Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gokhan Zengin, Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally, Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan, Nabeelah Sadeer, Filippo Maggi, Giovanni Caprioli, Simone Angeloni, Adriano Mollica, Azzurra Stefanucci, Gunes Ak, Ugur Cakilcioglu, Ridvan Polat, Hasan Akan
Summary: Members of the Verbascum genus, specifically Verbascum euphraticum and Verbascum oocarpum, were found to possess antioxidant and enzymatic inhibitory activities, with their chemical composition influenced by extraction solvents. These findings suggest potential phytopharmaceutical development opportunities for these plants.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria-Eleni Grafakou, Christina Barda, Joerg Heilmann, Helen Skaltsa
Summary: Euphorbia deflexa, an endemic spurge from Greece, was investigated for its diterpene constituents, resulting in the isolation of 22 diterpenoids, including 16 previously undescribed compounds, which exhibited activity against human cancer cell lines.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eduardo Valarezo, Genesis Gaona-Granda, Vladimir Morocho, Luis Cartuche, James Calva, Miguel Angel Meneses
Summary: In this study, the essential oil extracted from fresh Croton ferrugineus leaves was analyzed for its chemical composition and showed promising antibacterial, radical scavenging, and antiglucosidase properties. The main compound identified in the essential oil was trans-caryophyllene, which exhibited moderate activity against Candida albicans and strong antiglucosidase activity. The results highlight the potential medicinal benefits of Croton ferrugineus as a natural remedy for various health conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hiwot Ayalew, Eyael Tewelde, Besufekad Abebe, Yonatan Alebachew, Solomon Tadesse
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive appraisal of the traditional use, pharmacological properties, and phytochemistry of Ethiopian endemic medicinal plants. It aims to preserve and document indigenous and scientific knowledge and generate an information database for future research in pharmaceutical development.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Elizabeth Goya-Jorge, Osmary Fernandez Exposito, Jose Manuel Herrero-Martinez, Ernesto F. Simo-Alfonso, Idelfonso Castaneda-Noa, Maria Elisa Jorge Rodriguez
Summary: This study analyzed the composition of the essential oil of Mosiera bullata for the first time, identifying nineteen components with 1,8-cineole and eugenol as the major compounds. A fingerprint of the volatile composition of Mosiera bullata leaves was proposed using GC/FID chromatograms, with chemometric methods ensuring the reliability of the chromatographic fingerprinting.
JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kirsten Work
Summary: Freshwater springs and other groundwater-dependent ecosystems are important natural resources that provide consistent, high-quality water to both freshwater and terrestrial organisms. However, the conservation of springs and groundwater-dependent ecosystems is not a prominent feature in the US. This study evaluates the distribution and size of springs in the US using the national water dataset, and highlights the need for a concerted national effort to more broadly evaluate and protect these resources. The findings reveal that springs are most abundant in western states, but average discharges are largest in the southeast and for Idaho and Alaska.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Abeje Kassie Teme, Afework Bekele Simegn, Bezawork Afework Bogale
Summary: The present study investigated the species composition, diversity, distribution, and richness of endemic frog species in the Keffa area of southwest Ethiopia. The study found that agricultural land and riverine forest had a higher number of endemic frog species, highlighting the importance of their conservation. The Keffa area is a significant habitat for endemic frog species in Ethiopia, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hermine R. Z. Tadros, Dalia M. S. A. Salem, Madelyn N. Moawad
Summary: In this study, marine macroalgae extracts were utilized as active biocides in environmentally safe antifouling marine paints. The results showed that different algal extracts could effectively inhibit fouling organisms on steel panels without significant adverse effects on seawater characteristics. The hot and cold water soluble polysaccharides (WSP) extracts were found to be the most effective in reducing fouling organisms, while protein extracts from Padina pavonia and Colpomenia sinusa also showed good results.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Arnon Chukaew, Prapaporn Chaniad
Summary: This study represents the first phytochemical investigation of the roots of Calophyllum pisiferum Planch. & Triana. Two new compounds, calopisifuran and 1-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxyxanthone, were isolated and identified, along with 11 known compounds. The isolated compounds showed significant cytotoxic activity and weak antioxidant activity.
RECORDS OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Salim M. A. Bastaki, Shreesh Ojha, Huba Kalasz, E. Adeghate
Summary: Allium species, including garlic, onions, leeks and chives, have been used as food and medicine due to their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The rich organosulfur compounds in these plants are believed to prevent the development of various diseases.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Denis Escobar, Osman Archaga, Allan Reyes, Adalid Palma, Ryan T. Larson, Gissella M. Vasquez, Gustavo Fontecha
Summary: This study aims to understand the species composition and distribution of malaria vector mosquitoes in Honduras, as well as to molecularly describe the anophelines of the Bay Islands for the first time. The most abundant species found were Anopheles albimanus, but seven other species were also identified, some of which may contribute to parasite transmission.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francesco Martoni, Mark J. Blacket
Summary: Psyllids, also known as jumping plant lice, are Hemiptera insects that feed on phloem and often have a strict species-specific relationship with their host plants. The discovery of Trioza melaleucae, a new species causing damage to tea trees in Australia, has raised interest in this previously undocumented pest. Analysis suggests a close relationship between Trioza melaleucae and other Myrtaceae-feeding Trioza species from Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jocelyn Maira Velazquez-Hernandez, Jose Ariel Ruiz-Corral, Noe Duran-Puga, Miguel Angel Macias, Diego Raymundo Gonzalez-Eguiarte, Fernando Santacruz-Ruvalcaba, Giovanni Emmanuel Garcia-Romero, Agustin Gallegos-Rodriguez
Summary: This research aimed to characterize the ecogeography of Dioscorea remotiflora and determine its adaptability and potential distribution. The findings revealed that this plant thrives in harsh environments with arid to semiarid conditions, poor soils, and hot climates. Niche modeling identified seven key variables that influence the geographical distribution of D. remotiflora. The comprehensive characterization of this plant is essential for understanding its ecology and maximizing its economic potential.
Article
Plant Sciences
Francileia M. de Vasconcelos, Eloisa Helena A. Andrade, Luiz Otavio A. Teixeira, Pablo Luis B. Figueiredo, Jose Guilherme S. Maia
Summary: This study analyzed the chemical constituents of the volatile concentrates of eight Catasetum specimens from the Amazon and identified their constituents using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that C. barbatum, C. albovirens, and C. gnomus are distinct from the other studied species, while C. alatum, C. ciliatum, and C. galeritum presented the same primary classes of compounds.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Huiqun Chen, Rongping Bu, Meihong Ning, Bo Yang, Zhengjun Wu, Huayuan Huang
Summary: In this study, the sexual dimorphism of Hynobius maoershanensis, a rare and endangered species, was examined. The results showed that males and females exhibited significant differences in morphological traits, with males having wider heads, longer tails, thicker limbs, and greater height than females. Females, on the other hand, had a wider space between the axilla and groin. These differences can be explained by sexual selection and fecundity theories.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hamed Parsa Khankandi, Shamim Sahranavard, Luca Rastrelli, Seyed Mohammad Nabavi, Sahar Behzad
Summary: The study isolated chemical compounds from the endemic species Scutellaria nepetifolia in Iran, and revealed through molecular docking study that two iridoid compounds showed strong interactions with iNOS protein, potentially contributing to its antioxidant effects.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Serena Rizzo, Rita Celano, Luca Campone, Luca Rastrelli, Anna Lisa Piccinelli
Summary: The application of salting out assisted liquid-liquid extraction for the rapid and simple simultaneous determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and related N-oxide in honey and pollen was evaluated. The results showed that the developed procedure had excellent extraction efficiency and recoveries for all target analytes, with low quantification limits. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to a large number of honey and pollen samples, revealing a high contamination rate.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Osmany Cuesta-Rubio, Ingrid Marquez Hernandez, Mercedes Campo Fernandez, Iran Rodriguez-Delgado, Rodny Montes De Oca Porto, Anna Lisa Piccinelli, Rita Celano, Luca Rastrelli
Summary: The chemical composition and antioxidant potential of Ecuadorian propolis were investigated. Six types of Ecuadorian propolis were defined based on their secondary metabolite composition, and 59 compounds were reported for the first time. The results showed that the variation in chemical composition affected the antioxidant potential of the propolis.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Irena Mincheva, Zheko Naychov, Christo Radev, Ina Aneva, Luca Rastrelli, Ekaterina Kozuharova
Summary: The study investigated the contemporary traditional application of medicinal plants among the population of the Rhodopes in Bulgaria, revealing that locals still rely on traditional medicinal plants to treat various health issues, particularly in winter, and introduced a new approach in ethnobotanical research.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Serena Rizzo, Rita Celano, Anna Lisa Piccinelli, Simona Serio, Mariateresa Russo, Luca Rastrelli
Summary: An analytical platform for the detection of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in various products was proposed. The platform employed a wide-scope suspect screening method for characterization of PAs and a target screening method for high-throughput detection of 118 PAs. The platform showed high effectiveness in detecting and identifying both target and untarget PAs, as demonstrated by the screening of commercial samples.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Osmany Cuesta-Rubio, Lianet Monzote, Roberto Fernandez-Acosta, Gilberto Lazaro Pardo-Andreu, Luca Rastrelli
Summary: This article reviews the chemical and biological research progress of nemorosone, a natural compound with promising antiproliferative effects. Nemorosone has shown activity against various malignancies and has the potential as an anticancer and anti-parasitic drug. It exhibits cytotoxicity, induces apoptosis and ferroptosis, and also possesses antimicrobial capabilities.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Giuseppe Castaldo, Luigi Schiavo, Imma Pagano, Paola Molettieri, Aurelio Conte, Gerardo Sarno, Vincenzo Pilone, Luca Rastrelli
Summary: Ketogenic nutrition-based dietary protocols, such as enteral protein (NEP) and enteral hypocaloric (NEI), are effective and safe treatments for weight reduction and improvement of glycemic and lipid profiles in obese patients before bariatric surgery (BS).
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Irena Mincheva, Zheko Naychov, Cristo Radev, Ina Aneva, Luca Rastrelli, Maria Kamusheva, Nikolay Nikolov, Ekaterina Kozuharova
Summary: Rhodopes Mountain is poorly studied in terms of ethnobotany. Our preliminary observation suggests that the local population still relies on previously collected medicinal plants. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the contemporary usage of medicinal plants and the associated health conditions in the Central and East Rhodopes. Through in-depth field research and interviews, we found that 92 informants mentioned the use of 114 plant species. The study shows that medicinal plants are most frequently mentioned in relation to diseases affecting the nervous, respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular systems.
Article
Biology
Catello Pane, Gelsomina Manganiello, Antonella Vitti, Rita Celano, Anna Lisa Piccinelli, Enrica De Falco
Summary: The cultivation of false yellowhead was studied and its phytochemical extracts were found to have potential in inhibiting weed growth and reducing spinach disease. Plant extracts obtained through sustainable methods can be effective in agricultural applications.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Serena Rizzo, Rita Celano, Anna Lisa Piccinelli, Mariateresa Russo, Luca Rastrelli
Summary: An analytical procedure for the screening and determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in food supplements, herbal infusions, honey, and teas was successfully validated. The study found that 10% of the analyzed samples were contaminated above the maximum levels (MLs) set by European legislation. Contamination of herbal infusions of mixed plants raised potential health concerns, with 23% showing PA levels above ML. Although a high number of PAs not included in the regulation were detected in honey and herbal food supplements, their contribution to overall levels in honey was not significant.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatima Ezzahra Bennani, Khalid Karrouchi, Latifa Doudach, Mario Scrima, Noor Rahman, Luca Rastrelli, Trina Ekawati Tallei, Christopher E. E. Rudd, My El Abbes Faouzi, M'hammed Ansar
Summary: In this study, computational approaches were used to identify potential cancer therapeutics based on pyrazole derivatives. These compounds showed inhibitory activity against specific proteins linked to various forms of cancer. Although the structural and interaction stability of these compounds in dynamic state were satisfactory, further optimization is required.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yahya Alhamhoom, Umme Hani, Fatima Ezzahra Bennani, Noor Rahman, Md Abdur Rashid, Muhammad Naseer Abbas, Luca Rastrelli
Summary: This study aimed to identify novel drug targets in the S. lugdunensis strain N920143 and evaluate potential inhibitors. A DNA-binding response-regulator protein was identified as a new drug target, and two compounds were found to interact favorably with the active site residues of the drug target.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
