Potential Anti-aging Components From Moringa oleifera Leaves Explored by Affinity Ultrafiltration With Multiple Drug Targets

Ganoderma tuberculosum Liquid Culture With Vineyard Pruning Extracts for Bioactive Composite Production With Antiproliferative Activity

Ganoderma species have been studied for their pharmacological approaches, such as anticancer, antitumor, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activity. Elicitors are used to increase Ganoderma bioactive composite production. This study aims to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of ethanolic extracts from mycelium of Ganoderma tuberculosum (G. tuberculosum) grown in a liquid medium with vineyard pruning waste (VPW) extracts as elicitors. Ethanolic and aqueous VPW extracts contain resveratrol dimer 4, resveratrol tetramer 1, and naringenin, while toluene and chloroform extracts contain tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and octadecanoic acid. Polar and nonpolar extracts could be promising elicitors for increasing bioactive molecules. Catechin gallate showed the highest correlation (r = 0.66) with biomass. Mycelial ethanolic extracts of G. tuberculosum (native strain from the Sonoran Desert) and Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) (control) were analyzed by ESI-IT-MS, and 27 molecules were identified for the two species. They showed antiproliferative activity against the A549 and C-33 A cell lines but not for ARPE-19. G. tuberculosum culture with VPW had quinic acid, ganodermenonol, ganoderic acid I (GA-I), C2 (GA-C2), and 20-hydroxylucidenic acid P, among others. Molecular docking of ganodermenonol, GA-I, and GA-C2 demonstrates significant interaction with tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α). These ethanolic extracts of Ganoderma are promising sources of bioactive triterpenoids. Their antiproliferative activity did not change between species or treatment. Likewise, the G. tuberculosum and G. lucidum extracts only affected cancer cell lines. This property seems promising for pharmacological applications of these fungal extracts.

High-Speed Countercurrent Chromatography Isolation of Active Components from Evodia Rutaecarpa and Affinity Ultrafiltration Screening for Their Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Activity

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Evodia rutaecarpa were screened, prepared, and evaluated. To screen the lipophilic alkaloid active constituents in E. rutaecarpa, we improved and optimized an ultrafiltration system. Three acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, dehydroevodiamine, evodiamine, and rutecarpine, were screened. Addressing the limitations of the traditional response surface methodology (RSM) for multiobjective screening, we integrated RSM with the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III to achieve the optimal extraction of these active ingredients. High-speed countercurrent chromatography was used to isolate the active components using a two-phase solvent system: n-hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (3.0:2.5:3.5:2.0, v/v/v/v) and ethyl acetate/methanol/water (3.0:1.0:4.0, v/v/v). The nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the structures of the compounds, and molecular docking and dynamics simulations assessed the inhibitory effects of the chemical components on AChE, which were consistent with the findings of the ultrafiltration experiments. We also confirmed the neuroprotective properties of these compounds against glutamate-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Overall, we achieved the systematic optimization of multitarget compound extraction and lipophilic alkaloid ultrafiltration screening, as well as preparation and activity validation, laying the groundwork for the development of AChE inhibitors from lipophilic alkaloids.

Anti-Aging Effects of Flavonoids from Plant Extracts

Aging is a natural and irreversible process, affecting living organisms by negatively impacting the tissues' and cells' morphology and functionality and consequently being responsible for aging-related diseases. Taking into account the actual preoccupations of both consumers and researchers, healthy anti-aging alternatives are being intensively studied in order to address such concerns. Due to their functional features, plant flavonoids can be considered valuable nutraceuticals. This paper highlights the possibilities to use flavonoids extracted from various plants for their anti-aging potential on the skin, brain, and heart. Moreover, their anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties are summarized, along with the senescence-associated mechanisms. Both the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical fields are continuously developing and flavonoids originating from plants are promising candidates to obtain such products. Thus, the bioactive compounds' extraction and their subsequent involvement in innovative product manufacturing must be carefully performed while being aware of the various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may affect the phytochemicals' structures, bioavailability, and health effects.

Targeted screening of multiple anti-inflammatory components from Chrysanthemi indici Flos by ligand fishing with affinity UF-LC/MS

Chrysanthemi indic Flos (CIF) has been commonly consumed for the treatment of inflammation and related skin diseases. However, the potential bioactive components responsible for its anti-inflammatory and sensitive skin (SS) improvement activities, and the correlated mechanisms of action still remain unknown. In this work, it was firstly found that the CIF extract (CIFE) displayed arrestive free radical scavenging activity on DPPH and ABTS radicals, with no significant difference with positive control Trolox (p > 0.05). Then, compared to the negative group, CIFE markedly decreased the productions of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, PEG2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, NO) in LPS induced RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). Besides, CIFE strongly inhibited the COX-2 and hyaluronidase (HAase) with the IC50 values of 1.06 ± 0.01 μg/mL and 12.22 ± 0.39 μg/mL, indicating higher inhibitory effect than positive control of aspirin of 6.33 ± 0.05 μg/mL (p < 0.01), and comparable inhibitory effect with indometacin of 0.60 ± 0.03 μg/mL, and ascorbic acid of 11.03 ± 0.41 μg/mL (p > 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, kinetic assays with Lineweaver-Burk plot (Michaelis Menten equation) suggested that CIFE reversibly inhibited the COX-2 and HAase, with a mixed characteristics of competitive and non-competitive inhibition. Thereafter, multi-target affinity ultrafiltration liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UF-LC/MS) method was employed to fast fish out the potential COX-2 and HAase in CIFE. Herein, 13 components showed various affinity binding degrees to the COX-2 and HAase, while those components with relative binding affinity (RBA) value higher than 3.0, such as linarin and chlorogenic acid isomers, were deemed to be the most bioactive components for the anti-inflammatory and SS improvement activities of CIFE. Finally, the interaction mechanism, including binding energy, inhibition constant, docking sites, and the key amino acids involved in hydrogen bonds between the potential ligands and COX-2/HAase were simulated and confirmed with the molecule docking analysis. In summary, this study showcased the prominent anti-inflammatory and SS improvement activities of CIF, which would provide further insights on this functional medicinal plant to be a natural anti-SS remedy.

Screening and identification of potential hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic compounds from aqueous extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi root combing affinity ultrafiltration with multiple drug targets and in silico analysis

INTRODUCTION

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely applied to treat various diseases among people, especially in East Asia. However, the specific active compounds in S. baicalensis aqueous extracts (SBAEs) responsible for the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties as well as their potential mechanisms of action remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This work aimed to explore the potential hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic compounds from SBAE and their potential mechanisms of action.

METHODOLOGY

The in vitro inhibitory tests against lipase and α-glucosidase, and the effects of SBAE on glucose consumption and total triglyceride content in HepG2 cells were first performed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Then, affinity ultrafiltration liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) screening strategy with five drug targets, including α-glucosidase, α-amylase, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), lipase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) was developed to screen out the potential active constituents from SBAE, and some representative active compounds were further validated.

RESULTS

SBAE displayed noteworthy hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties, and 4, 10, 4, 8, and 8 potential bioactive components against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, PTP1B, HMGCR, and lipase were initially screened out, respectively. The interaction network was thus constructed between the potential bioactive compounds screened out and their corresponding drug targets. Among them, baicalein, wogonin, and wogonoside were revealed to possess remarkable hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects.

CONCLUSION

The potential hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic bioactive compounds in SBAE and their mode of action were initially explored through ligand-target interactions by combining affinity ultrafiltration LC-MS strategy with five drug targets.

Characterization and anti-aging effects of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller extracts in a D-galactose-induced skin aging model

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller (OFI), belonging to the family Cactaceae, is widely cultivated not only for its delicious fruits but also for its health-promoting effects, which enhance the role of OFI as a potential functional food. In this study, the in vitro collagenase and elastase enzyme inhibitory effects of extracts from different parts of OFI were evaluated. The most promising extracts were formulated as creams at two concentrations (3 and 5%) to investigate their effects on a D-galactose (D-gal)-induced skin-aging mouse model. The ethanolic extracts of the peel and cladodes exhibited the highest enzyme inhibitory effects. Cream made from the extract of OFI peel (OP) (5%) and cream from OFI cladodes extract (OC) (5%) significantly decreased the macroscopic aging of skin scores. Only a higher concentration (5%) of OC showed the normalization of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) skin levels and achieved significant improvements as compared to the vitamin E group. Both OC and OP (5%) showed complete restoration of the normal skin structure and nearly normal collagen fibres upon histopathological examination. The Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-TOF-MS) metabolite profiles revealed the presence of organic acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, betalains, and fatty acids. Flavonoids were the predominant phytochemical class (23 and 22 compounds), followed by phenolic acids (14 and 17 compounds) in the ethanolic extracts from the peel and cladodes, respectively. The anti-skin-aging effects could be attributed to the synergism of different phytochemicals in both extracts. From these findings, the OFI peel and cladodes as agro-waste products are good candidates for anti-skin-aging phytocosmetics.

The Effect of Methanol Concentration on the Extraction of Moringa Leaf (Moringa oleifera) and Papaya Fruit (Carica papaya) on Elastase and Hyaluronidase Installing Activities

Abstract BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Β-carotene, flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in methanol extracts of Moringa leaves and papaya fruit have high antioxidant activity so that they can be used for antiaging. The concentration of solvent is a factor that will affect the levels of active ingredients in methanol extract. This study aims to determine the effect of the concentration of the methanol solvent derived from the extraction of Moringa leaves and papaya fruit on the inhibitory activity of the elastase and hyaluronidase enzymes. AIM OF THE STUDY: Knowing the best extracts of methanol 50, 70, and 96% of Moringa leaf (Moringa oleifera) and papaya fruit (Carica papaya) as antiaging agents through inhibition of elastase and hyaluronidase enzymes. METHODOLOGY: In this study variations in the concentration of methanol 50%, 70%, and 96% were used for the extraction of Moringa leaves and papaya fruit. The extract was obtained by maceration method which was then tested for the inhibition of the enzyme activity of elastase and hyaluronidase using ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). RESULTS: The results of the elastase enzyme inhibitory activity test on Moringa leaf extract with 50%, 70%, and 96% methanol solvents IC50 respectively = 9453.38; 6604.70; 12346.44 μg / mL, while the yield of papaya extract 5995.31; 9046.25; 11571.54 μg / mL. In addition, the test results showed the inhibitory activity of the hyaluronidase enzyme showed that the Moringa leaf extract with 50%, 70%, and 96% solvents IC50 respectively = 2944.53; 1028,36; 3001.83 μg / mL, while the yield of methanol extract of papaya fruit is 982.67; 2982.96; 3530.18 μg / mL. CONCLUSION: Based on the test results it can be concluded that the most effective solvent concentration as an inhibition of the enzyme elastase and hyaluronidase methanolic extract of Moringa leaves is 70% methanol solvent. While papaya fruit methanol extract which is effective in inhibiting the enzymes elastase and hyaluronidase is 50% methanol solvent.

Exploring potential antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory flavonoids from Euphorbia humifusa with an integrated strategy

E. humifusa Willd, a monoecious annual plant, native to Eastern Asia, has been traditionally attributed to the treatment and prevention of miscellaneous diseases, including diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Earlier studies have supported this species’ pharmacological efficacies including its antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Even so, the underlying bioactive components with their mechanisms of action associated with its antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects remain elusive. The preamble in vitro assessments of the crude extract and its different fractions revealed that the n-butanol fraction (EHNB) exhibited the best activity, which was subsequently subjected to a rapid screening of candidate ligands through bio-affinity ultrafiltration with the two enzyme targets: α-glucosidase (α-Glu) and cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) combined with UPLC/QTOF-MS. As a result, 7 compounds were identified from EHNB, among them, vitexin and astragalin were screened out as the most active ligand compounds. Vitexin showed great specific binding (SB) affinity values of 1.26 toward α-Glu and 1.32 toward COX-2, while astragalin showed 1.32 and 1.36, respectively. The docking simulation results exhibited strong interactions of vitexin and astragalin with the key residues of the enzyme targets, suggesting their possible mechanisms of action. The in vitro antidiabetic validation revealed noticeable half-maximal inhibitory effects (IC₅₀) of 36.38 ± 3.06 µM for vitexin and 42.47 ± 4.13 µM for astragalin, much better than that of the positive drug acarbose (109.54 ± 14.23 µM). Similarly, these two compounds showed the inhibitory activity against COX-2 with the half-maximal inhibitory effects (IC₅₀) at 27.91 ± 1.74 µM and 49.05 ± 1.49 µM, respectively. Therefore, these two flavonoid compounds (vitexin and astragalin) were speculated as potential antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory compounds from E. humifusa. Taken together, the integrated strategy applied to E. humifusa led to the fast identification of two potential double-acting flavonoids and enlightened its antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory uses. Besides these findings, the integrated strategy in this study could also be used to facilitate the rapid discovery and development of active candidates from other traditional herbal medicines against multi-drug targets and to aid in revealing their mechanisms of action for their traditional uses.

Potential Multifunctional Bioactive Compounds from Dysosma versipellis Explored by Bioaffinity Ultrafiltration-HPLC/MS with Topo I, Topo II, COX-2 and ACE2

Background

Dysosma versipellis (D. versipellis) has been traditionally used as a folk medicine for ages. However, the specific phytochemicals responsible for their correlated anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and antiviral activities remain unknown.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the specific active components in D. versipellis responsible for its potential anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and antiviral effects, and further elucidate the corresponding mechanisms of action.

Methods

Bioaffinity ultrafiltration coupled to liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UF-LC/MS) was firstly hired to fast screen for the anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and antiviral compounds from rhizomes of D. versipellis, and then further validation was conducted using in vitro inhibition assays and molecular docking.

Results

A total of 12, 12, 9 and 12 phytochemicals with considerable affinities to Topo I, Topo II, COX-2 and ACE2 were fished out, respectively. The anti-proliferative assay in vitro indicated that podophyllotoxin and quercetin exhibited comparably strong inhibitory rates on A549 and HT-29 cells compared with 5-FU and etoposide. Meanwhile, kaempferol displayed prominent dose-dependent inhibition against COX-2 with IC₅₀ value at 0.36 ± 0.02 μM lower than indomethacin at 0.73 ± 0.07 μM. Furthermore, quercetin exerted stronger inhibitory effect against ACE2 with IC₅₀ value at 104.79 ± 8.26 μM comparable to quercetin 3-O-glucoside at 135.25 ± 6.54 μM.

Conclusion

We firstly showcased an experimental investigation on the correlations between bioactive phytochemicals of D. versipellis and their multiple drug targets reflecting its potential pharmacological activities, and further constructed a multi-target and multi-component network to decipher its empirical traditional applications. It could not only offer a reliable and valuable experimental basis to better comprehend the curative effects of D. versipellis but also provide more new insights and strategies for other traditional medicinal plants.