Chemistry Journal of Moldova

Graphycal Abstract: The chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Narcissus poeticus L. essential oil and Rosa damascena Mill. absolutes of Moldovan origin were studied. Using GC–MS analysis 28 constituents of N. poeticus essential oil and 37 of R. damascena absolutes were identified. The γ-terpineol (52.62%) was the main component of N. poeticus oil, while the  phenylethyl alcohol predominated in R. damascena absolutes (59.85–78.17%). Both products exhibited strong in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity against four bacterial strains and two fungal species, with effective concentrations of 150–300 μg/mL and 300–600 μg/mL, respectively.

Graphycal Abstract: Hydro-methanolic extracts of Bunium ferulaceum leaves, flowering heads, and tubers show organ-dependent phytochemical variation. Leaves are richest in phenolics and flavonoids, while tubers contain the highest triterpene levels. Polyphenol content correlates strongly with antibacterial activity, whereas triterpenes are tightly linked to anti-inflammatory effects. These complementary chemical–biological relationships highlight the plant’s multifunctional pharmacological potential, supporting further isolation and mechanistic studies. 

 

Graphycal Abstract: Lipid fractions from Helianthus annuus L. pollen collected across three Moldovan agroclimatic zones were analyzed via GC-MS after Soxhlet extraction, saponification, and methylation. Chromatographic profiling resolved >40 constituents, including: Polyunsaturated fatty acid esters (e.g., methyl linolenate, a ω-3 precursor); Diterpenoid derivatives (methyl labdatrien-19-oate); Oxygenated sterols (lanostan-3-one); Lipophilic vitamins (α-tocopherol, retinol derivatives). Chemometric analysis revealed climate-induced shifts in metabolite profiles, with heat and drought favoring terpenoid accumulation. Results highlight sunflower pollen as a structurally rich source of bioactive lipids with nutraceutical potential.

 

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Graphycal Abstract: Melissa officinalis L. and Urtica dioica L. were evaluated for their phytochemical composition and antioxidant and anti-lithiatic activities. LC-MS/MS analysis showed that M. officinalis contained a more diverse profile, especially flavonoids and phenolic acids enriched in the ethyl acetate fraction, while U. dioica demonstrated a simpler composition dominated by myricetin, riboflavin, sinapic acid, catechin, and β-carotene in its aqueous fraction. M. officinalis ethyl acetate extract showed the strongest antioxidant capacity in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Its aqueous extract also exhibited notable anti-lithiatic activity, inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal formation by 87.12% at 2 mg/mL.

 

 

Graphycal Abstract: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using Nicotiana plumbaginifolia plant extract through a green approach. XRD, FTIR, and EDX confirmed their hexagonal wurtzite structure and high purity. SEM and TEM showed spherical ZnO NPs (16–24 nm), with a band gap of 3.33 eV. FTIR spectra displayed a peak at 480 cm⁻¹, confirming Zn–O bond formation.  The ZnO NPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, E. coli,
K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus at 100 µL using the well diffusion method. They also showed excellent antioxidant potential, scavenging DPPH radicals with 75.59% inhibition at 250 μg/mL. This eco-friendly synthesis method offers a sustainable approach for ZnO NP production, highlighting their potential for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Graphycal Abstract: Interactions between various natural compounds and three selected G protein coupled receptors were investigated through molecular docking. The strongest binding affinities were identified highlighting potential modulators for these receptors.