Anti-tumorigenic activity of five culinary and medicinal herbs grown under greenhouse conditions and their combination effects

BACKGROUND: Herbs and spices have been used as food preservatives, flavorings, and in traditional medicines for thousands of years. More and more scientific evidence supports the medicinal properties of culinary herbs. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA, and the fourth most common form of cancer worldwide. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antitumor activity of five selected herbs grown under greenhouse conditions, and to study the potential synergistic effects among different herbal extract combinations. RESULTS: Thyme, rosemary, sage, spearmint, and peppermint extracts significantly inhibited SW‐480 colon cancer cell growth, with sage extracts exhibiting the highest bioactivity, with 50% inhibition at 35.9 µg mL^?1, which was equivalent to 93.9 µg dried leaves mL^?1 of culture medium. Some mixtures of different herbal extracts had combination effects on cancer cell growth. The inhibitory effects of peppermint + sage combinations at a 1:1 ratio were significantly higher than rosemary + sage combinations at 1:1 ratio, although peppermint extracts showed lower inhibition than rosemary extracts. CONCLUSION: Extracts from herb species (thyme, rosemary, sage, spearmint and peppermint) can significantly inhibit the growth of human colon cancer cells. Mixtures of herb extracts can have combination effects on cancer cell growth. The study suggests that these five herbs may have potential health benefits to suppress colon cancer. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Screening culinary herbs for antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities

Twelve commonly consumed culinary herbs were assessed for their potential effect in mitigating oxidative stress and postprandial hyperglycaemia: River Mint, Vietnamese Mint, Fish Mint, Spearmint, Sweet Basil, Thai Basil, Coriander, Lemon Verbena, Vietnamese Perilla, Rice Patty, Sawtooth and Rosemary. The radical scavenging and reducing antioxidant activity of the herbs were quite variable ranging from 31–652 mg Trolox Equivalent to 35–512 mg Ferrous Equivalent per gram dried leaves, respectively. The herbs were largely inactive against pancreatic α‐amylase, but showed strong inhibitions against yeast α‐glucosidase at 100 μg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE) per millilitre. Vietnamese Mint is the most potent herbs with the concentration required for 50% inhibition of activity of 6.9 μg Dried Leaves per millilitre. In addition, Vietnamese Mint was the only herb that produced significant inhibition of rat intestinal α‐glucosidases, reducing activity to 29.6% at 100 μg GAE mL^?1 compared with control.     

Physiological changes, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Salvia officinalis L. grown under saline conditions

BACKGROUND: Hydroponic culture was used to investigate the effect of NaCl concentrations on the growth, nutrient uptake, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Salvia officinalis L. leaves. The antioxidant capacity of the methanolic extract of S. officinalis was evaluated by using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test and β‐carotene‐linoleic acid bleaching assay. Physiological and biochemical parameters of S. officinalis were assessed after 4 weeks of salt treatment with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mmol L^?1 NaCl. RESULTS: Plant growth exhibited a reduction of 61% at 100 mmol L^?1 NaCl. Assessment of Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ and water contents of shoots and roots showed that S. officinalis is able to regulate Na⁺ concentration by active compartmentation in vacuoles. Salvia officinalis phenolics were increased in response to salinity at the threshold of 75 mmol L^?1 NaCl. This herb was also found to be able to achieve important DPPH^? quenching activity and to inhibit the β‐carotene‐linoleic acid bleaching notably enhanced by salt treatment. It is interesting to highlight the correlation between the phenolic and antioxidant activity, suggesting the involvement of these compounds in this activity. CONCLUSION: Salvia officinalis treated with 75 mmol L^?1 NaCl constitutes a potential source for production of secondary metabolites useful in several applications. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nitrate in leafy vegetables,culinary herbs,and cucumber grown under cover in Estonia: content and intake

The content of nitrate in leafy vegetables, culinary herbs, and cucumber was determined during the years 2006–2008. All samples of Estonian origin, except white cabbage, were grown under cover. Seasonal differences in nitrate concentrations were observed in lettuce and spinach. Nitrate concentrations in lettuce were 22% and those in spinach were 24% higher in winter crops compared with samples collected in summer. The mean nitrate level was 3023 mg kg^–1 for fresh lettuce and 2337 mg kg^–1 for spinach. On average, 11.6% of fresh lettuce and spinach samples nitrate concentration exceeded the maximum level specified in European Commission Regulation No. 1881/2006. The mean levels were 999 mg kg^–1 for imported iceberg lettuce and 1287 mg kg^–1 for frozen spinach, which are below the maximum European Commission limits. Parsley, dill, basil, thyme, and rucola contained high concentrations of nitrate from mean levels of 2134 mg kg^–1 for parsley up to 8150 mg kg^–1 for rucola. Mean nitrate concentrations ranged from 382 to 1115 mg kg^–1 for white cabbage and Chinese cabbage, respectively. The per capita mean daily intake of nitrates related to the consumption of leafy vegetables, culinary herbs, and cucumber for the whole Estonian population was 31.3 mg day^–1, which comprised 14.2% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI).     

The synergistic potential of various teas,herbs and therapeutic drugs in health improvement: a review

Tea is one of the most widely consumed non‐alcoholic beverages in the world next to water. It is classified as Camellia sinensis and non‐Camellia sinensis (herbal teas). The common bioactive compounds found mainly in green teas are flavan‐3‐ols (catechins) (also called flavanols), proanthocyanidins (tannins) and flavonols. Black tea contains theaflavins and thearubigins and white tea contains l ‐theanine and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), while herbal teas contain diverse polyphenols. Phytochemicals in tea exhibit antimicrobial, anti‐diabetic and anti‐cancer activities that are perceived to be helpful in managing chronic diseases linked to lifestyle. Many of these phytochemicals are reported to be biologically active when combined. Knowledge of the synergistic interactions of tea with other teas or herbs in terms of biological activities will be of benefit for therapeutic enhancement. There is evidence that various types of teas act synergistically in exhibiting health benefits to humans, improving consumer acceptance and economic value. Similar observations have been made when teas and herbs or medicinal drugs were combined. The aim of this review is to highlight potential beneficial synergies between combinations of different types of teas, tea and herbs, and tea and medicinal drugs. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Dissipation rates of fenitrothion in greenhouse grown lettuce and under cold storage conditions

The dissipation of fenitrothion ( O , O -dimethyl O - p -nitro- m -tolyl phosphothioate) was evaluated by gas chromatography (GC) with nitrogen-phosphorus detection (NPD) in lettuce samples grown in an experimental greenhouse and harvested over a 4 weeks period following treatment with this insecticide. Dissipation followed a pseudo-first-order kinetics ( r was 0.996). The recommended preharvest time (PT) of application is 15 days, and when the residual value of fenitrothion was evaluated at harvest, it was found to be above the maximum residue limit (MRL) established by Spanish law in the field experiment for this compound. During the experiment, the evolution of the two main fenitrothion metabolites (3-methyl-4-nitrophenol and fenitrothion-oxon) was also evaluated. When the dissipation of fenitrothion was evaluated in cold-stored lettuce the half-life was 9–10 times greater than in greenhouse conditions.     

Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum): A Review on Chemistry,Processing, and Health Benefits

Blackcurrants (BC; Ribes nigrum) are relatively new to the U.S. market; however, they are well known and popular in Europe and Asia. The use of BC has been trending worldwide, particularly in the United States. We believe that demand for BC will grow as consumers become aware of the several potential health benefits these berries offer. The objectives of this review were to provide an up‐to‐date summary of information on BC based on articles published within the last decade; furthermore, to provide the food industry insights into possibilities for the utilization of BC. The chemistry, processing methods, and health benefits have been highlighted in addition to how the environment and variety impact the chemical constituents of BC. A search for journal publications on BC was conducted, which included keywords such as chemical characterization, health benefits, processing, technologies, anthocyanins (ANC), and proanthocyanidins. This review provides up‐to‐date information available on the subject. In conclusion, BC and their products have industrial uses from which extractions can be made to produce natural pigments to be used as food additives. BC contain flavonoids, specifically ANC, which provide the fruits with their purple color. BC are a rich source of phytochemicals with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Also, BC have the potential to improve overall human health particularly with diseases associated with inflammation and regulation of blood glucose.     

Anti‐obesity effect of Liupao tea extract by modulating lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in high‐fat‐diet‐induced obese mice

Liupao tea (LPT) is traditional dark Chinese tea. The effect of LPT extract on high‐fat‐diet‐induced obese mice was investigated systematically. The results showed that LPT extract could reduce body weight and significantly alleviate liver damage and fat accumulation. LPT could also decrease the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and increase the level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) in the liver. It also decreased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6 and increased the serum levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐10 and IL‐4. Moreover, LPT improved the levels of total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and catalase (CAT) and reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver. Moreover, LPT could upregulate the mRNA and protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPAR‐α), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1(CPT1), and cholesterol 7 alpha‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and downregulate those of PPAR‐γ and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein alpha (C/EBP‐α) in the liver. It also increased the mRNA expression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), CAT, gamma‐glutamylcysteine synthetase 1 (GSH1), and GSH‐Px. The components of LPT extract include catechin, rutin, taxifolin, and astragalin, which possibly have a wide range of biological activities. In conclusion, our work verified that LPT extract possessed an anti‐obesity effect and alleviated obesity‐related symptoms, including lipid metabolism disorder, chronic low‐grade inflammation, and liver damage, by modulating lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.     

Dissipation rates of insecticides and fungicides in peppers grown in greenhouse and under cold storage conditions

The dissipation of three insecticides (pirimicarb, pyriproxyfen and buprofezin) and three fungicides (cyprodinil, fludioxonil and tebuconazole) in peppers was evaluated in a study carried out on an experimental greenhouse. Pepper samples were collected during 6 week period in which two successive applications of these pesticides were performed. Gas chromatography (GC) with nitrogen–phosphorus detection (NPD) was used to study the disappearance of these compounds in peppers. Confirmation analysis of pesticides was carried out by capillary gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. At the preharvest interval the residue levels were below the legal limit established in Spain. The disappearance rates of these compounds on peppers were described as pseudo-first-order kinetics (r between 0.953 and 0.997) and half-life in the range of 4.41 and 21.47 days. After thirty days under cold and darkness storage conditions, dissipation of buprofezin and pyriproxyfen were not observed. However, dissipation rate in pepper of pirimicarb cyprodinil, fludioxonil and tebuconazole in refrigerated were observed. This, the half-lives for these pesticides were 5–9 times greater under refrigeration.     

Preparation of free, soluble conjugate, and insoluble-bound phenolic compounds from peels of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) and evaluation of antioxidant activities in vitro

The soluble phenolic compounds of rambutan peels (RP) were extracted by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and the operating parameters were optimized. The optimal conditions obtained were ethanol concentration of 80.85%, extraction time of 58.39 s, and the ratio of liquid to solid of 24.51:1. The soluble phenolic content by MAE was 213.76 mg GAE/g DW. The free, soluble conjugate, and insoluble-boaund phenolic compounds were prepared by alkaline hydrolysis, and the contents of 3 fractions were 185.12, 27.98 and 9.37 mg GAE/g DW, respectively. The contents of syringic acid and p-coumaric acid were high in the free fraction, showing 16.86 and 19.44 mg/g DW, and the soluble conjugate and insoluble-bound phenolics were mainly composed of gallic acid and caffeic acid. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of 3 fractions were evaluated in 5 model systems. Results indicated that the free fraction had high antioxidant activities, compared with the soluble conjugate and insoluble-bound fractions.     

Antioxidant capacity, phenolic content, and polysaccharide content of Lentinus edodes grown in whey permeate-based submerged culture

ABSTRACT:  Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), phenolic content, and crude water-soluble polysaccharide (WSP) were determined for Lentinus edodes mycelia grown on both whey permeate (WP)-based medium with lactose content of 4.5% and controlled medium, and harvested after 5, 10, 15, or 20 d of fermentation at 25 °C. Both methanol extracts and water extracts of L. edodes in this study were found to exhibit high free radical scavenging capacity. The harvesting time was found to contribute to most of the variability in the free radical scavenging capacity. High levels of antioxidant capacities (0.28 ± 0.03 and 0.29 ± 0.06 mmol TAE/g dry weight for methanol and water extracts, respectively) were observed in mycelia grown on whey permeate and harvested on day 10. Harvesting time and the type of media can interact to alter the chemical content of mycelia. Mycelia grown in whey permeate had greater ( P < 0.05) WSP than mycelia grown in the synthetic media. High levels of WSP (4.1 × 10²± 71 mg polysaccharide/g dried mycelia) were found in mycelia grown in whey permeate and harvested on day 10. Whey permeate grown mycelia had phenolic compounds ranging from 4.2 ± 0.1 to 8.0 ± 0.8 mg GAE/g dried mycelia. The overall means of total phenolic contents of mycelia grown in whey permeate were 5.9 ± 0.5 and 6.2 ± 0.6 mg GAE/g dried mycelia for methanol and water extracts, respectively.     

Phase II enzyme induction and anti‐inflammatory effects of crude extracts and secondary fractions obtained from bran from five black glutinous rice cultivars

Methanolic extracts of bran from black glutinous rice cultivars were screened for potential health benefits using cellular bioassays for quinone reductase (QR) induction in murine hepatoma cells and inhibition of NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Fractionation of the crude extract by semi‐preparative HPLC afforded respective fractions enriched in phenolic acids, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. The relative potency of QR induction was phenolic acids > proanthocyanidins > anthocyanins, and the activity of the crude extract was conserved among the aggregate of these fractions. In contrast, all three fractions were more potent than the crude extract in terms of anti‐inflammatory effect. This suggests synergism effects among anti‐inflammatory agents through partial purification. Inhibition of macrophage NO production by binary mixtures of gallic acid or caffeic acid with the anthocyanin‐rich fraction indicated potential synergism. These results warrant further efforts to identify the active agents and substantiate synergistic interactions through isobologram analysis.     

Water‐use efficiency in grapevine cultivars grown under controlled conditions: effects of water stress at the leaf and whole‐plant level

Background and Aims: Improving water‐use efficiency (WUE) is desirable for future grapevine growth and grape production, especially in Mediterranean areas where water is predicted to be limiting. Understanding the genetic variability in WUE is important to identify the most appropriate cultivars to be used in semi‐arid areas. Most previous studies have focused at leaf‐level WUE, while information on whole‐plant level is scarce. This study explored the genetic variability of grapevine in whole‐plant WUE (WUE_WP) to determine whether several leaf WUE (WUE_l) indicators are suitable as proxies of WUE_WP. Methods and Results: Three similar experiments were performed to compare WUE in up to eight different grapevine cultivars under irrigation and water‐stress treatments. Although WUE_l and WUE_WP varied with cultivar and treatment, WUE_l was not a reliable parameter to predict WUE_WP. Conclusions: Large variability in WUE_WP between grapevine cultivars was observed, although this variability was not described by leaf‐level indicators of WUE. Significance of the Study: This study showed that the large variability existing for WUE_WP in different cultivars offers an potential method for selecting the more suitable cultivars to grow in water‐scarce viticulture areas, although WUE_l is not reliable for estimating WUE_WP.