Biochemical constituent, enzyme inhibitory activity, and molecular docking analysis of an endemic plant species, Thymus migricus

Bioactivity and molecular docking studies of selected plant compounds

BACKGROUND

The shortcomings of synthetic pesticides are becoming increasingly evident. In the pursuit of looking for alternative, environmentally friendly pesticides, the potential use of two naturally occurring sesquiterpenes, α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxide A, as bactericides or acaricides, was investigated against three gram-positive and three gram-negative bacteria, and the eggs and larvae of the cattle tick Hyalomma scupense, respectively. The primary targeted site of synthetic insecticides is acetylcholinesterase (AChE), so the inhibitory activity of both sesquiterpenes was evaluated. Then, molecular docking and molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) studies were performed to gain insight into their binding mode in the AChE active site.

RESULTS

Bisabolol oxide A showed good activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis with inhibition zones ranging from 16 to 34 mm and minimal inhibitory concentration (CIM) of 3.125  mg mL-1. Ovicidal and larvicidal assays revealed promising activity of α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxide A against H. scupense, with bisabolol oxide A being more effective against larval ticks with lethal concentration (LC50) value of 0.78%. Both compounds also displayed potent anti-AChE activity with inhibition concentration (IC50) values of 37.09 and 28.14 μg mL-1, respectively. Furthermore, α-bisabolol and bisabolol oxide A exhibited good and comparable docking scores (-7.289 and -7.139 Kcal mol-1, respectively) and were found to accommodate in the active-site gorge of AChE via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions.

CONCLUSION

Bisabolol oxide A and, to a lesser degree, α-bisabolol are active against bacteria and ectoparasites and may represent an economical and sustainable alternative to toxic synthetic pesticides to control pathogens. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Larvicidal Activity against Spodoptera frugiperda of some Constituents from two Diospyros Species. In silico Pesticide-likeness Properties, Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Molecular Docking

This report informs for the first time the chemical constituents of Diospyros xolocotzii and Diospyros digyna, the pesticidal and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition potential of some compounds calculated by in silico approaches, the larvicidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda of available compounds, the AChE inhibition of selected compounds, and the results of the molecular docking of the most active ones with this receptor. From the aerial parts of D. xolocotzii were isolated pentacyclic triterpenes (1-4, 6, 10, 11-13), phytosterols (15-17), and isodiospyrin (18), whereas the analysis of aerial parts of D. digyna conducted to the isolation of pentacyclic triterpenes (4, 5, 7-9, 11-14), (4S)-shinanolone (19), and scopoletin (20). For comparison purposes, origanal (21) was chemically prepared from 11. The in silico analysis showed that the tested compounds have pesticide potential. The larvicidal activities of 11>13>12 indicated that the increase of the oxidation degree at C-28 increases their bioactivity. Compounds 11 and 21 presented the higher inhibition in the acetylcholinesterase assay, and the higher binding energies, and for the interactionswith AChE by molecular docking. Both Diospyros species are sources of triterpenes with pesticidal potential and the molecular changes in lupane triterpenes correlate with the observed bioactivity and molecular docking.

Assessment of Anticholinergic and Antidiabetic Properties of Some Natural and Synthetic Molecules: An In vitro and In silico Approach

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine the in vitro and in silico effects of some natural and synthetic molecules on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and α-glucosidase enzymes.

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are considered the most important diseases of today's world. However, the side effects of therapeutic agents used in both diseases limit their use. Therefore, developing drugs with high therapeutic efficacy and better pharmacological profile is important.

OBJECTIVES

This study sets out to determine the related enzyme inhibitors used in treating AD and T2DM, considered amongst the most important diseases of today's world.

METHODS

In the current study, the in vitro and in silico effects of dienestrol, hesperetin, Lthyroxine, 3,3',5-Triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) and dobutamine molecules on AChE, BChE and α - glycosidase enzyme activities were investigated.

RESULTS

All the molecules showed an inhibitory effect on the enzymes. The IC50 and Ki values of the L-Thyroxine molecule, which showed the strongest inhibition effect for the AChE enzyme, were determined as 1.71 μM and 0.83 ± 0.195 μM, respectively. In addition, dienestrol, T3, and dobutamine molecules showed a more substantial inhibition effect than tacrine. The dobutamine molecule showed the most substantial inhibition effect for the BChE enzyme, and IC50 and Ki values were determined as 1.83 μM and 0.845 ± 0.143 μM, respectively. The IC50 and Ki values for the hesperetin molecule, which showed the strongest inhibition for the α -glycosidase enzyme, were determined as 13.57 μM and 12.33 ± 2.57 μM, respectively.

CONCLUSION

According to the results obtained, the molecules used in the study may be considered potential inhibitor candidates for AChE, BChE and α-glycosidase.

Applications of some advanced sequencing, analytical, and computational approaches in medicinal plant research: a review

The potential active chemicals found in medicinal plants, which have long been employed as natural medicines, are abundant. Exploring the genes responsible for producing these compounds has given new insights into medicinal plant research. Previously, the authentication of medicinal plants was done via DNA marker sequencing. With the advancement of sequencing technology, several new techniques like next-generation sequencing, single molecule sequencing, and fourth-generation sequencing have emerged. These techniques enshrined the role of molecular approaches for medicinal plants because all the genes involved in the biosynthesis of medicinal compound(s) could be identified through RNA-seq analysis. In several research insights, transcriptome data have also been used for the identification of biosynthesis pathways. miRNAs in several medicinal plants and their role in the biosynthesis pathway as well as regulation of the disease-causing genes were also identified. In several research articles, an in silico study was also found to be effective in identifying the inhibitory effect of medicinal plant-based compounds against virus' gene(s). The use of advanced analytical methods like spectroscopy and chromatography in metabolite proofing of secondary metabolites has also been reported in several recent research findings. Furthermore, advancement in molecular and analytic methods will give new insight into studying the traditionally important medicinal plants that are still unexplored.

A Comparative Study on UHPLC-HRMS Profiles and Biological Activities of Inula sarana Different Extracts and Its Beta-Cyclodextrin Complex: Effective Insights for Novel Applications

Within this particular framework, the extracts obtained from Inula sarana using a variety of solvents, included n-hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane (DCM), 70% ethanol, ethanol, and water. The extracts obtained from n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and DCM were then subjected to a specific method for their incorporation into β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The establishment of complex formation was validated through the utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The identification of phytochemical components was executed using UHPLC-HRMS. Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid content was evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the AlCl3 method. Subsequently, the determination of antioxidant capacity was conducted utilizing DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, Frap, PBD, and MCA assays. The enzyme inhibitory activities of the samples (extracts and β-CD complexes) were also examined by AChE, BChE, tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase. The findings indicated that water and 70% ethanol extracts contained the highest phenolic content. One hundred and fourteen bioactive compounds were identified by UHPLC-HRMS analysis. This study unveiled a substantial array of flavonoids, phenolic acid-hexosides and caffeoylhexaric acids within I. sarana, marking their initial identification in this context. Among the various extracts tested, the 70% ethanol extract stood out due to its high flavonoid content (jaceosidin, cirsiliol, and eupatilin) and hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acid hexosides. This extract also displayed notably enhanced antioxidant activity, with ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP test values of 106.50 mg TE/g dry extract, 224.31 mg TE/g dry extract, and 110.40 mg TE/g, respectively. However, the antioxidant values of the complex extracts with β-CD were generally lower than those of the pure extracts, an observation warranting significant consideration. In terms of enzyme inhibition activity, the ethanol and 70% ethanol extracts exhibited higher inhibitory effects on AChE, tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase. Conversely, n-hexane displayed stronger inhibitory activity against BChE. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated elevated amylase inhibitory activity. However, the antioxidant values of the complex extracts with β-CD were generally lower than those of the pure extracts, a noteworthy observation, while water and extracts from the I. sarana complex with β-CD exhibited minimal or negatable inhibitory activity against specific enzymes.

Natural sources, biological effects, and pharmacological properties of cynaroside

Cynaroside is a flavonoid, isolated from several species belonging to the Apiaceae, Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Solanaceae, Zingiberaceae, Compositae and other families and it can be extracted from seeds, roots, stems, leaves, barks, flowers, fruits, aerial parts, and the whole plant of these species. This paper discloses the current state of knowledge on the biological/pharmacological effects and mode of action to better understand the numerous health benefits of cynaroside. Several research works revealed that cynaroside could have beneficial effects on various human pathologies. Indeed, this flavonoid exerts antibacterial, antifungal, antileishmanial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Additionally, cynaroside exhibits its anticancer effects by blocking MET/AKT/mTOR axis by decreasing the phosphorylation level of AKT, mTOR, and P70S6K. For antibacterial activity, cynaroside reduces biofilm development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the incidence of mutations leading to ciprofloxacin resistance in Salmonella typhimurium was reduced after the treatment with cynaroside. In addition, cynaroside inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which reduced the damage to mitochondrial membrane potential caused by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). It also enhanced the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and lowered that of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Cynaroside abrogated the up-regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p53 protein expression triggered by H₂O₂. All these findings suggest that cynaroside could be used to prevent certain human diseases.

Piperazine derivatives with potent drug moiety as efficient acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and glutathione S-transferase inhibitors

Cholinesterases catalyze the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), a naturally occurring neurotransmitter, into choline and acetic acid, allowing the nervous system to function properly. In the human body, cholinesterases come in two types, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE; E.C.3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; E.C.3.1.1.8). Both cholinergic enzyme inhibitors are essential in the biochemical processes of the human body, notably in the brain. On the other hand, GSTs are found all across nature and are the principal Phase II detoxifying enzymes in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Specific isozymes are identified as therapeutic targets because they are overexpressed in various malignancies and may have a role in the genesis of other diseases such as neurological disorders, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and especially cancer cell. Piperazine chemicals have a role in many biological processes and have fascinating pharmacological properties. As a result, therapeutically effective piperazine research is becoming more prominent. Half maximal inhibition concentrations (IC₅₀ ) of piperazine derivatives were found in ranging of 4.59-6.48 µM for AChE, 4.85-8.35 µM for BChE, and 3.94-8.66 µM for GST. Also, piperazine derivatives exhibited Ki values of 8.04 ± 5.73-61.94 ± 54.56, 0.24 ± 0.03-32.14 ± 16.20, and 7.73 ± 1.13-22.97 ± 9.10 µM toward AChE, BChE, and GST, respectively. Consequently, the inhibitory properties of the AChE/BChE and GST enzymes have been compared to Tacrine (for AChE and BChE) and Etacrynic acid (for GST).

Control of eriocitrin release from pH-sensitive gelatin-based microgels to inhibit α-glucosidase: an experimental and computational study

α-Glucosidase is among the intestinal epithelial enzymes that produce absorbable glucose in the final stage of glycan catabolism. It leads to an increase in blood glucose levels as a result of high glucose uptake in diabetic patients. However, inhibition of this essential biochemical process can be a useful therapeutic approach to diabetes mellitus (DM). Eriocitrin (ER) is an abundant "flavanone glycoside" in citrus fruits with rich antioxidant properties whose effects on α-Glu inhibition in the small intestine remain to be determined. Herein, pH-sensitive microgels (MGs) were designed based on cross-linked methacrylate with acrylamide (AM) and acrylic acid (AAc) (molar ratio 70 : 30 of AAc : AM) as a controlled release system for sustained delivery of ER into the small intestine. The presence of amide and acrylate in MGs and the mechanical resistance were determined using FT-IR spectroscopy, rheology, and viscoelastometry. In vitro experiments showed that MGs could protect ER against diffusion in the gastric location and adjust its release in the intestinal milieu. The intestinal α-Glu activity was inhibited by ER (IC₅₀ value of 12.50 ± 0.73 μM) in an uncompetitive dose-dependent manner. The presence of ER altered the structure of α-Glu and reduced the hydrophobic pockets of the enzyme. Molecular docking analysis along with molecular dynamics simulation displayed that ER-α-Glu formation is directed by hydrogen binding with Asp69, Asp215, Glu411, Asp307, and Tyr347 residues. Moreover, in vivo assessment showed that rat blood glucose concentration decreased after ER administration compared with the control group. The results highlight that ER-loaded-MGs can be considered as a useful releasing strategy in treating DM via α-Glu inhibition.

Efficacy of Phytochemicals Derived from Roots of Rondeletia odorata as Antioxidant, Antiulcer, Diuretic, Skin Brightening and Hemolytic Agents—A Comprehensive Biochemical and In Silico Study

Roots of Rondeletia odorata are a rich source of phytochemicals with high antioxidant potential and thus may possess health benefits. This study used the LC-MS technique to identify phytoconstituents in R. odorata roots extract/fractions. Results revealed that n-butanol fraction and ethanolic extract contained total phenolic and flavonoid contents with values of 155.64 ± 0.66 mgGAE/g DE and 194.94 ± 0.98 mgQE/g DE, respectively. Significant potential of antioxidants was observed by DPPH, CUPRAC and FRAP methods while the ABTS method showed moderate antioxidant potential. Maximum % inhibition for urease, tyrosinase and carbonic anhydrase was shown by ethanolic extract (73.39 ± 1.11%), n-butanol soluble fraction (80.26 ± 1.59%) and ethyl acetate soluble fraction (76.50 ± 0.67%) which were comparable with thiourea (standard) (98.07 ± 0.74%), kojic acid (standard) (98.59 ± 0.92%) and acetazolamide (standard) (95.51 ± 1.29%), respectively, while all other extract/fractions showed moderate inhibition activity against these three enzymes. Hemolytic activity was also observed to range from 18.80 ± 0.42 to 3.48 ± 0.69% using the standard (triton X-100) method. In total, 28 and 20 compounds were identified tentatively by LC-MS analysis of ethanolic extract and n-butanol soluble fraction, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking was undertaken for major compounds identified by LC-MS for determining binding affinity between enzymes (urease, tyrosinase and carbonic anhydrase) and ligands. It was concluded that active phytochemicals were present in roots of R. odorata with potential for multiple pharmacological applications and as a latent source of pharmaceutically important compounds. This should be further explored to isolate important constituents that could be used in treating different diseases.

Metabolism and antioxidant activity of SlGSTD1 in Spodoptera litura as a detoxification enzyme to pyrethroids

Glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) are members of multifunction enzymes in organisms and mostly known for their roles in insecticide resistance by conjugation. Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) is a voracious agricultural pest widely distributed in the world with high resistance to various insecticides. The function of GSTs in the delta group of S. litura is still lacking. Significantly up-regulation of SlGSTd1 was reported in four pyrethroids-resistant populations and a chlorpyrifos-selected population. To further explore its role in pyrethroids and organophosphates resistance, the metabolism and peroxidase activity of SlGSTD1 were studied by heterologous expression, RNAi, and disk diffusion assay. The results showed that K_m and V_max for 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) conjugating activity of SlGSTD1were 1.68 ± 0.11 mmol L⁻¹ and 76.0 ± 2.7 nmol mg⁻¹ min⁻¹, respectively. Cyhalothrin, beta-cypermethrin, and chlorpyrifos had an obvious inhibitory effect on SlGSTD1 activity, especially for fenvalerate, when using CDNB as substrate. Fenvalerate and cyhalothrin can be metabolized by SlGSTD1 in E. coli and in vitro. Also, silencing of SlGSTd1 significantly increased the toxicity of fenvalerate and cyhalothrin, but had no significant effect on the mortality of larvae treated by beta-cypermethrin or chlorpyrifos. SlGSTD1 possesses peroxidase activity using cumene hydroperoxide as a stress inducer. The comprehensive results indicate that SlGSTD1 is involved in fenvalerate and cyhalothrin resistance of S. litura by detoxication and antioxidant capacity.

Biotechnology for micropropagation and camptothecin production in Ophiorrhiza sp

Camptothecin (CPT) is a monoterpenoid-alkaloid, an anticancer compound from plant. Ever since its discovery in 1996 from the bark of Camptotheca acuminata, various researches have been conducted for enhancing its production. CPT has also been reported in several other species belonging to the plant families Icacinaceae, Rubiaceae, Apocynaceae, Nyssaceae, Betulaceae, Violaceae, Meliaceae, and Gelseminaceae. Out of these, Ophiorrhiza sp. (Rubiaceae) is the next possible candidate for sustainable CPT production after C. acuminata and Nothapodytes nimoonia. Various biotechnological-studies have been conducted on Ophiorrhiza sp. for searching the elite species and the most optimal strategies for CPT production. The genus Ophiorrhiza has been used as medicines for antiviral, antifungal, antimalarial, and anticancer activities. Phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and CPT from the plant. Because of the presence of CPT and its herbaceous habit, Ophiorrhiza sp. has now become a hot topic in research area. Currently, for mass production of the elite spp., tissue culture techniques have been implemented. In the past decades, several researchers have contributed on the diversity assessment, phytochemical analysis, mass production, and in vitro production of CPT in Ophiorrhiza sp. In this paper, we review the on the biotechnological strategies, optimal culture medium, micropropagation of Ophiorrhiza sp., effect of PGR on shoot formation, rhizogenesis, callus formation, and enhanced production of CPT for commercial use. KEY POINTS: • Latest literature on in vitro propagation of Ophiorrhiza sp. • Biotechnological production of camptothecin and related compounds • Optimization, elicitation, and transgenic studies in Ophiorrhiza sp.

Synthesis and acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory effects of some novel 4,5-Dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-one derivatives; an in vitro and in silico study

In this study, a series of novel Schiff bases (4a-4h) containing 1,2,4-triazole structure were synthesized through a condensation reaction of 3-alkyl(aryl)-4-amino-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ones with 3-(4-methylbenzenesulfonyloxy)-benzaldehyde. The structures of 3-alkyl(aryl)-4-[3-(4-methylsulfonyloxy)-benzylidenamino]-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ones (4a-h) were determined through a range of spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and elemental analysis). In addition, enzyme inhibitory properties of the newly synthesized Schiff bases were determined against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Their K_i values were calculated in the range of 0.70 ± 0.07-8.65 ± 5.6 µM. Besides, their IC₅₀ values were calculated in the range of 0.43-3.87 µM. Finally, in silico molecular docking interactions of the compounds with AChE target enzyme (PDB ID:4EY7) were evaluated using Chimera and AutoDock Vina softwares. The lowest binding energy levels (-12.0 kcal/mol) of the compounds 4e and 4g with AChE target enzyme were verified the best binding affinities and molecular interactions.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Phytochemical Profiling, In Vitro Biological Activities, and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies of Dracaena reflexa

Dracaena reflexa, a traditionally significant medicinal plant, has not been extensively explored before for its phytochemical and biological potential. The present study was conducted to evaluate the bioactive phytochemicals and in vitro biological activities of D. reflexa, and perform in silico molecular docking validation of D. reflexa. The bioactive phytochemicals were assessed by preliminary phytochemical testing, total bioactive contents, and GC-MS analysis. For biological evaluation, the antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and ABTS), antibacterial, thrombolytic, and enzyme inhibition (tyrosinase and cholinesterase enzymes) potential were determined. The highest level of total phenolic contents (92.72 ± 0.79 mg GAE/g extract) was found in the n-butanol fraction while the maximum total flavonoid content (110 ± 0.83 mg QE/g extract) was observed in methanolic extract. The results showed that n-butanol fraction exhibited very significant tyrosinase inhibition activity (73.46 ± 0.80) and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity (64.06 ± 2.65%) as compared to other fractions and comparable to the standard compounds (kojic acid and galantamine). The methanolic extract was considered to have moderate butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activity (50.97 ± 063) as compared to the standard compound galantamine (53.671 ± 0.97%). The GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction resulted in the tentative identification of 120 bioactive phytochemicals. Furthermore, the major compounds as identified by GC-MS were analyzed using in silico molecular docking studies to determine the binding affinity between the ligands and the enzymes (tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes). The results of this study suggest that Dracaena reflexa has unquestionable pharmaceutical importance and it should be further explored for the isolation of secondary metabolites that can be employed for the treatment of different diseases.

The effects of Daucus carota extract against PC3, PNT1a prostate cells, acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S-transferase, and α-glycosidase; an in vitro-in silico study

Daucus carota L. ssp. major (DCM) plant is widely used in traditional medicine to treat some types of cancer and various diseases. Therefore, we evaluated the biological activities of this plant to define its effects against prostate cancer (PCa), Alzheimer's disease (AD), oxidation, and diabetes mellitus (DM) as well as identified its phenolic composition. To determine the anti-cancer properties of the plant extract, we treated PCa cells with the extract at a concentration range of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/ml. Significant results were obtained against the PC3 cells compared to normal PNT1a prostate epithelial cells. As a result of precise measurements at the millimolar level, it was observed that the plant extract showed an effective inhibition (IC₅₀ ) against glutathione S-transferase (GST; 12.84 mM), acetyl cholinesterase (AChE; 15.07 mM), and α-Gly (11.75 mM) enzymes when compared with standard inhibitors. Antioxidant activities of DCM methanol extract were determined via two well-known in vitro techniques. The extracts showed antioxidant activities against the DPPH and ABTS⁺ . The LC-ESI-MS/MS was used to determine the phenolic compounds of methanol extract from DCM. Chlorogenic acid (2,089.096 µg/g), shikimic acid (193.14 µg/g), and coumarin (113.604 µg/g) were characterized as major phenolic compounds. In addition, the interactions of chlorogenic acid, chrysin, coumarin, and shikimic acid with the used three enzymes have been calculated using molecular docking simulation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Plant natural phenolic compounds have protective effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogen, and enzyme inhibitory. Therefore, it has an important place in the food and pharmaceutical industry. The present study aims to reveal the enzyme inhibitory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties of the Daucus carota ssp. Major (DCM) plant extract. Significant results were obtained against the PC3 cells compared to normal PNT1a prostate epithelial cells. DCM extract demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity and inhibitory potential on used metabolic enzymes. These biological effects are thought to have a relationship with rich chemical composition.

Extraction Processes Affect the Composition and Bioavailability of Flavones from Lamiaceae Plants: A Comprehensive Review

Lamiaceae plants are a widespread family of herbaceous plants with around 245 plant genera and nearly 22,576 species distributed in the world. Some of the most representative and widely studied Lamiaceae plants belong to the Ocimum, Origanum, Salvia, and Thymus genera. These plants are a rich source of bioactive molecules such as terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. In this sense, there is a subgroup of flavonoids classified as flavones. Flavones have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic potential; thus, efficient extraction techniques from their original plant matrixes have been developed. Currently, conventional extraction methods involving organic solvents are no longer recommended due to their environmental consequences, and new environmentally friendly techniques have been developed. Moreover, once extracted, the bioactivity of flavones is highly linked to their bioavailability, which is often neglected. This review aims to comprehensively gather recent information (2011–2021) regarding extraction techniques and their important relationship with the bioavailability of flavones from Lamiaceae plants including Salvia, Ocimum, Thymus, and Origanum.

Caffeoylquinic acids: chemistry, biosynthesis, occurrence, analytical challenges, and bioactivity

Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) are specialized plant metabolites we encounter in our daily life. Humans consume CQAs in mg-to-gram quantities through dietary consumption of plant products. CQAs are considered beneficial for human health, mainly due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Recently, new biosynthetic pathways via a peroxidase-type p-coumaric acid 3-hydroxylase enzyme were discovered. More recently, a new GDSL lipase-like enzyme able to transform monoCQAs into diCQA was identified in Ipomoea batatas. CQAs were recently linked to memory improvement; they seem to be strong indirect antioxidants via Nrf2 activation. However, there is a prevalent confusion in the designation and nomenclature of different CQA isomers. Such inconsistencies are critical and complicate bioactivity assessment since different isomers differ in bioactivity and potency. A detailed explanation regarding the origin of such confusion is provided, and a recommendation to unify nomenclature is suggested. Furthermore, for studies on CQA bioactivity, plant-based laboratory animal diets contain CQAs, which makes it difficult to include proper control groups for comparison. Therefore, a synthetic diet free of CQAs is advised to avoid interferences since some CQAs may produce bioactivity even at nanomolar levels. Biotransformation of CQAs by gut microbiota, the discovery of new enzymatic biosynthetic and metabolic pathways, dietary assessment, and assessment of biological properties with potential for drug development are areas of active, ongoing research. This review is focused on the chemistry, biosynthesis, occurrence, analytical challenges, and bioactivity recently reported for mono-, di-, tri-, and tetraCQAs.

Enzyme inhibitory function and phytochemical profile of Inula discoidea using in vitro and in silico methods

Many plant species have a large diversity of secondary metabolites with different biological activities. This study aims to assess the phenolic constituent, enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the aqueous (water) and methanol extracts of Inula discoidea. The enzyme assays showed effective enzyme inhibition of the methanol extract against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and α-glycosidase (α-Gly) enzymes. The IC₅₀ values for AChE, BChE, GST, and α-Gly were found as 38.5 mg/mL, 34.65 mg/mL, 77.0 mg/mL, and 40.76 mg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant properties of the aqueous and methanol extracts of I. discoidea were determined by four well-known in vitro techniques (ABTS, CUPRAC, DPPH, and FRAP methods). The antioxidant values of both water and methanol extracts were found to be better than the standard antioxidants (BHA, BHT, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol) in ABTS and CUPRAC methods. According to an updated LC-MS/MS technique analysis, quinic acid (21.08 mg/g), protocatechuic acid (4.49 mg/g), and gallic acid (0.48 mg/g) were found as major phenolic compounds of the plant extract. The binding interactions of major phenolic compounds of I. discoidea with the AChE, BChE, GST, and α-Gly enzymes were investigated by the molecular docking studies.

Synthesis of novel 1,2,3 triazole derivatives and assessment of their potential cholinesterases, glutathione S-transferase enzymes inhibitory properties: An in vitro and in silico study

In this study, new 1,2,3-triazole derivatives containing chalcone core (1-7) were synthesized. Obtained compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and mass studies. Characterized compounds (1-7) inhibitory effects were tested against the glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Their K_i values were in the range of 5.88-11.13 µM on AChE, 5.08-15.12 µM on BChE, and 9.82-13.22 µM on GST. Remarkable inhibitory effects were obtained against three tested metabolic enzymes. Also, binding scores of the best-inhibitors against AChE, BChE, and GST enzymes were detected as -9.969 kcal/mol, -10.672 kcal/mol, and -8.832 kcal/mol, respectively. Isoindoline-1,3-dione and benzothiophene moieties played a critical role in the inhibition of AChE and BChE enzymes, respectively. Phenylene and triazole moieties had the most important interactions for inhibition of the GST enzyme. Therefore, in vivo and in silico results indicated that these compounds can be considered in drug design processes for the treatment of some diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), leukemia, and some type of cancer.