A near-infrared fluorescent probe based on methylene blue (p-NBMB) was developed for the detection of nitroreductase. Conjugating methylene blue with a p-nitrobenzyl moiety enables it to be activated by nitroreductase-catalyzed 1,6-elimination, resulting in the release of an active methylene blue fluorophore.

Quercetin and myricetin isolated from H. afrum together with genistein and chrysin isolated from C. villosus have been identified as potent MAO-A and -B inhibitors. H. afrum and C. villosus have properties indicative of potential neuroprotective ability and may be new candidates for selective MAO-A and B inhibitors.

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