Search Results (7,590)

Essential oils (EOs) have unique properties, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral activities, which are beneficial in various industries, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pentacalia vaccinioides EOs obtained from leaves and flowers (fresh and dried plant material) were evaluated using hydrodistillation (HD), steam distillation (SD), simultaneous distillation–extraction (SDE), and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) techniques. Antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC) and antioxidant capacity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC₅₀) were determined. The identification and quantification of the compounds present in the EOs were conducted by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The main secondary metabolites identified in most samples obtained by different extraction techniques included phenol (~18%), 1S-α-pinene (~15%), β-phellandrene (~13%), β-pinene (~12%), 4-terpineol (~10%), γ-terpinene (~10%), trans-nerolidol (~8%), limonene (~8%), and β-thujene (~6%). EOs obtained by HD, SD, and SDE exhibited antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values between 621.7 and 696.6 µg/mL. Additionally, the EOs demonstrated bactericidal activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values of 5.0 and 45 µg/mL, respectively. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa did not show antimicrobial susceptibility to EOs. This study constitutes the first evaluation of Pentacalia vaccinioides EOs, demonstrating their bioactive potential and the relevance of the extraction method. The findings highlight this species as a promising source of natural compounds for therapeutic and preservative applications, depending on the type of plant material and extraction technique used. Future research should investigate how microclimatic conditions and plant development affect the chemical composition and elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind the observed bioactivities to better understand their cellular actions. Furthermore, the evaluation of the applications of EOs and hydrolates in the pharmaceutical and food industries, along with the exploration of the bioactive potential of extraction-derived hydrolates, offers a promising avenue to maximize plant utility. Full article

Arid ecosystems constitute a promising source of actinobacteria producing new bioactive molecules. This study aimed to explore different biological activities of actinomycetes isolated from the rhizosphere of Phoenix dactylifera L. in the Ghardaia region, Algeria. A total of 18 actinobacteria were isolated and studied for their enzymatic and antimicrobial activities. All isolates shared cellulase and catalase activity; most of them produced amylase (94%), esterase (84%), lecithinase and lipoproteins (78%), caseinase (94%), and gelatinase (72%). The isolates could coagulate (56%) or peptonize (28%) skim milk. Overall, 72% of the isolates exhibited significant antibacterial activity against at least one test bacteria, while 56% demonstrated antifungal activity against at least one test fungi. Based on enzyme production and antimicrobial activity, isolate SGI16 was selected for secondary metabolite extraction by ethyl acetate. The crude extract of SGI16 was analyzed using DPPH and BSA denaturation inhibition tests, revealing significant antioxidant power (IC₅₀ = 7.24 ± 0.21 μg mL⁻¹) and protein denaturation inhibitory capacity (IC₅₀ = 492.41 ± 0.47 μg mL⁻¹). Molecular identification based on 16S rDNA analysis showed that SGI16 belonged to the genus Streptomyces. The findings highlight that date palms’ rhizosphere actinobacteria are a valuable source of biomolecules of biotechnological interest. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mycotoxins, secondary metabolites synthesized by filamentous fungi, have been classified as dangerous substances and proven to be carcinogenic, as well as to have genotoxic, nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, teratogenic, and mutagenic properties. Despite numerous trials to develop an effective and safe-for-human-health method of detoxification, there is still a high risk associated with the occurrence of these toxins in food and feed. Biological methods of food preservation are an alternative option to conventional chemical and physical methods, characterized by their less negative impact on human health as well as their high efficiency against filamentous fungi and other foodborne pathogens. Mycoremediation is a new biotechnique based on the capability of fungi to detoxify matrices from various pullulans. Ligninolytic enzymes produced by white rot fungi (WRF) characterize a high efficiency in the degradation of various mycotoxins. Methods: In our study, Pleurotus ostreatus, as a representative of WRF, was cultivated on a medium contaminated by AFB1 and ZEN (mushroom substrate and maize) in a few variants of concentration. After the cultivation, medium and fruiting bodies were collected and analyzed with the usage of HPLC and LC/MS methods. Results: The reduction oscillated between 53 and 87% (AFB1) and 73 and 97% (ZEN) depending on the initial concentration of toxins in the medium. Grown fruiting bodies contained insignificant amounts of both toxins. Conclusions: These findings confirm the potential of P. ostreatus as an effective biological agent for reducing mycotoxins in contaminated medium, highlighting its applicability in developing sustainable and safe methods for detoxification. Full article

Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) plays a key role in the development of plants and exists in a wide variety of species. Research on the metabolic activities of PEP in plants has received increasing attention. PEP regulates multiple processes in plant growth and development. This article provides a comprehensive summary of these pathways, including embryo formation, root development, synthesis of secondary metabolites, and the formation of lignification. We also summarize new findings, including PEP’s role in nodule energy sensing and carbon allocation under the influence of ozone. This review displays the complex and differential regulatory pathways in plant growth and development and provides a reference for basic and applied research on PEP metabolism in plants. Full article

Previously we discovered that among 15 DNA-binding plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) possessing anticancer activity, 11 compounds cause depletion of the chromatin-bound linker histones H1.2 and/or H1.4. Chromatin remodeling or multiH1 knocking-down is known to promote the upregulation of repetitive elements, ultimately triggering an interferon (IFN) response. Herein, using HeLa cells and applying fluorescent reporter assay with flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative RT-PCR, we studied effects of PSMs both evicting linker histones from chromatin and not influencing their location in nucleus. We found that (1) 8 PSMs, evicting linker histone H1.2 from chromatin, activated significantly the type I IFN signaling pathway and out of these compounds resveratrol, berberine, genistein, delphinidin, naringenin and curcumin also caused LINE1 expression. Fisetin and quercetin, which also induced linker histone H1.2 eviction from chromatin, significantly activated only type I IFN signaling, but not LINE1 expression; (2) curcumin, sanguinarine and kaempferol, causing significant depletion of the chromatin-bound linker histone H1.4 but not significantly influencing H1.2 presence in chromatin, activate type I IFN signaling less intensively without any changes in LINE1 expression; (3) four PSMs, which did not cause linker histone eviction, displayed neither IFN signaling activation nor enhancement of LINE1 expression. Thus, we have shown for the first time that chromatin destabilization observed by depletion of chromatin-bound linker histone H1.2 caused by anticancer DNA-binding PSMs is accompanied by enhancement of type I IFN signaling, and that LINE1 expression often impacts this activation. Full article

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are a diverse group of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, and terpenoids, which have been recognised for their critical role in modulating cellular functions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of PSMs on mitochondrial health, with particular emphasis on their therapeutic potential. Emerging evidence shows that these metabolites improve mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, and regulating key processes such as apoptosis and mitophagy. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of many pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome, has been shown to benefit from the protective effects of PSMs. Recent studies show that PSMs can improve mitochondrial dynamics, stabilise mitochondrial membranes, and enhance bioenergetics, offering significant promise for the prevention and treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, including modulation of key signalling pathways and direct interactions with mitochondrial proteins, are discussed. The integration of PSMs into therapeutic strategies is highlighted as a promising avenue for improving treatment efficacy while minimising the side effects commonly associated with synthetic drugs. This review also highlights the need for future research to elucidate the specific roles of individual PSMs and their synergistic interactions within complex plant matrices, which may further optimise their therapeutic utility. Overall, this work provides valuable insights into the complex role of PSMs in mitochondrial health and their potential as natural therapeutic agents targeting mitochondrial dysfunction. Full article

Amino acids in wine grapes function as precursors for various secondary metabolites and play a vital role in plant growth, development, and stress resistance. The amino acid/auxin permease (AAAP) genes encode a large family of transporters; however, the identification and function of the AAAP gene family in grapes remain limited. Consequently, we conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of all AAAP genes in grapes, encompassing genome sequence analysis, conserved protein domain identification, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic relationship analysis, and gene expression profiling. This study identified 60 VvAAAP genes, distributed on 14 chromosomes and classified into eight subfamilies. Microarray and transcriptome data revealed that most VvAAAP genes decrease during development, but VvAAAP7 and VvAAAP33 gradually increase. VvAAAP23 and VvAAAP46 exhibited significantly higher expression levels, while VvAAAP30 demonstrated lower expression when subjected to salt and drought stress. VvAAAP genes exhibited diverse expression patterns, suggesting that the AAAP gene family possesses both diversity and specific functions in grapes. Furthermore, the expression patterns of VvAAAP genes analyzed by RT-qPCR facilitate further investigation into the biological functions of individual genes in different tissues. These findings provide valuable insights into the continued analysis of the AAAP gene family’s functions in grapes. Full article

Plant-derived secondary metabolites such as triterpenes and triterpenoids are present in a wide range of plant species. These compounds are particularly attractive due to their extensive range of biological properties and potential applications as intermediates in the synthesis of novel pharmacologically promising medications. Saponins, which are glycosylated triterpenoids found in nature, exhibit the same properties. At this point, the effectiveness of saponins as an anti-inflammatory medication has been verified. This review article examines the primary connections between immune responses and anti-inflammatory activity, focusing specifically on the correlation between triterpenes and triterpenoids. These connections have been investigated in various cell models, as well as in vitro and in vivo studies. The present research provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the therapeutic capabilities of triterpenes and triterpenoids in immune and inflammatory processes. It also highlights emerging standards and their potential utilization in pharmaceutical and clinical settings. Full article

The gut microbiota, a dynamic ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms, produces secondary metabolites that profoundly influence host health. Recent research has highlighted the significant role of these metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids, indoles, and bile acids, in modulating immune responses, impacting epigenetic mechanisms, and contributing to disease processes. In gastrointestinal (GI) cancers such as colorectal, liver, and gastric cancer, microbial metabolites can drive tumorigenesis by promoting inflammation, DNA damage, and immune evasion. Conversely, these same metabolites hold therapeutic promise, potentially enhancing responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy and even directly suppressing tumor growth. In addition, gut microbial metabolites play crucial roles in infectious disease susceptibility and resilience, mediating immune pathways that impact pathogen resistance. By consolidating recent insights into the gut microbiota’s role in shaping disease and health, this review underscores the therapeutic potential of targeting microbiome-derived metabolites for treating GI cancers and infectious diseases and calls for further research into microbiome-based interventions. Full article

Reynoutria japonica Houtt. is the source of various phenolic compounds: phenolic acids, flawan-3-ols, and stilbenes, with a broad range of biological activity. The rhizome (underground organ of these plants) is abundant in secondary metabolites but, in natural conditions, may accumulate various toxic substances (such as heavy metals) from the soil. The principal objective of this research was to produce transformed cultures of R. japonica hairy roots that would serve as a valuable source of phenolic compounds, independent of environmental resources. The transformation was performed using a variety of wild strains of Rhizobium rhizogenes bacteria, of which only strain A4 (ATCC 31798) proved effective. The molecular characterization of transformed clones was performed using PCR. The biometric parameters (growth index and dry weight content), phenolic compounds accumulation (DAD-HPLC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, CUPRAC), and bactericidal properties against Staphylococcus aureus with various sensitivity to antibiotics were evaluated. Two obtained transformed clones (RJ 9 and 30) exhibited the incorporation of the entire bacterial T-DNA into genomic DNA, while clones RJ 10 and 11 demonstrated only the presence of the LT-DNA sequence. The results demonstrated an increase in flawan-3-ols (catechins) accumulation in hairy root tissue relative to non-transformed (NT) plants. Moreover, hairy roots exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity and bactericidal properties compared with NT roots and NT shoots, respectively. Full article

Filoviruses, mainly consisting of the two genera of Ebolavirus and Marburgvirus, are enveloped negative-strand RNA viruses that can infect humans to cause severe hemorrhagic fevers and outbreaks with high mortality rates. However, we still do not have effective medicines for treating these diseases. To search for effective drugs, we have identified three marine indole alkaloids that exhibit potent activities against filovirus infection. Thus, it is suggested that marine indole alkaloids can be a valuable compound source for filovirus drug screening and development. Since marine indole alkaloids comprise a large diverse group of secondary metabolites, their biological properties would be helpful for pharmaceutical drug development to treat various filovirus infections. Full article

The genetic, morphological and taxonomic diversity of the genus Sorbus is due to homoploid and polyploid hybridisation, autopolyploidy and apomixis, which also influence the production and diversity of secondary metabolites, especially flavonoids. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships and variations of flavonoids in terms of hybrid origin and ploidy level between the parental species and their hybrid derivatives. The sampling design included leaf material of the following Sorbus accessions from ten natural localities: parental taxa (di-, tri- and tetraploids of S. aria; diploid S. torminalis and S. aucuparia) and their di-, tri- and tetraploid hybrid derivatives from crosses of S. aria × S. torminalis (subg. Tormaria) as well as the tetraploid S. austriaca and S. bosniaca, which originate from crosses of S. aria × S. aucuparia (subg. Soraria). We analysed the flavonoid profiles from the leaf fractions by LC-MS. A total of 23 flavonoids were identified, including apigenin and luteolin derivatives, which distinguish the hybrid groups from each other. This profiling highlights the distinctiveness of the Tormaria and Soraria accessions and emphasises the potential of the subg. Tormaria for further research on bioactive compounds in biological studies. Full article

A circadian clock (CC) has evolved in plants that synchronizes their growth and development with daily and seasonal cycles. A properly functioning circadian clock contributes to increasing plant growth, reproduction, and competitiveness. In plants, continuous light treatment has been a successful approach for obtaining novel knowledge about the circadian clock. The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is one of the most important crops in the Mediterranean area, and, so far, limited information is available on its CC gene network. Here, we studied the behavior of circadian rhythm genes under LD (light/darkness) and LL (light/light) conditions, the relationships in this network, and the ability of the treatments to modulate gene expression in the photoprotective pigment and lipid biosynthesis pathways. One month of LL conditions increased olive growth performance, but LL exposure also caused reductions in vegetative growth and chlorophyll accumulation. A panel was designed for a study of the transcription expression levels of the genes involved in light perception, the CC, and secondary metabolite and fatty acid biosynthesis. Our results revealed that the levels of 78% of the transcripts exhibited intraday differences under LD conditions, and most of them retained this rhythmicity after exposure to one and two months of LL conditions. Furthermore, co-regulation within a complex network among genes of photoreceptors, anthocyanidins, and fatty acids biosynthesis was orchestrated by the transcription factor HY5. This research enriches our knowledge on olive trees grown under prolonged irradiation, which may be attractive for the scientific community involved in breeding programs for the improvement of this species. Full article

Bacillus cyclic lipopeptides (CLP), part of the three main families—surfactins, iturins, and fengycins—are secondary metabolites with a unique chemical structure that includes both peptide and lipid components. Being amphiphilic compounds, CLPs exhibit antimicrobial activity in vitro, damaging the membranes of microorganisms. However, the concentrations of CLPs used in vitro are difficult to achieve in natural conditions. Therefore, in a natural environment, alternative mechanisms of antimicrobial action by CLPs are more likely, such as inducing apoptosis in fungal cells, preventing microbial adhesion to the substrate, and promoting the death of phytopathogens by stimulating plant immune responses. In addition, CLPs in low concentrations act as signaling molecules of Bacillus’s own metabolism, and when environmental conditions change, they form an adaptive response of the host bacterium. Namely, they trigger the differentiation of the bacterial population into various specialized cell types: competent cells, flagellated cells, matrix producers, and spores. In this review, we have summarized the current understanding of the antimicrobial action of Bacillus CLPs under both experimental and natural conditions. We have also shown the relationship between some regulatory pathways involved in CLP biosynthesis and bacterial cell differentiation, as well as the role of CLPs as signaling molecules that determine changes in the physiological state of Bacillus subpopulations in response to shifts in environmental conditions. Full article

ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) is a natural preservative that has excellent properties such as high safety, good antibacterial effect, wide antibacterial spectrum, and high temperature resistance compared to other food preservatives. At present, the main production strain of ε-PL is Streptomyces albulus (S. albulus). Due to the large amount of mycelium and by-products during fermentation, its production cost is much higher than other food preservatives, which seriously hinders the application of ε-PL in the food industry. Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum) is a food safety strain that is widely used in the fermentation industry to produce various amino acids. Its ability to produce high amounts of L-lysine can provide sufficient precursor substances for the synthesis of ε-PL, making it an ideal strain for the heterologous expression of ε-PL synthase genes (pls). In this experiment, a recombinant C. glutamicum capable of synthesizing ε-PL and exhibiting certain physiological resistance to ε-PL was obtained by amplifying pls and heterologous expression in C. glutamicum for the first time. Further optimization of the fermentation temperature, initial pH, and inoculation amount of the recombinant strain resulted in an increase in the ε-PL fermentation yield from 0.12 g/L to 0.22 g/L. Finally, through adaptive evolution of the recombinant strain, the ε-PL tolerance of the recombinant strain was increased to 1.3 g/L, and the yield of ε-PL ultimately reached 0.34 g/L, which increased by 54.55% compared to the initial strain. The recombinant C. glutamicum constructed in this study can significantly shorten the fermentation cycle, reduce bacterial volume and the synthesis of secondary metabolites, which is beneficial for the separation and purification of products, thereby further reducing the production cost of ε-PL and accelerating the process of replacing chemical food preservatives with natural food preservatives. Full article