Abstract: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been a famous root crop for its medicinal properties since pre-historical times. Lack of effective therapeutics for most viral diseases, higher cost of some antiviral therapies, and the emergence of antiviral drug resistance are increasingly reported. Drug resistance is predicted to be a leading cause of mortality globally by 2050, thus requiring intervention. The need for effective natural antiviral compounds to mitigate viral diseases, such as curcumin, calls for further studies. Curcumin, a primary curcuminoid compound, has demonstrated a broad activity as an antiviral agent. Due to the need to overcome drug resistance to chemically synthesised drugs, the best option is to improve and adapt the use of natural antiviral agents. The antiviral potential of curcumin is hindered by its solubility and bioavailability. Recently, different techniques, such as the preparation of curcumin carbon quantum dots, have been used to improve curcumin antiviral activity. Therefore, the current review aims to assess curcumin’s benefits as a natural antiviral agent and techniques to improve its medicinal activity. Future use of curcumin will aid in mitigating viral diseases, including resistant strain, hence sustainability of the entire community. In this case, research and innovation are required to improve the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin for medical uses.

Abstract: The iodination of organic compounds is of great importance in synthetic organic chemistry. It opens comprehensive approaches for the synthesis of various biologically active compounds. The recent advances in iodination of organic compounds using elemental iodine or iodides, covering the last thirteen years, are the objective of the present review.

Abstract: This study on Barlia robertiana aims to: (1) assess whether scent is variable between populations; (2) evaluate whether scent composition may be related to geographical variables; (3) assess whether there are VOC differences during the flowering phase; and (4) assess whether there are yearly VOC variabilities. SPME sampling was used. Fourteen plants, collected along an ecological gradient, were analyzed. A multivariate analysis was performed through ordination and hierarchical cluster analysis. Compositions versus geographic distances were also analyzed using Mantel test. Seventy compounds were identified. Multivariate analyses and Mantel tests detected no correlations between VOC composition and both geographic and ecological variables. These results may suggest that there is no adaptation of floral scent to local environments. VOC compositions during the flowering phase showed a slight change but a strong variability between individuals. A huge difference was found in the pairwise comparison of the plants analyzed in different years. The high scent variability can be interpreted as a strategy of a non-rewarding but allogamous species to not allow the learning by pollinators. In fact, disrupting the association among floral scent signals with the lack of nectar may enhance the fruit set via a higher probability of being visited by insects.

Abstract: The structural defect effect of impurities on silicon carbide (SiC) was studied to determine the luminescence properties with temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Single 4H-SiC crystals were fabricated using three different 3C-SiC starting materials and the physical vapor transport method at a high temperature and 100 Pa in an argon atmosphere. The correlation between the impurity levels and the optical and fluorescent properties was confirmed using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry, and PL measurements. The PL intensity was observed in all three single 4H-SiC crystals, with the highest intensities at low temperatures. Two prominent PL emission peaks at 420 and 580 nm were observed at temperatures below 50 K. These emission peaks originated from the impurity concentration due to the incorporation of N, Al, and B in the single 4H-SiC crystals and were supported by ICP-OES. The emission peaks at 420 and 580 nm occurred due to donor–acceptor-pair recombination through the incorporated concentrations of nitrogen, boron, and aluminum in the single 4H-SiC crystals. The results of the present work provide evidence based on the low-temperature PL that the mechanism of PL emission in single 4H-SiC crystals is mainly related to the transitions due to defect concentration.

Abstract: HS-SPME-GC–MS analysis of the scent of Dactylorhiza viridis revealed the presence of verbenone (28.86%), caryophyllene (25.67%), β-terpineol (9.48%), and δ-cadinene (6.94%). In the scent of Dactylorhiza romana β-ocimene (18.69%), pentadecane (18.40%), α-farnesene (14.65%), and isopropyl 14-methylpentadecanoate (14.32%) were found. Dactylorhiza incarnata contained tetradecane (11.07%), pentadecane (28.40%), hexadecane (19.53%), heptadecane (17.33%), and α-cubenene (11.48%). Analysis of Dactylorhiza saccifera showed the presence of caryophyllene (17.38%), pentadecane (6.43%), hexadecane (6.13%), and heptadecane (5.08%). Finally, the aroma components found in Dactylorhiza sambucina were caryophyllene (12.90%), β-sesquiphellandrene (32.16%), 4,5-di-epi-aristolochene (10.18%).

Abstract: To date, many studies have been published, aiming to extract bioactive compounds from plants. Lately, research focuses on maximizing the extraction yield, using environmentally friendly techniques and solvents. In this study, the extraction of polyphenolic compounds from Cistus creticus is discussed. Extraction of the compounds has been carried out with water and ethanol, employing the most common approach. To further enhance the extraction yield, the usage of four deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has also been examined. In an effort to further enhance the extraction yield, pulsed electric fields have also been employed. According to the results, it was evident that the use of DESs made of glycerol: choline chloride (2:1) increased the extraction yield by 75%, compared to extraction with water. Moreover, the use of pulsed electric fields enhanced the extraction yield of the common approach, by up to 70%. When pulsed electric fields and DESs were combined, the extraction yield increased by 14%, compared to the use of DESs only. Finally, the extract was analyzed for its content in volatile compounds, and it was found that new compounds could be extracted with the use of DESs.

Abstract: Some ten million cancer deaths occurred in 2020, highlighting the fact that the search for new anticancer drugs remains extremely topical. In the search for new coordination compounds with relevant biological properties, the choice of a metal ion is important for the design of the complex. In this regard, copper plays a peculiar role, thanks to its distinct properties. Thiosemicarbazones are, analogously, a unique class of ligands because they are easily modifiable, and therefore, extremely versatile in terms of modulating molecular properties. In this work, we synthesized and characterized, by means of X-ray diffraction, four new naphthaldehyde and anthraldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives and their copper complexes to be used in interaction studies with biological systems. The objective was to evaluate the antileukemic activity of these compounds. Reactions of these ligands with Cu(II) salts produced unexpected oxidation products and the isolation of Cu(I) metal complexes. One ligand and its related Cu(I) complex, which is stable in physiological conditions, were subjected to in vitro biological tests (UV-Vis and CD titration). An important interaction with DNA and an affinity toward BSA were observed in FT-IR experiments. Preliminary in vitro biological tests against a histiocytic lymphoma cell line revealed an interestingly low IC50 value, i.e., 5.46 µM, for the Cu(I) complex.

Abstract: Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), also known as Glitazones, have anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. A simple, efficient and cost-effective synthesis of a thiazolidinedione compound library was developed. The synthesis is facilitated by microwave irradiation in three of the four steps followed by reduction under pressurized hydrogen gas using palladium hydroxide. All reactions, except one, were completed within an hour and provided desired products in moderate to good yields after a simple work-up.

Abstract: This work proposes a methodology for the design, development, and characterization of tablets prepared by the direct compression method of olmesartan medoxomil. The main objective was to ensure a high dissolution rate of the active ingredient. Therefore, a rigorous selection of excipients was carried out to ensure their physical and chemical compatibility with the active ingredient by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) studies. The suitability of the mixture for use in direct compression was performed using SeDeM methodology. The tablets met pharmacopoeia specifications for content uniformity, breaking strength, friability, and disintegration time.

Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with hyperproliferation and aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes in association with the elevation of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and IL-23 levels. In an animal model, psoriasis-like dermatitis was induced on the shaved dorsal skin of BALB/c mice by topical application of imiquimod (IMQ), a synthetic ligand of Toll-like receptor 7. Administration of bitter Pu’er tea significantly reduced psoriasis-like dermatitis in IMQ-treated mice, including a reduction in dorsal skin lesions, splenomegaly and the mRNA expression levels of IL-17A and IL-23. To examine putative antipsoriatic constituents, three major compounds in bitter Pu’er tea, strictinin, theacrine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), were separately given as supplements to IMQ-treated mice. The results showed that all the three compounds attenuated the severity of psoriasis by reducing epidermal thickness. Only theacrine significantly attenuated splenomegaly. All the three compounds inhibited the expression of IL-23 mRNA in the skin as well as reduced the content of IL-17A+CD4+ T cells in the spleen, and strictinin was found to be relatively effective. It seemed that the antipsoriatic activity of bitter Pu’er tea was attributed to the additive effects of its multiple active compounds.

Abstract: (1) Background: Japanese Kampo medicine has its origin in ancient Chinese medicine. In 742, a Tang Dynasty monk named Jianzhen (Ganjin) was invited by Japanese clerics to visit Japan and teach commandments in Buddhism. Because of the dangers of the voyage and also other obstacles, he took 11 years to reach Japan on the sixth voyage and he was blind when he arrived in Japan. He was the first person in China to go to Japan to establish the Buddhism commandments, and he was also the first person in Japan to directly teach traditional Chinese medicine. Until now, there have been few reports in English about the details of the Chinese herbal medicines he brought to Japan, including the types of herbal medicines, pharmacological activities, and formulations. In the review, we systematically and comprehensively summarized Jianzhen’s life from the standpoint of his medical and pharmaceutical knowledge and the types and pharmacological activities of Chinese herbal medicines and prescriptions that were brought to Japan by Jianzhen; (2) Methods: A review was made on the relevant literature written by Chinese, Japanese, and English languages regarding the medical and pharmacological knowledge of Jianzhen, the 36 Chinese herbal medicines brought to Japan by Jianzhen, and the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of these 36 herbal medicines, as well as their formulations; (3) Results: The review of the literature proved that Jianzhen’s prescriptions served as a basis for current herbal medicines (Kampo) in Japan. In the process of the literature search, we found a book entitled Jianshangren (Holy Priest Jianzhen)’s Secret Prescription, which recorded the complete prescription of the 36 traditional Chinese medicines Jianzhen brought to Japan; (4) Conclusions: Jianzhen is one of the ancestors of traditional Chinese medicine/Kampo medicine, and he brought traditional Chinese medicine and medical books to Japan for patients. He made important contributions to the development of traditional Chinese medicine in Japan.

Abstract: In this work, linear dextrins (LDs) with the fragment F-40 (DP = 31.44) were fabricated from waxy potato starch through pasteurization and enzymatic debranching by pullulanase and then separated and extracted by ethanol solutions with different concentrations. The LDs were used to encapsulate hydrophobic ligand curcumin to develop a controlled release system that would increase its flavor in food and functions in medicines. The physicochemical properties and the encapsulation mechanism of the inclusion complexes were investigated. It was found that the loading capability for curcumin, the encapsulation rate, and the yield of the complexes depended on the molecular weight of LD. The yield of the LD-Cur complex, its encapsulation rate, and loading of curcumin were 19.86%, 25.81%, and 29.52 μg/mg, respectively, while the yield of the F-40-Cur complex, its inclusion rate, and loading curcumin reached up to 75.98%, 29.97%, and 37.52 μg/mg, respectively. There were both hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between LD and curcumin, while hydrogen bonding interactions were predominant between F-40 and curcumin. Curcumin was presented in the complex in an amorphous form. The photothermal stability of curcumin increased after being complexed with LD and further enhanced significantly with F-40. The release of curcumin in the intestine was achieved much more effectively.

Abstract: A reduction reaction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF) has been previously performed in an organic solvent under high-temperature conditions. For the relaxation of such reaction conditions, conventional palladium on carbon (Pd/C) was combined with vesicles composed of phospholipids or surfactants. Pd/C combined with 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine indicated a yield (25%) at 60 °C compared with Pd/C (17%). Vesicles at the liquid crystalline phase were advantageous for the reduction reaction of HMF. The yield of 2,5-DMF catalyzed by Pd/C combined with the vesicles depended on the lipid composition of the vesicles. It was clarified that the yield of 2,5-DMF could be controlled by the hydration property of the vesicles. Compared with conventional 2,5-DMF synthesis in an organic solvent, the use of vesicles made it possible to reduce the burden of using organic solvents in high-temperature conditions, although limitedly.

Abstract: Six different perovskite-type oxides were investigated with respect to their ability for methanol synthesis via H2 and CO2: Fe-, Mn-, and Ti-based perovskites were prepared with and without Cu doping. For assessment, the catalysts were subjected to preliminary tests at atmospheric pressure to evaluate their ability to activate CO2. Additional catalytic tests with the doped versions of each catalyst type were carried out in a pressured reactor at 21 bar. After the measurements, the catalysts were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All catalysts were able to produce methanol in the pressure tests. CO2 conversions between 14% and 23% were reached at 400 °C, with the highest methanol selectivity at the lower temperature of 250 °C. The combination of XRD and SEM revealed that the Fe-based and Ti-based perovskites were stable under reaction conditions and that catalytically highly active and stable nanoparticles had formed. The minor formation of CaCO3, which is a deactivating phase, was observed for one catalyst. These nanoparticles showed resistance to coking and sintering. However, the yield and selectivity for methanol need to be improved via the further tailoring of the perovskite composition.

Abstract: One-step reactions between squaric acid and pyrroles, such as 3-ethyl-2,4-dimethyl-pyrrole and 1,2,5-trimethylpyrrole, in water provide the corresponding pyrrol-2-yl- and pyrrol-3-yl-containing semisquaraines in high yields. These semisquaraines serve as useful precursors for the synthesis of various non-symmetric pyrrole-containing squaraine dyes.

Abstract: The formation of a pair of co-crystals based upon isosteric halogen-bond donors, namely 1,4-diiodoperchlorobenzene and iodoperchlorobenzene, along with the acceptor 4,4-bipyridine is reported. As expected, the components in each co-crystal engage in halogen bonding interactions resulting in a one-dimensional chain-like structure. In particular, the co-crystal containing 1,4-diiodoperchlorobenzene is primarily held together by I···N halogen bonds while the solid based upon iodoperchlorobenzene forms both I···N and Cl···N interactions. Structural diversity is achieved between these co-crystals based upon the type of secondary interactions involving the chlorine atoms on each halogen-bond donor even though they are isosteric in nature.

Abstract: Flavylium/Chalcone-based molecular switches comprise features such as pH-gated photochromism and fluorescence properties that make them attractive for many applications, ranging from stimuli-responsive materials to photopharmacology. However, in contrast to other common photoswitches, the application of flavylium compounds in these areas remains largely unexplored. Among other possible reasons, this may be due to the lack of general strategies to attach these molecules to substrates such as polymers, nanoparticles, biomolecules, or surfaces. In this work, we have shown that a copper (I) catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) can be employed to obtain a chalcone conjugate. We used an isosorbide carbohydrate to demonstrate this strategy and investigated the photochemical properties of the chalcone-isosorbide conjugate. The obtained results show that the photochemical properties of this new compound are similar to other equivalent flavylium/chalcone photoswitches, confirming the feasibility of the conjugation strategy.

Abstract: One year ago, we began the adventure of editing Compounds (ISSN 2673-6918), a journal devoted to the synthesis, characterization, and properties of compounds, as well as their reactivity from both a theoretical and experimental point of view [...]

Abstract: Nearly two years ago, when Compounds was founded, the journal was introduced as an interdisciplinary tool for the scientific community to present their scientific results in an open access format so that their findings are disseminated quickly and efficiently [...]

Abstract: A conformational analysis has been carried out for monoprotonated, unprotonated and deprotonated glycine dimers in the gas phase and an aqueous solution. MP2/6-311++(d,p), B3LYP/6-311++(d,p) and M06/6-311++(d,p) optimizations were performed for more than 200 initial conformations comprising nonionic (COOH–CH2–NH2) (N) and zwitterionic (COO−–CH2–NH3+) (Z) structures for neutral monomers. All the methods indicate that Z monomers are preferred over N ones for the neutral and deprotonated dimers in aqueous solutions, whereas the reverse trend is observed in the gas phase (including also protonated dimers). NC and ZC structures coexist in aqueous solutions for the protonated glycine dimer. The preferred geometries are significantly different depending on the media and total dimer charge. Moreover, several minima display close energies in each series (media and total dimer charge). New conformers, not previously reported, are found to be significantly populated in those conformational mixtures. Dimers containing Z monomers are associated with larger absolute solvation energies and are more prone than N-containing ones to experience protonation and deprotonation in the gas phase, whereas the reverse trend is observed in the aqueous solution. The Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) analysis reveals that uncharged dimers display trifling electron density transfer between monomers, whereas it is significant in anionic and cationic dimers.

Abstract: Aryldiazonium, ArN2+, ions decompose spontaneously through the formation of highly reactive aryl cations that undergo preferential solvation by water, showing a low selectivity towards the nucleophiles present in their solvation shell. In this work, we investigate the effects of electrolytes (NaCl, LiCl, and LiClO4) on the dediazoniation of 2-, 3-, and 4-methylbenzenediazonium ions in acidic MeOH/H2O mixtures. In the absence of electrolytes, the rates of dediazoniation, kobs, increase modestly upon increasing the MeOH content of the reaction mixture. At any solvent composition, the rate of ArN2+ loss is the same as that for product formation. The main dediazoniation products are cresols (ArOH) and methyl phenyl ethers (ArOMe). Only small amounts (less than 5%) of the reduction product toluene (ArH), which are detected at high percentages of MeOH. Quantitative yields of are obtained at any solvent composition. The addition of LiCl or NaCl ([MCl] = 0–1.5 M) to the reaction mixtures has a negligible effect on kobs but leads to the formation, in low yields (<10%), of the ArCl derivative. The addition of LiClO4 (0–1.5 M) to 20% MeOH/H2O mixtures has a negligible effect on both kobs and on the product distribution. However, at 99.5% MeOH, the addition of the same amounts of LiClO4 leads to a modest decrease in kobs but to a significant decrease in the yields of ArOMe. Results are interpreted in terms of the preferential solvation of perchlorate ions by the aryl cations, removing MeOH molecules from the solvation shell.

Abstract: The study of flavors and fragrances is a topic of rising interest from both marketing and scientific perspectives. Over the last few years, the cultivation of avocados has accelerated in Greece, with production levels elevated by 300%. There has been increasing attention from a number of growers and consumers on avocado oil, the volatiles of which form a key part of consumers’ purchase decisions. A previously unevaluated Zutano cultivar was chosen for this study. Extraction of the pulp oil was performed during three phases of ripening using Soxhlet and ultrasound techniques. Headspace-solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were utilized in order to analyze the isolated volatile fraction. At least 44 compounds, including mainly terpenoids (61.7%) and non-terpenoid hydrocarbons (35.9%), presented in the Zutano variety, while (1S,6S,7S,8S)-1,3-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yltricyclo[4.4.0.02,7]dec-3-ene (a-copaene) and (1R,9S,Z)-4,11,11-trimethyl-8-methylenebicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene (β-caryophyllene) were in higher abundance. The composition of the volatiles was unaffected by the extraction techniques but was influenced by the ripening stage. Thus, during maturation, the volatile fraction fluctuates, with a significantly higher abundance of terpenoids during the fourth day of the ripe stage, whilst it decreases during over-ripening. These findings demonstrate that the Zutano variety can be used to produce an aromatic oil and hence could be used, among others, as an ingredient in cosmetic products.

Abstract: To date, only a few articles related to the hybrid materials of Schiff base metal complexes and laccase, an oxygen-reducing enzyme, have been published in Compounds since its inception in 2021 [...]

Abstract: In the field of industrial chemistry, catalysts play a fundamental role in determining the ability of chemical production processes to reach and improve productivity targets [...]

Abstract: Unwanted substances can be effectively removed from the blood using double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP). In our case study, we used field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (FE-SEM-EDX) to examine if the eluate obtained by a specific type of DFPP (INUSpheresis with a TKM58 filter) contains nano- and microparticles and what chemical composition these particles have. We identified micro- and nanoparticles of various sizes and chemical composition, including microparticles high in the concentration of calcium, iron, silicon, aluminium and titanium. Furthermore, thread-like objects were identified. We discuss the possible origin of the particles and objects, their pathophysiological relevance and the potential of FE-SEM-EDX analysis of the eluate in terms of diagnostics and therapy for environmental medicine applications on patients.

Abstract: Since the second half of the last century, the science of colloids has undergone a true revolution, from being little more than a collection of qualitative observations of the macroscopic behavior of some complex systems to becoming a discipline with substantial theoretical foundations [...]

Abstract: Despite the fact that first polyhalides and halometalates have been discovered decades ago, this subject of chemical science has been progressing, and many supramolecular associates with these compounds exhibiting promising properties were reported. In this mini-review, I would like to highlight recent progress in theoretical studies of noncovalent interactions in supramolecular complexes with polyhalides and halometalates from our research group.

Abstract: Synthetic polymers and biodegradable and biobased polymers are currently the largest class of materials studied and used for various applications due to their unique and peculiar properties [...]

Abstract: The influence of humic aggregates in a water solution upon the chemical stability under basic conditions of different substrates was reviewed. The kinetic behavior of each substrate was modeled in terms of a micellar pseudophase model.