Browsing by Author "Wojtunik-Kulesza, Karolina"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Biological Activity of Monoterpene-Based Scaffolds: A Natural Toolbox for Drug Discovery
    (MDPI, 2025-03-27) Mołdoch, Jarosław; Agacka-Mołdoch, Monika; Jóźwiak, Grzegorz; Wojtunik-Kulesza, Karolina
    One of the most common strategies used in drug design is the molecular scaffold approach, which combines traditional medicine based on natural active compounds derived from plants with modern synthetic drug development. Designing new compounds based on natural skeletons enables extensive modifications of both bioavailability and biological activity. An excellent example of a natural molecular scaffold is the monoterpenes group, which serves as a core structure for building more complex molecules by attaching various chemical groups. Their ability to interact with biological targets, combined with structural versatility, makes them promising molecular scaffolds in pharmaceutical research and green chemistry applications. This review paper focuses on selected monoterpenes (carvacrol, carvone, citral, menthol, menthone, β-pinene, thymol, and verbenone), which are frequently used as molecular scaffolds. The newly designed derivatives exhibit various biological activities, including anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, neuroprotective, and many others.
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    Expanding Knowledge about the Influence of Citral on Cognitive Functions—In Vitro, In Vivo and Ex Vivo Studies
    (MDPI, 2024-06-22) Wojtunik-Kulesza, Karolina; Rudkowska, Monika; Klimek, Katarzyna; Agacka-Mołdoch, Monika; Mołdoch, Jarosław; Michalak, Agnieszka
    Citral, a common monoterpene found in numerous plants, is an interesting compound that has been shown to have various biological activities. Although it is widely distributed in nature and there are many studies presenting its biological activities, its anti-neurodegenerative activity, especially under in vivo conditions, is very poorly understood. Thus, this paper aimed to deepen knowledge about citral activity towards factors and symptoms of neurodegeneration. To accomplish this, several comprehensive tests were conducted, including the estimation of butyrylcholinesterase inhibition, the evaluation of hepatotoxicity and the detection of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in vitro, as well as an in vivo behavioral assessment using mice models. Additionally, ex vivo determination of level of the compound in the brain and blood of a tested animal was undertaken. The results obtained revealed that citral is able to inhibit butyrylcholinesterase activity and protect hepatic cells against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in vitro. Moreover, behavioral tests in vivo indicated that citral (50 mg/kg) improves memory processes associated with acquisition (passive avoidance test), both in acute and subchronic administration. Additionally, we found that the administration of citral at 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg did not significantly affect the locomotor activity. Beyond the aforementioned, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of the compound in the blood and brain after subchronic administration of citral. Taken together, the results obtained in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo clearly indicate that citral is a promising monoterpene that can potentially be used towards cognition improvement.
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    S-(+)-Carvone, a Monoterpene with Potential Anti-Neurodegenerative Activity—In Vitro, In Vivo and Ex Vivo Studies
    (MDPI, 2024) Wojtunik-Kulesza, Karolina; Rudkowska, Monika; Klimek, Katarzyna; Mołdoch, Jarosław; Agacka-Mołdoch, Monika; Budzyńska, Barbara; Oniszczuk, Anna
    Carvone, a natural monoterpene, has been identified in various plants, giving them a characteristic scent. Enantiomers (R-(–) and S-(+)) reveal specific biological activities that are successfully used in traditional medicine for their antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and anti-influenza properties. The presented paper is based on S-(+)-carvone, characterized by a specific caraway scent, which revealed rich biological activities both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the potential anti-neurodegenerative activity of S-(+)-carvone, including in vitro experiments (butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory, neuro- and hepatotoxicity as well as neuro- and hepatoprotective activity), in vivo (memory acquisition, locomotor activity), and ex vivo (determination of S-(+)-carvone’s level in tissues collected from mice). Results revealed the multidirectional character of S-(+)-carvone. It has been shown that S-(+)-carvone is capable of butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (40% for 0.025 mg applied onto the plate), and neuroprotection and hepatoprotection at selective concentrations against reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation along with nonhepatotoxicity character. Additionally, multiple-dose administration of the monoterpene at a dose of 100 mg/kg had a positive influence on memory acquisition. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the plasma and the brain showed that S-(+)-carvone can cross the blood–brain barrier and accumulate in the hippocampus (0.217 μg/mg of tissue), a crucial part of the brain associated with cognition and mental functions.
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    The Impact of Fresh Blueberry Addition on the Extrusion-Cooking Process, Physical Properties and Antioxidant Potential of Potato-Based Snack Pellets
    (MDPI, 2025-05) Combrzyński, Maciej; Soja, Jakub; Oniszczuk, Tomasz; Wojtunik-Kulesza, Karolina; Kręcisz, Magdalena; Mołdoch, Jarosław; Biernacka, Beata
    The aim of the study was to develop a new generation of potato-based snack granules enriched with fresh blueberries and evaluate the extrusion-cooking process along with selected physical properties. Blueberries were added in varying amounts (10%, 20%, and 30%) as an ingredient for the semi-finished product. The analysis focused on the impact of moisture content, screw speed, and blueberry concentration on extrusion efficiency and product properties. The results showed significant effects of blueberry addition on extrusion-cooking efficiency (14.40 to 37.12 kg/h) and energy consumption (0.003 to 0.021 kWh/kg). Durability, bulk density, water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI) were evaluated with values ranging from 95.46 to 97.61%, 345.07 to 547.37 kg/m3, 2.90 to 3.88 g/g and 8.23 to 18.52%. The incorporation of blueberries also eliminated the need for drying, reducing water consumption and energy demand. Additionally, the antioxidant potential of the blueberry-enriched samples was assessed, indicating improved health benefits (DPPH from 22.71 to 94.22%). Based on the results, the incorporation of up to 30% blueberries is recommended for optimal physical properties and enhanced antioxidant activity.