Changes in Physicochemical,Free Radical Activity,Total Phenolic and Sensory Properties of Orange (Citrus sinensis L.) Juice Fortified with Different Oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) Extracts

In Iran and other parts of Western Asia, the oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) fruit is processed in the dried powdery form, and in recent times, increasingly applied/sprinkled in fruit juices such as those made from oranges (Citrus sinensis L.). To our best knowledge, the effectiveness of oleaster fruit extract in fortifying the orange juice has not yet been reported and the knowledge of this will greatly benefit the consumers, particularly those around the Western Asia region. This current work, therefore, investigated the changes in physicochemical, free radical activity, total phenolic compounds, and sensory properties of orange juice fortified with different oleaster fruit extracts. The orange juice mix formulation comprised different concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%) of oleaster (alcoholic, aqueous, and hydro-alcoholic) extracts. The control comprised orange concentrate (4% w/v), sugar (8.5% w/v), and citric acid (0.1% w/v) brought to the desirable volume with water. As the free radical activity depicted the antioxidant properties, the physicochemical aspects of this work involved the determinations of Brix, density, ash, pH, total acidity, sucrose, and total sugar, whereas the sensory aspects involved the determinations of color and taste. Whilst the aqueous oleaster 20 and 25% extracts produced notable physicochemical differences in the orange juice mix, both free radical activity, and phenolic compounds significantly increased (p < 0.05) after 30 days despite resembling (p > 0.05) those of control at day 1. More so, the increases in aqueous, alcoholic, and hydro-alcoholic oleaster extracts would decrease (p < 0.05) the sensory color and taste of the orange juice mix in this study.     

The Phytochemical Analysis of Vinca L. Species Leaf Extracts Is Correlated with the Antioxidant,Antibacterial, and Antitumor Effects

The phytochemical analysis of Vinca minor, V. herbacea, V. major, and V. major var. variegata leaf extracts showed species-dependent antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects correlated with the identified phytoconstituents. Vincamine was present in V. minor, V. major, and V. major var. variegata, while V. minor had the richest alkaloid content, followed by V. herbacea. V. major var. variegata was richest in flavonoids and the highest total phenolic content was found in V. herbacea which also had elevated levels of rutin. Consequently, V. herbacea had the highest antioxidant activity followed by V. major var. variegata. Whereas, the lowest one was of V. major. The V. minor extract showed the most efficient inhibitory effect against both Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. On the other hand, V. herbacea had a good anti-bacterial potential only against S. aureus, which was most affected at morphological levels, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy. The Vinca extracts acted in a dose-depended manner against HaCaT keratinocytes and A375 melanoma cells and moreover, with effects on the ultrastructure, nitric oxide concentration, and lactate dehydrogenase release. Therefore, the Vinca species could be exploited further for the development of alternative treatments in bacterial infections or as anticancer adjuvants.     

Diversity of the Chemical Profile and Biological Activity of Capsicum annuum L. Extracts in Relation to Their Lipophilicity

Ethanol extracts of two types of pepper (sweet and hot) were separated into fractions with increasing lipophilicity. After drying the extracts and fractions, their chemical composition, anti-radical activity in the DPPH radical system, and cytotoxic activity against PC-3 and HTC-116 cells were determined. A detailed qualitative analysis of the fractions was performed with the LC-QTOF-MS method. It was found that the chemical composition of pepper fractions did not always reflect their biological activity. The highest antiradical activity was detected in the fraction eluted with 40% methanol from sweet pepper. The highest total content of phenolic compounds was found in an analogous fraction from hot pepper, and this fraction showed the strongest cytotoxic effect on the PC-3 tumour line. The LC-MS analysis identified 53 compounds, six of which were present only in sweet pepper and four only in hot pepper. The unique chemical composition of the extracts was found to modulate their biological activity, which can only be verified experimentally.     

Polyphenolic Profile of Tunisian Thyme (Thymbra capitata L.) Post-Distilled Residues: Evaluation of Total Phenolic Content and Phenolic Compounds and Their Contribution to Antioxidant Activity

During the last decade there has been growing interest in the formulation of new cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products containing natural compounds with antioxidant activity and other beneficial properties. Aromatic and medicinal plants have always been the major source of bioactive compounds, especially, wild thyme (Thymbra capitata L.), which has been used since ancient times for its valuable health benefits that could be attributed to the richness of polyphenolic compounds. This study was undertaken with the following aims: to estimate the total polyphenolic content (TPC); to evaluate the antioxidant activity; to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds of post-distilled residues of Tunisian thyme, and their contribution to the antioxidant activity. The TPC, as determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, was found to reach the values of 126.7 and 107.84 mg gallic acid equivalent/g plant dry weight (mg GAE/g PDW). The antioxidant activity, which is assessed by DPPH and FRAP assays, reached the values of 42.97–45.64 μg/mL and 42.22–50.21 mMFe²⁺/mg PDW, respectively. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of fourteen polyphenolic compounds, of which diosmin and rosmarinic acid were found to be the most abundant (24.26 to 33.80 and 22.0.1 to 26.29 mg/g PDW, respectively). An important correlation was found between the antioxidant activity and several identified phenolic compounds (p < 0.05). The findings revealed that thyme post-distilled residues have an effective natural antioxidant potential due to their high concentration of bioactive molecules, and they appear to be useful in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, with beneficial effects on human health. Therefore, supplementing a balanced diet with herbs may have beneficial health effects.     

Phytochemical Characterization of Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) Roots and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential

Matricaria recutita L., German chamomile, is one of the most widely used medicinal plants, whose efficacy has been proven in numerous studies. However, its roots have attracted only little interest so far, since mainly above-ground plant parts are used for medicinal purposes. To broaden the knowledge of chamomile roots, a profound phytochemical characterization was performed along with a bioactivity screening of corresponding root extracts. While volatile constituents such as chamomillol and polyynes were detected using GC-MS, HPLC-MSⁿ analyses revealed the occurrence of four coumarin glycosides, more than ten phenolic acid esters and five glyceroglycolipids. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated. Polar extracts revealed IC₅₀ values ranging from 13 to 57 µg/mL in the DPPH radical scavenging assay, which is in the same range as reported for chamomile flower extracts. In addition, superoxide radical scavenging potential and mild antibacterial effects against S. aureus und B. subtilis were demonstrated. Moreover, to assess interspecies variation in chamomile roots, extracts of M. recutita were compared to those of M. discoidea DC. Interestingly, the latter revealed stronger antioxidant activity. The presented results aim at the valorization of chamomile roots, previously discarded as by-product of chamomile flower production, as a sustainable source of bioactive phytochemicals.     

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Tussilago farfara (L.) essential oil from Quebec,Canada

Abstract

The chemical composition of Tussilago farfara L. essential oil from the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec, Canada was analyzed by gas chromatography–flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the antibacterial activity of the oil was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Forty-five (45) compounds were identified from the GC profile. The main components were 1-nonene (40.1%), α-phellandrene (26.0%) and ρ-cymene (6.6%). The essential oil demonstrated antibacterial activity against E. coli (MIC₅₀ = 468 µg·mL^?1; MIC₉₀ = 6869 µg·mL^?1) and S. aureus (MIC₅₀ = 368 µg·mL^?1; MIC₉₀ = 773 µg·mL^?1). Dodecanoic acid was found to be active against both bacteria having a MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ of 16.4 µg·mL^?1 and 95 µg·mL^?1, respectively for E. coli and a MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ of 9.8 µg·mL^?1 and 27.3 µg·mL^?1, respectively for S. aureus. In addition, 1-decene and (E)-cyclodecene were also found to be active against E. coli.     

Farang (Psidium guajava L.) Dried Leaf Extracts: Phytochemical Profiles,Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic,and Anti-Hemolytic Properties for Ruminant Health and Production

Due to its advantageous antioxidant phytochemical components, Psidium guajava L. has become an indispensable plant in pharmaceutical formulations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding human health. On ruminant animals, however, there has been limited investigation. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the phytochemical profiles and biological potential of Farang (P. guajava L.) leaf extracts for ruminant health. Methanolic and hexanoic extracts from various agricultural areas were prepared over a five-month period. By means of HPLC-DAD, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), essential oil (eugenol), tannin (gallic acid), cinnamic acids (caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, and ferulic acid), and flavonoids (catechin, rutin, myricetin, quercetin, apigenin, and kaempferol) were detected and quantified. Solvent type, but not cultivation site or sampling time, explained the observed variation in phytochemical profile. Phytochemicals were found in lower concentrations in hexanoic extracts than in methanolic extracts. Catechin and sinapic acid were discovered to be the two most abundant phytochemicals in the methanolic extract of Farang leaf, followed by other phenolic compounds, essential oils, and water-soluble vitamins. Compared with the methanolic extract, the hexanoic extract of Farang leaves was less effective at scavenging oxidation in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, and superoxide, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Hexanoic extract was found to be less protective against oxidative damage in ruminant erythrocytes than methanolic extract in terms of inhibiting hemoglobin oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and hemolysis. According to the findings of this study, the leaves of Farang (P. guajava L.) are a potential source of phytochemical compounds with wellness properties for ruminant production.     

Revisiting the Nutritional,Chemical and Biological Potential of Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

The genus Cajanus (Family: Fabaceae) consists of approximately 37 species, and Cajanus cajan (C. cajan) is a significant member of the genus. It is a commercial legume crop widely grown in sub-tropical and semi-arid tropical areas of the world. C. cajan is well known for its folk medicinal uses to treat various disorders, such as toothache, dizziness, diabetes, stomachache, female ailments and chronic infections. These properties have been linked to the presence of several value-added nutritional and bioactive components. Different solvent extracts from C. cajan (leaves, root, stem and seeds) have been evaluated for their phytochemical and biological activities, namely antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, and considering the prominent nutraceutical and therapeutic properties of C. cajan, this review article focuses on the important details including ethnomedicinal uses, chemical composition, biological applications and some other medicinal aspects related to C. cajan nutraceutical and pharmacological applications.     

Optimization of Two Eco-Friendly Extractions of Black Medick (Medicago lupulina L.) Phenols and Their Antioxidant,Cosmeceutical, α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitory Properties

Medicago lupulina is an ancient edible plant from the Fabaceae family. In this work, two eco-friendly methods for extraction of bioactive phenolics from M. lupulina were developed using mixtures of water with two non-toxic, skin- and environmentally-friendly polyol solvents: glycerol and polypropylene glycol. Ultrasound-assisted extractions were optimized using a Box–Behnken design. The independent variables were the concentration of organic solvent in water (X₁), extraction temperature (X₂) and time (X₃), while the response was phenolic content. The optimum conditions for extraction of polyphenols were (X₁, X₂, X₃): (45%, 70 °C, 60 min) and (10%, 80 °C, 60 min) for glycerol and polypropylene glycol extraction, respectively. The extracts prepared at optimum conditions were rich in phenolic compounds, mainly derivatives of apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, caffeic and ferulic acid, as well as coumestrol. Their cosmeceutical and antidiabetic activity was tested. Both extracts demonstrated notable antioxidant, anti-lipoxygenase and anti-α-amylase activity. In addition to those activities, the glycerol extract efficiently inhibited protein coagulation, elastase and α-glucosidase activity. Glycerol present in the extract displayed enzyme-inhibiting activity in several assays and supported the action of the bioactive constituents. Thus, the optimized glycerol extract is a desirable candidate for direct incorporation in antidiabetic food supplements and cosmeceutical products.     

Prenylated Flavonoids and C-15 Isoprenoid Analogues with Antibacterial Properties from the Whole Plant of Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch (Gramineae)

The local botanical Imperata cylindrica in Cameroon was investigated for its antibacterial potency. The methanol extract afforded a total of seven compounds, including five hitherto unreported compounds comprising three flavonoids (1–3) and two C-15 isoprenoid analogues (4 and 5) together with known derivatives (6 and 7). The novelty of the flavonoids was related to the presence of both methyl and prenyl groups. The potential origin of the methyl in the flavonoids is discussed, as well as the chemophenetic significance of our findings. Isolation was performed over repeated silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and the structures were elucidated by (NMR and MS). The crude methanol extract and isolated compounds showed considerable antibacterial potency against a panel of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains. The best MIC values were obtained with compound (2) against S. aureus ATCC 25923 (32 µg/mL) and MRSA1 (16 µg/mL).     

Changes in Physicochemical Properties and Volatile Compounds of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Calyx during Different Drying Methods

Fresh roselle are high in moisture and deteriorate easily, which makes drying important for extending shelf-life and increasing availability. This study investigated the influence of different drying methods (oven-drying, freeze-drying, vacuum-drying, and sun-drying) on the quality of roselle calyx expressed as physicochemical properties (moisture content, water activity, soluble solids, color), volatile compounds, and microstructure. Oven-drying and freeze-drying reduced moisture content most while vacuum-drying and sun-drying were not as efficient. All drying methods except sun-drying resulted in water activities low enough to ensure safety and quality. Vacuum-drying had no impact on color of the dry calyx and only small impact on color of water extract of calyx. Drying reduced terpenes, aldehydes, and esters but increased furans. This is expected to reduce fruity, floral, spicy, and green odors and increase caramel-like aroma. Sun-drying produced more ketones, alcohols, and esters. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that freeze-drying preserved the cell structure better, and freeze-dried samples resembled fresh samples most compared to other drying techniques. The study concludes that freeze-drying should be considered as a suitable drying method, especially with respect to preservation of structure.     

Wound Healing,Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau and Strobilanthes crispus (L.) Blume Extracts

Clinacanthus nutans is known to be an anticancer and antiviral agent, and Strobilanthes crispus has proven to be an antidiuretic and antidiabetic agent. However, there is a high possibility that these plants possess multiple beneficial properties, such as antimicrobial and wound healing properties. This study aims to assess the wound healing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of Clinacanthus nutans and Strobilanthes crispus. The Clinacanthus nutans and Strobilanthes crispus leaves were dried, ground, and extracted with ethanol, acetone, and chloroform through cold maceration. In a modified scratch assay with co-incubation of skin fibroblast and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clinacanthus nutans and Strobilanthes crispus extracts were assessed for their wound healing potential, and the antimicrobial activities of Clinacanthus nutans and Strobilanthes crispus extracts were performed on a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on Mueller–Hinton agar based on a disc diffusion assay. To assess for antioxidant potential, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total phenolic and total flavonoid assays were conducted. In the modified scratch assay, Clinacanthus nutans extracts aided in the wound healing activity while in the presence of MRSA, and Strobilanthes crispus extracts were superior in antimicrobial and wound healing activities. In addition, Strobilanthes crispus extracts were superior to Clinacanthus nutans extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Mueller–Hinton agar. Acetone-extracted Clinacanthus nutans contained the highest level of antioxidant in comparison with other Clinacanthus nutans extracts.     

LaX(X=N,P,As,Sb)晶体的能带结构和化学键性质研究

用LMTO-ASA能带程序计算了LaX(X=N,P,As,Sb)晶体的能带结构,得到的晶体能隙分别为LaN_2.30eV,LaP_2.05eV,LaAs_1.66eV,LaSb_1.34eV,与实验结果基本相符.利用价电子总数在阴阳离子上的分配数之比,给出计算晶体化学键性质的经验关系式,根据该式计算晶体化学键的共价性与文献结果非常吻合,说明了该关系式的合理性.     

Extraction,Isolation of Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Potential of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a herbaceous annual plant of the Cruciferous family, the Cabbage genus. This oilseed crop is widely used in many areas of industry and agriculture. High-quality oil obtained from rapeseed can be found in many industrial food products. To date, extracts with a high content of biologically active substances are obtained from rapeseed using modern extraction methods. Brassica napus L. seeds contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, phytosterols, flavonoids, vitamins, glucosinolates and microelements. The data in this review show that rapeseed biocompounds have therapeutic effects in the treatment of various types of diseases. Some studies indicate that rapeseed can be used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic and anticancer agent. In the pharmaceutical industry, using rapeseed as an active ingredient may help to develop new forms drugs with wide range of therapeutic effects. This review focuses on aspects of the extraction of biocompounds from rapeseed and the study of its pharmacological properties.     

Spectral Characteristic,Storage Stability and Antioxidant Properties of Anthocyanin Extracts from Flowers of Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea L.)

Anthocyanins from flowers of the butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) are promising edible blue food colorants. Food processing often faces extreme pHs and temperatures, which greatly affects the color and nutritional values of anthocyanins. This study explored the color, spectra, storage stability, and antioxidant properties of C. ternatea anthocyanin extract (CTAE) at different pHs. The color and absorption spectra of CTAEs at a pH of 0.5–13 were shown, with their underlying structures analyzed. Then, the storage stability of CTAEs were explored under a combination of pHs and temperatures. The stability of CTAE declines with the increase in temperature, and it can be stored stably for months at 4 °C. CTAEs also bear much resistance to acidic and alkaline conditions but exhibit higher thermal stability at pH 7 (blue) than at pH 0.5 (magenta) or pH 10 (blue-green), which is a great advantage in food making. Antioxidant abilities for flower extracts from the butterfly pea were high at pH 4–7, as assessed by DPPH free radical scavenging assays, and decreased sharply when the pH value exceeded 7. The above results provide a theoretical basis for the application of butterfly pea flowers and imply their great prospect in the food industry.     

Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Seed Kernels and Their Application as an Antioxidant in an Edible Oil

Phenolic compounds from mango (M. indica) seed kernels (MSK) var. Sugar were obtained using supercritical CO₂ and EtOH as an extraction solvent. For this purpose, a central composite design was carried out to evaluate the effect of extraction pressure (11–21 MPa), temperature (40–60 °C), and co-solvent contribution (5–15% w/w EtOH) on (i) extraction yield, (ii) oxidative stability (OS) of sunflower edible oil (SEO) with added extract using the Rancimat method, (iii) total phenolics content, (iv) total flavonoids content, and (v) DPPH radical assay. The most influential variable of the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process was the concentration of the co-solvent. The best OS of SEO was reached with the extract obtained at 21.0 MPa, 60 °C and 15% EtOH. Under these conditions, the extract increased the OS of SEO by up to 6.1 ± 0.2 h (OS of SEO without antioxidant, Control, was 3.5 h). The composition of the extract influenced the oxidative stability of the sunflower edible oil. By SFE it was possible to obtain extracts from mango seed kernels (MSK) var. Sugar that transfer OS to the SEO. These promissory extracts could be applied to foods and other products.     

Isolation,Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Pectic Polysaccharides of Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.)

The aim of this study was to isolate pectins with antioxidant activity from the leaves of Epilobium angustifolium L. Two pectins, EA-4.0 and EA-0.8, with galacturonic acid contents of 88 and 91% were isolated from the leaves of E. angustifolium L. by the treatment of plant raw materials with aqueous hydrochloric acid at pH 4.0 and 0.8, respectively. EA-4.0 and EA-0.8 were found to scavenge the DPPH radical in a concentration-dependent manner at 17–133 μg/mL, whereas commercial apple pectin scavenged at 0.5–2 mg/mL. The antioxidant activity of EA-4.0 was the highest and exceeded the activity of EA-0.8 and a commercial apple pectin by 2 and 39 times (IC₅₀—0.050, 0.109 and 1.961 mg/mL), respectively. Pectins EA-4.0 and EA-0.8 were found to possess superoxide radical scavenging activity, with IC₅₀s equal to 0.27 and 0.97 mg/mL, respectively. Correlation analysis of the composition and activity of 32 polysaccharide fractions obtained by enzyme hydrolysis and anionic exchange chromatography revealed that the antioxidant capacity of fireweed pectins is mainly due to phenolics and is partially associated with xylogalacturonan chains. The data obtained demonstrate that pectic polysaccharides appeared to be bioactive components of fireweed leaves with high antioxidant activity, which depend on pH at their extraction.     

Synthesis,Antitumor and Antibacterial Studies of New Shortened Analogues of (KLAKLAK)2-NH2 and Their Conjugates Containing Unnatural Amino Acids

(1) Background: (KLAKLAK)₂ is a representative of the antimicrobial peptide group which also shows good anticancer properties. (2) Methods: Herein, we report synthesis using SPPS and characterization by HPLC/MS of a series of shortened analogues of (KLAKLAK)₂. They contain single sequence KLAKLAK as C-terminal amides. In addition, substitution of some natural amino acids with unnatural β-Ala and nor-Leu is realized. In addition, these structures are conjugated with second pharmacophore with well proven anticancer properties 1,8-naphthalimide or caffeic acid. Cytotoxicity, antiproliferative effect and antimicrobial activity of newly synthesized structures were studied. (3) Results: The obtained experimental results reveal significant selective index for substances with common chemical structure KLβAKLβAK-NH₂. The antibacterial properties of newly synthesized analogues at two different concentrations 10 μM and 20 μM, were tested against Gram-negative microorganisms Escherichia coli K12 407. Only two of the studied compounds KLAKLAK-NH₂ and the one conjugated with second pharmacophore 1,8-naphthalimide and unnatural amino acid nor-Leu showed moderate activity against tested strains at concentration of 20 μM. (4) Conclusions: The obtained results reveal that the introducing of 1,8-naphthalimideGly- and Caf- increase the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity of the peptides but not their selectivity. Only two compounds KLAKLAK-NH₂ and 1,8-naphthalimideGKnLAKnLAK-NH₂ show moderate activity against Escherichia coli K12 at low concentration of 20 μM.     

Phytochemical Analysis,Antispasmodic, Myorelaxant,and Antioxidant Effect of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants Flower Hydroethanolic Extracts and Its Chloroform and Ethyl Acetate Fractions

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants is an annual or ephemeral perennial herb used traditionally in the Mediterranean region in folk medicine to treat various illnesses, including those related to the digestive system. This study aims to assess the antispasmodic, myorelaxant, and antioxidant effects of D. ambrosioides flower hydroethanolic extract and its chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions in a comparative study to evaluate the result of the extraction type on the potential activity of the extract. Both rat and rabbit jejunum were used to evaluate the antispasmodic and myorelaxant effect, while the antioxidant effect was evaluated using DPPH, a ferric reducing power assay, and a beta-carotene bleaching test. LC/MS-MS analysis was carried out to reveal the composition of the different types of extract. Following the results, the hydroethanolic extract showed a significant myorelaxant effect (IC₅₀ = 0.39 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Moreover, it was shown that the hydroethanolic extract demonstrated the best antispasmodic activity (IC₅₀ = 0.51 ± 0.05 mg/mL), followed by the ethyl acetate (IC₅₀ = 4.05 ± 0.32 mg/mL) and chloroform (IC₅₀ = 4.34 ± 0.45 mg/mL) fractions. The antioxidant tests showed that the hydroethanolic extract demonstrated high antioxidant activity, followed by the ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions. The LC/MS-MS analysis indicates that the plant extract was rich in flavonoids, to which the extract activity has been attributed. This study supports the traditional use of this plant to treat digestive problems, especially those with spasms.     

Synthesis of Oligo(thienylfuran)s with Thiophene Rings at Both Ends and Their Structural,Electronic, and Field‐Effect Properties

Oligo(thienylfuran)s with thiophene rings at both ends ( SOSOSOS , DE‐SOSOS , DH‐SOSOS , DE‐SOSOSOS , and DH‐SOSOSOS ; S and O denote thiophene and furan rings, respectively, DE and DH denote diethyl‐ and dihexyl‐substituted, respectively) were newly synthesized by repetitive Stille coupling reactions. The UV/Vis maximum absorptions of the oligomers, SO , SOSO , SOSOS , SOSOSO , and SOSOSOS , exhibited a clear bathochromic shift with increasing number of heterocycles. The value of the oxidation peak potential (E_pa¹) determined by cyclic voltammetry decreased with an increase in the number of heterocycles by 0.06–0.08 V per heterocycle. The crystal‐packing structures of DE‐SOSOS and DH‐SOSOS determined by X‐ray crystallography have a herringbone motif and are denser than the reported structures of pentacene and α‐sexithiophene. The morphologies of thin films prepared by vacuum deposition and spin coating were investigated by atomic force microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Among these films, those of DE‐SOSOS and DH‐SOSOS exhibited highly ordered arrangements. The devices based on vacuum‐deposited and spin‐coated films of DE‐SOSOS and DH‐SOSOS displayed the highest FET mobilities of 10^?2–10^?3 cm² V^?1 s^?1 among the oligomers reported in this study.