Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. extract as a skin preserving agent: From traditional medicine to scientific validation

Phlomis crinita Cav. From Algeria: A source of bioactive compounds possessing antioxidant and wound healing activities

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phlomis crinita Cav. (Lamiaceae), locally known as "El Khayata" or "Kayat El Adjarah", is traditionally used in Algeria for its wound-healing properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Investigate, for the first time, the phytochemical profile, safety, antioxidant and wound-healing activities of the flowering tops methanolic extract of P. crinita (PCME) collected from Bouira Province in the North of Algeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preliminary phytochemical assays were carried out on PCME to quantify the main classes of bioactive compounds, such as total phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. An in-depth LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis was carried out to elucidate the phytochemical profile of this plant species. Antioxidant activity was investigated by several colorimetric and fluorimetric assays (DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, ORAC, β-carotene bleaching and ferrozine assay). The acute oral toxicity of PCME (2000 mg/kg b.w.) was tested in vivo on Swiss albino mice, whereas the acute dermal toxicity and wound-healing properties of the PCME ointment (1-5% PCMO) were tested in vivo on Wistar albino rats. Biochemical and histological analyses were carried out on biological samples.

RESULTS

The phytochemical screening highlighted a high content of phenolic compounds (175.49 ± 0.8 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of dry extract), mainly flavonoids (82.28 ± 0.44 mg of quercetin equivalents/g of dry extract). Fifty-seven compounds were identified by LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis, belonging mainly to the class of flavones (32.27%), with luteolin 7-(6″-acetylglucoside) as the most abundant compound and phenolic acids (32.54%), with salvianolic acid C as the most abundant compound. A conspicuous presence of phenylethanoids (15.26%) was also found, of which the major constituent is forsythoside B. PCME showed a strong antioxidant activity with half-inhibitory activity (IC50) ranging from 1.88 to 37.88 μg/mL and a moderate iron chelating activity (IC50 327.44 μg/mL). PCME appears to be safe with Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) ≥ 2000 mg/kg b.w. No mortality or toxicity signs, including any statistically significant changes in body weight gain and relative organs' weight with respect to the control group, were recorded. A significant (p < 0.001) wound contraction was observed in the 5% PCMO-treated group with respect to the untreated and petroleum jelly groups between 8 and 20 days, whereas no statistically significant results were observed at the two lower doses (1 and 2% PCMO). In addition, the 5% PCMO-treated group showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) wound healing activity with respect to the reference drug-treated group, showing, at the end of the study, the highest wound contraction percentage (88.00 ± 0.16%).

CONCLUSION

PCME was safe and showed strong antioxidant and wound-healing properties, suggesting new interesting pharmaceutical applications for P. crinita based on its traditional use.

Achieving the impossible: prevention and eradication of invasive plants in Mediterranean-type ecosystems

An in-depth analysis of the mechanistic processes underlying the evolution and ecophysiology of typical invasive plants such as Carpobrotus spp., Acacia spp., Agave spp., and Opuntia spp. in Mediterranean-type ecosystems shows very sophisticated, complex, and efficient strategies for invasion success, particularly in fragmented habitats. Propagule pressure at both geographical and temporal scales and the establishment of long-term seed banks are determinant for invasion success. A two-sword strategy based on long-term prevention and eradication is proposed for the management of Mediterranean-type ecosystems. Eradication of invasive plants in Mediterranean-type ecosystems appears to be extremely difficult nowadays and, at least for some invaders like Carpobrotus spp., long-term approaches that ultimately culminate in the elimination of seed banks is the only path for success.

A Bioinformatic Study on the Potential Anti-Vitiligo Activity of a Carpobrotus edulis Compound

The plant Carpobrotus edulis has traditionally been known for its wide applications in diseases, especially vitiligo, which is characterized by patches and white macules caused by the loss of melanocytes. One of the chemical treatments for vitiligo consists mainly of skin repigmentation and usually leads to a non-durable effect by inhibiting the Janus kinase (JAK) signal transduction (STAT pathway). JAK inhibitors generally block multiple JAK tyrosine kinases, which leads to secondary effects. In this study, natural molecules from Carpobrotus edulis were extracted and tested using a structure-based drug-design approach and pharmacophore modeling. The best-fit candidate from the extracted molecules was compared to the chemical molecules used. The results indicated a similarity between the chemical and natural ligands which suggested the potential use of the natural product against vitiligo. The main finding of this research work was the discovery of a new molecule extracted from a natural plant and the detection of its anti-vitiligo activity using an in-silico approach. This method can significantly reduce the cost of searching for potential medicinal molecules.

Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Phytoconstituents from Faucaria tuberculosa: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Research targeting natural cosmeceuticals is now increasing due to the safety and/or limited side effects of natural products that are highly valued in cosmetology. Within a research program exploring botanical sources for valuable skincare antioxidant components, the current study investigated the phytochemical content and the biological potential of Faucaria tuberculosa. Phytochemical investigation of F. tuberculosa extract resulted in purification and characterization of six phytoconstituents, including a new one. The structure of the new constituent was elucidated as (-) catechin-(2→1',4→2')-phloroglucinol (4). The structural identity of all isolated compounds were confirmed on the basis of extensive physical and spectral (1D, 2D-NMR and HRESIMS) investigations. The ethanolic extract exhibits a rich content of total phenolics (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC), estimated as 32 ± 0.034 mg GAE/g and 43 ± 0.004 mg RE/g, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant (ABTS and FRAP), antihyaluronidase and antityrosinase activities of all purified phytoconstituents were evaluated. The results noted (-) catechin-(2→1',4→2') phloroglucinol (4) and phloroglucinol (1) for their remarkable antioxidant activity, while isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside (3) and 3,5-dihydroxyphenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (2) achieved the most potent inhibitory activity against tyrosinase (IC50 22.09 ± 0.7 µM and 29.96 ± 0.44 µM, respectively) and hyaluronidase enzymes (IC50 49.30 ± 1.57 µM and 62.58 ± 0.92, respectively) that remarkably exceeds the activity of the standard drugs kojic acid (IC50 = 65.21 ± 0.47 µM) and luteolin, (IC50 = 116.16 ± 1.69 µM), respectively. A molecular docking study of the two active compounds (3 and 2) highlighted their high potential to bind to the active sites of the two enzymes involved in the study.

From Threat to Opportunity: Harnessing the Invasive Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br for Nutritional and Phytotherapeutic Valorization Amid Seasonal and Spatial Variability

Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. (Hottentot-fig) is a problematic invasive species found in coastal areas worldwide. Mechanical removal is a common control method, leaving the removed biomass available as a possible source of natural phytochemicals with prospective commercial applications. While the Hottentot-fig's vegetative organs have been studied previously, this work establishes for the first time a seasonal and spatial comparative analysis of its nutritional, chemical, and bioactivity profiles (in three locations over four seasons). Proximate and mineral contents were assessed, along with its phenolic composition and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hottentot-fig's biomass offered a good supply of nutrients, mainly carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals, with a tendency for higher concentrations of the most relevant minerals and proteins in autumn and winter, and in plants from sites A (Ria de Alvor lagoon) and B (Ancão beach). The extracts were rich in polyphenolics, with higher levels in spring and summer, especially for luteolin-7-O-glucoside and salicylic and coumaric acids. The extracts were also effective antioxidants, with stronger radical scavenging activities in spring and summer, along with anti-inflammatory properties. Our results suggest that the usually discarded plant material of this invasive halophyte could be valuable as a source of natural products with potential biotechnological applications in the food and nutraceutical industries.

The Essential Oil of Citrus lumia Risso and Poit. ‘Pyriformis’ Shows Promising Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Neuromodulatory Effects

Citrus lumia Risso and Poit. ‘Pyriformis’ are horticultural varieties of Citrus lumia Risso. The fruit is very fragrant and pear-shaped, with a bitter juice, a floral flavor, and a very thick rind. The flavedo shows enlarged (0.74 × 1.16 mm), spherical and ellipsoidal secretory cavities containing the essential oil (EO), visible using light microscopy, and more evident using scanning electron microscopy. The GC-FID and GC-MS analyses of the EO showed a phytochemical profile characterized by the predominance of D-limonene (93.67%). The EO showed interesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities (IC50 0.07–2.06 mg/mL), as evaluated by the in vitro cell-free enzymatic and non-enzymatic assays. To evaluate the effect on the neuronal functional activity, the embryonic cortical neuronal networks grown on multi-electrode array chips were exposed to non-cytotoxic concentrations of the EO (5–200 µg/mL). The spontaneous neuronal activity was recorded and the mean firing rate, mean burst rate, percentage of spikes in a burst, mean burst durations and inter-spike intervals within a burst parameter were calculated. The EO induced strong and concentration-dependent neuroinhibitory effects, with IC50 ranging between 11.4–31.1 µg/mL. Furthermore, it showed an acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (IC50 0.19 mg/mL), which is promising for controlling some of the key symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as memory and cognitive concerns.

Moroccan medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of skin diseases: From ethnobotany to clinical trials

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Skin diseases are among the most common human health affections. A healthy skin promotes a healthy body that can be achieved through modern, allopathic and natural medicines. Therefore, medicinal plants can be a reliable therapy in treating skin diseases in humans through a diverse range of bioactive molecules they contain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to provide for the first-time scientific evidence related to the dermatological properties of Morocco's medicinal plants and it aims to provide a baseline for the discovery of new drugs having activities against skin issues.

METHODS

This review involved an investigation with different search engines for Moroccan ethnobotanical surveys published between 1991 and 2021. The plants used to treat skin diseases have been determined. Information regarding pharmacological effects, phytochemical, and clinical trials related to the plants listed in this review was collected from different scientific databases like PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus. The data were analyzed and summarized in the review.

RESULTS

A total of 401 plants belonging to 86 families mainly represented by Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, and Apiaceae which have been documented to be in common use by Moroccans for managing skin diseases. Among those plants recorded, the most commonly used are Allium cepa L, Chamaeleon gummifer (L.) Cass and Salvia rosmarinus Schleid. Mill. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part, while powder and decoction were the most common method of traditional drug preparation. 107 of the 401 plants (27%) have undergone pharmacological validation. A total of 44 compounds isolated from 27 plants were investigated to treat different types of skin diseases, and 25 plants have been clinically studied for their activities against skin diseases.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effects of using Moroccan medicinal plants to treat skin diseases, according to traditional practices, have been proven in numerous scientific studies. Therefore, other studies should focus on isolating and identifying specific bioactive compounds from plant extracts, revealing more valuable therapeutic properties. Furthermore, additional reliable clinical trials are needed to confirm their beneficial effect on patients with skin diseases.

From Tradition to Health: Chemical and Bioactive Characterization of Five Traditional Plants

Several scientific studies have been proving the bioactive effects of many aromatic and medicinal plants associated with the presence of a high number of bioactive compounds, namely phenolic compounds. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial capacities of these molecules have aroused high interest in some industrial sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This work aimed to determine the phenolic profiles of the infusions and hydroethanolic extracts of five plants (Carpobrotus edulis, Genista tridentata, Verbascum sinuatum, Cytisus multiflorus, and Calluna vulgaris) that have been employed in many traditional preparations. In addition, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumoral activity of each different preparation was evaluated using in vitro assays. The HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS profile revealed the presence of eighty phenolic compounds, belonging to seven different families of compounds. Regarding antioxidant properties, the hydroethanolic extract of C. edulis showed a potent effect in the TBARS assay (IC₅₀ = 1.20 µg/mL), while G. tridentata hydroethanolic extract achieved better results in the OxHLIA test (IC₅₀ = 76 µg/mL). For cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory results, V. sinuatum infusions stood out significantly, with GI₅₀ = 59.1–92.1 µg/mL and IC₅₀ = 121.1 µg/mL, respectively. Finally, C. edulis hydroethanolic extract displayed the most relevant antibacterial activity, showing MBC values of 0.25–1 mg/mL, while G. tridentata hydroethanolic extract exerted the greatest antifungal effects (MFC of 0.5–1 mg/mL). The results of this study deepen the knowledge of the phenolic profiles and also provide evidence on the bioactive properties of the species selected, which could be considered highly valuable options for research and application in several sectors, namely food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

New Insights on Phytochemical Features and Biological Properties of Alnus glutinosa Stem Bark

Alnus glutinosa (namely black alder or European alder) is a tree of the Betulaceae family widely spread through Europe, Southeastern Asia, the Caucasus mountains, and Western Siberia. Its bark is traditionally used for medicinal purposes as an astringent, cathartic, febrifuge, emetic, hemostatic, and tonic, suggesting that it may contain bioactive compounds useful to counteract inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical profile of A. glutinosa stem bark extract (AGE) by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis and to validate some biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties by in vitro and in vivo models (chick chorioallantoic membranes and zebrafish embryos), that can justify its use against inflammatory-based diseases. The AGE showed a high total phenols content expressed as gallic acid equivalents (0.71 g GAE/g of AGE). Diarylheptanoids have been identified as the predominant compounds (0.65 g/g of AGE) with oregonin, which alone constitutes 74.67% of the AGE. The AGE showed a strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant (IC₅₀ 0.15–12.21 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (IC₅₀ 5.47–12.97 µg/mL) activity. Furthermore, it showed promising anti-angiogenic activity, inhibiting both the vessel growth (IC₅₀ 23.39 µg/egg) and the release of an endogenous phosphatase alkaline enzyme (IC₅₀ 44.24 µg/embryo). In conclusion, AGE is a promising source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and angio-modulator compounds.

Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Properties of Leaf and Rhizome Extracts from the Medicinal Plant Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch

Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) W. D. J. Koch (Apiaceae) is a worldwide perennial herb native to the mountains of central Southern Europe. The rhizome has a long tradition in popular medicine, while ethnobotanical surveys have revealed local uses of leaves for superficial injuries. To experimentally validate these uses, plant material was collected in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Aosta Valley, Italy, and the rhizome and leaves were micromorphologically and phytochemically characterized. Polyphenol-enriched hydroalcoholic rhizome and leaf extracts, used in cell-free assays, showed strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In vitro tests revealed cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibition by the leaf extract, while the rhizome extract induced only lipoxygenase inhibition. MTT assays on HaCaT keratinocytes and L929 fibroblasts showed low cytotoxicity of extracts. In vitro scratch wound test on HaCaT resulted in a strong induction of wound closure with the leaf extract, while the effect of the rhizome extract was lower. The same test on L929 cells showed similar wound closure induction with both extracts. The results confirmed the traditional medicinal uses of the rhizome as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing remedy for superficial injuries but also highlighted that the leaves can be exploited for these purposes with equal or superior effectiveness.

Characterization of Ingredients Incorporated in the Traditional Mixed-Salad of the Capuchin Monks

Recipes on the composition of the “salad of the monks” (Capuchin monks) have been reported in Italy since the 17th century. Different wild edible plants were highly regarded as an important ingredient of this mixed salad. Among these, some species played a key role for both their taste and nutritional properties: Plantago coronopus L. (PC), Rumex acetosa L., Cichorium intybus L., and Artemisia dracunculus L. In the present study, the micromorphological and phytochemical features as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of extracts of these fresh and blanched leaves, were investigated. The extracts obtained by blanched leaves, according to the traditionally used cooking method, showed the highest content of bioactive compounds (total phenols 1202.31–10,751.88 mg GAE/100 g DW; flavonoids 2921.38–61,141.83 mg QE/100 g DW; flavanols 17.47–685.52 mg CE/100 g DW; proanthocyanidins 2.83–16.33 mg CyE/100 g DW; total chlorophyll 0.84–1.09 mg/g FW; carbohydrates 0.14–1.92 g/100 g FW) and possess the most marked antioxidant (IC₅₀ 0.30–425.20 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀ 240.20–970.02 µg/mL). Considering this, our results indicate that increased consumption of the investigated plants, in particular of PC, raw or cooked briefly, could provide a healthy food source in the modern diet by the recovery and enhancement of ancient ingredients.