Natural isoquinoline alkaloids: Pharmacological features and multi-target potential for complex diseases

The Liebeskind-Srogl cross-coupling reaction towards the synthesis of biologically active compounds

In this review, we emphasize the significance of the Liebeskind-Srogl cross-coupling reaction, a palladium-catalyzed process involving the reaction between a thioester and a boronic acid. This reaction has emerged as a fundamental technique in synthetic methodologies aimed at the development of biologically active compounds. The Liebeskind-Srogl cross-coupling method has become an essential approach in chemistry, facilitating the diversification of complex structures that would be significantly more challenging to synthesize through alternative approaches. In this review, we aim to outline the numerous possibilities for preparing a wide range of derivatives, each with notable biological potential.

Natural alkaloids modulating macrophage polarization: Innovative therapeutic strategies for inflammatory, cardiovascular, and cancerous diseases

BACKGROUND

Macrophage polarization, switching between pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 states, is crucial for disease dynamics in inflammatory, metabolic, and cancer contexts. Modulating this polarization is a clinical challenge, but natural alkaloids, with their potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, show promise in reprogramming macrophage phenotypes.

PURPOSE

This review explores the applications of natural alkaloids-such as matrine, berberine, koumine, sophoridine, and curcumin-in modulating macrophage polarization. It aims to highlight their potential in reprogramming macrophage phenotypes and improving therapeutic outcomes across various diseases.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Google Scholar, employing targeted keywords related to natural alkaloids, macrophage polarization, and disease treatment. The analysis primarily focused on articles published between 2020 and 2024.

RESULTS

This review summarizes how natural alkaloids regulate macrophage polarization, promoting the M2 phenotype to reduce inflammation, thereby playing a therapeutic role in anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. At the same time, they also promote M1 polarization to inhibit tumor development.

CONCLUSION

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that macrophage polarization regulation by natural alkaloids holds notable clinical value for disease intervention. They alleviate inflammation, enhance antitumor immunity, and improve treatment outcomes, demonstrating their importance in innovative therapeutic strategies. Moreover, combining alkaloids with immunotherapy enhances treatment efficacy, further highlighting their versatility in a variety of therapeutic applications.

Visible Light-Induced Single-Atom Insertion of Indenes via Aerobic Ring Scission-Condensation-Rearomatization

In this study, we present a photocatalyzed single-atom insertion of indenes, involving an aerobic ring scission into dicarbonyl intermediates, which subsequently undergo condensation and rearomatization to efficiently synthesize isoquinoline and naphthalene derivatives. The use of an inexpensive organic dye as the photocatalyst under aerobic conditions with cheap ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) as the nitrogen source makes this method very practical and environmentally friendly to access isoquinoline. Alternatively, an intramolecular carbon-atom-insertion process, involving the Aldol reaction of the dicarbonyl intermediates, affords the naphthalenamine and naphthalen-2-ol derivatives. Mechanistic studies support that the superoxide anion radical species mediates the C═C double bond scission of indenes rather than the singlet oxygen intermediate.

Nanotechnology-driven nanoemulsion gel for enhanced transdermal delivery of Sophora alopecuroides L. empyreumatic oil: formulation optimization, and anti-biofilm efficacy

Sophora alopecuroides L. empyreumatic oil (SoA oil) exhibits therapeutic potential for psoriasis and eczema but suffers from poor skin permeability and formulation challenges. To overcome these limitations, a nanoemulsion (NE) gel was developed. The NE was optimized using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and characterized for droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and rheological properties. Skin permeability and retention were assessed in vitro using Franz diffusion cells, with oxymatrine quantified by HPLC. In vivo skin irritation was tested on rabbit dorsal skin, and anti-biofilm activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). A final concentration of 5% SoA oil in the NE formulation was used for subsequent studies. The optimized SoA oil NE (the NE) had a mean droplet size of 53.27 nm, PDI of 0.236, and zeta potential of -38.13 mV. Adding 2% carbomer 940 (CP940) to the gel enhanced viscoelasticity. The NE showed superior skin permeability and higher cutaneous retention of oxymatrine. SoA oil caused moderate irritation to the skin of rabbits, while the other two formulations did not. The NE demonstrated enhanced biofilm inhibition against S. aureus at 0.09766 mg/mL, with an 8.9% rate surpassing SoA oil (2.0%) and SoA oil NE gel (the gel, 4.0%). At 12.50 mg/mL, the NE and the gel achieved slightly higher inhibition rates (81.7% and 82.1%, respectively) than SoA oil (78.3%). Notably, the NE showed significantly greater anti-biofilm effects against MRSA within the concentration range from 0.09766 to 3.12 mg/mL (P < 0.001). In mature biofilm clearance against S. aureus, the NE demonstrated a clearance rate of 4.9% at 0.09766 mg/mL, while SoA oil and the NE gel achieved clearance rates of 2.3% and 0.8%, respectively. At a higher concentration of 12.50 mg/mL, the clearance rate for the NE increased to 38.1%, significantly outperforming SoA oil (29.1%) and the NE gel (36.4%). Against MRSA, the NE and the gel displayed significantly improved clearance at 12.50 mg/mL (42.7% and 43.9%, respectively) compared to SoA oil (31.9%) (P < 0.0001). These findings highlight the potential of nanotechnology-driven delivery systems to improve the clinical application of herbal extracts for treating biofilm-associated dermatological infections.

Synthesis of 3,4-unsubstituted isoquinolone derivatives from benzimidates and vinylene carbonate via cobalt(III)-catalyzed C-H activation/cyclization

A cobalt(III)-catalyzed C-H activation/cyclization of benzimidates and vinylene carbonate has been developed. Various benzimidates showed good compatibility, providing isoquinolone derivatives in moderate to good yields. This strategy employs the inexpensive Co(III) as the catalyst and provides an efficient and practical solution for the synthesis of medicinally valuable 3,4-unsubstituted isoquinolone derivatives.

Hendersines J-M: Isoquinoline alkaloids from Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl. with cardiomyocyte protective and NO production inhibitory effects

Six isoquinoline alkaloids were identified from the alkaloid-rich fraction of Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl, including five previously undescribed isoquinoline alkaloids hendersines J-M (1a, 1b, and 2-4) and isobicuculline (5), a compound reported for the first time from a natural source. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, X-ray diffraction, and ECD. Compounds 1a and 1b represent a pair of rare three-nitrogen isoquinoline alkaloid enantiomers, while 2 and 3 are isoquinoline alkaloids featuring a benzo-fused N-heterocycle. Compounds 1a and 3 exhibited moderate protective effects against oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced H9c2 cells injury, 1b and 2 showed moderate inhibitory effects on NO production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Biological activities of selected 1-Oxo-tetrahydroisoquinolinone alkaloids

Natural products continue to represent a compelling resource for uncovering chemical scaffolds characterised by significant structural variability and diverse biological activities. These compounds possess the potential to be directly utilised or to serve as initial templates for further refinement, ultimately leading to the development of innovative pharmaceutical agents. Among natural products, isoquinoline alkaloids stand out as one of the most extensively researched groups. 1-Oxo-tetrahydroisoquinolinones (1 O-THIQ), isolated from a variety of natural sources, exhibit valuable biological properties. This review investigates the bioactivities of specific 1 O-THIQ alkaloids, which have not been reviewed to the same depth in previous studies.

Allocryptopine Attenuates Inflammatory Responses in Microglial Cells Via TLR4-Dependent NF-κB and p38 MAPK Pathways

Studies in the existing literature propose that allocryptopine possesses both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, showcasing its neuroprotective effects by potentially mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of allocryptopine on various targets and potential mechanisms that have not been previously explored in the literature. Initially, we used MTT and LDH methods to evaluate the effects of allocryptopine on cell viability in BV-2 cells exposed to LPS-induced damage. Subsequently, we evaluated the impact of allocryptopine on pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), other inflammatory mediators (Cox-2 and iNOS), and p38 MAPK genes and proteins through qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Also, we evaluated the impact of allocryptopine on NF-κB proteins (TLR4, MyD88, IκBα, p-p50, and p-p65) through ELISA assay. Molecular docking analyses were performed to investigate the potential binding of allocryptopine to target proteins (TLR4, MyD88, IκBα, p50, p65, MKK3, MKK4, MKK6, p38, AP-1 (c-Jun and ATF2), IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Cox-2, and iNOS) associated with the TLR4, NF-κB, and p38 MAPK pathways. Our results indicate that allocryptopine exerts a comprehensive influence on pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators by inhibiting TLR4 signaling and modulating the NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways. The outcomes of our study suggest that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacy of allocryptopine is intricately linked to the modulation of key molecular pathways associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings highlight the potential of allocryptopine as a therapeutic agent for addressing neurodegenerative diseases by safeguarding neuronal health.

Narciclasine attenuates sepsis-associated acute kidney injury through the ESR1/S100A11 axis

Narciclasine (Ncs) was effective in sepsis management due to its antioxidant properties. The present study dissected the protective effects of Ncs against sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) and the molecular mechanisms. The SA-AKI mice were developed using cecum ligation and puncture and pretreated with Ncs and adenoviruses. Human renal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) were induced with LPS and treated with Ncs. Ncs alleviated proximal tubular dilatation, interstitial widening, and necrosis in renal tissues and reduced the renal injury marker and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum of SA-AKI mice. Ncs promoted the expression of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and CD31 and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT, and inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis rate in LPS-treated RMECs. Estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) was a target protein of Ncs, and S100 calcium-binding protein A11 (S100A11) was a target of the transcription factor ESR1. Ncs blocked transcription of S100A11 by inhibiting ESR1. Silencing of S100A11 overturned the deteriorating effects of ESR1 overexpression on SA-AKI progression in vivo and RMEC injury in vitro. These findings suggest that Ncs may ameliorate SA-AKI by repressing the ESR1/S100A11 signaling, providing a novel perspective for research on SA-AKI.

An In-depth Review on Argemone mexicana in the Management of Liver Health and Liver Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Argemone mexicana, commonly known as the Mexican prickly poppy, has been historically employed in traditional medicine for various ailments, including liver disorders. Given the rising prevalence of liver diseases, including cancer, investigating the potential efficacy of Argemone mexicana in promoting liver health is of paramount importance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the hepatoprotective and anticancer properties of Argemone mexicana.

METHODOLOGY

A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and relevant botanical and pharmacological databases. Studies from various sources, including in vitro experiments, animal models, and clinical trials, were included in the review. The search focused on articles published up to 2010-2023, encompassing research that explored the botanical characteristics, chemical composition, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties of Argemone mexicana, specifically emphasizing its impact on liver health and cancer.

RESULTS

The review revealed a wealth of studies highlighting the diverse pharmacological properties of Argemone mexicana. The botanical composition includes compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, suggesting hepatoprotective effects. Studies using in vitro and in vivo models demonstrated promising outcomes regarding liver function improvement and inhibition of liver cancer cell proliferation. While some clinical studies supported the traditional uses of Argemone mexicana, further well-designed trials are warranted to establish its clinical efficacy.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Argemone mexicana shows promise as a natural agent for promoting liver health and combating liver cancer. Bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suggest potential hepatoprotective effects. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires further rigorous investigation, including well-designed clinical trials. This review provides a foundation for future research efforts aimed at elucidating the full therapeutic potential of Argemone mexicana in liver health and cancer management.

Tomentediline A: A isoquinoline alkaloids with undescribed carbon skeleton from Corydalis tomentella

Two undescribed isoquinolines (1-2), including one undescribed carbon skeleton isoquinoline together with six known ones (4-9) as well as an undescribed amide (3) and three known ones (10-12) were isolated from C. tomentella. Their planar structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive analyses of UV, NMR, HRESIMS, DP4+ statistical analysis and ECD calculations, respectively. Tomentediline A (1) is an isoquinoline alkaloid dimer that forms an undescribed carbon carbon bond at the C-13 position of (2H)-protoberberine in a natural product discovered for the first time. Meantime, 1 exerted moderate cytotoxicity against the U251 cell lines, indicating that the undescribed dimer skeleton of isoquinoline compound has the potential for anti-glioma.

Neuroprotective effects of fermented blueberry and black rice against particulate matter 2.5 μm-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo

The increasing prevalence of particulate matter (PM) has raised significant concerns about its adverse effects on human health. This study investigates the potential of fermented blueberry and black rice (FBBR) in mitigating the effects of PM2.5 in SH-SY5Y cells and mice. Various assays, including MTT, NO, western blot, ELISA, and behavioral studies were conducted. Results showed that PM2.5 induced considerable cytotoxicity and elevated NO production at a concentration of 100 μg/mL of PM2.5 in SH-SY5Y cells. FBBR administration attenuated PM2.5-exposed cytotoxicity and suppressed NO production in SH-SY5Y cells. In an intranasally-exposed mice model, 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) of PM2.5 resulted in cognitive impairments. However, FBBR treatment ameliorated these impairments in both the Y-maze and MWM tests in PM2.5-exposed mice. Additionally, FBBR administration increased the expression of BDNF and reduced inflammatory markers in the brains of PM2.5-exposed SH-SY5Y cells. These findings highlight the detrimental effects of PM2.5 on the nervous system and suggest the potential of FBBR as a nutraceutical agent for mitigating these effects. Importantly, the results emphasize the urgency of addressing the harmful impact of PM2.5 on the nervous system and underscore the promising role of FBBR as a protective intervention against the adverse effects associated with PM2.5 exposure.

Evaluating the anti-cancer potential and pharmacological in-sights of Physalis angulata Root Extract as a strong candidate for future research

The research targeting the prevention of complications through natural constituents, instigated by the cancer has recently drawn much more attention over the globe. The research in this direction also revealed that the use of natural constituents would considered a promising strategy for diminishing the aforementioned disease and its consequences. Because of the easy availability and safe nature, the recent years, natural resources as strong anticancer agents. In this regard, here we introduced the possibility of using the methanolic extract of Physalis angulata root as a strong candidate and implemented the applicability of LC-MS to unveil the presence of various phytocompounds. The anticancer potential exhibited by Physalis angulata root followed by its ability to induce toxicity against the microbial population enhanced the interest in unveiling the phytochemical compounds including Absintholide, Curcumin dimer 1, Mytilin A, Ginsenoside F1, Encecalin , Ganoderic acid TQ, Alnustone, Rhamnetin 3-sophoroside, Gibberellin A14 aldehyde, Thiolutin, Euglobal III and Epomusenin B. The presence of various macro and micronutrients suggested that Physalis angulata is a prominent resource for future research targeting pharmacological research, especially anticancer research.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of some (+)-salsolidine derivatives

On the basis of typical for secondary amino group reactions a number of derivatives of alkaloid (+)-salsolidine was synthesised. Cytotoxic properties of obtained compounds towards the HEK293, A549, MCF-7 and SH-SY5Y cell lines have been evaluated. As a result of the screening, the hit compound - 2-(chloroacetyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (11) was identified, that inhibited the metabolic activity of A-549, MCF-7 and SH-SY5Y tumour cell lines with the IC50 values of 3.83 ± 0.78 µM, 5.84 ± 1.62 µM and 2.89 ± 0,92 µM correspondingly. Based on the effect of 11 on the cell cycle progression and the molecular docking data, it was preliminary assumed that the cytotoxic activity of the 11 can be realised through its interaction with the active site of the cyclin-dependent kinase CDK9 (PDB code 3BLR).

Functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals with a potent antimalarial compound: Synthesis, characterization, and biological studies

Cellulosic materials, such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), are biocompatible, biodegradable and have unique and fascinating biomedical applications. Calxinin (CXN), a potent multistage antimalarial compound was functionalised with CNCs to improve biocompatibility and enhance the bioactivity of the resulting CNC-CXN nano-conjugate. Elemental analysis, powder X-ray, SEM, AFM, Infrared, and solid-state NMR spectroscopic techniques confirmed the composition of novel CNC-CXN nano-conjugate. Next, CNC-CXN nano-conjugate did not exhibit apparent cytotoxic effects on the sensitive Vero E6 cell line up to a concentration of 4.66 μg/μl. The CNC-CXN nano-conjugate was also evaluated for its preliminary efficacy on Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) malaria parasite and showed a 50 % inhibitory concentration value of 0.02 μg/μl. Overall, the selectivity index (SI) of the CNC-CXN nano-conjugate significantly improved to 233, indicating its suitability for further validation studies in animal models.

Isolation, biological activity, and synthesis of isoquinoline alkaloids

Covering: 2019 to 2023Isoquinoline alkaloids, an important class of N-based heterocyclic compounds, have attracted considerable attention from researchers worldwide. To follow up on our prior review (covering 2014-2018) and present the progress of this class of compounds, this review summarizes and provides updated literature on novel isoquinoline alkaloids isolated during the period of 2019-2023, together with their biological activity and underlying mechanisms of action. Moreover, with the rapid development of synthetic modification strategies, the synthesis strategies of isoquinoline alkaloids have been continuously optimized, and the total synthesis of these classes of natural products is reviewed critically herein. Over 250 molecules with a broad range of bioactivities, including antitumor, antibacterial, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and other activities, are isolated and discussed. The total synthesis of more than nine classes of isoquinoline alkaloids is presented, and thirteen compounds constitute the first total synthesis. This survey provides new indications or possibilities for the discovery of new drugs from the original naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloids.

Antibacterial Activity and Antifungal Activity of Monomeric Alkaloids

Scientists are becoming alarmed by the rise in drug-resistant bacterial and fungal strains, which makes it more costly, time-consuming, and difficult to create new antimicrobials from unique chemical entities. Chemicals with pharmacological qualities, such as antibacterial and antifungal elements, can be found in plants. Alkaloids are a class of chemical compounds found in nature that mostly consist of basic nitrogen atoms. Biomedical science relies heavily on alkaloid compounds. Based on 241 papers published in peer-reviewed scientific publications within the last ten years (2014-2024), we examined 248 natural or synthesized monomeric alkaloids that have antifungal and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. Based on their chemical structure, the chosen alkaloids were divided into four groups: polyamine alkaloids, alkaloids with nitrogen in the side chain, alkaloids with nitrogen heterocycles, and pseudoalkaloids. With MIC values of less than 1 µg/mL, compounds 91, 124, 125, 136-138, 163, 164, 191, 193, 195, 205 and 206 shown strong antibacterial activity. However, with MIC values of below 1 µg/mL, compounds 124, 125, 163, 164, 207, and 224 demonstrated strong antifungal activity. Given the rise in antibiotic resistance, these alkaloids are highly significant in regard to their potential to create novel antimicrobial drugs.

De novo synthesis of 1-phenethylisoquinoline in engineered Escherichia coli

Phenylethylisoquinoline alkaloids (PIAs) are medicinally important natural products derived from the 1-phenylethylisoquinoline precursor. Heterologous production of the PIAs remains challenging due to the incomplete elucidation of biosynthetic pathway and the lack of proper microbial cell factory designed for precursor enhancement. In this work, an artificial pathway composed of eight enzymes from different species was established for de novo 1-phenylethylisoquinoline biosynthesis in engineered Escherichia coli. The yield of the intermediate 4-hydroxydihydrocinnamaldehyde was optimized through screening various NADP+-dependent 2-alkenal reductases, cofactor regeneration and the site-directed mutagenesis of key residues in ChAER1. Subsequently, incorporation of the modified dopamine pathway into an endogenous reductase-deficient E. coli with high tyrosine yield boosted the production of 1-phenylethylisoquinoline, reaching 402.58 mg/L in a 5L fermenter. Our work lays a foundation for the future large-scale production of high value-added 1-phenylethylisoquinoline-related alkaloids.

An algorithm-driven intelligent mining and identification strategy for natural product mass spectrometry

Efficiently mining and identification of new compounds from the extensive MS/MS datasets of plant extracts poses a significant challenge due to the structural diversity and compositional complexity inherent in natural products (NPs). Various data post-processing techniques have been developed to simplify the interpretation of MS/MS data; however, they often suffer from limited specificity and precision. Meanwhile, structure annotation following data post-processing is particularly time-consuming. In this study, we introduced an innovative strategy named MS-SMART, which integrates three intelligent algorithms: automatic mining of diagnostic ions, rapid filtration of alkaloids from untargeted MS/MS data, and structural recommendations for filtered components. The feasibility of this approach for rapidly discovering novel compounds was demonstrated using berberine-type alkaloids as an example. Firstly, diagnostic ions were automatically extracted and validated using available reference data. Subsequently, berberine-type compounds were filtered from raw MS/MS data. Finally, the structures of the target components were recommended using building blocks derived from berberines reported in various plants. A total of 103, 198, 60, 80 and 51 berberines were efficiently identified in diverse families and genera, including Stephaniae Epigaeae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex and Corydalis Decumbentis Rhizoma, with 99, 169, 50, 64 and 40 new compounds identified, respectively. Among these, 8, 14, 8, 7 and 12 berberines were confirmed by reference compounds. This strategy provides a new research paradigm for the rapid discovery and identification of different types of new compounds in complex samples.

Undescribed Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids from Zephyranthes citrina and Their Cytotoxicity

This phytochemical study presents the isolation of eight alkaloids from Zephyranthes citrina Baker. The structures of the new alkaloids, zephycitrine (1) and 6-oxonarcissidine (2), were established by analysis of spectroscopic and spectrometric data. Processing the EtOH extract under acid-base conditions yielded the unreported isolation artifacts 3 and 4. This work also provides analytical data for alkaloids not properly described in the literature (5 and 6). The hippeastidine/zephyranine scaffolds in derivatives 3, 4, and 8-10 are also thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, a cytotoxicity screening of 25 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids isolated from Z. citrina was performed. Only the known alkaloids haemanthamine (12), haemanthidine (13), and lycorine (27) showed significant cell growth inhibition.

Multi-modal neuroprotection of Argemone mexicana L. against Alzheimer's disease: In vitro and in silico study

Argemone mexicana L. is a medicinal plant, but its impact on Alzheimer's disease (AD) is right now undetermined. We intended to investigate the in-vitro anti-AD potential of leaves and flowers of A. mexicana methanol, ethanol, and ethyl extracts and to identify multi-modal anti-AD phytochemicals by computational approaches. Molecular docking of 196 phytochemicals identified three hit phytochemicals (protoberberine, protopine, and codeine) with higher binding affinity and multi-targeting ability toward AChE, BChE, BACE-1, and GSK-3β. Further MM-GBSA assays confirmed the integrity of these phytochemicals as the hit phytochemicals. However, these phytochemicals demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics (PK) and drugable properties having no toxicity. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the binding strength of the hit phytoconstituents in the active pockets of AChE, BChE, BACE-1, and GSK-3β with multi-targeting inhibitory activities. All the extracts exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activities supporting the in silico results in the context of oxidative stress and cholinergic pathways. Our results offer scientific validation of the anti-AD properties of Argemone mexicana L. and identified protoberberine, protopine, and codeine that could be used for the development of multi-modal inhibitors of AChE, BChE, BACE-1, and GSK-3β to combat AD. Additional in vivo validation is recommended to ensure a thorough assessment in the present research.

Discovery of natural AMPK activator from the fruits of Xanthium sibiricum Patr.: Xanthiumine A, protoberberine alkaloid with unique C28 skeleton

Two protoberberine alkaloids with a unique C28 skeleton, named xanthiumines A (1) and B (2), respectively, were isolated from the fruits of Xanthium sibiricum Patr. Their structures including absolute configurations were unequivocally established by the comprehensive NMR and MS spectroscopic data analysis together with gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR calculations, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first examples of natural protoberberine alkaloid with a phenolic acid group at C-13a. Their plausible biosynthetic pathway was proposed on the basis of the coexisting alkaloid monomer as the precursor. Furthermore, the effects and related molecular mechanism of compound 1 on hepatic lipid accumulation were also investigated in oleic acid (OA)-treated HepG2 cells.

Elucidation of the anti-fibrotic diseases mechanism of chelerythrine by integrative approach of network pharmacology and experimental verification

In the present study, we conducted an integrative approach of network pharmacology and experimental validation study to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Chelerythrine (CLT), in treating fibrotic diseases (FD), which are disorders characterised by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. 27 common targets of CLT against FD were analysed, and these common targets were used to construct the PPI network. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggested that CLT exerted pharmacological effects on FD by regulating mTOR signalling pathway, AKT-PI3K pathway and apoptosis signalling pathway. Finally, molecular docking confirmed a strong binding affinity between CLT and the core target proteins. CLT has inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of L929 cells, CLT could promote cell apoptosis. CLT decreased levels of the Bcl-2, p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR and p-PI3K/PI3K, meanwhile increased levels of the Bax. Taken together, these results indicate that CLT may be a potential drug for anti-fibrotic diseases therapy.

Canadine Platinum(IV) Complexes Targeting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition as Antiproliferative and Antimetastatic Agents

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process for cancer progression, which is crucial in inhibiting the immunity in tumors and further boosting tumor metastasis. The suppression of EMT represents a promising strategy for inhibiting metastatic tumors. Herein, a series of new canadine platinum(IV) conjugates with potent antiproliferative and antimetastatic activities were developed, which activated by suppressing EMT and provoking immune response in tumors besides causing DNA injury. The complexes could covalently conjugate to DNA and induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis via Bcl-2/Bax/caspase3 signaling. The EMT process was remarkably inhibited by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, reversing the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, and inhibiting the HIF-1α pathway, which further resulted in the inhibited angiogenesis in tumors. Moreover, the antitumor immunity was elevated by blocking immune checkpoints PD-L1 and CD47 accompanied by the improvement of CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and the macrophage polarization from M2- toward M1-type simultaneously in tumors.

Spasmolytic Activity of 1,3-Disubstituted 3,4-Dihydroisoquinolines

This article concerns the spasmolytic activities of some novel 1,3-disubstituted 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines. These compounds can be evaluated as potential therapeutic candidates according to Lipinski's rule of five, showing high gastrointestinal absorption and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which is a very important parameter in the drug discovery processes. In silico simulation predicted smooth muscle relaxant activity for all the compounds. Since smooth muscle contractile failure is a characteristic feature of many disorders, in the current paper, we concentrate on the parameters of the spontaneous contractile responses of smooth muscle (SM) cells compared to the well-known drug mebeverine. Two of the newly synthesized substances can be identified as essential modulating regulators and potentially used as therapeutic molecules. One of these molecules also showed significant DPPH antioxidant activity compared to rutin.

Canadine inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transformation of HPV-negative cervical cancer

Although the majority of the population will be protected due to the advent and widespread use of the HPV vaccine, the treatment of cervical cancer for all causes, including HPV-negative cervical cancer, is still worthy of further research. The focal point of this study was Canadine's inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in cervical cancer. Immunoblotting, wound healing and tumor invasion experiments showed that low concentration of Canadine could inhibit the EMT process, proliferation and migration of HT-3 cells (HPV-negative cell line). Combined with GEO database, it was found that the expression levels of several genes highly expressed in cervical tumor tissues could be inhibited by Canadine, especially MAGEA3. Further experiments confirmed that the inhibition of Canadine on MAGEA3 protein increased with time. The small interference and overexpression plasmid of MAGEA3 were designed and verified. In HT-3 cells, when MAGEA3 levels were directly decreased, mesenchymal phenotypic markers were decreased and epithelial phenotypic markers were increased. The opposite result was obtained by overexpression of MAGEA3. In addition, the inhibition of EMT due to the reduction of endogenous MAGEA3 by Canadine was also offset by the overexpression of exogenous MAGEA3. The study concludes that Canadine inhibits EMT of cervical cancer by inhibiting MAGEA3.

Synthesis of Tetrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines via a Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling Reaction/[3 + 2] Cycloaddition Sequence

An efficient copper-catalyzed method for the synthesis of tetrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines has been developed starting from alkenyl-1,2-bis(boronates). The domino reaction underwent a Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction and an azidation followed by an in situ [3 + 2] cycloaddition. Regioselective synthesis has been demonstrated by inverting the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction and the azidation.

Harnessing the power of natural alkaloids: the emergent role in epilepsy therapy

The quest for effective epilepsy treatments has spotlighted natural alkaloids due to their broad neuropharmacological effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the antiseizure properties of various natural compounds, with an emphasis on their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic benefits. Our findings reveal that bioactive substances such as indole, quinoline, terpenoid, and pyridine alkaloids confer medicinal benefits by modulating synaptic interactions, restoring neuronal balance, and mitigating neuroinflammation-key factors in managing epileptic seizures. Notably, these compounds enhance GABAergic neurotransmission, diminish excitatory glutamatergic activities, particularly at NMDA receptors, and suppress proinflammatory pathways. A significant focus is placed on the strategic use of nanoparticle delivery systems to improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of these alkaloids, which helps overcome the challenges associated with crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The review concludes with a prospective outlook on integrating these bioactive substances into epilepsy treatment regimes, advocating for extensive research to confirm their efficacy and safety. Advancing the bioavailability of alkaloids and rigorously assessing their toxicological profiles are essential to fully leverage the therapeutic potential of these compounds in clinical settings.

Liensinine alleviates sepsis-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPK pathways in an Nrf2-dependent manner

Sepsis remains a serious public health issue that needs to be addressed globally. Severe liver injury caused by sepsis increases the risk of death in patients with sepsis. Liensinine (Lie) is one of the primary active components in Plumula nelumbinis and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Nevertheless, the effects of Lie on septic liver injury are unclear. This research investigated the protective effect of Lie (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) on liver damage via intraperitoneal administration of LPS (10 mg/kg) to C57BL/6 mice. Lie was given through intraperitoneal injection once a day for five days. Mice were treated with LPS intraperitoneally for 6 h at 1 h after Lie administration on the last day. The results suggested that Lie could decrease AST and ALT levels in serum, ameliorate histopathological changes and inhibit cell apoptosis in mice with LPS-induced septic liver injury. In addition, Lie inhibited increases in the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and IL-6. Lie also increased the mRNA level of IL-10. Lie reduced the content of MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes GSH-Px, CAT and SOD. Our results also showed that Lie could suppress the LPS-activated MAPK and NF-κB pathways and trigger the Nrf2 signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, an Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) weakened the suppressive effect of Lie on the MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Our results demonstrated that the suppressive effect of Lie on the MAPK and NF-κB pathways was partially reliant on activation of the Nrf2 pathway. In summary, these results indicate that Lie can improve inflammation and oxidative stress by activating Nrf2, which is a prospective therapeutic drug for alleviating septic liver injury.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Potential of Ethanolic Extracts of Duguetia vallicola (Annonaceae) against in-Hospital Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is especially dominant in people with cystic fibrosis; the drug resistance expressed by this pathogen and its capacity for adaptation poses a significant challenge to its treatment and control, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates globally. In this sense, the search for new treatment alternatives is imminent today, with products of plant origin being an excellent alternative for use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential and to explore the possible effect of ethanolic extracts from the wood and bark of Duguetia vallicola on the cell membrane. Microdilution assays showed the inhibition of bacterial growth by more than 50%, with the lowest concentration (62.5 μg/mL) of both extracts evaluated. Furthermore, we report the ability of both extracts to inhibit mature biofilms, with inhibition percentages between 48.4% and 93.7%. Intracellular material leakage experiments (260/280 nm), extracellular pH measurements, and fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EB) showed cell membrane damage. This indicates that the antibacterial action of ethanolic extracts of D. vallicola is associated with damage to the integrity of the cell membrane and consequent death of these pathogens. These results serve as a reference for future studies in establishing the mechanisms of action of these extracts.

The antioxidant and anticancer activity of Quercus coccifera plant leaves extracts

Quercus species are one of the medicinal plants that commonly used in the treatment of different diseases. Quercus coccifera (Q. coccifera) is part of the Quercus species which grow in Jordan and used in traditional folklore medicine. The aim of this study is to confirm the ability of (Q. coccifera) leaves extracts to exert anticancer activity. In this study, an extraction method of the dried-leaves using different polarity solvents was used. Extracts were pre-evaluated for antioxidant and anticancer activities while active extracts were used to measure half maximal effective concentration (EC50) against 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against cancer cells. Methanol, boiled and microwaved water extracts had greater than 80 % antioxidant activity, and the strongest activity, of more than 99 %, was boiled water extract. Similarly, the pre-evaluation treatments of cancer cell lines indicated a strong biological activity of more than 70 % from the previously mentioned extracts, and the highest activity, of greater than 90 %, was from boiled water extracts against all cancer cell lines. The highest EC50 against DPPH was obtained by using 0.009 mg/ml boiled water extracts, which was lower than positive control quercetin. In the same manner, lung, breast, and prostate cancer cell lines were highly affected by boiled water extracts with IC50 of 14.1, 7.2, and 25.1 µg/ml, respectively, and a selectivity index (SI) of greater than 4.71. Q. coccifera leaves extracts show promising ability to be a source of a new anticancer therapeutics.

Systematic Review of Chemical Compounds with Immunomodulatory Action Isolated from African Medicinal Plants

A robust, well-functioning immune system is the cornerstone of good health. Various factors may influence the immune system's effectiveness, potentially leading to immune system failure. This review aims to provide an overview of the structure and action of immunomodulators isolated from African medicinal plants. The research was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Full-text access research articles published in English up to December 2023, including plant characteristics, isolated phytochemicals, and immuno-modulatory activities, were screened. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were generated using ChemDraw® (version 12.0.1076), and convergent and distinctive signaling pathways were highlighted. These phytochemicals with demonstrated immunostimulatory activity include alkaloids (berberine, piperine, magnoflorine), polysaccharides (pectin, glucan, acemannan, CALB-4, GMP90-1), glycosides (syringin, cordifolioside, tinocordiside, aucubin), phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, vanillic acid, eupalitin), flavonoids (curcumin, centaurein, kaempferin, luteolin, guajaverin, etc.), terpenoids (oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, boswellic acids, corosolic acid, nimbidin, andrographolides). These discussed compounds exert their effects through various mechanisms, targeting the modulation of MAPKs, PI3K-Akt, and NF-kB. These mechanisms can support the traditional use of medicinal plants to treat immune-related diseases. The outcomes of this overview are to provoke structural action optimization, to orient research on particular natural chemicals for managing inflammatory, infectious diseases and cancers, or to boost vaccine immunogenicity.

1H NMR guided isolation of 3-arylisoquinoline alkaloids from Hypecoum erectum L. and their anti-inflammation activity

Nine 3-arylisoquinoline alkaloids including five undescribed ones, hypectumines A-E (1-5), were isolated from the whole herb of Hypecoum erectum L. with the guidance of 1H-NMR. Their structures were established by a combination of 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS spectrometry. Among them, hypectumines A and B possessed rare urea moieties while hypectumines C and D were characterized by 3-(methylamino)propanoic acid scaffolds. Biological assay demonstrated that alkaloids hypectumine B and 2,3-dimethoxy-N-formylcorydamine had anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NO production on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 24.4 and 44.2 μM, respectively. Furthermore, hypectumine B could reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, suggesting it might be a potential candidate for treating inflammatory disease.

An ICT-based highly fluorescent isoquinoline scaffold for selective Hg(II) detection in real-water samples: Development of a smart, low-cost RGB-Arduino electronic platform

Selective detection and quantification of Hg2+ ions is crucial to minimize health and environmental risks. Fluorescent organic small-molecule probes have been expeditiously utilized owing to their unique set of improved properties. However, isoquinoline core has not been extensively explored as a fluorescence platform partly due to synthetic challenges. Herein, a serendipitously discovered synthetic route to access a small yet highly functionalized novel isoquinoline-based probe, IQ is reported. The synthesis is achieved through the in-situ generation of ammonia, followed by intermolecular [5C + 1 N] aza-annulation reaction with a ketendithioacetal-based precursor, P-IQ. IQ displayed excellent recognition ability towards Hg2+ ions in H2O:ACN (99:1, v/v) via ICT-off fluorescent quenching behavior. Comparative FT-IR, 1H/13C NMR, mass spectral studies, and DFT analyses were carried out to validate the suggested mechanisms. Reversible studies confirm the secondary recognition effect of in-situ generated (IQ + Hg2+) complex on cysteine. The binding constant and LOD were estimated to be 3.7 × 104 M-1 and 0.86 µM, respectively. Further, IQ was utilized to evaluate the mercury ion content in real water samples demonstrating its effectiveness in water quality monitoring. The practical utility of IQ was further explored by developing TLC strips, Whatman filter-paper strips, and a low-cost, portable Arduino-based platform. Arduino microcontroller is interfaced with an RGB sensor to detect color changes and quantify mercury concentration w.r.t. RGB values.

Visible-Light-Promoted Selenylation/Cyclization of o-Alkynyl Benzylazides/o-Propargyl Arylazides: Synthesis of Seleno-Substituted Isoquinolines and Quinolines

A simple and efficient visible-light-promoted selenylation/cyclization of o-alkynyl benzylazides/o-propargyl arylazides have been realized for the practical synthesis of seleno-substituted isoquinolines and quinolines. This strategy provides the synthesis of valuable seleno-substituted isoquinoline and quinoline derivatives via the construction of one C(sp2)-Se bond and one C-N bond within one process.

In Vitro and In Silico of Cholinesterases Inhibition and In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Melanoma Activity Investigations of Extracts Obtained from Selected Berberis Species

Berberis species have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and Western herbal medicine. The aim of this study was the quantification of the main isoquinoline alkaloids in extracts obtained from various Berberis species by HPLC, in vitro and in silico determination of anti-cholinesterase activity, and in vitro and in vivo investigations of the cytotoxic activity of the investigated plant extracts and alkaloid standards. In particular, Berberis species whose activity had not been previously investigated were selected for the study. In the most investigated Berberis extracts, a high content of berberine and palmatine was determined. Alkaloid standards and most of the investigated plant extracts exhibit significant anti-cholinesterase activity. Molecular docking results confirmed that both alkaloids are more favourable for forming complexes with acetylcholinesterase compared to butyrylcholinesterase. The kinetic results obtained by HPLC-DAD indicated that berberine noncompetitively inhibited acetylcholinesterase, while butyrylcholinesterase was inhibited in a mixed mode. In turn, palmatine exhibited a mixed inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. The cytotoxic activity of berberine and palmatine standards and plant extracts were investigated against the human melanoma cell line (A375). The highest cytotoxicity was determined for extract obtained from Berberis pruinosa cortex. The cytotoxic properties of the extract were also determined in the in vivo investigations using the Danio rerio larvae xenograft model. The obtained results confirmed a significant effect of the Berberis pruinosa cortex extract on the number of cancer cells in a living organism. Our results showed that extracts obtained from Berberis species, especially the Berberis pruinosa cortex extract, can be recommended for further in vivo experiments in order to confirm the possibility of their application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and human melanoma.

Identification and characterization of major bioactive compounds from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) extracts showed multi-biomedical applications

The Andrographis paniculata recognized as most valuable medicinal plant in folk medicine. Hence, this research was designed to evaluate antibacterial potential of petroleum ether (PE) and methanol (ME) extracts of A. paniculata against skin infection causing bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus vulgaris, and Propionibacterium acnes. Also assessed the antidiabetic (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assay), antioxidant, and photoprotective potential of PE and ME extract analyses. The major bioactive compounds were identified and characterized through UV, FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra analyses. The ME extract contain more number of phytochemicals (alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, glycoside, protein, and phytosterol) than PE extract. The antibacterial activity result also revealed that the ME (as dose dependent) extract showed better activity at 250 mg mL-1 as in the following order: P. acnes (6-29 mm) > K. pneumoniae (3-28 mm) > S. aureus (3-27 mm) > P. vulgaris (3-26 mm) > S. pyogenes (2-25 mm) > E. aerogenes (1-23 mm). PE: E. aerogenes (3-20 mm) > P. vulgaris (2-19 mm) > P. acnes (3-18 mm) > K. pneumoniae (3-17 mm) > S. aureus (2-16 mm) > S. pyogenes (0-11 mm). The MIC value of ME extract was found as 100-150 mg mL-1 and it was better than PE extract. Similarly, the ME also possesses dose based α-glucosidase inhibition activity as up to 85% at 250 mg mL-1 concentration. The fluorescence spectra analysis method also stated that the ME extract possess photoprotective bioactive agent. The ME fractions (F01 and F02) obtained from TLC and column chromatogram were identified as 3-O-β-d-glucosyl-14- deoxyandrographiside and 14-deoxyandrographolide respectively through UV, FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra analyses. Such compounds may be responsible for significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria causing skin infections, excellent antidiabetic activity, as well as photoprotective potential.

Liensinine alleviates mouse intestinal injury induced by sepsis through inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome triggered by an imbalanced host response to pathogens that can lead to multiple organ dysfunction. The immune response and barrier function of the gut play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of sepsis. This study aimed to explore the potential role of natural alkaloid Liensinine in the treatment of intestinal injury caused by sepsis and its possible molecular mechanism. In this study, a mouse model of sepsis was established by injecting LPS to explore the protective effect of Liensinine on intestinal injury in sepsis. The results showed that Liensinine could reduce the intestinal damage caused by LPS and increase the number of goblet cells. Furthermore, it decreased the release of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting NF-kB phosphorylation and NLRP3 inflammasome synthesis. Liensinine also reduced the oxidative stress and ROS accumulation caused by LPS, and played an anti-oxidative stress role by regulating the Nrf2/keap1 signaling pathway. In addition, Liensinine alleviated the inhibition of intestinal autophagy caused by LPS by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. And then it reduced the excessive apoptosis of intestinal cells. This study provides valuable insights for sepsis prevention and treatment, offering a potential therapeutic candidate to protect against intestinal injury and regulate the inflammatory response in sepsis.

Microarray meta-analysis reveals comprehensive effects of 3,4,5-tricaffeolyquinic acid in cell differentiation and signaling

Caffeoylquinic acids (CQA) are polyphenolic compounds found in fruits, vegetables, coffee, and spices that have exhibited several beneficial activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antidiabetic, and cardiovascular effects. A derivative, TCQA (3,4,5-Tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid), has also shown both neurogenic and pigment differentiation potential. A transcriptomic-based meta-analysis was conducted to explore potential biochemical processes and molecular targets of TCQA. This approach involved integrating data from various cell and tissue types, including human amniotic stem cells, human neural stem cells, human dermal papilla cells, and the brain cortex of aging model mice. It offered a comprehensive perspective on the significant gene regulations in response to TCQA treatment. The objective was to uncover the mechanism and novel targets of TCQA, facilitating a further understanding of its functions. New areas of interest found were TCQA's effect on adipogenesis, heart, and muscle tissue development. In addition, significantly enhanced biological activities found through meta-analysis included cell cycle, VEGFA-VEGFR2 pathway, and BMP signaling. Overall, a comprehensive functional and visual analysis using available biological databases uncovered the multi-target potential of this natural compound.

Copper(I)-Catalyzed Radical Carbamylation/Cyclization of 2-Aryl-N-methacryloylindoles with Substituted Formamides to Assemble Amidated Indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones

An efficient synthesis of amidated indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones has been achieved via copper(I)-catalyzed radical carbamylation/cyclization of 2-aryl-N-methacryloylindoles with substituted formamides. In this reaction, an isoquinoline ring was constructed by carbamylation of a carbon-carbon double bond in 2-arylindoles. This strategy successfully introduces the substituted amide group into the indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline skeleton and has advantages such as wide substituent scope, mild reaction conditions, high regioselectivity, and good to excellent yields.

Multi-level advances in databases related to systems pharmacology in traditional Chinese medicine: a 60-year review

The therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) involve intricate interactions among multiple components and targets. Currently, computational approaches play a pivotal role in simulating various pharmacological processes of TCM. The application of network analysis in TCM research has provided an effective means to explain the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the actions of herbs or formulas through the lens of biological network analysis. Along with the advances of network analysis, computational science has coalesced around the core chain of TCM research: formula-herb-component-target-phenotype-ZHENG, facilitating the accumulation and organization of the extensive TCM-related data and the establishment of relevant databases. Nonetheless, recent years have witnessed a tendency toward homogeneity in the development and application of these databases. Advancements in computational technologies, including deep learning and foundation model, have propelled the exploration and modeling of intricate systems into a new phase, potentially heralding a new era. This review aims to delves into the progress made in databases related to six key entities: formula, herb, component, target, phenotype, and ZHENG. Systematically discussions on the commonalities and disparities among various database types were presented. In addition, the review raised the issue of research bottleneck in TCM computational pharmacology and envisions the forthcoming directions of computational research within the realm of TCM.

Coptisine, the Characteristic Constituent from Coptis chinensis, Exhibits Significant Therapeutic Potential in Treating Cancers, Metabolic and Inflammatory Diseases

Naturally derived alkaloids belong to a class of quite significant organic compounds. Coptisine, a benzyl tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid, is one of the major bioactive constituents in Coptis chinensis Franch., which is a famous traditional Chinese medicine. C. chinensis possesses many kinds of functions, including the ability to eliminate heat, expel dampness, purge fire, and remove noxious substances. In Asian countries, C. chinensis is traditionally employed to treat carbuncle and furuncle, diabetes, jaundice, stomach and intestinal disorders, red eyes, toothache, and skin disorders. Up to now, there has been plenty of research of coptisine with respect to its pharmacology. Nevertheless, a comprehensive review of coptisine-associated research is urgently needed. This paper was designed to summarize in detail the progress in the research of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and formulation of coptisine. The related studies included in this paper were retrieved from the following academic databases: The Web of Science, PubMed, Google scholar, Elsevier, and CNKI. The cutoff date was January 2023. Coptisine manifests various pharmacological actions, including anticancer, antimetabolic disease, anti-inflammatory disease, and antigastrointestinal disease effects, among others. Based on its pharmacokinetics, the primary metabolic site of coptisine is the liver. Coptisine is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal system, and most of it is expelled in the form of its prototype through feces. Regarding safety, coptisine displayed potential hepatotoxicity. Some novel formulations, including the [Formula: see text]-cyclodextrin-based inclusion complex and nanocarriers, could effectively enhance the bioavailability of coptisine. The traditional use of C. chinensis is closely connected with the pharmacological actions of coptisine. Although there are some disadvantages, including poor solubility, low bioavailability, and possible hepatotoxicity, coptisine is still a prospective naturally derived drug candidate, especially in the treatment of tumors as well as metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Further investigation of coptisine is necessary to facilitate the application of coptisine-based drugs in clinical practice.

Multitarget antibacterial drugs: An effective strategy to combat bacterial resistance

The rise of antibiotic resistance and the decrease in the discovery of new antibiotics have caused a global health crisis. Of particular concern is the fact that despite efforts to develop new antibiotics, drug discovery is unable to keep up with the rapid development of resistance. This ongoing crisis highlights the fact that single-target drugs may not always exhibit satisfactory therapeutic effects and are prone to target mutations and resistance due to the complexity of bacterial mechanisms. Retrospective studies have shown that most successful antibiotics have multiple targets. Compared with single-target drugs, successfully designed multitarget drugs can simultaneously regulate multiple targets to reduce resistance caused by single-target mutations or expression changes. In addition to a lower risk of drug-drug interactions, multitarget drugs show superior pharmacokinetics and higher patient compliance compared with combination therapies. Therefore, to reduce resistance, many efforts have been made to discover and design multitarget drugs with different chemical structures and functions. Although there have been numerous studies on how to develop drugs and slow down the development of drug resistance, the reduction of bacterial resistance by multitarget antibacterial drugs has not received widespread attention and is rarely mentioned in the peer-reviewed literature. This review summarises the development of antibiotic resistance and the mechanisms proposed for its emergence, examines the potential of multitarget drugs as an effective strategy to slow the development of resistance, and discusses the rationale for multitarget drug therapy. We also describe multitarget antibacterial compounds with the potential to reduce drug resistance and the available strategies to develop multitarget drugs.

Liensinine and neferine exert neuroprotective effects via the autophagy pathway in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans

BACKGROUND

Liensinine and neferine are the main bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids obtained from the seeds of Nelumbo nucifera, which commonly used as edible food and traditional medicine in Asia. It was reported that liensinine and neferine could inhibit the activities of acetylcholinesterase and cross the blood-brain barriers, suggesting their therapeutic potential for the management of Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

Here, we employed SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells stably transfected with the human Swedish amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutation APP695 (APP695swe SH-SY5Y) as an in vitro model and transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model to investigate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanism of liensinine and neferine.

RESULTS

We found that liensinine and neferine could significantly improve the viability and reduce ROS levels in APP695swe SH-SY5Y cells, inhibit β-amyloid and tau-induced toxicity, and enhance stress resistance in nematodes. Moreover, liensinine and neferine had obviously neuroprotective effects by assaying chemotaxis, 5-hydroxytryptamine sensitivity and the integrity of injured neurons in nematodes. Preliminary mechanism studies revealed that liensinine and neferine could upregulate the expression of autophagy related genes (lgg-1, unc-51, pha-4, atg-9 and ced-9) and reduce the accumulation of β-amyloid induced autophagosomes, which suggested autophagy pathway played a key role in neuroprotective effects of these two alkaloids.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, our findings provided a certain working foundation for the use of liensinine and neferine to treat Alzheimer's disease based on neuroprotective effects.

Characterizing the origin band spectrum of isoquinoline with resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization and electronic structure calculations

We report the experimental resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization spectrum of isoquinoline between 315 and 310 nm, along with correlated electronic structure calculations on the ground and excited states of this species. This spectral region spans the origin transitions to a π-π* excited state, which previous work has suggested to be vibronically coupled with a lower lying singlet n-π* state. Our computational results corroborate previous density functional theory calculations that predict the vertical excitation energy for the n-π* state to be higher than the π-π* state; however, we find an increase in the C-N-C angle brings the n-π* state below the energy of the π-π* state. The calculations find two out-of-plane vibrational modes of the n-π* state, which may be brought into near resonance with the π-π* state as the C-N-C bond angle increases. Therefore, the C-N-C bond angle may be important in activating vibronic coupling between the states. We fit the experimental rotational contour with a genetic algorithm to determine the excited state rotational constants and orientation of the transition dipole moment. The fits show a mostly in-plane polarized transition, and the projection of the transition dipole moment in the a-b plane is about 84° away from the a axis. These results are consistent with the prediction of our electronic structure calculations for the transition dipole moment of the π-π* excited state.

Antiproliferative activity and apoptosis-inducing mechanism of Amaryllidaceae alkaloid montanine on A549 and MOLT-4 human cancer cells

The isoquinoline alkaloids found in Amaryllidaceae are attracting attention due to attributes that can be harnessed for the development of new drugs. The possible molecular mechanisms by which montanine exerts its inhibitory effects against cancer cells have not been documented. In the present study, montanine, manthine and a series of 15 semisynthetic montanine analogues originating from the parent alkaloid montanine were screened at a single test dose of 10 μM to explore their cytotoxic activities against a panel of eight cancer cell lines and one non-cancer cell line. Among montanine and its analogues, montanine and its derivatives 12 and 14 showed the highest cytostatic activity in the initial single-dose screening. However, the native montanine exhibited the greatest antiproliferative activity against cancer cells, with a lower mean IC50 value of 1.39 µM, compared to the displayed mean IC50 values of 2.08 µM for 12 and 3.57 µM for 14. Montanine exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity with IC50 values of 1.04 µM and 1.09 µM against Jurkat and A549 cell lines, respectively. We also evaluated montanine's cytotoxicity and cell death mechanisms. Our results revealed that montanine triggered apoptosis of MOLT-4 cells via caspase activation, mitochondrial depolarisation and Annexin V/PI double staining. The Western blot results of MOLT-4 cells showed that the protein levels of phosphorylated Chk1 Ser345 were upregulated with increased montanine concentrations. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the cytostatic, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activities of montanine alkaloids in lung adenocarcinoma A549 and leukemic MOLT-4 cancer cell types.

Benzophenanthridine Alkaloid Chelerythrine Elicits Necroptosis of Gastric Cancer Cells via Selective Conjugation at the Redox Hyperreactive C-Terminal Sec498 Residue of Cytosolic Selenoprotein Thioredoxin Reductase

Targeting thioredoxin reductase (TXNRD) with low-weight molecules is emerging as a high-efficacy anti-cancer strategy in chemotherapy. Sanguinarine has been reported to inhibit the activity of TXNRD1, indicating that benzophenanthridine alkaloid is a fascinating chemical entity in the field of TXNRD1 inhibitors. In this study, the inhibition of three benzophenanthridine alkaloids, including chelerythrine, sanguinarine, and nitidine, on recombinant TXNRD1 was investigated, and their anti-cancer mechanisms were revealed using three gastric cancer cell lines. Chelerythrine and sanguinarine are more potent inhibitors of TXNRD1 than nitidine, and the inhibitory effects take place in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Site-directed mutagenesis of TXNRD1 and in vitro inhibition analysis proved that chelerythrine or sanguinarine is primarily bound to the Sec498 residue of the enzyme, but the neighboring Cys497 and remaining N-terminal redox-active cysteines could also be modified after the conjugation of Sec498. With high similarity to sanguinarine, chelerythrine exhibited cytotoxic effects on multiple gastric cancer cell lines and suppressed the proliferation of tumor spheroids derived from NCI-N87 cells. Chelerythrine elevated cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, the ROS induced by chelerythrine could be completely suppressed by the addition of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and the same is true for sanguinarine. Notably, Nec-1, an RIPK1 inhibitor, rescued the chelerythrine-induced rapid cell death, indicating that chelerythrine triggers necroptosis in gastric cancer cells. Taken together, this study demonstrates that chelerythrine is a novel inhibitor of TXNRD1 by targeting Sec498 and possessing high anti-tumor properties on multiple gastric cancer cell lines by eliciting necroptosis.

CDK2 and CDK4 targeted liensinine inhibits the growth of bladder cancer T24 cells

Bladder cancer (BCa) is a urinary tumor with limited treatment options and high mortality. Liensinine (LIEN), a natural bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, has shown excellent anti-tumor effects in numerous preclinical studies. However, the anti-BCa effect of LIEN remains unclear. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the molecular mechanism of LIEN in the management of BCa. First, we identified the treatment-related targets of BCa; those that repeatedly occur in more than two databases, including GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, DisGeNET, Therapeutic Target Database, and Drugbank. The SwissTarget database was used to screen LIEN-related targets, and those with a probability >0 were possible LIEN targets. The prospective targets of LIEN in the treatment of BCa were then determined using a Venn diagram. Second, we discovered that the PI3K/AKT pathway and senescence mediated the anti-BCa action of LIEN by using GO and KEGG enrichment analysis to explore the function of LIEN therapeutic targets. A protein-protein interaction network was created using the String website, and six algorithms of the CytoHubba plug-in were then used in Cytoscape to assess the core targets of LIEN for the therapy of BCa. The outcomes of molecular docking and dynamics simulation demonstrated that CDK2 and CDK4 proteins were the direct targets of LIEN in the management of BCa, among which CDK2 was more stable in binding to LIEN than CDK4. Finally, in vitro experiments showed that LIEN inhibited the activity and proliferation of T24 cells. The expression of p-/AKT, CDK2, and CDK4 proteins progressively decreased, while the expression and fluorescence intensity of the senescence-related protein, γH2AX, gradually increased with increasing LIEN concentration in T24 cells. Therefore, our data suggest that LIEN may promote senescence and inhibit proliferation by inhibiting the CDK2/4 and PI3K/AKT pathways in BCa.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of thienopyrimidine derivatives as multifunctional agents against Alzheimer's disease

A series of 12 S-substituted tetrahydrobenzothienopyrimidines were designed and synthesized based on the donepezil scaffold. All the newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and the most active compounds were tested for their butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activity. Moreover, all the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against Aβ aggregation and antioxidant activity using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity method. Compounds 4b, 6b, and 8b displayed the most prominent AChE inhibitory action comparable to donepezil. Compound 6b showed the greatest AChE inhibitory action (IC50  = 0.07 ± 0.003 µM) and the most potent BuChE inhibitory action (IC50  = 0.059 ± 0.004 µM). Furthermore, the three compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Compounds 6b and 8b exerted more inhibitory action on Aβ aggregation than donepezil. The cytotoxic activity of compounds 4b, 6b, and 8b against the WI-38 cell line in comparison with donepezil was examined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The results revealed that compounds 6b and 8b were less cytotixic than donepezil, while compound 4b showed nonsignificant cytotoxicity compared to donepezil. For more insights about the binding patterns of the most promising compounds (4b, 6b, and 8b) with the AChE at molecular levels; molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed. The density functional theory calculations and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity properties were described as well. The results highlighted compound 6b, which incorporates a phenylpiperazine moiety coupled to a thienopyrimidone scaffold via two-atom spacer, to be a promising multifunctional therapeutic agent for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It is a potent dual AChE and BuChE inhibitor. Furthermore, it had stronger Aβ aggregation inhibitory action than donepezil. Additionally, compound 6b exerted significant antioxidant activity.

Research Progress on Neuroprotective Effects of Isoquinoline Alkaloids

Neuronal injury and apoptosis are important causes of the occurrence and development of many neurodegenerative diseases, such as cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Although the detailed mechanism of some diseases is unknown, the loss of neurons in the brain is still the main pathological feature. By exerting the neuroprotective effects of drugs, it is of great significance to alleviate the symptoms and improve the prognosis of these diseases. Isoquinoline alkaloids are important active ingredients in many traditional Chinese medicines. These substances have a wide range of pharmacological effects and significant activity. Although some studies have suggested that isoquinoline alkaloids may have pharmacological activities for treating neurodegenerative diseases, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive summary regarding their mechanisms and characteristics in neuroprotection. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the active components found in isoquinoline alkaloids that have neuroprotective effects. It thoroughly explains the various mechanisms behind the neuroprotective effects of isoquinoline alkaloids and summarizes their common characteristics. This information can serve as a reference for further research on the neuroprotective effects of isoquinoline alkaloids.