In vitro and in vivo evaluations of antioxidative, anti-Alzheimer, antidiabetic and anticancer potentials of hydroponically and soil grown Lactuca sativa

Augmentation of physiology and productivity, and reduction of lead accumulation in lettuce grown in lead contaminated soil by rhizobacteria-assisted rhizoengineeing

Microbial-assisted rhizoengineering is a promising biotechnology for improving crop productivity. In this study, lettuce roots were bacterized with two lead (Pb) tolerant rhizobacteria including Pseudomonas azotoformans ESR4 and P. poae ESR6, and a consortium consisted of ESR4 and ESR6 to increase productivity, physiology and antioxidants, and reduce Pb accumulation grown in Pb-contaminated soil i.e., 80 (Pb in native soil), 400 and 800 mg kg-1 Pb. In vitro studies showed that these strains and the consortium produced biofilms, synthesized indole-3-acetic acid and NH3, and solubilized phosphate challenging to 0, 100, 200 and 400 mg L-1 of Pb. In static conditions and 400 mg L-1 Pb, ESR4, ESR6 and the consortium adsorbed 317.0, 339.5 and 357.4 mg L-1 Pb, respectively, while 384.7, 380.7 and 373.2 mg L-1 Pb, respectively, in shaking conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed that several functional groups [Pb-S, M - O, O-M-O (M = metal ions), S-S, PO, CO, -NH, -NH2, C-C-O, and C-H] were involved in Pb adsorption. ESR4, ESR6 and the consortium-assisted rhizoengineering (i) increased leaf numbers and biomass production, (ii) reduced H2O2 production, malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakages, and transpiration rate, (iii) augmented photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, total antioxidant capacity, total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, and minerals like Ca2+ and Mg2+ in comparison to non-rhizoengineering plants grown in Pb-contaminated soil. Principal component analysis revealed that higher pigment production and photosynthetic rate, improved water use efficiency and increased uptake of Ca2+ were interlinked to increased productivity by bacterial rhizoengineering of lettuce grown in different levels of Pb exposures. Surprisingly, Pb accumulation in lettuce roots and shoots was remarkably decreased by rhizoengineering than in non-rhizoengineering. Thus, these bacterial strains and this consortium could be utilized to improve productivity and reduce Pb accumulation in lettuce.

Novel pyrazoline linked acyl thiourea pharmacophores as antimicrobial, urease, amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors: design, synthesis, SAR and molecular docking studies

In the present work, a small library of novel pyrazolinyl-acyl thiourea (5a-j) was designed and synthesized through a multistep sequence and the synthesized compounds were screened for their antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant activities as well as urease, amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The synthesized series (5a-o) was characterized using a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. All compounds (5a-j) were found to have significant potency against urease, α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and DPPH. The synthesized compounds were also screened for potential antibacterial and anti-fungal inhibition activities. IC50 values for all the prepared compounds for urease, α-glucosidase, amylase, and DPPH inhibition were determined and derivatives 5b and 5g were found to be the most potent urease inhibitors with IC50 values of 54.2 ± 0.32 and 43.6 ± 0.25 μM, respectively. Whilst compound 5b (IC50 = 68.3 ± 0.11 μM) is a potent α-glucosidase inhibitor, compound 5f (90.3 ± 1.08 μM) is a potent amylase inhibitor and compound 5b (103.4 ± 1.15 μM) is a potent antioxidant. The different substitutions on the phenyl ring were the basis for structure-activity relationship (SAR) study. The molecular docking study was performed for the confirmation of binding interactions.

Bioassays guided isolation of berberine from Berberis lycium and its neuroprotective role in aluminium chloride induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease combined with insilico molecular docking

OBJECTIVE

Berberis lycium is an indigenous plant of Pakistan that is known for its medicinal properties. In the current study, we investigated the anti-Alzheimer's effect of berberine isolated from Berberis lycium.

METHODS

Root extract of B. lycium was subjected to acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay and column chromatography for bioassays guided isolation of a compound. The neuroprotective and memory improving effects of isolated compound were evaluated by aluminium chloride induced Alzheimer's disease rat model, elevated plus maze (EPM) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests., Levels of dopamine and serotonin in rats brains were determined using HPLC. Moreover, western blot and docking were performed to determine interaction between berberine and β-secretase.

RESULTS

During fractionation, ethyl acetate and methanol (3:7) fraction was collected from solvent mixture of ethyl acetate and methanol. This fraction showed the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and was alkaloid positive. The results of TLC and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of the isolated compound as berberine. Additionally, the confirmation of isolated compound as berberine was carried out using FTIR and NMR analysis. In vivo EPM and MWM tests showed improved memory patterns after berberine treatment in Alzheimer's disease model. The levels of dopamine, serotonin and activity of antioxidant enzymes were significantly (p<0.05) enhanced in brain tissue homogenates of berberine treated group. This was supported by decreased expression of β-secretase in berberine treated rat brain homogenates and good binding affinity of berberine with β-secretase in docking studies. Binding energies for interaction of β-secretase with berberine and drug Rivastigmine is -7.0 kcal/mol and -5.8 kcal/mol respectively representing the strong interactions. The results of docked complex of secretase with berberine and Rivastigmine was carried out using Gromacs which showed significant stability of complex in terms of RMSD and radius of gyration. Overall, the study presents berberine as a potential drug against Alzheimer's disease by providing evidence of its effects in improving memory, neurotransmitter levels and reducing β-secretase expression in the Alzheimer's disease model.

Heukharang lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) leaf extract displays sleep-promoting effects through GABAA receptor

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Although lettuce is traditionally known to have hypnotic and sedative effects, to date, only a few studies have documented its sleep-promoting effects and elucidated the related mechanisms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to investigate the sleep-promoting activity of Heukharang lettuce leaf extract (HLE) with increased lactucin content, known as a sleep-promoting substance in lettuce, in animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To evaluate the effect of HLE on sleep behavior, analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG), gene expression of brain receptors, and activation mechanisms using antagonists were investigated in rodent models.

RESULTS

High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that HLE contained lactucin (0.78 mg/g of extract) and quercetin-3-glucuronide (1.3 mg/g of extract). In the pentobarbital-induced sleep model, the group administered 150 mg/kg of HLE showed a 47.3% increase in sleep duration time as compared to the normal group (NOR). The EEG analysis showed that the HLE significantly increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM), where delta waves were improved by 59.5% when compared to the NOR, resulting in increased sleep time. In the caffeine-induced arousal model, HLE significantly decreased the awake time increased by caffeine administration (35.5%) and showed a similar level to NOR. In addition, HLE increased the gene and protein expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABAA), GABA type B, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 1A. In particular, in comparison to the NOR, the group administered 150 mg/kg HLE showed an increase in expression levels of GABAA and protein by 2.3 and 2.5 times, respectively. When the expression levels were checked using GABAA receptor antagonists, HLE showed similar levels to NOR, as the sleep duration was reduced by flumazenil (45.1%), a benzodiazepine antagonist.

CONCLUSIONS

HLE increased NREM sleep and significantly improved sleep behavior due to its action on the GABAA receptors. The collective findings suggest that HLE can be used as a novel sleep-enhancing agent in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Synthesis of amantadine clubbed N-aryl amino thiazoles as potent urease, α-amylase & α-glucosidase inhibitors, kinetic and molecular docking studies

A series of ten novel compounds were synthesized by incorporating a 1,3 thiazole core into amantadine and their structures were validated using different analytical and spectral methods such as FTIR, EI-MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The antibacterial and enzyme inhibitory properties of these newly synthesized compounds were evaluated. Remarkably, the compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Additionally, the in vitro inhibitory activities of the synthesized compounds, against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and urease were investigated. Among the tested compounds, compound 6d demonstrated potent and selective inhibition of α-amylase IC50 = 97.37 ± 1.52 μM, while acarbose was used as positive control and exhibited IC50 = 5.17 ± 0.25 μM. Compound 6d and 6e exhibited prominent inhibition against α-glucosidase IC50 = 38.73 ± 0.80 μM and 41.63 ± 0.26 μM respectively. Furthermore, compound 6d inhibited urease with exceptional efficacy IC50 = 32.76 μM, while positive control thiourea showed more prominent activity having IC50 = 1.334 μM. Molecular docking studies disclosed the binding mechanism and affinity of these new inhibitors within the binding sites of various amino acids. To investigate the association between molecular structural characteristics and inhibitory actions of synthesized derivatives, preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies were performed. These findings indicated that compounds 6a, 6c, 6d and 6e are potential candidates for hit-to-lead follow-up in the drug-discovery process for treating diabetes and hyperglycemia.

Effects of Phoenix dactylifera against Streptozotocin-Aluminium Chloride Induced Alzheimer's Rats and Their In Silico Study

Phoenix dactylifera is known for medicinal importance due to its antioxidant, antidiabetic, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of P. dactylifera seeds to cure Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD was induced in the rats with streptozotocin + aluminium chloride followed by treatment of methanolic extract of P. dactylifera seeds. The blood glucose levels were determined at regular intervals, which showed a prominent decrease in the extracts treated group. Behavior tests, including the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test and Morris Water Maze (MWM) test, were used to evaluate memory patterns in rats. The results indicated that extract-treated rats significantly improved memory behavior compared to the diseased group. After dissection, the serum electrolytes, antioxidant enzymes, and choline esterase enzymes were measured in different organs. The serum parameters creatinine, urea, and bilirubin increased after extract treatment. Similarly, the level of antioxidant enzymes like peroxidases (POD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in the extract-treated group showed improved results that were close to the normal control group. The enzyme (lipase, insulin, amylase, and acetylcholine) levels were found enhanced in extract groups as compared to diseased rats. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the level of dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters, which were increased significantly for P. dactylifera seeds with values of 0.18 μg/mg tissue and 0.56 μg/mg tissue, respectively. Overall, results showed that P. dactylifera seeds proved to be quite efficient in improving the memory and behavior of treated rats. The antioxidants and enzymes were also increased; therefore, it may be a potential candidate for treating AD.

The Generation of Nitric Oxide from Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2: The Role of Dietary Nitrates and Their Implication in Cardiovascular Disease Management

Reduced bioavailability of the nitric oxide (NO) signaling molecule has been associated with the onset of cardiovascular disease. One of the better-known and effective therapies for cardiovascular disorders is the use of organic nitrates, such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), which increases the concentration of NO. Unfortunately, chronic use of this therapy can induce a phenomenon known as "nitrate tolerance", which is defined as the loss of hemodynamic effects and a reduction in therapeutic effects. As such, a higher dosage of GTN is required in order to achieve the same vasodilatory and antiplatelet effects. Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a cardioprotective enzyme that catalyzes the bio-activation of GTN to NO. Nitrate tolerance is accompanied by an increase in oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and sympathetic activation, as well as a loss of the catalytic activity of ALDH2 itself. On the basis of current knowledge, nitrate intake in the diet would guarantee a concentration of NO such as to avoid (or at least reduce) treatment with GTN and the consequent onset of nitrate tolerance in the course of cardiovascular diseases, so as not to make necessary the increase in GTN concentrations and the possible inhibition/alteration of ALDH2, which aggravates the problem of a positive feedback mechanism. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize data relating to the introduction into the diet of some natural products that could assist pharmacological therapy in order to provide the NO necessary to reduce the intake of GTN and the phenomenon of nitrate tolerance and to ensure the correct catalytic activity of ALDH2.

Spectral Analysis and Antiulcer Potential of Lactuca sativa through the Amelioration of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Apoptosis Markers

The objective of this study was to characterize the bioactive ingredients and antiulcer effects of Lactuca sativa leaves. Several bioactive chemicals were found in the cold methanolic extract of Lactuca sativa leaves after gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) research: 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, cyclononasiloxane, octadecamethyl-, n-hexadecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl, octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, 9-octadecenamide, (Z)-, hexadecanoic acid, stigmasterol, benzothiazole, ethyl iso-allocholate, and octacosane. Distinct fingerprint regions in GCMS indicated the existence of bioactive compounds. The leaf powder of Lactuca sativa (LPL) demonstrated substantial antiulcer properties at 400 mg/kg, which was almost equivalent to the standard drug at 20 mg/kg. The cytokine network was efficiently regulated by reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. The levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were also considerably lowered at p < 0.05 significant level.

Recent Updates on Phytoconstituent Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors: An Approach towards the Treatment of Type Two Diabetes

Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder marked by unusually high plasma glucose levels, which can lead to serious consequences such as retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy and cardiovascular disease. One of the most efficient ways to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG) in diabetes mellitus, especially insulin-independent diabetes mellitus, is to lower the amount of glucose that is absorbed by inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes in the digestive system, such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase. α-Glucosidase is a crucial enzyme that catalyzes the final stage of carbohydrate digestion. As a result, α-glucosidase inhibitors can slow D-glucose release from complex carbohydrates and delay glucose absorption, resulting in lower postprandial plasma glucose levels and control of PPHG. Many attempts have been made in recent years to uncover efficient α-glucosidase inhibitors from natural sources to build a physiologic functional diet or lead compound for diabetes treatment. Many phytoconstituent α-glucosidase inhibitors have been identified from plants, including alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides and others. The current review focuses on the most recent updates on different traditional/medicinal plant extracts and isolated compounds' biological activity that can help in the development of potent therapeutic medications with greater efficacy and safety for the treatment of type 2 diabetes or to avoid PPHG. For this purpose, we provide a summary of the latest scientific literature findings on plant extracts as well as plant-derived bioactive compounds as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors with hypoglycemic effects. Moreover, the review elucidates structural insights of the key drug target, α-glucosidase enzymes, and its interaction with different inhibitors.

Phytochemicals, Nutrition, Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits in Lettuce-A Comprehensive Review

Lettuce is one of the most famous leafy vegetables worldwide with lots of applications from food to other specific uses. There are different types in the lettuce group for consumers to choose from. Additionally, lettuce is an excellent source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll with related health benefits. At the same time, nutrient composition and antioxidant compounds are different between lettuce varieties, especially for green and red lettuce types. The benefit of lettuce consumption depends on its composition, particularly antioxidants, which can function as nutrients. The health benefits rely on their biochemical effect when reaching the bloodstream. Some components can be released from the food matrix and altered in the digestive system. Indeed, the bioaccessibility of lettuce is measuring the quantity of these compounds released from the food matrix during digestion, which is important for health-promoting features. Extraction of bioactive compounds is one of the new trends observed in lettuce and is necessarily used for several application fields. Therefore, this review aims to demonstrate the nutritional value of lettuce and its pharmacological properties. Due to their bioaccessibility and bioavailability, the consumer will be able to comprehensively understand choosing a healthier lettuce diet. The common utilization pattern of lettuce extracted nutrients will also be summarized for further direction.