Total polyphenolic content, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic activities, and polyphenolic compounds of Sophora japonica grown in Egypt

Potential antioxidant and cytotoxic impacts of defatted extract rich in flavonoids from Styphnolobium japonicum leaves growing in Egypt

Styphnolobium japonicum leaves are considered a rich source of flavonoids, which are the prospective basis for various therapeutic effects. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive cytotoxic studies conducted on these leaves. Therefore, this ongoing investigation aimed to detect and isolate the flavonoids present in S. japonicum leaves, and assess their antioxidant and anticancer properties. The defatted extract from S. japonicum leaves was analyzed using HPLC, which resulted in the identification of seven phenolics and six flavonoids. Rutin and quercetin were found to be the most abundant. Furthermore, a comprehensive profile of flavonoids was obtained through UPLC/ESI-MS analysis in negative acquisition mode. Fragmentation pathways of the identified flavonoids were elucidated to gain relevant insights into their structural characteristics. Furthermore, genistein 7-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside were isolated and characterized. The defatted extract rich in flavonoids exhibited significant antioxidant, iron-reducing, free radicals scavenging impacts, and remarkable cytotoxicity against the liver cell line (IC50 337.9μg/ mL) and lung cell line (IC50 55.0 μg/mL). Furthermore, the antioxidant and anticancer capacities of the three isolated flavonoids have been evaluated, and it has been observed that their effects are concentration-dependent. The findings of this research highlight the promising impact of flavonoids in cancer therapy. It is recommended that future scientific investigations prioritize the exploration of the distinct protective and therapeutic characteristics of S. japonicum leaves, which hold significant potential as a valuable natural resource.

Intraspecific Chloroplast Genome Variation and Domestication Origins of Major Cultivars of Styphnolobium japonicum

Styphnolobium japonicum is a significant resource of ornamental and medicinal plants. In this study, we employed high-throughput sequencing to assemble nine chloroplast genomes of S. japonicum. We compared and reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of these genomes, along with three publicly available chloroplast genomes. Our results showed that the length of the 12 S. japonicum chloroplast genomes ranged from 158,613 bp to 158,837 bp, all containing 129 unique functional genes. The genetic diversity within S. japonicum chloroplast genomes was relatively low, with π = 0.00029, Theta-W = 0.00028, and an indel frequency of 0.62 indels/1 kb. Among the four regions, the SSC region exhibited the highest genetic diversity and indel frequency, while the IR region had the lowest. Non-coding regions displayed greater genetic variation compared to coding regions, with a few highly variable regions identified. The phylogenetic tree constructed revealed that the major cultivars of S. japonicum originated from two genetic 'sources. S. japonicum 'JinhuaiJ2' had an independent origin and showed close relatedness to S. japonicum var. violacea, S. japonicum var. japonicum, and S. japonicum f. oligophylla. On the other hand, other major cultivars shared a common genetic origin and were closely related to S. japonicum f. pendula. This study highlights the variability of chloroplast genomes within S. japonicum and provides insights into the genetic origins of major cultivars and their relationships with different varieties and forma.

Synergistic Effect of Sophora japonica and Glycyrrhiza glabra Flavonoid-Rich Fractions on Wound Healing: In Vivo and Molecular Docking Studies

Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sophora japonica (Fabaceae) are well-known medicinal plants with valuable secondary metabolites and pharmacological properties. The flavonoid-rich fractions of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves were prepared using Diaion column chromatography, and the confirmation of flavonoid richness was confirmed using UPLC-ESI-MS profiling and total phenolics and flavonoids assays. UPLC-ESI-MS profiling of the flavonoid-rich fraction of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves resulted in the tentative identification of 32 and 23 compounds, respectively. Additionally, the wound healing potential of topical preparations of each fraction, individually and in combination (1:1) ointment and gel preparations, were investigated in vivo, supported by histopathological examinations and biomarker evaluations, as well as molecular docking studies for the major constituents. The topical application of G. glabra ointment and gel, S. japonica ointment and gel and combination preparations significantly increase the wound healing rate and the reduction of oxidative stress in the wound area via MDA reduction and the elevation of reduced GSH and SOD levels as compared to the wound and Nolaver®-treated groups. The molecular docking study revealed that that major compounds in G. glabra and S. japonica can efficiently bind to the active sites of three proteins related to wound healing: glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-β), matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Consequently, G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves may be a rich source of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.

The Potential of Flos sophorae immaturus as a Pigment-Stabilizer to Improve the Monascus Pigments Preservation, Flavor Profiles, and Sensory Characteristic of Hong Qu Huangjiu

Hong Qu Huangjiu (HQW) is distinguished by its inclusion of Monascus pigments, meaning that photosensitivity strongly affects the sensory quality of the wine. In this study, the effects of Flos sophorae immaturus (FSI) on the stability of Monascus pigments, the flavor profiles, and the sensory characteristics of HQW were investigated. After sterilization, the addition of FSI increased the preservation rate of Monascus pigments in HQW by up to 93.20%, which could be accounted for by the synergy of rutin and quercetin in FSI. The total content of the volatile flavor compounds in HQW increased significantly as the added amounts of FSI were increased, especially 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, and short-chain fatty acid ethyl esters (SCFAEE). Sensory evaluation and partial least-squares regression revealed that the concentration of FSI significantly affected the aroma characteristics of HQW but had little effect on the mouthfeel. The addition of 0.9 mg/mL FSI yielded a satisfactory HQW with high scores in terms of mouthfeel and aroma. The strong correlation between fruit-aroma, full-body, and SCFAEE suggests that FSI might alter the aroma of HQW by enhancing the synthesis of SCFAEE. Summarily, treatment with FSI represents a new strategy for improving the stability of photosensitive pigments and thus adjusting the aroma of HQW or similar beverages.

Chemical Constituent Profiling of Phyllostachys heterocycla var. Pubescens with Selective Cytotoxic Polar Fraction through EGFR Inhibition in HepG2 Cells

Different extracts of the Bamboo shoot skin Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens were screened against panel of cancer cell lines and normal one. The cell viability results exhibited that the ethyl acetate extract showed the least vitality percentage of 2.14% of HepG2 cells. Accordingly, it was subjected to chromatographic separation, which resulted in the isolation of a new natural product; 7-hydroxy, 5-methoxy, methyl cinnamate (1), together with four known compounds. The structures of the pure isolated compounds were deduced based on different spectroscopic data. The new compound (1) was screened against the HepG2 and MCF-7 cells and showed IC50 values of 7.43 and 10.65 µM, respectively. It induced apoptotic cell death in HepG2 with total apoptotic cell death of 58.6% (12.44-fold) compared to 4.71% in control by arresting cell cycle progression at the G1 phase. Finally, compound 1 was validated as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor in both enzymatic levels (IC50 = 98.65 nM compared to Erlotinib (IC50 = 78.65 nM). Finally, in silico studies of compound 1 through the molecular docking indicated its high binding affinity towards EGFR protein and the ADME pharmacokinetics indicated it as a drug-like.

Physico-Chemical and Pharmaco-Technical Characterization of Inclusion Complexes Formed by Rutoside with β-Cyclodextrin and Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Used to Develop Solid Dosage Forms

The aim of our study was to obtain rutoside (RUT) inclusion complexes in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and in hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), in a 1:1 molar ratio, using the lyophilization method of complexation in solution. The complexes were confirmed and characterized, in comparison with the raw materials and their simple physical mixtures, by SEM, DSC, and FT-IR analyses. The antioxidant activity of the compounds was assessed by using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS) radicals, determining the radical scavenging activity, and by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The results revealed superior antioxidant ability for the inclusion complexes towards rutoside alone. The inclusion complexes were used as active ingredients in formulations of immediate-release tablets. The preformulation studies were performed on the powders for direct compression obtained after mixing the active ingredients with the excipients (Avicel PH 102, Polyplasdone XL-10, magnesium stearate, and talc). The materials were assessed for particle size, flowability, compressibility, and moisture content, establishing they are suitable for a direct compression process. The tablets were characterized regarding their pharmaco-technical properties and the results proved that the formulations lead to high-quality delivery systems, showing a good mechanical resistance with a low friability, excellent disintegration times, and satisfying dissolution rate. The performances were very similar for both formulations and the physico-mechanical properties of the tablets are not influenced by type of the used cyclodextrin, but the RUT- HP-β-CD tablets presented a higher dissolution rate.

The pharmacology of the genus Sophora (Fabaceae): An updated review

BACKGROUND

The genus Sophora (Fabaceae) represents one of the important medicinal plant genera regarding its chemical constituents and outstanding pharmacological activities.

PURPOSE

In this review, we surveyed the latest findings on the bioactivities of different Sophora extracts and isolated phytochemicals during the past 8 years (2011-2019) updating the latest review article in 2011. The aim of this review is to focus on the molecular pharmacology of Sophora species to provide the rationale basis for the development of novel drugs.

RESULTS

Sophora and its bioactive compounds possess outstanding pharmacological properties, especially as anticancer and anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition to its antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

CONCLUSION

Based on their use in traditional medicine, Sophora species exert a plethora of cellular and molecular activities, which render them as attractive candidates for rationale drug development. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are required for further integration of Sophora-based phototherapies into conventional medicine.

Response Surface Optimized Infrared-Assisted Extraction and UHPLC Determination of Flavonoid Types from Flos Sophorae

Single-factor experiment and Box-Behnken design were applied to optimize the infrared-assisted extraction (IRAE) of rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin from Flos sophorae. Four factors (extract solvent, solid-liquid ration, extraction time, infrared power) affecting the extraction yield of flavonoids were studied. Under optimized conditions the extraction yield was 33.199 ± 0.24 mg/g, which substantially improved, compared with heating reflux extraction (HRE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), while extraction time was only 9 min. The eluents were rich in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azobis (2-methyl-propionamidine) dihydrochloride radical scavenging potential (IC₅₀ of DPPH: 53.44 ± 0.01 μg/mL, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC): 3785.83 ± 52 μmol/g) than the extracts obtained by HRE and UAE. In addition, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method was optimized for the identification and quantification of the tested flavonoids, and the method was validated based on its correlation coefficient (r), reproducibility (RSD, n = 5), and recovery values, which were 0.9994–0.9998, 0.74–1.83%, and 97.78–102.94%, respectively. These results confirmed that high extraction yield of flavonoids results in stronger antioxidant values and response surface methodology optimization of IRAE is a promising alternative to traditional extraction techniques for flavonoids from medicinal plants.

Antitumor, Antioxidant, and Nitrite Scavenging Effects of Chinese Water Chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) Peel Flavonoids

The preparation, quantification, and characterization of flavonoid compounds from Chinese water chestnut peel (CWCP) flavonoid extract and ethyl acetate fraction (EF), n-butanol fraction, and water fraction were studied. Among these, EF showed the maximum free radical levels (IC₅₀ values of 0.36, 0.40, and 0.37 mg/mL for DPPH•, ABTS•⁺ , and •OH, respectively), nitrite scavenging effects (IC₅₀ = 1.89 mg/mL), and A549 cell inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ = 776.12 μg/mL) with the highest value of total flavonoid content (TFC, 421.32 mg/g). Moreover, the contents of 8 flavonoids in this fraction were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography, and fisetin, diosmetin, luteolin, and tectorigenin were the 4 major flavonoids with levels of 31.66, 29.91, 13.69, and 12.41 mg/g, respectively. Luteolin produced a greater inhibition of human lung cancer A549 cells (IC₅₀ = 59.60 μg/mL) than did fisetin, diosmetin, and tectorigenin. Flow cytometry revealed that the cellular mechanisms of luteolin inhibition of A549 cells were achieved via the induction of cell proliferation arrest at G₁ phase and apoptosis/necrosis. Our findings suggest that flavonoids are closely associated with antitumor, antioxidant, and nitrite scavenging effects of CWCP.

Local and traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Sophora japonica L.: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sophora japonica (Fabaceae), also known as Huai (Chinese: ), is a medium-sized deciduous tree commonly found in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and other countries. The use of this plant has been recorded in classical medicinal treatises of ancient China, and it is currently recorded in both the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and European Pharmacopoeia. The flower buds and fruits of S. japonica, also known as Flos Sophorae Immaturus and Fructus Sophorae in China, are most commonly used in Asia (especially in China) to treat hemorrhoids, hematochezia, hematuria, hematemesis, hemorrhinia, uterine or intestinal hemorrhage, arteriosclerosis, headache, hypertension, dysentery, dizziness, and pyoderma. To discuss feasible trends for further research on S. japonica, this review highlights the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicology of S. japonica based on studies published in the last six decades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on the S. japonica was collected from major scientific databases (SciFinder, PubMed, Elsevier, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline Plus, China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI), and "Da Yi Yi Xue Sou Suo (http://www.dayi100.com/login.jsp)" for publications between 1957 and 2015 on S. japonica. Information was also obtained from local classic herbal literature, government reports, conference papers, as well as PhD and MSc dissertations.

RESULTS

Approximately 153 chemical compounds, including flavonoids, isoflavonoids, triterpenes, alkaloids, polysaccharides, amino acids, and other compounds, have been isolated from the leaves, branches, flowers, buds, pericarps, and/or fruits of S. japonica. Among these compounds, several flavonoids and isoflavonoids comprise the active constituents of S. japonica, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities in vitro and in vivo such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-osteoporotic, antioxidant, radical scavenging, antihyperglycemic, antiobesity, antitumor, and hemostatic effects. Furthermore, flavonoids and isoflavonoids can be used as quality control markers for quality identification and evaluation of medicinal materials and their preparations. Information on evaluating the safety of S. japonica is very limited, so further study is required. To enable safer, more effective, and controllable therapeutic preparations, more in-depth information is urgently needed on the quality control, toxicology data, and clinical value of crude extract and active compounds of S. japonica.

CONCLUSIONS

S. japonica has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its wide range of biological activities, and is administered orally. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies of S. japonica have increased in the past few years, and the extract and active components of this plant can be used to develop new drugs based on their traditional application as well as their biological activities. Therefore, this review on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicity of S. japonica offers promising data for further studies as well as the commercial exploitation of this traditional medicine.

Advanced development in phytochemicals analysis of medicine and food dual purposes plants used in China (2011-2014)

In 2011, we wrote a review for summarizing the phytochemical analysis (2006-2010) of medicine and food dual purposes plants used in China (Zhao et al., J. Chromatogr. A 1218 (2011) 7453-7475). Since then, more than 750 articles related to their phytochemical analysis have been published. Therefore, an updated review for the advanced development (2011-2014) in this topic is necessary for well understanding the quality control and health beneficial phytochemicals in these materials, as well as their research trends.