Plant isoquinoline alkaloids: Advances in the chemistry and biology of berberine

Antiviral activity and mechanisms of action of atropine, rutin, and hypoxanthine against tomato Brown rugose fruit virus

Plant viral diseases cause considerable damage to the agricultural industry and are difficult to control. Recently, botanical biopesticides that are environmentally friendly, safe for non-target organisms, and not prone to developing drug resistance have shown great potential as antiviral agents. In the present study a screening of natural products with antiviral potential was conducted, and three compounds - atropine, rutin, and hypoxanthine - were identified to possess anti-tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) activity. Further, the modes of action of these compounds were investigated. The results of the bioassay revealed that atropine, rutin and hypoxanthine were effective at concentrations of 50, 100 and 150 μg mL-1 in inactivating, inhibiting proliferation and protecting against ToBRFV when combined with atropine and rutin. As the concentration of compounds increased, their antiviral properties were found to be enhanced. These compounds were found to reduce the expression of the coat protein and the replicase genes of ToBRFV. Atropine and rutin, in particular, demonstrated substantial anti-ToBRFV effects with diverse modes of action when used alone or in combination. Hypoxanthine demonstrated a comparatively weaker antiviral effect than the other two compounds, and when combined with the latter, the antiviral activity of the other compounds was also reduced to a certain extent. These results provided key proof that these compounds may represent a promising source of novel antiviral agents for agricultural use.

Structural and functional properties of common natural organic cations

BACKGROUND

Natural products have emerged as a critical focus in modern scientific research due to their structural diversity and therapeutic potential. Among these are natural organic cations-a distinct class of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing compounds. Despite their pharmacological relevance, the literature lacks a systematic synthesis of structure-activity relationships for natural organic cations (NOC). This gap hinders the rational development of NOC-based therapies as sustainable alternatives to synthetic compounds.

METHODS

Literature was searched and collected using databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The search terms used included "natural organic cation", "alkaloid", "anthocyanin", "structure-activity relationship", "charge interaction", "π-cation interaction", "biological activity", "antimicrobial", "antioxidant", "anticancer", "neuroprotection", "anti-inflammatory", "berberine", "coptisine", "palmatine", "cyanidin", "delphinidin", "pelargonidin", "free radical scavenging", "gut microbiota metabolism", "NF-κB pathway", "G-quadruplex DNA", "isoquinoline alkaloid", "protoberberine", "benzophenanthridine", "planar conjugated system", "charge delocalization", "methylenedioxy group", and several combinations of these words.

RESULTS

The bioactivity of NOC is underestimated. This review uncovers the structure-activity relationships of NOC. Firstly, planar conjugated systems and substituents control target binding: N⁺ in alkaloids enhances DNA/protein affinity, while O⁺ in anthocyanins enables free radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition. Secondly, cationic species outperform neutral analogs in antimicrobial potency, antioxidant capacity, and target selectivity. NOC bind to biomolecules via π-cation/π-π stacking and electrostatic binding. Charge localization in conjugated systems enhances stability and bioactivity.

CONCLUSION

This review consolidates evidence that NOC represent promising candidates for replacing synthetic compounds in therapies for cancer, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, etc. Key findings highlight the superiority of cationic species in target engagement and bioactivity, driven by planar conjugated systems and substituent effects. However, clinical translation requires addressing gaps in bioavailability and long-term safety. Future research must prioritize structural optimization and mechanistic validation. By bridging these gaps, NOC could advance as sustainable, low-toxicity agents in precision medicine and functional nutrition.

Microplastics impacts the toxicity of antibiotics on Pinellia ternata: An exploration of their effects on photosynthesis, oxidative stress homeostasis, secondary metabolism, the AsA-GSH cycle, and metabolomics

Antibiotics and microplastics (MPs) are two new types of contaminants that are widely existent in agricultural systems. MPs could act as carriers of antibiotics, and affect the bioavailability and degradation of antibiotics, causing a combined effect on plant growth. The aim of the present experiment was to explore the effects of the treatments of oxytetracycline (OTC, 100 mg kg-1) alone and in combination with polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs, 0.1 %, 1 %, 3 %) on P. ternata phenotypic parameters, photosynthetic system, reactive oxygen species (ROS), secondary metabolism, ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, and metabolomics. Results demonstrated that exposure to OTC alone reduced P. ternata fresh weight by causing oxidative damage, reducing photosynthetic pigment and secondary metabolite contents. OTC + MP0.1 group alleviated OTC stress to P. ternata by increasing photosynthetic pigment contents and antioxidant enzyme activities. OTC + MP3 group significantly reduced plant height of P. ternata. In addition, metabolomics analysis showed that OTC treatment interfered with pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. The OTC + MP0.1 group activated pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism. The significance of this study lies in clarifying the effects of OTC on medicinal plants and whether its influence mechanism is regulated by the concentration of MPs.

The Therapeutic Potential of Berberine in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer has the second-highest incidence rate after breast cancer and remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The 1-year survival rate for lung cancer patients is below 50%, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies and drug development. Phytochemicals and their derivatives have been widely explored for their anticancer properties, serving as chemotherapeutic agents against various types of cancer. One of these herbal compounds, berberine (BBR), a quaternary isoquinoline alkaloid, has shown significant promise in preclinical studies and is currently undergoing clinical trials for cancer treatment. BBR exhibits diverse biological activities, contributing to its anticancer potential, including antioxidant, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and so on. However, despite its multifunctional therapeutic potential, BBR faces several limitations, hindering its clinical application, like poor bioavailability, low tissue uptake, a short plasma half-life, and rapid metabolic elimination. To address these challenges, various targeted drug delivery approaches have been developed to improve its efficacy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of drug delivery strategies designed to encapsulate BBR for enhanced lung cancer therapy, highlighting the most recent advancements in the field. Moreover, the molecular structure of BBR and the biological pathways it targets to inhibit lung cancer progression are discussed in detail. Finally, BBR-encapsulated nanocarriers specifically developed for lung cancer therapy are evaluated in terms of their benefits, limitations, and overall therapeutic potential.

Berberis aristata DC. (Indian barberry): Current insight into botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects, pharmacokinetics, safety of use and modern therapeutic applications

Berberis aristata DC. (Indian barberry) is a member of the Berberidaceae family native to the Indian Peninsula. It is a shrub with yellow flowers and spherical/ovoid, red or purple berries. Indian barberry-derived substances are utilized in Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems in the Middle East to treat diseases such as liver and pancreatic disorders, skin infections, diabetes or conjunctival inflammation. Nowadays, B. aristata is recognized as a valuable plant that promotes proper glucose metabolism, normalizes the lipid profile, and restores normal liver function. This review article summarizes botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and pharmacokinetic aspects, safety of use, position in contemporary medicine, and modern therapeutic applications for B. aristata. Studies have shown that isoquinoline alkaloids, particularly berberine, are the primary phytochemicals in the plant. Numerous in vitro and in vivo animal model investigations confirmed the pleiotropic action of Indian barberry substances, including antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity. Moreover, clinical trials revealed that the combined preparations of B. aristata root extract normalize the lipid profile and decrease the blood glucose level. Thus, the potential of Indian barberry-derived substances to manage i.a. metabolic diseases is suggested. Nevertheless, due to some gaps in the knowledge, further studies are required, mainly clinical trials involving mono-preparations and extended pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies. Furthermore, determining the entire phytochemical profile of various B. aristata-derived substances is a critical goal. The present review might support the development of the research strategy and, in a further perspective, lead to a broaden medical application of Indian barberry.

Synthesis of 3,4-unsubstituted isoquinolone derivatives from benzimidates and vinylene carbonate via cobalt(III)-catalyzed C-H activation/cyclization

A cobalt(III)-catalyzed C-H activation/cyclization of benzimidates and vinylene carbonate has been developed. Various benzimidates showed good compatibility, providing isoquinolone derivatives in moderate to good yields. This strategy employs the inexpensive Co(III) as the catalyst and provides an efficient and practical solution for the synthesis of medicinally valuable 3,4-unsubstituted isoquinolone derivatives.

Hendersines J-M: Isoquinoline alkaloids from Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl. with cardiomyocyte protective and NO production inhibitory effects

Six isoquinoline alkaloids were identified from the alkaloid-rich fraction of Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl, including five previously undescribed isoquinoline alkaloids hendersines J-M (1a, 1b, and 2-4) and isobicuculline (5), a compound reported for the first time from a natural source. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, X-ray diffraction, and ECD. Compounds 1a and 1b represent a pair of rare three-nitrogen isoquinoline alkaloid enantiomers, while 2 and 3 are isoquinoline alkaloids featuring a benzo-fused N-heterocycle. Compounds 1a and 3 exhibited moderate protective effects against oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced H9c2 cells injury, 1b and 2 showed moderate inhibitory effects on NO production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Berberine-inspired ionizable lipid for self-structure stabilization and brain targeting delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics

Lipid nanoparticles have shown success in targeting major organs such as the liver, spleen, and lungs, but crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a major challenge. Effective brain-targeted delivery systems are essential for advancing gene therapy for neurological diseases but remain limited by low transport efficiency and poor nucleic acid stability. Here, we report a library of ionizable lipids based on the tetrahydroisoquinoline structure of protoberberine alkaloids, designed to improve BBB penetration via dopamine D3 receptor-mediated endocytosis. These nanoparticles offer three key advantages: enhanced brain uptake, improved nucleic acid stability through poly(A) self-assembly, and minimal immunogenicity with inherent neuroprotective properties. In murine models, they demonstrate therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease, glioma, and cryptococcal meningitis. This berberine-inspired delivery system integrates precise receptor targeting with nucleic acid stabilization, offering a promising platform for brain-targeted therapeutics.

Activation of the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway by Tetrahydroberberine Suppresses Ferroptosis and Enhances Functional Recovery Following Spinal Cord Injury

Recent research has identified ferroptosis, a newly recognized form of programmed cell death, is a crucial factor in spinal cord injury (SCI). Tetrahydroberberine (THB) is a tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid derived from the tuber of the poppy family plant, Corydalis, which is recognized for its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Despite these attributes, the potential protective effects of THB against SCI are yet to be thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of action of THB in SCI. A mouse model of SCI was used for the in vivo experiments. Functional recovery was evaluated using the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS), footprint analysis, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Nissl staining. Lipid peroxidation was quantified using malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The expression levels of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and ferroptosis markers were analyzed using western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. To further elucidate the mechanism through which THB inhibits ferroptosis, an in vitro ferroptosis model was established in PC12 cells using RSL3, a known ferroptosis activator. THB markedly improved tissue and motor function restoration in mice post-SCI, with the BMS score increasing by approximately 50% compared with that in the control group. Lipid peroxidation assays revealed that THB significantly reduced MDA levels and increased GSH and SOD levels. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that THB significantly activated the Nrf2 pathway and inhibited ferroptosis in mice and in PC12 cells. This protective effect was reversed by the Nrf2 inhibitor, ML385, as evidenced by suppression of the Nrf2 pathway, increased lipid peroxidation, and elevated ferroptosis levels. Our in vivo and in vitro experiments indicate that THB promotes functional recovery after SCI by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, which attenuates lipid peroxidation and suppresses ferroptosis, thereby contributing to neuronal survival. Our findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how THB exerts its recovery effects in SCI and demonstrate the potential of THB as a novel therapeutic strategy for the clinical management of SCI.

Electrochemically Driven Chalcogenative Cyclization of 2-Alkynyl Aryl Oxime: Access to Functionalized Isoquinolines

A transition-metal-free electrochemical chalcogenative cyclization of 2-alkynyl aryl oxime with dichalcogenides has been established to assemble valuable 4-organochalcogen isoquinolines concisely. This protocol proceeds via constant electrolysis in a user-friendly undivided cell setup. It circumvents the necessity of transition metal catalysts, chemical oxidants, and harsh reaction conditions. The practical utilities of the current protocol were illustrated by excellent functional group tolerance, remarkable regio-selectivity, easy scalability, mild reaction conditions, and transformable 4-organochalcogen isoquinoline products.

Carrier-free nanoparticles-new strategy of improving druggability of natural products

There are abundant natural products resources and extensive clinical use experience in China. However, the active components of natural products generally have problems such as poor water solubility and low bioavailability, which limit their druggability. Carrier-free nanoparticles, such as nanocrystals, self-assembled nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles derived from both animal and plant sources, have great application potential in improving the safety and efficacy of drugs due to their simple and flexible preparation methods, high drug loading capacity and delivery efficiency, as well as long half-life in blood circulation. It has been widely used in biomedical fields such as anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation. Therefore, based on the natural products that have been used in clinic, this review focuses on the advantages of carrier-free nanoparticles in delivering active compounds, in order to improve the delivery process of natural products in vivo and improve their draggability.

In Vitro Inhibitory Effect of Berberine Against Rotavirus

Although berberine (BBR) is well known as an active constituent in traditional medicines used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, its potential against viral gastroenteritis has not been specifically reported. This study aims to investigate the antiviral activity of BBR against rotavirus and evaluate its cytotoxicity and pharmacological efficacies, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. Using ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, the saturation concentration of BBR was determined as 2261 μg/mL, indicating that BBR is a poor water-soluble compound. The inhibition rate of nitric oxide (NO) production of BBR solution at a concentration of 283 μg/mL was similar to that of Cardamonin 0.3 μM with a cell viability of 92.46±0.35 %, revealing the anti-inflammatory activity of BBR. The cytotoxicity of the BBR solution depended on its concentration, whereby the 50 % cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) of BBR after 96 h exposure was 664 μg/mL. Investigation of cytopathic effects (CPEs) of MA104 cells treated with BBR and BBR-incubated rotavirus indicates that BBR could effectively inhibit the replication of rotavirus. CPEs were not observed in the cells inoculated with rotavirus (100TCID50) which was pre-incubated with BBR for 96 hours at a BBR concentration of 283 μg/mL. Therefore, the study provides reliable results to demonstrate the ability of BBR to inhibit the replication of rotavirus.

Berberine: A multifaceted agent for lung cancer treatment-from molecular insight to clinical applications

Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and it poses a significant threat to global health due to its high incidence and mortality rates. There is an urgent need for better prevention, early detection, and effective treatments for this disease. The treatment options for lung cancer depend on various factors such as the stage of the disease, the type of cancer, and the patient's overall health. Currently, the primary treatment strategies include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapies. Berberine, a natural alkaloid found in medicinal plants, has demonstrated potential as an effective anti-cancer agent against lung cancer. The present study aims to summarize the evidence supporting Berberine's ability to inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells, induce apoptosis, and slow down tumor growth in both laboratory and animal studies. The study also shed light on the complex molecular mechanisms involved in its anti-tumor effects, including its impact on signaling pathways, DNA repair systems, and interaction with non-coding RNAs, all of which contribute to tumor suppression. Additionally, the synergistic effects of Berberine with other natural compounds and chemotherapy drugs are discussed. Overall, its multifaceted approach and proven effectiveness justify further research to develop Berberine into a viable treatment option for lung cancer patients. Abbreviations: BBR, Berberine; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer; ROS, reactive oxygen species; ASK1, Apoptosis Signal-regulating Kinase 1; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase; BHC, Berberine Hydrochloride; DSB, double-strand breaks; CSN, COP9 signalosome; NIR, near-infrared; LLC, Lewis lung carcinoma; RTK, receptor tyrosine kinase; B-Phyt-LCNs, Berberine-Phytantriol liquid crystalline nanoparticles; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; Ber-LCNs, Berberine-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles; BNS, Berberine nanostructure; BER-CS-NPs, Berberine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles; B-Phyt-LCNs, Berberine-Phytantriol liquid crystalline nanoparticles; B-Phyt-LCNs, Berberine-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles; Ber-LCNs, Berberine-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles; B-ZnO NPs, Berberine-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles; B-C60, Berberine-C60 complex; LTP, Low-Temperature Plasma.

Enantioselective Alkylation of Primary C(sp3)-H Bonds in N-Methyl Tertiary Amine Enabled by Iridium Complex of Axially Chiral β-Aryl Porphyrins

A fine-tuning of enantioselective carbene insertion into primary C(sp3)-H bonds has been realized in challenging substrates, such as N-methyl unblocked aromatic and non-deactivated aliphatic tertiary amines, in which sterically demanding β-axially chiral iridium porphyrin catalysts play a crucial role. This primary C(sp3)-H alkylation with diazo compounds affords a series of β-chiral tertiary amines in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities. Notably, the protocol was successfully applied to the postmodification of chiral bicuculline, yielding the desired derivative with high diastereoselectivity. This approach paves a facile way for the stereodivergent derivation of chiral alkaloid natural products featuring an N-methyl handle. In addition, a mechanism for the reaction was proposed based on deuterium experiments and an identified cationic iridium species via HRMS analysis.

Advancements in Microbial Cell Engineering for Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloid Production

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a class of natural compounds found in plants of the Ranunculaceae family, known for their diverse pharmacological activities. However, the extraction yields of BIAs from plants are limited, and the cost of chemical synthesis is prohibitively high. Recent advancements in systems metabolic engineering and genomics have made it feasible to use microbes as bioreactors for BIAs production. This review explores recent progress in enhancing the production and yields of BIAs in two microbial systems: Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It covers various BIAs, including (S)-reticuline, morphinane, protoberberine, and aporphine alkaloids. The review provides strategies and technologies for BIAs synthesis, analyzes current challenges in BIAs research, and offers recommendations for future research directions.

Recyclable Magnetic MOF-Catalyzed Synthesis of 1-Aminoisoquinolines and 6-Aminophenanthridines from 5-(2-Bromoaryl)tetrazoles and 1,3-Diketones under Microwave Irradiation

In this study, 5-(2-bromoaryl)tetrazoles were reacted with 1,3-diketones in DMF in the presence of a catalytic amount of magnetic Cu-MOF-74 (Fe3O4@SiO2@Cu-MOF-74) and a base under microwave irradiation to yield the corresponding 1-aminoisoquinolines. The Fe3O4@SiO2@Cu-MOF-74 catalyst could be easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused four times without any significant loss of catalytic activity. An initial copper-catalyzed C(sp2)-C(sp3) bond formation accompanied by retro-Claisen deacylative cyclocondensation (for acyclic 1,3-diketones) and direct cyclocondensation (for cyclohexane-1,3-diones) is proposed as a key reaction pathway for this process. Cyclohexanone-fused 1-aminoisoquinolines produced from the reaction between 5-(2-bromoaryl)tetrazoles and cyclohexane-1,3-diones could be aromatized into 6-aminophenanthridines via a one-pot sequential process involving reduction, dehydration, and oxidation.

Discovery, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel isoquinoline derivatives as potent indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 and tryptophan 2, 3-dioxygenase dual inhibitors

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) play a pivotal role in regulating kynurenine catabolism pathway and immunosuppressive environment, which are promising drug targets for cancer immunotherapy. In this work, a variety of isoquinoline derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for the inhibitory activity against IDO1 and TDO. The enzymatic assay and structure-activity relationship studies led to the most potent compound 43b with IC50 values of 0.31 μM for IDO1 and 0.08 μM for TDO, respectively. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) revealed direct binding affinity of compound 43b to IDO1 and TDO and molecular docking studies were performed to predict the possible binding mode. Further pharmacokinetic study and biological evaluation in vivo showed that 43b displayed acceptable pharmacokinetic profiles and potent antitumor efficacy with low toxicity in B16-F10 tumor model, which might provide some insights into the discovery of novel IDO1/TDO inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy.

Berberine Degradation Characteristics and its Degradation Pathway by a Newly Isolated Berberine-Utilizing Agrobacterium

Berberine (BBR) is widely used as a botanical pesticide due to its broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities. However, BBR degradation pathway in soil microorganisms, which determines its impact on soil environment, remains poorly understood. Herein, a novel BBR-degrading bacterium Agrobacterium sp. V1 was isolated and characterized. Agrobacterium sp. V1 was able to utilize BBR as the sole carbon source for cell growth, and 50 μg/mL of BBR was completely degraded within 48 h. To reveal the possible BBR degradation pathway, whole genome sequencing of Agrobacterium sp. V1 was conducted, and proteins in Agrobacterium sp. V1 were aligned with enzymes involved in BBR biosynthesis in Rhizoma Coptidis. The results indicated that more than 60% of enzymes in BBR biosynthesis pathway had orthologs in Agrobacterium sp. V1. Combined with the primary mass spectra of BBR metabolites, a novel BBR degradation pathway in this bacterium was proposed. In summary, the proposed BBR degradation pathway offered new insights into the impact of BBR to the environment and also provided a reference for studying BBR metabolism in microorganisms.

Multifaceted role of phytoconstituents based nano drug delivery systems in combating TNBC: A paradigm shift from chemical to natural

Triple negative breast cancer is considered to be a malignancy of grave concern with limited routes of treatment due to the absence of specific breast cancer markers and ambiguity of other potential drug targets. Poor prognosis and inadequate survival rates have prompted further research into the understanding of the molecular pathophysiology and targeting of the disease. To overcome the recurrence and resistance mechanisms of the TNBC cells, various approaches have been devised, and are being continuously evaluated to enhance their efficacy and safety. Chemo-Adjuvant therapy is one such treatment modality being employed to improve the efficiency of standard chemotherapy. Combining chemo-adjuvant therapy with other upcoming approaches of cancer therapeutics such as phytoconstituents and nanotechnology has yielded promising results in the direction of improving the prognosis of TNBC. Numerous nanoformulations have been proven to substantially enhance the specificity and cellular uptake of drugs by cancer cells, thus reducing the possibility of unintended systemic side effects within cancer patients. While phytoconstituents offer a wide variety of beneficial active constituents useful in cancer therapeutics, most favorable outcomes have been observed within the scope of polyphenols, isoquinoline alkaloids and isothiocyanates. With an enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms of TNBC and the advent of newer targeting technologies and novel phytochemicals of medicinal importance, a new era of cancer theranostic treatments can be explored. This review hopes to instantiate the current body of research regarding the role of certain phytoconstituents and their potential nanoformulations in targeting specific TNBC pathways for treatment and diagnostic purposes.

Hypolipidemic activity of phytochemical combinations: A mechanistic review of preclinical and clinical studies

Hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids in the blood, poses a significant risk factor for various health disorders, notably cardiovascular diseases. Phytochemical compounds are promising alternatives to the current lipid-lowering drugs, which cause many undesirable effects. Based on in vivo and clinical studies, combining phytochemicals with other phytochemicals, prebiotics, and probiotics and their encapsulation in nanoparticles is more safe and effective for managing hyperlipidemia than monotherapy. To this end, the results obtained and the mechanisms of action of these combinations were examined in detail in this review.

Isolation, biological activity, and synthesis of isoquinoline alkaloids

Covering: 2019 to 2023Isoquinoline alkaloids, an important class of N-based heterocyclic compounds, have attracted considerable attention from researchers worldwide. To follow up on our prior review (covering 2014-2018) and present the progress of this class of compounds, this review summarizes and provides updated literature on novel isoquinoline alkaloids isolated during the period of 2019-2023, together with their biological activity and underlying mechanisms of action. Moreover, with the rapid development of synthetic modification strategies, the synthesis strategies of isoquinoline alkaloids have been continuously optimized, and the total synthesis of these classes of natural products is reviewed critically herein. Over 250 molecules with a broad range of bioactivities, including antitumor, antibacterial, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and other activities, are isolated and discussed. The total synthesis of more than nine classes of isoquinoline alkaloids is presented, and thirteen compounds constitute the first total synthesis. This survey provides new indications or possibilities for the discovery of new drugs from the original naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloids.

Antibacterial Activity and Antifungal Activity of Monomeric Alkaloids

Scientists are becoming alarmed by the rise in drug-resistant bacterial and fungal strains, which makes it more costly, time-consuming, and difficult to create new antimicrobials from unique chemical entities. Chemicals with pharmacological qualities, such as antibacterial and antifungal elements, can be found in plants. Alkaloids are a class of chemical compounds found in nature that mostly consist of basic nitrogen atoms. Biomedical science relies heavily on alkaloid compounds. Based on 241 papers published in peer-reviewed scientific publications within the last ten years (2014-2024), we examined 248 natural or synthesized monomeric alkaloids that have antifungal and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. Based on their chemical structure, the chosen alkaloids were divided into four groups: polyamine alkaloids, alkaloids with nitrogen in the side chain, alkaloids with nitrogen heterocycles, and pseudoalkaloids. With MIC values of less than 1 µg/mL, compounds 91, 124, 125, 136-138, 163, 164, 191, 193, 195, 205 and 206 shown strong antibacterial activity. However, with MIC values of below 1 µg/mL, compounds 124, 125, 163, 164, 207, and 224 demonstrated strong antifungal activity. Given the rise in antibiotic resistance, these alkaloids are highly significant in regard to their potential to create novel antimicrobial drugs.

De novo synthesis of 1-phenethylisoquinoline in engineered Escherichia coli

Phenylethylisoquinoline alkaloids (PIAs) are medicinally important natural products derived from the 1-phenylethylisoquinoline precursor. Heterologous production of the PIAs remains challenging due to the incomplete elucidation of biosynthetic pathway and the lack of proper microbial cell factory designed for precursor enhancement. In this work, an artificial pathway composed of eight enzymes from different species was established for de novo 1-phenylethylisoquinoline biosynthesis in engineered Escherichia coli. The yield of the intermediate 4-hydroxydihydrocinnamaldehyde was optimized through screening various NADP+-dependent 2-alkenal reductases, cofactor regeneration and the site-directed mutagenesis of key residues in ChAER1. Subsequently, incorporation of the modified dopamine pathway into an endogenous reductase-deficient E. coli with high tyrosine yield boosted the production of 1-phenylethylisoquinoline, reaching 402.58 mg/L in a 5L fermenter. Our work lays a foundation for the future large-scale production of high value-added 1-phenylethylisoquinoline-related alkaloids.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Protective Effects of Plant-Derived Natural Active Compounds

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of death among patients with cardiovascular diseases. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been the preferred clinical treatment for AMI due to its safety and efficiency. However, research indicates that the rapid restoration of myocardial oxygen supply following PCI can lead to secondary myocardial injury, termed myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), posing a grave threat to patient survival. Despite ongoing efforts, the mechanisms underlying MIRI are not yet fully elucidated. Among them, oxidative stress and inflammation stand out as critical pathophysiological mechanisms, playing significant roles in MIRI. Natural compounds have shown strong clinical therapeutic potential due to their high efficacy, availability, and low side effects. Many current studies indicate that natural compounds can mitigate MIRI by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms of oxidative stress and inflammation during MIRI and the role of natural compounds in intervening in these processes, aiming to provide a basis and reference for future research and development of drugs for treating MIRI.

CAPE derivatives: Multifaceted agents for chronic wound healing

Chronic wounds significantly impact the patients' quality of life, creating an urgent interdisciplinary clinical challenge. The development of novel agents capable of accelerating the healing process is essential. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has demonstrated positive effects on skin regeneration. However, its susceptibility to degradation limits its pharmaceutical application. Chemical modification of the structure improves the pharmacokinetics of this bioactive phenol. Hence, two novel series of CAPE hybrids were designed, synthesized, and investigated as potential skin regenerative agents. To enhance the stability and therapeutic efficacy, a caffeic acid frame was combined with quinolines or isoquinolines by an ester (1a-f) or an amide linkage (2a-f). The effects on cell viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and HaCaT cells were evaluated at different concentrations; they are not cytotoxic, and some proved to stimulate cell proliferation. The most promising compounds underwent a wound-healing assay in HGFs and HaCaT at the lowest concentrations. Antimicrobial antioxidant properties were also explored. The chemical and thermal stabilities of the best compounds were assessed. In silico predictions were employed to anticipate skin penetration capabilities. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) derivatives 1a and 1d as skin regenerative agents, being able to stimulate cell proliferation, control bacterial growth, regulate ROS levels, and being thermally and chemically stable. An interesting structure-activity relationship was discussed to suggest a promising multitargeted approach for enhanced wound healing.

Blocking the WNT/β-catenin pathway in cancer treatment:pharmacological targets and drug therapeutic potential

The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway plays crucial roles in tumorigenesis and relapse, metastasis, drug resistance, and tumor stemness maintenance. In most tumors, the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is often aberrantly activated. The therapeutic usefulness of inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling has been reported to improve the efficiency of different cancer treatments and this inhibition of signaling has been carried out using different methods including pharmacological agents, short interfering RNA (siRNA), and antibodies. Here, we review the WNT-inhibitory effects of some FDA-approved drugs and natural products in cancer treatment and focus on recent progress of the WNT signaling inhibitors in improving the efficiency of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and physical therapy. We also classified these FDA-approved drugs and natural products according to their structure and physicochemical properties, and introduced briefly their potential mechanisms of inhibiting the WNT signaling pathway. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of inhibitors of WNT/β-catenin pathway in various cancer therapeutics. This will benefit novel WNT inhibitor development and optimal clinical use of WNT signaling-related drugs in synergistic cancer therapy.

Silver(I)-Promoted [3 + 3]-Cycloaddition of 2-(2-Enynyl)quinolines with N'-(2-Alkynylbenzylidene)hydrazides

An effective and straightforward Ag(I)-mediated annulation of 2-(2-enynyl)quinolines and N'-(2-alkynylbenzylidene)hydrazides was developed, forging various synthetically challenging 17bH-isoquinolino[2'',1'':1',6']pyridazino[4',5':3,4]pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines, including different nitrogen-containing fused rings, in moderate to excellent yields. This one-pot cycloaddition strategy features exclusive regioselectivity, high atom economy, and broad substrate scope under mild conditions. The practicality and reliability of this cycloaddition reaction was demonstrated by a successful scale-up synthesis.

Berberine Attenuates Acetamiprid Exposure-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis in Rats via Regulating the Antioxidant Defense System

Acetamiprid (ACMP) is a neonicotinoid insecticide that poses a significant threat to the environment and mankind. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are considered prime contributors to ACMP-induced toxic effects. Meanwhile, berberine (BBR) a natural plant alkaloid, is a topic of interest because of its therapeutic and prophylactic actions. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of BBR on ACMP-mediated alterations in mitochondrial functions and apoptosis in rat liver tissue. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (I) control, (II) BBR-treated, (III) ACMP-exposed, and (IV) BBR+ACMP co-treated groups. The doses of BBR (150 mg/kg b.wt) and ACMP (1/10 of LD50, i.e., 21.7 mg/kg b.wt) were given intragastrically for 21 consecutive days. The results showed that the administration of ACMP diminished mitochondrial complex activity, downregulated complex I (ND1 and ND2) and complex IV (COX1 and COX4) subunit mRNA expression, depleted the antioxidant defense system, and induced apoptosis in rat liver. BBR pre-treatment significantly attenuated ACMP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by maintaining mitochondrial complex activity and upregulating ND1, ND2, COX1, and COX4 mRNA expression. BBR reversed ACMP-mediated apoptosis by diminishing Bax and caspase-3 and increasing the Bcl-2 protein level. BBR also improved the mitochondrial antioxidant defense system by upregulating mRNA expression of PGC-1α, MnSOD, and UCP-2 in rat liver tissue. This study is the first to evaluate the protective potential of BBR against pesticide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in liver tissue. In conclusion, BBR offers protection against ACMP-induced impairment in mitochondrial functions by maintaining the antioxidant level and modulating the apoptotic cascade.

Modular Assembly of Pyrrolo[3,4-c]isoquinolines through Rh-Catalyzed Cascade C-H Activation/Annulation of O-Methyl Aryloximes with Maleimides

An efficient and practical strategy for the construction of pyrrolo[3,4-c]isoquinolines via Rh(III)-catalyzed cascade C-H activation and subsequential annulation process from easily available O-methyl aryloximes and maleimides has been disclosed. This facile protocol does not require any inert atmosphere protection with good efficiency in a low loading of catalyst and exhibits good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. Notably, the as-prepared products show potential photophysical properties.

Dietary supplements: clinical cholesterol-lowering efficacy and potential mechanisms of action

This review aims to analyse the efficacy of dietary supplements in reducing plasma cholesterol levels. Focusing on evidence from meta-analyses of randomised controlled clinical trials, with an emphasis on potential mechanisms of action as supported by human, animal, and cell studies. Certain dietary supplements including phytosterols, berberine, viscous soluble dietary fibres, garlic supplements, soy protein, specific probiotic strains, and certain polyphenol extracts could significantly reduce plasma total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 3-25% in hypercholesterolemic patients depending on the type of supplement. They tended to be more effective in reducing plasma LDL cholesterol level in hypercholesterolemic individuals than in normocholesterolemic individuals. These supplements worked by various mechanisms, such as enhancing the excretion of bile acids, inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, increasing the expression of hepatic LDL receptors, suppressing the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis, and activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signalling pathway.

Revealing the potential bioactive components and mechanism of Qianhua Gout Capsules in the treatment of gouty arthritis through network pharmacology, molecular docking and pharmacodynamic study strategies

Recent clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Qianhua Gout Capsules (QGC) in the treatment of gouty arthritis (GA). However, the specific regulatory targets and mechanisms of action of QGC are still unclear. To address this gap, we utilized network pharmacology, molecular docking, and pharmacodynamic approaches to investigate the bioactive components and associated mechanisms of QGC in the treatment of GA. By employing UPLC-Q Exactive-MS, we identified the compounds present in QGC, with active ingredients defined as those with oral bioavailability ≥30 % and drug similarity ≥0.18. Subsequently, the targets of these active compounds were determined using the TCMSP database, while GA-related targets were identified from DisGeNET, GeneCards, TTD, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. Further analysis including PPI analysis, GO analysis, and KEGG pathway enrichment was conducted on the targets. Validation of the predicted results was performed using a GA rat model, evaluating pathological changes, inflammatory markers, and pathway protein expression. Our results revealed a total of 130 components, 44 active components, 16 potential shared targets, GO-enriched terms, and 47 signaling pathways related to disease targets. Key active ingredients included quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, luteolin, and wogonin. The PPI analysis highlighted five targets (PPARG, IL-6, MMP-9, IL-1β, CXCL-8) with the highest connectivity, predominantly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Molecular docking experiments demonstrated strong binding of CXCL8, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP9, and PPARG targets with the top five active compounds. Furthermore, animal experiments confirmed the efficacy of QGC in treating GA in rats, showing reductions in TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA levels, and increases in SOD levels in serum. In synovial tissues, QGC treatment upregulated CXCL8 and PPARG expression, while downregulating IL-1β, MMP9, and IL-6 expression. In conclusion, this study applied a network pharmacology approach to uncover the composition of QGC, predict its pharmacological interactions, and demonstrate its in vivo efficacy, providing insights into the anti-GA mechanisms of QGC. These findings pave the way for future investigations into the therapeutic mechanisms underlying QGC's effectiveness in the treatment of GA.

Comparative metabolite analysis of Piper sarmentosum organs approached by LC-MS-based metabolic profiling

Piper sarmentosum Roxb. (Piperaceae) is a traditional medicinal and food plant widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, offering both health and culinary benefits. In this study the secondary metabolites in different organs of P. sarmentosum were identified and their relative abundances were characterized. The metabolic profiles of leaves, roots, stems and fruits were comprehensively investigated by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS) and the data subsequently analyzed using multivariate statistical methods. Manual interpretation of the tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) fragmentation patterns revealed the presence of 154 tentatively identified metabolites, mostly represented by alkaloids and flavonoids. Principle component analysis and hierarchical clustering indicated the predominant occurrence of flavonoids, lignans and phenyl propanoids in leaves, aporphines in stems, piperamides in fruits and lignan-amides in roots. Overall, this study provides extensive data on the metabolite composition of P. sarmentosum, supplying useful information for bioactive compounds discovery and patterns of their preferential biosynthesis or storage in specific organs. This can be used to optimize production and harvesting as well as to maximize the plant's economic value as herbal medicine or in food applications.

Recent advances in total synthesis of protoberberine and chiral tetrahydroberberine alkaloids

Covering: Up to 2024Due to the widespread distribution of protoberberine alkaloids (PBs) and tetrahydroberberine alkaloids (THPBs) in nature, coupled with their myriad unique physiological activities, they have garnered considerable attention from medical practitioners. Over the past few decades, synthetic chemists have devised various total synthesis methods to attain these structures, continually expanding reaction pathways to achieve more efficient synthetic strategies. Simultaneously, the chiral construction of THPBs has become a focal point. In this comprehensive review, we categorically summarized the developmental trajectory of the total synthesis of these alkaloids based on the core closure strategies of protoberberine and tetrahydroberberine.

Discovery of novel diaryl substituted isoquinolin-1(2H)-one derivatives as hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling inhibitors for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Since synovial hypoxic microenvironment significantly promotes the pathological progress of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) has been emerged as a promising target for the development of novel therapeutic agents for RA treatment. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of diaryl substituted isoquinolin-1(2H)-one derivatives as HIF-1 signaling inhibitors using scaffold-hopping strategy. By modifying the substituents on N-atom and 6-position of isoquinolin-1-one, we discovered compound 17q with the most potent activities against HIF-1 (IC50 = 0.55 μM) in a hypoxia-reactive element (HRE) luciferase reporter assay. Further pharmacological studies revealed that 17q concentration-dependently blocked hypoxia-induced HIF-1α protein accumulation, reduced inflammation response, inhibited cellular invasiveness and promoted VHL-dependent HIF-1α degradation in human RA synovial cell line. Moreover, 17q improved the pathological injury of ankle joints, decreased angiogenesis and attenuated inflammation response in the adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model, indicating the promising therapeutic potential of compound 17q as an effective HIF-1 inhibitor for RA therapy.

Strategies, Achievements, and Potential Challenges of Plant and Microbial Chassis in the Biosynthesis of Plant Secondary Metabolites

Diverse secondary metabolites in plants, with their rich biological activities, have long been important sources for human medicine, food additives, pesticides, etc. However, the large-scale cultivation of host plants consumes land resources and is susceptible to pest and disease problems. Additionally, the multi-step and demanding nature of chemical synthesis adds to production costs, limiting their widespread application. In vitro cultivation and the metabolic engineering of plants have significantly enhanced the synthesis of secondary metabolites with successful industrial production cases. As synthetic biology advances, more research is focusing on heterologous synthesis using microorganisms. This review provides a comprehensive comparison between these two chassis, evaluating their performance in the synthesis of various types of secondary metabolites from the perspectives of yield and strategies. It also discusses the challenges they face and offers insights into future efforts and directions.

Antifungal Activity and Putative Mechanism of HWY-289, a Semisynthetic Protoberberine Derivative, against Botrytis cinerea

The emergence of resistant pathogens has increased the demand for alternative fungicides. The use of natural products as chemical scaffolds is a potential method for developing fungicides. HWY-289, a semisynthetic protoberberine derivative, demonstrated broad-spectrum and potent activities against phytopathogenic fungi, particularly Botrytis cinerea (with EC50 values of 1.34 μg/mL). SEM and TEM imaging indicated that HWY-289 altered the morphology of the mycelium and the internal structure of cells. Transcriptomics revealed that it could break down cellular walls through amino acid sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. In addition, it substantially decreased chitinase activity and chitin synthase gene (BcCHSV) expression by 53.03 and 82.18% at 1.5 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, this impacted the permeability and integrity of cell membranes. Finally, HWY-289 also hindered energy metabolism, resulting in a significant reduction of ATP content, ATPase activities, and key enzyme activities in the TCA cycle. Therefore, HWY-289 may be a potential candidate for the development of plant fungicides.

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan, Yunnan Province, SW China

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Yi people in the Xiaoliangshan region in southwest China have a unique practice of combining ritual treatment and traditional medicine to care for patients. Despite increasing urbanization in the area, they have managed to preserve their distinctive lifestyle and extensive knowledge of traditional medicinal plants, setting them apart from other regions. However, there is a lack of systematic documentation on the knowledge of traditional medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Xiaoliangshan.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This research aims to achieve the following objectives: 1. Document the diversity of medicinal plants used by the Yi people and explore their therapeutic usages. 2. Evaluate and analyze the main types of diseases with a high incidence in the local area and identify the types of medicinal plants used to treat these diseases. 3. Explore the underlying geographical and human factors influencing both disease prevalence and medicinal plant usage.

METHODS

Ethnobotanical research methods were used to record and analyze the medicinal plants used by the Yi in Xiaoliangshan. Experts identified all plant specimens collected during ethnobotanical field surveys. The types of diseases treated by medicinal plants were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care -2nd.

RESULTS

A total of 125 medicinal plants were recorded after interviewing 193 participants. Of the medicinal plants identified, those with over 100 use reports were Paris polyphylla (202 use reports), Taxillus sutchuenensis (183), Artemisia indica (149), and Papaver somniferum (113). A total of 14 disease categories were recorded, with those related to the following categories having higher Informant Consensus factor values (ICF ≥0.85): Pregnancy, Childbearing, Family Planning, General and Unspecified, Urological, Respiratory, Musculoskeletal, and Skin. The highest quantity of medicinal plants is utilized to improve specific diseases and health problems, namely those related to Digestion, Skin, and Musculoskeletal. Fewer plant species were utilized for diseases or health issues associated with Eyes, Psychological, or Pregnancy, Childbearing, and Family Planning. The use reports from the informants also revealed how some medicinal plants are used to treat a variety of diseases or health issues. For instance, Malva pusilla is used for inducing abortion, treating postpartum hemorrhage, and joint sprains; Artemisia indica is used for treating malaria; Argentina lineata is used to remedy tuberculosis and malaria. Taxillus sutchuenensis is used for dealing with cold, pneumonia, and other ailments.

CONCLUSIONS

The Yi people in Xiaoliangshan have a rich knowledge of traditional medicinal plants. Decoction and wine brewing are the most common processing methods used for these plants, which are utilized to treat a wide range of diseases. The characteristics of the medicinal use of the Yi people reflects the alpine mountainous environment in which they live, and their medical practices are closely related to traditional healing culture. This study enhances our understanding of the Yi traditional medicine via documentation and offers a valuable reference for future research and the development of new drugs.

Biologically active isoquinoline alkaloids covering 2019-2022

Isoquinoline alkaloids are an important class of natural products that are abundant in the plant kingdom and exhibit a wide range of structural diversity and biological activities. With the deepening of research in recent years, more and more isoquinoline alkaloids have been isolated and identified and proved to contain a variety of biological activities and pharmacological effects. In this review, we introduce the research progress of isoquinoline alkaloids from 2019 to 2022, mainly in the part of biological activities, including antitumor, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, analgesic, and other activities. This study provides a clear direction for the rational development and utilization of isoquinoline alkaloids, suggesting that these alkaloids have great potential in the field of drug research.

Visible-Light-Promoted Selenylation/Cyclization of o-Alkynyl Benzylazides/o-Propargyl Arylazides: Synthesis of Seleno-Substituted Isoquinolines and Quinolines

A simple and efficient visible-light-promoted selenylation/cyclization of o-alkynyl benzylazides/o-propargyl arylazides have been realized for the practical synthesis of seleno-substituted isoquinolines and quinolines. This strategy provides the synthesis of valuable seleno-substituted isoquinoline and quinoline derivatives via the construction of one C(sp2)-Se bond and one C-N bond within one process.

In Vitro and In Silico of Cholinesterases Inhibition and In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Melanoma Activity Investigations of Extracts Obtained from Selected Berberis Species

Berberis species have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and Western herbal medicine. The aim of this study was the quantification of the main isoquinoline alkaloids in extracts obtained from various Berberis species by HPLC, in vitro and in silico determination of anti-cholinesterase activity, and in vitro and in vivo investigations of the cytotoxic activity of the investigated plant extracts and alkaloid standards. In particular, Berberis species whose activity had not been previously investigated were selected for the study. In the most investigated Berberis extracts, a high content of berberine and palmatine was determined. Alkaloid standards and most of the investigated plant extracts exhibit significant anti-cholinesterase activity. Molecular docking results confirmed that both alkaloids are more favourable for forming complexes with acetylcholinesterase compared to butyrylcholinesterase. The kinetic results obtained by HPLC-DAD indicated that berberine noncompetitively inhibited acetylcholinesterase, while butyrylcholinesterase was inhibited in a mixed mode. In turn, palmatine exhibited a mixed inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The cytotoxic activity of berberine and palmatine standards and plant extracts were investigated against the human melanoma cell line (A375). The highest cytotoxicity was determined for extract obtained from Berberis pruinosa cortex. The cytotoxic properties of the extract were also determined in the in vivo investigations using the Danio rerio larvae xenograft model. The obtained results confirmed a significant effect of the Berberis pruinosa cortex extract on the number of cancer cells in a living organism. Our results showed that extracts obtained from Berberis species, especially the Berberis pruinosa cortex extract, can be recommended for further in vivo experiments in order to confirm the possibility of their application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and human melanoma.

Exploring effect of herbal monomers in treating gouty arthritis based on nuclear factor-kappa B signaling: A review

Gouty arthritis (GA) is an inflammatory disease caused by disorders of the purine metabolism. Although increasing number of drugs have been used to treat GA with the deepening of relevant research, GA still cannot be cured by simple drug therapy. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathogenesis of GA. A considerable number of Chinese herbal medicines have emerged as new drugs for the treatment of GA. This article collected relevant research on traditional Chinese medicine monomers in the treatment of GA using NF-κB, GA, etc. as keywords; and conducted a systematic search of relevant published articles using the PubMed database. In this study, we analyzed the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine monomers on GA in the existing literature through in vivo and in vitro experiments using animal and cell models. Based on this review, we believe that traditional Chinese medicine monomers that can treat GA through the NF-κB signaling pathway are potential new drug development targets. This study provides research ideas for the development and application of new drugs for GA.

Recent Applications of Protoberberines as Privileged Starting Materials for the Development of Novel Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents: A Concise Review (2017-2023)

Berberine is a well-known phytochemical with significant antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses. Due to having a unique backbone consisting of four interconnected rings, it can be used as a platform for the design and development of novel semisynthetic antiviral agents. The question here is whether novel broad-spectrum antiviral drugs with enhanced activity and toxicity potential can be obtained by attempting to modify the structure of this privileged lead compound. The present study aims to review the results of recent studies in which berberine and its close analogues (protoberberine alkaloids) have been used as starting materials for the production of new semisynthetic antiviral structures. For this purpose, relevant studies published in high-quality journals indexed in databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, etc. in the time frame of 2017 to 2023 were collected. Our selection criterion in the current review focuses on the studies in which protoberberines were used as starting materials for the production of semisynthetic agents with antiviral activity during the indicated time period. Correspondingly, studies were identified in which semisynthetic derivatives with significant inhibitory activity against a wide range of viruses including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), enterovirus 71 (EV71), zika virus (ZIKV), influenza A/B, cytomegalovirus (CMV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coxsackieviruses were designed and synthesized. Our conclusion is that, despite the introduction of diverse semisynthetic derivatives of berberine with improved activity profiles compared to the parent natural leads, sufficient derivatization has not been done yet and more studies are needed.

Computational investigation of four isoquinoline alkaloids against polycystic ovarian syndrome

Hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and estrogen dominance are the prime defining traits of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome which disrupts hormonal, adrenal, or ovarian functions resulting in impaired folliculogenesis and excess androgen production. The purpose of this study is to identify an appropriate bioactive antagonistic ligand from isoquinoline alkaloids [palmatine (PAL), jatrorrhizine (JAT), magnoflorine (MAG) and berberine (BBR)] from stems of Tinospora cordifolia. Phytocomponents inhibit/prevent androgenic, estrogenic, and steroidogenic receptors, insulin binding, and resultant hyperandrogenism. Intending to develop new inhibitors for human androgen receptor (1E3G), insulin receptor (3EKK), estrogen receptor beta (1U3S), and human steroidogenic cytochromeP450 17A1 (6WR0), here we report the docking studies by employing a flexible ligand docking approach using AutodockVina 4.2.6. ADMET screened swissADME and toxicological predictions to identify novel and potent inhibitors against PCOS. Binding affinity was obtained using Schrodinger. Two ligands, mainly BER (-8.23) and PAL (-6.71) showed the best docking score against androgen receptors. A molecular docking study reveals that compounds BBR and PAL were found to be tight binder at the active site of IE3G. Molecular dynamics results suggest that BBR and PAL showed good binding stability of active site residues. The present study corroborates the molecular dynamics of the compound BBR and PAL, potent Inhibitors of IE3G, having therapeutic potential for PCOS. We project that this study's findings will be helpful in drug development efforts targeting PCOS. Hence isoquinoline alkaloids (BER& PAL) have potential roles against androgen receptors, and in specific PCOS, scientific evaluation has been put forth based on virtual screening.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Insight Into the Role of Alkaloids in the Different Signalling Pathways of Cholangiocarcinoma

Throughout the biliary tree, a variety of cells give rise to cholangiocarcinomas, a broad group of malignancies. The fact that these tumours are silent and asymptomatic, especially in their early stages, seriously impairs the effectiveness of available therapeutic options and contributes to their poor prognosis. Over the past few years, increased efforts have been made to identify the aetiology and signalling pathways of these tumours and to create more potent therapies. Since alkaloids are more potent and effective against cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, they have gained importance in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. In cell lines with cholangiocarcinoma, they promote apoptosis. and restrict the spread of cells, departure, and development. This review highlights the recent developments in the study of CCA, primarily concentrating on the regulation of the signalling pathway and revealing alkaloids demonstrating strong anti-cholangiocarcinoma efficacy, providing researchers with a rapid approach for the future development of powerful and efficient pharmaceutical compounds.

Discovery of plant-derived anti-tumor natural products: Potential leads for anti-tumor drug discovery

Natural products represent a paramount source of novel drugs. Numerous plant-derived natural products have demonstrated potent anti-tumor properties, thereby garnering considerable interest in their potential as anti-tumor drugs. This review compiles an overview of 242 recently discovered natural products, spanning the period from 2018 to the present. These natural products, which include 69 terpenoids, 42 alkaloids, 39 flavonoids, 21 steroids, 14 phenylpropanoids, 5 quinolines and 52 other compounds, are characterized by their respective chemical structures, anti-tumor activities, and mechanisms of action. By providing an essential reference and fresh insights, this review aims to support and inspire researchers engaged in the fields of natural products and anti-tumor drug discovery.

Anti-obesity Properties of Phytochemicals: Highlighting their Molecular Mechanisms against Obesity

Obesity is a complex, chronic and inflammatory disease that affects more than one-third of the world's population, leading to a higher incidence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer. Several phytochemicals are used as flavoring and aromatic compounds, also exerting many benefits for public health. This study aims to summarize and scrutinize the beneficial effects of the most important phytochemicals against obesity. Systematic research of the current international literature was carried out in the most accurate scientific databases, e.g., Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, using a set of critical and representative keywords, such as phytochemicals, obesity, metabolism, metabolic syndrome, etc. Several studies unraveled the potential positive effects of phytochemicals such as berberine, carvacrol, curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, thymol, etc., against obesity and metabolic disorders. Mechanisms of action include inhibition of adipocyte differentiation, browning of the white adipose tissue, inhibition of enzymes such as lipase and amylase, suppression of inflammation, improvement of the gut microbiota, and downregulation of obesity-inducing genes. In conclusion, multiple bioactive compounds-phytochemicals exert many beneficial effects against obesity. Future molecular and clinical studies must be performed to unravel the multiple molecular mechanisms and anti-obesity activities of these naturally occurring bioactive compounds.

Diversely functionalized isoquinolines and their core-embedded heterocyclic frameworks: a privileged scaffold for medicinal chemistry

Isoquinoline-enrooted organic small-molecules represent a challenging molecular target in the organic synthesis arsenal attributed to their structural diversity and therapeutic importance. Into the bargain, isoquinolines are significant structural frameworks in modern medicinal chemistry and drug development. Consequently, synthetic organic and medicinal chemists have been intensely interested in efficient synthetic tactics for the sustainable construction of isoquinoline frameworks and their derivatives in enantiopure or racemic forms. This review accentuates an overview of the literature on the modern synthetic approaches exploited in synthesising isoquinolines and their core embedded heterocyclic skeletons from 2021 to 2022. In detail, the methodologies and inspected pharmacological studies for the array of diversely functionalized isoquinolines or their core-embedded heterocyclic/carbocyclic structures involving the introduction of substituents at C-1, C-3, and C-4 carbon and N-2 atom, bond constructions at the C1-N2 atom and C3-N2 atom, and structural scaffolding within isoquinoline compounds have been reviewed. This intensive study highlights the need for and relevance of relatively unexplored bioisosterism employing isoquinoline-based small-molecules in drug design.

Berberine-microbiota interplay: orchestrating gut health through modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolic transformation into bioactive metabolites

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in plants. It presents a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, despite a low oral bioavailability. Growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota is the target of berberine, and that the microbiota metabolizes berberine to active metabolites, although little evidence exists in the specific species involved in its therapeutic effects. This study was performed to detail the bidirectional interactions of berberine with the broiler chicken gut microbiota, including the regulation of gut microbiota composition and metabolism by berberine and metabolization of berberine by the gut microbiota, and how they contribute to berberine-mediated effects on gut health. As previous evidence showed that high concentrations of berberine may induce dysbiosis, low (0.1 g/kg feed), middle (0.5 g/kg feed) and high (1 g/kg feed) doses were here investigated. Low and middle doses of in-feed berberine stimulated potent beneficial bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae family in the large intestine of chickens, while middle and high doses tended to increase villus length in the small intestine. Plasma levels of the berberine-derived metabolites berberrubine, thalifendine and demethyleneberberine were positively correlated with the villus length of chickens. Berberrubine and thalifendine were the main metabolites of berberine in the caecum, and they were produced in vitro by the caecal microbiota, confirming their microbial origin. We show that members of the genus Blautia could demethylate berberine into mainly thalifendine, and that this reaction may stimulate the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate and butyrate, via acetogenesis and cross-feeding respectively. We hypothesize that acetogens such as Blautia spp. are key bacteria in the metabolization of berberine, and that berberrubine, thalifendine and SCFAs play a significant role in the biological effect of berberine.

New trends in the practical use of isoquinoline alkaloids as potential drugs applicated in infectious and non-infectious diseases

In the last years, traditional natural products have been the center of attention for the scientific community and exploration of their therapeutic abilities is proceeding permanently. Isoquinoline alkaloids have always attracted scientific interest due to either their positive or negative effects on human organism. The present review describes research on isoquinoline alkaloids isolated from different plant species. Alkaloids are one of the most important classes of plant derived compounds among these isoquinoline alkaloids possess varied biological activities such as anticancer, antineurodegenerative diseases, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and many others. The use of plants against different disorders is entrenched in traditional medicine around the globe. Recent progress in modern therapeutics has stimulated the use of natural products worldwide for various ailments and diseases. The review provides a collection of information on the capabilities of some isoquinoline alkaloids, its potential for the treatment of various diseases and is designed to be a guide for future research on different biologically active isoquinoline alkaloids and plant species containing them. The authors are aware that they were not able to cover the whole area of the topic related to biological activity of isoquinoline alkaloids. This review is intended to suggest directions for further research and can also help other researchers in future studies.

Copper(I)-Catalyzed Radical Carbamylation/Cyclization of 2-Aryl-N-methacryloylindoles with Substituted Formamides to Assemble Amidated Indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones

An efficient synthesis of amidated indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones has been achieved via copper(I)-catalyzed radical carbamylation/cyclization of 2-aryl-N-methacryloylindoles with substituted formamides. In this reaction, an isoquinoline ring was constructed by carbamylation of a carbon-carbon double bond in 2-arylindoles. This strategy successfully introduces the substituted amide group into the indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline skeleton and has advantages such as wide substituent scope, mild reaction conditions, high regioselectivity, and good to excellent yields.