The anti-staphylococcal activity of Angelica dahurica (Bai Zhi)

Two-Dimensional High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography with Bioautography for Distinguishing Angelicae Dahuricae Radix Varieties: Chemical Fingerprinting and Antioxidant Profiling

Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (ADR) holds a prominent place in traditional medicine for its remarkable antioxidative, anti-allergic, and antiproliferative capabilities. Recognized within the Korean Pharmacopoeia (KP 12th), Angelica dahurica (Hoffm.) Benth. and Hook.f. ex Franch. and Sav. (AD) and Angelica dahurica var. formosana (H. Boissieu) Yen (ADF) serve as the botanical origins for ADR. Differentiating these two varieties is crucial for the formulation and quality control of botanical drugs, as they are categorized under the same medicinal label. This research utilized two-dimensional high-performance thin-layer chromatography (2D-HPTLC) to effectively distinguish AD from ADF. Additionally, a quantitative analysis reveals significant differences in the concentrations of key active constituents such as oxypeucedanin, imperatorin, and isoimperatorin, with AD showing higher total coumarin levels. We further enhanced our investigative depth by incorporating a DPPH bioautography, which confirmed known antioxidant coumarins and unearthed previously undetected antioxidant profiles, including byakangelicin, byakangelicol, falcarindiol in both AD and ADF, and notably, 2-linoleoyl glycerol detected only in AD as an antioxidant spot. This comprehensive approach affords a valuable tool set for botanical drug development, emphasizing the critical need for accurate source plant identification and differentiation in ensuring the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine products.

Structure-dependent activity of plant natural products against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the major causes for nosocomial infections and has been classified as "high priority pathogen" by the World Health Organization. Its ability to develop resistances has been a challenge for the last decades and is still a threat to health care systems, as strains with resistances to the so-called drugs of last resort have been discovered. Therefore, new antibiotics are urgently needed. Natural products are an important source for the development of new drugs, thereby mostly serving as lead compounds for further modification. In this review, the data on plant natural products with reported anti-MRSA activity until the end of 2022 is discussed, highlighting the most effective drugs with respect to their inhibitory concentrations as well as with regard to eventual synergistic effects with existing antibiotics. In the latter sense, the class of alkaloids must be mentioned, exhibiting additive or synergistic effects by inhibiting bacterial efflux pumps. With regard to the antibiotic activity, phloroglucinol derivatives certainly belong to the most promising compounds, revealing several candidates with remarkable effects, e.g., lupulone, ivesinol, rhodomyrtone, aspidinol, or hyperforin. Also, the class of terpenoids yielded noteworthy compounds, such as the sesquiterpene lactones parthenolide and lactopicrin as well as acetophenone sesquiterpenes and sphaerodiene type diterpenoids, respectively. In addition, pronounced effects were observed for the macrolide neurymenolide A and three flavonol dicoumaroylrhamnosides.

Novel Cytotoxic Sesquiterpene Coumarin Ethers and Sulfur-Containing Compounds from the Roots of Ferula turcica

Six new sesquiterpene coumarin ethers, namely turcicanol A (1), turcicanol A acetate (2), turcicanol B (3), turcica ketone (4), 11'-dehydrokaratavicinol (5), and galbanaldehyde (6), and one new sulfur-containing compound, namely turcicasulphide (7), along with thirty-two known secondary metabolites were isolated from the root of the endemic species Ferula turcica Akalın, Miski, & Tuncay through a bioassay-guided isolation approach. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with the literature. Cell growth inhibition of colon cancer cell lines (COLO205 and HCT116) and kidney cancer cell lines (UO31 and A498) was used to guide isolation. Seventeen of the compounds showed significant activity against the cell lines.

Apiaceae Medicinal Plants in China: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Bolting and Flowering (BF), and BF Control Methods

Apiaceae plants have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the removing dampness, relieving superficies, and dispelling cold, etc. In order to exploit potential applications as well as improve the yield and quality of Apiaceae medicinal plants (AMPs), the traditional use, modern pharmacological use, phytochemistry, effect of bolting and flowering (BF), and approaches for controlling BF were summarized. Currently, about 228 AMPs have been recorded as TCMs, with 6 medicinal parts, 79 traditional uses, 62 modern pharmacological uses, and 5 main kinds of metabolites. Three different degrees (i.e., significantly affected, affected to some extent, and not significantly affected) could be classed based on the yield and quality. Although the BF of some plants (e.g., Angelica sinensis) could be effectively controlled by standard cultivation techniques, the mechanism of BF has not yet been systemically revealed. This review will provide useful references for the reasonable exploration and high-quality production of AMPs.

Phytochemical Constituents, Folk Medicinal Uses, and Biological Activities of Genus Angelica: A Review

Genus Angelica is one of the widely distributed and well-known genera of family Umbelliferae. It is utilized mainly by Chinese and Korean populations especially in their folk medicine. Angelica comprises a lot of medicinally important phytoconstituents such as coumarins, furanocoumarins, flavonoids, essential oils, verbascosides, polysaccharides, etc. Members of this genus play important roles, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, skin-whitening, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, and many others. This review draws attention to many species of genus Angelica with much focus on A. dahurica being one of the highly medicinally used species within this genus.

The Angelica dahurica: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Angelica dahurica (A. dahurica) root is a famous edible medicinal herb that has been used in China for thousands of years. To date, more than 300 chemical constituents have been discovered from A. dahurica. Among these ingredients, coumarins and volatile oils are the major active compounds. Moreover, a few other compounds have also been isolated from the root of A. dahurica, such as alkaloids, phenols, sterols, benzofurans, polyacetylenes and polysaccharides. Modern pharmacological studies demonstrated that the root of A. dahurica and its active components displayed various bioactivities such as anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, analgesic activity, antiviral and anti-microbial effects, effects on the cardiovascular system, neuroprotective function, hepatoprotective activity, effects on skin diseases and so on. Based on these studies, this review focused on the research publications of A. dahurica and aimed to summarize the advances in the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology which will provide reference for the further studies and applications of A. dahurica.

Highly selective cross-coupling reactions of 1,1-dibromoethylenes with alkynylaluminums for the synthesis of aryl substituted conjugated enediynes and unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes

A highly efficient method for the synthesis of aryl substituted conjugated enediynes and unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes via selective cross-coupling reactions of 1,1-dibromoethylenes with alkynylaluminums using the Pd(OAc)2-DPPE and Pd2(dba)3-TFP complexes as catalysts, respectively, has been successfully developed. Though the alkyl substituted conjugated enediynes and unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes were not obtained, this case is also remarkable as the same starting materials could selectively produce either aryl substituted conjugated enediynes or unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes in moderate to excellent yields (up to 99%) in the different Pd-phosphine catalytic systems.

Azolium Aurates as Pre-Catalysts for the Oxidative Coupling of Terminal Alkynes under Mild Conditions

A simple and efficient method for the oxidative coupling of terminal alkynes is reported for the first time, making use of imidazol(in)ium aurates as pre-catalysts. This approach displays high functional group tolerance and leads to a broad range of 1,3-diyne compounds in moderate to excellent yields using low catalyst loading and is performed in air under mild and sustainable conditions.

A Phenylfurocoumarin Derivative Reverses ABCG2-Mediated Multidrug Resistance In Vitro and In Vivo

The ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) transporter is involved in the development of multidrug resistance in cancer patients. Many inhibitors of ABCG2 have been reported to enhance the chemosensitivity of cancer cells. However, none of these inhibitors are being used clinically. The aim of this study was to identify novel ABCG2 inhibitors by high-throughput screening of a chemical library. Among the 5812 compounds in the library, 23 compounds were selected in the first screening, using a fluorescent plate reader-based pheophorbide a (PhA) efflux assay. Thereafter, to validate these compounds, a flow cytometry-based PhA efflux assay was performed and 16 compounds were identified as potential inhibitors. A cytotoxic assay was then performed to assess the effect these 16 compounds had on ABCG2-mediated chemosensitivity. We found that the phenylfurocoumarin derivative (R)-9-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-((3,3-dimethyloxiran-2-yl)methoxy)-7H-furo [3,2-g]chromen-7-one (PFC) significantly decreased the IC₅₀ of SN-38 in HCT-116/BCRP colon cancer cells. In addition, PFC stimulated ABCG2-mediated ATP hydrolysis, suggesting that this compound interacts with the substrate-binding site of ABCG2. Furthermore, PFC reversed the resistance to irinotecan without causing toxicity in the ABCG2-overexpressing HCT-116/BCRP cell xenograft mouse model. In conclusion, PFC is a novel inhibitor of ABCG2 and has promise as a therapeutic to overcome ABCG2-mediated MDR, to improve the efficiency of cancer chemotherapy.

Homocoupling of terminal alkynes catalyzed by CuCl under solvent-free conditions

A series of symmetrical 1,4-disubstituted buta-1,3-diynes is prepared with excellent yields (up to 95%) through homocoupling of terminal alkynes catalyzed by a copper salt under solvent-free conditions. This method provides an environmentally friendly process to prepare 1,3-diynes in short reaction times under mild conditions. Furthermore, the method is suitable for a wide substrate scope and has excellent functional group compatibility. The reaction can also be scaled up to gram level.

An In Vitro Coumarin-Antibiotic Combination Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms

The drug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a worldwide problem due to its great threat to human health. A crude extract of Angelica dahurica has been proved to have antibacterial properties, which suggested that it may be able to inhibit the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa; initial exploration had shown that the crude extract could inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa effectively. After the adaptive dose of coumarin was confirmed to be a potential treatment for the bacteria’s drug resistance, “coumarin-antibiotic combination treatments” (3 coumarins—simple coumarin, imperatorin, and isoimperatorin—combined with 2 antibiotics—ampicillin and ceftazidime) were examined to determine their capability to inhibit P. aeruginosa. The final results showed that (1) coumarin with either ampicillin or ceftazidime significantly inhibited the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa; (2) coumarin could directly destroy mature biofilms; and (3) the combination treatment can synergistically enhance the inhibition of biofilm formation, which could significantly reduce the usage of antibiotics and bacterial resistance. To sum up, a coumarin-antibiotic combination treatment may be a potential way to inhibit the biofilm growth of P. aeruginosa and provides a reference for antibiotic resistance treatment.

Identification of Feldin, an Antifungal Polyyne from the Beefsteak Fungus Fistulina hepatica

Fruiting body-forming members of the Basidiomycota maintain their ecological fitness against various antagonists like ascomycetous mycoparasites. To achieve that, they produce myriads of bioactive compounds, some of which are now being used as agrochemicals or pharmaceutical lead structures. Here, we screened ethyl acetate crude extracts from cultures of thirty-five mushroom species for antifungal bioactivity, for their effect on the ascomycete Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the basidiomycete Ustilago maydis. One extract that inhibited the growth of S. cerevisiae much stronger than that of U. maydis was further analyzed. For bioactive compound identification, we performed bioactivity-guided HPLC/MS fractionation. Fractions showing inhibition against S. cerevisiae but reduced activity against U. maydis were further analyzed. NMR-based structure elucidation from one such fraction revealed the polyyne we named feldin, which displays prominent antifungal bioactivity. Future studies with additional mushroom-derived eukaryotic toxic compounds or antifungals will show whether U. maydis could be used as a suitable host to shortcut an otherwise laborious production of such mushroom compounds, as could recently be shown for heterologous sesquiterpene production in U. maydis.

CRISPR-Cas9 Genome-Wide Knockout Screen Identifies Mechanism of Selective Activity of Dehydrofalcarinol in Mesenchymal Stem-like Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

There are no targeted therapies available for triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) in part because they represent a heterogeneous group of tumors with diverse oncogenic drivers. Our goal is to identify targeted therapies for subtypes of these cancers using a mechanism-blind screen of natural product extract libraries. An extract from Desmanthodium guatemalense was 4-fold more potent for cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells, which represent the mesenchymal stem-like (MSL) subtype, as compared to cells of other TNBC subtypes. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of six polyacetylenes, and subsequent investigations of plant sources known to produce polyacetylenes yielded six additional structurally related compounds. A subset of these compounds retained selective cytotoxic effects in MSL subtype cells. Studies suggest that these selective effects do not appear to be due to PPARγ agonist activities that have previously been reported for polyacetylenes. A CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockout screen was employed to identify the mechanism of selective cytotoxic activity of the most potent and selective compound, dehydrofalcarinol (1a). This genomic screen identified HSD17B11, the gene encoding the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 11, as a mediator of the selective cytotoxic effects of 1a in MDA-MB-231 cells that express high levels of this protein. The Project Achilles cancer dependency database further identified a subset of Ewing sarcoma cell lines as highly dependent on HSD17B11 expression, and it was found these were also highly sensitive to 1a. This report demonstrates the value of CRISPR-Cas9 genome-wide screens to identify the mechanisms underlying the selective activities of natural products.

Constituents of Two Dioscorea Species That Potentiate Antibiotic Activity against MRSA

The isolation of two diarylnonanoids from Dioscorea cotinifolia possessing antibiotic-potentiating activity against resistant strains of S. aureus are reported. The diarylnonanoids are a class of natural products similar in structure to the diarylheptanoids, which have a wide spectrum of reported biological activities. One of the diarylnonanoids (1) isolated possesses a chiral center, and to deduce its configuration, the modified Mosher ester method was used. Using both 1D and 2D NMR data, as many protons as possible were assigned to both the R- and S-MTPA esters, and the configuration of the chiral center in 1 was determined to be R. Both the chiral and achiral diarylnonanoid (2) exhibited potent antibiotic-potentiating activity with the chiral natural product showing a greater tetracycline-potentiating activity than 2. Interestingly, 2 gave a higher norfloxacin-potentiating activity with a resultant higher efflux pump inhibitory activity. Manipulation of the structure of the diarylnonanoids through synthesis could lead to improved biological activity.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Angelica dahurica (Apiaceae) as an herb in China

Angelica dahurica is an upright perennial herb that is becoming more and more fashionable in the garden in the world. The complete chloroplast genome of A. dahurica was annotated and studied in this paper. It was a circular molecular genome with a size of 146,918 bp in length, which was composed of four distinct regions such as a large single-copy region of 93,605 bp, a small single-copy region of 17,669 bp and a pair of IR regions of 17,822 bp. We annotated and found comprised 129 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 36 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) and eight ribosome RNA genes (rRNAs). The overall nucleotide composition is A of 30.8%, T of 31.7%, C of 19.1% and G of 18.4%, with a total A + T content of the chloroplast genome 62.5% and G + C of 37.5%. Phylogenetic analysis with the reported chloroplast genomes revealed that A. dahurica is most closely related to Angelica gigas in the phylogenetic relationships.

Oxygenated C17 polyacetylene metabolites from Algerian Eryngium tricuspidatum L. roots: Structure and biological activity

The secondary metabolite pattern of Eryngium tricuspidatum has been found to be dominated by C₁₇ acetylene oxylipins, according to the chemistry reported in the literature for the genus Eryngium. Two new oxylipins, 11-acetoxy-falcarindiol (4) and 1,2-dihydro-11-acetoxy-falcarindiol (5) have been isolated, along with main related polyacetylenes 1-3 and the already known monoterpene aldehydes 6-10, from the petroleum ether extract of roots. The structure and the absolute configuration of compounds 4 and 5 have been determined by spectroscopic methods as well as by comparison with related known compounds. Polyacetylenes 1-4 inhibited significantly the in vitro growth of a series of cancer cell lines, ranging from 0.3 to 29 μM, whereas 5 was inactive.

Mining of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) loci and development of novel transferability-across EST-SSR markers from de novo transcriptome assembly of Angelica dahurica

Angelica dahurica is a widely grown plant species with multiple uses, especially in the medical field. However, the frequent introduction of A. dahurica to new areas has made it difficult to distinguish between varieties. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) detected based on transcriptome analyses are very useful for constructing genetic maps and analyzing genetic diversity. They are also relevant for the molecular marker-assisted breeding of A. dahurica. We identified 33,724 genic SSR loci based on transcriptome sequencing data. A total of 114 primer pairs were designed for the SSR loci and were tested for their specificity and diversity. Ten SSR loci in untranslated regions were ultimately selected. Subsequently, 56 A. dahurica ecotypes collected from different regions were analyzed. The SSR loci comprised 2–8 alleles, with a mean of 5.2 alleles per locus. The polymorphic information content value and Shannon’s information index were 0.6274–0.2702 (average of 0.4091) and 1.3040–0.5618 (average of 0.8475), respectively. Thus, the 10 novel SSRs identified in this study were almost in accordance with Harvey-Weinberg equilibrium and will be useful for analyzing A. dahurica genetic relationships. The results of this study confirm the potential value of transcriptome databases for the development of new SSR markers.

Caffeine/Angelica dahurica and caffeine/Salvia miltiorrhiza metabolic inhibition in humans: In vitro and in vivo studies

BACKGROUND

caffeine is a major constituent in numerous foods, beverages, dietary supplements and medications.Angelica dahurica (Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Franch. & Sav, and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge are traditional medicines commonly used in Asia.

OBJECTIVES

to compare the pharmacokinetics of caffeine in humans before and after consuming an aqueous extract of A. dahurica or S. miltiorrhiza, and to propose a mechanistic explanation for in vivo caffeine metabolism inhibition based on in vitro data obtained with human liver microsomes.

METHODS

Each of the four human volunteers was given a single oral dose of caffeine before and after consuming an A. dahurica or S. miltiorrhiza extract. Saliva samples were collected from the volunteers at pre-determined time points after receiving caffeine. The saliva samples were analyzed for unchanged caffeine using liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

A. dahurica and S. miltiorrhiza extracts were capable of inhibiting caffeine metabolism in the human volunteers. In a separate study, cytochrome (CYP) 1A2-mediated caffeine demethylase activity was studied in incubation containing human liver microsomes, β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and an herbal extract (or a pure bioactive chemical from the herbs). In all cases, CYP1A2 activity was decreased with an increasing inhibitor concentration, confirming the inhibition of caffeine metabolism in vivo. Caffeine metabolism inhibition most likely involved the competitive and/or non-competitive mechanism.

CONCLUSION

Because a high level of caffeine in the plasma may result in adverse health effects in humans, care must be exercised when caffeine is consumed together with A. dahurica or S. miltiorrhiza.

Effect of the dietary polyacetylenes falcarinol and falcarindiol on the gut microbiota composition in a rat model of colorectal cancer

Objectives

(3R)-Falcarinol (FaOH) and (3R,8S)-falcarindiol (FaDOH) have previously been shown to reduce the number of neoplastic lesions and the growth rate of polyps in the colon of azoxymethane (AOM) treated rats. Based on previous investigations, it appears that different mechanisms of actions are involved in the antineoplastic effect of FaOH and FaDOH. One mechanism of action may be related to the antibacterial effect of FaOH and FaDOH and thus their effect on the gut microbiota. This study aimed to determine the effect of FaOH and FaDOH on gut microbiota composition of AOM treated rats.

Results

Azoxymethane treated rats were fed either a standard rat diet or a rat diet supplemented with FaOH and FaDOH. The gut microbiota of AOM-induced rats was determined by 16S rRNA gene-amplicon sequencing. Analysis of fecal cecum samples demonstrated a significant gut microbiota change in rats receiving standard rat diet supplemented with FaOH and FaDOH compared with the control group that only received the rat diet. Comparison of the gut microbiota of rats who developed large neoplasms in the colon with rats without large neoplasms showed that the gut microbiota was significantly different in rats who developed large colon neoplasms compared to rats with no macroscopic colon neoplasms.

Discovery of the Potential Biomarkers for Discrimination between Hedyotis diffusa and Hedyotis corymbosa by UPLC-QTOF/MS Metabolome Analysis

Hedyotis diffuse Willd. (HD) and Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam. (HC), two closely related species of the same genus, are both used for health benefits and disease prevention in China. HC is also indiscriminately sold as HD in the wholesale chain and food markets. This confusion has led to a growing concern about their identification and quality evaluation. In order to further understand the molecular diversification between them, we focus on the screening of chemical components and the analysis of non-targeted metabolites. In this study, UPLC-QTOF-MSE, UNIFI platform and multivariate statistical analyses were used to profile them. Firstly, a total of 113 compounds, including 80 shared chemical constituents of the two plants, were identified from HC and HD by using the UNIFI platform. Secondly, the differences between two herbs were highlighted with the comparative analysis. As a result, a total of 33 robust biomarkers enabling the differentiation were discovered by using multivariate statistical analyses. For HC, there were 18 potential biomarkers (either the contents were much greater than in HD or being detected only in HC) including three iridoids, eight flavonoids, two tannins, two ketones, one alcohol and two monoterpenes. For HD, there were15 potential biomarkers (either the contents were much greater than in HC or being detected only in HD) including two iridoids, eight flavonoids, one tannin, one ketone, and three anthraquinones. With a comprehensive consideration of the contents or the MS responses of the chemical composition, Hedycoryside A and B, detected only in HC, could be used for rapid identification of HC. The compounds 1,3-dihydroxy-2-methylanthraquinone and 2-hydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone, detected only in HD, could be used for rapid identification of that plant. The systematic comparison of similarities and differences between two confusing Chinese herbs will provide reliable characterization profiles to clarify the pharmacological fundamental substances. HC should not be used as the substitute of HD.

Iron-Catalyzed Dehydrative Alkylation of Propargyl Alcohol with Alkyl Peroxides To Form Substituted 1,3-Enynes

This paper reports a new method for the generation of substituted 1,3-enynes, whose synthesis by other methods could be a challenge. The dehydrative decarboxylative cascade coupling reaction of propargyl alcohol with alkyl peroxides is enabled by an iron catalyst and alkylating reagents. Primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl groups can be introduced into 1,3-enynes, affording various substituted 1,3-enynes in moderate to good yields. Mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of a radical-polar crossover pathway.

Effects of Angelica dahurica and Rheum officinale Extracts on Excisional Wound Healing in Rats

The main objective of wound treatments is to restore the functional skin properties and prevent infection. Traditional Chinese medicine provides alternative anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing therapies. Both Angelica dahurica extract (AE) and Rheum officinale extract (RE) possess antimicrobial activity. In this study, AE and RE were applied in wound treatment to investigate their healing effects. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats with dorsal full-thickness skin excision were divided into normal saline (NS), AE, RE, AE plus RE (ARE), and Biomycin (BM) groups. The treatment and area measurement of wounds were applied daily for 21 days. Wound biopsies and blood samples were obtained for histology examinations and cytokine analysis. Results showed that wound contraction in ARE group was significantly higher than that in NS and BM groups (P < 0.05). Histological analysis showed that more inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen fibers, and myofibroblasts were observed in ARE treated group than those in NS group on days 3–5. In ARE group, plasma IL-6 levels were elevated during days 3–5 (P > 0.05), and plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower than those in the NS group on days 3-4 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ARE accelerates wound healing during inflammation and proliferation phases.

Cu(II)-CMC: a mild, efficient and recyclable catalyst for the oxidative alkyne homocoupling reaction

Cu(II) heterogenized on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) has been thoroughly characterized by different techniques. Cu(II)-CMC has been applied for the first time in the homocoupling reaction of a variety of terminal alkynes. The catalyst furnished good to excellent yields of the desired products and could be reused six times without loss of catalytic activity. The Cu(II)-CMC catalysis protocol is a new efficient route to synthesize 1,3-diynes under mild conditions.

Angelica dahurica ameliorates the inflammation of gingival tissue via regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators in experimental model for periodontitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anti-inflammatory effects of Angelica dahurica (AD) have been reported in previous studies. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of AD on periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 7 weeks (n=7) were subjected to ligature around bilateral mandibular first molars. 1 and 100mg/mL of AD were topically applied to first molars for 14 days. Histological changes were observed in gingival epithelial layer, and the thickness of the gingival epithelial layer as well as the number of epithelial cells were quantified. To investigate the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in gingival tissues, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed. To confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of AD, pro-inflammatory mediators including cytokines and NF-kB, COX-2, and iNOS were analyzed in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells.

RESULTS

Topical application of AD attenuated not only the thickness of epithelial layer, also the number of epithelial cells in gingival tissue. The expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ in gingiva were significantly reduced by AD treatment. Additionally, the expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IFN-γ mRNA were inhibited by AD in LPS-treated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Furthermore, AD treatment decreased LPS-induced elevation of NF-κB, COX-2 and iNOS protein levels in RAW264.7 cells.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, AD application ameliorated the hyperplasia of gingival epithelial layer by down-regulating pro-inflammatory mediators. AD might have therapeutic potentials for periodontal diseases.

Coumarins from the roots of Angelica dahurica cause anti-allergic inflammation

Allergic inflammation is induced by allergens and leads to various allergic diseases, including rhinitis, asthma and conjunctivitis. Histamine is important in the pathogenesis of an immunoglobulin E-dependent allergic reaction and results in the secretion of cytokines associated with inflammation. Angelica dahurica (A. dahurica) is a medicinal plant widely used in China for the treatment of symptoms related to allergic inflammation. The present study investigated the chemical constituents from A. dahurica and evaluated their reductive effect on allergic inflammation. As a result, 15 compounds including 13 coumarins have been identified as isoimperatorin (1), imperatorin (2), oxypeucedanin (3), oxypeucedanin hydrate (4), bergapten (5), byakangelicin (6), phellopterin (7), byakangelicol (8), isopimpinellin (9), xanthotoxol (10), xanthotoxin (11), pimpinellin (12), scopoletin (13), β-sitosterol (14) and daucosterol (15). Compounds 1-13 were able to reduce the release of histamine, with compounds 4-6 exhibiting the most potent activity. Furthermore, compounds 1-12 were able to inhibit the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-4, with compounds 5 and 7 exhibiting the strongest inhibitory effects. These compounds implemented the inhibitory effects on the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes through the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB activation. Virtual screening by a docking program indicated that compound 3 is a potent histamine H₁ receptor antagonist. Additionally, the calculated physicochemical properties of these compounds support most furanocoumarins to be delivered to binding sites and permeate the cell membrane. The present findings contribute to understanding how A. dahurica attenuates allergic inflammation.

Effects of Angelica dahurica on obesity and fatty liver in mice

Angelica dahurica (A. dahurica) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant being used in clinical practice. The present study demonstrated that A. dahurica could reduce white-fat weight in high-fat-diet hyperlipidemic mice, decrease total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the livers of both high-fat-diet and Triton WR1339 induced hyperlipidemic mice, and enhance the total hepatic lipase activities of them. These findings were further supported by the results derived from the experiments with HepG2 cells in vitro. In addition, the proteins related to lipids metabolism were investigated using LC-MS/MS, indicating that genes of lipid metabolism and lipid transport were regulated by A. dhurica. The results from LC-MS/MS were further conformed by Western blot and real time PCR assays. A. dahurica could down-regulate the expression of catalase (CAT) and sterol carrier protein2 (SCP2) and up-regulate the expression of lipid metabolism related genes-lipase member C (LIPC) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). In the Triton WR1339 mouse liver and HepG2 cells in vitro, A. dahurica was able to increase the expression of LIPC and PPARγ, confirming the results from in vivo experiments. Imperatorin showed the same activity as A. dahurica, suggesting it was one of the major active ingredients of the herb. In conclusion, our work represented a first investigation demonstrating that A. dahurica was able to regulate lipid metabolism and could be developed as a novel approach to fighting against fatty liver and obesity.

Eradication and Sensitization of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to Methicillin with Bioactive Extracts of Berry Pomace

The therapeutic roles of phenolic blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) pomace (commercial byproduct) extracts (BPE) and their mechanism of actions were evaluated against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Five major phenolic acids of BPE, e.g., protocatechuic, p. coumaric, vanillic, caffeic, and gallic acids, as well as crude BPE completely inhibited the growth of vegetative MRSA in vitro while BPE+methicillin significantly reduced MRSA biofilm formation on plastic surface. In addition, BPE restored the effectiveness of methicillin against MRSA by down-regulating the expression of methicillin resistance (mecA) and efflux pump (norA, norB, norC, mdeA, sdrM, and sepA) genes. Antibiogram with broth microdilution method showed that MIC of methicillin reduced from 512 μg/mL to 4 μg/mL when combined with only 200 μg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/mL of BPE. Significant reduction in MRSA adherence to and invasion into human skin keratinocyte Hek001 cells were also noticed in the presence of BPE. BPE induced anti-apoptosis and anti-autophagy pathways through overexpression of Bcl-2 gene and down-regulation of TRADD and Bax genes (inducers of apoptosis pathway) in Hek001 cells. In summary, novel and sustainable prophylactic therapy can be developed with BPE in combination with currently available antibiotics, especially methicillin, against skin and soft tissue infections with MRSA.

Highly efficient synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes from organoalane reagents and alkynyl bromides mediated by a nickel catalyst

Highly efficient and simple cross-coupling reactions of alkynylbromides with organoalane reagents for the synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes derivatives using Ni(OAc)₂ (2–5 mol%)/(o-furyl)₃P (4–10 mol%) as a catalyst are reported.

Angelica dahurica Extracts Improve Glucose Tolerance through the Activation of GPR119

G protein-coupled receptor (GPR) 119 is expressed in pancreatic β-cells and intestinal L cells, and is involved in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) release, respectively. Therefore, the development of GPR119 agonists is a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes. We screened 1500 natural plant extracts for GPR119 agonistic actions and investigated the most promising extract, that from Angelica dahurica (AD), for hypoglycemic actions in vitro and in vivo. Human GPR119 activation was measured in GeneBLAzer T-Rex GPR119-CRE-bla CHO-K1 cells; intracellular cAMP levels and insulin secretion were measured in INS-1 cells; and GLP-1 release was measured in GLUTag cells. Glucose tolerance tests and serum plasma insulin levels were measured in normal C57BL6 mice and diabetic db/db mice. AD extract-treated cells showed significant increases in GPR119 activation, intracellular cAMP levels, GLP-1 levels and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion as compared with controls. In normal mice, a single treatment with AD extract improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin secretion. Treatment with multiple doses of AD extract or n-hexane fraction improved glucose tolerance in diabetic db/db mice. Imperatorin, phellopterin and isoimperatorin were identified in the active fraction of AD extract. Among these, phellopterin activated GPR119 and increased active GLP-1 and insulin secretion in vitro and enhanced glucose tolerance in normal and db/db mice. We suggest that phellopterin might have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The Four-Herb Chinese Medicine Formula Tuo-Li-Xiao-Du-San Accelerates Cutaneous Wound Healing in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats through Reducing Inflammation and Increasing Angiogenesis

Impaired wound healing in diabetic patients is a serious complication that often leads to amputation or even death with limited effective treatments. Tuo-Li-Xiao-Du-San (TLXDS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for refractory wounds, has been prescribed for nearly 400 years in China and shows good efficacy in promoting healing. In this study, we explored the effect of TLXDS on healing of diabetic wounds and investigated underlying mechanisms. Four weeks after intravenous injection of streptozotocin, two full-thickness excisional wounds were created with a 10 mm diameter sterile biopsy punch on the back of rats. The ethanol extract of TLXDS was given once daily by oral gavage. Wound area, histological change, inflammation, angiogenesis, and collagen synthesis were evaluated. TLXDS treatment significantly accelerated healing of diabetic rats and improved the healing quality. These effects were associated with reduced neutrophil infiltration and macrophage accumulation, enhanced angiogenesis, and increased collagen deposition. This study shows that TLXDS improves diabetes-impaired wound healing.

Investigation of the mechanisms of Angelica dahurica root extract-induced vasorelaxation in isolated rat aortic rings

BACKGROUND

The root of Angelica dahurica Bentham et Hooker (Umbelliferae) has been used as a traditional medicine for colds, headache, dizziness, toothache, supraorbital pain, nasal congestion, acne, ulcer, carbuncle, and rheumatism in China, Japan, and Korea. Interestingly, it has been used in the treatment of vascular diseases including hypertension. The aim of this study was to provide pharmacological evidence for the anti-hypertensive effect of A. dahurica by investigating the mechanism underlying its vasorelaxant effect.

METHODS

The vasorelaxant effects of a 70% methanol extract of the A. dahurica root (ADE) on rat thoracic aorta and its underlying mechanisms were assessed. Isolated rat aortic rings were suspended in organ chambers containing 10 ml Krebs-Henseleit (K-H) solution and placed between 2 tungsten stirrups and connected to an isometric force transducer. Changes in tension were recorded via isometric transducers connected to a data acquisition system.

RESULTS

ADE causes concentration-dependent relaxation in both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine (PE; 1 μM) or potassium (KCl; 60 mM) in K-H solution. And pre-treatment with ADE (1 mg/ml) inhibited calcium-induced vasocontraction of aortic rings induced by PE or KCl. However, ADE pre-treatment did not affect the contraction induced by PE or caffeine in Ca(2+)-free K-H solution.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that the ADE has vasorelaxant effect and the vasorelaxant activity is mediated by endothelium-independent pathway that includes the blockade of extracellular calcium influx through the receptor-operated Ca(2+) channel and voltage-dependent calcium channel pathways.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity, phytochemical constituents, and cytotoxicity effects of Thai household ancient remedies

AIM

Household ancient remedies reported here are described in the National List of Essential Medicines and have traditionally been used in Thailand to treat infection-related ailments. However, the safety and effectiveness of these remedies have been poorly evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of these remedies against seven gram-positive and gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria species. Phytochemical constituents and cytotoxicity of these remedies were also determined.

METHODS

Seven remedies, consisting of Um-Ma-Luk-Ka-Wa-Tee, Chan-Ta-Lee-La, Kheaw-Hom, Learng-Pid-Sa-Mud, Pra-Sa-Chan-Dang, Dhart-Ban-Chob, and Tree-Hom, were prepared by a licensed traditional medical doctor using a mixture of medicinal plants. Antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of the remedies was determined by using a broth microdilution method. Qualitative phytochemical screening analysis was carried out to identify the presence of major components. Cytotoxicity activities of the extracts against Vero cells were assessed by green fluorescent protein-based assay.

RESULTS

With the exception of Dhart-Ban-Chob extract, significant minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of <16 to 32 μg/mL were observed for the remedy extracts depending on the bacterial strains. The Um-Ma-Luk-Ka-Wa-Tee extract was noncytotoxic against Vero cells and possessed the highest activity, with MICs of <16 to 31 μg/mL against all methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

Remarkable antibacterial activities against multidrug-resistant pathogens, as well as low toxicity on Vero cells, of Um-Ma-Luk-Ka-Wa-Tee support the use of this remedy in traditional medicine. Further investigation on other biological activities related to traditional applications, appropriate biomarkers, and treatment mechanisms of the household remedy are required.

Molecular and phytochemical investigation of Angelica dahurica and Angelica pubescentis essential oils and their biological activity against Aedes aegypti, Stephanitis pyrioides, and Colletotrichum species

In this study, Angelica dahurica and Angelica pubescentis root essential oils were investigated as pest management perspectives, and root samples were also analyzed genetically using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region as a DNA barcode marker. A. pubescentis root essential oil demonstrated weak antifungal activity against Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum fragariae, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, whereas A. dahurica root essential oil did not show antifungal activity. Conversely, A. dahurica root essential oil demonstrated better biting deterrent and insecticidal activity against yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and azalea lace bugs, Stephanitis pyrioides, than A. pubescentis root oil. The major compounds in the A. dahurica oil were found as α-pinene (46.3%), sabinene (9.3%), myrcene (5.5%), 1-dodecanol (5.2%), and terpinen-4-ol (4.9%). α-Pinene (37.6%), p-cymene (11.6%), limonene (8.7%), and cryptone (6.7%) were the major compounds found in the A. pubescentis oil. In mosquito bioassays, 1-dodecanol and 1-tridecanol showed antibiting deterrent activity similar to the positive control DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) at 25 nmol/cm(2) against Ae. aegypti, whereas only 1-tridecanol showed repellent activity in human-based cloth patch bioassay with minimum effective dosages (MED) of 0.086 ± 0.089 mg/cm(2) (DEET = 0.007 ± 0.003 mg/cm(2)). In larval bioassays, 1-tridecanol was more toxic with an LC50 value of 2.1 ppm than 1-dodecanol having an LC50 value of 5.2 ppm against 1-day-old Ae. aegypti larvae. 1-Dodecanol and 1-tridecanol could be useful for the natural mosquito control agents.