Psychoactive Plant Database - Neuroactive Phytochemical Collection

1. Trop Anim Health Prod. 2024 Oct 30;56(8):369. doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04209-2.

Effect of ethanol extract from Enterolobium cyclocarpum fruit on Leghorn 
chickens exposed to Eimeria.

Urtecho-Novelo R(1), Santos-Ricalde R(1), Sarmiento-Franco L(2), Torres-Acosta 
JF(1), Borges-Árgaez R(3).

Author information:
(1)Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de 
Yucatán, Km 15.5 carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
(2)Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de 
Yucatán, Km 15.5 carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. 
luis.sarmiento@correo.uady.mx.
(3)Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán A. C. (CICY), Calle 43 n. 130 x 
32 y 34 Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida, Yucatán, CP. 97205, Mexico.

There are concerns about residues of drugs in meat that are used to prevent 
coccidiosis in chickens. Natural compounds are an alternative to drugs. Two 
studies investigated the effect of an extract of Enterolobium cyclocarpum fruits 
(EEC) in the feed of male Leghorn chickens exposed to Eimeria spp. In the first 
experiment, the administration of EEC after infection with Eimeria spp. was 
investigated over 16 days. One thousand chickens were randomly housed in 20 pens 
of 1 m2 each. The pens were randomly assigned to each treatment. Five treatments 
were administered, containing 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg of EEC in the feed, the 
fourth treatment (C) contained 0.5 g/kg of a commercial anticoccidial, and the 
fifth treatment provided no treatment (WA). The second experiment lasted 18 
days. Administration of the EEC began five days before the chickens were 
infected with Eimeria spp. Four hundred and eighty chickens were randomly 
allocated to 24 pens of 1 m2. The pens were randomly assigned to each treatment. 
In the second experiment, the same five treatments were tested and one 
additional treatment containing 300 mg EEC plus 1 g of polyethylene glycol 
(PEG)/kg of feed (E300PEG). In the experiment one chickens in the EEC treatments 
had lower faecal oocyst excretion (OE) on day 14 post infection with Eimeria 
spp., than chickens in the WA treatment (P < 0.05). A reduction in live weight 
gain (LWG) was observed in the EEC treatments (P < 0.05). In the second 
experiment, the excretion of oocysts in chickens from the EEC and E300PEG 
treatments on day 13 post-infection with Eimeria spp. was the same as in the C 
treatment and lower than in the WA treatment (P < 0.05). LWG was lower in the 
EEC treatments than in the C treatment (P < 0.05). However, the Chickens in the 
E300PEG and C treatments had similar LWG (P > 0.05) suggesting that PEG inhibits 
the negative effect of EEC tannins on LWG. In conclusion, the addition of EEC to 
chicken feed reduced both OE and LWG. Treatment with EEC and PEG (E300PEG) 
reduced the excretion of oocysts without negative effects on LWG.

© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.

DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04209-2
PMID: 39476271 [Indexed for MEDLINE]


2. Molecules. 2024 Oct 18;29(20):4928. doi: 10.3390/molecules29204928.

Saponin Molecules from Quinoa Residues: Exploring Their Surfactant, Emulsifying, 
and Detergent Properties.

Bustos KAG(1), Muñoz SS(2), da Silva SS(2), Alarcon MADF(2), Dos Santos JC(2), 
Andrade GJC(1), Hilares RT(1).

Author information:
(1)Laboratorio de Bioprocesos, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Bioquímicas y 
Biotecnológicas, Universidad Católica de Santa María-UCSM, Urb. San José 
s/n-Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru.
(2)Department of Biotechnology, Engineering School of Lorena, University of São 
Paulo (EEL-USP), Lorena 12602-810, SP, Brazil.

The indiscriminate use of synthetic surfactants, despite their desirable 
properties, poses significant environmental risks to ecosystems. This study 
explores saponins extracted from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) residues as a 
sustainable alternative. Saponin extract (SE) with 42% purity, obtained through 
hydrodynamic cavitation and membrane technology, was analyzed to determine its 
techno-functional properties. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) was 1.2 
g/L, reducing the surface tension (ST) from 72.0 mN/m to 50.0 mN/m. The effects 
of temperature (30-90 °C), pH (2-12), and salinity (10,000-150,000 ppm NaCl) on 
ST and the emulsification index (EI) were assessed using a Box-Behnken design. 
Optimized conditions yielded an ST of 49.02 mN/m and an EI of 63%. Given these 
characteristics, SE was evaluated as a detergent across diverse swatches. This 
study showcases the attributes of quinoa-derived saponins, highlighting their 
potential for eco-friendly detergent applications.

DOI: 10.3390/molecules29204928
PMCID: PMC11510682
PMID: 39459296 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.


3. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024 Oct 3;17(10):1321. doi: 10.3390/ph17101321.

Comprehensive Review of the Latest Investigations of the Health-Enhancing 
Effects of Selected Properties of Arthrospira and Spirulina Microalgae on Skin.

Chwil M(1), Mihelič R(2), Matraszek-Gawron R(1), Terlecka P(3), Skoczylas MM(4), 
Terlecki K(5).

Author information:
(1)Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Life Sciences in 
Lublin, Akademicka 15 Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
(2)Department of Agronomy, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101 Street, 
1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
(3)Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical 
University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
(4)Department of Basic Medical Sciences, The John Paul II Catholic University of 
Lublin, Konstantynów 1 H Street, 20-708 Lublin, Poland.
(5)Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology, Medical University of Lublin, 
Solidarności 8 Street, 20-841 Lublin, Poland.

Arthospira platensis and Spirulina platensis microalgae are a rich source of 
pro-health metabolites (% d.m.): proteins (50.0-71.3/46.0-63.0), carbohydrates 
(16.0-20.0/12.0-17.0), fats (0.9-14.2/6.4-14.3), polyphenolic compounds and 
phenols (7.3-33.2/7.8-44.5 and 4.2/0.3 mg GAE/g), and flavonoids (1.9/0.2 QUE/g) 
used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. This review summarises the 
research on the chemical profile, therapeutic effects in dermatological 
problems, application of Arthrospira and Spirulina microalgae, and 
contraindications to their use. The pro-health properties of these microalgae 
were analysed based on the relevant literature from 2019 to 2024. The antiviral 
mechanism of microalgal activity involves the inhibition of viral replication 
and enhancement of immunity. The anti-acne activity is attributed to alkaloids, 
alkanes, phenols, alkenes, phycocyanins, phthalates, tannins, carboxylic and 
phthalic acids, saponins, and steroids. The antibacterial activity generally 
depends on the components and structure of the bacterial cell wall. Their 
healing effect results from the inhibition of inflammatory and apoptotic 
processes, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, stimulation of angiogenesis, 
and proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The photoprotective action 
is regulated by amino acids, phlorotannins, carotenoids, mycosporins, and 
polyphenols inhibiting the production of tyrosinase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, 
and free oxygen radicals in fibroblasts and the stimulation of collagen 
production. Microalgae are promising molecular ingredients in innovative 
formulations of parapharmaceuticals and cosmetics used in the prophylaxis and 
therapy of dermatological problems. This review shows the application of 
spirulina-based commercial skin-care products as well as the safety and 
contraindications of spirulina use. Furthermore, the main directions for future 
studies of the pro-health suitability of microalgae exerting multidirectional 
effects on human skin are presented.

DOI: 10.3390/ph17101321
PMCID: PMC11510008
PMID: 39458962

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.


4. Biomolecules. 2024 Oct 4;14(10):1257. doi: 10.3390/biom14101257.

Compound K Promotes Megakaryocytic Differentiation by NLRP3 Inflammasome 
Activation.

Hwang S(1)(2), Park MS(1)(2), Koo AJ(3), Yoo E(4), Song SH(1), Kim HK(1)(2), 
Park MH(1)(2), Kang JS(1)(2).

Author information:
(1)College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, 309 Suyeong-ro, Busan 48434, 
Republic of Korea.
(2)Brain Busan 21 Plus Research Project Group, Kyungsung University, Busan 
48434, Republic of Korea.
(3)College of Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 
27411, USA.
(4)Chemical, Biological, and Bioengineering Department, North Carolina A&T State 
University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA.

Platelets are essential blood components that maintain hemostasis, prevent 
excessive bleeding, and facilitate wound healing. Reduced platelet counts are 
implicated in various diseases, including leukemia, hepatitis, cancer, and 
Alzheimer's disease. Enhancing megakaryocytic differentiation is a promising 
strategy to increase platelet production. Compound K (CK), a major bioactive 
metabolite of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng, has demonstrated anti-cancer and 
neuroprotective properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of CK on 
megakaryocytic differentiation and apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) 
cell lines K562 and Meg-01. CK treatment significantly upregulated the mRNA 
expression of key megakaryocytic differentiation markers, including CD61, CD41, 
and CD42a, and promoted the formation of large, multinucleated cells in K562 
cells. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis revealed that CK at 5 µM induced 
apoptosis, a critical process in thrombocytopoiesis, in both K562 and Meg-01 
cells. RT2 Profiler PCR array analysis further identified a marked increase in 
the expression of genes associated with the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome 
in CK-treated K562 and Meg-01 cells. This study is the first to demonstrate that 
CK promotes megakaryocytic differentiation and apoptosis through the activation 
of the ERK/EGR1 and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways. These findings suggest that CK 
may enhance platelet production, indicating its potential as a therapeutic 
candidate for platelet-related disorders and other associated diseases.

DOI: 10.3390/biom14101257
PMCID: PMC11506438
PMID: 39456190 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest.


5. J Colloid Interface Sci. 2024 Oct 18;679(Pt B):209-220. doi: 
10.1016/j.jcis.2024.10.074. Online ahead of print.

Decomposition of mixed DMPC-aescin vesicles to bicelles is linked to the lipid's 
main phase transition: A direct evidence by using chain-deuterated lipid.

Dargel C(1), Moleiro LH(2), Radulescu A(3), Stank TJ(4), Hellweg T(5).

Author information:
(1)Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 28/30, 
Münster, 48149, Germany; Physical and Biophysical Chemistry, Bielefeld 
University, Universitätstraße 25, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany.
(2)Physical and Biophysical Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätstraße 
25, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany; Department of Physical Chemistry, Complutense 
University, Avda. Complutense s/n, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
(3)Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), 
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Lichtenbergstr. 1, Garching, 85747, Germany.
(4)Physical and Biophysical Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätstraße 
25, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany.
(5)Physical and Biophysical Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätstraße 
25, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany. Electronic address: 
thomas.hellweg@uni-bielefeld.de.

This work investigates the conversion of bicelles into larger sheets or closed 
vesicles upon dilution and temperature increase for a system composed of the 
phospholipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and the saponin 
aescin. Due to its peculiar amphiphilic character, aescin is able to decompose 
DMPC bilayers into smaller, rim-stabilized bicelles. Aspects of the transition 
process are analyzed in an aescin content- and temperature-dependent manner by 
photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), turbidimetry and small-angle neutron 
scattering (SANS). Both the conversion of bicelles into vesicles induced by 
temperature increase and the decomposition process upon cooling are presumably 
related to the main phase transition temperature Tm of DMPC. Therefore, not only 
conventional DMPC, but also chain-deuterated d54-DMPC was used due to its 
significantly lower Tm-value compared to the conventional DMPC. It will be 
demonstrated that the reconversion of vesicle structures (present at low aescin 
content) into bicelles shows a strong hysteresis effect whereas this is not 
observed for the reconversion at high aescin amounts, at which for high 
temperature still bicelle structures are present. The results indicate formation 
of a trapped state, correlated with the lipid's Tm and the decomposition of 
vesicles into bicelles is only possible if the lipid membrane entirely adopts 
the rigid phase state.

Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.10.074
PMID: 39447464

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