Effect of isoorientin isolated from Arum palaestinum on uterine smooth muscle of rats and guinea pigs

Arum palaestinum delays hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and exhibits anticoagulant effects with antimicrobial properties

Background: Arum palaestinum Boiss (AP) is a wild plant in Palestine whose leaves have a long history as food and medicine in Middle Eastern countries. The current study aimed to evaluate the biological characteristics of AP flower extract, including its antimicrobial and coagulation cascade activities and its effects on anticancer molecular pathways. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extract of AP flowers was assessed using a microdilution assay against eight pathogens. The coagulation properties were assessed by prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and thrombin time (TT) tests using standard hematological methods. The biological effects of AP on hepatocellular carcinoma were measured by assessing the impact of AP on cell cycle, proliferation (CFSE), apoptosis (annexin-v+/PI), and tumorigenicity (αFP and HBsAg), as well as its effects on the PI3K-AKT-mTOR molecular signaling pathway. Results: The antimicrobial screening results revealed that the aqueous extract of AP had potent antibacterial effects against P. vulgaris and E. faecium compared to ampicillin, with MIC values of 6.25, 6.25, and 18 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the AP aqueous extract exerted anticoagulant activity, with significant prolonged results in the aPTT and TT tests (25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, respectively) and slightly prolonged results in the PT test (50 μg/mL). The anticancer results indicated a delay in the cell cycle through decreased cell proliferation rates following incubation with AP fractions. The effect of the aqueous fraction was most evident in a delay in the S phase. The aqueous and DMSO fractions maintained the cells in the G2-M phase, similar to the DOX, while the flower extract in methanol accelerated the cells in the G2-M phase, suggesting that AF flower extracts may have anti-cancer properties. The aqueous extract of AP 1) reduced secretions of HCC αFP by 1.55-fold and 3.3-fold at the 50 and 100 μg/mL concentrations, respectively (p = 0.0008); 2) decreased phosphorylation in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway (p < 0.05); and 3) shifted cells from necrosis to apoptosis by 50% and 70% at the 50 and 100 μg/mL concentrations, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed the activities of the bioactive components for the treatment of infectious diseases and blood coagulation disorders, which could also be a potential therapeutic approach for delaying HCC tumorigenicity.

Active Compounds with Medicinal Potential Found in Maxillariinae Benth. (Orchidaceae Juss.) Representatives-A Review

Orchids are widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a whole range of different health conditions, and representatives of the Neotropical subtribe Maxillariinae are not an exception. They are utilized, for instance, for their spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory activities. In this work, we analyze the literature concerning the chemical composition of the plant extracts and secretions of this subtribe's representatives published between 1991 and 2022. Maxillariinae is one of the biggest taxa within the orchid family; however, to date, only 19 species have been investigated in this regard and, as we report, they produce 62 semiochemicals of medical potential. The presented review is the first summary of biologically active compounds found in Maxillariinae.

Investigation of ethnomedicinal use of Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J. B. Gillett (Burseraceae) in treatment of diarrhea

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Commiphora leptophloeos (Mart.) J.B. Gillett, popularly known as "imburana", "imburana-de-cheiro" or "imburana-de-espinho", has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, such as diarrhea. The indian tribes "Kairir-Shokó and shokó use the bark to treat diarrhea. However, there is no scientific evidence to justify the therapeutic use of this species.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the ethnomedicinal use of Commiphora leptophloeos, with respect to the antimicrobial, antisecretory, antimotility and antispasmodic activities of the crude ethanolic extract obtained from its leaves (CL-EtOH_L) and the mechanism underlying this action in rodents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activities was determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract, against different strains of bacteria and fungi. All experimental protocols were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Paraíba (045/2016). In addition, behavioral screening and acute toxicity assessment of CL-EtOH_L were performed in female mice (n = 6). In the investigation of antidiarrheal activity (n = 6), frequency of defecation and number of liquid stools, were classified during 4 h, and intestinal fluid and transit were measured. In addition, the antispasmodic effect on rat ileum (n = 5) was also investigated.

RESULTS

The ethanolic extract is rich in flavonoids and the main were identified as C-glycosylated flavonoids (isoorientin, orientin, and vitexin). In the evaluation of antimicrobial and antifungal activity, the extract showed moderate efficacy only against the tested strains of Candida krusei ATCC-6258, Candida parapsilosis ATCC-22019 and Candida glabrata ATCC-90030. The extract had no toxic effect until 2000 mg/kg. In castor oil-induced diarrhea, CL-EtOH_L inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, both total defecation frequency (ED₅₀ = 380.4 ± 145.4 mg/kg) and the number of watery stools (ED₅₀ = 151.2 ± 76.3 mg/kg). The extract showed no effect on fluid accumulation or normal intestinal transit. On the other hand, when the animals were pretreated with castor oil, the extract decreased the distance traveled by the activated charcoal (ED₅₀ = 177.0 ± 50.3 mg/kg). In the investigation of antispasmodic effect, CL-EtOH_L antagonized the contractions induced by KCl 30 mM (IC₅₀ = 208.2 ± 25.9 μg/mL) and CCh 10^-6 M (IC₅₀ = 95. ± 22.0 μg/mL). To verify the participation of muscarinic receptors in this effect, cumulative carbachol curves were performed in the absence and presence of the extract, and a non-competitive pseudo-irreversible antagonism of these receptors was observed.

CONCLUSION

The data indicate that ethanol extract obtained from the leaves of Commiphora leptophloeos has an antidiarrheal effect due to inhibition of the intestinal motility and antispasmodic effect, through the antagonism of muscarinic receptors. In addition, we suggest that flavonoids isolated from CL-EtOH_L may be responsible for antidiarrheal activity of this extract. This explains its ethnomedicinal use in the treatment of diarrhea.

Chemical and Morphological Inter- and Intrapopulation Variability in Natural Populations of Gentiana pneumonanthe L

Inter- and intrapopulation variability in six natural populations of the rare species Gentiana pneumonanthe was examined based on morphological and chemical data. Population size and linear morphometric parameters differed significantly among populations, but without a clear connection to habitat conditions, i. e. water supply and light availability. Leaf shape varied from ovate to lanceolate in all populations, and one population was distinctive in having the largest number of leaves of transitional shape. HPLC analyses of six secondary metabolites were performed separately for belowground parts, and aboveground vegetative and reproductive parts of individual plants (6 populations ×7 individuals ×3 plant parts, n=126) in order to examine differences at the population and individual levels. Three secoiridoids (swertiamarin (SWM), sweroside (SWZ), and gentiopicrin (GP)), one xanthone (mangiferin (MGF)), and two flavones (isoorientin (IO) and isovitexin (IV)) were detected and quantified in the analyzed samples: sweroside dominated in the aboveground reproductive part, mangiferin in the aboveground vegetative part, and gentiopicrin in the belowground part. At the population level, differences in contents of the analyzed chemicals among populations were significant only for a few metabolites. At the individual level, a pronounced organ-dependent distribution of secondary metabolites was revealed. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of natural variability within populations of the rare and threatened G. pneumonanthe, and provide data on the contents and within-plant distribution of secondary metabolites, which are important as pharmacologically active compounds and may be useful for further biotechnological procedures regarding this species.

Enzymatic acylation of flavone isolated from extractive of bamboo leaves with oleic acid and antioxidant activity of acylated product

This present study aims to establish a relatively cheap and effective method for preparation of ester of flavone isolated from bamboo-leaf extracts. According to this method, the solubility of bamboo leaf extract in a lipid medium could be improved, which would expand the utilization of bamboo leaf extract. Acylation of flavone with oleic acid was efficient in a system containing dried tert-amyl-alcohol and molecular sieves. The bioconversion yield ranged from 24 to 63% in different conditions. the type of fatty acids, the amount of the lipase, water content and temperature of the system were investigated in detail to influence on the performance of the acylation reaction. High purity of ester (>95%) was obtained by a two-step solvent purification procedure and chromatographic separation. Followed by the 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis, single product of 6''-O-oleate isoorientin ester was detected. Introducing an acyl group into isoorientin significantly improved its lipophilicity yet slightly reduced their antioxidant activity, while its antioxidant activity still significantly better than VE.

Polyphenolic characterisation and bioactivity of an Oxalis pes-caprae L. leaf extract

The present work is focused on the characterisation of the polyphenolic content of an Oxalis pes-caprae L. leaf extract and on the evaluation of its bioactivity with particular interest on its vascular activity and antioxidant potential. The polyphenolic content was characterised by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS. The vascular activity was evaluated according to the influence on the serotonergic and adrenergic systems of the human internal mammary artery (HIMA). Antioxidant and neuroprotective studies were also conducted. Several luteolin and apigenin derivatives were identified as main constituents of the extract, which did not present any contractile effect nor had any effect on the serotonergic system of HIMA. However, it showed antagonistic effect on the adrenergic system, inhibiting the contraction to noradrenaline (reduction of 58.44% of maximum contraction). The extract showed antioxidant activity and standardised luteolin and apigenin derivatives showed neuroprotective potential, particularly homoorientin.

Phytochemical and Biological Evaluations of Arum hygrophilum Boiss. (Araceae)

Background:

Arum hygrophilum is a traditional medicinal plant indigenous to Jordan. The present study explores its phytochemistry, antioxidative, antidiabesity, and antiproliferative potentialities.

Materials and Methods:

Column chromatography and HPLC-MS analysis were used for its phytochemical evaluation. Using leaf crude water and ethanol extracts, the antioxidative capacities, their modulation of pancreatic β-cell proliferation, and insulin secretion as well as glucose diffusion and enzymatic bioassays were evaluated.

Results:

Three flavonoids (luteolin, isoorientin, and vitexin) and β-sitosterol have been isolated and their structures determined. HPLC-MS analysis of the ethanol extract further revealed the presence of caffeic, ferulic, gallic, and rosmarinic acids and quercetine-3-O-rhamnoside. The ethanol extract exhibited DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging and antioxidative capacities. A. hygrophilum (1), vitexin (2), and rosmarinic acid (3) inhibited pancreatic lipase (PL) dose dependently with PL-IC₅₀ (µg/mL) values in an ascending order: (3); 51.28 ± 7.55 < (2); 260.9 ± 21.1 < (1); 1720 ± 10. Comparable to GLP-1-enhanced β-cell proliferation in 2-day treatment wells, a dose-dependent augmentation of BrdU incorporation was obtained with the A. hygrophilum aqueous extract (AE) (0.5 and 1 mg/mL, with respective 1.33- and 1.41-folds, P < 0.001). A. hygrophilum AE was identified as an inhibitor of α-amylase/α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ value of 30.5 ± 2.1 mg/mL but lacked antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer cell lines (HT29, HCT116, and SW620) and insulinotropic effects in β-cell line MIN6.

Conclusion:

A. hygrophilum extracts inhibited gastrointestinal enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid digestion and absorption.

SUMMARY

Phytochemical evaluation of Arum hygrophilum recovered flavonoids (luteolin, isoorientin and vitexin) and β-sitosterol

HPLC-MS analysis of its antioxidative ethanol extract further revealed the presence of caffeic-, ferulic-, gallic- and rosmarinic acids and quercetine-3-O-rhamnoside

A. hygrophilum inhibited α-amylase/α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase dose-dependently

A. hygrophilum augmented β-cell proliferation dose dependently, but it lacked antiproliferative effects in colorectal cancer cell lines (HT29, HCT116, and SW620) and insulinotropic effects in β-cell line MIN6

Abbreviations used: ABTS: 2,2’-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid, AE: Aqueous Extract, ANOVA: Analysis Of Variance, AUC: Area Under Curve, BrdU: 5-Bromo-2’-Deoxyuridine, DPPH: 2,2-Diphenyl -1-Pycriylhydrazyl, ELISA: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, GLP1: Glucagon Like Peptide 1, GSIS: Glucose Stimulated Insulin Secretion, HPLC-MS: High Performance Liquid Chromatography –Mass Spectrometry, IC50: 50% Inhibitory Concentration, KRH: Krebs/Ringer/Hepes, MTT: 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide, OGTT: Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, ORAC: Oxygen Radical Antioxidant Capacity, OSTT: Oral Starch Tolerance Test, PL: Pancreatic Lipase, SEM: Standard Error Of The Mean, SRB: Sulforhodamine B, TEAC: Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity, TLC: Thin Layer Chromatography

Flavones: From Biosynthesis to Health Benefits

Flavones correspond to a flavonoid subgroup that is widely distributed in the plants, and which can be synthesized by different pathways, depending on whether they contain C- or O-glycosylation and hydroxylated B-ring. Flavones are emerging as very important specialized metabolites involved in plant signaling and defense, as well as key ingredients of the human diet, with significant health benefits. Here, we appraise flavone formation in plants, emphasizing the emerging theme that biosynthesis pathway determines flavone chemistry. Additionally, we briefly review the biological activities of flavones, both from the perspective of the functions that they play in biotic and abiotic plant interactions, as well as their roles as nutraceutical components of the human and animal diet.

The Occurrence, Fate and Biological Activities of C-glycosyl Flavonoids in the Human Diet

The human diet contains a wide variety of plant-derived flavonoids, many of which are glycosylated via an O- or less commonly a C-glycosidic linkage. The distribution, quantity, and biological effects of C-glycosyl flavonoids in the human diet have received little attention in the literature in comparison to their O-linked counterparts, however, despite being present in many common foodstuffs. The structural nature, nomenclature, and distribution of C-glycosyl flavonoids in the human diet are, therefore, reviewed. Forty-three dietary flavonoids are revealed to be C-glycosylated, arising from the dihydrochalcone, flavone, and flavan-3-ol backbones, and distributed among edible fruits, cereals, leaves, and stems. C-linked sugar groups are shown to include arabinose, galactose, glucose, rutinose, and xylose, often being present more than once on a single flavonoid backbone and occasionally in tandem with O-linked glucose or rutinose groups. The pharmacokinetic fate of these compounds is discussed with particular reference to their apparent lack of interaction with hydrolytic mechanisms known to influence the fate of O-glycosylated dietary flavonoids, explaining the unusual but potentially important appearance of intact C-glycosylated flavonoid metabolites in human urine following oral administration. Finally, the potential biological significance of these compounds is reviewed, describing mechanisms of antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and hepatoprotective effects.

In vitro and in vivo comparison of the biological activities of two traditionally and widely used Arum species from Jordan: Arum dioscoridis Sibth & Sm. and Arum palaestinum Boiss

Arum dioscoridis and A. palaestinum (Araceae) are indigenous plant species in Jordan. HPLC-MS analysis of A. dioscoridis revealed the presence of apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside, vitexin, isoorientin, esculin, and caffeic and ferulic acids. Both Arum spp., influenced gastrointestinal carbohydrate and lipid digestion and absorption. Orlistat inhibited dose dependently and highly substantially pancreatic lipase (PL) in vitro. Similar to orlistat, Arum species aqueous extracts (AEs), apigenin, caffeic acid and esculin exhibited a concentration related PL inhibition. Comparable to acarbose, dual inhibition of α-amylase/α-glucosidase was observed for both Arum species. Like guar gum, A. dioscoridis AE minimised substantially area under 24 h glucose curve. Acute starch-induced postprandial hyperglycaemia in overnight fasting rats was highly significantly (p < 0.001) decreased by A. dioscoridis AE. A. palaestinum could not perform effectively in either starch- or glucose-fed fasting rats. No antiproliferative effects against colorectal cancer cell lines HT29, HCT116 and SW620 were detected for tested Arum spp.

Arum Palaestinum with isovanillin, linolenic acid and β-sitosterol inhibits prostate cancer spheroids and reduces the growth rate of prostate tumors in mice

BACKGROUND

Arum palaestinum is a plant commonly found in the Middle East that is ingested as an herbal remedy to fight cancer. However, no studies have examined the direct effect of the plant/plant extract on tumor growth in an animal model.

METHODS

Verified prostate cancer cells were plated as 3D spheroids to determine the effect of extract from boiled Arum Palaestinum Boiss roots. In addition, male NU/NU mice (8 weeks old) with xenograft tumors derived from the prostate cancer cell line were treated daily with 1000 mg/kg body weight gavage of the suspension GZ17. The tumor growth was measured repeatedly with calipers and the excised tumors were weighed at the termination of the 3 week study. Control mice (10 mice in each group) received vehicle in the same manner and volume.

RESULTS

The number of live prostate cancer cells declined in a dose/dependent manner with a 24 h exposure to the extract at doses of 0.015 to 6.25 mg/mL. A fortified version of the extract (referred to as GZ17) that contained higher levels of isovanillin, linolenic acid and β-sitosterol had a stronger effect on the cell death rate, shifting the percentage of dead cells from 30 % to 55 % at the highest dose while the vehicle control had no effect on cell numbers. When GZ17 was applied to non-cancer tissue, in this case, human islets, there was no cell death at doses that were toxic to treated cancer cells. Preliminary toxicity studies were conducted on rats using an up-down design, with no signs of toxic effect at the highest dose. NU/NU mice with xenograft prostate tumors treated with GZ17 had a dramatic inhibition of tumor progression, while tumors in the control group grew steadily through the 3 weeks. The rate of tumor volume increase was 73 mm(3)/day for the vehicle group and 24 mm(3)/day for the GZ17 treated mice. While there was a trend towards lower excised tumor weight at study termination in the GZ17 treatment group, there was no statistical difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Fortified Arum palaestinum Boiss caused a reduction in live cells within prostate cancer spheroids and blocked tumor growth in xenografted prostate tumors in mice without signs of toxicity.

Acylation of Antioxidant of Bamboo Leaves with Fatty Acids by Lipase and the Acylated Derivatives' Efficiency in the Inhibition of Acrylamide Formation in Fried Potato Crisps

This study selectively acylated the primary hydroxyl groups on flavonoids in antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB) using lauric acid with Candida antarctica lipase B in tert-amyl-alcohol. The separation and isolation of acylated derivatives were performed using silica gel column chromatography with a mixture of dichloromethane/diethyl ether/methanol as eluents. Both thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses confirmed the high efficiency of the isolation process with the purified orientin-6″-laurate, isoorientin-6″-laurate, vitexin-6″-laurate, and isovitexin-6″-laurate that were obtained. The addition of AOB and acylated AOB reduced acrylamide formation in fried potato crisps. Results showed that 0.05% AOB and 0.05% and 0.1% acylated AOB groups significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the content of acrylamide in potato crisps by 30.7%, 44.5%, and 46.9%, respectively.

Analysis of flavone C-glycosides in the leaves of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau by HPTLC and HPLC-UV/DAD

Clinacanthus nutans (family Acanthaceae) has been used for the treatment of inflammation and herpes viral infection. Currently, there has not been any report on the qualitative and quantitative determination of the chemical markers in the leaves of C. nutans. The C-glycosidic flavones such as shaftoside, isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin have been found to be major flavonoids in the leaves of this plant. Therefore, we had developed a two-step method using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the rapid identification and quantification of the flavones C-glycosides in C. nutans leaves. The TLC separation of the chemical markers was achieved on silica gel 60 plate using ethyl acetate : formic acid : acetic acid : water (100 : 11 : 11 : 27 v/v/v/v) as the mobile phase. HPLC method was optimized and validated for the quantification of shaftoside, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin and was shown to be linear in concentration range tested (0.4–200 μg/mL, r² ≥ 0.996), precise (RSD ≤ 4.54%), and accurate (95–105%). The concentration of shaftoside, orientin, vitexin, and isovitexin in C. nutans leave samples was 2.55–17.43, 0.00–0.86, 0.00–2.01, and 0.00–0.91 mmol/g, respectively.

In vitro antioxidant and antitumor activities of six selected plants used in the Traditional Arabic Palestinian herbal medicine

CONTEXT

Despite several pharmacological applications of the medicinal plants in the Traditional Arabic Palestinian Herbal Medicine in Palestine (TAPHM), studies on their antioxidant properties are still scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This work evaluates the antioxidant and antitumor activities of the ethanol extracts from different parts of six plants: [Arum palaestinum Boiss (Araceae), Urtica pilulifera L. (Urticaceae), Coridothymus capitatus (L.) Reichb (Lamiaceae), Majorana syriaca (L.) Rafin. (Lamiaceae), Teucrium creticum L. (Lamiaceae), and Teucrium capitatum L. (Lamiaceae)] used in the TAPHM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidant activity was evaluated for the ethanol extracts by DPPH and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays together with total contents of phenols and flavonoids. For the anti-carcinogenic evaluation, the extracts were tested for the ability to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) using the MTT reduction assay.

RESULTS

Among the extracts, the U. pilulifera had the highest amount of total phenolics, possessing the second highest total flavonoids. It also showed a maximum cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 63 µg/ml), followed by C. capitatus, and A. palaestinum. Otherwise, the extract of T. creticum was demonstrated to be an efficient scavenger of O2 (IC50 = 83 µg/ml), followed by M. syriaca, C. capitatus, T. capitatum, A. palaestinum, and U. pilulifera.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the investigated plants have shown varied antioxidant capacities which were strongly correlated with their contents of phenolics. Accordingly, this study proposes that the therapeutic benefit of these plants can be, at least in part, attributed to its potential inhibition of oxidative processes.

Isoorientin induces apoptosis and autophagy simultaneously by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related p53, PI3K/Akt, JNK, and p38 signaling pathways in HepG2 cancer cells

Cell death is closely related to autophagy under some circumstances; however, the effect of isoorientin (ISO) on autophagy and the interplay between apoptosis and autophagy in human hepatoblastoma cancer (HepG2) cells remains poorly understood. The present study showed that ISO induced autophagy, which was correlated with the formation of autophagic vacuoles and the overexpression of Beclin-1 and LC3-II. The autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) markedly inhibited apoptosis, and the apoptosis inhibitor ZVAD-fmk also decreased ISO-induced autophagy. In addition, the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 enhanced Beclin-1, LC3-II, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage levels. Also, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the JNK inhibitor SP600125, and the p38 inhibitor SB203580 efficiently downregulated the levels of these proteins. Moreover, the p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α and the nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamic acid (PDTC) clearly suppressed Beclin-1 and LC3-II and increased cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, and PARP cleavage. These results demonstrated for the first time that ISO simultaneously induced apoptosis and autophagy by ROS-related p53, PI3K/Akt, JNK, and p38 signaling pathways. Furthermore, ISO-induced apoptosis by activating the Fas receptor-mediated apoptotic pathway and suppressing the p53 and PI3K/Akt-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway, with the subsequent increase in the release of cytochrome c, caspase-3 activation, and PARP cleavage.

WITHDRAWN: Anti-adipogenic effects of centipede grass extract in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and high fat diet induced obesity mice through activating adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

Phytochemical Evaluation of Lythrum Salicaria Extracts and Their Effects on Guinea-Pig Ileum

n-Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and 50% ethanol in water extracts prepared from the air-dried flowering parts of Lythrum salicaria L. were tested for in vitro pharmacological properties on Guinea-pig ileum, which is suitable for detecting a whole range of neuronal and smooth muscle effects. UHPLC-MS was used to evaluate polyphenol components of the extracts. In the ileum, the most prominent response (46.4% related to 0.5 μM histamine) of the extracts causing smooth muscle contractions were triggered by the 50% ethanol in water extract in a concentration-dependent manner. Atropine, indomethacin and PPADS plus suramin significantly reduced the contractile response caused by this extract. The strongest inhibition was due to atropine. The results suggest that L. salicaria extracts have a moderate muscarinic receptor agonist effect in Guinea-pig ileum and that prostanoids and purinoceptor mechanisms are involved to some extent. Therefore diluted extracts of L. salicaria p.o. could be used as a mild stimulant of gastrointestinal motility. The 50% ethanol in water extract was rich in polyphenols. n-Hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts failed to contain catechin, caffeic acid, quercetin-3-D-galactoside and rutin, but they all showed spasmogenic effects, and, therefore we do not think that these compounds could be involved in the spasmogenic activity.

MAPK signaling pathways regulate mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis induced by isoorientin in human hepatoblastoma cancer cells

Isoorientin (ISO) (CAS RN: 4261-42-1) is a flavonoid compound that can be extracted from several plant species, such as Phyllostachys pubescens, Patrinia, and Drosophyllum lusitanicum. ISO is able to induce apoptosis through mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in HepG2 cells, however, the effects of ISO on MAPK signaling pathways remain unknown. The present study investigated the effects of ISO on this pathway, and the roles of MAPK kinases on mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The results showed that ISO induced cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and induction apoptosis is main cause for ISO-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. ISO significantly inhibited the levels of ERK1/2 kinase and increased the expression of JNK and p38 kinases. Furthermore, U0126 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) significantly enhanced the ISO-induced the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the release of cytochrome c to the cytosol fraction, and the levels of cleaved caspase-3. While SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) and SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor) markedly prevented the expression of these proteins induced by ISO. Furthermore, the ROS inhibitor (NAC) notably promoted the inhibited effect of ISO on the ERK1/2 kinase. NAC also suppressed the p-JNK and p-p38, but failed to reverse the effects of ISO. These results demonstrated for the first time that ISO induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells through inactivating ERK1/2 kinase and activating JNK and p38 kinases, and ROS stimulated by ISO is able to activate the MAPK singaling pathway as the upstream signaling molecules. Initiating event of the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis induced by ISO is MAPK signals.

Antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of the Lagenaria siceraria fruit in NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive rats

CONTEXT

Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. (Cucurbitacae) (LS) has been reported to possess cardioprotective, antihyperlipidemic, and diuretic activities.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of the Lagenaria siceraria fruit powder in N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided in four groups. Control 2% gum acacia p.o., L-NAME (40 mg/kg p.o.), LS (500 mg/kg p.o.) + L-NAME (40 mg/kg p.o.), L-arginine (100 mg/kg p.o.) + L-NAME (40 mg/kg p.o.). Treatment period was 4 weeks. On day 29 serum marker enzymes, cholesterol and heamodynamic parameters were measured. Histology of heart was performed. LS powder was characterized by HPLC.

RESULT

Systolic blood pressures were increased by L-NAME (p < 0.001). In both drug treated groups systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced significantly (p < 0.001) compared to L-NAME. In L-NAME group significantly (p < 0.01) elevated cholesterol which was reduced (p < 0.05) by LS treatment. In L-NAME group inflammation and necrosis (0-35%) was present in heart whereas there was no change in myocardium of LS and L-arginine treated rats. Vitexin, orientin and isoorientin were detected in methanol extract of LS powder.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

L-NAME induced hypertension in rats was reduced by treatment with LS. The absence of necrosis, inflammation in the heart and significant reduction in serum cholesterol in LS and L-arginine treated rats indicated cardioprotective activity. Antioxidant activity of orientin and isoorientin appears to reduce the L-NAME induced damage. It is concluded that LS fruit possess antihypertensive and cardioprotective activity.

Biophytum sensitivum: Ancient medicine, modern targets

Research on medicinal plants began to focus on discovery of natural products as potential active principles against various diseases. Medicinal plants are very interesting, have the ability to produce remarkable chemical structures with diverse biological activities. Biophytum sensitivum is used as traditional medicine to cure variety of diseases. During the last few decades, extensive research has been carried out to elucidate the chemistry, biological activities, and medicinal applications of B. sensitivum. Phytochemical analysis have shown that the plant parts are rich in various beneficial compounds which include amentoflavone, cupressuflavone, and isoorientin. Extracts and its bioactive compounds have been known to possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, radioprotective, chemoprotective, antimetastatic, antiangiogenesis, wound-healing, immunomodulation, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective activity. The present review has been carried out to shed light on the diverse role of this plant in the management of various ailments facing us.

Greco-arab and islamic herbal-derived anticancer modalities: from tradition to molecular mechanisms

The incidence of cancer is increasing in the developed countries and even more so in developing countries parallel to the increase in life expectancy. In recent years, clinicians and researchers advocate the need to include supportive and palliative care since the establishment of the diagnosis and throughout the duration of treatment, with the goal of improving patients' quality of life. This patient-centered approach in supportive care is also shared by various traditional and complementary medicine approaches. Traditional Arab-Islamic medicine offers a variety of therapeutic modalities that include herbal, nutritional, and spiritual approaches. Physicians and scholars, such as Avicenna (980–1037), Rhazes (965–915), Al Zahrawi (936–1013), and Ibn al Nafis (1218–1288) referred to cancer etiology in various medicinal texts and suggested both preventive and therapeutic remedies to alleviate suffering. This review presents research data related to the anticancer activities of herbs used in Arab-Islamic medicine and allude to their potential role in improving the quality of life of cancer patients.

Changes in phenols contents from buckwheat sprouts during growth stage

Germinated buckwheat is buckwheat seeds soaked in water just until it begins to bud. Buckwheat sprouts are seedling plants of buckwheat grown up to 10-15 cm. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal growth period for accumulating the most abundant functional phenol(s) in germinated buckwheat that had been soaked in darkness and buckwheat sprouts cultivated by hydroponic culture. The rutin contained in germinated buckwheat was analyzed by CE (capillary electrophoresis). Phenols, including isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, vitexin, and rutin were separated from buckwheat sprouts by HPLC and identified by LC-MS. The highest rutin content in germinated buckwheat was found to be 15.8 mg/100 g DW at 20 h after germination. Buckwheat sprouts contained five kinds of major phenols. The highest amounts of isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin were measured at day 3, with the exception of rutin, and then a gradual decrease was observed as the sprouts grew. The quantities of isoorientin, orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin at day 3 were 5.8, 11.7, 26.2, and 28.9 mg/100 g FW, respectively. The rutin content rapidly increased to 109.0 mg/100 g FW until day 6. The highest total phenols in buckwheat sprouts were 162.9 mg/100 g FW at day 6. Germinated buckwheat soaked for 20 h and buckwheat sprouts cultivated for 6 days were rich in dietary phenol(s), which makes these plants a valuable functional food for human consumption.

Isovitexin-2'-O-beta-[6-O-E-p-coumaroylglucopyranoside] from UV-B irradiated leaves of rice, Oryza sativa L. inhibits fertility of Helicoverpa armigera

UV-B irradiated rice leaves (Oryza sativa L.) contained four closely related flavonoids, with either an isoorientin or isovitexin aglycone. These flavonoids have previously been purified and characterized, and were added to artificial diets of the African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner) at 0.1x concentration found in irradiated rice leaves. Consumption of different diets had relatively small effects on laval, pupal and adult duration, weight and survival, indicating the insects lived near normal life cycles on all diets. However, one of the compounds, flavonoid IIa, isovitexin-2''-O-beta-[6-O-E-p-coumaroylglucopyranoside], dramatically reduced the number of fertile eggs laid to 7% of control insects (P<0.001) when added to insect diets at 18 nmol gFW(-1) (14 ppm). A similar antifertility effect was observed when only the male partner consumed diet containing flavonoid IIa, indicating that the reduced fertility may be male specific. In contrast, the fecundity and fertility of insects eating diets containing the closely related flavonoids, isoorientin-2''-O-beta-[6-O-E-p-coumaroylglucopyranoside] or isoorientin-2''-O-beta-[6-O-E-p-feruloylglucopyranoside], were not significantly different to control diets.

A new pyrrole alkaloid isolated from Arum palaestinum Boiss. and its biological activities

The phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction of Arum palaestinum Boiss. (Araceae) led to the isolation and identification of a new polyhydroxy alkaloid compound; (S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-1 H-pyrrol-2(5H)-one (1), and other five known compounds; caffeic acid (2), isoorientin (3), luteolin (4) and vicenin 11 (5), as well as the rare compound 3,6,8-trimethoxy, 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy flavone (6). The structural elucidations of all the compounds were based on spectroscopic data (1H- and 13C-NMR, DEPT, HSQC, HMBC and NOE difference techniques) and comparison with literature data. Investigation of the antioxidant activity of the ethyl acetate fraction indicated its strong scavenging capacity for 1,1 -diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals (SC50 3.1+/-0.82 microg/mL). Moreover, the treatment of different human cancer cell lines with the ethyl acetate fraction led to dose-dependant suppression in the proliferation of both breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7; IC50 59.09+/-4.1 microg/mL) and lymphoblastic leukemia cells (1301; IC50 53.1+/-2.9 microg/mL); however, it was found to have no effect on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hep G2).

Mexican plants with hypoglycaemic effect used in the treatment of diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome which affects more and more people in all countries over the world. In México, it is commonly treated with herbal extracts. Such treatment may be of considerable benefit especially during the early stages of the illness. In this review, we discuss species commonly used in México in the treatment of diabetes. A total of 306 species have records of a popular use in the treatment of this syndrome in México. Seven of these species--Cecropia obtusifolia Bertol. (Cecropiaceae), Equisetum myriochaetum Schlecht & Cham (Equisetaceae), Acosmium panamense (Benth.) Yacolev (Fabaceae), Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché (Cucurbitaceae), Agarista mexicana (Hemsl.) Judd. (Ericaeae), Brickellia veronicaefolia (Kunth) A. Gray (Asteraceae), Parmentiera aculeata (Kunth) Seem. (Bignoniaceae)--are discussed in greater detail, highlighting our current knowledge about these botanicals, but also the enormous gaps in our knowledge, most notably as it relates to the species' toxicology, the pharmacokinetics of its active constituents and their metabolism.

Preparative separation of isovitexin and isoorientin from Patrinia villosa Juss by high-speed counter-current chromatography

High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) with a solvent system composed of ethyl acetate-n-butanol-water (2:1:3, v/v/v) was used to isolate and separate two C-glycosylflavones from Patrinia villosa Juss, a traditional Chinese medicine. The separation produced 42.9 mg isovitexin and 20.1 mg isoorientin with purities of 99.3% and 98.5%, respectively as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in one step elution from 250 mg crude extract, and identification was performed by MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. It is the first report of discovering isovitexin and isoorientin from the plant of Patrinia genus.

Hypoglycaemic activity of Gentiana olivieri and isolation of the active constituent through bioassay-directed fractionation techniques

Hypoglycemic effect of Gentiana olivieri Griseb. (Gentianaceae) flowering herbs on oral administration were studied using in vivo models in normal, glucose-hyperglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Through in vivo bioassay-guided fractionation processes isoorientin, a known C-glycosylflavone, was isolated from the ethylacetate fraction by silica gel column chromatography as the main active ingredient from the plant. Isoorientin exhibited significant hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects at 15 mg/kg b.w.dose. Isoorientin concentration of the extracts and fractions were determined by HPLC in order to establish a correlation between the hypoglycaemic activity.

Hypoglycemic effect of Cecropia obtusifolia on streptozotocin diabetic rats

The hypoglycemic effects of water and butanolic extracts prepared from leaves of Cecropia obtusifolia (Cecropiaceae) were examined in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. A single oral administration of a water extract at doses of 90 and 150 mg/kg and of a butanol extract at doses of 9 and 15 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats after 3 h administration. Glibenclamide was used as reference and showed similar hypoglycemic effect to the tested extracts at a dose of 3 mg/kg. The flavone, isoorientin and 3-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid), were isolated as the important constituents of the plant and were identified as the main constituents in both extracts, too.

Cleavage of the C-C linkage between the sugar and the aglycon in C-glycosylphloroacetophenone, and the NMR spectral characteristics of the resulting di-C-glycosyl compound

The treatment of unprotected mono-C-beta-D-glucopyranosylphloroacetophenone with a cation-exchange resin in anhydrous acetonitrile afforded both a phloroacetophenone and a di-C-beta-D-glucopyranosylphloroacetophenone. Treatment of an unprotected mono-C-(2-deoxy-beta-D-arabino-hexopyranosyl)phloroacetophenone (mono-C-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosylphloroacetophenone) also afforded both the aglycon and di-C-(2-deoxy-beta-D-arabino-hexopyranosyl)phloroacetophenone. The reaction mixtures were acetylated, and the structures of the isolated products were determined by NMR spectroscopy. This is the first demonstration of the formation of a di-C-glycosyl compound during the chemical cleavage of the C-C linkage between the sugar and the aglycon in an aryl C-glycosyl derivative.

Synthesis of 8-C-glucosylflavones

The syntheses of orientin, parkinsonin A, isoswertiajaponin, and parkinsonin B, which are 8-C-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone, 5-methyl orientin, 7-methyl orientin, and 5,7-dimethyl orientin, respectively, are reported herein. The C-glucosyl phloroacetophenone derivatives were obtained via a regio- and stereoselective O-->C glycosyl rearrangement. Aldol condensation of the C-glucosyl phloroacetophenone derivatives with 3,4-bisbenzyloxybenzaldehyde afforded the corresponding C-glucosylchalcones. Construction of the flavone system by reaction with I(2)-Me(2)SO, followed by the elimination of the 5-benzyl protecting group in the flavone structure, yielded an orientin derivative and a isoswertiajaponin derivative. Methylation of the orientin derivatives with dimethyl sulfate afforded the parkinsonin A derivative, the isoswertiajaponin derivative, and the parkinsonin B derivative. Finally, hydrogenolysis of these C-glucosylflavone derivatives led to the four 8-C-glucosylflavones. The NMR spectra of these C-glucosylflavones showed a duplication of signals corresponding to a major rotamer, along with a minor one. Based on NOESY experiments in Me(2)SO at ambient temperature, they adopted conformations in which the H-2"and H-4" protons in the glucose moiety were oriented toward the B-ring in the flavone structure.

Synthesis of C-mannopyranosylphloroacetophenone derivatives and their anomerization

The reaction of 2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl fluoride (6-deoxy-2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl fluoride) with 2,4-dibenzylphloroacetophenone, in the presence of boron trifluoride.diethyl etherate, afforded both the 3-C-alpha-L- and the 3-C-beta-L-rhamnopyranosylphloroacetophenone derivatives. The 3-C-alpha-L-rhamnoside was produced as a major product, while the 3-C-beta-L-rhamnoside was produced as a minor product via anomerization of the 3-C-alpha-L-rhamnoside. Alternatively, the reaction of 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl fluoride with 2,4-dibenzylphloroacetophenone afforded both the 3-C-alpha-D- and the 3-C-beta-D-mannnopyranosylphloroacetophenone derivatives under identical conditions. The 3-C-beta-D-mannoside was produced as a major product via anomerization of the 3-C-alpha-D-mannoside during the reaction. These differences in composition result apparently from the magnitude of the 1,3-diaxial interactions between the C-3 and C-5 positions in these sugar moieties.