Impact of radish seeds (Semen Raphani) on the absorption and transportation of ginsenosides in the Caco-2 cell model: a UPLC-ESI-MS analysis.

This study examined the impact of Semen raphani on the absorption of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (ginseng) using a Caco-2 cell model and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). Six primary ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd) were quantified. Results showed that Semen Raphani increased the efflux rate of ginsenosides, particularly at higher concentrations, suggesting it inhibits their absorption. The research elucidates the intestinal absorption process of ginsenosides and the antagonistic mechanism of Semen Raphani against ginseng.

Effects of Growing Areas, Pruning Wound Protection Products, and Phenological Stage on the Stilbene Composition of Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Canes.

Applying plant protection products (PPP) on grapevine pruning wounds is a viticultural practice used to mitigate the spread of grapevine tuck disease, which is posing serious economic losses in the vine-wine industry. However, the impact of PPP on woody tissues remains unclear. Our study, conducted in two European vineyards, investigated the effects of Cuprocol, Tessior, Esquive, and Bentogran on stilbenes, in canes of Cabernet sauvignon and Syrah, at three phenological stages. Main stilbenes, quantified by HPLC-UV-DAD (1260 Agilent Infinity System) and identified by HPLC-ESI/MS (Thermo Scientific LCQ FLEET system), included E-resveratrol, E-ε-viniferin, E-piceatannol, and E-polydatin. Canes exhibited varying proportions of individual stilbenes, reflecting differences based on climatic conditions and phenological phases, rather than on the application of specific PPP. Vines grown in cool-climate conditions exhibited higher levels of E-resveratrol, whereas vines from the Mediterranean climate area exhibited higher levels of E-ε-viniferin. We also observed divergences in the accumulation trend of wood stilbenes throughout the season in canes collected in the two different growing areas.

Phenolic profile, cheminformatics, and antiplatelet aggregation activity of orange and purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) storage roots.

Sweet potatoes are rich in cardioprotective phytochemicals with potential anti-platelet aggregation activity, although this benefit may vary among cultivars/genotypes. The phenolic profile [HPLC-ESI(-)-qTOF-MS2], cheminformatics (ADMET properties, affinity toward platelet proteins) and anti-PA activity of phenolic-rich hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from orange (OSP) and purple (PSP) sweet potato storage roots, was evaluated. The phenolic richness [Hydroxycinnamic acids> flavonoids> benzoic acids] was PSP > OSP. Their main chlorogenic acids could interact with platelet proteins (integrins/adhesins, kinases/metalloenzymes) but their bioavailability could be poor. Just OSP exhibited a dose-dependent anti-platelet aggregation activity [inductor (IC50, mg.ml-1): thrombin receptor activator peptide-6 (0.55) > Adenosine-5'-diphosphate (1.02) > collagen (1.56)] and reduced P-selectin expression (0.75-1.0 mg.ml-1) but not glycoprotein IIb/IIIa secretion. The explored anti-PA activity of OSP/PSP seems to be inversely related to their phenolic richness. The poor first-pass bioavailability of its chlorogenic acids (documented in silico) may represent a further obstacle for their anti-PA in vivo.

Surface-displayed phenolic acid decarboxylase for increased vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins in blueberry wine.

During the fruit wine production, phenolic acid decarboxylase (PAD) converts free hydroxycinnamic acid into 4-vinyl derivatives that can then react spontaneously with anthocyanins, generating more stable pyranoanthocyanins that are responsible for the color stability of fruit wine. Nevertheless, the low PAD activity in yeast under the winemaking conditions has largely limited the generation of 4-vinyl derivatives. To bridge this gap, we expressed PAD from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in Pichia pastoris and surface-displayed it on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. As a result, S. cerevisiae surface-displayed PAD (SDPAD) exhibited an enhanced thermal stability and tolerance to acidic conditions. Fermentation experiments showed that SDPAD can significantly increase the content of vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins and thus maintain the color stability of blueberry wine. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of surface display technology for color stability enhancement during the production of blueberry wine, providing a new and effective solution to increase the content of vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins in the fruit-based wines.

Crataegus pentagyna willd. Fruits, leaves and roots: phytochemicals, antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials.

BACKGROUND: The hawthorn has recently been used as a popular herbal medicine in food applications and phytotherapy, especially for the cardiovascular system. METHODS: In this study, phytochemicals were evaluated by LC-ESI-MS, GC-MS, and biological activity, including antioxidant (DPPH test) and antibacterial (broth dilution assay), in different extracts of Crataegus pentagyna fruit, leaf, and root. RESULTS: Globally, 49 phenolics were tentatively identified using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in the hydro-methanolic extract of the fruit (major apigenin, caffeoylquinic acid derivative, and 4-O-(3'-O-glucopyranosyl)-caffeoyl quinic acid), 42 in the leaf (major salicylic acid, naringenin-6-C-glucoside, and naringin), and 33 in the root (major naringenin-7-O-neohesperidoside, isovitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside, and 4-O-(3'-O-glucopyranosyl)-caffeoyl quinic acid). The major group compounds analyzed by GC-MS in petroleum ether extracts were hydrocarbons (63.80%) and fatty acids and their derivatives (11.77%) in fruit, hydrocarbons (49.20%) and fatty acids and their derivatives (13.85%) in leaf, and hydrocarbons (53.96%) and terpenes (13.06%) in root. All samples exhibited promising phytochemical profile (total phenol, flavonoid, phenolic acid, and anthocyanin), antioxidant and antibacterial capacities, especially in hydro-methanolic extract of fruit (210.22 ± 0.44 mg GAE/g DE; 79.93 ± 0.54 mg QE/g DE; 194.64 ± 0.32 mg CAE/g DE; 85.37 ± 0.13 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/100 g FW; DPPH: 15.43 ± 0.65 µg/mL; MIC: 0.15-0.62 µg/mL; and MBC: 0.62-1.25 mg/mL), followed by the leaf and root extracts, respectively. The PCA and heatmap analysis results distinguished metabolite profile differences for samples. CONCLUSION: The results of the present work provide scientific support for C. pentagyna as antimicrobial agents and natural antioxidants in human health and food preservation.

Identification of bioactive compounds and inhibitory effects of TNF-α and COX-2 in the extract from cultured three-spot seahorse (H. trimaculatus).

Three-spot seahorse (Hippocampus trimaculatus) has been consumed as traditional Chinese medicine in Asian society. This study was designed to analyze the bioactive compounds of the solvent extracts from cultured three-spot seahorse by high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI/MS/MS). Subsequently, their biological activities were evaluated and confirmed by cell modes and Western blot analysis. Experimental results indicated that taurine and arginine were the primary bioactive compounds identified and quantified without pre- or post-column derivatization within 20 min retention time. The analytical method was established and validated with intraday/interday RSD from 0.25% to 3.34% and with recovery from 87.8% to 91.2%. As compared to other extracts, water layer extract (WLE) contained the most taurine and arginine contents of 6.807 and 0.437 mg/g (dry basis), respectively. In the meanwhile, WLE also showed anti-inflammatory activity on LPS-induced NO production and inhibited the protein expression of TNF-α and COX-2 by Western blot analysis with better cell viability.

Enhancement of Female Rat Fertility via Ethanolic Extract from Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin) Seeds Assessed via HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Molecular Docking.

The characteristic chemical composition of Nigella seeds is directly linked to their beneficial properties. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of Nigella sativa seeds using a 100% ethanolic extract using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Additionally, it explored the potential biological effects of the extract on female rat reproduction. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estrogen (E2), and Progesterone (P4) hormone levels were also assessed, along with the morphological and histological effects of the extract on ovarian, oviductal, and uterine tissues. Molecular docking was performed to understand the extract's activity and its role in regulating female reproduction by assessing its binding affinity to hormonal receptors. Twenty metabolites, including alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids, were found in the ethanolic extract of N. sativa seeds through the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS study. The N. sativa seed extract exhibited strong estrogenic and LH-like activities (p < 0.05) with weak FSH-like activity. Furthermore, it increased the serum levels of LH (p < 0.05), P4 hormones (p < 0.001), and E2 (p < 0.0001). Molecular docking results displayed a strong interaction with Erß, LH, GnRH, and P4 receptors, respectively. Based on these findings, N. sativa seeds demonstrated hormone-like activities, suggesting their potential as a treatment for improving female fertility.

Unveiling the chemical profiling and remarkable modulation of carbohydrate metabolism by costus root, Dolomiaea costus (Falc.) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dolomiaea costus (Falc.), formerly Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch., an ayurvedic medicinal plant, has long been recognized and utilized in diverse indigenous systems of medicine for its multifaceted therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, carminative, expectorant, antiarthritic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, anodyne, and antidiabetic effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: The potential and underlying mechanisms of D. costus root as an antidiabetic agent were investigated in this study. Additionally, the quantification of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which dominate the extracts, was of particular interest in order to elucidate their contribution to the observed effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) was employed to analyze the chemical constituents in D. costus root aqueous extract (DCA) and D. costus root ethanolic extract (DCE). Furthermore, the inhibitory potentials of DCE and its respective fractions as well as DCA against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase enzymes were assessed. Subsequently, the efficacy of DCA and DCE extracts was evaluated using an established streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animal model; this involved administering the extracts at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg bwt. and comparing them with a positive control (glibenclamide (Glib.) at 0.6 mg/kg bwt.). After induction of diabetes (except for negative control), all animals received the treatments orally for 21 days consecutively, followed by the collection of rat serum to assess various parameters including, glycemic and lipid profiles, liver and kidney functions, antioxidant activity, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis pathways. RESULTS: The results of HPLC-ESI-MS/MS revealed that isochlorogenic acid A (8393.64 µg/g) and chlorogenic acid (6532.65 µg/g) were the predominant compounds in DCE and DCA, respectively. Both extracts exhibited notable antidiabetic properties, as evidenced by their ability to regulate blood glycemic and lipid profiles (glucose, insulin, HBA1C; HDL, TC, TGs), liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, AST), kidney function (urea, creatinine, uric acid), oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA), antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GSH, SOD), as well as glycolysis (glucokinase) and gluconeogenesis (G-6-P, FBP1) pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Furthermore, the administration of D. costus extracts significantly mitigated STZ-induced diabetic hyperglycemia. These results can be attributed, at least partially, to the presence of several polyphenolic compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Certification of New Selenium-Enriched Yeast and Supplement Reference Materials for Selenomethionine Using Two Independent Measurement Strategies.

Selenium-enriched yeast possesses the unique ability of transforming chemical selenium, such as sodium selenite, into a biologically active form, which mitigates its toxic effects on the human body. The transformation product of this process, selenomethionine, can be safely and effectively absorbed and utilized by the human body; hence, it has been spiked into a selenium-enriched supplement. This study employs two distinct measurement strategies to determine the selenomethionine content in two candidate reference materials, a selenium-enriched yeast powder and supplement, using both organic and inorganic mass spectrometry. The concentrations of selenomethionine in the selenium-enriched yeast were determined using HPLC-ICP-MS and HPLC- ESI-MS/MS, with mass fractions measured at 718 mg SeMet kg-1 and 715 mg SeMet kg-1, respectively. Notably, both methods yielded consistent results for the selenium supplement, with a selenomethionine mass fraction of 59 mg SeMet kg-1. Ultimately, the certified values of these candidate reference materials were determined as 716 mg kg-1 and 59 mg SeMet kg-1 with expanded uncertainties of 36 mg SeMet kg-1 (k = 2) and 5 mg SeMet kg-1 (k = 2), respectively. The development of these candidate reference materials serves as a valuable reference for diverse methods aiming to determine the value of organic selenium speciation in complex food substrates.

Ultrasonic treatment as a modern technique to facilitate the extraction of phenolic compounds from organic sunflower seed cakes.

BACKGROUND: Three different organic sunflower seed cakes, produced from seeds differing in the content of their hulls, were extracted by two different extraction methods - conventional extraction (CE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The total phenolic compound (TPC) content of the extracts was evaluated using Folin-Ciocâlteu reagent (FCR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant capacity of extracts was evaluated with the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. RESULTS: The results showed that both extracts displayed high TPC content and antioxidant capacity. The UAE method showed significantly higher TPC content and antioxidant capacity values than CE. Individual phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid (CGA) isomers (3-, 4- and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acids), di-CGA isomers, and feruloylquinic and coumaroylquinic acids were identified according to their exact masses by HPLC coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that the UAE method could be used effectively to facilitate the extraction of phenolic compounds from sunflower seed cake. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Valorization of Defatted Cherry Seed Residues from Liquor Processing by Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion Extraction: A Sustainable Strategy for Production of Phenolic-Rich Extracts with Antioxidant Potential.

The integrated valorization of food chain waste is one of the most promising alternatives in the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. Thus, an efficient solid-phase matrix dispersion extraction method, using experimental factorial design and response surface methodology, has been developed and optimized for the recovery of polyphenols from defatted cherry seeds obtained after cherry liquor manufacture and subsequent fatty acid extraction, evaluating the effect of each processing step on the composition and phenolic content of sweet cherry residues. The phenolic extracts before fermentation showed the highest content of total polyphenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) (3 ± 1 mg QE·g-1 and 1.37 ± 0.08 mg GAE·g-1, respectively), while the highest antioxidant capacity was obtained in the defatted seed extracts after both fermentation and distillation. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) was used to determine the phenolic profile. Dihydroxybenzoic acid, neochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and quercetin were the main phenolics found, showing differences in concentration between the stages of liquor production. The results underline the prospective of cherry by-products for obtaining phenol-rich bioactive extracts for possible use in different industrial sectors, offering a feasible solution for the cascade valorization of cherry agri-food waste.

Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Isovitexin-2''-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (IVG) in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

BACKGROUND: Isovitexin-2"-O-D-glucopyranoside (IVG) has been known to exhibit sedative and hypnotic effects. However, there is little understanding of the in vivo pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of IVG. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of IVG. METHODS: The study employed an HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method to analyze the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of IVG. RESULTS: Under mass spectrometry, IVG and internal standard (IS) showed strong negative ionization signals. MRM analysis chose ion transitions m/z 593.3 → 293.0 (IVG) and m/z 579.8 → 271.4 (IS). Method validation indicated high precision, accuracy, and reliability with a quantitation limit under 20 ng/mL. After intravenously administering 5.0 mg/kg of IVG, rapid clearance from rat plasma was observed, with a half-life (t1/2) of 3.49 ± 0.99 h and a clearance rate of 54.53 ± 11.90 mL/kg/h. The area under the curve (AUC0-12h) of 37.79 ± 7.65 µg·h/mL indicated a brisk metabolic rate. Evaluating the tissue distribution, the highest accumulation was seen in the liver (30.32 ± 3.06 µg/g), followed by the kidney (20.58 ± 2.12 µg/g) and intestine (6.69 ± 0.93 µg/g), suggesting a propensity for IVG to concentrate in these tissues. Importantly, the presence of IVG in the brain underlines its potential to traverse the blood-brain barrier. These findings revealed that following intravenous administration, IVG was swiftly and broadly distributed throughout various rat tissues. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable information on the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of IVG, implicating its potential as a novel and effective drug candidate for sedative and anxiolytic treatment.

Profile of plasma free amino acids, carnitine and acylcarnitines, and JAK2v617f mutation as potential metabolic markers in children with type 1 diabetic nephropathy.

Fifty diabetic nephropathy (DN) children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and 50 healthy matched controls were included. Chromatographic assays of 14 amino acids, free carnitine and 27 carnitine esters using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy, and genetic testing for JAK2v617f mutation using real-time PCR were performed. Patients had significantly lower levels of tyrosine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and BCAA/AAA (aromatic chain amino acids) ratios, glycine, arginine, ornithine, free carnitine and some carnitine esters (C5, 6, 12 and 16) and higher phenylalanine, phenylalanine/tyrosine ratio and C18 compared with the controls and in the macro-albuminuria vs. the microalbuminuria group (p < 0.05 for all) except for free carnitine. Plasma carnitine was negatively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.488, p = 0.000). There were significant positive correlations between tyrosine with UACR ratio (r = 0.296, p = 0.037). The plasma BCAA/AAA ratio showed significant negative correlations with UACR (r = -0.484, p = 0.000). There was a significantly higher frequency of the JAK2V617F gene mutation in diabetic nephropathy patients compared with the control group and in macro-albuminuria than the microalbuminuria group (p = 0.000) for both. When monitoring children with T1DM, plasma free amino acids and acylcarnitine profiles should be considered, especially if they have tested positive for JAK2V617F for the early diagnosis of DN.

Electrochemical Sensing Platform Based on Carbon Dots for the Simultaneous Determination of Theophylline and Caffeine in Tea.

A simple and selective method for the determination of caffeine (CAF) and theophylline (THEO) has been developed for a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a composite including carbon dots (CDs) and chitosan (CS). To our knowledge, there are no previous studies that analyze a CDs-modified GCE for the presence of CAF and THEO. The electrochemical behavior of a GCE modified with a CDs-CS composite was studied in acidic medium by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Considering the sensor analytical parameters, the same linear concentrations range was found for CAF and THEO ranging from 1 × 10-5 to 5 × 10-3 mol L-1 with the same detection limit (LOD) of 1 × 10-6 mol L-1. The reproducibility and repeatability data were satisfactory in terms of RSD%. Moreover, the storage stability was evaluated, evidencing good results whatever the experimental conditions used. The developed sensor was applied for the simultaneous determination of CAF and THEO in tea and drug, and results were compared with those obtained with HPLC-ESI-MS in SIR mode as an independent method optimized on purpose. The electrochemical sensor presents the undoubled advantages in terms of cheapness, portability, and ease of use, since it does not require skilled personnel.

Metabolome Mining of Curcuma longa L. Using HPLC-MS/MS and Molecular Networking.

Turmeric, Curcuma longa L., is a type of medicinal plant characterized by its perennial nature and rhizomatous growth. It is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and is distributed across the world's tropical and subtropical climates, especially in South Asia. Its rhizomes have been highly valued for food supplements, spices, flavoring agents, and yellow dye in South Asia since ancient times. It exhibits a diverse array of therapeutic qualities that encompass its ability to combat diabetes, reduce inflammation, act as an antioxidant, exhibit anticancer properties, and promote anti-aging effects. In this study, organic extracts of C. longa rhizomes were subjected to HPLC separation followed by ESI-MS and low-energy tandem mass spectrometry analyses. The Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) approach was utilized for the first time in this ethnobotanically important species to conduct an in-depth analysis of its metabolomes based on their fragments. To sum it up, a total of 30 metabolites including 16 diarylheptanoids, 1 diarylpentanoid, 3 bisabolocurcumin ethers, 4 sesquiterpenoids, 4 cinnamic acid derivatives, and 2 fatty acid derivatives were identified. Among the 16 diarylheptanoids identified in this study, 5 of them are reported for the first time in this species.

A new sample preparation approach for the analysis of 98 current-use pesticides in soil and herbaceous vegetation using HPLC-MS/MS in combination with an acetonitrile-based extraction.

A simple acetonitrile-based extraction method for the determination of 98 current-use pesticides (CUPs) in soil and herbaceous vegetation using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS is reported. The method was optimized in terms of extraction time, buffer (ammonium formate) ratio, and graphitized carbon black (GCB) ratio for the clean-up of vegetation. The validated method yielded accuracy in terms of percentage recovery of 71-125% (soil) and 70-117% (vegetation) for the majority of 98 CUPs. The precision in terms of relative standard deviation was at 1-14% (soil), and 1-13% (vegetation). Matrix-matched calibration curves exhibited good linearities (R2 > 0.99). The limits of quantitation ranged between 0.008 and 21.5 µg kg-1 in soil and vegetation. The reported method was applied to soils and vegetation from 13 agricultural sites across Germany. Overall, 44 of the 98 common CUPs were detected in our samples and the qualitative load is well above the average for arable soils in the EU.

Efficacy of Two Moroccan Cistus Species Extracts against Acne Vulgaris: Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities.

BACKGROUND: The genus Cistus L. (Cistaceae) includes several medicinal plants growing wild in the Moroccan area. Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic skin disorder treated with topical and systemic therapies that often lead to several side effects in addition to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Our study aimed to investigate the bioactivity of extracts of two Moroccan Cistus species, Cistus laurifolius L. and Cistus salviifolius L., in view of their use as potential coadjuvants in the treatment of mild acne vulgaris. METHODS: Targeted phytochemical profiles obtained by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI/MS analyses and biological activities ascertained by several antioxidants in vitro chemical and cell-based assays of the leaf extracts. Moreover, antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans was evaluated. RESULTS: Analyses revealed the presence of several polyphenols in the studied extracts, mainly flavonoids and tannins. Cistus laurifolius L. and Cistus salviifolius L. possessed good biological properties and all extracts showed antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes, identified as the main acne-causing bacteria. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that examined extracts are promising agents worthy of further studies to develop coadjuvants/natural remedies for mild acne treatment.

Resonance Raman and Visible Micro-Spectroscopy for the In-Vivo and In-Vitro Characterization of Anthocyanin-Based Pigments in Blue and Violet Flowers: A Comparison with HPLC-ESI- MS Analysis of the Extracts.

Microanalysis techniques based on resonance Raman and reflection visible spectroscopy have been applied to the characterization of pigments responsible for the blue or violet coloration in flowers; in particular of Lobelia erinus, Campanula portenschlagiana, Cineraria, Viola tricolor, Anemone coronaria, Agapanthus, Platycodon, Salvia farinacea, Plumbago capensis, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Commelina communis and Salvia patens. The spectroscopic methods were applied both in vivo on the flower petals and in vitro on extracts obtained through a procedure based on SPE (solid-phase extraction) optimized for minimal quantities of vegetable raw material. Different patterns obtained for the Raman spectra have been correlated, also on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, with different schemes of substitution of the benzopyrilium nucleus of the anthocyanins and with various possible forms of copigmentation responsible for the stabilization of the blue color. The results obtained were verified by comparison with the analysis of the extracts by HPLC-ESI-MS (liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry).

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Potential, and LC-ESI-MS Profiling of Ephedra alata and Ephedra altissima Seeds Naturally Growing in Tunisia.

Most Ephedra species are adapted to arid and desert conditions and are widely used in folk medicine to treat several disorders. The design of the current study was to determine the functional properties of seeds of two Ephedra species (E. alata and E. altissima) naturally growing in Tunisian arid zones by evaluating their mineral contents and bioactive compounds. The flame atomic absorption spectrometry revealed that seeds contained remarkable amounts of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe). The colorimetric investigation revealed high total polyphenol, flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents. Furthermore, by utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry method (HPLC-ESI/MS), a total of 11 phenolics were identified and quantified including 7 flavonoid compounds and 4 phenolic acids that were mostly predominated by gallic acid and quercetrin. Results so far have been very encouraging and proved that Ephedra seeds are a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds and minerals which could potentially be used for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes.

Characterization and Comparison of Steroidal Glycosides from Polygonatum Species by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

Polygonatum species have been used as traditional medicines and functional foods in Asia and Europe since ancient times. In this study, a fast and simple method based on liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) was developed to systematically analyze and identify the steroidal glycosides in four major Polygonatum species distributed in Japan, including P. odoratum, P. falcatum, P. macranthum, and P. sibiricum. As a result, 31 steroidal glycosides were tentatively identified, including 18 known and 13 previously unreported glycosides. Their structures were identified by the interpretation of chromatographic behavior and ESI-MS fragmentation patterns. The identification of 31 steroidal glycosides was indicative of a common biogenetic pathway in Polygonatum species. Our study disclosed the chemical profiling of steroidal glycosides in the plants of Polygonatum species, which will benefit better phytochemotaxonomical and phytochemical understanding and quality control for their medicinal usage.