomatoes and upregulated the functions of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense. Seed priming with SeNPs is a promising strategy for sustainable tomato production in arid areas.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fei Xiao, Muhammad Saqib, Soha Razzaq, Tayyaba Mubashir, Mudassir Hussain Tahir, Ihab Mohamed Moussa, Hosam O. El-ansary
Summary: In this study, machine learning techniques were used to screen reported research data and design new polymer acceptor materials. Quantitative structure-activity relationship models were generated and molecular descriptors that had a key effect on power conversion efficiency were identified. Regression models were developed to predict the efficiency, and new materials were designed based on similarity analysis.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MODELING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hubballi Aravinda, Kadanakuppe Thammayya Shivakumara, Krishanappa Chandrashekara, Abalavadi Thammaiah Rani, Ryan Casini, Shaban R. M. Sayed, Hosam O. Elansary, Ahmed M. El-Sabrout
Summary: AMPs compounds were isolated and purified from ants, with the highest protein content found in the abdomen extract. The abdomen extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli.
ARABIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shiekh Marifatul Haq, Andrea Pieroni, Rainer W. Bussmann, Ahmed M. Abd-ElGawad, Hosam O. El-Ansary
Summary: Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) aids tribal communities in adapting to socio-ecological changes and improving the sustainability of their livelihood strategies. This study gathered traditional ecological knowledge on tree species in the Dering-Dibru Saikhowa Elephant Corridor, providing insights for ecosystem restoration.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Satyapriya Singh, Mahadevan Raghuraman, Manikyanahalli Chandrashekara Keerthi, Anup Das, Saswat Kumar Kar, Biswajit Das, Hidangmayum Lembisana Devi, Sunil Kumar Sunani, Manas Ranjan Sahoo, Ryan Casini, Hosam O. Elansary, Gobinda Chandra Acharya
Summary: The fall armyworm is a major threat to crop production and food security globally, including in India, and has become a serious concern for farmers in the eastern Himalayan region. However, there is limited understanding of farmers' perceptions and the biological attributes associated with the meteorological factors for the fall armyworm. This study provides detailed baseline data on the prevalence and characteristics of the fall armyworm in Tripura, India.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jameel Ahmed Bhutto, Zhonglin He, Jawayria Najeeb, Sumaira Naeem, Eman A. Mahmoud, Hosam O. Elansary
Summary: Designing novel drugs using data-driven and virtual screening approaches, such as machine learning and data mining, is a popular research topic in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, ML models were trained using data collected from academic research articles, and molecular descriptors were utilized. The best ML models were selected and optimized to identify potential compounds for aromatase inhibitors. These models accurately predicted the inhibition values of compounds in a database, and new compounds were designed based on the predictions. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential significance of data-driven and virtual screening approaches in pharmaceutical research.
