Role of the flavonoid-rich fraction in the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Bauhinia forficata Link. (Fabaceae) leaves extract

The Effect of Bauhinia bowkeri Extracts on Hypercholesterolemia: Insights from In Vitro and In Silico Investigations

Despite the many current cholesterol-lowering drugs on the market, the persistent surge of hypercholesterolemic-related complications ignites a fascinating search for the discovery of novel therapeutics. This study aimed at investigating the anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of Bauhinia bowkeri extracts. The plant material was sequentially extracted with n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and 70% ethanol. The phytochemical constituents of the extracts were analyzed through GC-MS and the antioxidant activity of the extracts was screened against a wide range of free radicals (ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl radical, and nitric oxide). The extracts were also screened for the metal iron chelating and reducing power potential. The enzyme inhibitory activity of the extracts on pancreatic lipase, cholesterol esterase, and HMG-CoA reductase as well as the bile acid binding capacity were evaluated. Among the total of 122 compounds detected in the three extracts, only 7 compounds (E-15-Heptadecenal, Diethyl Phthalate, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid ethyl ester, (Z,Z) Tetradecane 5-methyl, and Octadecane 5-methyl) were found to be common in all the extracts. The extract displayed a varying degree of efficiency on free radicals with IC50 values ranging from 0.07 mg/mL to 0.41 mg/mL. A concentration-dependent inhibition of pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase activities, along with a reduction in the bile-binding capacity exhibited by the extracts, was noted. In silico investigations of some of the phytoconstituent revealed significant inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, cyclooxygenase, and hormone-sensitive lipase with a binding affinity that ranged between -5.1 and -7.0 kcal/mol. These findings suggest that Bauhinia bowkeri extracts possess potential antioxidant and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties.

Phytochemical screening of Zanthoxylum armatum roots and exploring its polyphenol content and antioxidant activity

The objective of the article is to investigate the chemical composition of Zanthoxylum armatum roots methanolic extract and to evaluate the polyphenol content and antioxidant potential. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography - Photo Diode Array (HPLC-PDA) techniques were used to characterize chemical composition of methanolic extract of roots. The GC-MS analysis extract resulted in the isolation of thirty-seven phytochemical constituents in methanol extracts. The root extracts were strongly characterized by 1-Propene, 2-nitro-3-(1-cyclooctenyl), (2E,4E)-N-Isobutyldodeca-2,4-dienamide, (+)- Seasmin and Paulowin. The phenolic composition of the root extract quantified by using HPLC revealed Ascorbic acid as most abundant polyphenol, followed by Gallic acid, Chlorogenic acid, Epigallocatechin gallate, Vanillic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, while Caffeic acid was the recorded as least. In addition, root extract also showed the presence of antioxidant activity (DPPH Free radical scavenging, Metal Chelating and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Activity) and polyphenol content (Total Phenol, Flavonoid, and Tannin Content).

Phytochemical Screening Using LC-MS to Study Antioxidant and Toxicity Potential of Methanolic Extracts of Atraphaxis pyrifolia Bunge

Atraphaxis pyrifolia, a native medicinal plant of Central Asia, has a long history of traditional medicinal use; however, scientific research on its phytochemical and biological properties remains scarce. This paper aims to elucidate its chemical profile and assess its pharmacological potential through a comprehensive investigation of the phytochemical composition of stems and leaves using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), in conjunction with the assessment of its antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS) and cytotoxicity test on Artemia salina. Predominantly, glycosylated flavonoids were detected in stems and leaves extracts, notably including 8-Acetoxy-3',4',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-7-methoxy-3-α-L-rhamno-pyranosyloxyflavone, pyrifolin, and dehydroxypyrifolin. While the latter compound is exclusive to A. pyrifolia, the former compounds serve as shared chemical markers with other Atraphaxis species. The methanolic extracts of A. pyrifolia leaves exhibited significant antioxidant capacity without toxicity against Artemia salina. This study contributes to current research through providing valuable insights into the chemical diversity and potential medicinal properties of this plant species.

Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity of Linum trigynum

In this study, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), secondary metabolite composition (LC-HRMS/MS analyses) and antioxidant potential (DPPH, ABTS, GOR, CUPRAC, and phenanthroline assays) of Linum trigynum L. (LT) extracts were determined. Our results showed for the first time that the extracts (PE, CHCl3, AcOEt, and n-BuOH) of LT exert antioxidant activity. The AcOEt and n-BuOH extracts were the most antioxidant compared to the standards, and had a higher amount of TPC (323.51 ± 0.62; 229.98 ± 6.80 µg GAE/mL) and TFC (183.75 ± 1.17 and 157.50 ± 1.77 µg QE/mL), resectively. The high antioxidant properties of these extracts may be due to their major compounds (phenolic compounds) detected by LC-HRMS/MS analyses including flavonoids (40 compounds) and phenolic acids and derivatives (18 and 19 compounds, respectively). AcOEt and n-BuOH extracts of LT can be used as an excellent source of antioxidant phytochemicals to prevent or treat various diseases.

Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of five species of Bauhinia genus: A review

Genus Bauhinia has been widely used in the treatment of diabetes, malaria, cough, headache, fever, piles, dysentery, flatulence, diarrhoea, ulcer and cardiovascular problems. Among 600 species of this genus, Bauhinia variegata, B. purpurea, B. championii, B. racemosa, and B. forficata are commonly used in the traditional medicine and found to be throughly investigated for their medicinal properties. They possess diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, fibrinolytic, and wound healing properties and most of the biological activities are corelating with traditional knowledge. Phytochemical analysis indicated that steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids are prominent in the selected species, whereas bauhiniastatins, bauhinoxepins, racemosols, roseosides, and bauhichamines are found unique to the genus. This review aims to decipher active molecules from the aforementioned species of Bauhinia covering comprehensive analysis of phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and traditional uses. The data has been carefully analyzed to find compounds or fractions with a translational value. In most of the cases, the pharmacological activities have been established, however, further studies are needed such as safety evaluations, target identification, bioavailability, metabolite identification, and pharmacokinetic properties. In conclusion, the pharmacological potential of Bauhinia plants show promise with various leads such as insulin-like protein, roseoside, bauhiniastatin, and melibiose binding lectin. However, further investigations are required to address existing gaps and advance them towards product development. This review will lay the groundwork for future research initiatives aimed at fully realizing the therapeutic potential of Bauhinia plants.

Primary and Secondary Metabolites in Lotus japonicus

Lotus japonicus is a leguminous model plant used to gain insight into plant physiology, stress response, and especially symbiotic plant-microbe interactions, such as root nodule symbiosis or arbuscular mycorrhiza. Responses to changing environmental conditions, stress, microbes, or insect pests are generally accompanied by changes in primary and secondary metabolism to account for physiological needs or to produce defensive or signaling compounds. Here we provide an overview of the primary and secondary metabolites identified in L. japonicus to date. Identification of the metabolites is mainly based on mass spectral tags (MSTs) obtained by gas chromatography linked with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) or liquid chromatography-MS/MS (LC-MS/MS). These MSTs contain retention index and mass spectral information, which are compared to databases with MSTs of authentic standards. More than 600 metabolites are grouped into compound classes such as polyphenols, carbohydrates, organic acids and phosphates, lipids, amino acids, nitrogenous compounds, phytohormones, and additional defense compounds. Their physiological effects are briefly discussed, and the detection methods are explained. This review of the exisiting literature on L. japonicus metabolites provides a valuable basis for future metabolomics studies.

"Cow's Hoof" (Bauhinia L., Leguminosae): A Review on Pharmacological Properties of Austral South American Species

The genus Bauhinia s.l. (Leguminosae), known as cow's hoof, unha de boi or pata de vaca, has been used in traditional medicine worldwide. The aim of the present review is to summarize the studies published on the biological activity of the main native medicinal species reported in austral South America. Of the 14 species present in the region, 10 are consumed as leaf infusions to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and to treat various diseases. Pharmacological properties have been recorded in seven species. Antioxidant, anticoagulant, antihypertensive, diuretic, antimicrobial and antitumor properties have been reported in B. forficata. Together with B. holophylla, they are important for their antidiabetic properties, since several studies indicate their effectiveness as a hypoglycemic agent. B. bauhinioides is distinguished for its anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities and S. microstachya for its analgesic properties. Anti-ulcer and wound healing activities recorded in B. holophylla and B. ungulata, respectively, are of particular interest. Most of the species possess antitumor activity. The antioxidant capacity of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds make these plants good candidates to assist or treat various alterations related with oxidative stress, such as diabetic complications. Thus, these species constitute promising targets for new bioactive substance research and phytotherapy.

Elucidation of the potential antioxidant compound and mechanism of mung bean using network pharmacology and in vitro anti-oxidative activity

Mung bean is rich in bioactive components, but the main compound and pharmacological mechanism in reducing oxidative and free radical damage are unclear. Network pharmacology and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities were employed to uncover the antioxidant mechanism of potentially active compounds, considering the interactions between mung bean targets and oxidative and free radical damage. These key targets were analyzed by protein–protein interactions (PPIs), and key genes were used to find the biological pathway and therapeutic mechanism by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The results showed that five antioxidant components and 18 mung bean targets were screened. β-carotene and vitexin both played a crucial role in mung bean against oxidative and free radical damage, and the ABTS radical scavenging activities of β-carotene and vitexin were 94.84 and 87.79%, which were equivalent to those of vitamin C. Key targets may be AR, HSP90AA1, MYC, and CASP3 for mung bean to exert antioxidant activity. GO and KEGG indicated that mung bean may mainly act on thyroid hormone signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, etc. In vitro antioxidant activity tests showed that the bioactive ingredients of mung beans had great antioxidant activity. Network pharmacology analysis also revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms of oxidative and free radical damage. This study provides new insights and evidence to explore the bioactive compounds and biological functions of food cereals and legumes, as well as a reference for the functional evaluation of food ingredients and the development of functional foods.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Colon Cancer Activities of Mung Bean Grown in Burkina Faso

Widely used in traditional medicine in Asia and recently introduced in Burkina Faso under the name Beng-tigré, mung bean is a legume consumed throughout the world and more so in India. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the mung bean grown and consumed in Burkina Faso and to study its biological properties such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity of the natural and sprouted seeds. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested on Artemia salina larvae, and the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro by albumin denaturation method using diclofenac as reference molecule. The anticancer activity of hydro-ethanol extracts was evaluated on rats made cancerous with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) using 5-fluorouracil as reference molecule. The results showed that the highest yield of the plant extraction was observed with the hydro-ethanol solvent, both for the natural form of mung bean (MBN) and for its sprouted form (MBG). The cytotoxicity test showed no toxicity of the extracts toward shrimp larvae. The ethanolic extract of germinated mung bean seeds gave the highest anti-inflammatory activity at 95.13 ± 0.22% inhibition with significant difference (p < 0.05) between the extracts. Cancer induction with DMH was inhibited by both MBN and MBG extracts. The test of preventive effects of the extracts showed the best activity with significant difference in biochemical results. These results confirm that the mung bean grown in Burkina Faso, as a nontoxic legume, is a functional food that can be integrated into the population's dietary habits for a double interest. Moreover, they open perspectives for the research of active principles of plant origin with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

Flavonoid-Rich Fractions of Bauhinia holophylla Leaves Inhibit Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Hyphae Growth

This study evaluated the effect of the extract and fractions of Bauhinia holophylla on Candida albicans planktonic growth, biofilm formation, mature biofilm, and hyphae growth. Three C. albicans strains (SC5314, ATCC 18804, and ATCC 10231) were tested. The crude extract and the fractions were obtained by exhaustive percolation and liquid–liquid partition, respectively. Phytochemical analyses of B. holophylla extract and fractions were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). A microdilution assay was used to evaluate the effect of the B. holophylla extract and fractions on C. albicans planktonic growth, and crystal violet staining was used to measure the total biomass of the biofilm. Hyphae growth was analyzed using light microscopy. Thirteen flavonoids were identified, with a predominance of the flavonol-3-O-glycoside type based on quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol. Flavonoid-rich fractions of B. holophylla leaves displayed antifungal activity and inhibited both biofilm formation and hyphae growth in all the tested strains, but were not effective on C. albicans planktonic growth and mature biofilm. This study indicates that flavonoid-rich fractions from B. holophylla leaves interfere with the virulence of Candida species and support the use of Bauhinia spp. in folk medicine to treat infections.

Artemisia absinthium L. Aqueous and Ethyl Acetate Extracts: Antioxidant Effect and Potential Activity In Vitro and In Vivo against Pancreatic α-Amylase and Intestinal α-Glucosidase

Artemisia absinthium L. is one of the plants which has been used in folk medicine for many diseases over many centuries. This study aims to analyze the chemical composition of the Artemisia absinthium ethyl acetate and its aqueous extracts and to evaluate their effect on the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme and the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme. In this study, the total contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in ethyl acetate and the aqueous extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves were determined by using spectrophotometric techniques, then the antioxidant capacity of these extracts was examined using three methods, namely, the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method, the iron reduction method FRAP, and the β-carotene bleaching method. The determination of the chemical composition of the extracts was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography-the photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD). These extracts were also evaluated for their ability to inhibit the activity of the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme, as well as the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme, in vitro and in vivo, thus causing the reduction of blood glucose. The results of this study showed that high polyphenol and flavonoid contents were obtained in ethyl acetate extract with values of 60.34 ± 0.43 mg GAE/g and 25.842 ± 0.241 mg QE/g, respectively, compared to the aqueous extract. The results indicated that the aqueous extract had a higher condensed tannin content (3.070 ± 0.022 mg EC/g) than the ethyl acetate extract (0.987 ± 0.078 mg EC/g). Ethyl acetate extract showed good DPPH radical scavenging and iron reduction FRAP activity, with an IC₅₀ of 0.167 ± 0.004 mg/mL and 0.923 ± 0.0283 mg/mL, respectively. The β-carotene test indicated that the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts were able to delay the decoloration of β-carotene with an inhibition of 48.7% and 48.3%, respectively, which may mean that the extracts have antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of naringenin and caffeic acid as major products in AQE and EAE, respectively. Indeed, this study showed that the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts significantly inhibited the pancreatic α-amylase and intestinal α-glucosidase, in vitro. To confirm this result, the inhibitory effect of these plant extracts on the enzymes has been evaluated in vivo. Oral intake of the aqueous extract significantly attenuated starch- and sucrose-induced hyperglycemia in normal rats, and evidently, in STZ-diabetic rats as well. The ethyl acetate extract had no inhibitory activity against the intestinal α-glucosidase enzyme in vivo. The antioxidant and the enzyme inhibitory effects may be related to the presence of naringenin and caffeic acid or their synergistic effect with the other compounds in the extracts.

Safety assessment of Bauhinia cheilantha Bong. Steud leaves extract: acute, sub-acute toxicity, antioxidant, and antihemolytic evaluations

Bauhinia cheilantha (Fabaceae), known popularly as pata-de-vaca and mororó has been largely recommended treating several diseases in folk medicine. However, information on safe doses and use is still scarce. The goal was to evaluate in-vitro antioxidant and antihemolytic and also acute and sub-acute toxicity effects of hydroalcoholic extract from B. cheilantha leaves (HaEBcl). The identification of the compounds in the HaEBcl was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antioxidant and hemolytic activity of HaEBcl was evaluated in vitro. To study acute toxicity, female mice received HaEBcl in a single dose of 300 and 2.000 mg/kg. Later, sub-acute toxicity was introduced in both female and male mice by oral gavage at 300, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg for 28 consecutive days. Hematological and biochemical profiles were created from the blood as well as from histological analysis of the liver. HaEBcl is rich in flavonoids (quercitrin and afzelin), has no hemolytic effects and moderate antioxidant effects in vitro. Acute toxicity evaluation showed that lethal dose (LD₅₀) of HaEBcl was over 2000 mg/kg. Sub-acute toxicity testing elicited no clinical signs of toxicity, morbidity, or mortality. The hematological and biochemical parameters discounted any chance of hepatic or kidney toxicity. Furthermore, histopathological data did not reveal any disturbance in liver morphology in treated mice. Results indicate that HaEBcl has no hemolytic and moderate antioxidant effects in vitro. In addition, HaEBcl dosage levels up to 2000 mg/kg are nontoxic and can be considered safe for mammals.

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties and Antimicrobial Activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis of Euphorbia tirucalli Extracts in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam

Euphorbia tirucalli is a medicine plant possessing many bioactive properties. This paper focused on phytochemical screening (alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tannin, and anthraquinone), quantification of polyphenol and flavonoids, and activating evaluation of antioxidants and antimicrobial properties against Xanthomonas axonopodis of different extracts from Euphorbia tirucalli grown in Binh Thuan, Vietnam. The best activity fraction was used for purification and determining bioactive ingredients. The results showed that the phytochemical study revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids in the ethyl acetate fraction. Saponin and anthraquinone did not present in all extracts. The content of polyphenol and flavonoid of Euphorbia tirucalli stem was in the range of 16.65–106.32 mg EqAG/g and 97.97–450.83 μg QE/g. The ethyl acetate fraction showed higher amounts of polyphenol and flavonoids and antimicrobial activity against X. axonopodis than other fractions. The antioxidant (SC50) activity of Euphorbia tirucalli stem was in the range of 12.91 ± 0.70 and 528.33 ± 25.15 μg/mL. At concentrations of 5.0 and 7.5 mg/mL, the diameter of inhibition of the ethyl acetate fraction was 14.33 ± 0.76 mm and 17.87 ± 0.57 mm, respectively. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) was 0.156 mg/mL. Scopoletin, gallic acid, and piperic acid got MICs corresponding to 78, 312, and 312 μg/mL, respectively. Scopoletin, gallic acid, and piperic acid were found in the ethyl acetate fraction of Euphorbia tirucalli and exhibited the treatment of citrus bacteria canker and plant diseases.

Therapeutic Potential of Bauhinia forficata Link in Dental Biofilm Treatment

The oral cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and anti-demineralizing effects of a tincture from Bauhinia forficata Link tincture (BFLT) were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo. Susceptibility tests (minimum inhibitory and microbicidal concentrations-MIC and time-kill assay-MMC) were performed against planktonic oral microorganisms. The contents of phenolic compounds were investigated. Cytotoxic potential was evaluated on oral fibroblasts after 1-5 min exposure to BFLT. Blocks of sound bovine enamel (N = 60) were inoculated with a saliva pool and sustained in a multiple plaque growth system for 48 h to form a biofilm. Biofilm blocks were randomly divided into groups-G (n = 10): G1-Baseline (48 h maturation biofilm), G2-BFLT 23.2 mg/mL, G3-Ethanol 81.20 g/mL, G4-Chlorhexidine 0.12%, G5-Growth control, and G6-Blank control. Treatments (50 μL/1 min) were performed once a day for a week. Streptococcus spp. (S) and total microorganism (TM) counts were expressed as Log₁₀ CFU/mL. Biofilm height was evaluated by confocal microscopy analyses (CMA). Final surface hardness was assessed and percentage of microhardness loss (% MHL) was calculated. Results were significant when P < .05. BFLT inhibited all tested microorganisms (MIC = 1.3-23.2 mg/mL) and promoted optical reduction (0.05-0.22 nm) of all microorganisms after 48-h treatment compared with controls. After 5-min treatment, BFLT showed low values of cell death (3.20%). G2-BFLT reduced S (6.61 ± 0.20) and TM (7.14 ± 0.38) compared with G1-Baseline (S = 7.82 ± 0.28; TM = 8.81 ± 0.67) and G5-Growth control (S = 7.48 ± 0.39; TM = 7.89 ± 0.68); but G4-chlororexidine (S = 6.11 ± 0.48; TM = 6.45 ± 0.16) showed the highest antibiofilm activity. CMA was not different among treatment groups. G2 showed lower % MHL compared with G5, although G4 presented the lowest. Results suggest BFLT is beneficial against dental caries, showing antimicrobial effects against a mature dental biofilm and no cytotoxicity.

The Contribution of Carotenoids, Phenolic Compounds, and Flavonoids to the Antioxidative Properties of Marine Microalgae Isolated from Mediterranean Morocco

This study aimed to investigate the potential of four sea water microalgae, isolated and cultivated at M′diq Bay in Morocco, as a new source of natural antioxidants. These microalgae belong to different classes, including Phaedactylium tricornitum (Bacillariophyceae), Nannochloropsis gaditana (Eustigmatophyceae), Nannochloris sp (Trebouxiophyceae), and Tetraselmis suecica (Chlorodendrophycea). The antioxidant properties were screened by the use of in vitro assays, namely 2,2-difenil-1-picrylhydrazyl, Ferric reducing antioxidant power, and Ferrous ions chelating activity, and compoundidentification was carried out in methanol and acetone extracts of both dried and fresh microalgae biomass by HPLC–PDA–MS analysis. Among the investigated microalgae, Phaedactylium tricornutum was the richest one regarding its carotenoid (especially all-E-fucoxanthin) and phenolic (especially protocatechuic acid) contents, as well as antioxidant activity (65.5%), followed by Nannochloris sp, Tetraselmis suicica, and Nannochloropsis gaditana, with antioxidant activity of 56.8%, 54.9%, and 51.1%, respectively.

Bauhinia forficata link, a Brazilian medicinal plant traditionally used to treat cardiovascular disorders, exerts endothelium-dependent and independent vasorelaxation in thoracic aorta of normotensive and hypertensive rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bauhinia forficata Link, commonly known as "cow's paw", is a native plant from South America. Its leaves are widely used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Although this species' biological potential has been extensively proven as an antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, there is a lack of studies to evidence its action on the cardiovascular system.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to investigate the vascular effects of B. forficata leaves preparations and its majority compound kaempferitrin, as well as its aglycone form kaempferol, in rat aortic rings of normotensive (NTR) and hypertensive (SHR) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aorta rings from NTR and SHR precontracted with phenylephrine were exposed to cumulative concentrations of B. forficata extract, fractions (1-50 μg/mL) and compounds (0.001-0.3 μg/mL). The mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxant effect of ethyl-acetate plus butanol fraction (EAButF) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Although kaempferitrin is the most abundant compound found in both methanolic extract and EAButF, 24 minor phenolic compounds were identified in B. forficata leaves, including kaempferol. EAButF was the only with endothelium-dependent and independent vasorelaxant properties in both NTR and SHR. The incubation with L-NAME or ODQ completely blocked EAButF-induced vasorelaxation. On the other hand, the incubation with propranolol, atropine, indomethacin, glibenclamide or barium chloride did not change the vasorelaxant activity of EAButF (50 μg/mL). Nevertheless, the incubation with tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine significantly influenced the EAButF activity. It was also shown that Ca²⁺ influx or efflux is not related to EAButF vasorelaxation potential. Kaempferitrin and kaempferol were also able to relax the rat aortic rings in 34.70% and 40.54%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows, for the first time, the vasorelaxant effect of EAButF from B. forficata leaves, an effect that may be attributed to the modulation of vascular tone through nitric oxide/soluble guanylate cyclase pathway, and potassium channels. The bioactive kaempferitrin and kaempferol seem to be important for the effects observed with the fraction. Finally, preparations obtained from the leaves of B. forficata may be interesting candidates for new or complementary strategies regarding cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Bauhinia forficata on glycaemia, lipid profile, hepatic glycogen content and oxidative stress in rats exposed to Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an abundant raw material applied in the production of daily necessities, such as food cans, baby bottles, electronic and medical equipment. Phytotherapeutic use of plant preparations has long been known for multiple target medicinal uses. The species Bauhinia forficata is widely used as hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic and hypocholesterolemic agent. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of B. forficata extract in association with BPA exposure on serological parameters, hepatic antioxidant status and glycogen store capacity in Wistar rats. B. forficata was able to reduce BPA-induced glucose levels; it also prevented the early glucose elevation in control and BPA-exposed animals after the glucose provocative test. This effect was related to the hepatic glycogen content; while BPA reduced the hepatic glycogen deposits B. forficata treatment contributed to minimize it. BPA and B. forficata singly caused elevation in triacylglycerol and VLDL levels and reduction in cholesterol and LDL concentrations. BPA increased hepatic malondialdehyde levels and reduced catalase activity, thus inducing liver oxidative stress. Conversely, B. forficata treatment reduced malondialdehyde concentration without interfering with catalase activity; this antioxidant capacity is attributed to the flavonoids content (e.g., kaempferol and myricetin). Based on these results, we demonstrated that B. forficata commercial extract has hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties capable of minimizing the effects of BPA. However, it should be considered that the consumption of herbal commercial extract must be judicious to avoid deleterious health effects.

Phytochemical Screening and Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, and Antioxidant Properties of Anthyllis henoniana (Coss.) Flowers Extracts in an Alloxan-Induced Rats Model of Diabetes

Background

This study investigates the biological activities of Anthyllis henoniana flowers extracts.

Materials and Methods

Antioxidant activity and the in vitro inhibitory effect of key digesting enzymes related to postprandial hyperglycemia were determined. Diabetic rats were orally and daily given the best extract from flowers of Anthyllis henoniana at a dose of acarbose for one month.

Results

Among the extracts, the ethyl acetate one displayed remarkable antioxidant activity including DPPH (IC₅₀ = 2.34 mg/mL) and was more effective in inhibiting α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 17 μg/mL) than α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 920 μg /mL) activities. In vivo, the results proved that ethyl acetate extract at doses of 400 mg/kg bw decreased significantly the blood glucose level and lipid profile levels and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. These protective impacts of Anthyllis henoniana ethyl acetate flowers extract were confirmed by histological results.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates, for the first time, that Anthyllis henoniana flowers ethyl acetate extract is effective in inhibiting hyperglycemia and oxidative stress caused by diabetes.

Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Phenolic-Rich Fraction from Cauline Leaves of Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae) Growing in Sicily, Italy

The present work focused on the evaluation of the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the phenolic-rich fraction (ItJ-EAF) obtained from cauline leaves collected in January from Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae) growing wild around Acireale (Sicily, Italy). The total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents of the fraction were determined spectrophotometrically, whereas the phenolic profile was assessed by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS analysis. A total of 20 compounds were positively identified and twelve out of them were never previously reported in I. tinctoria leaves. The fraction exhibited good radical scavenging activity in DPPH test (IC₅₀  = 0.6657 ± 0.0024 mg/ml) and reducing power (3.87 ± 0.71 ASE/ml), whereas, it neither showed chelating activity nor was able to counteract H₂ O₂ induced oxidative stress damage in Escherichia coli. The antiproliferative effect was evaluated in vitro on two human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines (CAL-62 and 8505C) by MTT assay. At the highest tested concentration ItJ-EAF significantly reduced (80%) the growth of CAL-62 cells. No cytotoxicity against Artemia salina was observed. It can be concluded that I. tinctoria cauline leaves represent a source of phenolic compounds which could be potentially used as chemopreventive or adjuvant agents against cancer.

In vitro antioxidant/prooxidant effects of combined use of flavonoids

The present study was undertaken to investigate the individual and combined antioxidant or prooxidant effects of genistein, daidzein and quercetin in human erythrocytes and rat microsomes in vitro. Their reducing potential against oxidation of a redox sensitive fluorescent probe, their protective effect against H₂O₂-induced membrane lipid peroxidation and their inhibitory effect on AAPH-induced hemolysis were evaluated. Genistein and daidzein were prooxidant in erythrocytes but antioxidant in microsomes where their metabolites might have been formed which suggests the importance of metabolic capacity in in vitro models to predict the physiological situation. Quercetin showed antioxidant effects in all models and conditions. Prooxidant effect of 'genistein-daidzein mixture', at their concentrations reflecting the real life, was suppressed by addition of quercetin to the mixture. Our study shows that flavonoids can exert prooxidant effects depending on the conditions, but the mixture effect should be considered while assessing their effects and safety in humans.

Chemometric profile, antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of Camel's foot creeper leaves (Bauhinia vahlii)

The present study is the first effort to a comprehensive evaluation of antityrosinase activity and chemometric analysis of Bauhinia vahlii. The experimental results revealed that the methanol extract of Bauhinia vahlii (BVM) possesses higher polyphenolic compounds and total antioxidant activity than those reported elsewhere for other more conventionally and geographically different varieties. The BVM contain saturated fatty acids such as hexadecanoic acid (10.15%), octadecanoic acid (1.97%), oleic acid (0.61%) and cis-vaccenic acid (2.43%) along with vitamin E (12.71%), α-amyrin (9.84%), methyl salicylate (2.39%) and β-sitosterol (17.35%), which were mainly responsible for antioxidant as well as tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of this extract was comparable to that of Kojic acid. These findings suggested that the B. vahlii leaves could be exploited as potential source of natural antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory agent, as well.