Flavonol glycosides from the flowers of Aconitum paniculatum

Response of broiler chickens to dietary soybean bioactive peptide and coccidia challenge

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, jejunal morphology, plasma cytokine, and gene expression responses of broiler chickens (Cobb 500) to graded concentrations of dietary soybean bioactive peptide (SBP) and coccidia challenge (CC) were investigated in 2 experiments. In experiment 1, 384 male broiler chicks were used to investigate the effect of graded dietary concentrations of SBP on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology in a randomized complete block design with 8 replicate cages and 6 diets. Corn-soybean meal-based diet was supplemented with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 g of SBP/kg of diet. There were linear effects (P < 0.05) of graded concentrations of SBP on BW, BW gain, gain:feed, ileal villus height, and jejunal crypt depth at day 22 post hatching. There were linear effects (P < 0.01) of graded SBP concentrations on Ileal DM and energy digestibility. Experiment 2 was conducted to investigate the immune-protective properties of SBP on broiler chickens during a coccidia challenge. A total of 256 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 8 replicate cages in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 SBP levels (0 or 4 g/kg of diet) and with or without CC. On day 14 post hatching, birds in the challenged group received 20×, which is twice the recommended coccidia vaccine dose of 25 doses/kg BW, whereas the non-challenged group received physiological saline. Dietary SBP ameliorated the CC-induced effect (P = 0.01) on gain: feed. Coccidia challenge reduced (P < 0.05) jejunal villi height, whereas dietary SBP supplementation increased (P < 0.05) jejunal villi height. Dietary SBP attenuated the CC-induced effects (P < 0.05) on the expression of plasma IL-1β, transforming growth factor-β, claudin-1, and occludin genes. In conclusion, dietary SBP improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and jejunal morphology. In addition, dietary SBP reduced the impact of coccidia challenge, and may be beneficial in the feed of broiler chickens for alleviation of health-related effects of coccidia infection.

Non-alkaloidal constituents from the genus Aconitum: a review

Multiple non-alkaloidal constituents from Aconitum showed great research significance for their novel structures, broad bioactivities and chemotaxonomical significance.

Induction of apoptosis in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells by active compounds from Hypericum ascyron L

Hypericum ascyron L. (Great St. Johnswort), which belongs to the Hypericaceae family, has been used for the treatment of hematemesis, metrorrhagia, rheumatism, swelling, stomach ache, abscesses, dysentery and irregular menstruation for >2,000 years in China. The aim of the present study was to clarify the anticancer activity compounds from H. ascyron L. and the underlying molecular mechanism. Anticancer activity of H. ascyron L. extract was evaluated using an MTT assay. To confirm the anticancer mechanism of activity compounds, Hoechst 33258, Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, rhodamine 123 staining and caspase-3 activity analysis were performed. The results demonstrated that the anti-proliferative action of the mixture of kaempferol 3-O-β-(2″-acetyl) galactopyranoside (K) and quercetin (Q) (molar ratio, 1:1) was significantly increased compared with either of these two compounds separately, and the active fraction of the H. ascyron L. extract |(HALE). HALE, indicating that the anti-proliferative function of H. ascyron L. may be a synergic effect of K and Q. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of KQ on the growth of HeLa cells was mediated by the induction of apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to identify that KQ exhibits significant anti-proliferation activity on HeLa cells via the apoptotic pathway, and is also the first to evaluate the anticancer potential of H. ascyron L. The results of the present study may provide a rational base for the use of H. ascyron L. in the clinic, and shed light on the development of novel anticancer drugs.

Flavonoids as chemotaxonomic markers in the genus Drosera

The botanical classification of the huge genus Drosera remains controversial since long. In the present study, the pattern of major phenolic compounds in ten Drosera species belonging to seven different subgenera and/or sections of the genus was investigated for chemotaxonomic allocation. The composition of flavonoids and ellagic acid derivatives in Drosera adelae, Drosera burmannii, Drosera dielsiana, Drosera hilaris, Drosera montana, Drosera petiolaris, and Drosera pygmaea was elucidated for the first time. The scarce data on these compounds in Drosera binata, Drosera aliciae, and Drosera spatulata were complemented significantly. Detailed LC-DAD-MS, LC-NMR, and offline 1D and 2D NMR analyses resulted in the unambiguous identification of around 40 different substances, three of them (8-hydroxy-luteolin-8-O-arabinopyranoside, tricetin-7-O-xylopyranoside and 8-hydroxytricetin-8-O-arabinopyranoside) being natural products described for the first time. The distribution of the compounds characterized underlines their potential to serve as chemotaxonomic markers in this genus.

Characterization of the phytochemical constituents of Taif rose and its antioxidant and anticancer activities

Ward Taifi (Taif rose) is considered one of the most important economic products of Taif, Saudi Arabia. In this study both fresh and dry Taif rose were biologically and phytochemically investigated. The 80% methanol extracts and n-butanol fractions of dry and fresh Taif rose had high radical scavenging activity toward artificial 1,1-diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)(•) radical with SC50 values range 5.86-12.24 µg/ml whereas the aqueous fractions showed weak activity. All samples had in vitro anticancer activity toward HepG2 with IC50 < 20 µg/ml which fall within the criteria of the American Cancer Institute. High positive correlation appeared between the antioxidant activity and total phenolics whereas there is no correlation between total phenolics and anticancer activity. The LC-ESI(- ve)-MS analysis of all extracts indicate the presence of phenolic compounds belonging to hydrolysable tannins and flavonol glycosides. In conclusion, the presence of this is considered to be the first phytochemical report that identifies the major compounds in dry and fresh roses using HPLC-ESI-MS. The methanol extracts and its n-butanol and aqueous fractions for both fresh and dry Taif rose could be used as preventive and therapeutic effective natural agents for diseases in which free radicals involved after more in vitro and in vivo studies.

Detailed polyphenol and tannin composition and its variability in Tunisian dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) at different maturity stages

The polyphenol profile of two Tunisian varieties of dates including flavanols, flavonols, flavones, and hydroxycinnamates was characterized. Three tissue zones (flesh, peel, and stone) and three maturity stages were considered. Phenolic compounds were analyzed using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to UV-visible and electrospray mass spectrometry. Procyanidin oligomers and polymers were characterized and quantified using phloroglucinolysis prior to HPLC analysis. Procyanidin polymers based on (-)-epicatechin structure were by far the most concentrated polyphenols in ripe dates, accounting for 95% of total polyphenols with an average concentration of 14 g/kg in the fresh edible parts of the fruit. Interestingly, procyanidins were also highly concentrated in the stones. The concentration and average degree of polymerization (DPn) of the procyanidins decreased according to maturity. Other phenolics, including caffeoylshikimic acid hexoside, caffeoyl-sinapoyl monohexoside and dihexoside, and acetylated flavonols, were tentatively identified for the first time in the fruit.

FLAVONOL GLYCOSIDES FROM THE NATIVE AMERICAN PLANT GAURA LONGIFLORA

Phytochemical investigation of the native American plant Gaura longiflora led to the isolation of three new and eight known flavonol glycosides. The structures of the new compounds were established primarily by spectroscopic data as quercetin 3-O-(2″-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-6″-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-(2″-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-6″-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-gluco-pyranoside (2) and quercetin 3-O-(2″-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-6″-O-Z-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyrano-side (3).

Three new flavonol triglycosides from Derris trifoliata

Three new flavonol triglycosides, kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), together with the two known flavonol glycosides, kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside and kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, were isolated from the aerial parts of Derris trifoliata. Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic analyses.

Biological activity of acetylated phenolic compounds

In recent years an effort has been made to isolate and identify biologically active compounds that are included in the Mediterranean diet. The existence of naturally occurring acetylated phenolics, as well as studies with synthetic ones, provide evidence that acetyl groups could be correlated with their biological activity. Platelet activating factor (PAF) is implicated in atherosclerosis, whereas its inhibitors seem to play a protective role against cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to examine the biological activity of resveratrol and tyrosol and their acetylated derivatives as inhibitors of PAF-induced washed rabbit platelet aggregation. Acetylation of resveratrol and tyrosol was performed, and separation was achieved by HPLC. Acetylated derivatives were identified by negative mass spectrometry. The data showed that tyrosol and its monoacetylated derivatives act as PAF inhibitors, whereas diacetylated derivatives induce platelet aggregation. Resveratrol and its mono- and triacetylated derivatives exert similar inhibitory activity, whereas the diacetylated ones are more potent inhibitors. In conclusion, acetylated phenolics exert the same or even higher antithrombotic activity compared to the biological activity of the initial one.

Antioxidant activity and inhibition of alpha-glucosidase by trans-resveratrol, piceid, and a novel trans-stilbene from the roots of Israeli Rumex bucephalophorus L

The roots of Rumex bucephalophorus, collected in Israel, were analyzed for trans-stilbenes. Two stilbene-O-glycosyl derivatives were identified, in addition to 3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene (1) (resveratrol). The stilbene-O-glycosyl derivatives were 5,4'-dihydroxystilbene-3-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (2) (piceid) and the new 5,4'-dihydroxystilbene-3-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside (3), which is being named rumexoid. The structure of rumexoid was elucidated by using spectroscopic data. The antioxidant capacities of stilbenoids 1-3 were determined and expressed as trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). TEAC value for trans-resveratrol was highest (2.7) and for rumexoid lowest (1.5). In vitro, trans-resveratrol and rumexoid demonstrated a potent inhibitory effect on alpha-glucosidase activity (IC50 < 0.1 and < 0.5 mM, respectively). The commercial antidiabetic agent acarbose was shown to inhibit only 35% of the enzyme activity at 0.5 mM. The addition of piceid to the reaction mixture did not inhibit alpha-glucosidase in vitro in the range of concentrations used. These findings extend the range of reported beneficial effects of stilbene derivatives, and demonstrate the multifaceted activities that dietary polyphenols may exert in the intestine, where their concentrations are highest in the body.

A new acylated flavonol glycoside from Derris triofoliata

A new acylated flavonol glycoside, kaempferol 3-O-[(6''''-feruloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)]-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside and two known cyclolignan glycosides, (+)-lyoniresinol-3alpha-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and ( - )-lyoniresinol-3alpha-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside were isolated from n-BuOH extracts of the aerial parts of Derris triofoliata, their structures were determined from spectroscopic and chemical evidences.

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of flavonol glycosides from different Aconitum species

Bioassay-guided fractionation by 1,1-diphenyl-2-dipicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test of polar extracts of some Italian Aconitum species (A. napellus subsp. tauricum, A. napellus subsp. neomontanum, A. paniculatum, A. vulparia) led to the isolation of 13 flavonol glycosides: quercetin 3-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (3), kaempferol 3-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (4), quercetin 7-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (5), kaempferol 7-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (6), kaempferol 7-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (7), kaempferol 3-O-beta-(2"-acetyl)galactopyranoside (8), kaempferol 3-O-beta-(2"-acetyl)galactopyranoside-7-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside (9), quercetin 3-O-beta-(2"-acetyl)galactopyranoside-7-O-alpha-arabinopyranoside (10), quercetin 3,7-di-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (11), kaempferol 3,7-di-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (12) and quercetin 3-O-beta-glucopyranoside-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside (13). Their antioxidant activity (AA) was determined by measuring free radical scavenging activity by DPPH test and the coupled oxidation of beta-carotene and linoleic acid assay. The results showed that 5 is the most active compound in the DPPH free-radical scavenging test (IC(50) 1.9 microM) while in the coupled oxidation of beta-carotene and linoleic acid assay compound 1 has the highest inhibitory ratio after 1h (58.9%). Some structure-activity relationships on the AA were obtained.

Difference in flavonoid and isoflavone profile between soybean and soy leaf

The present study was to compare the flavonoid profile between soybean and soy leaves. Soybean was most abundant in malonyl-genistin followed by malonyl-daidzin, genistin, daidzin, genistein and daidzein in a decreasing order. In contrast, soy leaves contained only trace amounts of malonyl-genistin and genistin, but they had the six unknown flavonoids that were absent in soybean. The six unknown compounds were isolated by using various chromatographic techniques and the structures were identified by studying their varying spectra of ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), Mass, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR. It was found that the six unknown compounds were all kaempferol glycosides namely kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-galactopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-(2,6-di-O-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl)-beta-galactopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->6)-beta-D-galactopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-digalactopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-diglucopyranoside and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside. It was concluded that the flavonoids in soy leaves were mainly kaempferol glycosides, whereas those in soybean were mainly isoflavone glycosides and derivatives.

Identification and quantification of flavonol glycosides in almond seedcoats using MALDI-TOF MS

Interest in the molecular composition of almonds is growing, due to their popularity in a wide variety of food formulations. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a powerful new technique that can be used to rapidly identify and quantify possible bioactive compounds in these popular tree nuts. Four flavonol glycosides were identified in almond seedcoats for the first time: isorhamnetin rutinoside, isorhamnetin glucoside, kaempferol rutinoside, and kaempferol glucoside. A MALDI-TOF MS methodology was developed using rutin (quercetin-3-rutinoside) as an internal standard to quantitatively determine each of the four flavonol glycosides. Results of MALDI-TOF MS analysis were verified by high performance liquid chromatography.

Flavonoids from Aconitum napellus subsp. neomontanum

Three flavonol glycosides quercetin 7-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (1), kaempferol 7-O-(6-trans-caffeoyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (2), and kaempferol 7-O-(6-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (3), together with the known beta-3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl beta-glucopyranoside, were isolated from the flowers of Aconitum napellus subsp. neomontanum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 2D NMR spectral techniques.