Biologically active compounds from two members of the Asteraceae family: Tragopogon dubius Scop. and Tussilago farfara L

Identification of aldose reductase inhibitors from the flowers of Tussilago farfara using PCN-222 metal-organic framework-based immobilization-free affinity selection coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography

Inhibition of aldose reductase (AR) activity is promising for mitigating diabetic complications. This study proposed a novel screening approach combining PCN-222 metal-organic framework (MOF)-based immobilization-free affinity selection with high-performance liquid chromatography to identify AR inhibitors (ARIs) from natural product extracts. As a proof-of-concept, the AR inhibitory activity of the flowers of Tussilago farfara L. (FTF) was evaluated, and ARIs in FTF were identified using the proposed approach. To validate the screening results, major constituents of FTF were isolated for functional assays, inhibitory kinetics, and interaction mechanisms. The results demonstrated significant inhibitory activity of FTF extracts against AR (IC50 = 3.49 µg/mL), with chlorogenic acid (IC50 = 0.97 µM, Ki = 1.21 µM, Ka = 4.88 × 104 L/mol), isochlorogenic acid A (IC50 = 0.76 µM, Ki = 0.61 µM, Ka = 5.25 × 104 L/mol), isochlorogenic acid C (IC50 = 1.83 µM, Ki = 1.24 µM, Ka = 4.25 × 105 L/mol), and isochlorogenic acid B (IC50 = 0.95 µM, Ki = 0.40 µM, Ka = 3.64 × 104 L/mol) identified using the proposed method, where all exhibited high binding affinity to AR. In contrast, rutin (IC50 = 3.69 µM, Ki = 5.60 µM, Ka = 2.93 × 104 L/mol), despite being confirmed as an ARI, exhibited weaker binding affinity to AR and was not identified by this approach. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for efficiently identifying enzyme inhibitors with high binding affinities, and represent the first application of MOFs in immobilization-free affinity selection screening methods.

Eco-friendly Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Parietaria alsinifolia Extracts and Evaluation of Biological Applications

The current research was conducted to synthesize Parietaria alsinifolia-mediated iron oxide nanoparticles (P.A@FeONPs) using the green and eco-friendly protocol. The biosynthesized P.A@FeONPs were characterized using various approaches like UVs, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and DLS. The mean crystallite size was calculated to be ~ 21.48 nm using the Debye-Scherrer equation. Further, various in vitro biological assays were performed to analyze the therapeutic potentials of FeONPs. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) antioxidant activity was performed to reveal the DPPH radical scavenging potential of P.A@FeONPs and was calculated as 72%. Similarly, the total reducing power was determined as 65.45 ± 1.77%. In addition, P.A@FeONPs exhibited a significant total antioxidant capacity of 87 ± 4.8%. Antibacterial and antifungal assays were performed using the disc diffusion method. Among the different bacterial strains accession (EFB-10-2023 M.B), Rhodococcus jostii has shown the highest zone of inhibition (23.9 mm at 1000 μg/mL), while Escherichia coli displayed a 22.65 mm zone of inhibition at (1000 μg/mL). Similarly, Aspergillus niger exhibited a substantial zone of inhibition (28.75 mm). A brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay revealed the cytotoxicity potential (LC50 244.92 μg/mL). P.A@FeONPs were also tested against red blood cells, HEK-293, and VERO cell lines (< 200 μg/mL) to validate their biocompatibility. An alpha-amylase inhibition assay demonstrated 68.66% inhibition and substantial cytotoxicity against Hep-2 liver cancer cells (IC50 100 μg/mL). In conclusion, P.A@FeONPs have shown significant bioactivities. In the future, we recommend other biological and catalytic activities using different animal models to explore its potential further.

Detection of volatile organic compounds in Farfarae flos using HS-GC-IMS across different flower colors

Farfarae flos is valued for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. This study used headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry to investigate the volatile compounds in various colors of Farfarae flos, including green (G), yellow to white (YW), purplish red to red (PR), and deep purplish red to red (DPR). A total of 92 signal peaks representing 68 identified compounds, which are mainly composed of aldehydes, alcohols, and ketones. The fingerprints showed that the types of volatile compounds in different colors of Farfarae flos were the same, but the contents were different. The PCA further confirmed the clear segregation among the four color categories. The content of volatile compounds is a key determinant of the flavor expressed by flower buds. In this study, the differential flavor compounds of various colors within the Farfarae flos were identified, providing a reference for the selection and breeding of Farfarae flos varieties with desirable flavor qualities.

Effect of chewing hard material on boosting brain antioxidant levels and enhancing cognitive function

Introduction

Chewing has been reported to enhance cognitive function through the increase in cerebral blood flow. However, the mechanisms linking cerebral blood flow increase to metabolic changes in the brain affecting cognition remain unclear. We hypothesized that glutathione (GSH) plays a pivotal role in these mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate changes in brain GSH levels following chewing and their association with cognitive function in healthy young adults.

Methods

A total of 52 university students were recruited, and the Korean version of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status was used for the neurocognitive evaluations. Brain GSH levels following chewing gum or wood blocks were measured using MEscher-GArwood Point RESolved Spectroscopy (MEGA-PRESS) sequence, and their relevance to neurocognitive evaluation results was investigated.

Results

Chewing significantly increased brain GSH concentration, particularly in the wood-chewing group compared to the gum-chewing group, as observed in the anterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, the rise in GSH concentration in the wood-chewing group was positively correlated with memory function.

Conclusion

Chewing moderately hard material elevates brain antioxidant levels such as GSH, potentially influencing cognitive function.

Elucidating the antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic potential of methanolic and water extracts of edible Tragopogon coelesyriacus Boiss

Tragopogon coelesyriacus is a pharmacotherapeutic herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and consumed as a vegetable. Here, the methanolic and water extracts of T. coelesyriacus were obtained from its aboveground parts (stem, leaves, and flowers), and the phytochemical potentials were investigated by LC-HRMS (liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry) analysis for the first time. The antibacterial, antifungal, and anticarcinogenic activities of T. coelesyriacus extracts were investigated using experimental and in silico methods. T. coelesyriacus methanol extract revealed remarkable inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia (MICs = 0.83, 1.67, and 1.67 mg/mL, respectively) compared to Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes (MIC = 53.3 mg/mL). Inhibitory effects of T. coelesyriacus methanolic extracts were also observed in all Candida species tested, with the highest inhibition on Candida krusei (MIC = 0.83 mg/mL), whereas no inhibitory effect was identified from the water extract. Additionally, both T. coelesyriacus methanolic (IC50 = 86 μg/mL) and water (IC50 = 92 μg/mL) extracts revealed significant selective anticarcinogenic effects on AR42J pancreatic cancer cells. HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cells were, however, more resilient to methanol and water extract, respectively. In silico analyses further elucidated the noteworthy antibacterial potential of keracyanin chloride on S. aureus MurB enzyme and the remarkable inhibitory potential of naringin on FYN kinase specific for pancreatic cancer (AR42J) development. In conclusion, T. coelesyriacus phytochemicals with antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties were revealed for the first time, and molecular docking studies on potential targets confirmed good agreement with experimental findings. Therefore, the current studies on T. coelesyriacus provide the basis for investigating new pharmaceutical potentials of other Tragopogon members.

Metabolomic insights and bioactive efficacies of Tragopogon dubius root fractions: Antioxidant and antiproliferative assessments

Tragopogon dubius is commonly consumed as a vegetable and used in traditional medicine for treating inflammatory skin conditions and cutaneous swelling. Despite known pharmacological properties of its leaves and roots, many of its biological characteristics and active phytochemicals remain unexplored. The present study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of methanolic root extracts and isolated fractions (TdRM-1 and TdRM-2) of T. dubius. Utilizing preparative thin-layer chromatography, the crude extract was successfully separated into TdRM-1 and TdRM-2, characterized by GC-MS and FTIR analysis, revealing a diverse range of bioactive compounds including terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, and other phytoconstituents. Advanced UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis identified 54 metabolites, significantly contributing to the chemical profiling of the extract. The antioxidant activities of the fractions were quantitatively assessed using ABTS, DPPH, and superoxide radical scavenging assays, where TdRM-2 exhibited superior activity with IC50 values ranging from 51.29 to 60.03 μg/mL. Anticancer potential was evaluated against A549, LN-18, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, demonstrating that TdRM-2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation with GI50 values as low as 31.62 μg/mL for A549 cells. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy revealed that TdRM-2 induces apoptosis, indicated by changes in nuclear morphology and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining indicate that the TdRM-2 fractions from T. dubius can significantly inhibit the growth of A-549, LN-18, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis These findings suggest that T. dubius root extracts, particularly the TdRM-2 fraction, hold promising therapeutic potential due to their significant antioxidant and anticancer activities, underpinned by their rich phytochemical composition. This study underscores the importance of T. dubius as a source of natural bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.

A Comparative Analysis of the Anatomy, Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tussilago farfara L. Vegetative Organs

Tussilago farfara L., a perennial species, is a medicinal herb used in traditional medicine, mainly for the treatment of respiratory tract-related pathology. In traditional Chinese medicine, flower buds are preferred; in Europe, the leaves are used; and in some parts of India, the whole plant is utilized. This preferential usage of the plant organs might be based on differences in the chemical composition due to environmental conditions, along with preferred traditional and cultural approaches. In this article, the impact of pedoclimatic growth conditions on the morpho-anatomical development and phytochemical profile of the plant were studied on T. farfara in the vegetative state, collected from two different locations in the Romanian spontaneous flora, revealing significant variations. Furthermore, the antioxidant profile of the specific extracts from the aerial and subterranean plant parts is also in accordance with these discrepancies. The plant anatomy was assessed histologically by optical microscopy, while the analytical chemistry evaluation was based on LC/MS and spectral methods for the evaluation of the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activity. To our knowledge, this is the first comparative analysis contextually reporting on the histology, phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity, and geographical location of the vegetative form of T. farfara.

The ethanol extract of flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. attenuates cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation through regulating NLRP3 inflammasome, Nrf2, and NF-κB

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. (Abbreviated as FTF) were widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat respiratory diseases, including asthma, dry throat, great thirst, turbid saliva, stinky pus, and coughs caused by various causes.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of study is to explore the efficiency of FTF in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of lung inflammation, and to illustrate the possible mechanisms of FTF in treating inflammation-related respiratory diseases targeting NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB).

METHODS

Lung inflammation model in vivo was induced by exposure of mice to cigarette smoke (CS) for two weeks. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), inflammatory factors, and histology in lung tissues were investigated in presence or absence of ethanol extract of the flower buds of T. farfara L. (FTF-EtOH). In the cell-based models, nitric oxide (NO) assay, flow cytometry assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa), and glutathione (GSH) assay were used to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of FTF-EtOH. Possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms of FTF targeting NLRP3 inflammasome, Nrf2, and NF-κB have been determined using western blot, quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence assay, nuclear and cytoplasmic extraction, and ubiqutination assay.

RESULTS

FTF-EtOH suppressed CS-induced overproduction of inflammatory factors [e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)], and upregulation of the content of intracellular MDA in the lung homogenate of mice. In cell-based models, FTF-EtOH reduced the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced overproduction of inflammatory factors, and attenuated the CS extract-induced overgeneration of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, FTF-EtOH up-regulated Nrf2 and its downstream genes through enhancing the stability of Nrf2 protein, and inhibited the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome, which have been confirmed by detecting the protein levels in the mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

FTF-EtOH effectively attenuated lung inflammation in vitro and in vivo. The protection of FTF-EtOH against inflammation was produced by activation of Nrf2 and inhibitions of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome. These datas definitely support the ethnopharmacological use of FTF as an anti-inflammatory drug for treating respiratory diseases in TCM.

A review of the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Tussilago farfara L. (coltsfoot)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tussilago farfara L. (commonly called coltsfoot), known as a vital folk medicine, have long been used to treat various respiratory disorders and consumed as a vegetable in many parts of the world since ancient times.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to provide a critical evaluation of the current knowledge on the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of coltsfoot, thus provide a basis for further investigations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A detailed literature search was obtained using various online search engines (e.g. Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Baidu Scholar, PubMed and CNKI). Additional information was sourced from ethnobotanical literature focusing on Chinese and European flora. The plant synonyms were validated by the database 'The Plant List' (www.theplantlist.org).

RESULTS

Coltsfoot has diverse uses in local and traditional medicine, but similarities have been noticed, specifically for relieving inflammatory conditions, respiratory and infectious diseases in humans. Regarding its pharmacological activities, many traditional uses of coltsfoot are supported by modern in vitro or in vivo pharmacological studies such as anti-inflammatory activities, neuro-protective activity, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant activity. Quantitative analysis (e.g. GC-MS, UHPLC-MRM^HR) indicated the presence of a rich (>150) pool of chemicals, including sesquiterpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, chromones, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and others from its leaves and buds. In addition, adverse events have resulted from a collection of the wrong plant which contains PAs that became the subject of public concern attributed to their highly toxic.

CONCLUSIONS

So far, remarkable progress has been witnessed in phytochemistry and pharmacology of coltsfoot. Thus, some traditional uses have been well supported and clarified by modern pharmacological studies. Discovery of therapeutic natural products and novel structures in plants for future clinical and experimental studies are still a growing interest. Furthermore, well-designed studies in vitro particularly in vivo are required to establish links between the traditional uses and bioactivities, as well as ensure safety before clinical use. In addition, the good botanical identification of coltsfoot and content of morphologically close species is a precondition for quality supervision and control. Moreover, strict quality control measures are required in the studies investigating any aspect of the pharmacology and chemistry of coltsfoot.

Metabolic fingerprinting, antioxidant characterization, and enzyme-inhibitory response of Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) A. DC. extracts

BACKGROUND

Ethnobotanical and plant-based products allow for the isolation of active constituents against a number of maladies. Monotheca buxifolia is used by local communities due to its digestive and laxative properties, as well as its ability to cure liver, kidney, and urinary diseases. There is a need to explore the biological activities and chemical constituents of this medicinal plant.

METHODS

In this work, the biochemical potential of M. buxifolia (Falc.) A. DC was explored and linked with its biological activities. Methanol and chloroform extracts from leaves and stems were investigated for total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was used to determine secondary-metabolite composition, while high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) was used for polyphenolic quantification. In addition, we carried out in vitro assays to determine antioxidant potential and the enzyme-inhibitory response of M. buxifolia extracts.

RESULTS

Phenolics (91 mg gallic-acid equivalent (GAE)/g) and flavonoids (48.86 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g) exhibited their highest concentration in the methanol extract of stems and the chloroform extract of leaves, respectively. UHPLC-MS analysis identified a number of important phytochemicals, belonging to the flavonoid, phenolic, alkaloid, and terpenoid classes of secondary metabolites. The methanol extract of leaves contained a diosgenin derivative and polygalacin D, while kaempferol and robinin were most abundant in the chloroform extract. The methanol extract of stems contained a greater peak area for diosgenin and kaempferol, whereas this was true for lucidumol A and 3-O-cis-coumaroyl maslinic acid in the chloroform extract. Rutin, epicatechin, and catechin were the main phenolics identified by HPLC-PDA analysis. The methanol extract of stems exhibited significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical-scavenging activities (145.18 and 279.04 mmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g, respectively). The maximum cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) (361.4 mg TE/g), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (247.19 mg TE/g), and total antioxidant potential (2.75 mmol TE/g) were depicted by the methanol extract of stems. The methanol extract of leaves exhibited stronger inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glucosidase, while the chloroform extract of stems was most active against butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (4.27 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g). Similarly, the highest tyrosinase (140 mg kojic-acid equivalent (KAE)/g) and amylase (0.67 mmol acarbose equivalent (ACAE)/g) inhibition was observed for the methanol extract of stems.

CONCLUSIONS

UHPLC-MS analysis and HPLC-PDA quantification identified a number of bioactive secondary metabolites of M. buxifolia, which may be responsible for its antioxidant potential and enzyme-inhibitory response. M. buxifolia can be further explored for the isolation of its active components to be used as a drug.

Antibacterial, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activity capacities of Doronicum macrolepis (FREYN&SINT): An endemic plant from Turkey

In the present study, the antioxidant, enzyme inhibition (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and cholinesterase) and antimicrobial (MIC) activities of three different solvent (ethanol, methanol, or ethyl acetate) extracts of stem, root, and flower of Doronicum macrolepis plant were investigated. In addition to this, the chemical composition and the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil were determined. Antioxidant activity was detected using ABTS and DPPH assays. Antimicrobial activity evaluated by microdilution method against to nineteen microorganisms. Also, enzyme inhibition activities were determined by colorimetric methods. Essential oil of the plant extracted by hydrodistilation and characterized using GC/MS. The antioxidant properties of the flower were determined to be higher than those of the other segments of this plant. Moreover, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also found to be higher in the flower parts. The highest enzyme inhibition activity was observed to be α-amylase (221.54 mmol ACAE/g extract) in flower ethylacetate extract, α-glucosidase (15.32 mmol ACAE/g extract) in flower ethanol extract, and cholinesterase (AChE: 2.4 and BChE: 22.35 mg GALE/g extract) in stem ethylacetate extract. Besides them, the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was found to be higher than the extracts. It showed a high level of inhibition especially on E. coli at 4 µg/ml concentration. Moreover, remarkable inhibition was observed for two candida strains tested. In conclusion, the results suggest that, because of its bioactivity including the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibition properties, the D. macrolepis can be accepted as a promising and natural source for the industrial applications. The present study is the first study, in which the bioactive components and the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibition properties of endemic D. macrolepis plant were determined.

Qualitative Fingerprint Analysis and Multidirectional Assessment of Different Crude Extracts and Essential Oil from Wild Artemisia santonicum L

Artemisia species are used as folk medicines in several countries. This work was aimed to shed more light on the effect of methanol, water, ethyl acetate extracts, and essential oil (EO) of A. santonicum on selected enzymes (cholinesterase, tyrosinase α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) as well of their antioxidant and pharmacological effects. The chemical profile of the essential oil was determined using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, while the extracts were chemically characterized by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Forty-nine constituents were identified and camphor (36.6%), 1,8-cineole (10.2%), α-thujone (10.1%), borneol (4.5%), and β-thujone (3.6%) were the major components. Overall, 45, 74, and 67 components were identified from the ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts, respectively. The EO and extracts showed significant antioxidant properties, in a cell-free model; particularly, methanol and water extracts revealed promising sources of antioxidant compounds. Additionally, we evaluated protective effects of EO and extracts in isolated rat colon tissue challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as an ex vivo model of colon inflammation, and human colon cancer HCT116 cell line. Particularly, we observed that, among all tested samples, A. santonicum ethyl acetate displayed the best pharmacological profile, being able to blunt LPS-induced levels of all tested biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress, including colon nitrites, lactate dehydrogenase, prostaglandin E2, and serotonin. Additionally, this extract was also able to reduce HCT116 cell viability, thus suggesting potential antiproliferative effects against colon cancer cells. Based on our results, A. santonicum has great potential for developing novel functional agents including pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

Spondias mombim L. (Anacardiaceae): Chemical fingerprints, inhibitory activities, and molecular docking on key enzymes relevant to erectile dysfunction and Alzheimer's diseases

Due to the exceptional wide range in biochemical activities of natural plant products, Spondias mombim L. are attaining a new height because they present great prospects for drug advancement. This research was designed to analyze the pharmaceutical properties of S. mombim L. ethyl acetate fraction (SMEAF) on key enzymes relevant to erectile and cognitive dysfunction. SMEAF inhibitory activities of the specified enzymes were determined spectrophotometrically. Chemical profile of SMEAF were assessed by HPLC/MS analysis. Thereafter, molecular docking of the studied enzymes with chlorogenic acid, lutein, and zeaxanthin were carried out using PATCHDOCK. SMEAF had remarkable enzyme inhibitory effects against phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), arginase, angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), cholinesterase, monoamine oxidase A (MAO), ecto-5' nucleotidase (E-NTDase), tyrosinase, and stimulated sodium-potassium ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase) activities. HPLC/MS analysis revealed that phenolics and carotenoids were major components in these fraction notably, chlorogenic acid, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Our results suggested that SMEAF could be explored as phytopharmaceuticals. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Spondias mombim L. are cooked as green vegetable with enormous medicinal value probably due to its polyphenols with potent antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the leaves could also be useful for therapeutic purposes against erectile dysfunction and central nervous system disorders.