Inhibition of Pro-inflammatory Enzymes and Growth of an Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblast by Bruguiera cylindrica

Unravelling the prophylactic anti-inflammatory potential of Koenigia tortuosa through modulation of cytokine levels and inflammatory markers in LPS-induced localized inflammation in Wistar rat models

Chronic inflammation, a pivotal factor in various chronic diseases, necessitates safe and effective treatments to alleviate disease severity and symptoms. Current interventional approaches, including synthetic steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pose safety concerns. Consequently, people seek plant-based alternatives as safer substitutes. Koenigia tortuosa, a medicinal plant with rich folklore claims, traditionally treats joint pain, swelling, dysentery and kidney related problems but lacks documentation. This study investigated anti-inflammatory properties of Koenigia tortuosa. Soxhlet extraction method was employed to obtain five different extracts of Koenigia tortuosa viz., hexane (95%), ethyl-acetate (99%), ethanol (99%), methanol (95%) and aqueous. Anti-inflammatory potential of different extracts was determined by both in vitro (including protein denaturation, nitric-oxide scavenging, proteinase inhibition, and erythrocyte membrane stabilization) and in vivo by performing histopathological studies and determining levels of various inflammatory markers like IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α using ELISA and, iNOS, PPAR-γ and COX-2 by Western blotting. GC-MS analysis was performed to reveal the bioactive compounds in extracts. At 600 μg/mL, two extracts, ethyl acetate and methanolic extract exhibited maximum inhibition of protein denaturation 75.07% ± 3.28% and 64.97% ± 1.73%, nitric oxide activity 88.06% ± 3.49% and 82.09% ± 3.61%, proteinase activity 82.06% ± 2.98% and 71.06% ± 3.58%, and erythrocyte-membrane haemolysis 84.94% ± 4.14% and 72.97% ± 4.68%, respectively (P < 0.001). In vivo studies using Wistar rats demonstrated no toxic effects of ethyl acetate and methanolic extract upon oral administration. These two extracts modulated cytokine levels and inflammatory markers, showing concentration dependent reductions in levels of IL-6, IL1-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α (P < 0.001), iNOS, COX-2 in LPS -induced inflammation in Wistar rats. At a dose of 100 mg/kgbwt, KTEA administration resulted in a substantial decrease in cytokine levels: IL1β from 68.99 ± 1.83 pg/mL to 31.68 ± 1.90 pg/mL (P < 0.001), IL6 from 80.40 ± 0.70 pg/mL to 39.47 ± 1.85 pg/mL (P < 0.01), TNFα from 71.34 ± 2.35 pg/mL to 29.37 ± 2.20 pg/mL (P < 0.001), and IFNγ from 120.27 ± 4.26 pg/mL to 68.07 ± 2.78 (P < 0.01) pg/mL. Similarly, a concentration dependent decrease in prostaglandins (273.68 pg/mL and 418.96 pg/mL by ethyl acetate and methanolic extract at 100 mg/kgbwt) and leukotrienes (239.37 pg/mL and 302.19 pg/mL by ethyl acetate and methanolic extract at 100 mg/kgBwt) were observed as compared with the LPS induced group (prostaglandins 1129.99 pg/mL and leukotrienes 558.67 pg/mL). We also observed that Koenigia tortuosa extracts improves the levels of lymphocytes and leukocytes. Notably, PPAR-γ expression exhibited a concentration dependent increase, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory effects through nuclear receptor modulation. Histopathological investigations demonstrated significant healing effects of extracts. Analysis using GC-MS unveiled the presence of bioactive compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties. These findings suggest Koenigia tortuousa's anti-inflammatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.

Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Bruguiera Genus and Its Endophytes: A Review

The genus Bruguiera, a member of the Rhizophoraceae family, is predominantly found in coastal areas as a mangrove plant, boasting a rich and diverse community of endophytes. This review systematically compiled approximately 496 compounds derived from both the Bruguiera genus and its associated endophytes, including 152 terpenoids, 17 steroids, 16 sulfides, 44 alkaloids and peptides, 66 quinones, 68 polyketides, 19 flavonoids, 38 phenylpropanoids, 54 aromatic compounds, and 22 other compounds. Among these, 201 compounds exhibited a spectrum of activities, including cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antidiabetic, insecticidal and mosquito repellent, and enzyme inhibitory properties, etc. These findings provided promising lead compounds for drug discovery. Certain similar or identical compounds were found to be simultaneously present in both Bruguiera plants and their endophytes, and the phenomenon of their interaction relationship was discussed.

Metabolite profiling of Bruguiera cylindrica reveals presence of potential bioactive compounds

Bruguiera cylindrica parts are commonly used in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, fever, and many ailments. The present study aims non targeted analysis of key secondary metabolites of B. cylindrica by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography hybrid quadrupole-Exactive-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS). GC-MS and UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS were utilized for metabolic profiling of ethyl acetate extract of B. cylindrica leaves. Key metabolites in the extract were identified and predicted based on chemical similarity using online databases such as ChemSpider and mzCloud. Thirty-six compounds belonging to different classes of secondary metabolites viz. flavonoids, fatty acids, fatty acid amides, carboxylic acids, and alkaloids were identified in the extract. Pentacyclic triterpenes like betulin, ursolic acid and a tropine, an alkaloid with potential pharmacological and therapeutic activities such as anticancer properties, neuromuscular blockers and antioxidants, were also identified. This study combined GC-MS and UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS with available online database for effective and rapid identification of bioactive metabolites in the ethyl acetate extract of mangrove without individual standard application. This is the first report on the HRMS based secondary metabolic profiling of B. cylindrica, with comprehensive map of its biologically important metabolites.

Lipoxygenase Inhibition by Plant Extracts

Lipoxygenases are widespread enzymes that catalyze oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acid) to produce hydroperoxides. Lipoxygenase reactions can be desirable, but also lipoxygenases can react in undesirable ways. Most of the products of lipoxygenase reactions are aromatic compounds that can affect food properties, especially during long-term storage. Lipoxygenase action on unsaturated fatty acids could result in off-flavor/off-odor development, causing food spoilage. In addition, lipoxygenases are present in the human body and play an important role in stimulation of inflammatory reactions. Inflammation is linked to many diseases, such as cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarized recent research on plant families and species that can inhibit lipoxygenase activity.

Active Cousinia thomsonii Extracts Modulate Expression of Crucial Proinflammatory Mediators/Cytokines and NFκB Cascade in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Albino Wistar Rat Model

INTRODUCTION

Chronic inflammation is implicated in a multitude of diseases, including arthritis, neurodegeneration, autoimmune myositis, type 2 diabetes, rheumatic disorders, spondylitis, and cancer. Therefore, strategies to explore potent anti-inflammatory regimens are pivotal from a human-health perspective. Medicinal plants represent a vast unexplored treasure trove of therapeutically active constituents with diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory properties. Herein, we evaluated Cousinia thomsonii, an edible medicinal herb, for its anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory properties.

METHODS

Soxhlet extraction was used to obtain different solvent extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extract) in increasing order of polarity. In vitro anti-inflammatory assays were performed to investigate the effects of extracts on protein denaturation, proteinase activity, nitric oxide surge, and erythrocyte-membrane stabilization. The most effective extracts, ie, ethyl acetate (CTEA) and ethanol (CTE) extracts (150-200 g) were selected for further in vivo analysis using albino Wistar rats. Wistar rats received varying concentrations of CTEA and CTE (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) for 3 weeks, followed by a single subplantar injection of lipopolysaccharide. Dexamethasone served as positive control. Blood was obtained from the retro-orbital plexus and serum separated for estimation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL1β, IFNγ and TNFα). Western blotting was performed to study expression patterns of crucial proteins implicated in the NFκB pathway, ie, NFκB p65, NFκB1 p50, and NFκB2 p52. Histopathological examination was done and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) carried out to reveal the identity of compounds responsible for ameliorating effects of C. thomsonii.

RESULTS

Among five tested extracts, CTEA and CTE showed marked inhibition of protein denaturation, proteinase activity, nitric oxide surge and erythrocyte-membrane hemolysis at 600 μg/mL (P<0.001). Both these extracts showed no toxic effects up to a dose of 2,500 mg/kg. Extracts exhibited concentration-dependent reductions in expression of IL6, IL1β, IFNγ, TNFα, NFκB-p65, NFκB1, and NFκB2 (P<0.05). Healing effects of extracts were evident from histopathological investigation. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of important anti-inflammatory compounds, notably stigmast-5-en-3-ol, oleate, dotriacontane, ascorbic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, and α-tocopherol, in C. thomsonii.

CONCLUSION

C. thomsonii possesses significant anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory potential by virtue of modifying levels of proinflammatory cytokines/markers and NFκB proteins.