SCOPE: This multi-omic study investigates the bidirectional interactions between gut microbiota and silymarin metabolism, highlighting the differential effects across various age groups. Silymarin, the extract from Silybum marianum (milk thistle), is commonly used for its hepatoprotective effects. METHODS AND RESULTS: An in vitro fermentation colon model was used with microbiota from 20 stool samples obtained from healthy donors divided into two age groups. A combination of three analytical advanced techniques, namely proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to determine silymarin microbial metabolites over 24 h, overall metabolome, and microbiota composition. Silymarin at a low diet-relevant dose of 50 μg mL-1 significantly altered gut microbiota metabolism, reducing short-chain fatty acid (acetate, butyrate, propionate) production, glucose utilization, and increasing alpha-diversity. Notably, the study reveals age-related differences in silymarin catabolism. Healthy elderly donors (70-80 years) exhibited a significant increase in a specific catabolite associated with Oscillibacter sp., whereas healthy young donors (12-45 years) showed a faster breakdown of silymarin components, particularly isosilybin B, which is associated with higher abundance of Faecalibacterium and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-003. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into microbiome functionality in metabolizing dietary flavonolignans, highlighting implications for age-specific nutritional strategies, and advancing our understanding of dietary (poly)phenol metabolism.
- MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- feces mikrobiologie MeSH
- fermentace MeSH
- kolon * mikrobiologie metabolismus účinky léků MeSH
- kyseliny mastné těkavé metabolismus MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- silymarin * farmakologie MeSH
- střevní mikroflóra * účinky léků fyziologie MeSH
- zdraví dobrovolníci pro lékařské studie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Although medical cannabis was legalized in Czechia in 2013 and its use in topical treatments of skin disorders is now allowed, galenic formulations prepared from medical cannabis have not been widely implemented in the Czech healthcare system. One of the main reasons is the lack of a straightforward standardized protocol for their preparation. Cannabinoids, e.g., cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have been shown to have therapeutic effects on various skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, acne and skin pigmentation. Recognizing the potential of dermatological treatment with medical cannabis, the present study aimed to evaluate the extraction capacity of various pharmaceutical bases for cannabinoids and the stability of prepared galenic formulations for dermatological applications with respect to cannabinoid content. The results showed that the stability of cannabinoids in formulations depended on the bases' physical and chemical properties. The highest THC decomposition was observed in cream bases and Vaseline, with estimated percentage loss of total content of up to 5.4% and 5.6% per week, respectively. In contrast, CBD was more stable than THC. Overall, the tested bases were comparably effective in extracting cannabinoids from plant material. However, olive oil and Synderman bases exhibited the highest cannabinoid extraction efficiencies (approximately 70%) and the best storage stabilities in terms of the content of monitored compounds. The proposed preparation protocol is fast and easily implementable in pharmacies and medical facilities.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Within the group of higher fungi, edible medicinal mushrooms have a long history of being used as food and in folk medicine. These species contain biologically active substances with many potential beneficial effects on human health. The Pleurotus genus is representative of medicinal mushrooms because Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the most commonly cultivated culinary mushrooms. In our study, we focused on lesser-known species in the genus Pleurotus and measured their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. We prepared extracts of the mushrooms and analyzed them using HPLC-HRMS, GC-MS, and 1H-NMR. Significant differences in biological activities were found among the Pleurotus spp. extracts. A MeOH extract of P. flabellatus was the most active as a radical scavenger with the highest ORAC, while a chloroform extract had significant anti-inflammatory COX-2 activity. The 80% MeOH extract of P. flabellatus contained the highest amounts of ergosterol, ergothioneine, and mannitol. The 80% MeOH extract of P. ostreatus Florida was the most active in the NF-κB inhibition assay and had the highest content of β-glucans (43.3% by dry weight). Given the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of P. flabellatus, the potential therapeutic usefulness of this species is worth evaluating through in-depth investigations and confirmation by clinical trials.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The study aimed to assess the antifungal activity of twenty-five essential oils (EOs) and the potential synergistic activity of the most effective EOs against significant indoor fungi of the genus Aspergillus [A. fumigatus (KBio-122), A. flavus (KBio-134), A. terreus (KBio-145) and A. niger (KBio-202)]. The chemical composition of all EOs was evaluated by the gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analysis. The antifungal susceptibility of EOs was evaluated by using the broth microdilution method. The most effective EOs were selected to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) at a concentration range from 256 to 0.125 μg/mL. For the synergistic activities, the most effective EOs were tested using the chessboard pattern. The most sensitive strain to treatments with essential oils alone and in the combination of EOs was A. flavus (KBio-134). The chessboard assay showed that combinations of lemongrass and thyme EOs proved the most potent synergistic antifungal activity (FICI = 0.1875) against A. fumigatus (KBio-122). The synergy displayed by a combination of some EOs may be used to control fungal growth or increasing resistance to available synthetic antifungals, consequently permitting the reduction of their most active doses.
Fungal contamination in stored food grains is a global concern and affects food economics and human and animal health. It is clear that there is a need to develop new technologies with improved performances that are also eco-friendly in nature. Due to the bioactivity of essential oils (EOs) in the vapor phase, their low toxicity for humans, and their biodegradability and antifungal properties, EOs could be a suitable solution. In this study, we explored the potential of thyme, oregano, lemongrass, clove, and cajeput EOs in the vapor phase. For 17 days, inhibitory activity was assessed against five strains of postharvest pathogens-Aspergillus spp., Fusarium s. l. spp., and Penicilliumochrochloron-isolated from cereal grains. A modified disc volatilization method was used, which is more effective in comparison to traditional screening methods. Three concentrations were tested (250, 125, and 62.5 μL/L). The two highest concentrations resulted in complete inhibition of fungal growth; however, even 62.5 μL/L showed a significant antifungal effect. The efficiency of EOs followed this order: thyme > oregano > lemongrass > clove > cajeput. From our findings, it appears that the use of EOs vapors is a better option not only for laboratory experiments, but for subsequent practice.
Trans-resveratrol, a well-known plant phenolic compound, has been intensively investigated due to its association with the so-called French paradox. However, despite its high pharmacological potential, trans-resveratrol has shown relatively low bioavailability. Trans-resveratrol is intensively metabolized in the intestine and liver, yielding metabolites that may be responsible for its high bioactivity. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the metabolism of trans-resveratrol (tRes), cis-resveratrol (cRes) and dihydroresveratrol (dhRes) in an in vitro epithelial model using Caco-2 cell lines. Obtained metabolites of tRes, cRes and dhRes were analyzed by LC/MS Q-TOF, and significant differences in the metabolism of each compound were observed. The majority of tRes was transported unchanged through the Caco-2 cells, while cRes was mostly metabolized. The main metabolite of both cis- and trans-resveratrol observed as a result of colon microbial metabolism, dhRes, was metabolized almost completely, with only traces of the unchanged molecule being found. A sulphate conjugate was identified as the main metabolite of tRes in our model, while a glucuronide conjugate was the major metabolite of cRes and dhRes. Since metabolism of simple phenolics and polyphenols plays a crucial role in their bioavailability, detailed knowledge of their transformation is of high scientific value.
- MeSH
- biologická dostupnost MeSH
- Caco-2 buňky MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- permeabilita MeSH
- resveratrol chemie farmakokinetika MeSH
- stereoizomerie MeSH
- stilbeny chemie farmakokinetika MeSH
- střevní sliznice cytologie metabolismus mikrobiologie MeSH
- vysokoúčinná kapalinová chromatografie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The Colorado potato beetle ranks as one of the most important potato pests, mainly due to its high feeding rate during all developmental stages, particularly third and fourth larval instar, and high fecundity. The effect of essential oil (EO) from anise (Pimpinella anisum L. [Apiales: Apiaceae]) prepared as conventional and encapsulated (EN) formulations on the mortality and antifeedant responses of young larvae of Colorado potato beetles was studied to evaluate the insecticidal and antifeedant effects of five concentrations of this EO and to assess the persistence of both formulations on potato plants. The EN formulation had a significantly higher residual amount compared with that of the conventionally formulated EO. Significantly different values of LC50 and LC90 (ppm) were established for the EO (LC50 = 1,700 and LC90 = 9500) and EN (LC50 = 3,100 and LC90 = 14,300) formulations. The effects of both P. anisum formulations (EO and EN) applied topically to Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larvae were distinctly different from those observed with the contact treatment. At the highest concentration of 20,000 ppm, the mortality of the second instars of the L. decemlineata larvae did not exceed 25%. On the other hand, both tested formulations of P. anisum were highly effective when administered orally. The encapsulated EO formulation achieved a distinctly higher biological activity. Our results confirm that the EO from P. anisum, especially the encapsulated formulation, has high insecticidal properties that may lead to the development of new organic products for the control of Colorado potato beetles.
- MeSH
- bedrník * MeSH
- brouci * MeSH
- larva MeSH
- oleje prchavé * MeSH
- Solanum tuberosum * MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Colorado MeSH
The phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) has a crucial role in plant physiology. Its role is best described in the context of plant response to pathogen attack. During infection, SA is rapidly accumulated throughout the green tissues and is important for both local and systemic defences. However, some genetic/metabolic variations can also result in SA overaccumulation in plants, even in basal conditions. To date, more than forty Arabidopsis thaliana mutants have been described as having enhanced endogenous SA levels or constitutively activated SA signalling pathways. In this study, we established a collection of mutants containing different SA levels due to diverse genetic modifications and distinct gene functions. We chose prototypic SA-overaccumulators (SA-OAs), such as bon1-1, but also "non-typical" ones such as exo70b1-1; the selection of OA is accompanied by their crosses with SA-deficient lines. Here, we extensively studied the plant development and SA level/signalling under various growth conditions in soil and in vitro, and showed a strong negative correlation between rosette size, SA content and PR1/ICS1 transcript signature. SA-OAs (namely cpr5, acd6, bon1-1, fah1/fah2 and pi4kβ1β2) had bigger rosettes under high light conditions, whereas WT plants did not. Our data provide new insights clarifying a link between SA and plant behaviour under environmental stresses. The presented SA mutant collection is thus a suitable tool to shed light on the mechanisms underlying trade-offs between growth and defence in plants.
- MeSH
- Arabidopsis genetika metabolismus mikrobiologie MeSH
- interakce hostitele a patogenu MeSH
- kyselina salicylová metabolismus MeSH
- mutace * MeSH
- nemoci rostlin genetika mikrobiologie MeSH
- proteiny huseníčku genetika metabolismus MeSH
- regulace genové exprese u rostlin * MeSH
- regulátory růstu rostlin metabolismus MeSH
- signální transdukce genetika MeSH
- vývoj rostlin genetika MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Oyster mushrooms are an interesting source of biologically active glucans and other polysaccharides. This work is devoted to the isolation and structural characterization of polysaccharides from basidiocarps of the cultivated oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus. Five polysaccharidic fractions were obtained by subsequent extraction with cold water, hot water and two subsequent extractions with 1 m sodium hydroxide. Branched partially methoxylated mannogalactan and slightly branched (1→6)-β-d-glucan predominated in cold- and hot-water-soluble fractions, respectively. Alternatively, these polysaccharides were obtained by only hot water extraction and subsequent two-stage chromatographic separation. The alkali-soluble parts originating from the first alkali extraction were then fractionated by dissolution in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The polysaccharide insoluble in DMSO was identified as linear (1→3)-α-d-glucan, while branched (1→3)(1→6)-β-d-glucans were found to be soluble in DMSO. The second alkaline extract contained the mentioned branched β-d-glucan together with some proteins. Finally, the alkali insoluble part was a cell wall complex of chitin and β-d-glucans.
- MeSH
- chemická frakcionace MeSH
- chromatografie MeSH
- fungální polysacharidy chemie izolace a purifikace MeSH
- fytonutrienty chemie izolace a purifikace MeSH
- glukany chemie MeSH
- molekulární struktura MeSH
- monosacharidy chemie MeSH
- Pleurotus chemie MeSH
- plodnice hub chemie MeSH
- spektrální analýza MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Stilbenoids are dietary phenolics with notable biological effects on humans. Epidemiological, clinical, and nutritional studies from recent years have confirmed the significant biological effects of stilbenoids, such as oxidative stress protection and the prevention of degenerative diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Stilbenoids are intensively metabolically transformed by colon microbiota, and their corresponding metabolites might show different or stronger biological activity than their parent molecules. The aim of the present study was to determine the metabolism of six stilbenoids (resveratrol, oxyresveratrol, piceatannol, thunalbene, batatasin III, and pinostilbene), mediated by colon microbiota. Stilbenoids were fermented in an in vitro faecal fermentation system using fresh faeces from five different donors as an inoculum. The samples of metabolized stilbenoids were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h. Significant differences in the microbial transformation among stilbene derivatives were observed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Four stilbenoids (resveratrol, oxyresveratrol, piceatannol and thunalbene) were metabolically transformed by double bond reduction, dihydroxylation, and demethylation, while batatasin III and pinostilbene were stable under conditions simulating the colon environment. Strong inter-individual differences in speed, intensity, and pathways of metabolism were observed among the faecal samples obtained from the donors.
- MeSH
- chromatografie kapalinová MeSH
- feces mikrobiologie MeSH
- fenoly chemie metabolismus MeSH
- fermentace MeSH
- hmotnostní spektrometrie MeSH
- kolon metabolismus mikrobiologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrobiota * MeSH
- resveratrol chemie metabolismus MeSH
- stilbeny chemie metabolismus MeSH
- tandemová hmotnostní spektrometrie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
