Antiulcer activity of methanol fraction of Barleria lupulina Lindl. in animal models

Genus Barleria L. (Acanthaceae): a review of its taxonomy, cytogenetics, phytochemistry and pharmacological potential

OBJECTIVES

Barleria, a large genus of the Acanthaceae family, comprises more than 300 species with diverse taxonomy, cytogenetics, phytochemistry and pharmacological potential. Therefore, the aim of this review is to critically assess the research on Barleria and provide guidance for future investigations.

METHODS

The data were obtained from different sources, such as books, theses, journals and some of the websites and internet-based searches, published from 1901 to 2020. Data obtained from PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, online electronic journals, SpringerLink, Wiley, etc. have also been used.

KEY FINDINGS

The species of this genus exhibit considerable medicinal properties. Cytogenetical data are scantily available with chromosome counts available for only 24 species. The most common chromosome number is 2n = 2x = 40. So far, 187 compounds are reported from Barleria species. The active principles, their uses, toxicity and pharmacological effects are discussed. Essential oils, flavones, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenes and terpenoids form the major compounds.

SUMMARY

It is highly recommended that the pharmacological and economic potential of Barleria species should be exploited and more detailed studies and attention be geared towards its utilization and conservation. In addition, to ensure maximum pharmacological benefits and sustainable use, it is necessary to have empirical information explaining its ethnobotanical values as well as commercial potential.

Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Barleria (Acanthaceae)

Plant species belonging to the family Acanthaceae are globally known to possess various medicinal properties and have cultural and economic importance in both traditional medicine and horticulture. They are important to both animals and humans and are used as food or for ornamental purposes worldwide. Barleria is the third largest genus in the family Acanthaceae. A few of the highly important and reported species of Barleria include B. prionitis, B. cristata, B. grandiflora, and B. lupulina. The flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and seed extracts of plants belonging to this genus are rich in bioactive compounds and have exhibited significant medicinal potential for the treatment of various ailments and infections. Evidence derived from several studies has demonstrated the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antiamoebic, antihelminthic, antiarthritic, antihypertensive, antiviral properties and toxicity of extracts, in addition inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and biosynthesis of nanoparticles, of the plant and seed extracts of species belonging to Barleria. Studies have reported that bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, quinones, iridoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, the immunostimulant protein “Sankaranin”, and antibiotics isolated from Barleria species are resposnsible for the above biological activities. Traditionally, the genus Barleria has significant medicinal potential; however, there is a scarcity of information on various species that are yet to be evaluated. This review provides a comprehensive report on existing literature, concerning the phytochemistry and biological activities of the genus Barleria.

Antiulcer Agents: From Plant Extracts to Phytochemicals in Healing Promotion

In this narrative review, we have comprehensively reviewed the plant sources used as antiulcer agents. From traditional uses as herbal remedies, we have moved on to preclinical evidence, critically discussing the in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on plant extracts and even isolated phytochemicals with antiulcerogenic potential. A particular emphasis was also paid to Helicobacter pylori activity, with emphasis on involved mechanisms of action. Lastly, the issue of safety profile of these plant products has also been addressed.

Chakyunglupulins A and B, two novel 4,8,8-trimethylcyclooct-2-enone derivatives from Barleria lupulina

Two novel 4,8,8-trimethylcyclooct-2-enone derivatives, chakyunglupulins A and B, together with six known lignans were isolated from the aerial part of Barleria lupulina. The structures of new compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic data and HR-MS, and their absolute configurations were determined by a combination of NOE experiment and application of the modified Mosher's method.

Iridoid glycosides from Barleria lupulina

Phytochemical investigation of an extract of the aerial part of Barleria lupulina resulted in the identification of four new iridoid glycosides (1-4), together with 14 known analogues (5-18). The structures of 1-4 were determined through 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data analysis, HRMS, and acid hydrolysis. This is the first report of iridoid glycosides with a formate group. The free-radical scavenging activity of compounds 9, 12, and 15-17 was assessed using the DPPH assay. Compounds 16 and 17 scavenged DPPH radicals weakly with IC50 values of 97.5 and 78.6 μg/mL, respectively.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Enhancing Iridoid Glucosides from the Indonesian Medicinal Plant Barleria Lupulina

In order to find antiosteoporotic agents from natural resources, 32 Indonesian medicinal plants were screened for their effects on osteoblast differentiation by using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells as a marker. From the extract of Barleria lupulina, which showed the most potent activity, 13 iridoid glucosides, including three new ones [8- O-acetylipolamiidic acid (1), 8- O-acetyl-6- O-( p-methoxy- cis-cinnamoyl)shanzhiside (2), and 8- O-acetyl-6- O-( p-methoxy- trans-cinnamoyl)shanzhiside (3)] were identified. Among the 13 iridoid glucosides, ipolamiide (4) showed the most potent activity in a dose-dependent manner.

The anti-inflammatory effects and the inhibition of neutrophil responsiveness by Barleria lupulina and Clinacanthus nutans extracts

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of Barleria lupulina Lindl and Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau extracts using two neutrophil-dependent acute inflammatory models and, in order to elucidate underlying cellular mechanisms, the effects of the extracts on human neutrophil responsiveness was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo inflammatory models examined were carrageenan-induced paw oedema and ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced ear oedema in rats. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was assayed as an indicator of neutrophil migration. Human neutrophil functional responsiveness was determined by measuring fMLP-induced chemotaxis, superoxide anion generation (SAG), and release of MPO and elastase. Apoptosis was assessed morphologically and flow-cytometrically. Neutrophil viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion and MTT cytotoxicity assays.

RESULTS

Both extracts induced powerful dose-dependent inhibitory effects in both edema models in rats. Importantly, there was a significant inhibition of MPO activity in the inflamed tissue indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts is associated with reduced neutrophil migration. Although both extracts did not affect neutrophil viability or apoptosis, treatment of neutrophils with the extracts concentration-dependently inhibited fMLP-induced chemotaxis, SAG, and MPO and elastase release.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of Barleria lupulina Lindl and Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau extracts are mediated, in part, by inhibition of neutrophil responsiveness.Barleria lupulina Lindl, Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.)Lindau; Oedema formation; Neutrophil responsiveness.