Phenolic compounds analysis of three Euphorbia species by LC-DAD-MSn and their biological properties

Characterization of the phenolic profile, antioxidant and neuroprotective activity of leaf hydroalcoholic extracts of Euphorbia bupleuroides subsp. luteola (Kralik) maire growing wild in Algeria

The objective of this research was to investigate the phenolic profile and some biological properties of the leaves of Euphorbia bupleuroides subsp. luteola grown wild in Algeria, still unexplored. The leaves were subjected to extraction with 80% MeOH using simple maceration (SM) and ultrasound-assisted maceration (UM) to establish the most efficient conditions for the recovery of phenolic compounds. The study of antioxidant potential suggested that SM and UM extracts displayed a superimposable activity both in the DPPH test and in the reducing power assay. On the other hand, in the Fe2+ chelating activity assay, SM was more active than UM. SM extract prevented damage induced by β-amyloid protein (Aβ) being more effective against ROS generated after treatment with Aβ. In addition, SM exhibited later protection against malondialdehyde. In conclusion, it is possible to state that simple maceration represents an effective technique for the recovery of compounds with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties from E. bupleuroides subsp. luteola leaves.

Screening for Antioxidant Effects and Chemical Profiles of Different Extracts of Rheum ribes Parts

Rheum ribes L. (rhubarb) is a valuable plant that is consumed raw and cooked and contains important secondary metabolites. This study aimed to investigate the chemical profile and biological activities of different extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of aerial parts and roots of R. ribes. Antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties were examined for biological activities. The antioxidant properties were examined by various chemical tests, including free radical scavenging (2,2'-azino-bis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid] and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), reducing the ability (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power), metal chelation and phosphomolybdenum. The inhibitory effect of the extracts was investigated against cholinesterase, amylase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase. In addition, the total amounts of phenolics and flavonoids in each extract were detected by spectrophotometric methods. The chemical compounds of the extracts were identified using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry technique. The extraction solvents changed the total phenolics and flavonoids content, and the highest total phenolics contents of both parts were found in the methanol extract (root: 140.97 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g; aerial parts: 74.56 mg GAE/g). In the chemical profile, it was found that hesperidin is the main component in the extracts of the aerial part (613.48-12194.83 µg/g of extract), while in the root extracts, the dominant components are catechin (799.11-3230.44 µg/g extract) and gallic acid was (184.03-960.58 µg/g extract). The methanol extract of the roots provided the best radical scavenging and reducing ability. In contrast, the methanol extract of the aerial parts had the greatest metal chelating ability (62.05 mg ethylenediaminetetraacetate equivalent/g). The best acetylcholinesterase and butrylcholinesterase abilities were determined in the methanol extracts of both parts. However, the ethyl acetate extracts were the most active on amylase. Our results suggest that R. ribes can be considered a valuable source of bioactive compounds for developing health-promoting applications.

Protective effects of Euphorbia heterophylla against testicular degeneration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in relation to phytochemical profile

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a major risk to human health due to an array of implications, one of which is a detrimental effect on the testicular and reproductive functions. Euphorbia heterophylla is widely recognized for its medicinal properties worldwide.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

The objective of this study was to profile E. heterophylla ethanol extract (EH-EtOH) and elucidate its protective role in oxidative stress, relieving inflammatory action of hyperglycemia-induced testicular degeneration and restoring the normal histological structure with physiological properties of testicular tissue in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM. High-resolution ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS) analysis was employed to analyze the compounds present in EH-EtOH. The protective effect of EH-EtOH against testicular degeneration in the rat model of DM was evaluated by measuring improvements in blood glucose levels, body weight, testicular inflammation, oxidative damage, testicular microcirculation impairment, and apoptosis of testicular cells induced by STZ. The chemical profiling of EH-EtOH revealed the presence of 52 compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, phloroglucinols, and triterpenes. Notably, this study identified isovitexin-C-hexoside, isorhamnetin-O-hexoside, diosmetin, and halfordin for the first time in Euphorbia species. Treatment with EH-EtOH effectively mitigated the damage caused by STZ, as evidenced by restored testosterone (T4) levels and antioxidant capacity, reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved testicular microcirculation, and inhibition of apoptosis in the testes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results emphasize the potential therapeutic effect of E. heterophylla on DM related to male infertility and reproductive dysfunctions via its antioxidant/angiogenetic /anti-apoptotic effect.

Novel Therapeutic Effects of Euphorbia heterophylla L. Methanol Extracts in Macular Degeneration Caused by Blue Light in A2E-Laden ARPE-19 Cells and Retina of BALB/c Mice

Natural products with high antioxidant activity are considered as innovative prevention strategies to effectively prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the early stage because the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to the development of drusen is reported as an important cause of this disease. To investigate the prevention effects of the methanol extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla L. (MEE) on AMD, its effects on the antioxidant activity, inflammatory response, apoptosis pathway, neovascularization, and retinal tissue degeneration were analyzed in N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E)-landed spontaneously arising retinal pigment epithelia (ARPE)-19 cells and BALB/c mice after exposure to blue light (BL). The MEE contained 10 active components and showed high free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and nitric oxide (NO) radicals. The pretreatments of high-dose MEE remarkably suppressed the production of intracellular ROS (88.2%) and NO (25.2%) and enhanced (SOD) activity (84%) and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in A2E + BL-treated ARPE-19 cells compared to Vehicle-treated group. The activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mediated pathway, inflammasome activation, and expression of inflammatory cytokines was significantly inhibited in A2E + BL-treated ARPE-19 cells after the MEE pretreatment. The activation of the apoptosis pathway and increased expression of neovascular proteins (36% for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9) were inhibited in the MEE pretreated groups compared to the Vehicle-treated group. Furthermore, the thickness of the whole retina (31%), outer nuclear layer (ONL), inner nuclear layer (INL), and photoreceptor layer (PL) were significantly increased by the MEE pretreatment of BALB/c mice with BL-induced retinal degeneration. Therefore, these results suggest that the MEE, with its high antioxidative activity, protects against BL-induced retinal degeneration through the regulation of the antioxidative system, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and neovascularization in the AMD mouse model.

Bioactivity-guided isolation of potential antidiarrheal constituents from Euphorbia hirta L. and molecular docking evaluation

Background

Euphorbia hirta L., a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is extensively used as a folk medicine across various regions. In China, its decoction is traditionally consumed to alleviate diarrhea. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal activities of Euphorbia hirta and to identify its bioactive constituents through a bioactivity-guided isolation technique.

Methods

Oral administration of E. hirta extract to mice was conducted to assess its effects on diarrhea. The anti-diarrheal effects were investigated in an aqueous extract and in three fractions of varying polarities derived from the aqueous extract, as well as in different eluates from D-101 macroporous resin, and in the compounds quercitrin and isoquercitrin, using mouse models with castor oil-induced diarrhea.

Results

The aqueous extract demonstrated significant anti-diarrheal activities in a dose-dependent manner in the castor oil-induced diarrheal model. Notably, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed prominent effects. Through bioactivity-guided isolation, two major compounds, isoquercitrin and quercitrin from the active fraction were found to possess antidiarrheal effects. Molecular docking studies revealed that the affinity energy of isoquercitrin and quercitrin were -8.5 and -8.2 kcal mol-1, respectively, which were comparable to the reference drug loperamide, with an affinity energy of -9.1 kcal mol-1.

Conclusion

This research provides evidence supporting the development of E. hirta as a therapeutic agent for diarrhea, with isoquercitrin and quercitrin emerging as two key constituents that are likely responsible for its antidiarrheal activity. These findings validate the traditional use of E. hirta and highlight its potential as a natural treatment for diarrhea.

Effects of Euphorbia characias subsp. characias flower extracts on nociceptive pain and acute inflammatory models in mice

Pain and inflammation are major health issues worldwide, leading to negative consequences. Despite several drugs being available to manage these conditions, their effectiveness can be limited by cost, adverse reactions, and potential tolerance and dependence with long-term use. Euphorbia characias traditionally used in folk medicine for its diverse biological activities - including antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects - has not been extensively studied in vivo for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the water and ethanolic extracts of E. characias flowers (ECAEFl and ECEEFl) were evaluated using various models. Both extracts significantly reduced paw licking time in a formalin-induced paw licking model, with ECAEFl specifically targeting and ECEEFl affecting both the neurogenic and inflammatory phases. Additionally, in the carrageenan-induced cell migration model, both extracts showed a significant decrease in leukocyte migration, protein extravasation and nitric oxide levels, further demostrating their anti-inflammatory activity. High-Resolution HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS-MS and HPLC-PDA analysis characterized the chemical composition of the extracts, identifying a significant presence of phenolic compounds, particularly quercetin and its derivatives, which likely contribute to the observed biological activities. These findings highlight the potential of E. characias extracts as natural sources of compounds with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore their therapeutic potential in pain and inflammation-related disorders.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activities In Vitro and In Vivo, and Theoretical Calculation of Different Extracts of Euphorbia fischeriana

Euphorbia fischeriana has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis diseases. However, the plant's therapeutic potential extends beyond this specific ailment. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant properties of Euphorbia fischeriana and lay the groundwork for further research on its potential therapeutic applications. Phytochemical tests were performed on the plant, and 11 types of phytochemicals were identified. Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry was used to evaluate the active components and antioxidant properties of eight different solvent extracts, ultimately selecting acetone extract for further research. UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS identified 43 compounds in the acetone extract, and chemical calculations were used to isolate those with high content and antioxidant activity. Three stability experiments confirmed the extract's stability, while cell viability and oral acute toxicity studies demonstrated its relatively low toxicity. In rats, the acetone extract showed significant protective effects against D-galactosamine-induced liver damage through histopathological examination and biochemical analysis. These results suggest that Euphorbia fischeriana's acetone extract has potential in treating diseases related to oxidative imbalances. Therefore, this study highlights the plant's potential therapeutic applications while providing insight into its antioxidant properties.

Investigation of Euphorbia nivulia-HAM for Enzyme Inhibition Potential in Relation to the Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents and Radical Scavenging Activity

Euphorbia nivulia-Ham (EN) is a neglected medicinal plant traditionally used for a number of pathologies, but it has not been explored scientifically. In the current study, its various fractions were assessed for their phenolic and flavonoid content, radical scavenging, as well as its enzyme inhibitory potential. The hydro-alcoholic crude extract (ENCr) was subjected to a fractionation scheme to obtain different fractions, namely n-hexane (ENHF), chloroform (ENCF), n-butanol (ENBF), and aqueous fraction (ENAF). The obtained results revealed that the highest phenolic and flavonoid content, maximum radical scavenging potential (91 ± 0.55%), urease inhibition (54.36 ± 1.47%), and α-glucosidase inhibition (97.84 ± 1.87%) were exhibited by ENCr, while the ENBF fraction exhibited the highest acetylcholinestrase inhibition (57.32 ± 0.43%). Contrary to these, hydro-alcoholic crude as well as the other fractions showed no significant butyrylcholinestrases (BChE) and carbonic anhydrase inhibition activity. Conclusively, it was found that EN possesses a significant radical scavenging and enzyme inhibitory potential. Thus, the study may be regarded a step forward towards evidence-based phyto-medicine.

Phytochemicals of Euphorbia hirta L. and Their Inhibitory Potential Against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease

Euphorbia hirta L. is a medicinal plant widely used in the Philippines and across tropical Asia against various diseases, including respiratory disorders. In this study, the phytochemical components of E. hirta were investigated in silico for their potential to inhibit the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro), a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) drug target that plays a critical role in the infection process of SARS-CoV-2. Phytochemical mining in tandem with virtual screening (PM-VS) was the strategy implemented in this study, which allows efficient preliminary in silico assessment of the COVID-19 therapeutic potential of the reported phytochemicals from the plant. The main rationale for considering E. hirta in the investigation was its reported efficacy against respiratory disorders. It is very promising to investigate the phytochemicals of E. hirta for their potential efficacy against diseases, such as COVID-19, that also target the respiratory system. A total of 298 E. hirta phytochemicals were comprehensively collected from the scientific literature. One hundred seventy of these phytochemicals were computed through molecular docking and were shown to have comparable or better binding properties (promising inhibitors) toward SARS-CoV-2 Mpro than known in vitro inhibitors. In connection to our previous work considering different medicinal plants, antiviral compounds were also rediscovered from the phytochemical composition of E. hirta. This finding provides additional basis for the potential of the plant (or its phytochemicals) as a COVID-19 therapeutic directly targeting drug targets such as SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and/or addressing respiratory-system-related symptoms. The study also highlights the utility of PM-VS, which can be efficiently implemented in the preliminary steps of drug discovery and development.

In Silico Approaches to Identify Polyphenol Compounds as α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitors against Type-II Diabetes

Type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, and the prevalence of T2DM is increasing worldwide. Clinically, both α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes inhibitors can suppress peaks of postprandial glucose with surplus adverse effects, leading to efforts devoted to urgently seeking new anti-diabetes drugs from natural sources for delayed starch digestion. This review attempts to explore 10 families e.g., Bignoniaceae, Ericaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Campanulaceae, Geraniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Acanthaceae, Rutaceae, and Moraceae as medicinal plants, and folk and herb medicines for lowering blood glucose level, or alternative anti-diabetic natural products. Many natural products have been studied in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays to restrain hyperglycemia. In addition, natural products, and particularly polyphenols, possess diverse structures for exploring them as inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Interestingly, an in silico discovery approach using natural compounds via virtual screening could directly target α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes through Monte Carto molecular modeling. Autodock, MOE-Dock, Biovia Discovery Studio, PyMOL, and Accelrys have been used to discover new candidates as inhibitors or activators. While docking score, binding energy (Kcal/mol), the number of hydrogen bonds, or interactions with critical amino acid residues have been taken into concerning the reliability of software for validation of enzymatic analysis, in vitro cell assay and in vivo animal tests are required to obtain leads, hits, and candidates in drug discovery and development.

Tailored Functionalization of Natural Phenols to Improve Biological Activity

Phenols are widespread in nature, being the major components of several plants and essential oils. Natural phenols' anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, pharmacological and nutritional properties are, nowadays, well established. Hence, given their peculiar biological role, numerous studies are currently ongoing to overcome their limitations, as well as to enhance their activity. In this review, the functionalization of selected natural phenols is critically examined, mainly highlighting their improved bioactivity after the proper chemical transformations. In particular, functionalization of the most abundant naturally occurring monophenols, diphenols, lipidic phenols, phenolic acids, polyphenols and curcumin derivatives is explored.

Lanthanide ion (Ln3+ )-based upconversion sensor for quantification of food contaminants: A review

The food safety issue has gradually become the focus of attention in modern society. The presence of food contaminants poses a threat to human health and there are a number of interesting researches on the detection of food contaminants. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are superior to other fluorescence materials, considering the benefits of large anti-Stokes shifts, high chemical stability, non-autofluorescence, good light penetration ability, and low toxicity. These properties render UCNPs promising candidates as luminescent labels in biodetection, which provides opportunities as a sensitive, accurate, and rapid detection method. This paper intended to review the research progress of food contaminants detection by UCNPs-based sensors. We have proposed the key criteria for UCNPs in the detection of food contaminants. Additionally, it highlighted the construction process of the UCNPs-based sensors, which includes the synthesis and modification of UCNPs, selection of the recognition elements, and consideration of the detection principle. Moreover, six kinds of food contaminants detected by UCNPs technology in the past 5 years have been summarized and discussed fairly. Last but not least, it is outlined that UCNPs have great potential to be applied in food safety detection and threw new insight into the challenges ahead.

Cytotoxic Activity and Metabolic Profiling of Fifteen Euphorbia Species

Euphorbia is a large genus of flowering plants with a great diversity in metabolic pattern. Testing the cytotoxic potential of fifteen Euphorbia species revealed highest activity of E. officinarum L. against human colon adenocarcinoma (CACO2) cell line (IC₅₀ 7.2 µM) and of E. lactea Haw. against human hepatoma (HepG2) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines (IC₅₀ 5.2 and 5.1 µM, respectively). Additionally, metabolic profiling of the fifteen tested species, using LC-HRMS, for dereplication purposes, led to the annotation of 44 natural compounds. Among the annotated compounds, diterpenoids represent the major class. Dereplication approach and multivariate data analysis are adopted in order to annotate the compounds responsible for the detected cytotoxic activity. Results of Principle component analysis (PCA) come in a great accordance with results of biological testing, which emphasized the cytotoxic properties of E. lactea Haw. A similarity correlation network showed that the two compounds with the molecular formula C₁₆H₁₈O₈ and C₂₀H₃₀O₁₀, are responsible for cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines. Similarly, the compound with molecular formula C₁₈H₃₅NO correlates with cytotoxic activity against CACO2.