Identification of fatty acid esters and hydrocarbon derivatives fromCyrtocarpa proceraKunth by GC–MS

Production of Plant-Associated Volatiles by Select Model and Industrially Important Streptomyces spp

The Streptomyces produce a great diversity of specialized metabolites, including highly volatile compounds with potential biological activities. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by nine Streptomyces spp., some of which are of industrial importance, were collected and identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) present in the genomes of the respective Streptomyces spp. were also predicted to match them with the VOCs detected. Overall, 33 specific VOCs were identified, of which the production of 16 has not been previously reported in the Streptomyces. Among chemical classes, the most abundant VOCs were terpenes, which is consistent with predicted biosynthetic capabilities. In addition, 27 of the identified VOCs were plant-associated, demonstrating that some Streptomyces spp. can also produce such molecules. It is possible that some of the VOCs detected in the current study have roles in the interaction of Streptomyces with plants and other higher organisms, which might provide opportunities for their application in agriculture or industry.

Comparison of Biological Properties of Two Medicinal Extracts of the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Valley

In the Valley of Tehuacan-Cuicatlan, Cyrtocarpa procera and Bursera morelensis are located and are used in traditional medicine. In this research, several biological properties were evaluated. The methanol extracts of C. procera (MeCp) and B. morelensis (MeBm) were obtained by maceration. The antibacterial activities of the extracts were evaluated by the Kirby–Baüer disc-diffusion method. The wound healing activity was evaluated by histopathological analysis. Both extracts had a bacteriostatic effect in the Staphylococcus aureus (MeCp MIC = 0.25 mg/mL and MeBm MIC = 1 mg/mL) and the Vibrio cholerae (MeCp MIC = 1 mg/mL and MeBm MIC = 4 mg/mL). Both extracts demonstrated a wound healing efficacy similar to the reference standard (Recoveron). They also showed a high antioxidant capacity (MeCp SC₅₀ = 5.75 μg/mL and MeBm SC₅₀ = 4.27 μg/mL). These results are related to the concentration of phenols (MeCp = 166 and MeBm = 236.6 mg GAe/g) and flavonoids of MeCp = 16 and MeBm = 22 μg Qe/g. Both extracts, acting in a similar way in microorganisms that cause infection thanks to their antioxidant activity, favor the healing of wounds. This is the first study in which the biological properties of these two species are compared.

Gastroprotective Mechanism and Ulcer Resolution Effect of Cyrtocarpa procera Methanolic Extract on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Injury

Gastric ulcers are a worldwide health problem and their poor healing is one of the most important causes for their recurrence. We have previously reported the remarkable gastroprotective and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of the methanolic extract (CpMet) of Cyrtocarpa procera bark. This work investigates, in a murine model, the CpMet gastroprotective mechanism and establishes its preclinical efficacy in the resolution of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. The results showed that the gastroprotective activity of CpMet is mainly associated with endogenous NO and prostaglandins, followed by sulfhydryl groups and K_ATP channels. Furthermore, CpMet (300 mg/kg, twice a day) orally administered during 20 consecutive days promoted an ulcer area reduction of 62.65% at the 20th day of the treatment. The effect was confirmed macroscopically by the alleviation of gastric mucosal erosions and microscopically by an increase in mucin content and a reduction in the inflammatory infiltration at the site of the ulcer. No clinical symptoms or signs of toxicity were observed in the treated animals. The results indicate the safety and efficacy of CpMet in promoting high quality of ulcer healing by different mechanisms, but mostly through cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a promising phytodrug for ulcer treatment.

Contribution to the ethnopharmacological and anti-Helicobacter pylori knowledge of Cyrtocarpa procera Kunth (Anacardiaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cyrtocarpa procera Kunth (Anacardiaceae) is a Mexican endemic tree; its bark has been traditionally employed in Mexico since prehispanic times to relieve digestive disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To perform an acute evaluation of the toxicity, gastroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the anti-Helicobacter pylori action of C. procera bark extracts, in order to determine polypharmalcological activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five different polarity extracts (hexanic, CH(2)Cl(2), CH(2)Cl(2)-MeOH, methanolic, and aqueous) were prepared. Each of them was evaluated in the following acute mice models: toxicity Lorke test, ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, TPA-induced ear edema; and the in vitro anti-H. pylori activity with a broth dilution method.

RESULTS

None of the extracts were toxic under acute administration. The methanolic, hexanic, and aqueous extracts possess remarkable gastroprotective activity. All the extracts inhibit H. pylori growth, being the hexanic the most active, and only this one showed significant anti-inflammatory effect.

CONCLUSIONS

This work demonstrates that C. procera bark has polypharmacological activities; which makes it a promising asset to the development of an integral treatment for gastritis or peptic ulcer related or not to H. pylori. Our findings contribute to the ethnopharmacological knowledge about this species.

Anti-ulcer activity of Cyrtocarpa procera analogous to that of Amphipterygium adstringens, both assayed on the experimental gastric injury in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The bark of Amphipterygium adstringens (Aa) is commonly mixed or adulterated with the bark of Cyrtocarpa procera (Cp) and sold in Mexican markets. Aa is a well known species in Mexico used as decoction to relieve ulcers. Scientific reports reinforcing the anti-ulcer activity of Aa have been previously described, but those describing the anti-ulcer properties of Cp as a substitute for Aa in folk medicine are scarce.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate anatomical and phytochemical differences between these species, as well as to assess the anti-ulcer effect of Cp extracts in comparison to the Aa extracts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Anatomical micro-technique and physical and spectroscopic data were used to analyze differences between Cp and Aa. Regard to the pharmacological activity, it was assessed by using the ethanol-induced gastric damage model in rats.

RESULTS

Whereas the bark anatomy of Aa was characterized by vertical canals in the periderm and the rare occurrence of fibers in its phloem, a periderm without vertical canals and abundant fibers in the phloem were distinctive features of Cp. Phytochemical analysis allowed the identification of tirucallane, masticadienonic and 3α-hydroxymasticadienonic acids as major components in Aa, while β-amyrin and β-sitosterol were obtained from Cp. Gastric lesions observed in the control group decreased in the presence of 100mg/kg of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from the normal or regenerated bark of Cp, thus resembling the anti-ulcer effect of Aa. Nevertheless, major anti-ulcer potency was observed with the most active methanol extract from Cp obtained from normal [the effective dose fifty ED(50)=45.54 mg/kg] or regenerated (ED(50)=36.68 mg/kg) bark in comparison to Aa (ED(50)=115.64 mg/kg).

CONCLUSION

Chemical and anatomical differences were found between these species, but since the anti-ulcer activity of Cp is similar to that shown by Aa our results reinforce the use of both species for the relief of gastric ulcer in folk medicine.