The chemotherapeutic potential of Terminalia ferdinandiana: Phytochemistry and bioactivity

Lactic acid bacterial fermentation as a biotransformation strategy to enhance the bioavailability of phenolic antioxidants in fruits and vegetables: A comprehensive review

Fruits and vegetables (FVs) are rich sources of macro and micro-nutrients crucial for a healthy diet. In addition to these nutrients, FVs also contain fibre and phytochemicals known for their antioxidant properties. Despite the growing evidence of the disease-preventive role of antioxidants in FVs, their bioavailability and bioaccessibility vary significantly and have not been adequately explored. Lactic acid bacterial (LAB) fermentation is considered the most appropriate and accessible biotechnological approach to maintain and enhance the safety, nutritional, sensory and shelf-life properties of perishable foods such as FVs. This review critically assesses how LAB fermentation could be utilised as a promising biotransformation strategy to enhance the bioavailability of antioxidants in FVs. Furthermore, it discusses the potential use of uniquely nutritious Australian native fruits as suitable candidates for LAB fermentation. Further research is essential to identify the beneficial properties of bioactive compounds and effective LAB-based biotransformation strategies to improve the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of antioxidants in FVs.

Green Synthesis of Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Antibacterial Performance

This study uses a novel method in which extracts from different parts of a single plant are used to synthesize well-defined silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to address the lack of capping agents in certain plant extracts. We focused on synthesizing AgNPs with enhanced biomedical activity using aqueous leaves and fruit extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell, a plant native to northern Australia that is known for its high phenolic content and associated health benefits. The impact of using parameters such as the Ag+ ion-to-extract ratio and pH on AgNP synthesis was examined. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed using UV-visible spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The AgNPs synthesized at a pH of 8 and 1:25 Ag+/extract ratio exhibited the lowest particle size and polydispersity index. The AgNPs synthesized with leaf extract (AgKL) were monodisperse and exhibited a smaller hydrodynamic diameter (37 nm) compared to the fruit extract nanoparticles (AgKP), which were polydisperse and larger (147 nm). Phytochemicals in T. ferdinandiana aqueous leaf extract act as effective capping and stabilizing agents, enabling the synthesis of small-sized and homogenous AgNPs, which the fruit extract alone could not achieve. The in vitro bioactivity was evaluated using antioxidant and antibacterial assays and compared with the crude extract. Both the AgNPs and T. ferdinandiana extracts demonstrated strong 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. However, only AgKL showed excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria based on minimum inhibitory and bactericidal results. Mixing 50% leaf extract with fruit extract resulted in well-stabilized NPs (AgKPL) with a hydrodynamic diameter of 33.4 nm and superior antibacterial properties. These results indicate that AgKL and AgKPL have significant potential for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

Novel therapeutic opportunities for Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia intestinalis infections

INTRODUCTION

Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia intestinalis are the causative agents of Toxoplasmosis, Trichomoniasis and Giardiasis, three important infections threatening human health and affecting millions of people worldwide. Although drugs and treatment are available to fight these protozoan parasites, side-effects and increasing drug resistance, require continuous efforts for the development of novel effective drugs.

AREAS COVERED

The patents search was carried out in September/October 2022 with four official scientific databases (Espacenet, Scifinder, Reaxys, Google Patents). Treatments for Toxoplasmosis, Trichomoniasis and Giardiasis (2015-2022) have been grouped according to their chemotypes. In particular, novel chemical entities have been reported and investigated for their structure-activity relationship, when accessible. On the other hand, drug repurposing, extensively exploited to obtain novel anti-protozoal treatment, has been in-depth described. Finally, natural metabolites and extracts have also been reported.

EXPERT OPINION

T. gondii, T. vaginalis and G. intestinalis are protozoan infections usually controlled by immune system in immunocompetent patients; however, they could represent a threatening health for immunocompromised people. The needs of novel effective drugs, endowed with new mechanisms of actions arises from the increasing drug resistance affecting antibiotic as well as antiprotozoal therapies. In this review different therapeutic approaches to treat protozoan infections have been reported.

Hydrolysable tannins, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant property of wild-harvested Terminalia ferdinandiana (exell) fruit at different maturity stages

Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell., also known as Kakadu plum, is a wild-harvested native Australian fruit with limited information on how maturity is affecting the phytonutritional properties and bioactivities of the fruit. Thus, this study investigated changes in hydrolysable tannins, phenolic acids, sugar profile, standard physicochemical parameters, and antioxidant-scavenging capacity of wild-harvested Kakadu plum fruits at four different maturity stages, from immature to fully mature. Fruits harvested <25, 25-50, 50-75, and 75-100% degree of fullness were classified as highly immature (stage 1), immature (stage 2), semi-mature (stage 3), and fully mature (stage 4), respectively. Results showed that chebulagic acid, geraniin, chebulinic acid, castalagin, punicalagin, and gallic acid continuously decreased during fruit maturity, while elaeocarpusin, helioscopin B, corilagin, 3,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-S-glucose, and ellagic acid increased at the beginning of fruit growth (from stage 1 to 2), but decreased when the fruits reached their full maturity (stage 4). The levels of hydrolysable tannins and phenolic acids in fully mature fruits (stage 4) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower than that in their immature counterparts (stages 1 and 2). Total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH antioxidant radical-scavenging activity did not vary significantly between different maturity stages. Pearson's correlation coefficient test indicated that TPC and DPPH positively (p ≤ 0.05) correlate with most of the studied tannin compounds. Sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), total soluble solid content, and titratable acidity increased during the fruit development. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the difference between the immature and mature samples, based on their nutritional profile and bioactive compounds. The PCA results also suggested a considerable variability between the individual trees, highlighting the challenges of wild-harvest practice.

Discrimination of Panax ginseng from counterfeits using single nucleotide polymorphism: A focused review

Discrimination of plant species, cultivars, and landraces is challenging because plants have high phenotypic and genotypic resemblance. Panax ginseng is commonly referred to as Korean ginseng, which contains saponins with high efficacy on cells, and has been reported to be worth billions in agroeconomic value. Korean ginseng's increasing global agroeconomic value includes additional species and cultivars that are not Korean ginseng but have physical characteristics close to it. This almost unidentifiable physical characteristic of Korean ginseng-like species is discriminated via molecular markers. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), found across the plant species in abundance, is a valuable tool in the molecular mapping of genes and distinguishing a plant species from adulterants. Differentiating the composition of genes in species is quite evident, but the varieties and landraces have fewer differences in addition to single nucleotide mismatch. Especially in the exon region, there exist both favorable and adverse effects on species. With the aforementioned ideas in discriminating ginseng based on molecular markers, SNP has proven reliable and convenient, with advanced markers available. This article provides the simplest cost-effective guidelines for experiments in a traditional laboratory setting to get hands-on SNP marker analysis. Hence, the current review provides detailed up-to-date information about the discrimination of Panax ginseng exclusively based on SNP adding with a straightforward method explained which can be followed to perform the analysis.

How Should the Worldwide Knowledge of Traditional Cancer Healing Be Integrated with Herbs and Mushrooms into Modern Molecular Pharmacology?

Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a "core" from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.

Plant-derived bioactive compounds in colon cancer treatment: An updated review

Colon cancer is the third most predominant cancer caused by genetic, environmental and nutritional factors. Plant-based compounds are very well known to regress colon cancer in many ways, like delaying tumor growth, managing chemotherapy and radiation therapy side-effects, and working at the molecular levels. Medicinal plants contain many bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenol compounds, caffeic acid, catechins, saponins, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol and luteolin glycosides, carnosic acid, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, emodin, and eugenol and anthricin. These bioactive compounds can reduce tumor cell proliferation via several mechanisms, such as blocking cell cycle checkpoints and promoting apoptosis through activating initiator and executioner caspase. Traditional medicines have been used globally to treat cancers because of their anti-cancer effects, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-mutagenic effects, and anti-angiogenic effects. In addition, these medicines effectively suppress early and intermediate stages of carcinogenesis when administered in their active and pure form. However, traditional medicine is not very popular due to some critical challenges. These include poor solubility and absorption of these compounds, intellectual property-related issues, involvement of drug synergism, absence of drug-likeness, and unsure protocols for their extraction from the plant source. Using bioactive compounds in colon cancer has equal advantages and limitations. This review highlights the benefits and challenges of using bioactive compounds derived from plants for colon cancer. We have also discussed using these compounds to target cancer stem cell self-renewal, its effects on cancer cell metabolism, safety parameters, easy modulation, and their bioavailability.

Australian native fruits and vegetables: Chemical composition, nutritional profile, bioactivity and potential valorization by industries

Australian native plants have adapted themselves to harsh climatic conditions enabling them to produce unique and high levels of secondary metabolites. Native fruits and vegetables have been an integral part of the Indigenous Australian diet and Bush medicine for centuries. They have recently gained popularity owing to their rich dietary fiber, minerals, polyphenolic and antioxidant contents. This review presents a comprehensive summary and critical assessment of the studies performed in the last few decades to understand the phytochemical and nutritional profiles and therapeutic properties of Australian native fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the potential of these fruits and vegetables as functional food ingredients and in the prevention and treatment of different diseases is discussed. Research on the nutritional and phytochemical profiles and therapeutic activity of Australian vegetables is limited with most studies focused on native fruits. These fruits have demonstrated promising antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities mostly in in vitro models. More research to a) identify novel bioactive compounds, b) define optimal post-harvest and extraction methods, and c) understand molecular mechanisms of pharmacological activity through preclinical and clinical studies is prudent for the prospective and wider use of Australian native fruits and vegetables by the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries.

Unlocking the Secrets of Terminalia Kernels Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

In recent years, the native food industry in Australia has increased in both value and volume due to the discovery of a wide range of phytochemicals (e.g., vitamin C, polyphenols) that have potential health benefits. Thus, plant organs and tissues of these native plants are used in a wide range of applications. In particular, the kernel of a native plum, the Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana, Combretaceae) is considered to be rich in lipids and other phytochemical compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of NIR spectroscopy to analyze and characterize kernel samples and tissues of wild harvest fruit samples. The Fourier transform near-infrared reflectance spectra of cracked kernels, seeds cover tissues, and dry powder Kakadu plum kernels were acquired. Both principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to analyze and interpret the spectral data. A correct classification rate of 93%, 86%, and 80% was achieved for the identification of kernel provenance using all tissues, seed coats, and the whole nuts, respectively. The results of this study reported for the first time the analysis of Kakadu plum kernels and their tissues using NIR spectroscopy.

The use of vibrational spectroscopy to predict vitamin C in Kakadu plum powders (Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell, Combretaceae)

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using either mid-infrared (MIR) or near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to predict the vitamin C content in Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell, Combretaceae) powder samples. Vitamin C is the main and quality-determining bioactive compound in Kakadu plum (KP). Kakadu plum powder samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array detector (UPLC-PDA) and scanned using both MIR and NIR spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The coefficient of determination (R² ) and the standard error in cross validation (SECV) for vitamin C were 0.93 and 1811 mg 100 g dry weight (DW) and 0.91 and 1839 mg 100 g DW using MIR and NIR spectroscopy, respectively. The coefficient of correlation and the standard error of prediction (SEP) obtained using the independent set (n = 5) were 0.65 (SEP: 2367 mg 100 g DW) and 0.73 (SEP: 4773 mg 100 g DW) using MIR and NIR spectroscopy, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in this study clearly showed that it is possible to calibrate IR spectroscopic instruments for the measurement of vitamin C in KP plum powder samples. Mid-infrared spectroscopy showed the most promising results; however, Fourier transform near-infrared (FTNIR) spectroscopy also produced models capable of good quantification of this important bioactive compound and vitamin. These findings are promising in terms of using high-throughput IR spectroscopy as a routine technology to determine vitamin C in plant-based foods and derived products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hydrolysable tannins in Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell fruit powder and comparison of their functional properties from different solvent extracts

This study identified and quantified hydrolysable tannins (HTs) in Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell (Kakadu plum) fruit, freeze dried powder extracted with 80% aqueous acetone (AA) and 80% aqueous acidified ethanol (AAE), using UHPLC-Q/Orbitrap/MS/MS. The vitamin C and ellagic acid were quantified by UHPLC-PDA. A total of seven HTs were identified: corilagin, 3,4,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose, elaeocarpusin, chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, helioscopin B, and punicalagin, with five classified as ellagitannins. The two extracts AA and AAE, comprised of gallic acid (2.5 and 2.2 mg/g DW), punicalagins α and β (2.8 and 1.3 mg/g DW), respectively, and both contained ellagic acid (~4 g/100 g DW). These extracts showed high antioxidant properties and strong antimicrobial effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolate, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shewanella putrefaciens. These results suggest that Kakadu plum fruit is a rich, edible source of ellagitannins, ellagic acid and vitamin C with potential applications in food, cosmetic and nutraceutical industries.

High throughput screening to determine the antibacterial activity of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum): A proof of concept

Different types of susceptibility tests are available to identify antimicrobial activity, including the disc agar diffusion and broth micro-dilution methods. In recent years, high throughput screening (HTS) methods have been considered and evaluated as an efficient method to rapidly monitor the antimicrobial potential of a wide range of plant products. The objective of this study was to test the ability of a 96-well plate reader as HTS method to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum). The main changes observed in the UV-VIS spectra of the bacteria samples were related to the biochemical and chemical compounds that might originate from the effect of the T. ferdinandiana extracts and the bacteria. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) allowed the correct classification of samples according to the concentration of extract added to the culture (e.g. high, medium and low). The results of this study indicated that might be possible to record changes in the UV-VIS spectra associated with the interactions between bacteria and T. ferdinandiana extracts using a 96-well plate reader. The method was able to detect or differentiate between live and dead bacteria based on the UV-VIS spectra as a function of the addition of the T. ferdinandiana extracts.

Batch Effect Adjustment to Lower the Drug Attrition Rate of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells Exposed to Silica Nanomaterial-Derived Scaffolds

Drug attrition rate is the calculation or measure of the clinical efficacy of a candidate drug on a screen platform for a specific period. Determining the attrition rate of a prospective cancer drug is a reliable way of testing the clinical efficacy. A low attrition rate in the last phase of a preclinical trial increases the success of a drug discovery process. It has been reported that the attrition rates of antineoplastic drugs are much higher than for other therapeutic drugs. Among the factors identified for the high attrition rates in antineoplastic drugs are the nature of the screen-based platforms involving human-derived xenografts, extracellular matrix-derived scaffold systems, and the synthetic scaffolds, which all have propensity to proliferate tumor cells at faster rates than in vivo primary tumors. Other factors that affect the high attrition rates are induced scaffold toxicity and the use of assays that are irrelevant, yet affect data processing. These factors contribute to the wide variation in data and systematic errors. As a result, it becomes imperative to filter batch variations and to standardize the data. Importantly, understanding the interplay between the biological milieu and scaffold connections is also crucial. Here the cell viability of MCF-7 (breast cancer cell line) cells exposed to different scaffolds were screened before cisplatin dosing using the calculated p-values. The statistical significance (p-value) of data was calculated using the one-way analysis of variance, with the p-value set as: 0 < p < 0.06. In addition, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of the different scaffolds exposed to MCF-7 cells were calculated with the probit extension model and cumulative distribution (%) of the extension data. The chemotherapeutic dose (cisplatin, 56 mg/m²) reduced the cell viability of MCF-7 cells to 5% within 24 h on the scaffold developed from silica nanoparticles (SNPs) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) formulation (SNP:PEG) mixtures with a ratio of 1:10, respectively.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) Consumption and Prevention of Chronic Diseases: Is There an Association? A Preliminary Study

Background

Flavonoids from a variety of fruits, including açaí, have beneficial antioxidant activity in several diseases, including cancer. Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among Brazilian women. Studies have shown the action of flavonoids on neoplastic cells, as well as on diabetes and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

Objective

To analyze the relationship between the consumption of açaí and the presence of chronic diseases in women residing in the rural area of São Luís, Maranhão.

Methods

A convenience sample of 150 women residing in the Maracanã neighborhood in São Luís, Maranhão, was used; the collected data included sociodemographic characteristics, habits, sexual and reproductive history, consumption of açaí, and history of cancer and other chronic diseases. The sample was divided into women who consumed açaí at least once a week (cases) and women who did not consume açaí (controls). Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationships between those variables and the consumption of açaí.

Results

A total of 141 women (94%) consumed açaí. Among these, 79.3% were aged between 20 and 50 years, 78.67% were farmers or housewives, 64.67% were Pardo (mixed race), 76.67% were nonsmokers, 70% were not receiving hormonal therapy, 40.67% had already undergone mammography, 28% had already undergone breast ultrasound, and 27.33% had a family history of cancer, with breast cancer being the second most prevalent cancer. There was a higher prevalence of hypertension among women who did not consume açaí than that among those who did; however, previous cancer, family history of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes were more prevalent among the consumers of açaí. There were no statistically significant relationships.

Conclusion

Flavonoids are known to have a beneficial effect on some types of neoplastic cells and other diseases; therefore, larger studies are necessary to better evaluate the beneficial effects of consuming foods containing flavonoids on these diseases.

Elaeocarpus reticulatus fruit extracts reduce viability and induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro

Treatment options for pancreatic cancer (PC) are severely limited due to late diagnosis, early metastasis and the inadequacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to combat the aggressive biology of the disease. In recent years, plant-derived bioactive compounds have emerged as a source of novel, anti-cancer agents. Used in traditional medicine worldwide, Elaeocarpus species have reported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to isolate and identify potential anti-PC compounds in the fruit of Elaeocarpus reticulatus Sm. A 50% acetone crude extract significantly decreased the viability of four pancreatic cell lines (≥ 10 µg/mL for BxPC-3 cells) and induced apoptosis in BxPC-3 and HPDE cells. Analysis by HPLC identified the triterpenoid Cucurbitacin I as a likely component of the extract. Furthermore, treatment with Cucurbitacin I significantly reduced the viability of HPDE and BxPC-3 cells, with results comparable to the same concentration of gemcitabine. Interestingly, attempts to isolate bioactive compounds revealed that the crude extract was more effective at reducing PC-cell viability than the fractionated extracts. This study provides initial insight into the bioactive constituents of E. reticulatus fruits.

A Comprehensive Review of the Structure Elucidation of Tannins from Terminalia Linn

OBJECTIVES

Tannins with complex structures are important plant resources, which are abundant in the genus Terminalia. Various Terminalia species have been playing an important role in traditional medicine system. A systematic scoping review of Terminalia Linn. research literature for tannins was conducted to summarize the structures of tannins and analysis fragmentation pathway characteristics, which could provide references for the structural analysis of tannins from Terminalia Linn.

METHODS

After an update of the literature search up to September 2018, the terms of Terminalia in all publications were analyzed. Electronic searches were conducted in scifinder and PubMed, and the information from 197 articles in all with regard to the tannin structure study was extracted.

RESULTS

The compounds of 82 tannins from the genus Terminalia were reviewed. According to the structural differences, they can be divided into three categories, hydrolysable tannins, condensed tannins, and complex tannins, respectively. The fragmentation pathways of 46 identified tannins were analyzed, and the fragmentation rules of tannins were speculated according to different types.

CONCLUSION

This review has attracted attention to the active substances in this species such as the tannins summarized in further study. How to improve the extraction and purification technology of tannins from genus Terminalia is an urgent problem to be solved.

Antioxidant Rich Extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana Inhibit the Growth of Foodborne Bacteria

Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) is a native Australian plant containing phytochemicals with antioxidant capacity. In the search for alternatives to synthetic preservatives, antioxidants from plants and herbs are increasingly being investigated for the preservation of food. In this study, extracts were prepared from Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit, leaves, seedcoats, and bark using different solvents. Hydrolysable and condensed tannin contents in the extracts were determined, as well as antioxidant capacity, by measuring the total phenolic content (TPC) and free radical scavenging activity using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Total phenolic content was higher in the fruits and barks with methanol extracts, containing the highest TPC, hydrolysable tannins, and DPPH-free radical scavenging capacity (12.2 ± 2.8 g/100 g dry weight (DW), 55 ± 2 mg/100 g DW, and 93% respectively). Saponins and condensed tannins were highest in bark extracts (7.0 ± 0.2 and 6.5 ± 0.7 g/100 g DW). The antimicrobial activity of extracts from fruit and leaves showed larger zones of inhibition, compared to seedcoats and barks, against the foodborne bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration in response to the different extracts ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 mg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy images of the treated bacteria showed morphological changes, leading to cell death. These results suggest that antioxidant rich extracts of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruits and leaves have potential applications as natural antimicrobials in food preservation.

Endophytic Fungi from Terminalia Species: A Comprehensive Review

Endophytic fungi have proven their usefulness for drug discovery, as suggested by the structural complexity and chemical diversity of their secondary metabolites. The diversity and biological activities of endophytic fungi from the Terminalia species have been reported. Therefore, we set out to discuss the influence of seasons, locations, and even the plant species on the diversity of endophytic fungi, as well as their biological activities and secondary metabolites isolated from potent strains. Our investigation reveals that among the 200-250 Terminalia species reported, only thirteen species have been studied so far for their endophytic fungi content. Overall, more than 47 fungi genera have been reported from the Terminalia species, and metabolites produced by some of these fungi exhibited diverse biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anticancer, and biocontrol varieties. Moreover, more than 40 compounds with eighteen newly described secondary metabolites were reported; among these, metabolites are the well-known anticancer drugs, a group that includes taxol, antioxidant compounds, isopestacin, and pestacin. This summary of data illustrates the considerable diversity and biological potential of fungal endophytes of the Terminalia species and gives insight into important findings while paving the way for future investigations.

Induction of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest by Flavokawain C on HT-29 Human Colon Adenocarcinoma via Enhancement of Reactive Oxygen Species Generation, Upregulation of p21, p27, and GADD153, and Inactivation of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins

Chalcones have been shown to exhibit anti-cancer properties by targeting multiple molecular pathways. It was, therefore, of interest to investigate flavokawain C (FKC), a naturally occurring chalcone, which can be isolated from Kava (Piper methysticum Forst) root extract. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of FKC on the growth of HT-29 cells and its underlying mechanism of action. Cell viability of HT-29 cells was assessed by Sulforhodamine B assay after FKC treatment. Induction of apoptosis was examined by established morphological and biochemical assays. ROS generation was determined by dichlorofluorescein fluorescence staining, and superoxide dismutase activity was measured using the spectrophotometric method. Western blotting was used to examine the changes in the protein levels. FKC markedly decreased the cell viability of HT-29 cells and the cells showed dramatic changes in cellular and nuclear morphologies with typical apoptotic features. The induction of apoptosis correlated well with the externalization of phosphatidylserine, DNA fragmentation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspases, and PARP cleavage. This was associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species and a decrease in SOD activity. The protein levels of XIAP, c-IAP1, and c-IAP2 were downregulated, whereas the GADD153 was upregulated after FKC treatment. FKC induced cell cycle arrest at the G₁ and G₂/M phases via upregulation of p21 and p27 in a p53-independent manner. Our results provide evidence that FKC has the potential to be developed into chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of colon adenocarcinoma.

SUMMARY

Flavokawain C inhibited the growth of HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cellsFlavokawain C induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells, associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species and a decrease in SOD activityFlavokawain C induced cell cycle arrest at the G₁ and G₂/M phases via upregulation of p21 and p27 in HT-29 cellsHT-29 cells treated with flavokawain C caused downregulation of XIAP, c-IAP1, and c-IAP2, and upregulation of GADD153. Abbreviations used: FKC: Flavokawain C; SRB: Sulforhodamine B; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; PARP: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase; ER: Endoplasmic reticulum; IAPs: Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins; TUNEL: Transferase dUTP nick end labeling; Annexin V-FITC: Annexin V conjugated with fluorescein isothicyanate.

FLAVONOIDS AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITY MEDIATED GASTROPROTECTIVE ACTION OF LEATHERY MURDAH, TERMINALIA CORIACEA (ROXB.) WIGHT & ARN. LEAF METHANOLIC EXTRACT IN RATS

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Leathery Murdah, Terminalia coriacea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. from family Combretaceae is used in Ayurveda and Siddha traditional systems of medicine to heal ulcers. OBJECTIVE The present study was conducted to assess the gastroprotective effect and understand the fundamental mechanism of action of Leathery Murdah, Terminalia coriacea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. Leaf Methanolic Extract. METHODS The test extract was screened for anti-ulcer activity by Aspirin induced ulcerogenesis in pyloric ligation and ethanol induced gastric ulcers at three doses - 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg, p.o. using Ranitidine 50 mg/kg and Misoprostol 100 μg/kg as standard drug in respective models. Seven parameters were carefully examined, that is, ulcer index, total protein, mucin, catalase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels and histopathology. High Performance Liquid Chromatographic - Ultra Violet profiling and Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectral analysis of crude Terminalia coriacea leaves methanolic extract were carried out as a part of chemical characterization to identify bioactive compounds. RESULTS All the test doses exhibited significant gastroprotective function, particularly the higher doses demonstrated improved action. The results revealed a significant increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and Mucin with reduction in ulcer index, the levels of total protein, and malondialdehyde. Histopathological observations also illustrated the gastroprotective effect of Terminalia coriacea leaves methanolic extract. CONCLUSION Terminalia coriacea leaves methanolic extract exhibited strong anti-oxidant and anti-secretory activities mediated gastroprotection besides inducing the gastric mucosal production. The observed pharmacological response can be attributed to the flavonoidal compounds namely - Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, Myricetin hexoside, Quercetin-3-O-glucoside, Isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnosylglucoside and Isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside identified in the extract for the first time with High Performance Liquid Chromatographic - Ultra Violet and Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectral analysis.

Contribution of ellagic acid on the antioxidant potential of medicinal plant Epilobium hirsutum

In the present study, the possible role of ellagic acid (EA) on antioxidant potential of Epilobium hirsutum (EH) in rat liver was investigated. Wistar rats were intraperitoneally treated with 37.5 mg/kg of EH and 10 mg/kg of EA for 9 days. Effects of EH and EA on antioxidant [glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutases (SOD)] and Phase II [NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)] enzyme activities, as well as protein and mRNA expressions of those, were investigated. Polyphenolic content of EH was determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. EH and EA injection to rats resulted in a significant increase of NQO1 (3.6-fold and 4.7-fold), GPx (1.45-fold), and SOD (1.34-fold and 1.27-fold) enzyme activities, whereas total GST (46% and 57%) and its isoforms,and GST mu (57% and 72%), and GST theta (60% and 68%) activities were significantly decreased. Western-blot and qRT-PCR analysis showed that NQO1 and GPx protein and mRNA expressions were increased significantly (P < 0.0001), whereas GST mu and GST theta were significantly decreased (P < 0.0001).

Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts as inhibitors of Giardia duodenalis proliferation: a new treatment for giardiasis

Giardisis is a debilitating disease caused by gastrointestinal parasites of the genus Giardia. High-antioxidant T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts were investigated for the ability to block Giardia duodenalis growth. Methanolic and aqueous extracts had the most potent growth inhibitory activity (IC50 values of approximately 700 and 140 μg/ml, respectively). Ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts also inhibited G. duodenalis growth, albeit with lower potency. The hexane extract was completely devoid of G. duodenalis growth inhibitory activity. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. Nontargeted HPLC-quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectroscopy (with screening against three compound databases) putatively identified 17 compounds in all of the inhibitory extracts but not in the inactive hexane extract. The low toxicity of the Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extracts and their potent G. duodenalis growth inhibitory bioactivity indicate their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of this disease.

A comparison of the antimicrobial activity and toxicity of six combretum and two terminalia species from southern Africa

Background:

Plants of the family Combretaceae are amongst the most widely used plants for traditional medicinal purposes in southern Africa. In particular, many species of Combretum and Terminalia are used for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antidiarrhoeal, analgesic, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, yet their antimicrobial potential has not been rigorously studied and compared.

Materials and Methods:

A survey of antimicrobial activity was undertaken on selected South African Combretum and Terminalia species. Sixteen extracts from 6 Combretum and 2 Terminalia plant species with a history of medicinal usage were investigated by disc diffusion assay against a panel of bacteria and fungi and their MIC values were determined. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay.

Results:

All extracts tested displayed broad spectrum antibacterial activity, inhibiting the growth of 12-16 (75-100%) of the bacteria tested, with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria being approximately equally susceptible. Potent antibacterial activities (generally in the range 200-5000 μg/ml) were evident for all Combretaceae extracts against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Similarly, the extracts also displayed good antifungal activity, inhibiting the growth of 2-3 (66.7-100%) of the fungal species tested, with fungal growth inhibition activities generally in the range 200–4000 μg/ml. In general, the Terminalia extracts had better efficacies than the Combretum extracts. Furthermore, the methanol extracts were generally better antimicrobial agents than the water extracts. All extracts were also shown to be non-toxic in the Artemia nauplii bioassay.

Conclusion:

The lack of toxicity of these extracts and their inhibitory bioactivity against a panel of bacteria and fungi indicate their potential as medicinal agents and partially validate their usage in multiple South African traditional medicinal systems.

Fruit-derived phenolic compounds and pancreatic cancer: perspectives from Australian native fruits

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating cancer that presents late, is rapidly progressive and has current therapeutics with only limited efficacy. Bioactive compounds are ubiquitously present in fruits and numerous studies in vitro are addressing the activity of these compounds against pancreatic cancer, thus studies of specific bioactive compounds could lead to new anti-pancreatic cancer strategies. Australian native fruits have been used as foods and medicines by Australian Aboriginals for thousands of years, and preliminary studies have found these fruits to contain rich and diversified bioactive components with high antioxidant activity. Thus, Australian native fruits may possess key components for preventing or delaying the onset of tumorigenesis, or for the treatment of existing cancers, including pancreatic cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Numerous databases including PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Sciencedirect were analysed for correlations between bioactive components from fruits and pancreatic cancer, as well as studies concerning Australian native fruits.

RESULTS

In this review, we comprehensively highlight the proposed mechanisms of action of fruit bioactives as anti-cancer agents, update the potential anti-pancreatic cancer activity of various major classes of bioactive compounds derived from fruits, and discuss the existence of bioactive compounds identified from a selection Australian native fruits for future studies.

CONCLUSION

Bioactive compounds derived from fruits possess the potential for the discovery of new anti-pancreatic cancer strategies. Further, Australian native fruits are rich in polyphenols including some flora that contain unique phenolic compounds, thereby warranting further investigations into their anti-cancer properties.

Synergy of antibacterial and antioxidant activities from crude extracts and peptides of selected plant mixture

BACKGROUND

A plant mixture containing indigenous Australian plants was examined for synergistic antimicrobial activity using selected test microorganisms. This study aims to investigate antibacterial activities, antioxidant potential and the content of phenolic compounds in aqueous, ethanolic and peptide extracts of plant mixture.

METHODS

Well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were used to test antibacterial activity against four pathogenic bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. HPLC and gel filtration were used for purification of the peptides. Scanning electron microscope was applied to investigate the mode of attachment of the peptides on target microbial membranes.

RESULTS

Aqueous extraction of the mixture showed no inhibition zones against all the test bacteria. Mean diameter of inhibition zones for ethanol extraction of this mixture attained 8.33 mm, 7.33 mm, and 6.33 mm against S. aureus at corresponding concentrations of 500, 250 and 125 mg/ml while E .coli showed inhibition zones of 9.33 mm, 8.00 mm and 6.66 mm at the same concentrations. B. cereus exhibited inhibition zones of 11.33 mm, 10.33 mm and 10.00 mm at concentrations of 500, 250 and 125 mg/ml respectively. The peptide extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli and B. cereus. The MIC and MBC values for ethanol extracts were determined at 125 mg/ml concentration against S. aureus and E. coli and B. cereus value was 31.5 mg/ml. MIC and MBC values showed that the peptide extract was significantly effective at low concentration of the Australian plant mixture (APM). Phenolic compounds were detected in hot aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plant mixture. Hot aqueous, ethanol and peptides extracts also exhibited antioxidant activities.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that APM possessed good antibacterial and antioxidant activities following extraction with different solvents. The results suggest that APM provide a new source with antibacterial agents and antioxidant activity for nutraceutical or medical applications.