Onion thiolanes as multifunctional molecules: a story about recently discovered compounds from a well-known vegetable.

Onion ( L.) contains various bioactive organosulfur compounds, including recently identified species with a 3,4-dimethylthiolane ring structure. In this study, the biological activities of 24 onion-derived thiolane samples were comprehensively evaluated, focusing on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial potential.

Sequence/structural/functional relationships between Ganoderma fungal immunomodulatory proteins (gFIPs) and proteins involved in the modulation of immune response.

Fungal Immunomodulatory Proteins from Ganoderma species (gFIPs) have garnered significant interest due to their potential therapeutic applications in modulating immune responses. This study investigates the sequence, structural, and functional relationships of gFIPs with other proteins involved in immune modulation. Utilizing molecular modelling, multiple sequence alignments, and structural superimposition, we analysed two FIP crystallized structures (PDB IDs: 3F3H and 3KCW) alongside homologous sequences from various taxonomic groups.

PPARγ Agonistic Activity of Mimulone and Diplacone Encapsulated in Liposomes and Cyclodextrin Complexes.

The therapeutic application of flavonoids is limited by their low solubility, bioavailability, and metabolic stability. This study evaluates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonistic activity of two geranylated flavonoids from Paulownia tomentosa, mimulone and diplacone, and compares the efficacy of different nanoparticle delivery systems, including liposomes and cyclodextrins, in preserving their biological activity. Using the PPARγ CALUX reporter gene assay, it is shown that mimulone dissolved in DMSO and incubated with cell culture activates the PPARγ pathway, resulting in 2.

Identification of Plant Phenolics from and as Novel PPARγ Partial Agonists and Hypoglycemic Agents.

The aim of our study was to determine the PPARγ agonism and hypoglycemic activity of natural phenolics isolated from and . We started with a molecular docking preselection, followed by cell culture assays, such as PPARγ luciferase reporter gene assay and PPARγ protein expression by Western blot analysis. The ability of the selected compounds to induce GLUT4 translocation in cell culture and lower blood glucose levels in chicken embryos was also determined.

Chemopreventive and therapeutic effects of L. fruit peels evaluated in preclinical models of breast carcinoma.

Background: Cancer remains a major global health challenge, necessitating innovative prevention and treatment approaches. Certain plants, adapted to specific environments, may exhibit bioactive properties with potential anticancer applications.

Hypothesis: Seaberry () fruit peels may exert anticancer effects in breast carcinoma (BC) models through the additive or synergistic actions of their unique secondary metabolites.

Natural Phenolics Disrupt Microbial Communication by Inhibiting Quorum Sensing.

Quorum sensing, a bacterial cell-to-cell communication mechanism, plays a key role in bacterial virulence and biofilm formation. Targeting quorum-sensing pathways represents a promising strategy for the development of novel antibacterial agents. This study evaluated the anti-quorum-sensing activities of 18 natural compounds, including cannabinoids, arylbenzofurans, flavonoids, caffeine, and chlorogenic acid, using the luminescent biosensor strain MM30.

Isolation of a Unique Monoterpene Diperoxy Dimer From Ziziphora clinopodioides subsp. bungeana Together With Triterpenes With Antidiabetic Properties.

Introduction: Ziziphora clinopodioides subsp. bungeana (Juz.) Rech.

L. fruit peels show anti-cancer effects in preclinical models of breast carcinoma: The perspectives in the chemoprevention and therapy modulation.

Introduction: Within oncology research, there is a high effort for new approaches to prevent and treat cancer as a life-threatening disease. Specific plant species that adapt to harsh conditions may possess unique properties that may be utilized in the management of cancer.

Hypothesis: Chokeberry fruit is rich in secondary metabolites with anti-cancer activities potentially useful in cancer prevention and treatment.

Five New Tamarixetin Glycosides from Griseb. Including Some Substituted with the Rare 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaric Acid and Their Collagenase Inhibitory Effects In Vitro.

Along with the known kaempferol-3--α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[6--(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl)]-β-d-galactopyranoside (), five new flavonoids, containing the rarely isolated aglycon tamarixetin, were isolated from a methanolic extract of the endemic Balkan species Griseb. Three of the new compounds are substituted with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl residue (HMG), untypical for the genus . The compounds were identified as tamarixetin-3--α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[6--(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl)]-β-d-galactopyranoside (), tamarixetin-3--(2,6-di--α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-β-d-galactopyranoside (), tamarixetin 3--β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-galactopyranoside (), tamarixetin-3--β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 2)-[6--(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl)]-β-d-galactopyranoside (), and tamarixetin-3--β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-galactopyranoside ().

Nanometals incorporation into active and biodegradable chitosan films.

This study investigates the effects of incorporating ZnO, TiO2, and colloidal Ag nanoparticles on the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and physical properties of biodegradable chitosan films. The research focuses on addressing the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions that offer efficient food preservation while mitigating environmental concerns. In this investigation, the physical properties including thickness, water content, solubility, swelling degree, tensile strength, and elasticity of the chitosan films were examined.

Dibenzocyclooctadiene Lignans from with Anti-Inflammatory Effects.

(Schisandraceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Under the name Wu Wei Zi, it is used to treat many diseases, especially as a stimulant, adaptogen, and hepatoprotective. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are the main compounds responsible for the effect of .

Perspectives on antimicrobial properties of Paulownia tomentosa Steud. fruit products in the control of Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Paulownia tomentosa Steud. (P. tomentosa) is a medium-sized tree traditionally used in Chinese folk medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases.

Prenylated phenolics from against MRSA infections as a strategy for wound healing.

Antimicrobial resistance is a public health threat and the increasing number of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a major concern worldwide. Common antibiotics are becoming ineffective for skin infections and wounds, making the search for new therapeutic options increasingly urgent. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial potential of prenylated phenolics in wound healing.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Five Medicinal Mushrooms of the Genus .

Within the group of higher fungi, edible medicinal mushrooms have a long history of being used as food and in folk medicine. These species contain biologically active substances with many potential beneficial effects on human health. The genus is representative of medicinal mushrooms because is one of the most commonly cultivated culinary mushrooms.

C-geranylated flavonoids from Paulownia tomentosa Steud. fruit as potential anti-inflammatory agents.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Paulownia tomentosa Steud., a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, was used for many centuries in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of remedies for many illnesses, including inflammatory diseases. It is a rich source of phenolic compounds, mainly geranylated flavonoids, which are currently studied for their promising biological activities.

Direct and Indirect Antioxidant Effects of Selected Plant Phenolics in Cell-Based Assays.

: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathophysiology of many diseases. This study aimed to verify the antioxidant activity of selected plant phenolics in cell-based assays and determine their direct or indirect effects. : The cellular antioxidant assay (CAA) assay was employed for direct scavenging assays.

The effect of curcumin encapsulation into yeast glucan particles on antioxidant enzyme expression .

Glucan particles (GPs) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae consist mainly of β-1,3-d-glucan. Curcumin is a phenolic compound of plant origin. A 24 h incubation with a mixture of GPs and curcumin increased the expression of the Nrf2 protein and increased the activation of the Nrf2-ARE system significantly.

Edible Films from Carrageenan/Orange Essential Oil/Trehalose-Structure, Optical Properties, and Antimicrobial Activity.

The research aim was to use orange essential oil and trehalose in a carrageenan matrix to form edible packaging. The edible packaging experimentally produced by casting from an aqueous solution were evaluated by the following analysis: UV-Vis spectrum, transparency value, transmittance, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-Transform spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and antimicrobial activity. The obtained results showed that the combination of orange essential oil with trehalose decreases the transmittance value in the UV and Vis regions (up to 0.

Incorporating natural anti-inflammatory compounds into yeast glucan particles increases their bioactivity in vitro.

Yeast glucan particles (GPs) are promising agents for the delivery of biologically active compounds as drugs. GPs possess their own biological activities and can act synergistically with their cargo. This study aimed to determine how incorporating artemisinin, ellagic acid, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, morusin, or trans-resveratrol into GPs affects their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential in vitro.

(4-Oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl)acetic acids as potent and selective aldose reductase inhibitors.

(4-Oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl)acetic acids exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. Among them, the only derivative used in clinical practice is the aldose reductase inhibitor epalrestat. Structurally related compounds, [(5Z)-(5-arylalkylidene-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl)]acetic acid derivatives were prepared previously as potential antifungal agents.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of chemical constituents of Broussonetia papyrifera.

Extensive phytochemical analysis of the CHCl-soluble part of an ethanolic extract of branches and twigs of Broussonetia papyrifera led to the isolation of fourteen compounds, including a novel 5,11-dioxabenzo[b]fluoren-10-one derivative named broussofluorenone C (12). The isolated compounds 1-14 were characterized based on their NMR and HRMS data, and examined for their anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells as well as for their cellular antioxidant effects. Compounds 7-10 and 12 showed inhibitory effects on NF-κB/AP-1 activation and compounds 7-9 were subsequently confirmed to suppress the secretion of both IL-1β and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells more significantly than the prednisone used as a positive control.

Recent Advances in Metabolic Pathways of Sulfate Reduction in Intestinal Bacteria.

Sulfate is present in foods, beverages, and drinking water. Its reduction and concentration in the gut depend on the intestinal microbiome activity, especially sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), which can be involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Assimilatory sulfate reduction (ASR) is present in all living organisms.

Natural Products-Derived Chemicals: Breaking Barriers to Novel Anti-HSV Drug Development.

Recently, the problem of viral infection, particularly the infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), has dramatically increased and caused a significant challenge to public health due to the rising problem of drug resistance. The antiherpetic drug resistance crisis has been attributed to the overuse of these medications, as well as the lack of new drug development by the pharmaceutical industry due to reduced economic inducements and challenging regulatory requirements. Therefore, the development of novel antiviral drugs against HSV infections would be a step forward in improving global combat against these infections.

SAR-mediated Similarity Assessment of the Property Profile for New, Silicon-Based AChE/BChE Inhibitors.

A set of 25 novel, silicon-based carbamate derivatives as potential acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BChE) inhibitors was synthesized and characterized by their in vitro inhibition profiles and the selectivity indexes (SIs). The prepared compounds were also tested for their inhibition potential on photosynthetic electron transport (PET) in spinach () chloroplasts. In fact, some of the newly prepared molecules revealed comparable or even better inhibitory activities compared to the marketed drugs (rivastigmine or galanthamine) and commercially applied pesticide Diuron, respectively.