Comprehensive characterization of naturally occurring antioxidants from the twigs of mulberry (Morus alba) using on-line high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with chemical detection and high-resolution mass spectrometry

Moracin D suppresses cell growth and induces apoptosis via targeting the XIAP/PARP1 axis in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer, a tumor with a high metastasis rate and poor prognosis, is among the deadliest human malignancies. Investigating effective drugs for their treatment is imperative. Moracin D, a natural benzofuran compound isolated from Morus alba L., shows anti-inflammation and anti-breast cancer properties and is effective against Alzheimer's disease. However, the effect and mechanism of Moracin D action in pancreatic cancer remain obscure.

PURPOSE

To investigate the function and molecular mechanism of Moracin D action in repressing the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Pancreatic cancer cells were treated with Moracin D, and cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and immunofluorescence assays. The clonogenicity of pancreatic cancer cells was assessed based on plate colony formation and soft agar assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis. The expression of proteins related to the apoptosis pathway was determined by Western blot analysis. Moracin D and XIAP were subjected to docking by auto-dock molecular docking analysis. Ubiquitination levels of XIAP and the interaction of XIAP and PARP1 were assessed by co-immunoprecipitation analysis. Moracin D's effects on tumorigenicity were assessed by a tumor xenograft assay.

RESULTS

Moracin D inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and regulated the protein expression of molecules involved in caspase-dependent apoptosis pathways. Moracin D suppressed clonogenicity and tumorigenesis of pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, XIAP could interact with PARP1 and stabilize PARP1 by controlling its ubiquitination levels. Moracin D diminished the stability of XIAP and decreased the expression of XIAP by promoting proteasome-dependent XIAP degradation, further blocking the XIAP/PARP1 axis and repressing the progression of pancreatic cancer. Moracin D could dramatically improve the chemosensitivity of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Moracin D repressed cell growth and tumorigenesis, induced cell apoptosis, and enhanced the chemosensitivity of gemcitabine through the XIAP/PARP1 axis in pancreatic cancer. Moracin D is a potential therapeutic agent or adjuvant for pancreatic cancer.

Comprehensive overview of different medicinal parts from Morus alba L.: chemical compositions and pharmacological activities

Morus alba L., a common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a centuries-old medicinal history, owned various medicinal parts like Mori folium, Mori ramulus, Mori cortex and Mori fructus. Different medical parts exhibit distinct modern pharmacological effects. Mori folium exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic action and lipid-regulation effects. Mori ramulus owned anti-bacterial, anti-asthmatic and diuretic activities. Mori cortex showed counteraction action of pain, inflammatory, bacterial, and platelet aggregation. Mori fructus could decompose fat, lower blood lipids and prevent vascular sclerosis. The main chemical components in Morus alba L. covered flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and amino acids. This article comprehensively analyzed the recent literature related to chemical components and pharmacological actions of M. alba L., summarizing 198 of ingredients and described the modern activities of different extracts and the bioactive constituents in the four parts from M. alba L. These results fully demonstrated the medicinal value of M. alba L., provided valuable references for further comprehensive development, and layed the foundation for the utilization of M. alba L.

Rapid Chemical Profiling of Filipendula ulmaria Using CPC Fractionation, 2-D Mapping of 13C NMR Data, and High-Resolution LC-MS

Filipendula ulmaria, commonly known as meadowsweet, is a wild herbaceous flowering plant that is widely distributed in Europe. A range of salicylic acid derivatives and flavonol glycosides have been previously associated with the antirheumatic and diuretic properties of F. ulmaria. In the present work, a hydroalcoholic extract from F. ulmaria aerial parts was extensively profiled using an efficient NMR-based dereplication strategy. The approach involves the fractionation of the crude extract by centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), 13C NMR analysis of the fractions, 2D-cluster mapping of the entire NMR dataset, and, finally, structure elucidation using a natural metabolite database, validated by 2D NMR data interpretation and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The chemodiversity of the aerial parts was extensive, with 28 compounds unambiguously identified, spanning various biosynthetic classes. The F. ulmaria extract and CPC fractions were screened for their potential to enhance skin epidermal barrier function and skin renewal properties using in vitro assays performed on Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes. Fractions containing quercetin, kaempferol glycosides, ursolic acid, pomolic acid, naringenin, β-sitosterol, and Tellimagrandins I and II were found to upregulate genes related to skin barrier function, epidermal renewal, and stress responses. This research is significant as it could provide a natural solution for improving hydration and skin renewal properties.

Non-destructive, reverse iontophoretic extraction of phytochemicals from Mangifera indica, Centella asiatica, Punica granatum, and Citrus sinensis

For the commercial-scale isolation of phytochemicals, a suitable plant biomass source (including species, origin, growing season, etc.) must be identified, and frequent analytical verification is required to ensure that the phytochemicals are present at predefined minimum threshold concentrations. While the latter are typically assessed in the laboratory, a more efficient and less resource-intensive approach would involve non-destructive and environmentally friendly measurements in situ. Reverse iontophoretic (RI) sampling offers a potential solution to this challenge.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to demonstrate the non-destructive, RI sampling of phytochemicals of interest from biomass from four different sources.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RI experiments were performed in side-by-side diffusion cells using a current density of 0.5 mA/cm² , for a predetermined time in a defined pH environment, using (1) fresh leaves from Mangifera indica and Centella asiatica and (2) isolated peel from Punica granatum and Citrus sinensis.

RESULTS

Mangiferin, madecassoside, punicalagin, ellagic acid, and hesperidin were extracted from the different biomasses by RI. The amounts extracted ranged from 0.03 mg/100 mg of biomass for the cathodal extraction of madecassoside to 0.63 mg/100 mg of biomass for the anodal extraction of punicalagin. A linear relationship (r²  = 0.73) between the RI-extracted quantities of punicalagin and those determined using conventional methods was demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

The non-destructive, in situ measurement of phytochemical levels by RI represents a feasible approach for timing the harvesting process.

Extraction of phytochemicals from the pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae) by reverse iontophoresis

Plant metabolic profiling can provide a wealth of information regarding the biochemical status of the organism, but sample acquisition typically requires an invasive and/or destructive extraction process. Reverse iontophoresis (RI) imposes a small electric field across a biological membrane to substantially enhance the transport of charged and polar compounds and has been employed, in particular, to extract biomarkers of interest across human skin. The objective of this work was to examine the capability of RI to sample phytochemicals in a minimally invasive fashion in fructo (i.e., from the intact fruit). RI was principally used to extract a model, bioactive compound - specifically, ellagic acid - from the fruit peel of Punica granatum L. The RI sampling protocol was refined using isolated peel, and a number of experimental factors were examined and optimised, including preparation of the peel samples, the current intensity applied and the pH of the medium into which samples were collected. The most favourable conditions (3 mA current for a period of 1 hour, into a buffer at pH 7.4) were then applied to the successful RI extraction of ellagic acid from intact pomegranates. Multiple additional phytochemicals were also extracted and identified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A successful proof-of-concept has been achieved, demonstrating the capability to non-destructively extract phytochemicals of interest from intact fruit.

Morus alba L. root decreases melanin synthesis via sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling in B16F10 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Morus alba L. has long been used for beauty in many Asian countries and regions, including anti-aging and hyperpigmentation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed at the inhibitory effect of Morus alba L. root on melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells and the mechanism involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study evaluated the anti-melanogenic effect of Morus alba L. root extract (MAR) on B16F10 melanoma cells by assessing cell viability, melanin accumulation, cellular tyrosinase activity, intra/inter-cellular S1P levels, cellular S1P-related metabolic enzyme activity, and western blot analysis. In addition, the potential S1P lyase (S1PL) inhibitory constituents in MAR were identified by LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

Without affecting the viability of B16F10 melanoma cells, MAR inhibited intracellular tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner, thereby reducing the accumulation of melanin. MAR also downregulated the expression level of MITF via activating the ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, MAR increased the intra/inter-cellular S1P by inhibiting S1PL. Several compounds with inhibitory S1PL activity have been identified in MAR, such as mulberroside A and oxyresveratrol.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-melanogenic effects of MAR mainly involve promoting MITF degradation mediated via S1P-S1PR3-ERK signaling through increasing cellular S1P levels by inhibiting S1PL activity.

Distribution profile of iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds in two Barleria species and their correlation with antioxidant and antibacterial activity

INTRODUCTION

Barleria prionitis is known for its medicinal properties from ancient times. Bioactive iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds have been isolated from leaves of this plant. However, other parts of a medicinal plants are also important, especially roots. Therefore, it is important to screen all organs for complete chemical characterization.

METHOD

All parts of B. prionitis, including leaf, root, stem and inflorescence in search of bioactive compounds, with a rapid and effective metabolomic method. X500R QTOF system with information dependent acquisition (IDA) method was used to collect high resolution accurate mass data (HRMS) on both the parent (MS signal) and their fragment ions (MS/MS signal). ESI spectra was obtained in positive ion mode from all parts of the plant. A comparative analysis of antioxidant and antibacterial activity was done and their correlation study with the identified compounds was demonstrated. Principal component analysis was performed.

RESULT

Iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds were identified from all parts of the showing variability in presence and abundance. Many of the compounds are reported first time in B. prionitis. Antioxidant and antibacterial activity was revealed in all organs, root being the most effective one. Some of the iridoid glycoside and phenolic compounds found to be positively correlated with the tested biological activity. Principal component analysis of the chemical profiles showed variability in distribution of the compounds.

CONCLUSION

All parts of B. prionitis are rich source of bioactive iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds.

Rapid profiling of potential antitumor polymethoxylated flavonoids in natural products by integrating cell biospecific extraction with neutral loss/diagnostic ion filtering-based high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

INTRODUCTION

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride (CRPV, Qing Pi in Chinese) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs), which are a special group of flavonoids with strong antitumor activity, are broadly distributed in citrus peels. However, systematic investigation of antitumor PMFs in CRPV has received little attention to date.

OBJECTIVES

An MCF-7 cell biospecific extraction method integrated with neutral loss/diagnostic ion filtering-based HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS strategy was developed for rapid and specific profiling of antitumor PMFs and systematic identification of PMFs in CRPV.

METHODOLOGY

By incubating MCF-7 cells with CRPV extract, potential antitumor PMFs specifically bound to cells and were isolated. Then, by systematic investigation of fragmentation pathways, neutral loss and diagnostic ion filtering strategies were proposed to comprehensively and accurately identify PMFs.

RESULTS

Sixteen antitumor PMFs were unambiguously or tentatively identified. Among them, minor compound 15 (5-hydroxy-6,7,8,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone with a free hydroxyl group at C-5) exhibited excellent antitumor activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.81 ± 0.76 μg/mL, which is lower than that of 5-fluorouracil (IC₅₀ , 4.92 ± 0.83 μg/mL). Nobiletin (12) and tangeretin (16), two major PMFs, presented moderate antitumor activities with IC₅₀ values of 13.06 ± 1.85 and 17.07 ± 1.18 μg/mL, respectively, and their contents were sensitively and precisely determined.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the systematic investigation of antitumor PMFs in CRPV. The study will lay a foundation for the quality control and clinical application of CRPV.

From metabolomic analysis to quality assessment and biosynthetic insight in traditional Chinese medicine: Mulberry tree as a case study

INTRODUCTION

Ramulus Mori (RM, Sangzhi) and Cortex Mori (CM, Sangbaipi) both come from the Chinese medicinal plant mulberry tree. CM is usually used to relieve cough, while RM is usually used to treat pain. There are no studies on the quality control of RM and CM based on their analgesic and anti-inflammatory constituents associated with their traditional use. The chemical profiles of CM and RM were confusing. Some CM had similar profiles to RM, but some did not.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to reveal the chemical differences between RM and CM and to evaluate their quality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Their chemical differences were studied using metabolomic analysis based on UHPLC-ESI-MS data. The contents of five quality marker candidates were determined by UHPLC-PDA. The analgesic activities of morusin and kuwanon C were assessed by an acetic acid-induced writhing test.

RESULTS

CM was characterized by chemical diversity, whereas RM had good homogeneity. Four groups of CM were classified based on their chemicals. The chemical profiles of CM group 4 were more similar to that of RM. Eighteen putative features were identified based on an MS-Finder search and fragmentation rules. Content limits for four quality markers with anti-inflammatory or analgesic activities were proposed for RM. Furthermore, a possible biosynthetic relationship between kuwanon C, kuwanon G, and morusin was hypothesized based on the high Pearson coefficient between kuwanon G and morusin.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results may be useful in the evaluation of RM and CM and afford insight into the biosynthetic pathway of Diels-Alder adducts in Morus.

Phytochemical Composition of Different Botanical Parts of Morus Species, Health Benefits and Application in Food Industry

In recent years, mulberry has acquired a special importance due to its phytochemical composition and its beneficial effects on human health, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory effects. Botanical parts of Morus sp. (fruits, leaves, twigs, roots) are considered a rich source of secondary metabolites. The aim of our study was to highlight the phytochemical profile of each of the botanical parts of Morus tree, their health benefits and applications in food industry with an updated review of literature. Black and white mulberries are characterized in terms of predominant phenolic compounds in correlation with their medical applications. In addition to anthocyanins (mainly cyanidin-3-O-glucoside), black mulberry fruits also contain flavonols and phenolic acids. The leaves are a rich source of flavonols, including quercetin and kaempferol in the glycosylated forms and chlorogenic acid as predominant phenolic acids. Mulberry bark roots and twigs are a source of prenylated flavonoids, predominantly morusin. In this context, the exploitation of mulberry in food industry is reviewed in this paper, in terms of developing novel, functional food with multiple health-promoting effects.