Psychoactive Plant Database - Neuroactive Phytochemical Collection

1. J Agric Food Chem. 2024 Oct 31. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c04316. Online ahead of
 print.

Dielectric Barrier Discharge Cold Plasma Improves Storage Stability in Paddy 
Rice by Activating the Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathway.

Liu Q(1), Hou S(1), Zhang Y(1), Zhou D(2), Guo L(1), Zhao S(1), Ding C(1).

Author information:
(1)College of Food Science and Engineering/Collaborative Innovation Center for 
Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality 
Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, 
Jiangsu210023, China.
(2)College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 
Nanjing, Jiangsu210037, China.

A nonthermal pretreatment using dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma 
(DBD-CP) was developed to improve the stress resistance of paddy rice during 
postharvest storage. The physicochemical properties, bioactive characteristics, 
and secondary metabolites of paddy rice were assessed after applying an 
optimized DBD-CP procedure, with enzyme activities and gene expression monitored 
over a 60 day storage period at 35 °C. A 17.06% reduction in the total color 
change index was noted in the DBD-CP group. Bioactive compounds, particularly 
gallic acid, were significantly increased, enhancing the defense mechanisms 
against high-temperature stress. Nontargeted metabolomics analysis indicated an 
upregulation of phenylpropanoid metabolism in DBD-CP-treated rice compared to 
controls, with notable increases in secondary metabolites such as coumaric acid, 
caffeic acid, and sinapic acid, suggesting potential biomarkers for stress 
resistance. Further verification showed significant enhancements in key enzymes 
of phenylpropanoid metabolism, including phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), 
cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase (C4H), plant coumaric acid-3-hydroxylase (C3H), and 
cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), with increases ranging from 1.71 to 2.28 
times. Gene expression levels of OsPAL7, OsC4H4, and OsCAD2 aligned with these 
enzymatic changes post-DBD-CP treatment. In conclusion, DBD-CP treatment can 
modulate phenylpropanoid metabolism in paddy rice, thereby enhancing bioactive 
compound levels to reduce stress damage during high-temperature storage.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c04316
PMID: 39480226


2. Biomolecules. 2024 Oct 1;14(10):1246. doi: 10.3390/biom14101246.

Identification of Sinapic Acid Derivatives from Petit Vert Leaves and Their 
Effects on Glucose Uptake in C2C12 Murine Myoblasts.

Yamada S(1), Warashina T(2), Shirota O(3), Kato Y(3), Fukuda T(4).

Author information:
(1)Center for Pharma-Food Research (CPFR), Graduate School of Pharmaceutical 
Sciences, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
(2)School of Food Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 
422-8526, Japan.
(3)Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki 
769-2193, Japan.
(4)Shizuoka Shin-Food Development Corp., Shizuoka 422-8064, Japan.

Petit vert (scientific name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera DC. × Brassica 
oleracea var. acephala DC.) is a new variety of vegetable created by 
crossbreeding kale and brussel sprouts (Brassica oleracea species). The present 
study aimed to identify biologically active compounds in extracts of the outer 
leaves of Petit vert by purification and to examine their biological activities. 
The dried and powdered outer leaves of Petit vert were extracted, fractionated, 
and purified to isolate active compounds. Mass spectrometry (MS) was used to 
identify the compounds, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was 
performed to elucidate their structures. The compounds isolated from Petit vert 
leaves were glycosides that contained kaempferol, quercetin (flavonol), or 
sinapic acid (phenylpropanoid). Glucose uptake in cultured C2C12 murine 
myoblasts in the absence of insulin was significantly increased by these 
compounds, kaempferol, sinapic acid, and ferulic acid, while uptake in the 
presence of insulin was also significantly increased by compounds 3 and 4, 
kaempferol, and sinapic acid. The effect was not necessarily 
concentration-dependent, and some agents decreased the glucose uptake at higher 
concentrations. The present study reports for the first time the isolation of 
five compounds containing sinapic acid from the outer leaves of Petit vert and 
their stimulation of glucose uptake in cultured C2C12 murine myoblasts. The 
results obtained herein suggest the potential of these compounds to effectively 
attenuate hyperglycemia and maintain muscle strength by promoting glucose 
metabolism in muscle cells.

DOI: 10.3390/biom14101246
PMCID: PMC11505672
PMID: 39456179 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no competing financial 
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the 
work reported in this paper.


3. Sci Rep. 2024 Oct 24;14(1):25251. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-76200-8.

In vitro and computational investigation of antioxidant and anticancer 
properties of Streptomyces coeruleofuscus SCJ extract on MDA-MB-468 
triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Rammali S(1), Idir A(2)(3), Aherkou M(4)(5)(6), Ciobică A(7)(8)(9), Kamal 
FZ(10)(11), Aalaoui ME(12), Rahim A(13), Khattabi A(14), Abdelmajid Z(2), Aasfar 
A(15), Burlui V(16), Calin G(16), Mavroudis I(17), Bencharki B(14).

Author information:
(1)Laboratory of Agro-Alimentary and Health, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, 
Hassan First University of Settat, B.P. 539, Settat, 26000, Morocco. 
rammali_fst@hotmail.fr.
(2)Agro-Industrial and Medical Biotechnology Laboratory, Team of Experimental 
Oncology and Natural Substances, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sultan 
Moulay Slimane University, Beni-Mellal, Morocco.
(3)Science and Technology Team, Higher School of Education and Training, Chouaîb 
Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco.
(4)Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Casablanca, Morocco.
(5)Mohammed VI Centre for Research and Innovation (CM6RI), Casablanca, Morocco.
(6)Biotechnology Laboratory (MedBiotech), Bioinova Research Center, Faculty of 
Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
(7)Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of 
Iasi, 20th Carol I Avenue, Iasi, 700506, Romania. alin.ciobica@uaic.ro.
(8)Center of Biomedical Research, Iasi Branch, Romanian Academy, Teodor Codrescu 
2, Iasi, 700481, Romania. alin.ciobica@uaic.ro.
(9)Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov, Bucharest, 050044, Romania. 
alin.ciobica@uaic.ro.
(10)Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Technical (ISPITS), 
Marrakech, 40000, Morocco.
(11)Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Processes and Materials, Faculty of 
Sciences and Techniques, Hassan First University, Settat, 26000, Morocco.
(12)Regional Center of Agronomic Research of Settat, Tertiary Road 1406, At 5 Km 
from Settat, Settat, 26400, Morocco.
(13)Laboratory of Biochemistry, Neurosciences, Natural Ressources and 
Environment, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Hassan First University of 
Settat, B.P. 539, Settat, 26000, Morocco.
(14)Laboratory of Agro-Alimentary and Health, Faculty of Sciences and 
Techniques, Hassan First University of Settat, B.P. 539, Settat, 26000, Morocco.
(15)Plant and Microbial Biotechnology center, Moroccan Foundation for Advanced 
Science, Innovation and Research (MAScIR), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, 
Ben Guerir, Morocco.
(16)"Ioan Haulica Institute", Apollonia University, Păcurari Street 11, Iasi, 
700511, Romania.
(17)Leeds Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, Leeds, LS97TF, UK.

This study aimed to explore the antioxidant potential of the ethyl acetate 
extract of Streptomyces coeruleofuscus SCJ strain, along with its inhibitory 
effects on the triple-negative human breast carcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-468). 
The ethyl acetate extract's total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 
quantified, and its antioxidant activity was investigated using DPPH 
(1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis 
(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant 
Power) assays. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect of the organic extract from 
Streptomyces coeruleofuscus SCJ on MDA-MB-468 cancer cells was assessed via the 
crystal violet assay. In tandem, a thorough computational investigation was 
conducted to explore the pharmacokinetic properties of the identified components 
of the extract, utilizing the SwissADME and pKCSM web servers. Additionally, the 
molecular interactions between these components and Estrogen Receptor Beta, 
identified as a potential target, were probed through molecular docking studies. 
The results revealed that ethyl acetate extract of SCJ strain exhibited 
remarkable antioxidant activity, with 39.899 ± 1.56% and 35.798 ± 0.082% 
scavenging activities against DPPH and ABTS, respectively, at 1 mg/mL. The 
extract also displayed significant ferric reducing power, with a concentration 
of 1.087 ± 0.026 mg ascorbic acid equivalents per mg of dry extract. 
Furthermore, a strong positive correlation (p < 0.0001) between the antioxidant 
activity, the polyphenol and the flavonoid contents. Regarding anticancer 
activity, the SCJ strain extract demonstrated significant anticancer activity 
against TNBC MDA-MB-468 cancer cells, with an inhibition percentage of 
62.76 ± 0.62%, 62.67 ± 0.93%, and 58.07 ± 4.82% at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL of the 
extract, respectively. The HPLC-UV/vis analysis revealed nine phenolic 
compounds: gallic acid, sinapic acid, p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, 
trans-fereulic acid, syringic acid, chloroqenic acid, ellagic acid, epicatechin. 
Streptomyces coeruleofuscus SCJ showed promise for drug discovery, exhibiting 
antioxidant and anticancer effects.

© 2024. The Author(s).

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-76200-8
PMCID: PMC11502701
PMID: 39448707 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no competing interests.


4. Sci Rep. 2024 Oct 21;14(1):24785. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-58362-7.

Phytochemical characterization and biomedical potential of Iris kashmiriana 
flower extracts: a promising source of natural antioxidants and cytotoxic 
agents.

Chandni(1), Ahmad SS(1), Saloni A(1), Bhagat G(1), Ahmad S(1), Kaur S(2), Khan 
ZS(3)(4), Kaur G(5), Abdi G(6).

Author information:
(1)Department of Botanical and Environmental Science, Guru Nanak Dev University, 
Amritsar, India.
(2)Department of Botanical and Environmental Science, Guru Nanak Dev University, 
Amritsar, India. satwinderjeet.botenv@gndu.ac.in.
(3)Department of Food Science Technology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 
India.
(4)Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India.
(5)Department of Processing and Food Engineering, Punjab Agricultural 
University, Ludhiana, India.
(6)Department of Biotechnology, Persian Gulf Research Institute, Perian Gulf 
University, Bushehr, Iran.

Iris kashmiriana belongs to the family Iridaceae and is an important endemic 
medicinal plant of Kashmir. The current study was designed to determine the 
phytoconstituents, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of ethyl acetate 
(IRK-ETH) and methanol (IRK-MTH) extracts of Iris kashmiriana flowers. IRK-MTH 
extract demonstrated maximum radical scavenging activity in DPPH, ABTS, and 
Superoxide anion radical antioxidant assays with IC50 values of 73.15 μg/ml, 
79.05 μg/ml, and 86.52 μg/ml respectively. IRK-ETH and IRK-MTH extracts 
possessed phenolic (70.9 and 208.5 mgGAE/gdw) and flavonoid (487.7 and 
40.55 mgRE/gdw) contents respectively. In MTT assay IRK-ETH demonstrated the 
highest cytotoxicity towards the MCF-7 cell line with a GI50 value of 
49.13 μg/ml. Phase contrast and fluorescence microscopic studies in MCF-7 cells 
revealed that IRK-ETH extract caused condensation of chromatin, rounding of 
cells, and nuclear condensation in cells which shows the apoptotic potential of 
the extract. GCMS analysis for phytochemical characterization revealed the 
presence of 9 compounds in both extracts which have been reported to possess 
antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-oxidant activities. HPLC analysis confirmed 
the presence of different polyphenols in both extracts with IRK-MTH extract 
having maximum polyphenols like epicatechin, rutin, quercetin, vanillic acid, 
sinapic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and ellagic acid. These findings 
suggest that the flowers of Iris kashmiriana possess very good antioxidant and 
cytotoxic potential owing to its rich phytoconstituents.

© 2024. The Author(s).

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58362-7
PMCID: PMC11494189
PMID: 39433747 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no competing interests.


5. J Complement Integr Med. 2024 Oct 16. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2024-0231. Online
ahead  of print.

Exploration of neuroprotective and cognition boosting effects of Mazus pumilus 
in Alzheimer's disease model.

Saadullah M(1), Batool JA(1), Rashad M(1)(2), Asif M(3), Chauhdary Z(4), Bibi 
A(5).

Author information:
(1)Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 
Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
(2)Department of Pharmacy, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, 
Italy.
(3)Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamia University of 
Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
(4)Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government 
College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
(5)University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Mazus pumilus (MP) an Asian flowering plant, known for various 
reported pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-nociceptive, 
anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and hepatoprotective 
effects. This study focused on further exploring Mazus pumilus's methanol leaf 
extract (MPM) for bioactive principles and investigating its neuroprotective and 
cognition-enhancing potential in Alzheimer's disease models.
METHODS: For the phytochemical screening and identification, TLC, HPLC, and 
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were employed. In-vitro antioxidant potential 
was assayed by DPPH Free Radical Scavenging method, followed by in-vivo 
neuroprotective effect of MPM (100, 200, 300 mg/kg) using Wistar-albino rats, 
sodium azide for induction of AD and rivastigmine as standard. Over 21 days, we 
observed neurobehavioral changes and performed biochemical (GSH, CAT, SOD, and 
AchE activity) and histopathological evaluations.
RESULTS: Results revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids, 
terpenoids, glycosides, sterols, and saponins. HPLC analysis confirmed the 
presence of gallic acids, sinapic acid, and caffeic acid. DPPH confirmed the 
antioxidant effect of MPM, which served as a base for its potential 
neuroprotective activity. Biochemically, oxidative stress markers improved 
significantly post-treatment, with decreased GSH, SOD, CAT levels, and increased 
AchE activity, indicating a reversal of AD-induced changes. Behavioral 
assessments showed improvements in locomotion, memory, spatial learning, and 
cognition. Histologically, there was a dose-dependent reduction in 
neurodegenerative features like neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid beta 
plaques.
CONCLUSIONS: Hence, this study concluded MPM is a promising candidate for 
prophylaxis and treatment of behavioral deficits and cognitive dysfunction in 
Alzheimer's disease.

© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.

DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2024-0231
PMID: 39402873