Article
Plant Sciences
Luciana R. Tallini, Angelo Carrasco, Karen Acosta Leon, Diego Vinueza, Jaume Bastida, Nora H. Oleas
Summary: Alkaloids from plants of the Amaryllidaceae family exhibit strong inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, highlighting their potential as a source for bioactive molecules.
Article
Cell Biology
Chandranayaka Siddaiah, Anil Kumar BM, Saligrama Adavigowda Deepak, Syed Salman Lateef, Saurabh Nagpal, Kanchugarakoppal S. Rangappa, Chakrabhavi D. Mohan, Shobith Rangappa, Madan S. Kumar, Minaxi Sharma, Vijai Kumar Gupta
Summary: This study focused on metabolite profiling and identification from the bark of Alangium salviifolium by using organic and aqueous solvents. Eighty-one secondary metabolites with therapeutic potential were identified, showcasing the therapeutic value of this plant.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Eman Shawky, Samah M. El Sohafy, Jean Paulo de Andrade, Warley de Souza Borges
Summary: The study utilized multivariate statistical analysis and in-vitro assays to analyze alkaloids in extracts from six aquatic and terrestrial Amaryllidaceae species, identifying potential AChE inhibitors. By correlating chemical fingerprints with bioactivity, key bioactive markers were determined.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jing Wan, Peng He, Yuanshan Chen, Qiujin Zhu
Summary: A practical, efficient, and rapid method for quantifying 19 pyrethroids in tea and orange samples was developed. Out of 262 tea samples, 11 pyrethroids were detected positive with concentrations below maximum residue limits. No pyrethroid was found in 209 peeled orange samples.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Deyber Arley Vargas Medina, Edvaldo Vasconcelos Soares Maciel, Natalia Gabrielly Pereira dos Santos, Fernando Mauro Lancas
Summary: Targeted and untargeted analysis are important methods in omics sciences. GC-MS is commonly used for volatile and thermally stable compounds, while LC-MS is used for compounds that cannot be analyzed by GC without chemical derivatization. Researchers are working on bridging the gap between LC and GC-MS techniques.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jay Hind Nishad, Arti Singh, Rajnish Bharti, Priyanka Prajapati, Vijay Kumar Sharma, Vijai Kumar Gupta, Ravindra Nath Kharwar
Summary: The study demonstrated that the extract of D. longicolla treated with BRD4770 showed increased antioxidant activity and inhibition zone against S. aureus and MRSA. Analysis revealed induced antibacterial and antioxidant-like compounds in the BRD4770-treated extract, supported by mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Juana Rozalen, M. Mercedes Garcia, Amaya Zalacain, Horacio Lopez-Corcoles, Jorge Hurtado de Mendoza, Katrina Cornish, Manuel Carmona
Summary: Guayule, as a promising renewable source of natural rubber/latex, has resins with various activities potentially related to sesquiterpenes. By exploring different analytical methods, it was found that there may be new members of the guayulins family and the relationship in seasonal changes was identified.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Hugo M. Santos, Luis B. Carvalho, Carlos Lodeiro, Goncalo Martins, Ines L. Gomes, Wilson D. T. Antunes, Vanessa Correia, Maria M. Almeida-Santos, Helena Rebelo-de-Andrade, Antonio P. A. Matos, J. L. Capelo
Summary: This work presents a tutorial on the capabilities of bioanalytical mass spectrometry in detecting and differentiating viruses at the peptide level, as well as providing diagnosis and prognosis for infected patients. It offers insights into the possibilities of current high-resolution mass spectrometry technology and bioinformatics.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qiong Chen, Ting Zhou, Jun-jie Yuan, Xiao-yi Xiong, Xue-hui Liu, Zong-ming Qiu, Lin-lin Hu, Hui Lu, Qian He, Chang Liu, Qing-wu Yang
Summary: This study investigated the metabolic alterations during ischemia-reperfusion injury using metabolomic analysis. A total of 82 differentially expressed metabolites were identified, with some significantly elevated in the reperfusion group. Metabolomics pathway analysis revealed the importance of glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and galactose metabolism in the response to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. This study provides important insights into the metabolic changes induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Buket Bozkurt, Gulen Irem Kaya, Mustafa Ali Onur, Nehir Unver-Somer
Summary: The Amaryllidaceae family, known for its economically important and ornamental plants, contains isoquinoline alkaloids, among which galanthamine is widely used in treating Alzheimer's disease. Chemical composition of three Galanthus species was analyzed, revealing promising acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities in the extracts of Galanthus krasnovii bulbs.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Archis Pandya, Bjorn Thiele, Andres Zurita-Silva, Bjorn Usadel, Fabio Fiorani
Summary: The study evaluated saponin content and their corresponding sapogenins in 114 different quinoa accessions, showing considerable variability in saponin content in quinoa. Approximately 75% of the genotypes were classified as low-saponin content lines, which is promising for current and future quinoa breeding programs. Additionally, twelve saponins of the oleanane type were identified, including a previously unreported compound, contributing to the valorization of genetic resources for quinoa.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marya Aziz, Saeed Ahmad, Umair Khurshid, Irfan Pervaiz, Arslan Hussain Lodhi, Nasrullah Jan, Sameera Khurshid, Muhammad Adeel Arshad, Mohamed M. Ibrahim, Gaber A. M. Mersal, Fahaad S. Alenazi, Ahmed Awadh Saleh Alamri, Juwairiya Butt, Hammad Saleem, Zeinhom M. El-Bahy
Summary: Plants of the genus Strobilanthes, particularly Strobilanthes glutinosus, were investigated for their biological properties and chemical profiles in this study. The methanol fraction showed efficient antioxidant potential, while the n-hexane and chloroform fractions exhibited significant enzyme inhibition against alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and tyrosinase. A variety of bioactive compounds were identified through GC-MS and LC-ESI-MS, highlighting the potential applications of S. glutinosus in medicine.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Hamid Ahadi, Majid Shokrpour, Reza Fatahi, Mohammad Reza Naghavi, Mohammad Hossein Mirjalili
Summary: The metabolic diversity of 24 Iranian Rosa damascena genotypes was studied, and major compounds and phytochemical markers were identified. This study provides valuable information for further commercial cultivation and production of essential oils, flavonoids, and anthocyanins.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Zaragoza-Puchol, Javier E. Ortiz, Alejandro A. Orden, Marianela Sanchez, Jorge Palermo, Alejandro Tapia, Jaume Bastida, Gabriela E. Feresin
Summary: Plants in the Amaryllidaceae family produce a variety of bioactive alkaloids. This study focused on analyzing the alkaloids in Habranthus cardenasianus bulbs, evaluating their inhibitory activity against cholinesterases, and testing different propagation strategies. The results showed that cut-induced bulb division was the best propagation method and optimal seed germination conditions were 0 days post-collection and two days of imbibition.
Article
Plant Sciences
Reda F. A. Abdelhameed, Sameh S. Elhady, Alaa Sirwi, Hanan Samir, Elsayed A. Ibrahim, Ama Kyeraa Thomford, Alaa El Gindy, Ghada M. Hadad, Jihan M. Badr, Mohamed S. Nafie
Summary: The study investigated the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Thonningia sanguinea whole-plant extract, showing significant cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and HepG2 cells through apoptosis induction and antioxidant activation. The phenolic extract exhibited promising bioactivity, suggesting the potential for further development as a novel anti-cancer agent.
Article
Plant Sciences
Strahil Berkov, Mariyana Atanasova, Borislav Georgiev, Jaume Bastida, Irini Doytchinova
Summary: The AChE inhibitory activity of alkaloid extracts and compounds from plants of Amaryllidoideae subfamily has been a focus of research, with galanthamine, lycorine, and haemanthamine identified as scaffolds for potent AChE inhibitors. In recent years, in silico studies have been conducted to optimize drug design and synthesize dual-binding AChE inhibitors. Only a small fraction of the vast biodiversity of Amaryllidaceae alkaloid-producing plants has been studied for their potential as AChE inhibitors.
PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucia Y. Centeno-Betanzos, Alfredo Lopez-Caamal, Natalie Cortes Rendon, Mayra Leon Santiago, Edison Osorio, Jaume Bastida Armengol, Zenon Cano-Santana, Ricardo Reyes-Chilpa, Efrain Tovar-Sanchez
Summary: Zephyranthes, a taxaomically complex genus, was studied in Mexico to characterize the two species, Z. alba and Z. fosteri, in allopatric populations. Molecular, morphological, and alkaloid profiles were used to distinguish the two species, and significant differences were found in flower-related characters and alkaloid distribution. Z. fosteri exhibited greater genetic and phenotypic plasticity compared to Z. alba. These markers can be used for further studies on hybridization between the two species in sympatric populations.
BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMATICS AND ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Teodora Toshova, Dimitar Velchev, Marek Barta, Danail Takov, Ivaylo Todorov, Daniela Pilarska, Miklos Toth, Strahil Berkov, Milena Nikolova
Summary: The insecticidal effects of Greek oregano essential oil and the entomopathogenic fungus were evaluated against the western corn rootworm. Greek oregano essential oil showed strong insecticidal effects at low concentrations, while the fungus had lower effectiveness.
CEREAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Strahil Berkov, Lilyia Georgieva, Boriana Sidjimova, Jaume Bastida
Summary: Galanthamine, a natural compound used for Alzheimer's disease treatment, can be extracted from Hippeastrum papilio, which has advantages over currently used plants. The leaves of H. papilio cultivated in vitro had a high galanthamine content, making it a potentially competitive source for industrial production.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariyana Atanasova, Ivan Dimitrov, Stefan Ivanov, Borislav Georgiev, Strahil Berkov, Dimitrina Zheleva-Dimitrova, Irini Doytchinova
Summary: Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important target for treating Alzheimer's disease. Natural compounds have been found to inhibit AChE and are considered safer and less toxic than synthetic drugs. In this study, 150,000 natural compounds were screened, and 10 compounds were identified as stable complexes with reasonable prices. Among them, 5 showed weak AChE inhibition and 3 exhibited high antioxidant activity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nieves Martinez-Peinado, Javier E. Ortiz, Maria Jesus Pinazo, Joaquim Gascon, Alejandro Tapia, German Roitman, Jaume Bastida, Gabriela E. Feresin, Julio Alonso-Padilla
Summary: This study identified alkaloids with anti-T. cruzi activity from Habranthus brachyandrus collected in Argentina. The alkaloid ismine showed specific activity against the parasite and low toxicity against liver cells. These findings provide a new direction for the development of drugs for Chagas disease.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emily P. Laveriano-Santos, Maria Marhuenda-Munoz, Anna Vallverdu-Queralt, Miriam Martinez-Huelamo, Anna Tresserra-Rimbau, Elefterios Miliarakis, Camila Arancibia-Riveros, Olga Jauregui, Ana Maria Ruiz-Leon, Sara Castro-Baquero, Ramon Estruch, Patricia Bodega, Mercedes de Miguel, Amaya de Cos-Gandoy, Jesus Martinez-Gomez, Gloria Santos-Beneit, Juan M. Fernandez-Alvira, Rodrigo Fernandez-Jimenez, Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventos
Summary: This study aimed to develop a method to identify and quantify urinary microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) and explore their relationship with (poly)phenol intake in Spanish adolescents. A total of 601 spot urine samples were analyzed, and 17 aglycones and 37 phase II MPM were identified and quantified. The results showed that urinary hydroxycoumarin acids were positively correlated with flavonoid and total (poly)phenol intake.
Article
Plant Sciences
Milena Nikolova, Ina Aneva, Petar Zhelev, Ivanka Semerdjieva, Valtcho D. Zheljazkov, Vladimir Vladimirov, Stoyan Stoyanov, Strahil Berkov, Elina Yankova-Tsvetkova
Summary: This study compared the chemical composition and total alkannin content of the aerial parts and roots of A. tinctoria plants from different regions in Bulgaria. The main compound in the aerial parts was identified as ononitol, while the roots were found to contain rich bioactive compounds. Additionally, the study revealed that the aerial parts of the plant can also serve as a valuable source of biologically active substances.
Article
Plant Sciences
Javier E. Ortiz, Mauricio Pineiro, Nieves Martinez-Peinado, Patricia Barrera, Miguel Sosa, Jaume Bastida, Julio Alonso-Padilla, Gabriela E. Feresin
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-T. cruzi activity of the alkaloid candimine isolated from a plant, and assessed its combination effect with benznidazole, an existing drug. The results showed that candimine exhibited high anti-parasitic activity, and its combination with benznidazole enhanced its efficacy against T. cruzi, suggesting its potential as a new therapy for Chagas disease.
Article
Plant Sciences
Gabriela Haist, Boriana Sidjimova, Vladimir Vladimirov, Liliya Georgieva, Milena Nikolova, Jaume Bastida, Strahil Berkov
Summary: The polyploidization of Hippeastrum papilio was induced, resulting in significant changes in its primary and secondary metabolism, particularly the biosynthesis of bioactive alkaloids. Compared to other plants used for extracting galanthamine, Hippeastrum papilio possesses advantages as an ornamental plant. The autotetraploid line of Hippeastrum papilio showed distinct morphological, cytological, and phytochemical differences compared to the diploid line, including differences in stomata size and metabolite profiles.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Strahil Berkov, Rumen Denev, Borjana Sidjimova, Yancho Zarev, Alexandar Shkondrov, Laura Torras-Claveria, Francesc Viladomat, Jaume Bastida
Summary: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is commonly used for analyzing Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in plant extracts. However, the identification of homolycorine-type alkaloids with a C3-C4 double bond in complex plant extracts is challenging due to their low intensity in the high-mass region. This study demonstrates that GC-EIMS in combination with GC-CIMS can provide structural information for the unambiguous identification of these alkaloids.
RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Lenny Rodriguez-Escobar, Luciana R. Tallini, Julia Lisa-Molina, Strahil Berkov, Francesc Viladomat, Alan Meerow, Jaume Bastida, Laura Torras-Claveria
Summary: The genus Clinanthus Herb. is distributed in the Andes Region of South America, with a focus in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. These plants, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, specifically the Amaryllidoideae subfamily, possess a unique group of alkaloids known as Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, which exhibit diverse structural and pharmacological characteristics. This study aimed to determine the alkaloid profile and anti-cholinesterase activity of four Clinanthus samples collected in South America. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the alkaloid extract of each sample, and their potential against acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes was evaluated. Thirteen alkaloids were identified in these species, with six unidentified structures also detected. The alkaloid extract from C. variegatus samples showed the highest structural diversity and exhibited the most potent activity against AChE, likely due to the presence of the alkaloid sanguinine. These findings suggest Clinanthus as a promising new source of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids that could contribute to the development of novel medicines.
Article
Plant Sciences
Milena Nikolova, Aneta Lyubenova, Elina Yankova-Tsvetkova, Borislav Georgiev, Strahil Berkov, Ina Aneva, Antoaneta Trendafilova
Summary: This study determined the composition of essential oils and exudates of Artemisia santonicum L. and Artemisia lerchiana Weber, and evaluated their potential as inhibitors of seed germination, acetylcholinesterase, and phytopathogenic mycelium growth. The results showed that these natural products exhibited strong phytotoxic and AChE inhibitory activities.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daniela Pechlivanova, Petar Grozdanov, Zafer Sabit, Dimitar Bakalov, Alexander Stoynev, Strahil Berkov
Summary: The adverse effects of stress have led to an increased demand for potential adaptogenic agents. It has been discovered that the Hawera Narcissus cultivar synthesizes a range of alkaloids with anxiolytic and antidepressant activities. In studies on rats subjected to acute and chronic restraint stress, it was found that the alkaloidal fraction from Hawera impacted cortisol levels, reducing anxiety and pain sensitivity without affecting normal exploratory behavior.
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FARMACOGNOSIA-BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOGNOSY
(2023)