Estrogenic activity of isolated compounds and essential oils of Pimpinella species from Turkey, evaluated using a recombinant yeast screen

Unravelling the Immune Modulatory Effect of Indian Spices to Impede the Transmission of COVID-19: A Promising Approach

Months after WHO declared COVID-19 as a Global Public Health Emergency of International Concern, it does not seem to be flattening the curve as we are still devoid of an effective treatment modality and vaccination is in the first phase in many countries. Amid such uncertainty, being immune is the best strategy to defend against corona attacks. As the whole world is referring back to immune-boosting traditional remedies, interest is rekindled in the Indian system of Medicine, which is gifted with an abundance of herbal medicines as well as remedies. Among them, spices (root, rhizome, seed, fruit, leaf, bud, and flower of various plants used to add taste and flavors to food) are bestowed with immense medicinal potential. A plethora of clinical as well as preclinical studies reported the effectiveness of various spices for various ailments. The potential immune-boosting properties together with their excellent safety profiles are making spices the current choice of phytoresearch as well as the immune-boosting home remedies during these sceptical times. The present review critically evaluates the immune impact of various Indian spices and their potential to tackle the novel coronavirus, with comments on the safety and toxicity aspects of spices.

trans-Anethole attenuated renal injury and reduced expressions of angiotensin II receptor (AT1R) and TGF-β in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Fibrosis is a pathological process in diabetic nephropathy that causes renal failure and dysfunction. Given the known anti-diabetic effects of trans-Anethole (TA), we aimed to investigate its renoprotective and anti-fibrotic effect alone and in combination with losartan in diabetic nephropathy. Male Wistar rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) for diabetes induction. Diabetic rats were treated orally with saline, TA (80 mg/kg), losartan (Los; 10 mg/kg), or the combination of TA and losartan (TA-Los) daily for five weeks. Renal function was monitored during the study, and renal fibrosis, oxidative stress markers, apoptotic cells, and the expression and localization of AT1R, TGF-β1, and Col-IV were detected in the kidney. Results showed that TA alone and in combination with losartan was able to decrease blood glucose, urea, and creatinine levels and improve kidney function parameters. TA, Los, and TA-Los significantly reduced tubule vascular degeneration, glomerular and tubulointerstitial sclerosis, oxidative stress, and apoptotic cells. Immunohistochemistry analyses showed that TA, losartan, and TA-losartan combination downregulated the AT1R, Col IV, and TGF-β1 expression and distribution in diabetic rat kidneys. Results suggest that TA is able to suppress diabetic nephropathy in rats effectively, probably by decreasing blood glucose levels and downregulating AT1R and TGF-β1 expression.

Nutritional implications of ginger: chemistry, biological activities and signaling pathways

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been used as a food, spice, supplement and flavoring agent and in traditional medicines due to its beneficial characteristics such as pungency, aroma, nutrients and pharmacological activity. Ginger and ginger extracts were reported to have numerous effects, such as those on diabetes and metabolic syndrome, cholesterol levels and lipid metabolism, and inflammation, revealed by epidemiological studies. To understand the beneficial characteristics of ginger, especially its physiological and pharmacological activities at the molecular level, the biological effects of ginger constituents, such as monoterpenes (cineole, citral, limonene and α/β-pinenes), sesquiterpenes (β-elemene, farnesene and zerumbone), phenolics (gingerols, [6]-shogaol, [6]-paradol and zingerone) and diarylheptanoids (curcumin), and the associated signaling pathways are summarized. Ginger constituents are involved in biological activities, such as apoptosis, cell cycle/DNA damage, chromatin/epigenetic regulation, cytoskeletal regulation and adhesion, immunology and inflammation, and neuroscience, and exert their effects through specific signaling pathways associated with cell functions/mechanisms such as autophagy, cellular metabolism, mitogen-activated protein kinase and other signaling, and development/differentiation. Estrogens, such as phytoestrogens, are one of the most important bioactive materials in nature, and the molecular mechanisms of estrogen actions and the assays to detect them have been discussed. The molecular mechanisms of estrogen actions induced by ginger constituents and related applications, such as the chemoprevention of cancers, and the improvement of menopausal syndromes, osteoporosis, endometriosis, prostatic hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, were summarized by a comprehensive search of references to understand more about their health benefits and associated health risks.

Anethole compromises human sperm function by affecting the sperm intracellular calcium concentration and tyrosine phosphorylation

Anethole is a natural anisole derivative that has been widely used in food and daily chemical industries, agricultural applications and the traditional medicine. It is closely related to aspects of daily life, and humans can easily be exposed to it. Although the reproductive toxicity of anethole was shown in the rat, its effect on human reproduction remains unknown. In this study, we examined the effect of anethole on human sperm in vitro. Different anethole doses (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM) were applied to ejaculated human sperm. Fertilization-essential functions, as well as the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and tyrosine phosphorylation, two vital factors for regulating sperm function, were measured. The results indicated that 10 and 100 μM anethole significantly reduced the motility, hyperactivation, and penetration ability of human sperm (P < 0.05) and inhibited the increase in human sperm functions induced by progesterone, a hormone essential for sperm function activation. Additionally, 10 and 100 μM anethole decreased both basal and progesterone-increased tyrosine phosphorylation, [Ca²⁺]_i, and the current of CATSPER, a cation channel of sperm predominant for Ca²⁺ influx. These results suggest that anethole inhibits human sperm functions by reducing sperm [Ca²⁺]_i through CATSPER and suppressing tyrosine phosphorylation in vitro, raising the fact that the caution is needed when overtaking anethole.

Seeds

A wide variety of plant species provide edible seeds. Seeds are the dominant source of human calories and protein. The most important and popular seed food sources are cereals, followed by legumes and nuts. Their nutritional content of fiber, protein, and monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fats make them extremely nutritious. They are important additions to our daily food consumption. When consumed as part of a healthy diet, seeds can help reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Anti-inflammatory Chalcone-Isoflavone Dimers and Chalcone Dimers from Caragana jubata

Two new chalcone-isoflavone dimers, caraganins A (1) and B (2), two new chalcone dimers, caraganins C (3) and D (4), and eight known compounds (5-12) were obtained from the red heartwood of the rhizomes of Caragana jubata. The structures of caraganins A-D were established by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, HRMS and ECD analysis, and comparison with previously known compounds. The anti-inflammatory activities of the new compounds were evaluated by measuring the production of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α in mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide. Among these, compounds 2 and 4 showed the most potent inhibitory activities (IC₅₀: 4.1 and 5.2 μM, respectively) on nitric oxide formation, and compounds 1 and 4 displayed the most potent inhibitory activities on the secretion of inflammatory factor TNF-α, with IC₅₀ values of 11.4 and 14.7 μM. The possible biosynthetic pathways of the chalcone-isoflavone dimers and the chalcone dimers are proposed.

Estrogenic Potentials of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Estrogen, a steroid hormone, is associated with several human activities, including environmental, industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical and medical fields. In this review paper, estrogenic activity associated with traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is discussed first by focusing on the assays needed to detect estrogenic activity (animal test, cell assay, ligand-binding assay, protein assay, reporter-gene assay, transcription assay and yeast two-hybrid assay), and then, their sources, the nature of activities (estrogenic or anti-estrogenic, or other types), and pathways/functions, along with the assay used to detect the activity, which is followed by a summary of effective chemicals found in or associated with TCM. Applications of estrogens in TCM are then discussed by a comprehensive search of the literature, which include basic study/pathway analysis, cell functions, diseases/symptoms and medicine/supplements. Discrepancies and conflicting cases about estrogenicity of TCM among assays or between TCM and their effective chemicals, are focused on to enlarge estrogenic potentials of TCM by referring to omic knowledge such as transcriptome, proteome, glycome, chemome, cellome, ligandome, interactome and effectome.

Bioprofiling of Cosmetics with Focus on Streamlined Coumarin Analysis

Facing the widespread use of cosmetic products in daily use and recognizing the very limited information obtained by target analysis, a method suited for comprehensive characterization of cosmetics was aimed at. The biological activity of ingredients of 20 cosmetics taken from 16 different product groups and their coumarin contents were investigated via chromatography linked to bioassays (direct bioautography) and mass spectrometry. It allows for screening a large number of cosmetic products within a short time to generate a more valid database on their coumarin content and their contribution to the overall exposure. Bioactivity profiling of cosmetics with regard to bioactive ingredients opens new avenues for a comprehensive characterization of important substances in products of daily use, helpful for the legally required safety and risk assessment of cosmetic products, especially for multiple product usage. As for coumarin, a ubiquitary fragrance compound of allergenic potential, which is under recurrent discussion due to its hepatoxic properties, it is necessary to be able to estimate the regular intake via cosmetics for a valid risk assessment. This newly developed bioprofiling method allowed a selective determination of coumarin down to 1.3 mg kg^-1, even for very matrix-rich cosmetics despite minimalism in sample preparation. The declaration limits according to European Cosmetics Regulation were completely covered. Mean coumarin contents of 20 cosmetic products reached up to 2218 mg kg^-1. The repeatabilities (%RSD, n = 3) were between 1.1 and 2.9%, and the mean recoveries (n = 5) were between 96 and 102% for the different cosmetic matrices.

Assessment of hormone-like activities in Ginkgo biloba, Elettaria cardamomum and Plantago ovata extracts using in vitro receptor-specific bioassays

Medicinal plants are widely used for the treatment of diseases and for the development of new drugs. This study was designed to determine the presence of hormone-like activities dependent on the activation of human estrogen receptor alpha (hERa) and/or androgen receptor (hAR) in methanol extracts prepared from three medicinal plants historically and currently used for therapeutic purposes: Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBL), Elettaria cardamomum seeds (ECS) and Plantago ovata seeds (POS). After a solid-liquid extraction (SLE) step, their effects on hERa function were assessed in MCF-7 breast cancer cells using the E-Screen bioassay, and their ability to induce hAR-mediated reporter gene expression was evaluated using the androgen-sensitive stable prostatic PALM cell line. Unlike POS extracts, GBL and ECS extracts showed estrogenic (0.07 and 0.20 nM E2Eq mg(-1), respectively) and anti-estrogenic (0.01 and 0.02 μM ICI182780Eq mg(-1), respectively) activities. ECS extracts evidenced androgenic activity (0.30 nM R1881Eq mg(-1)) and POS extracts anti-androgenic activity (22.30 μM ProcEq mg(-1)). According to these findings, these plant extracts may interfere with the endocrine system via one or more hormonal receptors, and further investigation is warranted into their role as endocrine disrupters in humans.

Anethole suppressed cell survival and induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells independent of estrogen receptor status

BACKGROUND

Many traditional Chinese medicines target the treatment of inflammation which is emerging to be a critical component to cancer development and progression. The key aromatic compound in star anise anethole has demonstrated both anti and pro-cancerous effects depending on the estrogen receptor statuses in individual cell lines. In this study, we investigated the effect of anethole on the physiological responses and specific apoptotic pathways in human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells that are well-characterized to represent estrogen receptor (ER) positivity and its counterpart in breast cancer respectively. How anethole affects the activity and expression of apoptotic caspases, the function of transcriptional factor NF-kB and the relative influence ER exerts on these events are areas of significant research relevance and results may impact the pharmaceutical development of anethole and its use as dietary supplementation.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Initial analyses of physiological responses using MTT and colony formation assays had demonstrated a preferentially suppression of cell survival to cell proliferation in both ER+ and ER- cells when cells were exposed to anethole. Western blot analysis has demonstrated induction of caspase 9 and PARP1/2 cleavage in parallel with elevated expression of c-FLIP (s) and p53. The transcriptional activity of NF-kB, an upstream activator of p53 is suppressed in both cell lines when treated with anethole.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, anethole in an ER independent manner suppresses cell survival and induces apoptotic events in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 at an optimal concentration of 1 × 10(-3)M. In search of alternative compounds for therapeutic development, this study has demonstrated that anethole may be viable as an anti-cancer agent through the modulation of apoptosis, cell survival and proliferation in breast cancer cells.

Phytochemical and biological studies on Saudi Commiphora opobalsamum L

The aerial part of Commiphora opobalsamum L. (Burseraceae) growing in Saudi Arabia was subjected to a phytopharmacological investigation in order to identify its major chemical constituents and to evaluate its extracts and isolated compounds in preliminary in vitro assays for antimicrobial, antimalarial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory (COX-2 inhibition), antioxidant and estrogenic activity. Six compounds were isolated and identified as the triterpenes friedelin, canophyllal, and oleanonic acid; the flavonols mearnsetin and quercetin; and syringic acid. The ethyl acetate extract was moderately active against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Plasmodium falciparum; while the petroleum ether and chloroform extracts inhibited COX-2 at 5 and 10 microg mL(-1), respectively. Of the isolated compounds, syringic acid showed moderate antimalarial, anticandidal, and antimycobacterial activity; while mearnsetin and quercetin exhibited antioxidant activity comparable to ascorbic acid and trolox. This is the first detailed phytochemical investigation of C. opobalsamum L. growing in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. The isolated compounds are reported from this plant for the first time and their full (1)H and (13)C NMR assignments are included.

Anti-aromatase activity of the constituents from damiana (Turnera diffusa)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Damiana (Turnera diffusa Willd. Ex Schult) has traditionally been used as an herbal aphrodisiac.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study was aimed to investigate the anti-aromatse activity and the estrogenic activity of the constituents isolated from Turnera diffusa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The methanolic extract and 24 compounds isolated from the leaves of Turnera diffusa were evaluated for aromatase activity by using a tritiated-water release assay and for estrogenic activity by using yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay.

RESULTS

The methanolic extract demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory activity of the aromatase enzyme with the IC(50) value of 63.1 microg/ml. Among the 24 tested compounds, pinocembrin and acacetin showed the most potent inhibition with IC(50) values of 10.8 and 18.7 microM, respectively. Estrogenic activity was also observed in the extract and three compounds including apigenin 7-glucoside, Z-echinacin and pinocembrin with EC(50) values of 10, 20 and 67 microuM, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The extract of Turnera diffusa and two isolated compounds pinocembrin and acacetin could significantly suppress aromatase activity. Moreover, apigenin 7-glucoside, Z-echinacin and pinocembrin showed estrogenic activity.

Bioassay of estrogenic activity of effluent and influent in a farm wastewater treatment plant using an in vitro recombinant assay with yeast cells

OBJECTIVE

Environmental estrogens at an elevated concentration are known to produce adverse effects on human and animal life. However, the majority of researches have been focused on industrial discharges, while the impact of livestock wastes as a source of endocrine disrupters in aquatic environments has been rarely elucidated. In order to investigate the contribution of environmental estrogens from livestock, the estrogenic activity in water samples from a farm wastewater treatment plant was analyzed by a recombinant yeast screening method.

METHODS

The extracts prepared from 15 selected water samples from the farm wastewater treatment plant, among which 6 samples were from pre-treatment section (influents) and 9 from post-treatment section (effluents), were analyzed for estrogenic activity by cellar bioassay. Yeast cells transfected with the expression plasmid of human estrogen receptor and the Lac Z reporter plasmid encoding beta-galactossidase, were used to measure the estrogen-like compounds in the farm wastewater treatment plant.

RESULTS

The wastewater samples from influents showed a higher estrogenic potency than the effluent samples showing a low induction of beta-galactossidase relative to solvent control condition. By comparison with a standard curve for 17 beta-estradiol (E2), estrogenic potency in water samples from the influents was calculated as E2-equivalent and ranged from 0.1 to 150 pM E2-equivalent. The estrogenic potency in water samples from the effluents was significantly lower than that in the influents, and 7 water samples had less detectable limit in the total of 9 samples.

CONCLUSION

Yeast bioassay of estrogenic activity in most of the samples from the farm wastewater after disposal by traditional sewage treatment showed negative results.

Variability in essential-oil composition of Piper marginatum sensu lato

This paper contains data on the chemical composition of the essential oils of 22 leaf samples of Piper marginatum Jacq. collected in different areas and ecosystems of the brazilian Amazon, as well as an overview of the available literature. The species presents a large synonymy based on their different leaf characteristics and distinct scents where some of them smell like anise or very close compounds. By GC, GC/MS, and cluster analysis, we identified seven chemotypes for the leaf oils. The main components found in chemotype I were safrole (1) and 3,4-(methylenedioxy)propiophenone (2). The chemotype II was dominated by 3,4-(methylenedioxy)propiophenone (2) and p-mentha-1(7),8-diene (10). The major compounds identified in chemotype III were 3,4-(methylenedioxy)propiophenone (2), myristicin (3), (E)-beta-ocimene (11), and gamma-terpinene (12). In the chemotype IV, the principal constituents were beta-caryophyllene (13), alpha-copaene (14), and 3,4-(methylenedioxy)propiophenone (2). The chemotype V was dominated by (E)-isoosmorhizole (6), (E)-anethole (8), and isoosmorhizole (7). The main compounds found in the chemotype VI were 2-methoxy-4,5-(methylenedioxy)propiophenone (4), methoxy-4,5-(methylenedioxy)propiophenone isomer 5, and (E)-isoosmorhizole (6). The major constituents in chemotype VII were beta-caryophyllene (13), bicyclogermacrene (15), and (E)-asarone (9).

Effect of essential oils and isolated compounds from Pimpinella species on NF-kappaB: a target for antiinflammatory therapy

Pimpinella essential oils and isolated compounds were screened for their inhibitory activity against NF-kappaB mediated transcription in SW1353 cells. Twelve oils were effective in inhibiting NF-kappaB mediated transcription. Especially the roots of P. corymbosa, P. tragium and P. rhodanta showed potent activities with IC(50) values of 2, 3 and 6 microg/mL, respectively. Five pure compounds, 7 (4-(2-propenyl)phenylangelate), 12 (4-(3-methyloxiranyl)phenyltiglate), 17 (4-methoxy-2-(3-methyloxiranyl)phenyl isobutyrate), 18 (4-methoxy-2-(3-methyloxiranyl)phenylangelate) and 21 (epoxy pseudoisoeugenol-2-methylbutyrate) inhibited NF-kappaB mediated transcription with IC(50) values of 5.5, 1.2, 0.01, 3.6 and 11 microg/mL, respectively. None of the compounds were cytotoxic to mammalian cells. These findings add significant information to the pharmacological activity of Pimpinella species and their beneficial effects and use in disease prevention especially those related to inflammation.

Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils

Most cases of male prepubertal gynecomastia are classified as idiopathic. We investigated possible causes of gynecomastia in three prepubertal boys who were otherwise healthy and had normal serum concentrations of endogenous steroids. In all three boys, gynecomastia coincided with the topical application of products that contained lavender and tea tree oils. Gynecomastia resolved in each patient shortly after the use of products containing these oils was discontinued. Furthermore, studies in human cell lines indicated that the two oils had estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities. We conclude that repeated topical exposure to lavender and tea tree oils probably caused prepubertal gynecomastia in these boys.

9,10-seco-9,19-Cyclolanostane arabinosides from the roots of Actaea podocarpa

Seven 9,10-seco-9,19-cyclolanostane arabinosides, named podocarpasides A-G (1-7), were isolated from the roots of Actaea podocarpa DC., a species closely related to black cohosh (a well known dietary supplement). Their structures were determined with the help of spectroscopic data including extensive 2D NMR spectroscopy. The isolates were found inactive, when tested for cytotoxic, estrogenic, and antioxidant activities in cell based assays. They were also tested for anticomplement activity against the classical pathway of complement system and only podocarpaside C (3) inhibited modest complement activity with an IC50 value of 200 microM.

Recent advances in the chemistry and biological activities of the Pimpinella species of Turkey

Two new natural products incorporating a phenylpropyl subunit ("phenylpropanoids"), [4-(prop-2-enyl)phenyl angelate and 4-(3-methyloxiranyl)phenyl 2-methylbutyrate], one new bisabolene-type sesquiterpenoid [1-methyl-4-(6-methylhepta-1,5-dien-2-yl)-7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane ("aureane")], and one new trinorsesquiterpene [4-(6-methylbicyclo[4.1.0]hept-2-en-7yl)butan-2-one ("traginone")] have been isolated from the essential oils of Pimpinella species occurring in Turkey, together with nine known phenylpropanoids and other natural products. Six of the known compounds are newly reported for Umbelliferae, whilst one is newly reported for Pimpinella species. Compound structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Isolated compounds were evaluated for antimalarial, antimicrobial, estrogenic, and aphidicidal activities. Pure compounds were also tested for antifungal activity against strawberry anthracnose-causing fungal plant pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae, and C. gloeosporioides using direct bioautography and microdilution broth assays.

Podocarpaside, a Triterpenoid Possessing a New Backbone from Actaea podocarpa

Podocarpaside (1), a novel arabinoside possessing a unique triterpene skeleton was isolated from Actaea podocarpa, a closely related species to black cohosh (dietary supplement used for menopausal disorders). Podocarpaside belongs to a new class of triterpenoids, for which the name "ranunculane" is proposed. Compound 1 possesses anticomplement activity. [structure: see text].

Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis of essential oils from Pimpinella species gathered from Central and Northern Turkey

Essential oils from 15 Pimpinella species were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. One species, Pimpinella anisum, in which only fruits were evaluated, was also included in the study. A total of 140 different compounds were identified and significant qualitative and quantitative differences were observed among the samples. Pimpinella essential oils were characterized as having mono-, sesqui- and trinorsesquiterpenoids, propenylphenols, and pseudoisoeugenols. Trinorsesquiterpenoids and phenylpropanoids appear to be chemical markers of Pimpinella species analyzed thus far. Essential oils obtained from Pimpinella roots share the same principal compound, epoxypseudoisoeugenyl-2-methylbutyrate at concentrations from 20 to 82.6%.

Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis of essential oils from Pimpinella aurea, Pimpinella corymbosa, Pimpinella peregrina and Pimpinella puberula gathered from Eastern and Southern Turkey

Essential oils from fruits, stems and leaves and roots of Pimpinella aurea DC., P. corymbosa Boiss., P. peregrina L. were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Fruits and aerial parts of P. puberula (DC.) Boiss were also evaluated. A total of 140 different compounds were identified, and significant qualitative and quantitative differences were observed among the samples. In fact, the main constituents of each species were different and only the oils extracted from roots shared the same principal compound, epoxy pseudoisoeugenyl-2-methyl butyrate (26.8-42.8%). The other fractions were dominated by different sesquiterpene compounds although in three of them, P. aurea stem and leaves, P. puberula fruits and P. puberula stems and leaves, monoterpene constituents also appear as main ones.