Sterols and triterpenoids as potential anti-inflammatories: Molecular docking studies for binding to some enzymes involved in inflammatory pathways

In Silico and In Vivo Evaluation of the Maqui Berry (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) on Biochemical Parameters and Oxidative Stress Markers in a Metabolic Syndrome Model

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disease that includes metabolic and physiological alterations in various organs such as the heart, pancreas, liver, and brain. Reports indicate that blackberry consumption, such as maqui berry, has a beneficial effect on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. In the present study, in vivo and in silico studies have been performed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms implied to improve the metabolic parameters of MetS. Fourteen-day administration of maqui berry reduces weight gain, blood fasting glucose, total blood cholesterol, triacylglycerides, insulin resistance, and blood pressure impairment in the diet-induced MetS model in male and female rats. In addition, in the serum of male and female rats, the administration of maqui berry (MB) improved the concentration of MDA, the activity of SOD, and the formation of carbonyls in the group subjected to the diet-induced MetS model. In silico studies revealed that delphinidin and its glycosylated derivatives could be ligands of some metabolic targets such as α-glucosidase, PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ, which are related to MetS parameters. The experimental results obtained in the study suggest that even at low systemic concentrations, anthocyanin glycosides and aglycones could simultaneously act on different targets related to MetS. Therefore, these molecules could be used as coadjuvants in pharmacological interventions or as templates for designing new multitarget molecules to manage patients with MetS.

T-2 toxin induces dermal inflammation and toxicity in mice: The healing potential of menthol

According to the World Health Organization and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, T-2 is one of the most harmful food-toxic chemicals, penetrates intact skin. The current study examined the protective benefits of menthol topical treatment on T-2 toxin-induced cutaneous toxicity in mice. Lesions were observed on the skin of the T-2 toxin-treated groups at 72 and 120 h. The T-2 toxin (2.97 mg/kg/bw)-treated group developed skin lesions, skin inflammation, erythema, and necrosis of skin tissue in contrast to the control group. Our findings reveal that topical application of 0.25% and 0.5% MN treated groups resulted in no erythema or inflammation, and normal skin was observed with growing hairs. The 0.5% MN administered group demonstrated an 80% blister and erythema healing effect in in vitro tests. In addition, MN dose-dependently suppressed ROS and lipid peroxidation mediated by the T-2 toxin up to 120%. Histology discoveries and the immunoblotting investigations with the downregulation of i-NOS gene expression confirmed the validity of menthol activity. Further molecular docking experiments of menthol against the i-NOS protein demonstrated stable binding efficacy with conventional hydrogen bond interactions, indicating compelling evidence of menthol's anti-inflammatory effects on the T-2 toxin-induced skin inflammation.

Synthesis, in silico, and in vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation of 3β-cinnamoyloxy substituted pregna-4,16-diene-6,20-diones derivatives

Pregnane derivatives have been studied mainly for their 5α-reductase activity. However, the anti-inflammatory activities of such compounds are still poorly explored. In the search for new anti-inflammatory agents, seven new pregnane derivatives 6a-g, with cinnamic acid esters at C-3 were prepared and fully characterized. The anti-inflammatory activity of compounds was assessed in TPA induced mice ear model. From them, compound 6 b was the most active to reduce edema, with an ED₅₀ of 0.017 mg/ear. Also, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics studies were performed to identify a potential molecular target related to the inflammatory process. The in vivo results suggest that 6 b could be a potent anti-inflammatory compound, while in silico studies suggest its interaction with some critical enzymes in the inflammatory response.

In Combo Studies for the Optimization of 5-Aminoanthranilic Acid Derivatives as Potential Multitarget Drugs for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors that consist of abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, alterations in the lipid profile, and hyperglycemia. The current therapeutic strategy includes polypharmacy, using three or more drugs to control each syndrome component. However, this approach has drawbacks that could lead to therapeutic failure. Multitarget drugs are molecules with the ability to act on different targets simultaneously and are an attractive alternative for treating complex diseases such as metabolic syndrome. Previously, we identified a triamide derivative of 5-aminoanthranilic acid that exhibited hypoglycemic, hypolipemic, and antihypertensive activities simultaneously. In the present study, we report the synthesis and in combo evaluation of new derivatives of anthranilic acid, intending to identify the primary structural factors that improve the activity over metabolic syndrome-related parameters. We found that substitution on position 5, incorporation of 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl substituents, and having a free carboxylic acid group lead to the in vitro inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, and simultaneously the diminution of the serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol in a diet-induced in vivo model.

Phytochemical Discrimination, Biological Activity and Molecular Docking of Water-Soluble Inhibitors from Saussurea costus Herb against Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2

Siddha medicine is one of the oldest medical systems in the world and is believed to have originated more than 10,000 years ago and is prevalent across ancient Tamil land. It is undeniable that inhibitor preferences rise with increasing solubility in water due to the considerations pertaining to the bioavailability and the ease of which unabsorbed residues can be disposed of. In this study, we showed the phytochemical discrimination of Saussurea costus extracted with water at room temperature as a green extraction procedure. A total of 48 compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The fatty acids had a high phytochemical abundance at 73.8%, followed by tannins at 8.2%, carbohydrates at 6.9%, terpenoids at 4.3%, carboxylic acids at 2.5%, hydrocarbons at 2.4%, phenolic compounds at 0.2%, and sterols at 1.5%. Of these compounds, 22 were docked on the active side and on the catalytic dyad of His41 and Cys145 of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (M^pro). Eight active inhibitors were carbohydrates, five were fatty acids, three were terpenoids, two were carboxylic acids, one was a tannin, one was a phenolic compound, and one was a sterol. The best inhibitors were 4,8,13-Cyclotetradecatriene-1,3-diol, 1,5,9-trimethyl-12-(1-methylethyl), Andrographolide, and delta.4-Androstene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol, with a binding affinity that ranged from −6.1 kcal/mol to −6.5 kcal/mol. The inhibitory effect of Saussurea costus of SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cell was studied using a pseudovirus with Spike proteins from the D614G variant and the VOC variants Gamma and Delta. Based on the viral cycle of SARS-CoV-2, our results suggest that the Saussurea costus aqueous extract has no virucidal effect and inhibits the virus in the events after cell entry. Furthermore, the biological activity of the aqueous extract was investigated against HSV-1 virus and two bacterial strains, namely Staphylococcus aureus ATCC BAA 1026 and Escherichia coli ATCC 9637. According to this study, an enormous number of water-soluble inhibitors were identified from Saussurea costus against the M^pro, and this is unprecedented as far as we know.

“Malancha” [Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb.]: A Potential Therapeutic Option against Viral Diseases

Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., commonly known as “Alligator weed” in English, and “Malancha” in Bengali, is a leafy vegetable from the family Amaranthaceae A. L. de Jussieu. This species is native to China, particularly to the provinces around the Yangtze River, other Far East and South-East Asian countries, and countries from other continents (e.g., South America). This plant also grows in certain areas in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. While in Bangladesh the leaves of this plant are consumed as a vegetable, in China, this plant has been used widely as a traditional remedy for the treatment of various viral diseases (e.g., measles, influenza, and haemorrhagic fever). Flavonoids and saponins are the two largest groups of phytochemicals produced by this plant, and the antiviral property of this plant and its compounds has been studied extensively. This review article reviews all published literature on this plant and critically appraises its phytochemical profile linking to biomolecular interactions and therapeutic potential, particularly, against viral diseases.

The edible seaweed Laminaria japonica contains cholesterol analogues that inhibit lipid peroxidation and cyclooxygenase enzymes

In this study, 5 sterols were isolated and purified from Laminaria japonica, commonly known as edible brown seaweed, and their structures were identified based on detailed chemical methods and spectroscopic analyses. Spectroscopic analyses characterized 5 sterols as 29-Hydroperoxy-stigmasta-5,24(28)-dien-3β-ol, saringosterol (24-vinyl-cholest-5-ene-3β,24-diol), 24-methylenecholesterol, fucosterol (stigmasta-5,24-diene-3β-ol), and 24-Hydroperoxy-24-vinyl-cholesterol. The bioactivities of these sterols were tested using lipid peroxidation (LPO) and cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and -2) enzyme inhibitory assays. Fucosterol exhibited the highest COX-1 and -2 enzyme inhibitory activities at 59 and 47%, respectively. Saringosterol, 24-methylenecholesterol and fucosterol showed higher LPO inhibitory activity at >50% than the other compounds. In addition, the results of molecular docking revealed that the 5 sterols were located in different pocket of COX-1 and -2 and fucosterol with tetracyclic skeletons and olefin methine achieved the highest binding energy (-7.85 and -9.02 kcal/mol) through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bond. Our results confirm the presence of 5 sterols in L. japonica and its significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Uncovering the anti-angiogenic effect of semisynthetic triterpenoid CDDO-Im on HUVECs by an integrated network pharmacology approach

AIM

To reveal the molecular mechanism of anti-angiogenic activity of semisynthetic triterpenoid CDDO-Im.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using re-analysis of cDNA microarray data of CDDO-Im-treated human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) (GSE71622), functional annotation of revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and analysis of their co-expression, the key processes induced by CDDO-Im in HUVECs were identified. Venn diagram analysis was further performed to reveal the common DEGs, i.e. genes both susceptible to CDDO-Im and involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. A list of probable protein targets of CDDO-Im was prepared based on Connectivity Map/cheminformatics analysis and chemical proteomics data, among which the proteins that were most associated with the angiogenesis-related regulome were identified. Finally, identified targets were validated by molecular docking and text mining approaches.

KEY FINDINGS

The effect of CDDO-Im in HUVECs can be divided into two main phases: the short early phase (0.5-3 h) with an acute FOXD1/CEBPA/JUNB-regulated pro-angiogenic response induced by xenobiotic stress, and the second anti-angiogenic step (6-24 h) with massive suppression of various angiogenesis-related processes, accompanied by the activation of cytoprotective mechanisms. Our analysis showed that the anti-angiogenic activity of CDDO-Im is mediated by its inhibition of the expression of PLAT, ETS1, A2M, SPAG9, RASGRP3, FBXO32, GCNT1 and HDGFRP3 and its direct interactions with EGFR, mTOR, NOS2, HSP90AA1, MDM2, SYK, IRF3, ATR and KIF14.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings provide valuable insights into the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the anti-angiogenic activity of cyano enone-bearing triterpenoids and revealed a range of novel promising therapeutic targets to control pathological neovascularization.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Sweet Cherry Extracts (cv. Saco)

Cancer is the second cause of death worldwide. Among cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent. Evidence indicates that the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables can prevent the onset of various cancers due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Sweet cherries are known for their richness in phenolics, including anthocyanins, which are the major constituents, and presumably, the key contributors to their biological activity. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of three different cherry fractions on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells viability and effectiveness to improve the redox status of these cells under oxidative damage induced by nitric oxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide. Phenolic characterization of fractions was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The obtained results indicated that enriched phenolic fractions of sweet cherries (cv. Saco, can impair cell viability and suppress cells growth after 72 h of exposure, promoting necrosis at the highest tested concentrations (>50 µg/mL). Additionally, fractions also showed the capacity to protect these cells against oxidative injury by capturing radicals before they can attack cells’ membrane and by modulating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generation, as demonstrated by bioinformatic tools.

Flavonoids and saponins from Passiflora edulis f. edulis leaves (purple passion fruit) and its potential anti-inflammatory activity

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract, fractions and major compounds, which are isolated and identified from Passiflora edulis f. edulis (purple passion fruit) leaves extract.

METHODS

For the isolation of the major compounds, reversed-phase chromatography and normal phase countercurrent chromatography were used. The separation was followed by thin layer chromatography and HPLC-DAD-ELSD. One-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR and ESI-TOF-MS/MS were used for structural elucidation. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on a TPA multiple dose model of skin chronic inflammation in mice. Additionally, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity assays were performed as possible mechanisms of action studies.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

The study of the butanolic fraction mainly showed the presence of saponins and flavonoids. Three minor flavonoids were detected; and three known saponins, cyclopassiflosides IX, XI and III were isolated and identified. This is the first unequivocal report of the presence of these compounds in P. edulis f. edulis leaves. The most favourable results of anti-inflammatory activity were obtained for the flavonoid-rich fraction. All the fractions and isolated compounds evaluated, presented high percentages of inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity.

In Silico-Based Design and In Vivo Evaluation of an Anthranilic Acid Derivative as a Multitarget Drug in a Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome Model

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disease that affects almost a quarter of the world's adult population. In MetS, diabetes, obesity, hyperglycemia, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are the most common disorders. Polypharmacy is the most used strategy for managing conditions related to MetS, but it has drawbacks such as low medication adherence. Multitarget ligands have been proposed as an interesting approach to developing drugs to treat complex diseases. However, suitable preclinical models that allow their evaluation in a context closer to a clinical situation of a complex disease are needed. From molecular docking studies, compound 1b, a 5-aminoanthranilic acid derivative substituted with 4'-trifluoromethylbenzylamino and 3',4'-dimethoxybenzamide moieties, was identified as a potential multitarget drug, as it showed high in silico affinity against targets related to MetS, including PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, and HMG-CoA reductase. It was evaluated in a diet-induced MetS rat model and simultaneously lowered blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels after a 14-day treatment. No toxicity events were observed during an acute lethal dose evaluation test at 1500 mg/kg. Hence, the diet-induced MetS model is suitable for evaluating treatments for MetS, and compound 1b is an attractive starting point for developing multitarget drugs.

Anti-metastatic effects of ergosterol peroxide from the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps gracilioides on 4T1 breast cancer cells

Ophiocordyceps gracilioides is an entomoparasitic ascomycetes whose bioactivity has not been examined in detail. In this study, we identified the bioactive compounds ergosterol peroxide (EPO) and ergosterol (ERG) from the MeOH extract of O. gracilioides mycelia related to its anti-cancer effects by targeting the Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-ĸB)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) inflammatory pathways. Using gene-reporter assays, we demonstrated that EPO markedly inhibits both NF-ĸB and STAT3 activity in 4T1 cells, whereas ERG had limited effect. Consistent with their effects on NF-ĸB and STAT3 activity, EPO, but not ERG, exerted anti-proliferative effects on 4T1 cells. Furthermore, EPO significant inhibited both the migration and invasion of 4T1 cells in vitro, and pre-treatment of 4T1 cells with EPO significantly inhibited the formation of experimental lung metastases in vivo. Collectively, we demonstrated that ERG and EPO can be isolated from O. gracilioides mycelia, and further identified EPO as an active constituent of its anti-metastatic effects through the inhibition of NF-ĸB and STAT3 inflammatory pathways in 4T1 breast cancer cells.

Profile and Content of Phenolic Compounds in Leaves, Flowers, Roots, and Stalks of Sanguisorba officinalis L. Determined with the LC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Analysis and Their In Vitro Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antiproliferative Potency

The aim of this study was to accurately determine the profile of polyphenols using the highly sensitive LC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS technique and to determine in vitro antioxidant activity, the ability of inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucoamylase, and pancreatic lipase activity, and antiproliferative activity in leaves, flowers, roots, and stalks of medical plant Sanguisorba officinalis L. The results of the analysis of the morphological parts indicated the presence of 130 polyphenols, including 62 that were detected in S. officinalis L. for the first time. The prevailing group was tannins, with contents ranging from 66.4% of total polyphenols in the flowers to 43.3% in the stalks. The highest content of polyphenols was identified in the flowers and reached 14,444.97 mg/100 g d.b., while the lowest was noted in the stalks and reached 4606.33 mg/100 g d.b. In turn, the highest values of the antiradical and reducing capacities were determined in the leaves and reached 6.63 and 0.30 mmol TE/g d.b, respectively. In turn, a high ability to inhibit activities of α-amylase and α-glucoamylase was noted in the flowers, while a high ability to inhibit the activity of pancreatic lipase was demonstrated in the leaves of S. officinalis L. In addition, the leaves and the flowers showed the most effective antiproliferative properties in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, bladder cancer, and T-cell leukemia cells, whereas the weakest activity was noted in the stalks. Thus, the best dietetic material to be used when composing functional foods were the leaves and the flowers of S. officinalis L., while the roots and the stalks were equally valuable plant materials.

Chemistry, Biological Activities and In Silico Bioprospection of Sterols and Triterpenes from Mexican Columnar Cactaceae

The Cactaceae family is an important source of triterpenes and sterols. The wide uses of those plants include food, gathering, medicinal, and live fences. Several studies have led to the isolation and characterization of many bioactive compounds. This review is focused on the chemistry and biological properties of sterols and triterpenes isolated mainly from some species with columnar and arborescent growth forms of Mexican Cactaceae. Regarding the biological properties of those compounds, apart from a few cases, their molecular mechanisms displayed are not still fully understand. To contribute to the above, computational chemistry tools have given a boost to traditional methods used in natural products research, allowing a more comprehensive exploration of chemistry and biological activities of isolated compounds and extracts. From this information an in silico bioprospection was carried out. The results suggest that sterols and triterpenoids present in Cactaceae have interesting substitution patterns that allow them to interact with some bio targets related to inflammation, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative processes. Thus, they should be considered as attractive leads for the development of drugs for the management of chronic degenerative diseases.

Inhibition potential of phenolic constituents from the aerial parts of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum against soluble epoxide hydrolase and nitric oxide synthase

The aerial parts of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum (APTH) have been used as a functional tea in China. The purpose of the current study was to identify the bioactive constituents with inhibitory activity against soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which are jointly considered potential therapeutic targets for vascular system diseases. In the present study, 39 compounds (1-39) were isolated from the APTH. Among them, compounds 8, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, and 32 displayed potential activities, with IC50 values ranging from 4.5 to 9.5 µM, respectively, and all in non-competitive inhibition mode. Compounds 5, 10, 12, 19, and 32 displayed potent iNOS inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 15.6 to 47.3 µM. The results obtained in this work contribute to a better understanding of the pharmacological activities of T. hemsleyanum and its potential application as a functional food.

Distribution of phytochemicals and antioxidative potency in fruit peel, flesh, and seeds of Saskatoon berry

The distributions of total soluble solids, pectins, the sum of polyphenolic and terpenoid compounds as well as the antioxidative potency of fruit and their parts, such as peel, flesh, and seeds of Saskatoon berry genotypes are presented in this work. The contents of individual bioactive compounds of in this fruit fraction of Saskatoon berry cultivars and cultivation clones significantly depended on berry genotype and compounds distribution within particular parts of the fruit. The fruit peel contained mainly anthocyanins, polymerized compounds, hydroxycinnamic acids, triterpenoids, and tetraterpenids, as well as exhibited antioxidant activity. The major compounds identified in the fruit flesh included soluble solids, ash, flavonols. In turn, polymeric procyanidins was determined in the seeds of fruit. Individual parts of Saskatoon berry fruit contained many health-promoting constituents and could be deemed attractive materials for the production of functional foods or dietary supplements.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 5α,8α-Epidioxycholest-6-en-3β-ol, a Steroidal Endoperoxide Isolated from Aplysia depilans, Based on Bioguided Fractionation and NMR Analysis

Sea hares of Aplysia genus are recognized as a source of a diverse range of metabolites. 5α,8α-Endoperoxides belong to a group of oxidized sterols commonly found in marine organisms and display several bioactivities, including antimicrobial, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory properties. Herein we report the isolation of 5α,8α-epidioxycholest-6-en-3β-ol (EnP(5,8)) from Aplysia depilans Gmelin, based on bioguided fractionation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, as well as the first disclosure of its anti-inflammatory properties. EnP(5,8) revealed capacity to decrease cellular nitric oxide (NO) levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by downregulation of the Nos2 (inducible nitric oxide synthase, iNOS) gene. Moreover, EnP(5,8) also inhibited the LPS-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) at the mRNA and protein levels. Mild selective inhibition of COX-2 enzyme activity was also evidenced. Our findings provide evidence of EnP(5,8) as a potential lead drug molecule for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents.

Profile of Bioactive Compounds in the Morphological Parts of Wild Fallopia japonica (Houtt) and Fallopia sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) and Their Antioxidative Activity

The aim of this study was to determine the content of triterpenoids and polyphenols, and antioxidative activity in leaves, stalks, and roots of plants from the species Fallopia as well as to present the main relationship between them. Polyphenolic compounds and triterpenoids were identified with liquid chromatography-photodiode detector-mass spectrometry/quadrupole time of flight (LC-MS-Q/TOF; qualitatively) and quantified with an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode detector (UPLC-PDA (quantitatively), and their antioxidative activity was determined with radical scavenging capacity (ABTS) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Generally, the wild Fallopia japonica Houtt. species had 1.2 times higher content of bioactive compounds and antioxidative activity than Fallopia sachalinensis. Contents of polyphenolic compounds determined in leaves, stalks, and roots were on average 17.81, 10.60, and 9.02 g/100 g of dry weight (DW), whereas the average contents of triterpenoids reached 0.78, 0.70, and 0.50 g/100 g DW, respectively. The leaves were a better source of polymeric procyanidins, phenolic acids, flavones, and flavonols, as well as oleanolic and ursolic acids than the other morphological parts of the tested plants. However, the roots were an excellent source of flavan-3-ols (monomeric and oligomer) and stilbenes, such as resveratrol, and their derivatives. The results obtained showed significant differences between plants of the wild Fallopia species and their morphological parts, and enabled selecting the most valuable morphological part of the tested plants to be used for food enrichment and nutraceuticals production. Therefore, the leaves seem to be the best as potential food additives for health, due to the above-average content of polyphenolic compounds and triterpenoids. In turn, roots, with their high contents of stilbenes and polyphenolic compounds, represent a good material for the medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The principal component analysis of the plants of wild Fallopia species and their morphological parts confirmed significant differences in their chemical composition.

In Silico Studies on Compounds Derived from Calceolaria: Phenylethanoid Glycosides as Potential Multitarget Inhibitors for the Development of Pesticides

An increasing occurrence of resistance in insect pests and high mammal toxicity exhibited by common pesticides increase the need for new alternative molecules. Among these alternatives, bioinsecticides are considered to be environmentally friendly and safer than synthetic insecticides. Particularly, plant extracts have shown great potential in laboratory conditions. However, the lack of studies that confirm their mechanisms of action diminishes their potential applications on a large scale. Previously, we have reported the insect growth regulator and insecticidal activities of secondary metabolites isolated from plants of the Calceolaria genus. Herein, we report an in silico study of compounds isolated from Calceolaria against acetylcholinesterase, prophenoloxidase, and ecdysone receptor. The molecular docking results are consistent with the previously reported experimental results, which were obtained during the bioevaluation of Calceolaria extracts. Among the compounds, phenylethanoid glycosides, such as verbascoside, exhibited good theoretical affinity to all the analyzed targets. In light of these results, we developed an index to evaluate potential multitarget insecticides based on docking scores.

Anti-tumor and Anti-angiogenic Ergosterols from Ganoderma lucidum

This study was carried out to isolate chemical constituents from the lipid enriched fraction of Ganoderma lucidum extract and to evaluate their anti-proliferative effect on tumor cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Ergosterol derivatives (1-14) were isolated and purified from the lipid enriched fraction of G. lucidum. Their chemical structures were established by spectroscopic analyses or by comparison of mass and NMR spectral data with those reported previously. Amongst, compound 1 was purified and identified as a new one. All the compounds were evaluated for their anti-proliferative effect on human tumor cells and HUVECs in vitro. Compounds 9-13 displayed inhibitory activity against two types of human tumor cells and HUVECs, which indicated that these four compounds had both anti-tumor and anti-angiogenesis activities. Compound 2 had significant selective inhibition against two tumor cell lines, while 3 exhibited selective inhibition against HUVECs. The structure-activity relationships for inhibiting human HepG2 cells were revealed by 3D-QASR. Ergosterol content in different parts of the raw material and products of G. lucidum was quantified. This study provides a basis for further development and utilization of ergosterol derivatives as natural nutraceuticals and functional food ingredients, or as source of new potential antitumor or anti-angiogenesis chemotherapy agent.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Seven Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) Genotypes Grown in Poland

The basic chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity of fruits of three new Polish breeding clones (No. 5/6, type S, and type N) and four Canadian cultivars (cvs.) (“Martin”, “Smoky”, “Pembina”, and “Honeywood”) grown in Poland in 2016 were investigated. Fruits were analyzed for their contents of triterpenoids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and polyphenolics with the ultra-performance liquid chromatography photodiode detector-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-Q/TOF-MS) method, sugar with the high-performance liquid chromatography–evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) method, and antioxidant capacity with the ability to reduce free radical (ABTS) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) method. Thirty-eight bioactive compounds, including twenty-eight polyphenolic compounds (four anthocyanins, nine phenolic acids, nine flavonols, and seven flavan-3-ols), four carotenoids, two chlorophylls, and three triterpenoids were identified in the fruits. The fruits of the tested Saskatoon berry genotypes were found to be rich in phenolic compounds (3773.94–6390.36 mg/100 g·dm), triterpenoids (66.55–91.31 mg/kg·dm), and carotenoids (478.62–561.57 mg/kg·dm), with high ABTS and FRAP capacity (10.38–34.49 and 9.66–25.34 mmol·Trolox/100 g·dm, respectively). Additionally, the berries of these genotypes seemed to be a good source of sugar (9.02–19.69 g/100 g), pectins (0.67%–1.33%), and ash (0.59%–0.67%). Some genotypes of Saskatoon berry, especially the clones type S, type N, and cvs. “Honeywood” and “Smoky”, may be selected for their potential applications in commercial cultivation to produce fruits with valuable health-promoting nutritional effects on human health. Additionally, three new genotypes that may offer new functional materials can be recommended for fruit growers.