A screening of plants used in Colombian traditional medicine revealed the anti-inflammatory potential of Physalis angulata calyces

Untargeted Chemical Profile, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibition Activity of Physalis angulata L. from the Peruvian Amazon: A Contribution to the Validation of Its Pharmacological Potential

Physalis angulata is a plant of great value in traditional medicine known for its content of bioactive compounds, such as physalins and withanolides, which possess diverse biological activities. In this study, the chemical profile, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition capacity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from the root, stem, leaves, calyx, and fruits of P. angulata collected in Peru were evaluated. A total of forty-two compounds were detected in the extracts using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis. In vitro analyses revealed that leaf extracts contained the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, while leaf and fruit extracts showed the best results in FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS antioxidant tests; on the other hand, inhibition of AChE, BChE, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase enzymes was variable, but calyx and fruit extracts showed higher effectiveness. In silico analyses indicated that the compounds physagulin A, physagulin F, physagulide P, physalin B, and withaminimin showed stable interactions and favorable binding affinities with the catalytic sites of the enzymes studied. These results confirm the pharmacological potential of extracts and compounds derived from different organs of P. angulata, suggesting their promising use in treating diseases related to the central nervous system and metabolic syndrome.

Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial Activity, and Toxicity of Calathea lutea Leaf Extracts

In Colombia, there is a long tradition of using bijao (Calathea lutea) leaves to package or wrap various foods. However, scientific studies on C. lutea are limited, and research to evaluate its toxicity and/or antibacterial activity has not yet been conducted. The objective of this research, therefore, was to evaluate the content of phytochemical compounds, levels of toxicity, and antibacterial activity of the extracts, fractions, and essential oil derived from C. lutea leaves. The plant material was subjected to extraction by maceration, Soxhlet extraction, and steam distillation, and fractions of hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and a residual ethanol-water fraction were obtained. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using standard procedures with staining reagents. Estimation of the toxicity was carried out using the Caenorhabditis elegans biological model. Antibacterial activity was determined by broth microdilution against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results showed that the characteristic metabolites were flavonoids, triterpenes, and tannins. At the concentrations tested, the extracts, fractions, and essential oil showed minimal toxicity levels. In terms of antibacterial activity, E. coli showed no susceptibility; meanwhile, the dichloromethane fraction had high antibacterial activity against S. aureus, with a growth inhibition rate of 81.2%. The results suggested that the of dichloromethane fraction of C. lutea has antibacterial activity against S. aureus, suggesting its potential as a possible candidate as a natural antibacterial agent in the food industry. This alternative could offer a safer and more sustainable solution compared to the conventional synthetic preservatives.

Active fraction of ground cherry (Physalis angulata L.) calyces attenuates azoxymethane dextran sulfate sodium‑induced colon carcinogenesis in mice

Physalis angulata L., commonly known as wild tomato or ground cherry, is widely used in tropical and subtropical areas to treat health disorders including inflammation, hepatitis, dermatitis, cancer and diabetes. In Colombia, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity are the most common ethnopharmacological applications of P. angulata calyces. P. angulata dichloromethane fraction (PADF) has significant anti-inflammatory activity. The present study assessed the pharmacological effect of PADF on colorectal cancer (CRC) using cancer and normal human cells and an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) murine model. MTT and clonogenic assay, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis and mitochondrial membrane potential measurement were employed to evaluate in vitro activity of PADF. PADF selectively induced a cytotoxic effect against CRC cells via apoptosis and G2/M arrest. In the AOM/DSS model, treatment with PADF diminished tumor number and size, affected area and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and promoted colon tissue repair. These effects might be related to the increased expression of p38 pro-apoptotic protein in addition to anti-inflammatory activity of PADF demonstrated by decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. PADF may serve as a potential treatment for CRC. Further investigation is warranted to identify the bioactive components in PADF.

Models in vivo and in vitro for the study of acute and chronic inflammatory activity: A comprehensive review

Inflammatory conditions are among the principal causes of morbidity worldwide, and their treatment continues to be a challenge, given the restricted availability of effective and safe drugs. Thus, the identification of new compounds with biological activity that can be used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders is an essential field in medical and health research, in order to improve the health and quality of life of patients suffering from these diseases. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of drugs requires the implementation of models that accurately depict the biochemical and/or physiological responses that characterize human inflammation; for this reason, several in vitro and in vivo models have been developed, providing a platform for discovering novel or repurposed compounds. For this reason, in the present review we have selected twelve commonly used models for the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect, and extensively describes the difference between in vivo and in vitro models of inflammation, highlighting their advantages and limitations. On the other hand, the inflammatory mechanisms involved in them, the methods employed for their establishment, and the different parameters assessed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of a given compound are extensively discussed. We expect to provide a comprehensive guide for the improved selection of a suitable model for the preclinical evaluation of plausible anti-inflammatory agents.

Target Separation and Potential Anticancer Activity of Withanolide-Based Glucose Transporter Protein 1 Inhibitors from Physalis angulata var. villosa

The glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) protein is involved in the basal-level absorption of glucose in tumor cells. Inhibiting GLUT1 decreases tumor cell proliferation and induces tumor cell damage. Natural GLUT1 inhibitors have been studied only to a small extent, and the structures of known natural GLUT1 inhibitors are limited to a few classes of natural products. Therefore, discovering and researching other natural GLUT1 inhibitors with novel scaffolds are essential. Physalis angulata L. var. villosa is a plant known as Mao-Ku-Zhi (MKZ). Withanolides are the main phytochemical components of MKZ. MKZ extracts and the components of MKZ exhibited antitumor activity in recent pharmacological studies. However, the antitumor-active components of MKZ and their molecular mechanisms remain unknown. A cell membrane-biomimetic nanoplatform (CM@Fe3O4/MIL-101) was used for target separation of potential GLUT1 inhibitors from MKZ. A new withanolide, physagulide Y (2), together with six known withanolides (1, 3-7), was identified as a potential GLUT1 inhibitor. Physagulide Y was the most potent GLUT1 inhibitor, and its antitumor activity and possible mechanism of action were explored in MCF-7 human cancer cells. These findings advance the development of technologies for the targeted separation of natural products and identify a new molecular framework for the investigation of natural GLUT1 inhibitors.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Haematoxylum brasiletto protects Caenorhabditis elegans from cadmium-induced toxicity

Background

H. brasiletto is used in popular culture due to its therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties, although little is known about its role as a protector against metal toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract from H. brasiletto (HAE-Hbrasiletto) collected in northern Colombia to defend against cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity.

Methods

Phytochemical characterization was performed using HPLC-ESI-QTOF. Caenorhabditis elegans was employed to assess the shielding effect of HAE-Hbrasiletto against Cd toxicity in vivo, and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was utilized to measure radical scavenging activity.

Results

The main secondary metabolites identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF in the extracts were hematoxylins (brazilein and hematein) and protosappanins (protosappanin A, B and C, 10-O-methylprotosappanin B, and protosappanin A dimethyl acetal). The HAE-Hbrasiletto elicited low lethality in N2 worms and significantly reduced the Cd-induced death of the nematodes. It also improved Cd-induced motility inhibition, as well as body length and reproduction reduction provoked by the heavy metal. The extract displayed a good capacity to halt Cd-induced DAF-16 translocation. As this last process was associated with lethality (r = 0.962, p < 0.01), the antioxidant properties of the extract may contribute to ameliorating tissue damage induced by oxidative stress from Cd exposure.

Conclusion

HAE-Hbrasiletto has remarkable properties to protect against Cd-induced toxicity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03654-6.

Most secondary metabolites tentatively identified in H. brasiletto are homoisoflavones.

Hidroalcoholic extract of H. brasiletto protects C. elegans from Cd toxicity

The extract diminished Cd-induced damage to reproduction, growth, and locomotion.

Cd-induced oxidative stress and translocation of DAF-16 are blocked by the extract.

New QuEChERS method for quantification of Physalin B and D in Physalis angulata L. in Vietnam

In Vietnam, Physalis angulata L. has been widely used as a traditional medicine to treat fever, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant. Currently, there have been studies on the content of chemical composition especially physalin with anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, prevent cancer. This study developed a reliable and sensitive method to determine and validate simultaneous Physalin B and Physalin D in Physalis angulata L.. The QuEChERS method was used for sample preparation from leaf matrices and quantified by using High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array detector. The method of research was validated under AOAC and ICH guidance. Chromatography conditions include Agilent C18 column (250mm × 4,6mm; 5µm) with a gradient mode using acetonitrile – methanol-water as mobile phase. The recovery of the method ranged from 94.21 – 105.93% and RSD was from 1.20 – 2.31%, the LOD, and LOQ were 0.4 mg/kg – 2.4 mg/kg, respectively. The results of the study showed that the proposed the new QuEChERS method for quantification of Physalin B and D in Physalis angulata L. in Vietnam.

Chemical Composition Analysis, Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Physalis angulata L.: A Comparative Study of Leaves and Fruit

Physalis angulata L. belongs to the family Solanaceae and is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions. Physalis angulata leaf and fruit extracts were assessed for in vitro anticancer, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic and flavonoid content. The GC-MS technique investigated the chemical composition and structure of bioactive chemicals reported in extracts. The anticancer activity results revealed a decrease in the percentage of anticancer cells' viability in a concentration- and time-dependent way. We also noticed morphological alterations in the cells, which we believe are related to Physalis angulata extracts. Under light microscopy, we observed that as the concentration of ethanolic extract (fruit and leaves) treated HeLa cells increased, the number of cells began to decrease.

Anti-inflammatory effects of three withanolides isolated from Physalis angulata L. in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells through blocking NF-κB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalis angulata L. is commonly used in many countries as popular medicine for the treatment of a variety of diseases such as malaria, hepatitis, dermatitis and rheumatism. But the anti-inflammatory active constituents of this medicinal plant and their molecular mechanism are still not elucidated clearly.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study is to isolate and identify a series of compounds from the ethanolic extract of Physalis angulata L., and to investigate the anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and the molecular mechanism of physagulin A, physagulin C, and physagulin H.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In order to further understand the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the three compounds, their potential anti-inflammatory activities were investigated in vitro in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells by Griess assay, ELISA, Western blot and immunofluorescence methods in the present study.

RESULTS

Physagulin A, physagulin C, and physagulin H could not only inhibit the release of NO, PGE₂, IL-6 and TNF-α, but also could down-regulate the expression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins. Furthermore, physagulin A, physagulin C, and physagulin H could remarkably block the degradation of IκB-α and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB/p65 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. However, none of them could inhibit the phosphorylation of MAPKs family proteins ERK, JNK and p38. Thus, the anti-inflammatory actions of physagulin A, physagulin C, and physagulin H were mainly due to the significant inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway rather than MAPKs signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

All the results clearly showed that physagulin A, physagulin C, and physagulin H demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity and can be used as novel NF-κB inhibitors. They are potential to be developed as an alternative or complementary agents for inflammatory diseases.

Antioxidants in Plants: A Valorization Potential Emphasizing the Need for the Conservation of Plant Biodiversity in Cuba

Plants are phytochemical hubs containing antioxidants, essential for normal plant functioning and adaptation to environmental cues and delivering beneficial properties for human health. Therefore, knowledge on the antioxidant potential of different plant species and their nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties is of utmost importance. Exploring this scientific research field provides fundamental clues on (1) plant stress responses and their adaptive evolution to harsh environmental conditions and (2) (new) natural antioxidants with a functional versatility to prevent and treat human pathologies. These natural antioxidants can be valorized via plant-derived foods and products. Cuba contains an enormously rich plant biodiversity harboring a great antioxidant potential. Besides opening new avenues for the implementation of sustainable agroecological practices in crop production, it will also contribute to new strategies to preserve plant biodiversity and simultaneously improve nature management policies in Cuba. This review provides an overview on the beneficial properties of antioxidants for plant protection and human health and is directed to the valorization of these plant antioxidants, emphasizing the need for biodiversity conservation.

Physalis angulata Calyces Modulate Macrophage Polarization and Alleviate Chemically Induced Intestinal Inflammation in Mice

As part of the search for new bioactive plants from the Colombian Caribbean, the dichloromethane fraction of the calyces of Physalis angulata L. (PADF) was selected for its anti-inflammatory activity. In this work, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of PADF in activated macrophages and during dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. PADF displayed a low content of withanolides or phenolic compounds, and a higher content of sucrose esters, representative anti-inflammatory metabolites of the Physalis genus. The PADF fraction at 12.5 μg/mL prevented the induction of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-12, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), while increased the levels of arginase (ARG1), IL-10, and mannose receptor C (MRC1). The polarization towards an anti-inflammatory profile was also observed in resting macrophages, without promoting the typical gene profile induced by IL-4, suggesting that PADF promotes a shift to a regulatory status rather than to an alternative one. In vivo, the administration of PADF to mice with chronic DSS-colitis reduced disease signs (i.e., body weight loss and colon shortening), and improved the histology score by diminishing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing the production of IL-10. Overall, results suggest that the regulatory effect on PADF towards macrophages might contribute to the therapeutic activity observed in the murine model of inflammatory bowel disease.