A glycosyl analogue of diacylglycerol and other antiinflammatory constituents from Inula viscosa

Oxybaphus himalaicus Mitigates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting TLR4/MD2 Complex Formation

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is described as the abrupt decrease in kidney function always accompanied by inflammation. The roots of Oxybaphus himalaicus Edgew. have long been used in Tibetan folk medicine for the treatment of nephritis. Nevertheless, modern pharmacological studies, especially about the underlying mechanism of O. himalaicus medications, are still lacking. Here, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, the O. himalaicus extract (OE) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with the dose dependently reducing the LPS-stimulated release of nitric oxide and the mRNA level and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines and reversed the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Co-immunoprecipitation assay indicated that OE inhibited Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (TLR4/MD2) complex formation and further suppressed both myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent and TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF)-dependent cascades activation. In addition, OE could restrain NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) endocytosis by blocking TLR4/MD2 complex formation to prevent reactive oxygen species production. In LPS-induced AKI mice, OE treatment mitigated renal injury and inflammatory infiltration by inhibiting TLR4/MD2 complex formation. UPLC-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified 41 components in OE. Our results indicated that OE presented significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting TLR4/MD2 complex formation, which alleviated LPS-induced AKI in mice.

Biological Importance and Therapeutic Benefit of Rhamnocitrin: A Review of Pharmacology and Analytical Aspects

BACKGROUND

Humans have a long history of the uses of plant based products, including extracts and pure phytoconstituents for the treatment of human diseases in the different system of medicine. In the developing countries, phytoproducts play an important role in the healthcare systems due to their medicinal importance and pharmacological activities. Flavonoids class phytochemicals are beneficial for human beings because of their free radical scavenging properties and trace metals chelating potential. Flavonoids have inhibitory potential for the growth of bacteria and virus mainly through enzyme inhibition functions and viral translation. Rhamnocitrin is also called 7- methyl-kaempferol is important flavonoids, which has been isolated from different medicinal plants and has pharmacological activities in the medicine.

METHODS

Present paper describes the biological potential and health beneficial aspects of rhamnocitrin in the medicine through the data analysis of published papers in the recent years in the field of medicine and modern medical sciences. Scientific data on rhamnocitrin have been collected from electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Google, Scopus and Science Direct in the present investigation and analyzed to know the biological importance and pharmacological activities of rhamnocitrin. Pharmacological scientific data of rhamnocitrin have been collected and analyzed in the present work with their analytical aspects.

RESULTS

Literature data analysis of different scientific work on rhamnocitrin revealed the biological importance of rhamnocitrin in medicine. Rhamnocitrin is known to be a promising phytoconstituents found to be present in medicinal plants with a wide range of biological activities. Rhamnocitrin was found to have pharmacological activities, including anti-atherogenic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, enzymatic and neuroprotective potential. Further biological effect of rhamnocitrin on adipocyte differentiation has been also studied in the present work. Analytical data on rhamnocitrin signified the application of different analytical techniques for the separation, isolation and identification of rhamnocitrin in medicine.

CONCLUSION

Literature data analysis of different scientific research works revealed the biological importance and therapeutic benefit of rhamnocitrin in medicine.

Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch.Bip. methanolic extract exerts potent antimicrobial activity and causes cancer cell death via induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis and S-phase arrest

This study was done to evaluate the anticancer potential of Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk.) Sch.Bip. leaves methanolic extract in detail for the first time, in addition to investigating its antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial assay revealed that the extract exerted high activity against P. vulgaris (MIC = 156.25 µg/ml) and C. albicans (MIC = 625 µg/ml), while moderate activity was observed against other microbes. The extract was also screened against HepG2, A549, HCT116 and MCF7 cancer cells and was found to be active across all cells with highest selectivity and cytotoxic activity being observed for A549 cells (IC₅₀ = 1.21 µg/ml). Further mechanistic studies on A549 cells showed that the extract resulted in S-phase arrest and induced apoptosis via activation of caspase-3, p53 and Bax, in addition to downregulation of Bcl-2. HR-LCMS analysis indicated the presence of 3-hydroxycoumarin, quercetin 3,3'-dimethyl ether and skullcapflavone II which might be responsible for the extract's bioactivity.

Multidirectional anti-melanoma effect of galactolipids (MGDG-1 and DGDG-1) from Impatiens parviflora DC. and their synergy with doxorubicin

The anti-melanoma potential of galactolipids: MGDG-1 and DGDG-1, isolated from Impatiens parviflora, and their synergistic effect with anticancer drug - doxorubicin (DOX) was investigated. Both compounds demonstrated time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity against human melanoma cells of different metastatic potential. MGDG-1 was more effective than DGDG-1, with the highest activity against A375 cell line (IC₅₀ = 15.14 μg/mL). Both compounds acted selectively, were devoid of hepatotoxicity or mutagenicity. Additionally, MGDG-1 proved to be a tyrosinase inhibitor. Co-administration of MGDG-1 and DGDG-1 with DOX revealed a synergistic cytotoxic effect on melanoma cells. The cytotoxicity of all tested MGDG-1/DOX and DGDG-1/DOX cocktails was considerably higher than that of each agent administered alone. MGDG-1/DOX (Mix3) reduced the viability of A375 melanoma cells almost totally and this effect was 2-fold more potent as compared to DOX alone. Our study indicates that the overall effect is enhanced with the increasing concentration of MGDG-1 in the cocktail. These results open up a possibility for lowering therapeutic doses of chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin when co-administrated with galactolipids. Thus, MGDG-1 can be prospectively considered as multidirectional anti-melanoma agent and can be recommended for further in vitro and in vivo studies, especially in search for effective combined therapy.

Impact of sesquiterpene lactones on the skin and skin-related cells? A systematic review of in vitro and in vivo evidence

Although anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to sesquiterpene lactones (SL), cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are proposed as limitations for SL-based therapies. Thus, the impact of SL on the skin and skin-related cells was systematically reviewed. Studies indexed in electronic databases were screened from the PRISMA strategy. The risk of bias in all studies was verified from the SYRCLE's tool. Thirty original studies were recovered and analyzed. Mice and guinea pig, keratinocytes and fibroblasts were predominantly investigated from in vivo and in vitro studies, respectively. In vivo studies indicated that most SL induced contact dermatitis associated with edema, erythema, and inflammatory infiltrate. Conversely, in vitro evidence was consistent with a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of SL in response to reduced cytokines, 5-LOX, and COX-2 levels or activity in keratinocytes, fibroblasts, macrophages and dendritic cells; which are events potentially triggered by downregulation of gene expression and/or inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In vivo studies presented uncertain to high-risk of bias mainly associated with underreporting of randomization and experimental blinding. The current evidence supports potent cutaneous immunomodulatory properties of SL. Although in vitro and in vivo studies indicate opposite anti- or proinflammatory effects, this contradiction exhibits a dose-dependent component. In addition, the anti-inflammatory pathways activated by SL are better understood from in vitro evidence. However, additional studies are required to elucidating specific anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory mechanisms triggered by SL in vivo. Thus, controlling the sources of bias described in this review can contribute to improving the quality of the evidence in further investigations.

Characterization by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and antioxidant activity of an ethanolic extract of Inula viscosa leaves

Inula viscosa (I. viscosa) is a common Mediterranean plant, well known for its content on bioactive molecules. The chemical composition of an ethanolic extract from I. viscosa leaves, growing in Algeria, was analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) operating in negative and positive mode. The methodology used revealed the presence of 51 compounds from which 47 were putatively identified, including 11 phenolic acids, 23flavonoids, one lignan and 12 terpenoids. Twenty-six of these compounds are described for the first time in I. viscosa. Antioxidant activity was measured using three different and complementary chemical assays: DPPH radical scavenging activity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity (HOSC). Results demonstrate that ethanolic leaf extract exhibit a high scavenging ability against DPPH (157.72 ± 6.45 μM TE/g DW), peroxyl (4471.42 ± 113.16 μM TE/g DW) and hydroxyl (630.10 ± 17.81 μM TE/g DW) radicals, indicating that I. viscosa can be a promising source of bioactive compounds.

Convergent Synthesis of Digalactosyl Diacylglycerols

Efficient convergent chemical syntheses of digalactosyl diacylglycerols (DGDGs), which have both a galactose-galactose α(1→6)-linkage and a galactose-glycerol β-linkage along with a diacylglycerol containing various kinds of fatty acids, have been accomplished. In order to achieve a concise synthesis, we chose to use allylic protective groups as permanent protective groups. We have also achieved α- and β-selective glycosylations for the respective linkages with high yields as the key steps.

Glycolipids synthesis: improved hydrazinolysis conditions for preparation of 1,2-polyunsaturated fatty acyl-β-monogalactosyl-glycerols

The investigation is related to the development of a general strategy for the synthesis of glycolipids including analogs bearing polyunsaturated fatty acids. In particular, here we report exceptionally mild and selective conditions to remove acetate protecting groups from glyceroglycolipids by hydrazinolysis. Synthetic 1,2-O-di-arachidonoyl-3-O-β-galactosyl-glycerol was used as representative of polyunsaturated β-galactosyl-di-acyl-glycerols due to its reactivity under the conditions usually employed in literature.

Inula Viscosa Extracts Induces Telomere Shortening and Apoptosis in Cancer Cells and Overcome Drug Resistance

Telomerase is activated in human papillomavirus (HPV) positive cervical cancer and targeting telomeres offers a novel anticancer therapeutic strategy. In this study, the telomere targeting properties, the cytotoxic as well as the pro-apoptotic effects of hexane (IV-HE) and dichloromethane (IV-DF) fractions from Inula viscosa L. extracts were investigated on human cervical HeLa and SiHa cancer cells. Our data demonstrate that IV-HE and IV-DF extracts were able to inhibit cell growth in HeLa and SiHa cells in a dose-dependent manner and studied resistant cell lines exhibited a resistance factor less than 2 when treated with the extracts. IV-HE and IV-DF extracts were able to inhibit telomerase activity and to induce telomere shortening as shown by telomeric repeat amplification protocol and TTAGGG telomere length assay, respectively. The sensitivity of fibroblasts to the extracts was increased when telomerase was expressed. Finally, IV-HE and IV-DF were able to induce apoptosis as evidenced by an increase in annexin-V labeling and caspase-3 activity. This study provides the first evidence that the IV-HE and IV-DF extracts from Inula viscosa L. target telomeres induce apoptosis and overcome drug resistance in tumor cells. Future studies will focus on the identification of the molecules involved in the anticancer activity.

Synthesis and evaluation of new α-methylene-γ-lactone carbamates with NO production inhibitory effects in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages

A series of new α-methylene-γ-lactone carbamates were synthesized by an asymmetric synthetic route. The activities on inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) release of these compounds were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results indicated that most of the compounds except one exhibited potent NO inhibitory effect with IC50 value more than 2 μΜ. The cytotoxicities of these compounds were estimated via MTT assays. The results suggested that six compounds were accompanied by low cytotoxicity. The structure-activity relationships were also discussed. The S configuration of C3 on lactones ring would be more helpful to NO inhibitory effect.

Total synthesis and structure-activity relationship of glycoglycerolipids from marine organisms

Glycoglycerolipids occur widely in natural products, especially in the marine species. Glycoglycerolipids have been shown to possess a variety of bioactivities. This paper will review the different methodologies and strategies for the synthesis of biological glycoglycerolipids and their analogs for bioactivity assay. In addition, the bioactivities and structure-activity relationship of the glycoglycerolipids are also briefly outlined.

Inula sesquiterpenoids: structural diversity, cytotoxicity and anti-tumor activity

INTRODUCTION

The plants of the genus Inula (Asteraceae) are widely distributed throughout Europe, Africa and Asia, and many of these plants have long been used in folk medicine. This genus is a rich source of sesquiterpenoids, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Recently, a series of bioactive sesquiterpenoid dimers, with unusual carbon skeletons, have been reported and these have gathered considerable interest.

AREAS COVERED

This article systematically reviews sesquiterpenoids isolated from the genus Inula that have appeared in literature up to August 2013, critically highlighting their anti-tumoral activities and relevant mechanistic insights. The authors also discuss the initial structure-activity relationships for the cytotoxic and anti-tumoral activities of the Inula sesquiterpenoids. Finally, the authors discuss the challenges and potential applications of these sesquiterpenoids in the future.

EXPERT OPINION

Cytotoxic and anti-tumor activities of Inula sesquiterpenoids have been extensively studied since the 1970s. One promising compound, Japonicone A, a dimeric sesquiterpene lactone from traditional herb Inula japonica, has displayed potent in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity against Burkitt's lymphoma. Additionally, acetylbritannilactone is thought to be capable of suppressing the abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, with the induction of apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. In this regard, it may be worthwhile further investigating acetylbritannilactone in patients with vascular restenosis. Furthermore, given the anti-inflammatory property of britanin, clinical studies on chronic bronchitis and asthma, using the ethanol extract of I. japonica, are currently underway in South Korea. However, despite demonstrating good therapeutic effects, additional pharmacological and toxicological studies are still needed.

Selective cytotoxicity, inhibition of cell cycle progression, and induction of apoptosis in human breast cancer cells by sesquiterpenoids from Inula lineariifolia Turcz

Four new sesquiterpenoid dimers (lineariifolianoids E-H, 1-4), five new sesquiterpenoids (5-9), and seven known sesquiterpenoids (10-16) were isolated from the aerial parts of Inula lineariifolia Turcz. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data analysis and X-ray diffraction studies. The compounds were then evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against two human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and one normal breast cell line (MCF-10A). Lineariifolianoid E (1) showed IC50 values of 1.56 μM and 2.75 μM against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, respectively. However, lineariifolianoid E demonstrated low toxicity to MCF-10A cells, which indicated a selective cytotoxicity for tumor cells. Further studies also presented that lineariifolianoid E had significant, dose-dependent effects on cell cycle progression and apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

Production of 7-O-methyl aromadendrin, a medicinally valuable flavonoid, in Escherichia coli

7-O-Methyl aromadendrin (7-OMA) is an aglycone moiety of one of the important flavonoid-glycosides found in several plants, such as Populus alba and Eucalyptus maculata, with various medicinal applications. To produce such valuable natural flavonoids in large quantity, an Escherichia coli cell factory has been developed to employ various plant biosynthetic pathways. Here, we report the generation of 7-OMA from its precursor, p-coumaric acid, in E. coli for the first time. Primarily, naringenin (NRN) (flavanone) synthesis was achieved by feeding p-coumaric acid and reconstructing the plant biosynthetic pathway by introducing the following structural genes: 4-coumarate-coenzyme A (CoA) ligase from Petroselinum crispum, chalcone synthase from Petunia hybrida, and chalcone isomerase from Medicago sativa. In order to increase the availability of malonyl-CoA, a critical precursor of 7-OMA, genes for the acyl-CoA carboxylase α and β subunits (nfa9890 and nfa9940), biotin ligase (nfa9950), and acetyl-CoA synthetase (nfa3550) from Nocardia farcinica were also introduced. Thus, produced NRN was hydroxylated at position 3 by flavanone-3-hydroxylase from Arabidopsis thaliana, which was further methylated at position 7 to produce 7-OMA in the presence of 7-O-methyltransferase from Streptomyces avermitilis. Dihydrokaempferol (DHK) (aromadendrin) and sakuranetin (SKN) were produced as intermediate products. Overexpression of the genes for flavanone biosynthesis and modification pathways, along with malonyl-CoA overproduction in E. coli, produced 2.7 mg/liter (8.9 μM) 7-OMA upon supplementation with 500 μM p-coumaric acid in 24 h, whereas the strain expressing only the flavanone modification enzymes yielded 30 mg/liter (99.2 μM) 7-OMA from 500 μM NRN in 24 h.

Phenylpropanoid and phenylisoprenoid metabolites from Asteraceae species as inhibitors of protein carbonylation

Three phenolic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds: 7-methylaromadendrin, isoprenylhydroquinone glucoside, and 3.5-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester, all isolated from Western Mediterranean Asteraceae species, have been studied for their inhibitory activity against protein carbonylation, a harmful post-translational modification of peptide chains associated with degenerative diseases. All compounds have proven to be effective, with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values in the micromolar range, against bovine serum albumin carbonylation caused by hypochlorite, peroxynitrite, and phorbol ester-induced leukocyte oxidative burst.

Anti-inflammatory activity of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol in human articular cartilage in vitro: activation of an anti-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway

Introduction

The mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG and DGDG) galactolipids have been purified from the thermophilic blue-green alga Phormidium sp. ETS-05 that colonizes the therapeutic thermal mud of Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme, Italy. Both compounds present a marked composition in polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly omega-3. The therapeutic thermal mud is applied mainly to osteoarthritic cartilage patients. In the present study the effect of MGDG treatment on proteins and factors expressed by human articular cartilage cells in culture and on pathways activated in inflammatory conditions was studied.

Methods

Primary cultures of human articular chondrocytes were used at cell passage number 1 (P1). Cells were treated in serum-free medium with inflammatory cytokines in the presence and in the absence of MGDG. Western blot was performed on collected medium and on cell layers. At least three different experiments were performed on primary cultures. The quantitation of the MGDG effect was performed by densitometric scanning of Western blots. p38 Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (p38) activation, Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kB) activation and Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) quantitation were performed by commercially available assays. Results are given as the mean values ± SD. All statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad software. The two-tailed Student's t -test was performed.

Results

We report that MGDG: 1) represses the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) induced by interleukin-1alpha (IL-1α) or IL-1α + tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) interfering with the p38 and NF-kB pathways; 2) is not toxic for the cells and does not affect the cell phenotype; 3) strongly enhances COX-2 expression induced by IL-1α or IL-1α + TNFα; 4) represses mPGES expression induced by IL-1α and the synthesis of PGE₂ and induces the synthesis of 15-deoxy-Δ 12,14-prostaglandin J₂ (15ΔPGJ₂). In addition, the COX-2 product 15ΔPGJ₂ added to the cells: 1) strongly represses IL-6 and IL-8 induced by IL-1α; 2) represses mPGES expression induced by IL-1α and the synthesis of PGE₂.

Conclusions

All together these data suggest that MGDG has an anti-inflammatory activity in human articular cartilage and possibly activates an anti-inflammatory loop triggered by COX-2 via 15ΔPGJ₂ production, indicating a possible role of COX-2 in resolution of inflammation. The purified compound is a novel anti-inflammatory agent potentially active for human articular cartilage pathologies related to inflammation.

Chemical composition and in vitro activity of plant extracts from Ferula communis and Dittrichia viscosa against postharvest fungi

F. communis and D. viscosa are perennial Mediterranean weeds that have been used for different therapeutic purposes in traditional pharmacopeia. Plant extracts were obtained from air dried D. viscosa young shoots (DvA) and F. communis aerial part (FcA) and roots (FcR) with n-hexane. The chemical compositions of the extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, LC-MS (ESI) and LC-Q-TOF techniques. Two sesquiterpene lactones (inuviscolide, tomentosin) and three sesquiterpene acids (costic acid, hydroxycostic acid, ilicic acid) were identified from the D. viscosa extract, while in F. communis extracts three daucane sesquiterpenes (acetoxyferutinin, oxojaeskeanadioyl anisate, fertidin) and one coumarin (ferulenol) derivates were found. Biological activities of plant extracts were studied in in vitro experiments on the colonies and conidia of Botryotinia fuckeliana, Penicillium digitatum, P. expansum, Monilinia laxa, M. fructigena and Aspergillus spp. Extracts showed varying degree of antifungal activities on colony growth and conidia germination. The extract from FcA showed the least effect, while DvA extract had the strongest fungitoxic effects. FcRextract presented a fungitoxic effect on the colony growth, but it was not able to inhibit the conidia germination. These distinctions can be attributed to the differences in chemical composition of plant extracts.

New eudesmane derivatives and other sesquiterpenes from the epigeal parts of Dittrichia graveolens

In bioassay-guided searches for novel bioactive natural products from higher plants of the Egyptian flora, two new eudesmane sesquiterpene derivatives, 3alpha-hydroxyilicic acid methyl ester (1) and 2alpha-hydroxy-4-epi-ilicic acid (2), together with 11 known sesquiterpenes were isolated from bioactive fractions of the active epigeal parts extracts of Dittrichia graveolens (L.) GREUTER (Asteraceae) growing in the coastal regions of northwestern Egypt. Four other known sesquiterpene lactones with different carbon skeletons, named 2alpha-hydroxy-2R-xanthalongin (8), 4-epi-isoinuviscolide (9), 8-epi-helenalin (10), and bigelovin (11), were also isolated for the first time from the same source. The stereochemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of physical and spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, 1H-, 13C-NMR, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer, 2D NMR, 1H-1H correlation spectroscopy, 1H-13C heteronuclear single-quantum coherence, 1H-13C heteronuclear multiple-bond connectivity, 1H-1H nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy experiments, and high-resolution mass spectrometry, as well as some chemical transformations. The antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and antipyretic activities of D. graveolens extracts and chromatographic fractions were carried out and the various bioactivities of our findings are discussed.

Dittrichia Viscosa L. Greuter: Phytochemistry and Biological Activity

Dittrichia viscosa is a plant widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. This species and its components present a broad range of biological activities (for example, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiulcer, antiviral, antiparasitic), which are reviewed. Extracts of the species are particularly rich in terpenoids, in particular eudesmane acids, notably ilicic acid (45) and α-costic acid (44). Flavonoids are also abundant, especially during flowering.

Antifungal activity of Heterothalamus alienus metabolites

The chemical study of Heterothalamus alienus gave rutin, spathulenol (1), (1R,7S)-germacra-4(15),5,10(14)-trien-1beta-ol (2), sakuranetin (3), padmatin 3-acetate (4), (2R,3R)-dihydroquercetin-7,3',4'-trimethyl ether (5), (2R,3R)-dihydroquercetin-7,4'-dimethyl ether (6), (2R,3R)-3-acetoxy-5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavanone (7), as the main components of an antifungal extract of the aerial parts of the plant. Compound 2 showed moderate activity, with Epidermophyton floccosum being the most susceptible species (MIC = 100 microg/mL); compound 3 showed the best antifungal behavior having a broad spectrum of action and the lowest MICs. This flavanone along with flavanolol 5 showed very good activity against standardized (MIC = 31.2 microg/mL) as well as clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes (MIC ranges 31.2-62.5 microg/mL and 31.2-125 microg/mL, respectively) and demonstrated not only fungistatic but also fungicide properties. Flavanolol 6 was active against all the dermatophytes tested with MICs of 62.5-250 microg/mL. Rutin, spathulenol (1) and the 3-acetylated flavanones 4 and 7 were inactive or marginally active against the fungal panel.

Cytotoxic effects of compounds from Iris tectorum on human cancer cell lines

In the course of searching for novel cytotoxic compounds which can be used in chemotherapy, several Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) have been screened by bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation. An extract of rhizomes of Iris tectorum Maxim., a TCM used to treat cancer, exhibited highest potency and led to the isolation of two flavonoids, 7-O-methylaromadendrin and tectorigenin, and four iridal-type triterpenes, iritectols A and B, isoiridogermanal and iridobelamal A. The cytotoxicities of the isolated compounds against four human cancer cell lines were evaluated by the SRB assay. Iritectol B, isoiridogermanal and iridobelamal A showed similar cytotoxicity with IG(50) around 11 microM and 23 microM against MCF-7 and C32 cell lines, respectively. Cell cycle-specific inhibition and apoptosis induced by the isolated compounds were determined using flow cytometry with two sets of co-labelling systems: annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide and fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide. Iritectol B demonstrated dose-dependent apoptotic effect against COR-L23 cells with an apoptotic rate of 33% at 100 microM. Tectorigenin (an analogue of genistein) showed cell cycle specific inhibition and arrested cells at G(2)/M phase up to 400 microM, but did not demonstrate apoptotic effect against COR-L23 cells up to 1 mM. The overall activities of isolated compounds observed in the present study support the traditional use of Iris tectorum Maxim. in the treatment of cancer.

Antiviral activity of some Tunisian medicinal plants against Herpes simplex virus type 1

Fifteen species of Tunisian traditional medicinal plants, belonging to 10 families, were selected for this study. They were Inula viscosa (L.) Ait and Reichardia tingitana (L.) Roth ssp. discolor (Pom.) Batt. (Asteraceae), Mesembryanthemum cristallinum L. and M. nodiflorum L. (Aizoaceae), Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq., Atriplex inflata Muell., A. parvifolia Lowe var. ifiniensis (Caball) Maire, and Salicornia fruticosa L. (Chenopodiaceae), Cistus monspeliensis L. (Cistaceae), Juniperus phoenicea L. (Cupressaceae), Erica multiflora L. (Ericaceae), Frankenia pulverulenta L. (Frankeniaceae), Hypericum crispum L. (Hypericaceae), Plantago coronopus L. ssp. eu-coronopus Pilger var. vulgaris G.G. (Plantaginaceae) and Zygophyllum album L. (Zygophyllaceae). Fifty extracts prepared from those plants were screened in order to assay their antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), using neutral red incorporation. Extracts from eight plants among these 15 showed some degree of antiviral activity, while the methanolic extract of E. multiflora was highly active with EC(50) of 132.6 microg mL(-1). These results corroborate that medicinal plants from Tunisia can be a rich source of potential antiviral compounds.

Sesquiterpene compounds fromInula viscosa

Two new compounds, 2,5-dihydroxyisocostic acid and 2,3-dihydroxycostic acid together with three known sesquiterpene compounds, Isocostic acid, Carabrone and Tomentosin, have been isolated from the acetone extract of Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton. The structures of all new compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods, in particular 1D and 2D (1)H- and (13)C-NMR. The (13)C-NMR spectra of Isocostic acid and of Tomentosin are reported here for the first time.

A Galactolipid Possesses Novel Cancer Chemopreventive Effects by Suppressing Inflammatory Mediators and Mouse B16 Melanoma

Crassocephalum rabens (Asteraceae) is a popular anti-inflammatory folk medicine and food supplement. We investigated the cancer chemopreventive bioactivity of C. rabens phytocompounds in vitro and in vivo using cell- and gene-based bioassays and a mouse B16 melanoma model. The bioactive glyceroglycolipid 1,2-di-O-alpha-linolenoyl-3-O-beta-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol (dLGG) that was identified from C. rabens was found in vitro and in vivo to be a potent nitric oxide (NO) scavenger. dLGG treatment inhibited both mRNA and protein expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in murine macrophages and inhibited COX-2 gene transcription in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-treated B16 cells. In immunohistochemical studies, dLGG inhibited TPA-induced expression of COX-2 and nitration of proteins in mouse skin. dLGG could also significantly inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced prostaglandin E(2) production in murine macrophages. Furthermore, dLGG prevented nuclear translocation of cytoplasmic nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) by suppressing IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation. Structure-activity relationship study by electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that the dilinolenoylglycerol moiety in dLGG is the essential structural feature preventing NF-kappaB.DNA complex formation. A dLGG-enriched extract from C. rabens (10 mg/kg) markedly suppressed B16 melanoma growth in C57BL/6J mice following i.p. administration, an effect comparable with that of cisplatin, a cancer chemotherapeutic drug. This study shows the detailed molecular mechanism(s) underlying the anti-inflammatory and tumor-suppressive effects of a natural galactolipid.

Effects of naturally occurring dihydroflavonols from Inula viscosa on inflammation and enzymes involved in the arachidonic acid metabolism

The anti-inflammatory properties of three flavanones isolated from Inula viscosa, sakuranetin, 7-O-methylaromadendrin, and 3-acetyl-7-O-methylaromadendrin, have been tested both in vitro and in vivo. Acute inflammation in vivo was induced by means of topical application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) to mouse ears or by subcutaneous injection of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) into mouse paws. The test compounds were evaluated in vitro for their effect on both the metabolism of arachidonic acid and on the release and/or activity of enzymes involved in the inflammatory response such as elastase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and protein kinase C (PKC). The most active compounds in vivo against PLA(2)-induced paw oedema were 7-O-methylaromadendrin (ED(50)=8 mg/kg) and sakuranetin (ED(50)=18 mg/kg). In contrast, the most potent compound against TPA-induced ear oedema was 3-acetyl-7-O-methylaromadendrin (ED(50)=185 microg/ear), followed by sakuranetin (ED(50)=205 microg/ear). In vitro, the latter compound was the most potent inhibitor of leukotriene (LT) B(4) production by peritoneal rat neutrophils (IC(50)=9 microM) and it was also the only compound that directly inhibited the activity of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). 3-Acetyl-7-O-methylaromadendrin also inhibited LTB(4) production (IC(50)=15 microM), but had no effect on 5-LOX activity. The only flavanone that inhibited the secretory PLA(2) activity in vitro was 7-O-methylaromadendrin. This finding may partly explain the anti-inflammatory effect observed in vivo, although other mechanisms such as the inhibition of histamine release by mast cells may also be implicated. Sakuranetin at 100 microM was found to inhibit elastase release, although this result is partly due to direct inhibition of the enzyme itself. At the same concentration, 7-O-methylaromadendrin only affected the enzyme release. Finally, none of the flavanones exhibited any effect on MPO or PKC activities. Taken together, these findings indicate that sakuranetin may be a selective inhibitor of 5-LOX.

Inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes by inuviscolide, a sesquiterpene lactone from Inula viscosa

This work concerns the pharmacological activity of inuviscolide, a sesquiterpenoid from Inula viscosa. It exerts inhibitory effects on elastase, cyclooxygenase 1 and secretory phospholipase A(2). Furthermore, it reduces the skin leukocyte infiltration in a murine model of dermatitis induced by repeated application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate.

Evaluation of the wound healing effect of some Jordanian traditional medicinal plants formulated in Pluronic F127 using mice (Mus musculus)

The wound healing effect of the aqueous extracts of Inula viscosa, Ajuga chia, Rubia taenifolia and Parieteria diffusa, and the oil of Laurus nobilis, dispersed in water, were examined. The 10% (w/w) Pluronic F127 (PF127) was added to the applied preparations, in order to modify the aqueous extracts viscosity, and to stabilize the oil dispersion. A full thickness wound was made in the dorsal area of the mice. The wounds were treated with the different preparations with 12h intervals for four times in two successive days. For 16 days, the wounds were visually observed, photographically documented and the wound area was measured. After day 16, the animals were sacrificed and the histology of the wound area was examined. The best wound healing activity was observed with the extract of Inula viscosa, followed by Parieteria diffusa, Laurus nobilis, Ajuga chia and the least active extract was that of Rubia taenifolia.

The active components and the pharmacological multi-target principle of STW 5 (Iberogast)

The therapeutic equivalence of the multi-herbal drug combination STW 5 (Iberogast) with two synthetic standard drugs can be explained by an additive or overadditive pharmacological synergism. A review of the different chemical constituents contained in this fixed combination of nine herbal drug extracts and their dominant mechanisms of action shows that they correlate very well with the clinically relevant overall pharmacological profile of the multi-herbal drug combination. This comprises modulatory effects on gastro-intestinal motility, anti-inflammatory action, inhibitory effects on gastric acid production and anti-oxidative and radical-inhibiting properties. As a multi-drug preparation with a multitude of therapeutic targets relevant in functional gastrointestinal diseases, its pharmacological profile of action in accordance with the multi-target principle.

Selective in vivo anti-inflammatory action of the galactolipid monogalactosyldiacylglycerol

The thermophilic blue-green alga ETS-05 colonises the therapeutic thermal muds of Abano and Montegrotto, Italy. Following the isolation, purification and identification of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) and phosphatidylglycerol from ETS-05, we here examine their in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. MGDG, DGDG and SQDG inhibit croton-oil-induced ear oedema in the mouse in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition by MGDG is greater than that of the reference drug, betamethasone 17,21-dipropionate, and is largely abrogated following acyl group saturation. SQDG is the least potent of these glycoglycerolipids, and shows an early transient effect. In the in vivo carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in the mouse, the inhibitory effects are again dose dependent, with an enhanced efficacy of MGDG over DGDG, SQDG and the reference drug, indomethacin. These compounds are all less toxic than indomethacin. The selective and enhanced inhibitory effects of MGDG over DGDG indicate the mechanisms behind these in vivo anti-inflammatory actions.

Anti-inflammatory profile of dehydrocostic acid, a novel sesquiterpene acid with a pharmacophoric conjugated diene

Sesquiterpene acids are natural products that, in contrast with the thoroughly studied sesquiterpene lactones, have received little pharmacological attention. A good source of this class of compounds is Inula viscosa (Asteraceae), a plant with documented anti-inflammatory effects. The present paper gives the results of our investigations on the biochemical mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory activity of one such compound, dehydrocostic acid. The most salient findings were that in vitro dehydrocostic acid inhibits leukotriene B(4) production (IC(50)=22 microM), elastase activity (IC(50)=43 microM) and bee venom phospholipase A(2) activity (IC(50)=17 microM). Furthermore, this sesquiterpenoid was effective on some models of acute edema induced by PLA(2) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) Comparison of these data with that known for ilicic acid firmly suggests that the presence of a semiplanar ring A is essential for an improved inhibitory activity on inflammatory mediators.

Biological activity of five antibacterial flavonoids from Combretum erythrophyllum (Combretaceae)

Preliminary studies with Combretum erythrophyllum showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Seven antibacterial flavonoids were subsequently isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation, i.e. apigenin; genkwanin; 5-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone, rhamnocitrin; kaempferol; quercetin-5,3'-dimethylether; rhamnazin. All compounds had good activity against Vibrio cholerae and Enterococcus faecalis, with MIC values in the range of 25-50 microg/ml. Rhamnocitrin and quercetin-5,3'-dimethylether also inhibited Micrococcus luteus and Shigella sonei at 25 microg/ml. With the exception of 5-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxy-flavone the flavonoids were not toxic towards human lymphocytes. This compound is potentially toxic to human cells and exhibited the poorest antioxidant activity whereas rhamnocitrin and rhamnazin exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Genkwanin; rhamnocitrin; quercetin-5,3'-dimethylether; rhamnazin had a higher anti-inflammatory activity than the positive control mefenamic acid. Although these flavonoids are known, this is the first report of biological activity with several of these compounds.

Pharmacological approach to the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of Ranunculus sceleratus L

Ranunculus sceleratus is a widespread species with unique toxicological and pharmacological activities. The present study seeks to assess this species' ability, both in vitro and in vivo, to modulate processes involved in inflammations. To this end, different extracts from the aerial parts of the plant were tested in several models of acute inflammation induced by tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA), arachidonic acid (AA), and carrageenan, as well as in two models of delayed hypersensitivity induced by oxazolone and dinitrofluorobencene (DNFB). The extracts were also assayed in models of eicosanoid and elastase release by intact cells. When tested in vivo, all of the extracts showed anti-inflammatory or neutral effects. In vitro, non-polar extracts of this species were able to inhibit eicosanoid production, whereas polar extracts enhanced the synthesis of 5(S)-HETE, LTB(4) and 12(S)-HHTrE. The hypothesis of a "counter-irritant" mechanism of action has thus been proposed and is also discussed herein.

The biochemistry and medical significance of the flavonoids

Flavonoids are plant pigments that are synthesised from phenylalanine, generally display marvelous colors known from flower petals, mostly emit brilliant fluorescence when they are excited by UV light, and are ubiquitous to green plant cells. The flavonoids are used by botanists for taxonomical classification. They regulate plant growth by inhibition of the exocytosis of the auxin indolyl acetic acid, as well as by induction of gene expression, and they influence other biological cells in numerous ways. Flavonoids inhibit or kill many bacterial strains, inhibit important viral enzymes, such as reverse transcriptase and protease, and destroy some pathogenic protozoans. Yet, their toxicity to animal cells is low. Flavonoids are major functional components of many herbal and insect preparations for medical use, e.g., propolis (bee's glue) and honey, which have been used since ancient times. The daily intake of flavonoids with normal food, especially fruit and vegetables, is 1-2 g. Modern authorised physicians are increasing their use of pure flavonoids to treat many important common diseases, due to their proven ability to inhibit specific enzymes, to simulate some hormones and neurotransmitters, and to scavenge free radicals.

Location of the glucuronosyltransferase domain in the heparan sulfate copolymerase EXT1 by analysis of Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants

Heparan sulfate formation occurs by the copolymerization of glucuronic acid (GlcA) and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residues. Recent studies have shown that these reactions are catalyzed by a copolymerase encoded by EXT1 and EXT2, members of the exostosin family of putative tumor suppressors linked to hereditary multiple exostoses. Previously, we identified a collection of Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants (pgsD) that failed to make heparan sulfate (Lidholt, K., Weinke, J. L., Kiser, C. S., Lugemwa, F. N., Bame, K. J., Cheifetz, S., Massagué, J., Lindahl, U., and Esko, J. D. (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 89, 2267-2271). Here, we show that pgsD mutants contain mutations that either alter GlcA transferase activity selectively or that affect both GlcNAc and GlcA transferase activities. Expression of EXT1 corrects the deficiencies in the mutants, whereas EXT2 and the related EXT-like cDNAs do not. Analysis of the EXT1 mutant alleles revealed clustered missense mutations in a domain that included a (D/E)X(D/E) motif thought to bind the nucleotide sugar from studies of other transferases. These findings provide insight into the location of the GlcA transferase subdomain of the enzyme and indicate that loss of the GlcA transferase domain may be sufficient to cause hereditary multiple exostoses.

In vivo activity of pseudoguaianolide sesquiterpene lactones in acute and chronic inflammation

The pseudoguaianolide sesquiterpene lactones 4-alpha-O-acetyl-pseudoguaian-6beta-olide (1), hymenin (2), ambrosanolide (3), tetraneurin A (4), parthenin (5), hysterin (6) and confertdiolide (7) were evaluated for their ability to affect the inflammation responses induced by different agents. All the compounds showed activity against the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema. The ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)-induced mouse ear edema was inhibited by compounds 3, 5 and 7. However, when sesquiterpene-lactones were assayed on the arachidonic acid (AA)-induced mouse ear edema, none of them were active. The only sesquiterpene lactone orally active against the paw mouse edema induced by carrageenan was 7, which gave a 46% edema inhibition after 3 h. On the other hand, compounds 3, 5 and 7 reduced the serotonin-induced paw edema in mice, although compound 7 was inactive in presence of cycloheximide. In addition, the sesquiterpene lactones were assayed against the chronic inflammation induced by repeated application of TPA on mouse ear. Confertdiolide was the most active compound; it reduced the edema by 87% and had a more moderate effect against the leukocyte recruitment (36% reduction in myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels). A histological study of ear the samples treated with 7 presented no detectable morphological lesions such as those treated with dexamethasone. On the oxazolone-induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) only compounds 4 and 5 were active 24 h after the challenge. Compound 5 affected polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration (69% reduction in MPO levels). The results suggest that the especial chemical structure and spatial conformation of confertdiolide may facilitate its anti-inflammatory effect.

Anti-phospholipase A2 and anti-inflammatory activity of Santolina chamaecyparissus

The activity of the Santolina chamaecyparissus methanol extract was tested against the phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-induced mouse paw edema and in vitro inhibition of PLA2 activity. After fractionation, only the dichloromethane extract was active against the PLA2 in vitro test. In addition, it reduced the edema induced by arachidonic acid, and by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in a multidose test. After chromatography on silicagel and gel filtration on Sephadex, and using an in vitro anti-PLA2 assay-guided process, we have isolated and identified from the dichloromethane extract the flavone nepetin and four sesquiterpenes.