Asmaa Otify

NMR-based Metabolomics approach assessed phytochemical profile in seed and husk of three cardamom species: Elettaria cardamomum (green), Amomum subulatum (black), and Aframomum corrorima (white). NMR Spectroscopy identified 20 metabolites belonging to sugars, amino-, organic-, fatty acids, terpenes, and phenolics. Multivariate data analyses revealed distinct metabolic profiles among the 3 species, and further in seed versus husk. A. subulatum seed showed the highest sugar and amino acid levels, while E. cardamomum seed was richer in ω-3 fatty acids. Husk, especially from A. subulatum and E. cardamomum, contained high levels of phenolic acids. Compared to other cardamom taxa, A. corrorima exhibited lower levels of most chemicals. This study highlights the potential value of cardamom husk, particularly from A. subulatum and E. cardamomum species enriched in phenolic acids and terpenes known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, for use as a food preservative. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were assessed through in vitro assays, revealing their potential for value-added applications in food preservation and therapeutic uses.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) poses a global health challenge, demanding innovative approaches for effective treatments. Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. (Lamiaceae) is a shrub traditionally used as a medicinal plant to treat inflammation, skin diseases, and bronchitis. This study aims to identify the main bioactive metabolites in C. infortunatum using LC-QTOF-MS/MS and investigate its potential in protecting against cognitive decline in rats with scopolamine-induced AD disease. Metabolite profiling was performed on the methanol extract of the plant’s aerial parts using LC-QTOF-MS/MS. The inhibitory activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme was measured in vitro. To evaluate the cognitive effects, the methanol extract was orally administered at three doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) to scopolamine-induced AD rats, and their cognitive functions were assessed using the novel object recognition test. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity, as well as the levels of acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenaline, glutathione, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and amyloid-β in the rat hippocampus, were measured using ELISA, followed by histopathological evaluation. A total of 79 metabolites, spanning various chemical classes, such as organic acids, phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids and phenylethanoids, flavonoids, coumarins, other phenolics, and fatty acids and their derivatives, were identified. The results showed that the extract promoted enhanced cognitive functions in the novel object recognition test. Scopolamine administration significantly altered the acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity and biomarker levels in the rat’s hippocampus. However, treatment with C. infortunatum at 200 and 400 mg/kg almost restored these neurotransmitter levels to normal, which was further confirmed by histopathological analysis. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of C. infortunatum in mitigating cognitive decline in AD, with its first metabolite profiling revealing a range of bioactive compounds. The extract improved cognitive function in scopolamine-induced AD rats, restored acetylcholinesterase activity, normalized neurotransmitter levels, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings suggest that C. infortunatum is a promising candidate for the development of natural therapies targeting AD.

Iphiona mucronata (Family Asteraceae) is widely distributed in the Eastern desert of Egypt. It is a promising plant material for phytochemical analysis and pharmacologic studies, and so far, its specific metabolites and biological activity have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Herein, we report on the detailed phytochemical study using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS approach. This analysis allowed the putative annotation of 48 metabolites belonging to various phytochemical classes, including mostly sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Further, zebrafish embryotoxicity has been carried out, where 100 µg/mL extract incubated for 72 h resulted in a slow touch response of the 10 examined larvae, which might be taken as a sign of a disturbed peripheral nervous system. Results of in vitro testing indicate moderate cytotoxicity towards VERO, FaDu, and HeLa cells with CC50 values between 91.6 and 101.7 µg/mL. However, selective antineoplastic activity in RKO cells with CC50 of 54.5 µg/mL was observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive profile of I. mucronata secondary metabolites that provides chemical-based evidence for its biological effects. A further investigation should be carried out to precisely define the underlying mechanisms of toxicity.

Cymbopogon species are widely distributed worldwide and known for their high essential oil content with potential commercial and medicinal benefits justifying for their inclusion in food and cosmetics. Most species received scant characterization regarding their full complement of bioactive constituents necessary to explain their medicinal activities. In this study, the metabolite profiles of 5 Cymbopogon species, C. citratus, C. flexuosus, C. procerus, C. martini, and C. nardus, were characterized via NMR-based metabolomics. The results of 13 shoot accessions revealed the identification and quantification of 23 primary and secondary metabolites belonging to various compound classes. Multivariate analyses were used for species classification, though found not successful in discrimination based on geographical origin. Nevertheless, C. citratus was found particularly enriched in neral, geranial, (E)-aconitic acid, isoorientin, and caffeic acid as the major characterizing metabolites compared to other species, while an unknown apigenin derivative appeared to discriminate C. martini. The high essential oil and phenolic content in C. citratus emphasizes its strong antioxidant activity, whereas (E)-aconitic acid accounts for its traditional use as insecticide. This study affords the first insight into metabolite compositional differences among Cymbopogon species. Moreover, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antidiabetic, and antioxidant compounds were identified that can be utilized as biomarkers for species authentication. © 2022, The Author(s).