Ethnopharmacologically important highly subsidized Indian medicinal plants: Systematic review on their traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, conservation status and future prospective

Anticancer potential of iron-based polyherbal formulation against lung and colon cancer cell lines

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Evidence-based research could unlock novel, safe drugs from medicinal plants. Ancient herbal formulations remain largely unproven limits their modern use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following a review of extensive ancient literature, "Kantha Chenduram (KC)" was selected. The current investigation involved a comprehensive characterisation utilising Atomic Force Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopic Analysis. Subsequently, the formulation's efficacy was evaluated in vitro against two prevalent lethal cancer cells, namely lung (A549) and colon (HT 29) cancer cells, then through a series of cellular assays, including DNA fragmentation, Fluorescence microscopy, cell cycle studies, and Apoptosis studies. Furthermore, cytotoxicity profile of the formulation was assessed using Vero cells, and its anti-inflammatory potential was investigated.

RESULTS

KC showed crystalline particles, ranging from 200 nm to 7 μm, with the presence of iron and oxygen. Exhibiting potent anticancer activity, the compound showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) IC50 values of 24.75 ± 0.028 μg/mL and 28.8 ± 0.032 μg/mL against lung and colon cancer cell lines, respectively. KC potentially targeted both lung and colon DNA, and fluorescent microscopic studies revealed that apoptotic cells were higher than necrotic cells. Lung cancer cell cycle studies demonstrated G0-G1 phase arrest. Furthermore, Apoptotic studies demonstrated a higher proportion of apoptotic cells in lung (24.33 %) and colon (59.73 %) cancer cells, suggesting a more aggressive cell death pathway. The formulation exhibited a favourable safety profile in Vero cell assays, indicating its safe potential for in vivo administration (P < 0.001). KC evidenced potent anti-inflammatory effects in egg albumin and bovine albumin with IC50 of 73.78 and 81.62 μg/mL, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These scientific data support the claim that the herbal formulation possesses significant anticancer properties, improving human health. Consequently, the formulation is a promising candidate for clinical trials and global application.

New Isocoumarins from an Endophytic Fungal Strain Diaporthe arengae M2 and their Antibacterial Activities

Four new isocoumarin derivatives 12-O-acetyl-isocitreoisocoumarinol (1), (+)-(10R)-O-acetyl-diaportinol (2-a), (-)-(10S)-O-acetyl-diaportinol (2-b), peyroisocoumarin E (3) and new stereoconfigurations of three isocoumarin derivatives desmethyldichlorodiaportinol A (4), threo-monochlorodiaportinol A (5-a), erytheo-monochlorodiaportinol A (5-b), together with nine known ones (6-14), were separated from the rice fermentation of endophytic fungus Diaporthe arengae M2 isolated from Camellia oleifera. The structures of new compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS). Compounds 4, 7, 8, 12, 13 exhibited definite inhibition against five strains of bacteria with the MIC values range from 16 μg/mL to 64 μg/mL.

Determination of Veratrum alkaloid contents in three Veratrum species by HPLC-MS/MS

INTRODUCTION

Veratrum alkaloids have gained attention due to their toxic effects and potential pharmaceutical applications, particularly in cancer and cardiology. Over 200 alkaloids are found in species of the Veratrum genus. The alkaloid composition and concentrations can greatly vary in plants depending on factors like species, plant part, location, season, weather, or nutrients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims an analytical approach to analyze and quantify Veratrum alkaloids in different plant parts of Veratrum species. The purpose is to contribute essential alkaloid concentration data for future research on the pharmacological and toxicological aspects of Veratrum alkaloids.

METHODS

This study focuses on five Veratrum alkaloids (cevadine, jervine, protoveratrine A, veratramine, and veratridine) in three Veratrum species (Veratrum album L., Veratrum californicum Durand, and Veratrum nigrum L.) collected from four German botanical gardens (Dresden, Leipzig, Marburg, and Schellerhau). A liquid-liquid extraction method and a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method operating in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode were applied for the alkaloid determination.

RESULTS

Quantification revealed varying alkaloid concentrations among plant parts and Veratrum species in the μg/g to mg/g range. Protoveratrine A exhibited the highest content, while veratramine concentrations were generally lower. Especially in fruit, roots and rootstock of Veratrum album L. alkaloid concentrations were significant high.

CONCLUSION

The developed HPLC-MS/MS method successfully determined Veratrum alkaloid concentrations in plant samples. The study contributes valuable data on Veratrum alkaloid distribution in different species and plant parts, crucial for understanding their potential medicinal and toxicological significance.

Research on quality marker based on the processing from Aconiti lateralis radix praeparata to Heishunpian

INTRODUCTION

Aconiti lateralis radix praeparata (ALRP), the sub root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., is a traditional Chinese medicine with good pharmacological effects. Heishunpian (HSP), prepared through the process of brine immersing, boiling, rinsing, dyeing, and steaming ALRP is one of the most widely used forms of decoction pieces in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of component changes and transformations during the processing from ALRP to HSP, and to screen for their quality markers through UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis.

METHODS

Samples from ALRP to HSP during processing were prepared and analyzed by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. By comparing the differences between before and after each processing step, the purpose of processing and the transformation of components during processing were studied. In addition, multiple batches of ALRP and HSP were determined, and potential quality markers were screened.

RESULTS

Through the analysis of ALRP and five key processing samples, 55 components were identified. Immersing in brine, rinsing, and dyeing were the main factors of component loss, and boiling caused a slight loss of components. Some components were enhanced during the steaming process. Combining the screened differences components between multiple ALRP and HSP, 10 components were considered as potential quality biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

This study found that the adjacent hydroxyl groups of the ester group may have a positive impact on the hydrolysis of the ester group, and 10 quality markers were preliminarily screened. It provides a reference for quality control and clinical application of ALRP and HSP.

Impact of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Environment on the Metabolic Profile of Medicinal Plants and Their Therapeutic Potential

The paper provides a comprehensive examination of heavy metal stress on medicinal plants, focusing on its impact on antioxidant capacity and biosynthetic pathways critical to their therapeutic potential. It explores the complex relationship between heavy metals and the physiological and biochemical responses of medicinal plants, highlighting how metal stress disrupts biosynthetic pathways, altering concentrations of secondary metabolites. This disruption may compromise the overall quality and efficacy of medicinal plants, requiring a holistic understanding of its cumulative impacts. Furthermore, the study discusses the potential of targeted genetic editing to enhance plant resilience against heavy metal stress by manipulating genes associated with antioxidant defenses. This approach represents a promising frontier in safeguarding medicinal plants in metal-contaminated environments. Additionally, the research investigates the role of phytohormone signaling in plant adaptive mechanisms to heavy metal stress, revealing its influence on biochemical and physiological responses, thereby adding complexity to plant adaptation. The study underscores the importance of innovative technologies and global cooperation in protecting medicinal plants' therapeutic potential and highlights the need for mitigation strategies to address heavy metal contamination effectively.

Nardostachys jatamansi: Phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological activities: A comprehensive review

A member of the Valerianacae family, Nardostachys jatamansi is the smallest, most primitive, perennial, dwarf, hairy, rhizomatous, herbaceous species. It has an enlarged antiquity of usage as ayurvedic medicine, homeopathic medicine, ethnomedicine, and the Indian system of medicine, and is now used in the modern medicine industry. In the ayurvedic medical system, the rhizomes of the plant are used as a bitter tonic, stimulant, antispasmodic, epileptic treatment, and for hysteria. Pharmacological reports on Nardostachys jatamansi revealed its antifungal activity, hepatoprotective activity, central nervous system activity, anticonvulsant activity, neuroprotective activity, antiparkinson's activity, antioxidant activity, antidiabetic activity, tranquilizing activity, antiestrogenic activity furthermore, Jatamansone has also been linked to anti-hypertensive, anti-arrhythmic, anti-asthmatic, nematicidal, and antibacterial effects. This review article's objective is to go over traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Ethnomedicinal Importance, pharmacological activities, precise procedures for variety improvement, protection, and appropriate utilization, and recognize prospects for Nardostachys jatamansi.