Preliminary study of the anti-inflammatory activity of hexane extract and fractions from Bursera simaruba (Linneo) Sarg. (Burseraceae) leaves

Exploring the dynamics of bioactive metabolites changes in barley grains (Hordeum vulgare L.) during roasting: Insights from UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS analysis combined to chemometrics

This investigation delves into the dynamic metabolic shifts within barley grains during the roasting process, employing UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS analysis. The complex spectrum of metabolites before and after roasting is revealed. The resulting data, unveils substantial transformations in chemical composition during roasting. A total of 62 chromatographic peaks spanning phenolic compounds, flavones, Millard Reaction Products, amino acids, lignans, vitamins, folates, and anthocyanins were annotated. Leveraging UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS analysis, we scrutinized the intricate metabolite profile before and after roasting where the roasting process was found to trigger dynamic changes across diverse metabolite classes particularly Millard Reaction Products, produced through the Maillard reaction, with dihydro-5-methyl-5H-cyclopentapyrazine, maltol and hydroxy maltol emerging as discerning markers of roasting progression. Amino acids and sugars showed degradation, while beta-glucan, a signature barley sugar, experienced notable decline. Folate derivatives witnessed pronounced reduction, aligning with the heat sensitivity of folates. Harnessing the power of multivariate data analysis, the consequences of roasting materialize through distinct clusters in PCA and OPLS-DA plots. Noteworthy, roasting duration governs the trajectory of metabolic divergence, culminating in the identification of roasting-specific markers. Epigallocatechin, procyanidin B, 10-HCO-H4 folate, and hordatine A emerge as pivotal discriminators. Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structure (OPLS) analysis linked anti-inflammatory activity with 30-min, 1-hour, and 1.5-hour roasted samples, with hordatine B in addition to some Millard Reaction Products being correlated with pro-inflammatory marker downregulation.. This study encapsulates the intricate metabolic metamorphosis ignited by roasting in barley grains, offering a holistic comprehension of their potential health-enhancing attributes. Key metabolites act as poignant indicators of these transformations, substantiating the complex interplay between roasting and the barley grain metabolome.

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory activity and metabolite profiling of the methanolic extract of Callicarpa arborea Roxb. leaves

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Callicarpa arborea Roxb. is widely used as traditional medicine especially by the tribal people of Bangladesh in the management of wide range of ailments. In addition to Bangladesh, the leaves of this plant is utilized as a remedy to various painful and inflammatory conditions including rheumatism, toothache and stomachache in other countries of Indian subcontinent.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Depending on the ethnomedicinal uses, we undertook this study to investigate the in-vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of C. arborea Roxb. leaves in Swiss albino mice as well as its chemical composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the analgesic activity of Callicarpa arborea Roxb. leaves by the acetic acid induced writhing test, the hot plate test, and the formalin test. We undertook the egg albumin induced paw edema test to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant. Furthermore, we conducted the phytochemical profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

RESULTS

In acute toxicity test, no mortality was observed at the highest dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w. Significant (p < 0.005) inhibition of acetic acid induced writhing was observed at both doses of the extract. A dose dependent increase in the response time was seen in the hot-plate test. In the formalin test, the extract significantly inhibited pain response in both early and late phase. We observed marked anti-inflammatory activity manifested by a significant (p < 0.005) reduction in egg albumin induced paw edema. We identified a total of twenty one compounds in the extract of by GC-MS analysis.

CONCLUSION

Taken all into consideration we conclude that the leaves of C. arborea Roxb. possesses potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, thus justifying its's ethnomedicinal use against painful and inflammatory pathological conditions.

Evaluation of Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Alnus nitida

In the current study, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Alnus nitida (leaves and fruits) was evaluated in the Sprague-Dawley rat. Traditionally, A. nitida was used for the treatment of inflammatory ailments. However, A. nitida leaves and fruits have not been yet reported regarding any potential medicinal effects. Leaves/fruits of A. nitida were extracted with methanol and fractionated to attain n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. These extracts were then evaluated for in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential. For in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, carrageenan-induced paw edema assay, Freunds’ complete adjuvant-induced edema, xylene-induced ear edema and histamine-induced paw edema models were used in rats, which showed significant (p < 0.01) reduction (70−80%) in edema in comparison of inflammatory controls. On other hand, for the analgesic assessment, hot plate assay and acetic acid-induced writhing tests were used, which showed a significant (p < 0.01) rise in latency time (40−60%) as compared with pain-induced controls. These results were comparable with standard drugs in a concentration-dependent manner and no mortality or toxicity was observed during all experiments. Then, for the identification of chemical constituents gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed, which indicated the presence of neophytadiene, 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, phytol and vitamin E, justifying the use of A. nitida to treat inflammatory disorders.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity of selected plants from the Colombian North Coast with low cytotoxicity

Background

Plants are an important option in the treatment of malaria, especially in endemic regions, and are a less expensive and more accessible alternative with a lower risk of toxicity. Colombia has a great diversity of plants, and evaluation of natural extracts could result in the discovery of new compounds for the development of antimalarial drugs. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial activity and the cytotoxicity of plant extracts from the Colombian North Coast against Plasmodium falciparum.

Materials and Methods

The antiplasmodial activity of 12 plant species from the Colombian North Coast that are used in traditional medicine was evaluated through in vitro cultures of P. falciparum, and the cytotoxicity of extracts of these species to human cells was determined. Plant extracts with high antiplasmodial activity were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening.

Results

Extracts from five plants had promising antiplasmodial activity. Specifically, Bursera simaruba (Burseraceae) (bark), Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (Malvaceae) (whole plant), Murraya exotica L. (Rutaceae) (leaves), Hippomane mancinella L. (Euphorbiaceae) (seeds), and Capparis odoratissima Jacq. (Capparaceae) (leaves). Extracts presented 50% inhibitory concentration values between 1 and 9 μg/ml. Compared to no extract, these active plant extracts did not show cytotoxic effects on mononuclear cells or hemolytic activity in healthy human erythrocytes.

Conclusions

The results obtained from this in vitro study of antiplasmodial activity suggest that active plant extracts from the Colombian North Coast are promising for future bioassay-guided fractionation to allow the isolation of active compounds and to elucidate their mechanism of action against Plasmodium spp.

In Vitro Potential of the Acetone Leaf Extract and Fractions of Psychotria capensis (Eckl.) Vatke (Rubiaceae) to Combat Co-Infection of Tuberculosis and Helminthiasis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of global importance that affects millions of people. Approximately a quarter of the world’s population is currently infected with M. tuberculosis, and about 10% of those infected will develop into active disease, particularly immune compromised individuals. Helminthiasis is of global health importance, affecting over 2 billion people mostly in resource-poor countries. Co-infection with tuberculosis (TB) and helminths (worms) is an emerging global public health concern with both affecting about one-third of the global population. Chronic infection with helminths can result in impaired immune responses to TB as well as enhancing failure to TB therapy and BCG vaccination. Antimycobacterial and anthelmintic activities of the acetone extract and fractions of Psychotria capensis were evaluated, including their in vitro safety. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect of the fractions and crude extract of P. capensis were assessed. Antimycobacterial activity of the extract and fractions was tested against four non-tuberculous mycobacteria (Mycobacterium smegmatis, M. fortuitum, M. aurum, M. bovis BCG) and pathogenic M. tuberculosis H37Rv while the Egg Hatch Assay (EHA) was used for the anthelmintic test on eggs of Haemonchus contortus. Cytotoxicity was determined against Vero kidney cells while in vitro immune modulation via cytokine production was determined on activated macrophages. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the Psychotria capensis acetone extract and fractions ranged from 39 to 1,250 μg/ml with the crude extract and hexane fraction having the best MIC values (both 39 μg/ml). In the EHA, the inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) ranged from 160 to 630 μg/ml with the hexane fraction having the best activity. The hexane and chloroform fractions were relatively non-toxic with LC₅₀ values of 290 and 248 μg/ml respectively, while the acetone crude extract (64 μg/ml) and n-butanol fraction (71 μg/ml) were moderately toxic. The SI values (LC₅₀/MIC) ranged from 0.1 to 7.4 with the hexane fraction having the highest value against M. smegmatis (7.4). The hexane fraction had the best dual anthelmintic and antimycobacterial activity. This fraction had the best NO inhibitory activity and was the least cytotoxic, indicating that its activity was not due to general metabolic toxicity, with 96.54% cell viability. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12p70 were upregulated while IL-10 expression was inhibited by the extracts. Compounds were detected using GC-MS analysis, and in both the crude acetone extract and the hexane fraction was the diterpene neophytadiene, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Finding alternative or complementary approaches to dealing with TB infections by, amongst other things, reducing the incidence of helminth infestations may lessen the burden of TB, contributing to slowing the spread of multi-drug resistance.

Biosynthesis of Soyasapogenol B by Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Soyasapogenol B is an oleanane-type pentacyclic triterpene that has various applications in food and healthcare and has a higher biological activity than soyasaponin. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a potential platform for terpenoid production with mature genetic tools for metabolic pathway manipulation. In this study, we developed a biosynthesis method to produce soyasapogenol B. First, we expressed β-amyrin synthase derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra in S. cerevisiae to generate β-amyrin, as the precursor of soyasapogenol B. Several different types of promoters were then used to regulate the expression of key genes in the mevalonate pathway (MVA), and this subsequently increased the yield of β-amyrin to 17.6 mg/L, 25-fold more than that produced in the original strain L01 (0.68 mg/L). Then, using the β-amyrin-producing strain, we expressed soyasapogenol B synthases from Medicago truncatula (CYP93E2 and CYP72A61V2) and from G. glabra (CYP93E3 and CYP72A566). Soyasapogenol B yields were then optimized by using soyasapogenol B synthases and cytochrome P450 reductase from G. glabra. The most effective soyasapogenol B production strain was used for fermentation, and the yield of soyasapogenol B reached 2.9 mg/L in flask and 8.36 mg/L in a 5-L bioreactor with fed glucose and ethanol. This study demonstrated the heterologous synthesis of soyasapogenol B in S. cerevisiae using the combined expression of CYP93E3 and CYP72A566 in the synthesis pathway, which significantly increased the production of soyasapogenol B and provides a reference method for the biosynthesis of other triterpenes.

Traditional Herbal Medicine in Mesoamerica: Toward Its Evidence Base for Improving Universal Health Coverage

The quality of health care in Mesoamerica is influenced by its rich cultural diversity and characterized by social inequalities. Especially indigenous and rural communities confront diverse barriers to accessing formal health services, leading to often conflicting plurimedical systems. Fostering integrative medicine is a fundamental pillar for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) for marginalized populations. Recent developments toward health sovereignty in the region are concerned with assessing the role of traditional medicines, and particularly herbal medicines, to foster accessible and culturally pertinent healthcare provision models. In Mesoamerica, as in most regions of the world, a wealth of information on traditional and complementary medicine has been recorded. Yet these data are often scattered, making it difficult for policy makers to regulate and integrate traditionally used botanical products into primary health care. This critical review is based on a quantitative analysis of 28 survey papers focusing on the traditional use of botanical drugs in Mesoamerica used for the compilation of the "Mesoamerican Medicinal Plant Database" (MAMPDB), which includes a total of 12,537 use-records for 2188 plant taxa. Our approach presents a fundamental step toward UHC by presenting a pharmacological and toxicological review of the cross-culturally salient plant taxa and associated botanical drugs used in traditional medicine in Mesoamerica. Especially for native herbal drugs, data about safety and effectiveness are limited. Commonly used cross-culturally salient botanical drugs, which are considered safe but for which data on effectiveness is lacking constitute ideal candidates for treatment outcome studies.

Emerging Therapeutic Effects of Herbal Plants in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by the failure of spontaneous resolution of inflammation with lifetime perseverance, becoming one of the major causes of disability in millions of people. It is mainly characterized by progressive erosion of cartilage in response to the formation of pannus leading to chronic polyarthritis and joint distortion. Early diagnosis and advances in molecular biology undoubtedly revolutionized therapeutic interventions in the past decade for better disease management. Despite favorable prospects, many patients still fail to respond to the current therapies urging a burning need to develop newer and safer medications. Herbal plants have been utilized since the ancient era and provided the base for massive bioactive compounds with flaunting therapeutic potential, many being advanced to drugs that are consumed worldwide for treating countless ailments. Scientific studies showed the involvement of several cellular mechanisms like oxidative stress suppression, downregulated synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines namely interleukins (IL-1, IL-6), TNF-α, NF-κB, demoted metalloproteinases induced cartilage destruction and augmentation of free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A plethora of active phytoconstituents like flavonoids, saponins, terpenes, alkaloids, lactones, etc, have been isolated from herbal plants with proven curative actions. The present review enlists some of the herbal drugs that can be used to amend the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and impart symptomatic relief to patients.

Wound Healing Activity of the Essential Oil of Bursera morelensis, in Mice

Bursera morelensis is used in Mexican folk medicine to treat wounds on the skin. It is an endemic tree known as “aceitillo”, and the antibacterial and antifungal activity of its essential oil has been verified; it also acts as an anti-inflammatory. All of these reported biological activities make the essential oil of B. morelensis a candidate to accelerate the wound-healing process. The objective was to determine the wound-healing properties of B. morelensis’ essential oil on a murine model. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation, and the chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the murine model, wound-healing efficacy (WHE) and wound contraction (WC) were evaluated. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated in vitro using peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. The results showed that 18 terpenoid-type compounds were identified in the essential oil. The essential oil had remarkable WHE regardless of the dose and accelerated WC and was not cytotoxic. In vitro tests with fibroblasts showed that cell viability was dose-dependent; by adding 1 mg/mL of essential oil (EO) to the culture medium, cell viability decreased below 80%, while, at doses of 0.1 and 0.01 mg/mL, it remained around 90%; thus, EO did not intervene in fibroblast proliferation, but it did influence fibroblast migration when wound-like was done in monolayer cultures. The results of this study demonstrated that the essential oil was a pro-wound-healing agent because it had good healing effectiveness with scars with good tensile strength and accelerated repair. The probable mechanism of action of the EO of B. morelensis, during the healing process, is the promotion of the migration of fibroblasts to the site of the wound, making them active in the production of collagen and promoting the remodeling of this collagen.

Bioprospecting of seaweeds (Ulva lactuca and Stoechospermum marginatum): The compound characterization and functional applications in medicine-a comparative study

Seaweeds are considered to be one of the richest bio-reserves, comprising of numerous bioactive compounds with versatile properties and multiple activities. The present study examined the antibacterial activity of two types of seaweeds, Ulva lactuca (green) and Stoechospermum marginatum (brown) collected from Oman Coastal region against five multidrug-resistant bacteria. The aqueous extracts of the seaweeds showed better antibacterial activity compared to methanol extracts. The results of the antibacterial assay revealed the excellent inhibitory effects of U.lactuca with the maximum activity against E.coli(8 mm) followed by K.pneumonia(4 mm) and S.typhi(2 mm). S.marginatum formed a clear zone of inhibition only against E.coli(3 mm).The major phytochemical constituents identified in both the types of seaweeds were Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Saponins, Flavonoids, and Steroids. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirmed the presence of alcoholic/phenolic groups, and amide groups in the seaweed extracts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results evidenced the presence of bioactive compounds such as 5-Octadecenal, 1-Tricosanol, Neophytadiene, Lactaropallidin, Phytol, Fenretinide, Lucenin, Vincadifformine in U.lactuca. Additionally, U.lactuca displayed better antioxidant activity (33.05%) in the DPPH free radical scavenging activity test compared to the S.marginatum (21.51%). Thus, the green seaweed U.lactuca could be considered as a potential source of natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents for food and pharmaceutical products.

Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activities of Macrosphyra Longistyla (DC) Hiern Relevant in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease

Macrosphyra longistyla has been used in many traditional systems of medicine for its anti-hemorrhagic, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, and anti-diarrhea properties. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitions of the crude methanol extracts and its various partitioned fractions were determined by a modified method of Ellman. An evaluation of the antioxidant activity was carried out using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, and nitric oxide scavenging assays. The total flavonoids were estimated based on the aluminum chloride method, while the total tannins and phenolics were estimated based on the vanillin-HCl and Folin-Ciocalteu method, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, and the highest ferric reducing power with a concentration providing 50% inhibition (IC₅₀) of 0.079 mg/mL and 0.078 mg/mL, respectively, while the crude methanol extract had the highest nitric oxide scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ of 0.008 mg/mL. The methanol extract had the highest phenolics and flavonoids contents, while the aqueous fraction had the highest tannin content. The crude methanol extract had the best AChE and BuChE inhibitory action, with an IC₅₀ of 0.556 µg/mL and 5.541 µg/mL, respectively, suggesting that the plant had a better AChE inhibiting potential. A moderate correlation was observed between the phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging, NO radical scavenging, and AChE inhibitory activities (r² = 0.439, 0.430, and 0.439, respectively), while a high correlation was seen between the flavonoid content and these activities (r² = 0.695, 0.724, and 0.730, respectively), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power correlated highly with the proautocyanidin content (r² = 0.801). Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) revealed decanoic acid methyl ester (24.303%), 11,14-eicosadienoic acid methyl ester (16.788%), linoelaidic acid (10.444%), pentadecanoic acid (9.300%), and 2-methyl-hexadecanal (9.285%). Therefore, we suggest that M. longistyla contain bioactive chemicals, and could be a good alternative for the management of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

GC-MS characterization of n-hexane soluble fraction from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F.H. Wigg.) aerial parts and its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

A comparative investigation of n-hexane soluble compounds from aerial parts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F.H. Wigg.) collected during different vegetative stages was carried out. The GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane (unpolar) fraction showed the presence of 30 biologically active compounds. Phytol [14.7% of total ion current (TIC)], lupeol (14.5% of TIC), taraxasteryl acetate (11.4% of TIC), β-sitosterol (10.3% of TIC), α-amyrin (9.0% of TIC), β-amyrin (8.3% of TIC), and cycloartenol acetate (5.8% of TIC) were identified as the major components in n-hexane fraction. The unpolar fraction exhibited promising antioxidant activity - 46.7 mmol Trolox equivalents/g extract (determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method). This fraction demonstrated insignificant antimicrobial activity and can be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Botanicals Against Tetranychus urticae Koch Under Laboratory Conditions: A Survey of Alternatives for Controlling Pest Mites

Tetranychus urticae Koch is a phytophagous mite capable of altering the physiological processes of plants, causing damages estimated at USD$ 4500 per hectare, corresponding to approximately 30% of the total cost of pesticides used in some important crops. Several tools are used in the management of this pest, with chemical control being the most frequently exploited. Nevertheless, the use of chemically synthesized acaricides brings a number of disadvantages, such as the development of resistance by the pest, hormolygosis, incompatibility with natural predators, phytotoxicity, environmental pollution, and risks to human health. In that sense, the continuous search for botanical pesticides arises as a complementary alternative in the control of T. urticae Koch. Although a lot of information is unknown about its mechanisms of action and composition, there are multiple experiments in lab conditions that have been performed to determine the toxic effects of botanicals on this mite. Among the most studied botanical families for this purpose are plants from the Lamiaceae, the Asteraceae, the Myrtaceae, and the Apiaceae taxons. These are particularly abundant and exhibit several results at different levels; therefore, many of them can be considered as promising elements to be included into integrated pest management for controlling T. urticae.

Anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activity of triterpenoids isolated from Bursera cuneata (Schldl.) Engl

AIM OF THE STUDY

To isolate compounds with anti-inflammatory activity from Bursera cuneata by a bioassay-guided fractionation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three extracts of different polarities were elaborated by maceration. These extracts were assayed for their inhibitory effects on phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced edema in mice. The dichloromethane extract was subjected to activity guided fractionation using successive chromatographic procedures. Additionally, the levels of histamine were determined in the ear samples obtained from the TPA assay, which were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Effect of moronic Acid on RAW 264.7 stimulated with LPS was evaluated for NO and TNF secretion.

RESULTS

The dichloromethane extract had the highest anti-inflammatory effect (89.1 ± 2.2% inhibition) over that of the hexane (53.3 ± 1.2%) and methanolic (77.4 ± 1.8%) extracts at a dose of 0.1 mg/ear. The FS-3 fraction, obtained from the dichloromethane extract, comprised triterpenes β-sitosterol (1), α-amyrin (2), moronic acid (3), and ursolic acid (4), and all the compounds showed significant activity in comparison with that of indomethacin (41.5 ± 0.6%) at 0.1 mg/mouse ear. However, moronic acid displayed the highest inhibitory effect (68.1 ± 1.3%). Additionally, levels of histamine were determined by HPLC in the treated tissues. moronic acid was the most active (73.3 ± 1.1%, indomethacin 33.8 ± 0.8%). The bio-guided isolation resulted in the identification of moronic acid as the principal anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic compound present in B. cuneata. To confirm a general anti-inflammatory effect, moronic acid was evaluated on the activation of RAW 264.7 cell stimulated with LPS. At 30 and 15 mg/mL a significant reduction of ON was observed (36% and 28% respectively) but had no significant effect on TNFα production.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that the organic extracts and isolated compounds from the aerial parts of B. cuneata had topical anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activities in vivo, but in vitro only modified the production of ON in RAW cells. The results of this study validated the use of B. cuneata in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Comparison of Biological Properties of Two Medicinal Extracts of the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Valley

In the Valley of Tehuacan-Cuicatlan, Cyrtocarpa procera and Bursera morelensis are located and are used in traditional medicine. In this research, several biological properties were evaluated. The methanol extracts of C. procera (MeCp) and B. morelensis (MeBm) were obtained by maceration. The antibacterial activities of the extracts were evaluated by the Kirby–Baüer disc-diffusion method. The wound healing activity was evaluated by histopathological analysis. Both extracts had a bacteriostatic effect in the Staphylococcus aureus (MeCp MIC = 0.25 mg/mL and MeBm MIC = 1 mg/mL) and the Vibrio cholerae (MeCp MIC = 1 mg/mL and MeBm MIC = 4 mg/mL). Both extracts demonstrated a wound healing efficacy similar to the reference standard (Recoveron). They also showed a high antioxidant capacity (MeCp SC₅₀ = 5.75 μg/mL and MeBm SC₅₀ = 4.27 μg/mL). These results are related to the concentration of phenols (MeCp = 166 and MeBm = 236.6 mg GAe/g) and flavonoids of MeCp = 16 and MeBm = 22 μg Qe/g. Both extracts, acting in a similar way in microorganisms that cause infection thanks to their antioxidant activity, favor the healing of wounds. This is the first study in which the biological properties of these two species are compared.

Traditional Uses, Pharmacological Efficacy, and Phytochemistry of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. -A Review

Moringa is a sole genus of Moringaceae family with 13 species distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. Among them, Moringa peregrina is one of the species which has wide range of traditional, nutritional, industrial, and medicinal values. The plant parts are used in folk medicine for many human health care purposes including diabetes, wound healing, disinfectant, fever, constipation, muscle pains, slimness, burns, labor pain, hypertension, malaria, stomach disorder, asthma, skin problems, and to expel a retained placenta. In addition to medicinal value, M. peregrina has cultural, spiritual, and religious connections with the native people of Arabian Peninsula. M. peregrina plant parts were tested for many pharmacological activities viz, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-spasmodic, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, lipid lowering activity, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and memory disorders. Few active molecules belong to the class isothiocyanate, flavonoid, triterpenoid, phytosterol, polyphenol, and glycoside were also isolated, identified and reported for anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anthelmintic, anti-mutagenic, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, herbicidal, lipid lowering potential, anti-trypanosomal, and cytotoxic activities. So, the aim of the present review is to provide comprehensive information from recognized sources on the traditional uses, pharmacological efficacy and phytochemistry of the desert medicinal plant, M. peregrina. The information provided in this review will be very useful for further studies to develop novel therapeutic drugs.

Anticholinesterase and antioxidant potentials of Nonea micrantha Bioss. & Reut along with GC-MS analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonea micrantha Boiss. & Reut . being an unexplored member of Boraginaceae was investigated for GC/MS analysis, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities in an attempt to find its effectiveness in neurological disorders.

METHODS

The AChE and BChE inhibitory activities of crude methanolic extract (Nm.Cr), subsequent fractions; n-hexane (Nm.Hex), chloroform (Nm.Cf), ethyl acetate (Nm.EtAc), aqueous (Nm.Aq) and crude saponins (Nm.Sp) from N. micrantha were conducted using Ellman's assay. The antioxidant activity of the plant samples using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging potential following quantitative spectrophotometric and qualitative TLC method were also studied. Moreover the total reducing power (TRP) of all the samples was also figured out.

RESULTS

The GC/Ms analysis confirmed that the plant is rich in bioactive molecules. Among different fractions, Nm.Hex, Nm.EtAc and Nm.Cf exhibited highest AChE inhibitory activities causing 75.51 ± 0.73, 68.54 ± 0.59 and 63.48 ± 0.59% enzyme inhibition respectively and IC₅₀ of 44, 100 and 144 μg/mL respectively. In BChE inhibiton assay, Nm.Aq, Nm.Sp and Nm.Cr showed highest activity causing 83.49 ± 0.27, 81.49 ± 0.89 and 75.31 ± 0.56% enzyme inhibition with IC₅₀ of 90, 110 and 44 μg/mL respectively. In DPPH assay, Nm.Aq, Nm.Cf, Nm.Hex and Nm.Cr were most potent exhibiting IC₅₀ values of 3, 5, 93 and 120 μg/ml respectively. In ABTS assay Nm.EtAc, Nm.Aq, Nm.Sp and Nm.Cr showed IC₅₀ values of 60, 95, 100 and 150 μg/mL respectively. Likewise ABTS inhibition was most prominent for Nm.Sp, Nm.EtAc and Nm.Aq causing 78.26 ± 0.49, 67.67 ± 0.73 and 63.58 ± 0.45% inhibition respectively at 1 mg/mL. These results were further confirmed by qualitative screening using DPPH and ABTS staining.

CONCLUSIONS

Our anticholinesterase and antioxidant results signify the N. micrantha as a potential source of natural bioactive compounds. Moreover isolation of natural bioactive compounds from this plant may lead to novel drug candidates against neurodegenerative disorders.

Exploratory studies of some Mexican medicinal plants: Cardiovascular effects in rats with and without hypertension

Background:

Papaveraceae Argemone mexicana L., Burseraceae Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg., Acanthaceae Justicia spicigera Schltdl. and Selaginellaceae Selaginella lepidophylla (Hook. & Grev.) Spring., have been used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat hypertension. The objective of this study was to further characterize the cardiovascular effects of the methanol extracts of such plants.

Methods:

The medicinal plants were collected and taxonomically identified; the methanol extract of each explored plant were administrated to conscious and unconscious male Wistar rats with and without glucose-induced hypertension. The blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were evaluated before and after the extract administration. Vascular reactivity experiments were conducted in rat aortic rings obtained from rats with and without sugar-induced hypertension, a model widely used to study such effects with cardiovascular agents.

Results:

After oral administration in normotensive conscious rats all tested extracts decreased the HR, such effect was only observed in hypertensive conscious rats after the administration of B. simaruba; only A. mexicana and B. simaruba decreased the BP after oral administration. All extracts administrated by intravenous injection diminished the mean arterial pressure. Dose-response curves to cumulative concentrations of all the extracts promote vascular relaxation in precontracted aortas from rats with and without sugar-induced hypertension.

Conclusions:

The present study indicated that B. simaruba is worthy of further investigation as a potential phytotherapeutic agent for treating hypertension.

The Hexane Fraction of Bursera microphylla A. Gray Induces p21-Mediated Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects in Human Cancer-Derived Cell Lines

Bursera microphylla (BM), one of the common elephant trees, is widely distributed in the Sonoran Desert in Mexico. The Seri ethnic group in the Sonoran Desert uses BM as an anti-inflammatory and painkiller drug for the treatment of sore throat, herpes labialis, abscessed tooth, and wound healing. Dried stems and leaves of BM are used in a tea to relieve painful urination and to stimulate bronchial secretion. Furthermore, BM is used for fighting venereal diseases. To investigate the effects of the hexane fraction of resin methanol extract (BM-H) on cell growth, the acute myeloid cell line (OCI-AML3) was treated with 250, 25, or 2.5 µg/mL of BM-H. The first 2 concentrations were able to significantly decrease OCI-AML3 cell number. This reduced cell number was associated with decreased S-phase, blockade of the G₂/M phase of the cell cycle, and increased cell death. Similar results were obtained on all tested tumor cell lines of different origins. We found that blockade of the cell cycle was due to upregulation of p21 protein in a p53-independent way. Increase of p21 was possibly due to upstream upregulation of p-ERK (which stabilizes p21 protein) and downregulation of p-38 (which promotes its degradation). Regarding cell death, activation of caspase-3, but not of caspase-8 or -9, was detectable after BM-H treatment. In conclusion, these data suggest that the BM’s hexane fraction inhibited proliferation of cell lines mainly by a p21-dependent, p53-independent mechanism and promoted apoptosis through activation of caspase-3, but not caspase-8 or -9.

Composition and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Essential Oil of Jatropha Curcas

The chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil from the leaf of Jatropha curcas L (Euphorbiaceae) collected from Nigeria are reported. The analysis of the chemical constituents of the essential oil was achieved by using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). All constituents of the essential oil, namely neophytadiene (35.8%), phytol (23.1%), trans-pinane (12.7%), 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (12.3%) and citronellyl propanoate (11.2%), were present in significant amounts. The anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf oil was determined on Wistar rats using egg-albumin as phlogistic agent; significant inhibition ( P< 0.05) was shown at a dose of 2%, v/v. Percentage inhibition of the anti-inflammation increased steadily to 76.6% in the 4th hour.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF BURSERA MORELENSIS RAMÍREZ ESSENTIAL OIL

Background:

Bursera morelensis, known as “Aceitillo”, is an endemic tree of Mexico. Infusions made from the bark of this species have been used for the treatment of skin infections and for their wound healing properties. In this work, we present the results of a phytochemical and antimicrobial investigation of the essential oil of B. morelensis.

Materials and Methods:

The essential oil was obtained by a steam distillation method and analyzed using GC-MS. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated.

Results:

GC-MS of the essential oil demonstrated the presence of 28 compounds. The principal compound of the essential oil was a-Phellandrene (32.69%). The essential oil had antibacterial activity against Gram positive and negative strains. The most sensitive strains were S. pneumoniae, V. cholerae (cc) and E. coli (MIC 0.125 mg/mL, MBC 0.25 mg/mL). The essential oil was bactericidal for V. cholera (cc). The essential oil inhibited all the filamentous fungi. F. monilifome (IC₅₀ = 2.27 mg/mL) was the most sensitive fungal strain.

Conclusions:

This work provides evidence that confirms the antimicrobial activity of the B. morelensis essential oil and this is a scientific support about of traditional uses of this species.

Investigations on anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Alnus nitida Spach (Endl). stem bark in Sprague Dawley rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Stem bark of Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl. (family Betulaceae) is used by local communities in northern areas of Pakistan as a remedy for swelling, injuries and pain. However no pharmacological study of this plant has been reported to confirm these activities. In this study anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of A. nitida stem bark have been evaluated.

METHODS

Powder of the stem bark of A. nitida was extracted with methanol (ANBM) and partitioned in escalating polarity to get the n-hexane (ANBH), chloroform (ANBC), ethyl acetate (ANBE) and the residual soluble aqueous (ANBA) fractions. The methanol extract and derived fractions were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by using in vitro heat induced albumin denaturation assay and various in vivo assays; carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method, Freunds' complete adjuvant induced arthritis, histamine induced paw edema and xylene induced ear edema in Sprague Dawley rat. The extracts/fractions were also evaluated for analgesic effects by using hot plate analgesic test and acetic acid induced writhing test in rat. The ANBM composition was analyzed by HPLC-DAD and GC-MS analysis.

RESULTS

Results of heat induced albumin denaturation activity indicated that among the extract/fractions ANBC at concentration range of 100-500µg/ml remarkably protected the heat induced albumin denaturation. The pretreatment with ANBC significantly reduced the carrageenan induced edema with 90.81±1.6% after 4h, comparing with 86.63±3.42% reduction produced by the reference drug diclofenac potassium. Histopathological alterations of the gastric and hind paw were decreased with the extract/fractions. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory effects of ANBC were evident in Freunds' complete adjuvant induced arthritis, histamine induced paw edema and xylene induced ear edema. The latency time in hot plate analgesic assay with ANBC (61.59±0.38%) after 90min was comparable to standard drug morphine (69.31±2.67%) and aspirin (67.24±2.08%). Similarly ANBC significantly (p<0.01) inhibited the pain sensation in acetic acid induced writhing test in rat. HPLC-DAD analysis of ANBM indicated the presence of gallic acid, catechin and rutin while the GC-MS analysis of ANBM indicated the presence of 30 compounds predominantly of neophytadiene, 3,7,11,15 tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, phytol, vitamin E and linalool.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggested that the presence of polyphenols, sterols, terpenoids and other constituents might contributed towards the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the crude methanol extract of A. nitida bark and its derived fractions. This study endorsed the folklore use of A. nitida bark for inflammation related disorders.

The Hexane Fraction of Bursera microphylla A Gray Induces p21-Mediated Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects in Human Cancer-Derived Cell Lines

Bursera microphylla (BM), one of the common elephant trees, is widely distributed in the Sonoran desert in Mexico. The Seri ethnic group in the Sonoran desert uses BM as an anti-inflammatory and painkiller drug for the treatment of sore throat, herpes labialis, abscessed tooth, and wound healing. Dried stems and leaves of BM are used in a tea to relieve painful urination and to stimulate bronchial secretion. Furthermore, BM is used for fighting venereal diseases. To investigate the effects of the hexane fraction of resin methanol extract (BM-H) on cell growth, the acute myeloid cell line (OCI-AML3) was treated with 250, 25, or 2.5 µg/mL of BM-H. The first 2 concentrations were able to significantly decrease OCI-AML3 cell number. This reduced cell number was associated with decreased S-phase, blockade of G₂/M phase of the cell cycle, and increased cell death. Similar results were obtained on all tested tumor cell lines of different origins. We found that blockade of the cell cycle was a result of upregulation of p21 protein in a p53-independent way. Increase of p21 was possibly a result of upstream upregulation of p-ERK (which stabilizes p21 protein) and downregulation of p-38 (which promotes its degradation). Regarding cell death, activation of caspase-3, but not of caspase-8 or -9, was detectable after BM-H treatment. In conclusion, these data suggest that BM-H inhibited proliferation of cell lines mainly by a p21-dependent, p53-independent mechanism and promoted apoptosis through activation of caspase-3 but not caspase-8 or -9.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of six pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from the Mexican copal resin of Bursera copallifera

BACKGROUND

Bursera copallifera (Burseraceae) releases a resin known as "copal ancho" which has been used, since pre-Colombian times, as ceremonially burned incense and to treat tooth ache, tumors, arthritis, cold, cough, and various inflammatory conditions; however, its anti-inflammatory potential is poorly studied. The aim of the present study was to isolate, quantify, and to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of triterpene compounds isolated from the copal resin of B. copallifera.

METHODS

The constituents present in the total resin of B. copallifera were obtained by successive chromatographic procedures, and quantitative analysis was performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Anti-inflammatory effects of the isolated triterpenes were investigated to determine their inhibitory effects on phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced edema in mice, viability and nitric oxide (NO) production inhibition on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2 and secretory Phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activities in vitro.

RESULTS

Quantitative phytochemical analysis of the copal resin showed the presence of six pentacyclic triterpenes of which, 3-epilupeol (59.75 % yield) and α-amyrin (21.1 % yield) are the most abundant. Among the isolated triterpenes, 3-epilupeol formiate (Inhibitory Concentration 50 % (IC50) = 0.96 μmol), α.amyrin acetate (IC50 = 1.17 μmol), lupenone (IC50 = 1.05 μmol), and 3-epilupeol (IC50 = 0.83 μmol) showed marked inhibition of the edema induced by TPA in mice. α-amyrin acetate and 3-epilupeol acetate, at 70 μM, also inhibited the activity of COX-2 by 62.85 and 73.28 % respectively, while α-amyrin and 3-epilupeol were the best inhibitors of the production of NO in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 15.5 and 8.98 μM respectively, and did not affected its viability. All compounds moderately inhibited the activity of PLA2.

CONCLUSIONS

This work supports the folk use of B. copallifera and provides the basis for future investigations about the therapeutic use of this resin in treating inflammation.

Identification of compounds from non-polar fractions of Blechnum spp and a multitarget approach involving enzymatic modulation and oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

The hexane (HEX) and dichloromethane (DCM) fractions from Blechnum binervatum, Blechnum brasiliense and Blechnum occidentale were studied about phytochemicals and biological properties using multitarget approach.

METHODS

The chemical composition was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS) analysis. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated against free radicals and on lipid peroxidation. Monoamine oxidases (MAO) and cholinesterases enzymatic modulation, as well as effects on rat and human cells, were assessed.

KEY FINDINGS

The CG-MS analysis allowed the identification of a non-polar compound series, being neophytadiene the major constituent in all DCM fractions and in HEX fractions from B. binervatum and B. occidentale. In B. brasiliense HEX fraction, β-sitosterol was the main compound. In general, B. brasiliense DCM fraction presented the highest antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values around 9, 2 and 1.2 times lower than those found for the other species, against HO˙, NO˙ and on lipid peroxidation, respectively. Regarding enzyme modulations, B. brasiliense DCM fraction presented higher MAO-A inhibition (IC₅₀ : 31.83 μg/ml), with a better selectivity index (SI MAO-A/MAO-B: 6.77). The lack of harmful effects was observed in rat cells, also highlighted in the stem cells for all Blechnum samples.

CONCLUSION

These findings encourage the search for multibinding natural products, mainly from B. brasiliense DCM fraction.

Antioxidant Properties of Essential Oil Extracted from Pinus morrisonicola Hay Needles by Supercritical Fluid and Identification of Possible Active Compounds by GC/MS

Pine (Pinus morrisonicola Hay, PM) needles have been used as folk medicine for their antihypertension and lipid-lowering effects. As supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is considered an ideal technique for the extraction of essential oil from plant materials, the present work investigated the optimal SFE conditions and the protective effects of different resulting fractions of PM needles on lipid peroxidation and foam cell production in macrophages. Nine PM needle extracts (PME1–9) were obtained in 1%–4% yields using different SFE conditions, of which PME1 had the lowest yield (1.1%) and PME3 the highest (3.9%). PME3 exhibited lower cytotoxic effects and stronger inhibition of lipid peroxidation and formation of foam cell in RAW 264.7 macrophages than those of other PME extracts. PME3-1 purified from PME3 by column and thin layer chromatography inhibited LDL oxidation more effectively than did PME3 in a cell-free system oxidized by Cu²⁺. PME3-1 dose-dependently (25–100 μg/mL) decreased conjugated diene levels and foam cell formation induced by ox-LDL. GC/MS analyses revealed that 1-docosene, neophytadiene, and methyl abietate were increased 5.2-, 1.7- and 4.3-fold in PME3-1 relative to PME3. A new hydrocarbon compound, cedrane-8,13-diol, was identified in PME3-1. Overall, the present study demonstrates the optimal extraction conditions of SFE of PM and identifies the most potent antioxidant fractions and possible active compounds in PM.

Diterpenoids and Triterpenoids from the Resin of Bursera microphylla and Their Cytotoxic Activity

A chemical study of the nonpolar fraction of a methanol-soluble extract of Bursera microphylla resin yielded a variety of di- and triterpenoids. In total, 15 compounds were isolated, of which three are new, namely, malabaricatrienone (1), malabaricatrienol (2), and microphyllanin (3). The antiproliferative activity of the major compounds was evaluated in different murine cancer cell lines (M12.C3.F6 and RAW264.7) and human cancer cells (A549, HeLa, and PC-3). The new compounds (1-3) did not show significant antiproliferative activity. The known compounds ariensin (4), burseran (5), and dihydroclusin diacetate (6) were effective against the RAW264.7 cell line, with IC50 values in the micromolar range.

Nitric oxide synthesis inhibition and cytotoxicity of Korean horse mussel Modiolus modiolus extracts on cancer cells in culture

The Korean horse mussel extract was purified and fractionated by a bioassay-guided purification step. The final fraction contained seven steroid and one polycyclic aromatic compounds, in which cholest-7-en-3-ol, (3β,5α)- (58.7 %) was a main component followed by ergosta-7,22dien-3-ol (3β,5α,22E) (13.0 %). This extract exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity determined solely through the nitric oxide inhibition assay in a dose-dependant manner with the IC50 value of 9.6 µg/mL and no cytotoxic effect on the macrophages. Moreover, it also exhibited strong cytotoxicity with the IC50 values of 21.4, 36.4, and 37.1 µg/mL against AGS, DLD-1, and HeLa cells, respectively. These results indicated that the horse mussel extract might be a functional ingredient in the prevention of inflammation and human cancers.

In vitro antimicrobial, anthelmintic and cyclooxygenase-inhibitory activities and phytochemical analysis of Leucosidea sericea

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Leucosidea sericea is used as a vermifuge and in the treatment of ophthalmia by various tribes in southern African countries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed at screening leaves and stems of Leucosidea sericea for pharmacological activity and validating the plant's traditional use. A general phytochemical screening was also carried out.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Petroleum ether (PE), dichloromethane (DCM), ethanol (EtOH) and water extracts of the plant parts were investigated for antimicrobial, anthelmintic and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activities. Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Candida albicans were used for the antimicrobial evaluation. Caenorhabditis elegans was used for the anthelmintic assay using the microdilution technique. Cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and -2) were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of the plant extracts. Phytochemical analysis for phenolic compounds, including gallotannins, condensed tannins and flavonoids was done using 50% methanol extracts of the leaves and stems employing spectrophotometric methods.

RESULTS

The leaf extracts exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity ranging from 0.025 to 6.25mg/ml. The most noteworthy minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.025 mg/ml was exhibited by PE and DCM leaf extracts against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. In the anthelmintic assay, the best minimum lethal concentration (MLC) value of 0.26 mg/ml was observed for the DCM and EtOH leaf extracts. Both leaf and stem organic solvent extracts exhibited high to moderate inhibition against COX-1 and -2 at a screening concentration of 250 microg/ml. At lower concentrations, the extracts displayed a dose-dependent inhibition, with the lowest IC(50) values of 0.06 microg/ml (COX-1) and 12.66 microg/ml (COX-2) exhibited by the PE extract of the leaves. Generally, the leaf extracts exhibited better pharmacological activities and contained higher amounts of phenolic compounds than the stem extracts. Alkaloids and saponins were only detected in the leaf and stem extracts, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The reported results support the local use of Leucosidea sericea against eye infections and as a vermifuge. The pharmacological activities exhibited by the leaf extracts are probably due to their higher phenolic levels.

ESI-MS, ESI-MS/MS Fingerprint and LC-ESI-MS Analysis of Proathocyanidins from Bursera simaruba Sarg Bark

Direct flow injection/electrospray ionization/ion trap tandem mass spectrometry was used to investigate the presence of proanthocyanidins (PAs) in the methanolic extract of B. simaruba bark. Additionally, an LC-ESI-MS qualitative study was performed by using a monolithic stationary phase. The fragmentation pattern obtained evidenced the presence in B. simaruba bark of PAs belonging to the series of polymers of epicatechin, along with their glycosilated derivatives.

Phenacetin Isolated from Bursera grandifolia, a Herbal Remedy with Antipyretic Properties

Bursera grandifolia and other related species have been used in traditional herbal medicine in Mexico and other Latin American countries for their analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. From the chloroform extract of leaves of B. grandifolia, a substance was isolated and identified as phenacetin, a well known compound with widely tested analgesic and antipyretic properties. The structural identity of the compound was elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence and by comparison with an authentic sample.