Bioactive Phenolics of the Genus Artemisia (Asteraceae): HPLC-DAD-ESI-TQ-MS/MS Profile of the Siberian Species and Their Inhibitory Potential Against α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase

Preliminary investigation of anti-fatigue effects and potential mechanisms of meiju oral liquid in mouse and zebrafish models

Meiju Oral Liquid (MOL), a representative medicinal formula in China, stems from the traditional use of specific Chinese medicinal herbs known for their anti-fatigue properties, including rose, jujube, chicory, and wolfberry. While these individual herbs have been recognized for their benefits, the formulation of MOL itself has not been extensively studied. This study was designed to evaluate the potential anti-fatigue effects of MOL, prepared from these natural herbs, and to explore its underlying mechanisms. In this research, both mouse and zebrafish models were utilized to investigate the anti-fatigue effects of MOL. Chemical characterization of MOL and identification of bioactive compounds in serum were conducted using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The results demonstrated that MOL significantly prolonged the weight-bearing swimming time in mice, increased hepatic and muscle glycogen content, and reduced serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, blood lactate, and inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NO). Furthermore, MOL down-regulated the expression of NOX4 and TNF-α proteins while up-regulating p-PI3K and p-AKT proteins in the liver tissues of fatigued mice. In zebrafish models, MOL exhibited protective effects against sodium sulfite-induced lethality, enhanced high-speed motion trajectories, and increased movement distances in both normal and fatigued zebrafish. Additionally, MOL downregulated IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TNF-β mRNA levels while up-regulating PI3K and AKT1 mRNA levels in fatigued zebrafish. These findings suggested that the anti-fatigue effects of MOL may be mediated through the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as well as the inhibition of TNF-α and NOX4 expression. In addition, a total of ninety-four chemical components were identified in MOL, with twenty-three migration compounds detected in mouse serum. These migration compounds are likely the primary active agents, contributing to the reduction of metabolite accumulation, enhancement of glycogen synthesis, and suppression of inflammatory responses. Taken together, our findings underscore the potential anti-fatigue effects of MOL, warranting further investigation into its therapeutic applications and the specific roles of its bioactive compounds.

Pharmacological mechanisms involved in the diuretic activity of the ethanol-soluble fraction of Baccharis milleflora (Less.) DC. - An ethnopharmacological investigation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baccharis milleflora (Less.) DC. is a plant native to Brazil that is frequently used in traditional medicine as a diuretic and antihypertensive. However, even though it is traditionally used for these purposes, its diuretic and hypotensive effects have not been fully elucidated.

AIM

Investigate the cardiorenal effects of the ethanol-soluble fraction (ESBM) of Baccharis milleflora in normotensive rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cladodes of B. milleflora were analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy to provide anatomical data to support quality control. Subsequently, the ESBM was obtained and analyzed using LC-DAD-MS, and its components were annotated. The acute toxicity of ESBM was assessed in female Wistar rats. The acute and prolonged diuretic and hypotensive effects were then studied in Wistar rats. Finally, we assessed the mechanisms responsible for the diuretic effects of ESBM, including the activity of renal Na+/K+/ATPase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase. Additionally, we also investigated the involvement of bradykinin, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide.

RESULTS

From LC-DAD-MS data, thirty-three metabolites were identified from ESBM, including chlorogenic acids, glycosylated phenolic derivatives, C-glycosylated flavones, and O-glycosylated flavonols. No signs of acute toxicity were observed in female rats. The findings showed that ESBM had significant diuretic and natriuretic effects, as well as a potassium-sparing effect. The treatment with ESBM was able to significantly decrease serum levels of creatinine and malondialdehyde, and also significantly increase levels of nitrite, an indirect marker of nitric oxide bioavailability. Furthermore, pre-treatment with L-NAME abolished all diuretic effects induced by ESBM.

CONCLUSION

This study presented important morpho-anatomical and phytochemical data that support the quality control of Baccharis milleflora. The ESBM exhibited a significant diuretic and natriuretic effect following acute and seven-days repeated treatment in Wistar rats, without affecting renal potassium elimination. These effects appear to be dependent on the activation of the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP pathway. This study suggests the potential use of B. milleflora preparations in clinical situations where a diuretic effect is needed.

Dual SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV inhibitors from Artemisia monosperma: isolation, structure elucidation, molecular modelling studies, and in vitro activities

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the whole globe, so it is imperative that all available resources be used to treat this scourge. In reality, the development of new pharmaceuticals has mostly benefited from natural products. The widespread medicinal usage of species in the Asteraceae family is extensively researched. In this study, compounds isolated from methanolic extract of Artemisia monosperma Delile, a wild plant whose grows in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Three compounds, stigmasterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside 1, rhamnetin 3, and padmatin 6, were first isolated from this species. In addition, five previously reported compounds, arcapillin 2, jaceosidin 4, hispidulin 5, 7-O-methyleriodictyol 7, and eupatilin 8, were isolated. Applying molecular modelling simulations revealed two compounds, arcapillin 2 and rhamnetin 3 with the best docking interactions and energies within SARS-CoV-2 Mpro-binding site (-6.16, and -6.70 kcal mol-1, respectively). The top-docked compounds (2-3) were further evaluated for inhibitory concentrations (IC50), and half-maximal cytotoxicity (CC50) of both SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Interestingly, arcapillin showed high antiviral activity towards SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, with IC50 values of 190.8 μg mL-1 and 16.58 μg mL-1, respectively. These findings may hold promise for further preclinical and clinical research, particularly on arcapillin itself or in collaboration with other drugs for COVID-19 treatment.

Artemvulactone E isolated from Artemisia vulgaris L. ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in both RAW264.7 and zebrafish model

Introduction

Natural plants are valuable resources for exploring new bioactive compounds. Artemisia vulgaris L. is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been historically used for treating multiple diseases. Active compounds isolated and extracted from A. vulgaris L. typically possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Artemvulactone E (AE) is a new sesquiterpene lactone isolated and extracted from A. vulgaris L. with unclear biological activities.

Methods

The immunoregulatory effects of AE on macrophages were assessed by ELISA, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot assay. The effect of AE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -relates signaling pathways was examined by western blot assay. In zebrafish models, the larvae were yolk-microinjected with LPS to establish inflammation model and the effect of AE was evaluated by determining the survival rate, heart rate, yolk sac edema size, neutrophils and macrophages infiltration of zebrafish. The interaction between AE and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was examined by molecular docking and dynamic stimulation.

Results

AE reduced the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), inflammatory mediators iNOS and COX-2, as well as decreases the production of intracellular NO and ROS in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In addition, AE exerted its anti-inflammatory effect synergistically by inhibiting MAPK/JAK/STAT3-NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, AE enhanced the survival rate and attenuated inflammatory response in zebrafish embryos treated with LPS. Finally, the molecular dynamics results indicate that AE forms stable complexes with LPS receptor TLR4 through the Ser127 residue, thus completely impairing the subsequent activation of MAPK-NF-κB signaling.

Conclusion

AE exhibits notable anti-inflammatory activity and represents as a potential agent for treating inflammation-associated diseases.

Comprehensive machine learning models for predicting therapeutic targets in type 2 diabetes utilizing molecular and biochemical features in rats

Introduction

With the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is an urgent need to discover effective therapeutic targets for this complex condition. Coding and non-coding RNAs, with traditional biochemical parameters, have shown promise as viable targets for therapy. Machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as powerful tools for predicting drug responses.

Method

In this study, we developed an ML-based model to identify the most influential features for drug response in the treatment of type 2 diabetes using three medicinal plant-based drugs (Rosavin, Caffeic acid, and Isorhamnetin), and a probiotics drug (Z-biotic), at different doses. A hundred rats were randomly assigned to ten groups, including a normal group, a streptozotocin-induced diabetic group, and eight treated groups. Serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis, while liver tissues (L) and adipose tissues (A) underwent histopathological examination and molecular biomarker extraction using quantitative PCR. Utilizing five machine learning algorithms, we integrated 32 molecular features and 12 biochemical features to select the most predictive targets for each model and the combined model.

Results and discussion

Our results indicated that high doses of the selected drugs effectively mitigated liver inflammation, reduced insulin resistance, and improved lipid profiles and renal function biomarkers. The machine learning model identified 13 molecular features, 10 biochemical features, and 20 combined features with an accuracy of 80% and AUC (0.894, 0.93, and 0.896), respectively. This study presents an ML model that accurately identifies effective therapeutic targets implicated in the molecular pathways associated with T2DM pathogenesis.

Comparative analysis of whole plant, flower and root extracts of Chamomilla recutita L. and characteristic pure compounds reveals differential anti-inflammatory effects on human T cells

Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of chronic wounds and inflammatory skin diseases. Due to a hyperactive and prolonged inflammation triggered by proinflammatory immune cells, transitioning to the repair and healing phase is halted. T cells may exacerbate the proinflammatory milieu by secreting proinflammatory cytokines. Chamomilla recutita L. (chamomile) has been suggested for use in several inflammatory diseases, implying a capability to modulate T cells. Here, we have characterized and compared the effects of differently prepared chamomile extracts and characteristic pure compounds on the T cell redox milieu as well as on the migration, activation, proliferation, and cytokine production of primary human T cells.

Methods

Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was carried out by LC-MS/MS. Primary human T cells from peripheral blood (PBTs) were pretreated with aqueous or hydroethanolic chamomile extracts or pure compounds. Subsequently, the effects on intracellular ROS levels, SDF-1α induced T cell migration, T cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production after TCR/CD3 and CD28 costimulation were determined. Gene expression profiling was performed using nCounter analysis, followed by ingenuity pathway analysis, and validation at protein levels.

Results

The tested chamomile extracts and pure compounds differentially affected intracellular ROS levels, migration, and activation of T cells. Three out of five differently prepared extracts and two out of three pure compounds diminished T cell proliferation. In line with these findings, LC-MS/MS analysis revealed high heterogeneity of phytochemicals among the different extracts. nCounter based gene expression profiling identified several genes related to T cell functions associated with activation and differentiation to be downregulated. Most prominently, apigenin significantly reduced granzyme B induction and cytotoxic T cell activity.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect of chamomile- derived products on primary human T cells. These findings provide molecular explanations for the observed anti-inflammatory action of chamomile and imply a broader use of chamomile extracts in T cell driven chronic inflammatory diseases such as chronic wounds and inflammatory skin diseases. Importantly, the mode of extract preparation needs to be considered as the resulting different phytochemicals can result in differential effects on T cells.

Chemodiversity of Arctic Plant Dryas oxyodonta: LC-MS Profile and Antioxidant Activity

Dryas oxyodonta Yuz. is a perennial evergreen shrub from the Rosaceae family. D. oxyodonta thrives in subalpine and subarctic regions, as well as in highlands spanning from Central Asia to Siberia and Mongolia. Owing to a lack of information on its chemical composition, we conducted qualitative and quantitative chromatographic analyses on extracts from the leaves and flowers of D. oxyodonta sourced from various Siberian habitats. Employing high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection and electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole mass spectrometric detection, we identified 40 compounds, encompassing gallotannins, hydroxycinnamates, procyanidins, catechins, flavonoids, and triterpenes. All Siberian populations of D. oxyodonta exhibited a notable abundance of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, we identified rare glycosides, such as sexangularetin and corniculatusin, as potential markers of the chemodiversity within the Dryas genus. Extracts from the flowers and leaves were effective scavengers of free radicals, including DPPH•, ABTS•+-, O2•-, and •OH radicals. Our findings unequivocally establish D. oxyodonta as a rich source of phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant activity, suggesting its potential utility in developing novel functional products.

Antiobesity Drug Discovery Research: In vitro Models for Shortening the Drug Discovery Pipeline

Obesity is a growing global health problem, leading to various chronic diseases. Despite standard treatment options, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, emphasizing the need for new drugs. in vitro methods of drug discovery research provide a time and cost-saving platform to identify new antiobesity drugs. The review covers various aspects of obesity and drug discovery research using in vitro models. Besides discussing causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, the review focuses on the advantages and limitations of in vitro studies and exhaustively covers models based on enzymes and cell lines from different animal species and humans. In contrast to conventional in vivo animal investigations, in vitro preclinical tests using enzyme- and cell line-based assays provide several advantages in development of antiobesity drugs. These methods are quick, affordable, and provide high-throughput screening. They can also yield insightful information about drug-target interactions, modes of action, and toxicity profiles. By shedding light on the factors that lead to obesity, in vitro tests can also present a chance for personalized therapy. Technology will continue to evolve, leading to the creation of more precise and trustworthy in vitro assays, which will become more and more crucial in the search for novel antiobesity medications.

Metabolomic Analysis and in Vitro Investigation of the Biological Properties of a By-Product Derived from Vicia faba

By-products from plant sources are recently regarded as a valuable source of bioactive compounds. In this regard, the present study aims to assess the bioactivities of the 70 % MeOH extract obtained from Vicia faba peels and analyze its metabolomic profile. Acetylcholinesterase and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes inhibitory activities of the plant extract were assayed using quantitative colorimetric tests. Antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH assay, and cytotoxic activity was evaluated against normal fibroblast skin cells (1-BJ1). Ninety-one metabolites were tentatively identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) hyphenated with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS). Most of these compounds were described for the first time in the plant. In addition, catechin, rutin, quercitrin, and rhamnetin were isolated from the plant extract. The plant extract and the isolated compounds possessed no cytotoxic activity on (1-BJ1), while they exhibited anticholinesterase with the highest activity for 70 % MeOH extract (IC50 =120.11 mg/L), antioxidant potential with the highest activity for rutin (90.54±0.73 %), and carbohydrate metabolizing inhibitory activities with the highest activity for rutin. These discoveries imply that V. faba peels might serve as an efficient antioxidant, exhibit anticholinesterase properties, and have the potential for use in managing diabetes, all while avoiding cytotoxicity in normal cells.

Chemical Characterization of Different Extracts from Artemisia annua and Their Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae Family) is an important plant in Asia that has been used for treating different diseases, including fever due to malaria, wounds, tubercolisis, scabues, pain, convulsions, diabetes, and inflammation. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of different polarity extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water (70 %) and water) from A. annua against the burden of inflammation and oxidative stress occurring in colon tissue exposed to LPS. In parallel, chemical composition, antiradical, and enzyme inhibition effects against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and cholinesterases were evaluated. The water extract contained the highest content of the total phenolic with 34.59 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract, while the hexane had the highest content of the total flavonoid (20.06 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g extract). In antioxidant assays, the polar extracts (ethanol, ethanol/water and water) exhibited stronger radical scavenging and reducing power abilities when compared to non-polar extracts. The hexane extract showed the best AChE, tyrosinase and glucosidase inhibitory effects. All extracts revealed effective anti-inflammatory agents, as demonstrated by the blunting effects on COX-2 and TNFα gene expression. These effects seemed to be not related to the only phenolic content. However, it is worthy of interest to highlight how the higher potency against LPS-induced gene expression was shown by the water extract ; thus suggesting a potential phytotherapy application in the management of clinical symptoms related to inflammatory colon diseases, although future in vivo studies are needed to confirm such in vitro and ex vivo observations.

Metabolites of Geum aleppicum and Sibbaldianthe bifurca: Diversity and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential

α-Glucosidase inhibitors are essential in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Plant-derived drugs are promising sources of new compounds with glucosidase-inhibiting ability. The Geum aleppicum Jacq. and Sibbaldianthe bifurca (L.) Kurtto & T.Erikss. herbs are used in many traditional medical systems to treat diabetes. In this study, metabolites of the G. aleppicum and S. bifurca herbs in active growth, flowering, and fruiting stages were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-PDA-ESI-tQ-MS/MS). In total, 29 compounds in G. aleppicum and 41 components in S. bifurca were identified including carbohydrates, organic acids, benzoic and ellagic acid derivatives, ellagitannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Gemin A, miquelianin, niga-ichigoside F1, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid 4-O-glucoside were the dominant compounds in the G. aleppicum herb, while guaiaverin, miquelianin, tellimagrandin II₂, casuarictin, and glucose were prevailing compounds in the S. bifurca herb. On the basis of HPLC activity-based profiling of the G. aleppicum herb extract, the most pronounced inhibition of α-glucosidase was observed for gemin A and quercetin-3-O-glucuronide. The latter compound and quercetin-3-O-arabinoside demonstrated maximal inhibition of α-glucosidase in the S. bifurca herb extract. The obtained results confirm the prospects of using these plant compounds as possible sources of hypoglycemic nutraceuticals.

Hogweed Seed Oil: Physico-Chemical Characterization, LC-MS Profile, and Neuroprotective Activity of Heracleum dissectum Nanosuspension

The seeds of dissected hogweed (Heracleum dissectum Ledeb., Apiaceae) are the source of hogweed oil (HSO), which is still underexplored and requires careful chemical and biological studies. The performed physico-chemical analysis of HSO elucidated basic physical characteristics and revealed the presence of fatty acids, essential oil components, pigments, and coumarins. High-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-PDA-ESI-tQ-MS/MS) identified 38 coumarins that were characterized and quantified. Various furanocoumarins were the major components of HSO polyphenolics, including imperatorin, phellopterin, and isoimperatorin, and the total coumarin content in HSO varied from 181.14 to 238.42 mg/mL. The analysis of storage stability of the selected compounds in HSO indicated their good preservation after 3-year storage at cold and freezing temperatures. The application of the CO₂-assisted effervescence method allowed the production of an HSO nanosuspension, which was used in a brain ischemia model of rats. The HSO nanosuspension enhanced cerebral hemodynamics and decreased the frequency of necrotic processes in the brain tissue. Thus, H. dissectum seeds are a good source of coumarins, and HSO nanosuspension promotes neuroprotection of the brain after lesions, which supports earlier ethnopharmacological data.

Antibacterial Activity and Anxiolytic Effect in Adult Zebrafish of Genus Lippia L. Species

Species belonging to the genus Lippia are used worldwide as foods, beverages, and seasonings. Studies have demonstrated that these species have antioxidant, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. This work aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and anxiolytic effect by different pathways of essential oils and ethanolic extracts of three species of Lippia (Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, and Lippia gracilis). The ethanolic extracts were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSⁿ and their phenolics were quantified. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration and modulation of antibiotic activity, and toxic and anxiolytic effects were evaluated in the zebrafish model. The extracts showed compositions with a low ratio and shared compounds. L. alba and L. gracilis showed higher amounts of phenols and flavonoids, respectively. All extracts and essential oils presented antibacterial activity, especially those obtained from L. sidoides. On the other hand, L. alba extract presented the most significant antibiotic-enhancing effect. The samples were not toxic after 96 h of exposure, but showed an anxiolytic effect through modulation of the GABA_A receptor, while L. alba extract acted via modulation of the 5-HT receptor. This new pharmacological evidence opens horizons for therapeutic approaches targeting anxiolytic and antibacterial therapies and food conservation using these species and their constituents.

Metabolomics approach of Symphyotrichum squamatum ethanol extract and its nano-Ag formulation protective effect on gastric ulcer via bio-chemical and pathological analyses

ContextGastric ulcer (GU) a widely distributed ailment is associated with many causes, including alcohol consumption.Materials and MethodsChemical profiling of Symphyotrichum squamatum ethanol extract (SSEE) was established via ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-qTOF-MS) and employed in a silver nano-formulation (SSEE-N-Ag). SSEE and SSEE-N-Ag antiulcer activities were estimated against ethanol-induced rats by biochemical, histological, and metabolomics assessments. Reduced glutathione, total antioxidant capacity and prostaglandin E2 levels and gastric mucosa histopathological examination were analysed. The rats' metabolome changing alongside action pathways were elucidated via metabolite profile coupled to multivariate data analysis.ResultsUPLC-MS profiling of SSEE identified 75 components belonging to various classes. Compared with control, EtOH-treated rats showed decreased of tissue GSH, TAC and PGE2 by 62.32%, 51.85% and 47.03% respectively. SSEE and SSEE-N-Ag administration mitigated biochemical and histopathological alterations. Serum metabolomics analysis revealed for changes in several low molecular weight metabolites with ulcer development. These metabolites levels were restored to normal post-administration of SSEE-N-Ag. SSEE-N-Ag as mediated via modulating numerous metabolic pathways such as lipids, pyrimidine, energy metabolism and phosphatidylinositol signalling. This study provides novel insight for metabolic mechanisms underlying gastric ulcer relieving effect.ConclusionPresent results revealed potential antiulcer effect of SSEE and SSEE-N-Ag by decreasing ulcer-associated syndromes, supporting their anti-ulcerogenic action.

Assessment of Polyphenols Bioaccessibility, Stability, and Antioxidant Activity of White Mugwort (Artemisia lactiflora Wall.) during Static In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion

White mugwort (Artemisia lactiflora Wall.), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely consumed in different forms for health care purposes. In this study, the in vitro digestion model of INFOGEST was used to investigate the bioaccessibility, stability, and antioxidant activity of polyphenols from two different forms of white mugwort, including dried powder (P 50, 100, and 150 mg/mL) and fresh extract (FE 5, 15, and 30 mg/mL). During digestion, the bioaccessibility of TPC and antioxidant activity were influenced by the form and ingested concentration of white mugwort. The highest bioaccessibility of the total phenolic content (TPC) and relative antioxidant activity were found at the lowest P and FE concentrations, as calculated relative to the TPC and antioxidant activity of P-MetOH and FE-MetOH based on the dry weight of the sample. Post-digestion, in comparison to P, FE had higher bioaccessibility (FE = 287.7% and P = 130.7%), relative DPPH radical scavenging activity (FE = 104.2% and P = 47.3%), and relative FRAP (FE = 673.5% and P = 66.5%). Nine compounds, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-caffeoylquinic acid, sinapolymalate, isovitexin, kaempferol, morin, rutin, and quercetin, identified in both samples were modified during digestion, yet still provided strong antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that white mugwort extract possesses a higher polyphenol bioaccessibility, showing great potential as a functional ingredient.

Inhibitory Potential of α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, and Pancreatic Lipase by a Formulation of Five Plant Extracts: TOTUM-63

Controlling post-prandial hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, particularly by regulating the activity of digestive enzymes, allows managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of TOTUM-63, a formulation of five plant extracts (Olea europaea L., Cynara scolymus L., Chrysanthellum indicum subsp. afroamericanum B.L.Turner, Vaccinium myrtillus L., and Piper nigrum L.), on enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid absorption. First, in vitro inhibition assays were performed by targeting three enzymes: α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase. Then, kinetic studies and binding affinity determinations by fluorescence spectrum changes and microscale thermophoresis were performed. The in vitro assays showed that TOTUM-63 inhibited all three digestive enzymes, particularly α-glucosidase (IC50 of 13.1 µg/mL). Mechanistic studies on α-glucosidase inhibition by TOTUM-63 and molecular interaction experiments indicated a mixed (full) inhibition mechanism, and higher affinity for α-glucosidase than acarbose, the reference α-glucosidase inhibitor. Lastly, in vivo data using leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice, a model of obesity and type 2 diabetes, indicated that TOTUM-63 might prevent the increase in fasting glycemia and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels over time, compared with the untreated group. These results show that TOTUM-63 is a promising new approach for type 2 diabetes management via α-glucosidase inhibition.

Valorisation of Three Underutilised Native Australian Plants: Phenolic and Organic Acid Profiles and In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity

Tasmannia lanceolata, Diploglottis bracteata and Syzygium aqueum are understudied native Australian plants. This study aimed to characterise the non-anthocyanin phenolic and organic acid profiles of the aqueous extracts obtained from the leaves of T. lanceolata and fruits of D. bracteata and S. aqueum by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS and UHPLC-TQ-MS/MS. A total of 39, 22, and 27 non-anthocyanin polyphenols were tentatively identified in T. lanceolata, D. bracteata, and S. aqueum extracts, respectively. Furthermore, sugars and ascorbic acid contents as well as in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the extracts were determined. Response surface methodology was applied to achieve an extract blend with a strong inhibitory effect against Pseudomonas viridiflava, the main cause of soft rot in vegetables, Bacillus subtilis, Rhodotorula diobovata and Alternaria alternata. The identified compounds including organic acids (e.g., quinic, citric and malic acids) and polyphenols (e.g., catechin, procyanidins, and ellagitannins) might contribute to the observed antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, this study provides the most comprehensive phenolic profiles of these three underutilised native Australian plants to date.

The Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenols from Mexican Firecracker (Hamelia patens Jacq.): Evaluation of Bioactivities and Identification of Phytochemicals by HPLC-ESI-MS

The objective of the present work was to optimize the extraction of phytochemicals from Hamelia patens Jacq. by ultrasound-assisted extraction. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was used to evaluate the factors solid/liquid ratio (1:8, 1:12, and 1:16), extraction time (10, 20, and 30 min), and ethanol concentration (0, 35, and 70%). Total polyphenols were the response variable. Chromatographic fractionation using Amberlite XAD-16 was carried out and the total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were quantified. The redox potential, the reduction of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the lipid oxidation inhibition were determined. Anti-bacterial activity was evaluated. The phytochemicals were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Optimal extraction conditions were a solid/liquid ratio of 1:16, ethanol of 35%, and 10 min of ultrasound-assisted extraction. Maximum polyphenol content in the crude extract was 1689.976 ± 86.430 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g of dried plant material. The purified fraction showed a total polyphenols content of 3552.84 ± 7.25 mg of GAE, flavonoids 1316.17 ± 0.27 mg of catechin equivalents, and condensed tannins 1694.87 ± 22.21 mg of procyanidin B1 equivalents, all per 100 g of purified fraction. Its redox potential was 553.93 ± 1.22 mV, reducing 63.08 ± 0.42% of DPPH radical and inhibiting 77.78 ± 2.78% of lipid oxidation. The polyphenols demonstrated antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Enterococcus faecalis. The HPLC-ESI-MS analysis revealed the presence of coumarins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoids.

Callus Culture of Scorzonera radiata as a New, Highly Productive and Stable Source of Caffeoylquinic Acids

During our ongoing efforts to investigate biotechnological sources of caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) metabolites, we discovered the plant Scorzonera radiata Fisch. (Asteraceae), which is able to produce callus cultures with high yield and extremely high stability. An actively growing callus line, designated as Sr-L1, retained the ability to produce 11 CQAs during long-term cultivation (more than 20 years). A total of 29 polyphenolic compounds were identified in the leaves and Sr-L1 callus culture of S. radiata, including CQAs, lignol derivatives, flavonoids, and dihydrostilbenes. The composition of CQAs in the Sr-L1 culture was identical to that in the S. radiata leaves. Sr-L1 calli did not produce flavonoids and dihydrostilbenes, but produced lignol derivatives, which were absent in leaves. The HPLC-UV-HRMS determination showed the presence of monoacyl derivatives of CQAs such as 5-CQA, 4-CQA, cis-5-CQA, and 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid in the Sr-L1 culture. Among diacyl derivatives, 3,4-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, cis-3,5-diCQA, 4,5-diCQA, 3-O-p-coumaroyl-5-O-CQA, and 3-O-caffeoyl-5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid were found. The content of 5-CQA reached 7.54 mg/g dry weight and the content of 3,5-diCQA was as high as 18.52 mg/g dry weight. 3,5-diCQA has been reported to be of high nutritional and pharmacological value, as it alleviates inflammatory pain, reverses memory impairment by preventing neuronal apoptosis, and counteracts excessive adipose tissue expansion, serving as an attractive treatment option for obesity. The high content of 3,5-diCQA and the exceptional stability of biosynthesis make callus cultures of S. radiata a promising source for the development of drugs and nutraceuticals.

Exploring the Artemisia Genus: An Insight into the Phytochemical and Multi-Biological Potential of A. campestris subsp. lednicensis (Spreng.) Greuter & Raab-Straube

The Artemisia L. genus includes over five hundred species with great economic and medicinal properties. Our study aimed to provide a comprehensive metabolite and bioactivity profile of Artemisia campestris subsp. lednicensis (Spreng.) Greuter & Raab-Straube collected from north-eastern Romania. Liquid chromatography with tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) analysis of different polarity extracts obtained from the aerial parts led to the identification of twelve flavonoids, three phenolic acids, two sesquiterpene lactones, two fatty acids, one coumarin, and one lignan. The antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties were shown in the DPPH (0.71−213.68 mg TE/g) and ABTS (20.57−356.35 mg TE/g) radical scavenging, CUPRAC (38.56−311.21 mg TE/g), FRAP (121.68−202.34 mg TE/g), chelating (12.88−22.25 mg EDTAE/g), phosphomolybdenum (0.92−2.11 mmol TE/g), anti-acetylcholinesterase (0.15−3.64 mg GALAE/g), anti-butyrylcholinesterase (0−3.18 mg GALAE/g), anti-amylase (0.05−0.38 mmol ACAE/g), anti-glucosidase (0.43−2.21 mmol ACAE/g), and anti-tyrosinase (18.62−48.60 mg KAE/g) assays. At 100 μg/mL, Artemisia extracts downregulated the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human neutrophil model (29.05−53.08% of LPS+ control). Finally, the Artemisia samples showed moderate to weak activity (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 625 mg/L) against the seventeen tested microbial strains (bacteria, yeasts, and dermatophytes). Overall, our study shows that A. campestris subsp. lednicensis is a promising source of bioactives with putative use as food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients.

Evaluation of the Polyphenolic Composition and Bioactivities of Three Native Cabo Verde Medicinal Plants

The use of medicinal plants in a variety of health conditions remains essential for the discovery of new treatments. The present study aimed to investigate the bioactive properties of three native plants from Cabo Verde Islands, namely Artemisia gorgonum Webb, Sideroxylon marginatum (Decne. ex Webb) Cout., and Tamarix senegalensis DC., contributing to the characterization of less-known medicinal plants and their potential benefits for human health. Known compounds, such as kaempferol, quercetin, caffeyolquinic, and apigenin derivatives, among others, were detected in the plant species under study. Overall, all species demonstrated good antioxidant capacity, especially the ethanolic extracts of A. gorgonum (EC50 = 0.149 mg/mL) in TBARS assay. Moreover, the ethanolic extracts of the studied plants showed cytotoxic properties against tumor cells, and again the A. gorgonum extract proved to be the most effective in inhibiting tumor growth, mainly in the CaCO₂ (GI50 = 17.3 μg/mL) and AGS (GI50 = 18.2 μg/mL) cell lines. Only the ethanolic extracts of T. senegalensis and S. marginatum demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, albeit weak (EC50 = 35 and 43 μg/mL, respectively). The present study contributed to increased knowledge about the bioactive properties of these plants commonly used in traditional medicine, some of which was discussed for the first time, opening new perspectives for their use in a wider range of health conditions, especially in African countries, where access to modern health care is more limited.

Caucasian Dragonheads: Phenolic Compounds, Polysaccharides, and Bioactivity of Dracocephalum austriacum and Dracocephalum botryoides

Dracocephalum botryoides Steven and Dracocephalum austriacum L. are unexplored species of the Dracocephalum genus (Lamiaceae family) with a distribution in the Caucasus, where they are used in folk medicine and local cuisine. There are no data on the chemical composition of these Dracocephalum species. In this study, the application of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technique for the metabolite profiling of methanol extracts from herbs and roots of D. austriacum and D. botryoides resulted in the identification of 50 compounds, including benzoic acid derivatives, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and lignans. Water-soluble polysaccharides of the herbs and roots of D. austriacum and D. botryoides were isolated and characterized as mostly pectins with additive arabinogalactan-protein complexes and starch-like compounds. The antioxidant potential of the studied extracts of Dracocephalum and selected phenolics and water-soluble polysaccharides were investigated via radical-scavenging and ferrous (II) ion chelating assays. This paper demonstrates that herbs and roots of D. austriacum and D. botryoides are rich sources of metabolites and could be valuable plants for new biologically active products. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of whole plant metabolites and their antioxidant activity in D. austriacum and D. botryoides.

Chemical Diversity and Anti-Insect Activity Evaluation of Essential Oils Extracted from Five Artemisia Species

As a source of aromatic plants, the genus Artemisia has long been considered to have the potential to develop plant pesticides. In this study, components of essential oils from A. dalai-lamae, A. tangutica, A. sieversiana, A. tanacetifolia and A. ordosica were identified by GC-MS. A total of 56 constituents were analysed, and each species consisted of 9 to 24 constituents. Principle component analysis (PCA) revealed that A. dalai-lamae, A. tangutica and A. tanacetifolia are characterised by monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed the most remarkable similarity between A. sieversiana and A. ordosica, but the similarity was still lower than 50%. Contact toxicity and repellency of essential oils were evaluated by bioassays; A. ordosica oil exhibited the most substantial contact toxicity (LD50 = 52.11 μg/cm2) against Liposcelis bostrychophila, while A. tangutica oil showed the most potent contact toxicity (LD50 = 17.42 μg/adult) against Tribolium castaneum. Except for A. dalai-lamae, the other four species showed the same level (p > 0.05) of repellent activity as the positive control against both pests at high concentrations. The results indicated that these five Artemisia species had high chemical diversity and great potential to be developed into more effective and environmentally friendly anti-insect agents.

Unveiling the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Potential of Five Artemisia Species

The Artemisia L. genus comprises over 500 species with important medicinal and economic attributes. Our study aimed at providing a comprehensive metabolite profiling and bioactivity assessment of five Artemisia species collected from northeastern Romania (A. absinthium L., A. annua L., A. austriaca Jacq., A. pontica L. and A. vulgaris L.). Liquid chromatography–tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) analysis of methanol and chloroform extracts obtained from the roots and aerial parts of the plants led to the identification of 15 phenolic acids (mostly hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives), 26 flavonoids (poly-hydroxylated/poly-methoxylated flavone derivatives, present only in the aerial parts), 14 sesquiterpene lactones, 3 coumarins, 1 lignan and 7 fatty acids. Clustered image map (CIM) analysis of the phytochemical profiles revealed that A. annua was similar to A. absinthium and that A. pontica was similar to A. austriaca, whereas A. vulgaris represented a cluster of its own. Correlated with their total phenolic contents, the methanol extracts from both parts of the plants showed the highest antioxidant effects, as assessed by the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, CUPRAC, FRAP and total antioxidant capacity methods. Artemisia extracts proved to be promising sources of enzyme inhibitory agents, with the methanol aerial part extracts being the most active samples against acetylcholinesterase and glucosidase. All Artemisia samples displayed good antibacterial effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra, with MIC values of 64–256 mg/L. In conclusion, the investigated Artemisia species proved to be rich sources of bioactives endowed with antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and anti-mycobacterial properties.

Guaianolides and unusual 3-oxa-guaianolides from Artemisia macrocephala

Eight undescribed guaianolides (macrocephalolides A-H) and two known analogues (parishin C, artabsinolide E) were isolated from the whole plant of Artemisia macrocephala growing in Xinjiang, China. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, with absolute configurations established by comparison of experimental and calculated ECD data, as well as confirmation of single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography. Macrocephalolides A-B featured an unusual type of 3-oxa-guaianolide with a cyclopentenone moiety. Macrocephalolides C-E possessed a dihydro-2H-pyran acetal segment, representing an unprecedented 2, 3-secoguaianolide skeleton with 6/7/5 tricyclic ring system in natural sesquiterpenes. The X-ray crystal structures of parishin C and artabsinolide E were reported for the first time.

A Comparison of Bioactive Metabolites, Antinutrients, and Bioactivities of African Pumpkin Leaves (Momordica balsamina L.) Cooked by Different Culinary Techniques

Prior to consumption, African pumpkin leaves (Momordica balsamina L.) are generally cooked. In this study, the effects of common household cooking methods (boiling, steaming, microwaving, stir-frying) on bioactive metabolites, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, antinutrients and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities were examined. A set of 14 bioactive metabolites were identified in raw and cooked African leaves using UPLC-QTOF/MS. The results showed that the four different types of household cooking methods had different effects on the bioactive metabolomics profile of African pumpkin leaves. In comparison to raw leaves and leaves cooked in other methods, the concentrations of six phenolic compounds, rutin, cryptochlorogenic acid (4-caffeoylquinic acid), pseudolaroside A, isorhamnetin 3-O-robinoside, quercetin 3-galactoside, and trans-4-feruloylquinic acid, were highest in stir-fried leaves. Of all household cooking methods tested, stir-frying increased the content of lutein, β-carotene, and zeaxanthin by 60.00%, 146.15%, and 123.51%, respectively. Moreover, stir-frying African pumpkin leaves increased the antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) and the inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Compared to all four methods of household cooking, stir-frying reduced the antinutritive compounds compared to raw leaves. This work provides useful information to the consumers on the selection of suitable cooking methods for African pumpkin leaves.

Genetic and chemical markers for authentication of three Artemisia species: A. capillaris, A. gmelinii, and A. fukudo

The genus Artemisia is an important source of medicines in both traditional and modern pharmaceutics, particularly in East Asia. Despite the great benefits of herbal medicine, quality assessment methods for these medicinal herbs are lacking. The young leaves from Artemisia species are generally used, and most of the species have similar morphology, which often leads to adulteration and misuse. This study assembled five complete chloroplast genomes of three Artemisia species, two accessions of A. gmelinii and A. capillaris, and one A. fukudo. Through comparative analysis, we revealed genomic variations and phylogenetic relationships between these species and developed seven InDel-based barcode markers which discriminated the tested species from each other. Additionally, we analyzed specialized metabolites from the species using LC-MS and suggested chemical markers for the identification and authentication of these herbs. We expect that this integrated and complementary authentication method would aid in reducing the misuse of Artemisia species.

Phytochemical analysis and comprehensive evaluation of pharmacological potential of Artemisia brevifolia Wall. ex DC

Multitude of diseases and side effects from conventional drugs have surged the use of herbal remedies. Thus, the current study aimed to appraise various pharmacological attributes of Artemisia brevifolia Wall. ex DC. Extracts prepared by successive solvent extraction were subjected to phytochemical and multimode antioxidant assays. Various polyphenolics and artemisinin derivatives were detected and quantified using RP-HPLC analysis. Compounds present in methanol (M) and distilled water (DW) extracts were identified using high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Extracts were pharmacologically evaluated for their antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antileishmanial and antidiabetic potentials. Moreover, cytotoxicity against Artemiasalina, human cancer cell lines and isolated lymphocytes was assessed. Genotoxicity was evaluated using comet, micronucleus and chromosomal aberration assays. Lastly, anti-inflammatory potential was determined through a series of in vitro and in vivo assays using BALB/c mice.

Maximum extract recovery (5.95% w/w) was obtained by DW extract. Highest phenolics and flavonoids content, total antioxidant capacity, total reduction potential, percentfree radical scavenging, β-carotene scavenging and iron chelating activities were exhibited by M extract. RP-HPLC analysis revealed significant amounts of various polyphenolic compounds (vanillic acid, syringic acid, emodin and luteolin), artemisinin, dihydro artemisinin, artesunate and artemether in ethyl acetate (EA) extract. Total 40 compounds were detected through HRMS. A noteworthy antimicrobial activity (MIC 22.22 µg/ml) was exhibited by EA extract against A. fumigatus and several bacterial strains. Maximum antimalarial, antileishmanial, brine shrimp lethality and cytotoxic potential against cancer cells was manifested by EA extract. None of the extracts exhibited genotoxicity and toxicity against isolated lymphocytes. Highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition capacities were demonstrated by DW extract. Various in-vivo anti-inflammatory models revealed significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory potential of M and DW extracts. In conclusion, present findings divulged theremarkable pharmacological potential of A. brevifolia and endorse its richness in artemisinin.

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.

In Silico Approaches to Identify Polyphenol Compounds as α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitors against Type-II Diabetes

Type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, and the prevalence of T2DM is increasing worldwide. Clinically, both α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes inhibitors can suppress peaks of postprandial glucose with surplus adverse effects, leading to efforts devoted to urgently seeking new anti-diabetes drugs from natural sources for delayed starch digestion. This review attempts to explore 10 families e.g., Bignoniaceae, Ericaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Campanulaceae, Geraniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, Acanthaceae, Rutaceae, and Moraceae as medicinal plants, and folk and herb medicines for lowering blood glucose level, or alternative anti-diabetic natural products. Many natural products have been studied in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays to restrain hyperglycemia. In addition, natural products, and particularly polyphenols, possess diverse structures for exploring them as inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Interestingly, an in silico discovery approach using natural compounds via virtual screening could directly target α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes through Monte Carto molecular modeling. Autodock, MOE-Dock, Biovia Discovery Studio, PyMOL, and Accelrys have been used to discover new candidates as inhibitors or activators. While docking score, binding energy (Kcal/mol), the number of hydrogen bonds, or interactions with critical amino acid residues have been taken into concerning the reliability of software for validation of enzymatic analysis, in vitro cell assay and in vivo animal tests are required to obtain leads, hits, and candidates in drug discovery and development.

Metabolites of Prickly Rose: Chemodiversity and Digestive-Enzyme-Inhibiting Potential of Rosa acicularis and the Main Ellagitannin Rugosin D

Prickly rose (Rosaacicularis Lindl.) is the most distributed rose species in the Northern Hemisphere, used by indigenous people for various food purposes. The lack of detailed information about the chemical composition of R. acicularis has led us to study the phytochemical composition and metabolic profile of prickly rose extracts using chromatographic techniques. Many groups of phenolic and non-phenolic compounds were quantified in the leaves, flowers, roots and fruits of R. acicularis. Phenolic compounds were the dominant phytochemicals in the aerial parts and roots of R. acicularis. A precise study by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection showed the presence of 123 compounds, among which ellagic acid derivatives, ellagitannins, gallotannins, catechins, catechin oligomers, hydroxycinnamates and flavonoid glycosides of kaempferol, quercetin and dihydroquercetin were all identified for the first time. The most abundant phenolic compounds were ellagitannins and flavonoid glycosides, with a maximal content of 70.04 mg/g in leaves and 66.72 mg/g in flowers, respectively, indicating the great ability of R. acicularis organs to accumulate phenolic compounds. By applying a standardized static, simulated gastrointestinal digestion method, we found the inhibitory potential of the leaf extract against digestive α-amylases. A pancreatic α-amylase activity-inhibiting assay coupled with HPLC microfractionation demonstrated high inhibition of enzyme activity by ellagitannin rugosin D, which was later confirmed by a microplate reaction with mammalian α-amylases and the simulated digestion method. This study clearly demonstrates that R. acicularis leaf extract and its main component, ellagitannin rugosin D, strongly inhibit digestive α-amylase, and may be a prospective antidiabetic agent.

Rhaponticum uniflorum and Serratula centauroides Extracts Attenuate Emotional Injury in Acute and Chronic Emotional Stress

In modern life, the use of plant stress-protectors has taken on particular significance due to the wide distribution of neurosis-like and neurotic diseases caused by neuroendocrine-immune system imbalance. Special attention has been paid to the plants containing ecdysteroids, i.e., hormone-like bioactive substances with high adaptogenic activity. The article deals with the study of bioactivity of two plant extracts as Rhaponticum uniflorum (L.) DC. and Serratula centauroides L. with a high content of ecdysteroids and phenolic compounds. The models of acute and chronic emotional stress in white rats were used to estimate the stress-protective activity of R. uniflorum and S. centauroides extracts. Both extracts showed the stress-protective effect via inhibiting the development of signs induced by single and long-term effects of stress factors. In acute stress, the development of Selye's triad signs was less pronounced against the background of the plant remedies introduction. In chronic stress, the extracts prevented the development of anxiety-depressive syndrome. Besides, R. uniflorum and S. centauroides extracts banned the development of stress-induced injuries in the brain cortex and had a neuroprotective effect on ischemia against chronic stress. The stress-protective effects of both plant extracts were based on a decrease of hyperactivation of the central stress-promoting systems (sympathoadrenal, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) due to their GABA-mimetic effects. Peripheral mechanisms were connected with the inhibition of free radical oxidation processes and with an increase in the endogenous antioxidant system activity. Thus, R. uniflorum and S. centauroides extracts have a high potential to increase non-specific body resistance against acute and chronic emotional stress effects.

Comparative metabolomics reveals the cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory discriminatory chemical markers of raw and roasted colocynth fruit (Citrullus colocynthis L.)

Colocynth has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treatment of various inflammatory diseases where it is commonly roasted before being applied for medical purposes to reduce its toxicity. This study aims at tracking the effect of heat processing on the metabolic profile of the peels, pulps and seeds of colocynth fruit using UPLC-QqQ-MS-based metabolomics. The analysis resulted in tentative identification of 72 compounds belonging to different chemical classes. With roasting, a decline was observed in the relative amounts of chemical constituents where 42, 25 and 29 compounds were down-regulated in the peels, pulps and seeds, respectively. EC₁₀₀ values resulting in 100% cell viability were all higher in roasted samples compared to their relevant raw ones. Correlation analysis indicated that the main cytotoxic chemical markers were cucurbitacin glycosides and their genins. Further, ex vivo anti-inflammatory activity testing multivariate models revealed that unprocessed samples correlated with inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ where quercetrin, calodendroside A, and hexanoic acid methyl ester were the most significant chemical markers, while processed samples showed correlation with IL-6 pro-inflammatory marker inhibition with protocatechuic and protocatechuic acid glycoside being the main correlated chemical markers.

Colocynth has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treatment of various inflammatory diseases where it is commonly roasted before being applied for medical purposes to reduce its toxicity.

Reversed-Phase HPLC Characterization and Quantification and Antioxidant Capacity of the Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids Extracted From Eight Varieties of Sorghum Grown in Austria

Sorghum is raising great interest as a grain for the future, for its agricultural advantages in times of climate change, and for the positive impact of its bioactive compounds on human health. These compounds comprise phenolic acids, in a free, conjugated, and bound form, and flavonoids. The most commonly used extraction methods require high volumes of chemicals and are non-practical when handling many samples at a time. The main aim of this study was to develop a microscale extraction procedure for both phenolic acids and flavonoids to improve yield and diversity, labor time, and chemicals usage. The improved protocols allowed to perform the extraction in 2-ml safe-lock tubes using around 60 times less chemical volume for phenolic acids and 6 times less for flavonoids. In addition, compared to the macroscale method, the microscale approach was effective in extracting a comparable amount of phenolic acids (between 0.99 and 1.57 mg ferulic acid/g) and even a higher quantity of flavonoids (between 1.10 and 2.24 mg ferulic acid/g). With the established methods, phenolic compounds were extracted from eight varieties of sorghum grown in Austria, previously shown to be promising for food processing. In all sorghum varieties, protocatechuic, vanillic, caffeic, syringic, P-coumaric, and ferulic acids were detected in free, conjugated and bound form, with the last being the most abundant. Arsky and Icebergg varieties presented the lowest (922.65 μg/g) and the highest (1,269.28 μg/g) levels of total phenolic acids, respectively, recorded using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Flavonoids, comprising luteolinidin, apigenidin, naringenin, apigenin, 5-methoxy-luteolinidin (5-MetO-Lut), and 7-methoxy-apigeninidin (7-MetO-Api), were detected in amounts between 27.03 (Kalatur variety) and 87.52 μg/g (Huggo variety). The red varieties, Huggo, Armorik, and Arsky, had the highest antioxidant activity measured as 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) [around 5.00 μg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g] and Azino-bis(3-ehtylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) (around 3.00 μg TE/g) scavenging capacity for both phenolic acids and flavonoids. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was the highest for the phenolic acids extracted from a white Ggolden variety.

Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants Used in Democratic Republic of Congo: A Critical Review of Ethnopharmacology and Bioactivity Data

Several studies have been conducted and published on medicinal plants used to manage Diabetes Mellitus worldwide. It is of great interest to review available studies from a country or a region to resort to similarities/discrepancies and data quality. Here, we examined data related to ethnopharmacology and bioactivity of antidiabetic plants used in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were extracted from Google Scholar, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, the Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, and other documents focusing on ethnopharmacology, pharmacology, and phytochemistry antidiabetic plants used in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2005 to September 2021. The Kew Botanic Royal Garden and Plants of the World Online web databases were consulted to verify the taxonomic information. CAMARADES checklist was used to assess the quality of animal studies and Jadad scores for clinical trials. In total, 213 plant species belonging to 72 botanical families were reported. Only one plant, Droogmansia munamensis, is typically native to the DRC flora; 117 species are growing in the DRC and neighboring countries; 31 species are either introduced from other regions, and 64 are not specified. Alongside the treatment of Diabetes, about 78.13% of plants have multiple therapeutic uses, depending on the study sites. Experimental studies explored the antidiabetic activity of 133 plants, mainly in mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Several chemical classes of antidiabetic compounds isolated from 67 plant species have been documented. Rare phase II clinical trials have been conducted. Critical issues included poor quality methodological protocols, author name incorrectly written (16.16%) or absent (14.25%) or confused with a synonym (4.69%), family name revised (17.26%) or missing (1.10%), voucher number not available 336(92.05%), ecological information not reported (49.59%). Most plant species have been identified and authenticated (89.32%). Hundreds of plants are used to treat Diabetes by traditional healers in DRC. However, most plants are not exclusively native to the local flora and have multiple therapeutic uses. The analysis showed the scarcity or absence of high-quality, in-depth pharmacological studies. There is a need to conduct further studies of locally specific species to fill the gap before their introduction into the national pharmacopeia.

Arnica montana Cell Culture Establishment, and Assessment of Its Cytotoxic, Antibacterial, α-Amylase Inhibitor, and Antioxidant In Vitro Bioactivities

Arnica montana cell suspension culture could be a sustainable source of a vegetal material producer of secondary metabolites (SMs) possessing biological effects. Different plant growth regulator concentrations (0-5 mg/L) were tested in foliar explants to induce a callus that was used to establish a cell suspension culture. Growth kinetics was carried out for 30 days. A methanolic extract obtained from biomass harvested at 30 days of growth kinetics was fractionated, and three fractions were tested for bioactivities. We induced a callus with 1 mg/L of picloram and 0.5 mg/L of kinetin in foliar explants, which allowed for the establishment of a cell suspension culture, and the latter had the highest total SMs contents at day 30. Three fractions showed differences in total SMs contents, with the highest values per gram as follows: 270 mg gallic acid equivalent for total phenolic content, 200 mg quercetin equivalent for total flavonoid content, 83 mg verbascoside equivalent for total phenolic acid content, and 396 mg parthenolide equivalent for total sesquiterpene lactone content. The best bioactivities were 2-6 µg/mL for the 50% inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, 30% cellular viability of lymphoma cells at 40 µg/mL, 17% inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at 8 µg/disk, and α-amylase inhibition at 12% with 10 µg/mL. The total SMs contents were correlated with bioactivities.

Sustainable Extraction Techniques for Obtaining Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from the Lamiaceae and Asteraceae Species

Melissa officinalis L. and Origanum majorana L., within Lamiaceae family, and Calendula officinalis L. and Achillea millefolium L., within the Asteraceae, have been considered a good source of bioactive ingredients with health benefits. In this study, the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using pure CO₂, and the ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) were proposed as green techniques to obtain plant-based extracts with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Higher values of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were achieved in UAE ethanol:water (50:50, v/v) extracts. Meanwhile, UAE pure ethanol extracts showed greater anti-inflammatory activity. RP-HPLC-PAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis showed a vast number of phenolic compounds in the extracts, including unreported ones. O. majorana ethanol:water extract presented the highest content of phenolics and antioxidant activity; among its composition, both rosmarinic acid and luteolin glucoside derivatives were abundant. The pure ethanol extract of A. millefolium resulted in an important content of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and flavonoid aglycones, which could be related to the remarkable inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines. Besides, borneol and camphor, found in the volatile fraction of A. millefolium, could contributed to this latter activity. Thus, this study points out that O. majorana and A. millefolium are considered a promising source of bioactive ingredients with potential use in health promotion.

Possible Synergistic Antidiabetic Effects of Quantified Artemisia judaica Extract and Glyburide in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats via Restoration of PPAR-α mRNA Expression

Simple Summary

A considerable number of diabetic patients are in favour of using oral antidiabetic drugs in combination with certain herbs instead of using oral antidiabetic drugs alone. Artemisia judaica (AJ) is one of the herbs documented to have antidiabetic effects. This study examined the effect of using combination of A. judaica extract (AJE) and the oral hypoglycemic drug glyburide (GLB, 5 mg/kg) on diabetic rats. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) percentage, serum lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers were estimated. The histopathological examination of the pancreas and the immunohistochemical analysis of anti-insulin, anti-glucagon, and anti-somatostatin protein expressions were also performed. The analysis of the hepatic mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) genes was performed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Combination of GLB and 500 mg/kg of AJE highly improved FBG, insulin levels, HbA1c, and lipid profile in blood when compared with GLB monotherapy. Furthermore, GLB plus 500 mg/kg of AJE combination was the most successful in restoring insulin content in the β-cells and diminished the levels of glucagon and somatostatin of the α- and δ-endocrine cells in the pancreatic islets, restoring PPAR-α and Nrf2 mRNA expression in the liver. In conclusion, these data indicate that GLB plus 500 mg/kg of AJE combination gives greater glycemic improvement than GLB monotherapy.

Abstract

Several members of the genus Artemisia are used in both Western and African traditional medicine for the control of diabetes. A considerable number of diabetic patients switch to using oral antidiabetic drugs in combination with certain herbs instead of using oral antidiabetic drugs alone. This study examined the effect of Artemisia judaica extract (AJE) on the antidiabetic activity of glyburide (GLB) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into seven equal groups. Normal rats of the first group were treated with the vehicle. The diabetic rats in the second–fifth groups received vehicle, GLB (5 mg/kg), AJE low dose (250 mg/kg), and AJE high dose (500 mg/kg), respectively. Groups sixth–seventh were treated with combinations of GLB plus the lower dose of AJE and GLB plus the higher dose of AJE, respectively. All administrations were done orally for eight weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) percentage, serum lipid profile, and biomarkers of oxidative stress were estimated. The histopathological examination of the pancreas and the immunohistochemical analysis of anti-insulin, anti-glucagon, and anti-somatostatin protein expressions were also performed. The analysis of the hepatic mRNA expression of PPAR-α and Nrf2 genes were performed using quantitative RT-PCR. All treatments significantly lowered FBG levels when compared with the STZ-control group with the highest percentage reduction exhibited by the GLB plus AJE high dose combination. This combination highly improved insulin levels, HbA1c, and lipid profile in blood of diabetic rats compared to GLB monotherapy. In addition, all medicaments restored insulin content in the β-cells and diminished the levels of glucagon and somatostatin of the α- and δ-endocrine cells in the pancreatic islets. Furthermore, the GLB plus AJE high dose combination was the most successful in restoring PPAR-α and Nrf2 mRNA expression in the liver. In conclusion, these data indicate that the GLB plus AJE high dose combination gives greater glycemic improvement in male Wistar rats than GLB monotherapy.

Water-Soluble Melanoidin Pigment as a New Antioxidant Component of Fermented Willowherb Leaves (Epilobium angustifolium)

Willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium L., family Onagraceae) is a well-known food and medicinal plant used after fermentation as a source of beverages with high antioxidant potential. Despite this long history of use, only a few papers have described the chemical profile and bioactivity of fermented willowherb tea in general. To understand the basic metabolic differences of non-fermented and fermented E. angustifolium leaves, we used general chemical analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection assay, and an isolation technique. As a result, the content of 14 chemical groups of compounds was compared in the two plant materials; 59 compounds were detected, including 36 new metabolites; and a new water-soluble phenolic polymer of melanoidin nature was isolated and characterized. The fundamental chemical shifts in fermented E. angustifolium leaves relate mainly to the decrease of ellagitannin content, while there is an increase of melanoidin percentage and saving of the antioxidant potential, despite the significant changes detected. The strong antioxidative properties of the new melanoidin were revealed in a series of in vitro bioassays, and a simulated gastrointestinal and colonic digestion model demonstrated the stability of melanoidin and its antioxidant activity. Finally, we concluded that the new melanoidin is a basic antioxidant of the fermented leaves of E. angustifolium, and it can be recommended for additional study as a promising food and medicinal antioxidant agent.

Sagan Dalya Tea, a New "Old" Probable Adaptogenic Drug: Metabolic Characterization and Bioactivity Potentials of Rhododendron adamsii Leaves

Adams' rhododendron (Rhododendron adamsii Rehder) or Sagan Dalya tea is a famous Siberian evergreen medical plant of the Ericaceae family used in traditional medicines of Buryats, Yakuts, and Mongols as a tonic, stimulant, and adaptogenic drug. The high popularity of R. adamsii coupled with poor scientific knowledge prompted the addressing of gaps related to metabolic and biomedical data of Sagan Dalya tea. The application of solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric techniques for the metabolomic study of R. adamsii leaf extracts resulted in the identification of more than 170 compounds, including carbohydrates, organic acids, simple phenol glycosides, triterpene glycosides, flavonoids, prenylated phenols, benzoic acid derivatives, hydroxycinnamates, dihydrochalcones, catechins, and procyanidins, most of which were identified for the first time in the plant. Extended surveys of the seasonal content of all detected compounds prove that specific metabolite variations reflect the bioactivity of R. adamsii extracts. Regarding in vitro methods, the expressed antioxidant potential of R. adamsii extracts was investigated via radical-scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, and ferrous (II) ion chelating assays. The animal-based swimming to exhaustion test demonstrates the stimulating influence of R. adamsii extract on physical performance and endurance, concluding that the drug could act as an adaptogen. Thus, Sagan Dalya tea (R. adamsii) has confirmed its "old" application as a tonic remedy and requires further precise study as a novel adaptogenic plant.

Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Vital Physiological Enzymes Inhibitory and Cytotoxic Effects of Artemisia jordanica Leaves Essential Oil from Palestine

Artemisia jordanica (AJ) is one of the folkloric medicinal plants and grows in the arid condition used by Palestinian Bedouins in the Al-Naqab desert for the treatment of diabetes and gastrointestinal infections. The current investigation aimed, for the first time, to characterize the (AJ) essential oil (EO) components and evaluate EO’s antioxidant, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) technique was utilized to characterize the chemical ingredients of (AJ) EO, while validated biochemical approaches were utilized to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-obesity and antidiabetic. The microbicidal efficacy of (AJ) EO was measured utilizing the broth microdilution assay. Besides, the cytotoxic activity was estimated utilizing the (MTS) procedure. Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity was measured utilizing a COX inhibitory screening test kit. The analytical investigation revealed the presence of 19 molecules in the (AJ) EO. Oxygenated terpenoids, including bornyl acetate (63.40%) and endo-borneol (17.75%) presented as major components of the (AJ) EO. The EO exhibited potent antioxidant activity compared with Trolox, while it showed a weak anti-lipase effect compared with orlistat. In addition, the tested EO displayed a potent α-amylase suppressing effect compared with the positive control acarbose. Notably, the (AJ) EO exhibited strong α-glucosidase inhibitory potential compared with the positive control acarbose. The EO had has a cytotoxic effect against all the screened tumor cells. In fact, (AJ) EO showed potent antimicrobial properties. Besides, the EO inhibited the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, compared with the anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen. The (AJ) EO has strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-α-amylase, anti-α-glucosidase, and COX inhibitory effects which could be a favorite candidate for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases caused by harmful free radicals, microbial resistance, diabetes, and inflammations. Further in-depth investigations are urgently crucial to explore the importance of such medicinal plants in pharmaceutical production.

Chemical Profiling, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Activities and Molecular Docking Simulation of Carrichtera annua DC. (Cruciferae)

Our investigation intended to analyze the chemical composition and the antioxidant activity of Carrichtera annua and to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of C. annua crude and phenolics extracts by MTT assay on a panel of cancerous and non-cancerous breast and liver cell lines. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents of C. annua were 47.3 ± 17.9 mg RE/g and 83.8 ± 5.3 mg respectively. C. annua extract exhibited remarkable antioxidant capacity (50.92 ± 5.64 mg GAE/g) in comparison with BHT (74.86 ± 3.92 mg GAE/g). Moreover, the extract exhibited promising reduction ability (1.17 mMol Fe+2/g) in comparison to the positive control (ascorbic acid with 2.75 ± 0.91) and it displayed some definite radical scavenging effect on DPPH (IC50 values of 211.9 ± 3.7 µg/mL). Chemical profiling of C. annua extract was achieved by LC-ESI-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Forty-nine hits mainly polyphenols were detected. Flavonoid fraction of C. annua was more active than the crude extract. It demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 and HepG2 cells (IC50 = 13.04 and 19.3 µg/mL respectively), induced cell cycle arrest at pre-G1 and G2/M-phases and displayed apoptotic effect. Molecular docking studies supported our findings and revealed that kaempferol-3,7-O-bis-α-L-rhamnoside and kaempferol-3-rutinoside were the most active inhibitors of Bcl-2. Therefore, C. annua herb seems to be a promising candidate to further advance anticancer research. In extrapolation, the intake of C. annua phenolics might be adventitious for alleviating breast and liver malignancies and tumoral proliferation in humans.

Synanthropic Plants as an Underestimated Source of Bioactive Phytochemicals: A Case of Galeopsis bifida (Lamiaceae)

Hemp nettle (Galeopsis bifida Boenn.) is a synanthropic species of the Lamiaceae family that is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Siberia. Galeopsis bifida is deeply embedded in the ethnomedical tradition of Asian healers; however, this plant is still poorly characterized, both chemically and pharmacologically. To study Siberian populations of G. bifida, we used high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array and electrospray triple quadrupole mass detection for metabolic profiling. Ninety compounds were identified, including iridoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, hydroxycinnamates, and flavone glycosides, most of which were identified in G. bifida for the first time, while some phenolics were found to have potential chemotaxonomic significance in the Lamiaceae family and Galeopsis genus. An unequal quantitative distribution of the selected metabolites was observed within separate organs of the G. bifida plant, characterized by high accumulation of most compounds within the aerial part of the plant (leaves, flowers). Analysis of the content of specific chosen compounds within the leaves of different populations of G. bifida from Eastern Siberia revealed the existence of two chemical types based on metabolic specifics: the southern type accumulates flavone glucuronides, while the northern type tends to accumulate high levels of phenylpropanoids and acylated flavone glucosides. The first study of the bioactivity of G. bifida extract demonstrated that the herb has low toxicity in acute experiments and expresses antioxidant potential against free radicals in the form of DPPH˙, ABTS˙+, and superoxide radical, as well as high ferric reducing antioxidant power, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and protective action in the carotene bleaching assay. In general, our results suggest the herb of G. bifida as a new, prospective synanthropic plant for medical application.

An overview on the role of bioactive α-glucosidase inhibitors in ameliorating diabetic complications

Recently the use of bioactive α-glucosidase inhibitors for the treatment of diabetes have been proven to be the most efficient remedy for controlling postprandial hyperglycemia and its detrimental physiological complications, especially in type 2 diabetes. The carbohydrate hydrolysing enzyme, α-glucosidase, is generally competitively inhibited by the α-glucosidase inhibitors and results in the delayed glucose absorption in small intestine, ultimately controlling the postprandial hyperglycemia. Here we have reviewed the most recent updates in the bioactive α-glucosidase inhibitors category. This review provides an overview of the α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials and efficiency of controlling postprandial hyperglycemia of various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic compound, polysaccharide, betulinic acid, tannins, anthocyanins, steroids, polyol, polyphenols, galangin, procyanidins, hydroxyl-α-sanshool, hydroxyl-β-sanshool, erythritol, ganomycin, caffeoylquinic acid, resin glycosides, saponins, avicularin, oleanolic acids, urasolic acid, ethanolic extracts etc., from various dietary and non-dietary naturally occurring sources.