Analgesic Activity, Chemical Profiling and Computational Study on Chrysopogon aciculatus

Quercus floribunda Lindl. Ex A. Camus; a tremendous remedy against inflammation and associated symptoms

Crude extracts prepared from aerial parts and nut galls of Quercus floribunda Lindl. Ex. A. Camus were evaluated for phytochemical screening, in vitro antioxidant, and in vivo analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities. Various solvents including methanol (M), acetone (A), distilled water (DW), distilled water + methanol (DWM) were used for extraction. Highest total phenolic (66.9 ± 0.05 μg GAE/mgE) and flavonoid content (38.4 ± 0.72 μg QE/mgE) were measured in QFAA extract by colorimetric methods. Cumulative maximum concentrations of polyphenols were quantified in QFMG, QFAA, and QFMA extracts i.e. 19.036, 15. 574 and 11.647 μg/mg of extract by RP-HPLC analysis. From aerial parts extracts, apentacyclic tritepenoid, glutinol was isolated using column chromatography techniques and structure was elucidated using spectroscopic techniques. QFDWMA (205.5 ± 0.56 μg AAE/mg of extract) showed highest total reducing power while highest total antioxidant capacity (207.1 ± 0.49 AAE/mg of extract) and free radical scavenging potential (96.1 ± 0.42%) were observed in QFAA extract. QFAA extract showed significant (p ≤ 0.001) analgesic potential in different pain models i.e. hot plate method, cold plate method, Haffner's tail clip method and acetic acid induced writhing assay having 50.20%, 62.07%, 57.26% and 70.49% analgesia respectively at 300 mg/kg. QFAA extract showed maximum anti-inflammatory activity in croton oil induced edema (68.83%) and in carrageenan induced paw edema models (72.32%) at 300 mg/kg concentration. QFAA extract markedly reduced the rectal temperature at 300 mg/kg concentration, in brewer's yeast induced pyrexia model. Detailed investigations can be executed in future to determine the molecular mechanisms of these pharmacological attributes.

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory activity and metabolite profiling of the methanolic extract of Callicarpa arborea Roxb. leaves

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Callicarpa arborea Roxb. is widely used as traditional medicine especially by the tribal people of Bangladesh in the management of wide range of ailments. In addition to Bangladesh, the leaves of this plant is utilized as a remedy to various painful and inflammatory conditions including rheumatism, toothache and stomachache in other countries of Indian subcontinent.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Depending on the ethnomedicinal uses, we undertook this study to investigate the in-vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of C. arborea Roxb. leaves in Swiss albino mice as well as its chemical composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the analgesic activity of Callicarpa arborea Roxb. leaves by the acetic acid induced writhing test, the hot plate test, and the formalin test. We undertook the egg albumin induced paw edema test to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant. Furthermore, we conducted the phytochemical profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

RESULTS

In acute toxicity test, no mortality was observed at the highest dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w. Significant (p < 0.005) inhibition of acetic acid induced writhing was observed at both doses of the extract. A dose dependent increase in the response time was seen in the hot-plate test. In the formalin test, the extract significantly inhibited pain response in both early and late phase. We observed marked anti-inflammatory activity manifested by a significant (p < 0.005) reduction in egg albumin induced paw edema. We identified a total of twenty one compounds in the extract of by GC-MS analysis.

CONCLUSION

Taken all into consideration we conclude that the leaves of C. arborea Roxb. possesses potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, thus justifying its's ethnomedicinal use against painful and inflammatory pathological conditions.

In Vivo Bioactivities of Hoya parasitica (Wall.) and In Silico Study against Cyclooxygenase Enzymes

Hoya parasitica (Wall.) is extensively used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases including rheumatism, kidney problems, jaundice, urinary tract disorders, fever, and pain. The present study was designed to explore new lead compound(s) to alleviate pain, pyresis, and diarrhea from methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts of H. parasitica (Wall.) leaves (MHP, EAHP, and NHP, respectively). Analgesic activity of the extracts was assessed through acetic acid induced writhing, tail immersion, and hot plate tests while brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia test was employed for the assessment of antipyretic activity. Besides, castor oil and magnesium sulfate induced diarrheal tests were utilized for the evaluation of antidiarrheal properties. Moreover, in silico study of the isolated compounds was undertaken to seek out best-fit phytoconstituent(s) against cyclooxygenase enzymes. MHP revealed substantial antioxidant activities in different in vitro assays compared to EAHP and NHP. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, among the extracts, MHP (400 mg/kg) revealed maximum 74.15 ± 1% inhibition of writhing comparable to that of standard (85.77 ± 1.39%). Again, in tail immersion and hot plate tests, higher doses of all the test samples exhibited a significant increase of latent period in a time-dependent manner. In brewer yeast-induced pyrexia test, at 3rd and 4th hour of treatment, significant (P < 0.05) antipyretic action was found in the test samples. In both castor oil and magnesium induced diarrheal tests, MHP at 400 mg/kg showed the highest percent inhibition of diarrhea (68.62 ± 4.74 and 64.99 ± 2.90, respectively). Moreover, molecular docking analysis corroborated the results of the present study. The findings of the present study supported the traditional uses of this plant for the alleviation of pain and fever. Furthermore, hoyasterone was found to be the most effective lead compound as cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitor.

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and NF-κB inhibitory activity of aerial parts of Cestrum diurnum

Background

Cestrum diurnum L. (Solanaceae), locally known as buno-Hasnahena, is widely used in different traditional medicinal practices to treat pain, burn, swelling and related disorders. Adequate evidence is not available to support its medicinal properties for further use and drug development. Present study was designed to evaluate its traditional use in pain and inflammation with further characterisation of its chemical constituents through liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopic (LC-MS) analysis.

Methods

Antinociceptive and analgesic potential of methanol extract of the aerial parts of C. diurnum was carried out using carrageenan induced paw oedema and formalin induced paw licking test in mice at the oral doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight. Inhibition of the inflammatory mediator nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was evaluated by tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) induced NF-κB activation assay in macrophage cells at the concentration of 100 μg/ml. LC-MS analysis of the extract was performed to characterise the active component responsible for bioactivities.

Results

The extract significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) carrageenan induced paw oedema at both doses tested and the effect persisted throughout the entire experimental period of 3 h with the highest activity (50% inhibition) observed at 3rd h. Further, the extract significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) formalin induced paw licking both in the early and late phase at the aforementioned dose levels. The extract also downregulated the expression of NF-κB p65 protein in the TNF-α induced NF-κB activation assay. LC-MS analysis of the extract indicated the presence of some important secondary metabolites including nicotine, nornicotine, ursolic acid, vitamin D3 and its derivatives.

Conclusions

The results of this study supported the folkloric uses of the plant in pain and inflammations. The insights and observations suggest the action might involve downregulation of NF-κB p65 protein expression and/or inhibition of autacoids (histamine, serotonin, prostaglandin).

Free Radical Scavenging and Analgesic Activities of 70% Ethanol Extract of Luvunga sarmentosa (BI.) Kurz from Central Kalimantan

Luvunga sarmentosa, commonly known as saluang belum, is widely used in Kalimantan to relieve pains, rheumatism, boost the immune system, and fever. The research on the free radical scavenging and analgesic effect of the L. sarmentosa stem extract has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the free radical scavenging and analgesic activity of the ethanol extract of L. sarmentosa. The L. sarmentosa stem was extracted using 70% ethanol and tested for free radical scavenging using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and analgesic activity, acetic acid-induced writhing test, and hot plate test in an animal model. The results showed that the 70% ethanol extract of the L. sarmentosa had an anti-free radical scavenging and analgesic activity. The extract has weak free radical scavenging with an IC50 value of 293.45 µg/mL. Analgesic activity using the writhing test indicated that the extract significantly reduced the writhes count after oral administration in a dose-dependent manner compared to the negative control. Extract at a dose of 550 mg/kg BW can reduce the writhing test by 67.60% compared to others. In contrast, the diclofenac sodium reduced the number of writhes by 74.74%. While in a hot plate, the extract at a dose of 550 mg/kg BW produced a maximum possible analgesia (MPA) of 17.64%, lower than the MPA of diclofenac sodium (51.01%). Analgesic activity of the extract has higher inhibition on the writhing test than on the hot plate. The extract could be responsible for the peripheral mechanism by inhibiting the prostaglandin biosynthesis.

In Vitro Potential of the Acetone Leaf Extract and Fractions of Psychotria capensis (Eckl.) Vatke (Rubiaceae) to Combat Co-Infection of Tuberculosis and Helminthiasis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of global importance that affects millions of people. Approximately a quarter of the world’s population is currently infected with M. tuberculosis, and about 10% of those infected will develop into active disease, particularly immune compromised individuals. Helminthiasis is of global health importance, affecting over 2 billion people mostly in resource-poor countries. Co-infection with tuberculosis (TB) and helminths (worms) is an emerging global public health concern with both affecting about one-third of the global population. Chronic infection with helminths can result in impaired immune responses to TB as well as enhancing failure to TB therapy and BCG vaccination. Antimycobacterial and anthelmintic activities of the acetone extract and fractions of Psychotria capensis were evaluated, including their in vitro safety. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect of the fractions and crude extract of P. capensis were assessed. Antimycobacterial activity of the extract and fractions was tested against four non-tuberculous mycobacteria (Mycobacterium smegmatis, M. fortuitum, M. aurum, M. bovis BCG) and pathogenic M. tuberculosis H37Rv while the Egg Hatch Assay (EHA) was used for the anthelmintic test on eggs of Haemonchus contortus. Cytotoxicity was determined against Vero kidney cells while in vitro immune modulation via cytokine production was determined on activated macrophages. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the Psychotria capensis acetone extract and fractions ranged from 39 to 1,250 μg/ml with the crude extract and hexane fraction having the best MIC values (both 39 μg/ml). In the EHA, the inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) ranged from 160 to 630 μg/ml with the hexane fraction having the best activity. The hexane and chloroform fractions were relatively non-toxic with LC₅₀ values of 290 and 248 μg/ml respectively, while the acetone crude extract (64 μg/ml) and n-butanol fraction (71 μg/ml) were moderately toxic. The SI values (LC₅₀/MIC) ranged from 0.1 to 7.4 with the hexane fraction having the highest value against M. smegmatis (7.4). The hexane fraction had the best dual anthelmintic and antimycobacterial activity. This fraction had the best NO inhibitory activity and was the least cytotoxic, indicating that its activity was not due to general metabolic toxicity, with 96.54% cell viability. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12p70 were upregulated while IL-10 expression was inhibited by the extracts. Compounds were detected using GC-MS analysis, and in both the crude acetone extract and the hexane fraction was the diterpene neophytadiene, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Finding alternative or complementary approaches to dealing with TB infections by, amongst other things, reducing the incidence of helminth infestations may lessen the burden of TB, contributing to slowing the spread of multi-drug resistance.

Identification of Polyphenolics from Loranthus globosus as Potential Inhibitors of Cholinesterase and Oxidative Stress for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

Mistletoes are considered to be the potential medicinal herbs due to their rich traditional uses. Loranthus globosus is a Bangladeshi mango mistletoe that has been reported as folk medicine for various ailments and diseases. In an attempt to explore its effectiveness in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we investigated the antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of L. globosus. We report that the crude methanol extract (CME) of the plant contains a good amount of polyphenolics and possesses antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory activity. Fractionation of CME with solvents of varying polarity revealed the highest activity and polyphenolic content in the ethylacetate fraction (EAF). Correlation analysis revealed a significant (P < 0.05) association of polyphenolics with the antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory properties. Using column chromatography with diaion resin, the polyphenolics (EAF-PP) were isolated from the EAF that displayed the potent antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory activities. Kinetic analysis showed that EAF-PP exhibited a competitive type of inhibition. A total of thirty-six compounds including catechin and its different derivatives were identified in the EAF-PP by LC/MS analysis. Bioactivity-guided separation approach afforded the isolation of the two major active compounds catechin and catechin dimer from the EAF-PP. Hence, EAF-PP represents a potential source of antioxidants and cholinesterase inhibitors, which can be used in the management of AD.

β-Caryophyllene Ameliorates MSU-Induced Gouty Arthritis and Inflammation Through Inhibiting NLRP3 and NF-κB Signal Pathway: In Silico and In Vivo

Gouty arthritis serves as an acute reaction initiated by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals around the joints. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of phytochemical β-caryophyllene on MSU crystal-induced acute gouty arthritis in vivo and in silico were explored. Through bioinformatics methods and molecular docking, it screened the specific influence pathway of β-caryophyllene on gout. Certain methods including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining were adopted to quantify. β-caryophyllene significantly reduced inflammation and function of ankle joints in MSU Crystals-induced gouty arthritis rats, while decreasing serum cytokine levels. Furthermore, it inhibited the expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, TLR4, MyD88, p65, and IL-1β in the synovial tissue so as to reduce inflammation and protect ankle joints’ function. A new research approach in which β-caryophyllene treatment to acute attacks of gout is provided through the research results.

Pharmacological insights into Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f.) Hallier f. leaf for its antioxidant, thrombolytic, anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive potential

Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f.) Hallier f., an ethnomedicinally important plant, used in the tribal areas to treat various ailments including fever, headache, eye inflammation, rheumatism, dysentery, jaundice and urinary diseases. The present study explored the biological efficacy of the aqueous fraction of M. vitifolia leaves (AFMV) through in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The thrombolytic and anti-arthritic effects of AFMV were evaluated by using the clot lysis technique and inhibition of protein denaturation technique, respectively. The anti-nociceptive activity of AFMV was investigated in Swiss Albino mice by acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin-induced paw licking test. The antioxidant activities of AFMV, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and total reducing power, were also tested. The qualitative phytochemical assays exhibited AFMV contains secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, carbohydrate, flavonoid, tannin, triterpenoids and phenols. In addition, AFMV showed strong antioxidant effects with the highest scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 146.61 µg/mL) and reducing power was increased with a dose-dependent manner. AFMV also revealed notable clot lysis effect and substantial anti-arthritic activity at higher doses (500 µg/mL) as compared with the control. The results demonstrated a promising reduction of the number of writhing and duration of paw licking in acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin-induced paw licking test in a dose-dependent manner, respectively. In conclusion, AFMV provides the scientific basis of its folkloric usage, suggesting it as the vital source of dietary supplement.

Cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory resorcinol and alkylbenzoquinone derivatives from the leaves of Ardisia sieboldii

Medicinal plants belonging to the genus Ardisia are traditionally used to cure various human diseases including inflammation and cancer. This study aimed to purify and characterize cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory compounds from Ardisia sieboldii leaves. Bioassay-guided chromatographic analyses yielded three compounds, 2-methyl-5-(8Z-heptadecenyl) resorcinol (1), 5-(8Z-heptadecenyl) resorcinol (2), and ardisiaquinone A (3), whereas liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry chemical profiling revealed the presence of diverse resorcinol and alkylbenzoquinone derivatives in cytotoxic 70% methanol extracts. Chemical structures of 1-3 were confirmed by spectroscopic methods including 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), 13C NMR, and electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry. Compounds 1 and 2 were purified from A. sieboldii for the first time, and all three compounds showed cytotoxicity against a panel of cancer cell lines and brine shrimps in a dose-response manner. Among them, compound 2 exhibited the highest cytotoxicity on cancer cells (IC50 values of 8.8-25.7 μM) as well as on brine shrimps (IC50 value of 5.1 μM). Compounds 1-3 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects through inhibiting protein denaturation (IC50 values of 5.8-9.6 μM), cyclooxygenase-2 activity (IC50 values of 34.5-60.1 μM), and nitrite formation in RAW 264.7 cells. Cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities of 1-3 demonstrated in this study deserve further investigation for considering their suitability as candidates or leads to develop anticancer and anti-inflammatory drugs.