Antiinflammatory activity of heat-treated Cassia alata leaf extract and its flavonoid glycoside

Evaluation of the protection of sunscreen products against long wavelength ultraviolet A1 and visible light-induced biological effects

BACKGROUND

Long wavelength ultraviolet-A1 in combination with visible light induces hyperpigmentation, particularly in dark-skin phototypes. This study evaluated the efficacy of four sunscreen formulations in protecting against VL + UVA1 (370-700 nm).

METHODS

The test products (A-D) were applied to the back of 12 volunteers, then irradiated with 320 J/cm2 VL + UVA1 (3.5% UVA1 [370-400 nm]). Immediately after irradiation, and at Days 1, 7, and 14, erythema and pigmentation were assessed by investigator global assessment (IGA), colorimetry (Δa* and ΔITA) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS)-measured relative dyschromia (area under the curve AUC). Control areas were irradiated without sunscreen.

RESULTS

Product D, containing titanium dioxide 11%, iron oxides 1%, and antioxidants, provided the highest and most consistent protection. Compared with unprotected irradiated control, it had statistically significantly less erythema on IGA, DRS (Δoxyhemoglobin), and colorimetry (Δa*) at Day 0; less pigmentation on IGA at all time points, on DRS (relative dyschromia) at Days 7 and 14, and on colorimetry (ΔITA) at Day 0. Product B, containing zinc oxide 12% plus organic UV filters, iron oxides 4%, and antioxidants, also showed some efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Of the sunscreens tested, the tinted products provided better protection against VL + UVA1 than the non-tinted products. Since the product with 1% iron oxides was superior to the product with 4% iron oxides, further studies are needed to evaluate whether iron oxide content correlates with better protection.

Antioxidant and Anti-Skin Aging Potential of Selected Thai Plants: In Vitro Evaluation and In Silico Target Prediction

The skin is the largest organ that performs a variety of the body's essential functions. Impairment of skin structure and functions during the aging process might severely impact our health and well-being. Extensive evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species play a fundamental role in skin aging through the activation of the related degradative enzymes. Here, the 16 Thai medicinal plant species were screened for their potential anti-skin aging properties. All extracts were investigated for total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant, anti-elastase, and anti-tyrosinase activities, as well as the binding ability of compounds with target enzymes by molecular docking. Among all the plants screened, the leaves of A. occidentale and G. zeylanicum exhibited strong antioxidants and inhibition against elastase and tyrosinase. Other potential plants include S. alata leaf and A. catechu fruit, with relatively high anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase activities, respectively. These results are also consistent with docking studies of compounds derived from these plants. The inhibitory actions were found to be more highly positively correlated with phenolics than flavonoids. Taken together, our findings reveal some Thai plants, along with candidate compounds as natural sources of antioxidants and potent inhibitors of elastase and tyrosinase, could be developed as promising and effective agents for skin aging therapy.

Physicochemical and phytochemical standardization, and antibacterial evaluation of Cassia alata leaves from different locations in Indonesia

Physicochemical analysis for simplicia and extract, respectively: water content 2.12–4% for simplicia; drying losses 3.93–5.47% and 8.51–19.76%; total ash 5.14–9.41% and 6.22–17.07%; total ash acid-insoluble content 0.29–5.41% and 0.52–3.82%; total ash water-soluble content 1.26–7.14% and 1.43–8.54%; water-soluble content 19.60–39.43% and 58.45–77.51%; ethanol-soluble content 13.99–33.76% and 59.79–75.39%. The phytochemical analysis showed that the extracts contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. Total flavonoids and total phenolics content were 9.86–15.74% QE/g and 6.67–7.65% GAE/g, respectively. Based on LC-MS results, the extract contained emodin, kaempferol, kaempferol-3,7-diglucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. The extracts possessed antibacterial activity against bacteria tested.

Kaempferol 3-O-gentiobioside, an ALK5 inhibitor, affects the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells via blockade of the TGF-β/ALK5/Smad signaling pathway

Overactivation of TGF-β/ALK5/Smad signaling pathway has been observed in the advanced stage of various human malignancies. As a key component of TGF-β/ALK5/Smad signaling pathway transduction, TGF-β type I receptor (also known as ALK5) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this study, to discover a novel ALK5 inhibitor, a commercial natural products library was screened using docking-based virtual screening, followed by luciferase reporter assay. A flavonoid glycoside kaempferol 3-O-gentiobioside (KPF 3-O-G) was identified as a potent ALK5 inhibitor through directly bound to the ATP-site of ALK5, resulting in the inhibitory effects on phosphorylation and translocation of Smad2 and expression of Smad4. Additionally, we found that KPF 3-O-G reduced cell proliferation and inhibited TGF-β-induced cell migration and invasion. Moreover, western blotting and immunofluorescent analysis showed that KPF 3-O-G significantly reversed the TGF-β-induced EMT biomarkers, including upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail. In vivo study showed that KPF 3-O-G administration reduced tumor growth in human ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model, without obvious toxic effect. This study provided novel insight into the anticancer effects of KPF-3-O-G and indicated that KPF-3-O-G might be developed as potential therapeutics for cancer treatment after further validation.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase Potentials of Cassia timoriensis DC. Flowers

Despite being widely used traditionally as a general tonic, especially in South East Asia, scientific research on Cassia timoriensis, remains scarce. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the in vitro activities for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potential, radical scavenging ability, and the anti-inflammatory properties of different extracts of C. timoriensis flowers using Ellman’s assay, a DPPH assay, and an albumin denaturation assay, respectively. With the exception of the acetylcholinesterase activity, to the best of our knowledge, these activities were reported for the first time for C. timoriensis flowers. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the existence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and steroids in the C. timoriensis flower extracts. The ethyl acetate extract possessed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents (527.43 ± 5.83 mg GAE/g DW and 851.83 ± 10.08 mg QE/g DW, respectively) as compared to the other extracts. In addition, the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant (IC₅₀ 20.12 ± 0.12 and 34.48 ± 0.07 µg/mL, respectively), anti-inflammatory (92.50 ± 1.38 and 92.22 ± 1.09, respectively), and anti-AChE (IC₅₀ 6.91 ± 0.38 and 6.40 ± 0.27 µg/mL, respectively) activities. These results suggest that ethyl acetate and methanol extracts may contain bioactive compounds that can control neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, through high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-AChE activities.

The anthelmintic potentials of medicinal plant extracts and an isolated compound (rutin, C27H30O16) from Terminalia catappa L. against Gastrothylax crumenifer

Paramphistomosis is a pathogenic disease that occurs frequently in tropical and subtropical countries including Thailand. This disease is affected in the parasites causing severe gastrointestinal disorders and death in infected animals. In the present study, we examined the anthelmintic efficacy of albendazole (ABZ) and crude plant extracts from barks of Bombax ceiba L., Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz. and Vitex glabrata R.Br., and leaves of Terminalia catappa L. and Cassia alata L. against Gastrothylax crumenifer. The hightest anthelmintic activity on the parasites after 24 h incubation was observed in the n-butanol extract of T. catappa leaf. In this study, fractionation bioassay of n-butanol extract of T. catappa leaf was conducted to both separation and discrimination of rutin served as a new efficient compound (LC₅₀ = 28.96; LC₉₀ = 88.75 μg/mL) against G. crumenifer. This compound was confirmed by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), ¹³C NMR, infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectra as well as mass spectra data. The rutin-treated parasites with all dosages showed swift decrease of the motility and the relative motility (RM) and survival index (SI) were decreased obviously from 3 h until flukes were killed after 12 h of incubation. When observed with light microscopy, the parasites showed the earliest change in a limited region of the tegument. When observed by scanning electron microscopy, the parasites' tegument exhibited similar sequences of surface changes after treatments with rutin and ABZ, but less severity in ABZ treatment. The sequences of changes comprised swelling of folds and ridges, formation of blebbing, rupturing of blebs, erosions, lesions and the tegument demolition. Hence, rutin could be considered as the potential anthelmintic agent for treatment of paramphistomosis.

Chemical constituents, usage and pharmacological activity of Cassia alata

Cassia alata or locally known as Ketepeng Cina (Indonesia) and Gelenggang (Malaysia) has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases, especially skin diseases. In addition, C. alata has been reported to have potential anti allergic, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antifungal. Metabolite compounds that have been isolated from C. alata include flavones, flavonols, flavonoids glycosides, alatinon, alanonal and β-sitosterol-β-D-glucoside. The compounds have been isolated mainly from the leaves. Further identification is needed to discover the secondary metabolites from other parts of the plant such as seed, flower and bark which are reported to have potent antibacterial and antifungal activity. Therefore, this article highlights the secondary metabolites and biological activity of this plant which has been shown to have pharmacological properties against selected diseases.

An in vitro confirmation of the ethonopharmacological use of Senna plants as anthelmintic against rumen fluke Paramphistomum gracile

BACKGROUND

Paramphistomosis is a pathogenic disease of domesticated ruminants, causing great economic loss in dairy industry and meat production. It is considered as a neglected tropical disease with highest prevalence throughout tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. There are few trematocidal drugs available in the market. Most are resistant and have elevated side effects. Therefore, alternative trematocidal drugs need to discover. This study was conducted to evaluate three plants leaf extracts (from Senna alata, S. alexandrina, and S. occidentalis) as effective remedies against gastrointestinal trematode parasite (Paramphistomum gracile) of ruminants. Live adult parasites were collected in 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) from fresh autopsied goat's rumen. Parasites were incubated in leaf extracts of S. alata, S. alexandrina and, S. occidentalis individually and in combination (1:1) ratio at 37 ± 1°C. Treatment media contain extracts at different concentrations (10, 20 and 40 mg/mL) in 10 mL of 0.1 M PBS with 1% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO). Parasites in control group were incubated in PBS without extract. The efficacy of three Senna extracts was evaluated on the basis of dose-dependent motility and mortality of the trematode. Immediately after paralysis, all treated parasites were collected for histology, SEM and biochemical study.

RESULTS

Dose-dependent efficacy was observed in terms of motility and time of mortality in all treated parasites after exposure in various concentrations of the Senna plant extracts. S. occidentalis and S. alexandrina showed better efficacy in combination than comparing with individual treatment groups. Histological study and scanning electron microscopic observations revealed conspicuous deformity of surface architecture in all treated parasites. Scanning electron micrographs also revealed shrinkage, vacuolization, infoldings and blebbings on the body surface of treated worms. Activities of tegumental enzymes were inhibited in all treatment groups compared to control.

CONCLUSION

The overall findings from this study revealed that all three Senna leaf extracts individually and in combination showed potential antitrematocidal activity against Paramphistomum gracile by damaging body tegument and neural propagation. Thus, this study confirmed that all three Senna extracts can be considered as a potential drug-like candidate in indigenous system of traditional medicine against trematode infections in livestock.

Antitumor and Immunostimulatory Activity of Two Chromones and Other Constituents from Cassia Petersiana

Phytochemical and biological investigation of the leaves of Cassia petersiana afforded two new chromones (1, 2), in addition, to the known glyceryl-1-hexacosanoate (3) and stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (4). The structures of the compounds were determined by comprehensive NMR studies, including DEPT, COSY, HMQC, HMBC and IR spectroscopy and MS. 1–4 were investigated against different types of cell lines, including solid tumor cells (Hep-G2, and MCF-7 cells) and leukemia (1301) cells for their cytotoxic effects. 1–3 possessed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect against Hep-G2 cells, but in relatively high concentrations; 4 was the most cytotoxic with the lowest IC50 value of 82.7 μM. The calculated IC50 values against MCF-7 cells were 112.2 μM, 143.7 μM, 68.1 μM, and 114.3 μM for 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The alteration in the macrophage proliferation index, using Raw 264.7 cells, was monitored. 1 and 3 were the highest stimulators of macrophage proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, whereas 2 and 4 showed a peak point of stimulation at 20 μM. The effect of these compounds on pre-induced NO was explored. 1–4 inhibited the LPS-induced NO, with inhibition percentages of 80.5%, 89.3%, 82.1%, and 92.1%, respectively, at a concentration of 20 μM. The antioxidant capacity of 1–4, using the DPPH assay was also investigated. 1–3 possessed weak scavenging activity; while 4 had an effective SC50 value as low as 36 μM. These results indicated that 4 possessed the highest anti-tumor, immunoproliferative, macrophage proliferation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.

Endophytic Fusarium solani: A rich source of cytotoxic and antimicrobial napthaquinone and aza-anthraquinone derivatives

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Endophytric fungi are natural reservoir for bioactive secondary metabolites.

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Fusarium solani, an endophytic fungus, is a rich source for secondary metabolites specially for quinone groups.

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Napthaquinone and aza-anthraquinone derivatives have significant antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic effect.

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Napthaquinone and aza-anthraquinone derivatives have the potentiality to be lead for anticancer and antimicrobial agent.

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Aza-anthraquinone derivatives are more bioactive than napthaquinone group due to the presence of nitrogen group.

This study reports the chemical investigation and bioactivity of the secondary metabolites produced by the endophytic fungus Fusarium solani isolated from Cassia alata Linn. growing in Bangladesh. This plant was collected from conservation forest in Bangladesh and belongs to the Caesalpiniaceae family. The endophytic fungus Fusarium solani was isolated from the tissue of root of this plant. The fungal strain was identified by morphological characters and DNA sequencing. The crude organic extract of the fungal strain was proven to be active when tested for cytotoxicity against Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The bioactivity guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract leads to the isolation of seven secondary metabolites in pure form. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by the analysis of NMR and mass spectroscopic data. Bioassay investigation of the isolated secondary metabolites suggested aza-anthraquinones are more potent bioactive compounds as anticancer and antimicrobial agent.

Broad spectrum anthelmintic potential of Cassia plants

OBJECTIVE

To study the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of Cassia alata (C. alata), Cassia angustifolia (C. angustifolia) and Cassia occidentalis (C. occidentalis).

METHODS

Crude ethanol extract from leaves of the three plants were prepared in rotary evaporator and different concentrations (10, 20 and 40 mg/mL) of leaf extracts were used for treatment on different representatives of helminthes (Heterakis gallinarum, Raillietina tetragona and Catatropis sp.) from domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus). Loss of motility and death were monitored frequently.

RESULTS

C. alata showed early paralysis in all worms treated followed by C. angustifolia. C. occidentalis in combination with C. alata together caused early paralysis in all treated worms than the combination of C. alata with C. angustfolia. While Heterakis gallinarum in control survived for (81.33±2.07) h, treated worms lost their motility at (5.71±0.10) h, (6.60±0.86) h and (13.95±0.43) h with C. angustifolia, C. alata and C. occidentalis respectively at a concentration of 40 mg/mL which showed better efficacy than albendazole. Catatropis sp. survival period was (26.49±1.38) h in control, but with plant treatment, it lost its motility in just (0.57±0.08) h, (1.00±0.12) h and (1.47±0.40) h at 40 mg/mL concentration of C. alata, C. angustifolia and C. occidentalis respectively. Raillietina tetragona on the other hand became paralysed at (1.68±0.27) h, (2.95±0.29) h and (4.13±0.31) h with above concentrations treated with three plants respectively, however in control it survived up to (81.93±4.71) h.

CONCLUSIONS

This present study indicated broad spectrum vermifugal activity of all plants tested.

Cassia alata L: potential role as anthelmintic agent against Hymenolepis diminuta

The efficacy of Cassia alata against cestode Hymenolepis diminuta was evaluated in our study. Worms were maintained between rat model and beetle. Air-dried leaves of C. alata were subjected to ethanol extraction. Different concentrations (10-80 mg/ml) of the extract were prepared in phosphate buffer saline and tested on the parasite in vitro. Parasites treated with C. alata showed a decrease in motility with an increase in concentrations and complete immobilization took lesser time compared to control. The paralyzed parasites were further processed for electron microscopic studies. Ultrastructural micrographs revealed swelling of the tegument and blebbing on the tegumental surface throughout the body accompanied with destruction of microtriches and changes such as shrinkage in the scolex region. Depletion of parenchyma cells and destruction in the connective tissues along with sparsely cytoplasmic cytons were also observed, and these observations are similar with worms treated with a known drug praziquantel. These results may suggest that the plant leaves could be considered for controlling helminth infection and can represent a step forward in the search for alternative anthelmintic drug.

Complementary effects of antioxidants and sunscreens in reducing UV-induced skin damage as demonstrated by skin biomarker expression

BACKGROUND

UV-exposure of the skin causes oxidative stress, leading to inflammatory reactions and premature skin aging. Sunscreens protect by absorbing or reflecting UV on the skin surface. Antioxidants provide protection by quenching UV-induced reactive oxygen species inside skin.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the complementary photoprotective benefits of formulas containing either an antioxidant complex of Cassia alata leaf extract or a combination of the antioxidant complex and sunscreens on normal healthy volunteers using biomarkers of skin damage.

METHODS

Each formula and a placebo control were applied separately to selected areas on the lower back of 10 individuals for 4 consecutive days. On Day 4, the control and three test sites were exposed to 5 x MED (minimal erythemal dose) of solar-simulated UV-irradiation (UVR). On Day 5, 4-mm punch biopsies were collected from the four exposed sites and a control site (untreated, unexposed) for immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Exposure to 5 x MED demonstrated significant damage as assessed by thymine dimer formation, MMP-9 and p53 protein expression on untreated exposed skin. The formula containing sunscreens + the antioxidant complex was the most protective, followed by the formula with the antioxidant alone.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that a combination of antioxidants and sunscreens complement each other, resulting in superior photoprotection.

Determination of pharmacologically active compounds in root extracts of Cassia alata L. by use of high performance liquid chromatography

A simple high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the determination of six phenolic compounds, five anthraquinones (rhein, aloe-emodin, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion) and a flavonoid (kaempferol), in root extracts from Cassia alata L. Solid-phase extraction, using C(18) cartridges, was used to remove interfering substances from the root extracts. The extracts were analyzed on a C(18) column using an isocratic mobile phase which consisted of acetonitrile, methanol, and 10mM aqueous ammonium acetate (25:55:20, v/v). Identification of the analytes was performed by use of standards and on-line mass spectrometric detection using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. The concentration of the phenolic compounds in the root extracts was determined using HPLC with ultraviolet detection at 260nm. The limits of detection obtained for the anlytes were in the range of 0.23-4.61ppm. The overall R.S.D. precision values (intra- and inter-day) for the retention times and peak-areas were lower than 0.16 and 2.10%, respectively. In addition, the recovery of the developed method for the analysis of these phenolic compounds was determined, and ranged from 81.2+/-4.3 to 106+/-2%.

Chemical structure of flavonols in relation to modulation of angiogenesis and immune-endothelial cell adhesion

The antioxidant activity of flavonoids has been suggested to contribute to several health benefits associated with the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Four flavonols - myricetin (M), quercetin (Q), kaempferol (K) and galangin (G), all with different numbers of hydroxyl moieties (-OH) - were examined for their antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and for their potential antiangiogenic and cell adhesion effects. The relative antioxidant capacity of these flavonols in cell culture medium (cell-free system) and their intracellular antioxidant activity were M = Q > K = G, which correlated respectively with the presence of 3, 2, 1 and 0 moieties of -OH on their B-ring. The higher the numbers of -OH moieties on the B-ring the less toxic the flavonol was to HUVEC, and the LD50 was determined as: M (100 microM) > Q (50 microM) > K (20 microM) > G (10 microM). These flavonols at approximately 0.5 LD50 doses suppressed the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated HUVEC tubular structure formation by: M (47%) > Q (37%) > K (15%) > G (14%), which was not linearly associated with their numbers of -OH moieties. However, the magnitude of flavonols' suppression of activated U937 monocytic cells adhesion to HUVEC was associated with the number of -OH moieties on the B-ring. This was prominent when U937 cells were pretreated with these flavonols. In contrast, the numbers of -OH moiety had no apparent influence on the adhesion or expression of adhesion molecules when activated HUVECs were pretreated with these flavonols. The presence of different numbers of -OH moieties on the B-ring of the flavonols may contribute to their antioxidant activity as well as their toxicity and may play an important role in their potency for biological action such as angiogenesis and immune-endothelial cell adhesion, which, respectively, are important processes in the development of cancer and atherosclerosis.