Biological Activities of Seven Medicinal Plants Used in Chiapas, Mexico

In Vitro Anti-Glioblastoma Activity of Echinocereus engelmannii- and Echinocereus pectinatus-Associated Bacterial Endophyte Extracts

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive brain tumor in adults. However, due to the limitations of conventional treatments, as well as their side effects, there is a need to develop more effective and less harmful therapy strategies. There is evidence that plants endemic to northern Mexico possess biological activities that positively impact human health, particularly against cancer. Echinocereus engelmannii and Echinocereus pectinatus are cacti from the north of Mexico that produce bioactive compounds with antitumor activity. We obtained methanol extracts from previously isolated and fermented microorganisms associated with these cacti. Cell lines of extracts with cytotoxicity against glioblastoma cells U87, neuroblastoma cells SH-S5Y5, and Schwann neuronal cells (healthy control) were evaluated, using a colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazole bromide (MTT) reduction technique. The selective cytotoxicity extracts were analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS2). We isolated 19 endophytic and soil-associated microorganisms from both cacti. Two of them were selected for their high percentages of tumor growth inhibition. The microorganism ES4 possessed the best activity with an IC50 of 17.31 ± 1.70 µg/mL and a selectivity index of 3.11. We identified the bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) from the most active microorganisms against tumor growth. LC/MS2 characterized the HS4 extract, and the most abundant group (50.0%) identified included carboxylic acids and derivatives, particularly bisgerayafolin A, Cyclo (Pro-Leu), maculosin, and tryptophan. In conclusion S. maltophilia extract inhibit the growth of glioma cells, showing greater sensitivity in the U87 cell line.

Antiproliferative Effect of Methanolic Extract of Vernonia greggii (Asteraceae) on Human Tumoral HeLa Cells Nanoencapsulated into PLGA-Nanoparticles

Vernonia greggii belongs to the Asteraceae family, and some members of this family have been reported to possess anticancer properties. This study evaluated the antiproliferative effect of V. greggii methanol extract (ME), both in its free form and encapsulated into poly(lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), on human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT). The extract was subsequently sub-fractionated into n-hexane (F-He), methanol (F-Me), and distilled water (F-Ac) fractions, and their antiproliferative effects were assessed. Time-dependent toxicity on HeLa cells was observed for the free-form fractions, with the F-Me fraction showing the highest efficacy compared to the others. Additionally, an NP formulation based on PLGA and F-Me (NPs F-Me) was developed, achieving 64.21% encapsulation efficiency and 11.38% drug loading. The NPs had an average size of 146.9 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.103, and a ζ-potential of 23.3 mV. NPs F-Me were tested on HeLa and HaCaT cells, with toxicity observed at concentrations of 300 and 500 μg/mL, affecting tumor cell morphology. Furthermore, the hemolytic activity of F-Me and NPs F-Me was evaluated. The major bioactive compounds in the F-Me fraction were identified using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). These findings suggest that the F-Me fraction of V. greggii exerts an antineoplastic effect both in its free form and when encapsulated in nanoparticles.

Phytochemical profile and biological screening of two Amaranthaceae plants: Atriplex halimus and Haloxylon scoparium

In this study, phytochemical and biological properties of Atriplex halimus and Haloxylon scoparium leaves, collected in Algeria, were evaluated. The aqueous extract of the studied plants was subjected to phytochemical screening by biochemical analysis and HPLC. The diffusion assay was assessed to investigate the antimicrobial effect against clinical and reference strains. Moreover, we investigated DPPH and FRAP, as well as the haemolytic activity. The results showed abundance in the phytochemical and mineral components. Notably, A. halimus exhibited the highest DPPH and FRAP values with IC50 = 1.69 ± 0.67 and IC50 = 3.20 ± 0.04 mg/g, respectively. The antibacterial activity was better at the concentration of 25 mg/mL, compared to the standard antibiotics. The inhibition zones varied between 8 and 40 mm. The haemolytic activity did not depict any toxicity. The investigated plants exhibited interesting antioxidant and antibacterial properties and may serve as a valuable source for novel antimicrobial drugs.

In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Hemolytic and Cytotoxic Effects of Traditional Mexican Medicinal Plant Extracts on Human Erythrocytes and Cell Cultures

Plant extracts of fifteen plants of ethnomedicinal use in Mexico were analyzed to provide scientific knowledge of their medicinal properties through the evaluation of different biological activities such as anti-hemolytic, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects in normal cells. Therefore, methanolic extracts were obtained from each of the plants by the Soxhlet extraction. The hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes was evaluated, as was their potential to protect the erythrocyte membrane against the 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Finally, the toxicity of the extracts in normal cell cultures of African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction method. Most of the extracts showed low hemolytic activity and high anti-hemolytic activity as well as high selectivity indices (SI) and antioxidant effects. Extracts of H. inuloides, J. dioica, and J. spicigera induced cell proliferation of the Vero cells. K. daigremontiana, A. adstringens, S. mexicanum, J. spicigera, L. tridentata, and M. tenuiflora extracts showed PBMC cell proliferation. In the present study, it was observed that the evaluated extracts did not present hemolytic activity, and some presented low toxicity when Vero and PBMC cell cultures were exposed. In conclusion, traditionally used plants possess beneficial health properties, and it is hoped that this study will serve as a basis for understanding the biological effects of traditionally used plants and may complement future studies.

One Health as a potential platform to rescue the neglected fruit trees in Yucatan, Mexico

Neglected and underutilized species of plants (NUS) have been identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization as valuable resources for fighting poverty, hunger and malnutrition as they can help make agricultural production systems more sustainable and resilient. Adaptation of NUS to changing environments over several millennia has rendered most of these plants resistant to pests and climate change. In this paper, we explore the potential values of some of the Mayan fruit trees justifying conservation efforts in their native habitats. Our research was primarily based on a scoping review using Google Scholar. We considered articles published in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Our review rendered two sets of articles including those focusing on the nutritional and medicinal properties of NUS and their products, and those focusing on their uses in traditional medicine. Both sets of papers strongly support arguments for conservation of NUS. Additionally, our scoping review expands and includes a case study on the conservation of NUS, highlighting the critical role of civil society on how it can spearhead rescue efforts of botanical resources through the creation of what is possibly the first arboretum of its kind in the Americas. Among the project's key selling points was not only the rescue of an important component of Yucatan's cultural heritage but its nutritional value as well as its potential medicinal properties. Our paper is not prescriptive on how to preserve or even commercially exploit NUS. It is intended as a thought-provoking piece on the potential of a One Health approach as a multisectoral platform to support conservation efforts, while stimulating greater interest in the subject and encouraging more action from the academic and pharmaceutical sectors as well as civil society.

Assessment of Anticancer Properties of Argemone mexicana L. and Berberine: A Comparative Study

Argemone mexicana L. has been used in traditional Mexican medicine. Among its bioactive constituents, berberine (BER) has garnered attention for its cytotoxic properties against different tumor cell lines. This study investigates the in vitro toxicity against HEP-G2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and murine lymphoma (L5178Y-R) cells using the MTT assay of the methanol extract (AmexM), sub-partitions of A. mexicana, and BER. Selectivity indices (SIs) were determined by comparing their cytotoxic effects on VERO (monkey kidney epithelial) and PBMC (human peripheral blood mononuclear) non-tumoral cells. Additionally, the anti-hemolytic effect of these treatments was assessed using the AAPH method. The treatment with the most promising activity against tumor cells and anti-hemolytic efficacy underwent further evaluation for toxicity in Artemia salina and antioxidant activities using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. BER demonstrated an IC50 = 56.86 µg/mL in HEP-G2 cells and IC50 < 5.0 µg/mL in L5178Y-R cells, with SI values of 15.97 and >5.40 in VERO and PBMC cells, respectively. No significant hemolytic effects were observed, although AmexM and BER exhibited the highest anti-hemolytic activity. BER also demonstrated superior antioxidant efficacy, with lower toxicity in A. salina nauplii compared to the control. Additionally, BER significantly attenuated nitric oxide production. This study highlights the antiproliferative effects of A. mexicana, particularly BER, against HEP-G2 and L5178Y-R tumor cell lines, along with its selectivity towards normal cells. Furthermore, its anti-hemolytic and antioxidant potentials were demonstrated, suggesting that BER is a promising candidate for potent chemotherapeutic agents.

Cytotoxic, Anti-Hemolytic, and Antioxidant Activities of Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) Extract, Fractions, and Isolated Compounds

Ruta chalepensis is an herb used to treat various ailments, and its potential cytotoxic effects on different tumor cell lines have been extensively studied. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of R. chalepensis methanol extract (RCME), sub-partitions obtained from solvents of increasing polarity, and major compounds, as well as their hemolytic, anti-hemolytic, and antioxidant potential. The in vitro cytotoxic activity against the human hepatocarcinoma (HEP-G2) and the murine lymphoma cell line (L5178Y-R) was evaluated using the colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay, whereas selectivity indices (SIs) were determined by comparing cytotoxicity against normal African green monkey kidney cells (VERO) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Hemolytic and anti-hemolytic activities were evaluated on human erythrocytes. The most effective cytotoxic treatment was evaluated for nitric oxide release by J774A.1 macrophages. Antioxidant activity of R. chalepensis material was also determined. Results showed that RCME produced significant (p < 0.05) cytotoxicity in HEP-G2 (IC₅₀ = 1.79 µg/mL) and L5178Y-R (IC₅₀ = 1.60 µg/mL) cells and exhibited high SIs (291.50 and 114.80, respectively). In addition, the n-hexane fraction (RCHF) showed an IC₅₀ of 18.31 µg/mL in HEP-G2 cells and an SI of 9.48 in VERO cells, whereas the chloroform fraction (RCCF) evidenced an IC₅₀ of 1.60 µg/mL in L5178Y-R cells and an SI of 34.27 in PBMC cells. Chalepensin (CHL), rutamarin (RTM), and graveolin (GRV), which are major components of R. chalepensis, showed high activity against L5178Y-R cells, with IC₅₀ of 9.15, 15.13 and SI of 45.08 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, CHL, RTM, and GRV showed SIs of 24.76, 9.98, and 3.52, respectively, when compared with PBMC cells. RCME at concentrations of 125 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL, significantly (p < 0.05) decreased nitrite production in J774A.1 cells, when exposed to lipopolysaccharide. This study demonstrated that RCME showed significant cytotoxic activity against HEP-G2 and L5178Y-R cells, without affecting normal VERO, PBMC, and J774A.1 cells.

In Vitro Biological Activity and Lymphoma Cell Growth Inhibition by Selected Mexican Medicinal Plants

Cancer is a major health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, plants are a source of metabolites with diverse biological properties, including antitumor potential. In this study, we investigated the in vitro murine lymphoma L5178Y-R cell growth inhibition, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) toxicity and proliferation, and antioxidant, hemolytic, and anti-hemolytic activities of methanol extracts from 15 plants of traditional use in Mexico. Justicia spicigera caused the highest tumor cell growth inhibition with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 29.10 µg/mL and a selectivity index >34.36 compared with those of PBMC, whereas Mimosa tenuiflora showed the highest lymphoproliferative activity from 200 µg/mL compared with that induced by concanavalin A. In addition, M. tenuiflora showed an antioxidant effect (IC50 = 2.86 µg/mL) higher than that of ascorbic acid. Regarding the hemolytic and anti-hemolytic activity, all extracts presented significant anti-hemolytic activity. The extract of J. spicigera is emerging as a possible source of effective antineoplastic compounds.

In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Methanol Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used in Mexico against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Medicinal plants are traditionally used in Mexico to treat diseases such as cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-hemolytic activity of 15 plants of ethnopharmacological use in Mexico. For this, plant methanol extracts were prepared by the Soxhlet method, after which their cytotoxic activity was evaluated against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HEP-G2) and monkey kidney epithelial (Vero) cells by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction colorimetric assay. The selectivity index (SI) of each extract was then determined by the IC₅₀ ratio of normal to tumor cells. We showed that Ruta chalepensis extract possessed an IC₅₀ of 1.79 µg/mL and 522.08 µg/mL against HEP-G2 and Vero cells, respectively, resulting in an SI of 291.50. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging technique, where the best antioxidant potential was shown by the Heterotheca inuloides extract (IC₅₀ = 19.24 µg/mL). Furthermore, the hemolytic potential was determined against human erythrocytes, which showed that the extracts with the highest anti-hemolytic activity were Smilax aspera (IC₅₀ = 4.41 µg/mL) and Amphipterygium adstringens (IC₅₀ = 5.35 µg/mL). In conclusion, we observed that R. chalepensis methanol extract possesses cytotoxic activity against HEP-G2 cells, without affecting non-tumorigenic Vero cells. Our results indicated the antitumor potential of medicinal plants used in Mexico.