In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Ficus racemosa L. bark using albumin denaturation method

A comprehensive investigation on alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation in hyperglycaemic conditions through in vitro experiments and computational analysis

Protein glycation, hyper-inflammatory reactions, and oxidative stress play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. The current work evaluated the protective ability of ethyl alcohol extract of leaves from holy basil (Ocimum sanctum Linn) against inflammation, oxidative stress, glycation and advanced glycation endproducts formation. Various in vitro assays assessed prementioned properties of holy basil. In addition, molecular docking was conducted. The highest hydrogen peroxide reduction activity (72.7 %) and maximum percentage of DPPH scavenging (71.3 %) depicted its vigorous antioxidant abilities. Furthermore, it showed the most excellent protection against proteinase activity (67.247 %), prevention of denaturation of egg albumin (65.29 %), and BSA (bovine serum albumin) (68.87 %) with 600 µg/ml. Percent aggregation index (57.528 %), browning intensity (56.61 %), and amyloid structure (57.0 %) were all reduced significantly using 600 μg/ml of extract. Additionally, the antimicrobial potential was also confirmed. According to a molecular docking study, active leaf extract ingredients were found to bind with superoxide dismutase, catalase, and carbonic anhydrase. As a conclusion, O. sanctum has a variety of health-promoting properties that may reduce the severity of many diseases in diabetic patients. However, in order to ascertain the mechanisms of action of the components of its leaves in disease prevention, more thorough research based on pharmacological aspects is needed.

Characterization and biological prospects of various calcined temperature-V2O5 nanoparticles synthesized by Citrus hystrix fruit extract

In this study, a simple green synthesis of vanadium pentoxide nanoparticles (VNPs) was prepared by the extract of Kaffir lime fruit (Citrus hystrix) as a green reducing and stabilizing agent, along with the investigation of calcination temperature was carried out at 450 and 550 °C. It was affirmed that, at higher temperature (550 °C), the VNPs possessed a high degree crystalline following the construction of (001) lattice diffraction within an increase in crystalline size from 47.12 to 53.51 nm, although the band gap of the materials at 450 °C was lower than that of the VNPs-550 (2.53 versus 2.66 eV, respectively). Besides, the materials were assessed for the potential bioactivities toward antibacterial, antifungal, DNA cleavage, anti-inflammatory, and hemolytic performances. As a result, the antibacterial activity, with minimal inhalation concentration (MIC) < 6.25 μg/mL for both strains, and fungicidal one of the materials depicted the dose-dependent effects. Once, both VNPs exhibited the noticeable efficacy of the DNA microbial damage, meanwhile, the outstanding anti-inflammatory agent was involved with the IC50 of 123.636 and 227.706 μg/mL, accounting for VNPs-450 and VNPs-550, respectively. Furthermore, this study also demonstrated the hemolytic potential of the VNPs materials. These consequences declare the prospects of the VNPs as the smart and alternative material from the green procedure in biomedicine.

Isolation, characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of compounds from the Vernonia amygdalina

The need to explore the abundance of natural products cannot be overemphasized particularly in the management of various disease conditions. In traditional medical practice, Vernonia amygdalina has been widely adopted in the management of various inflammatory disorders. The objective of this investigation was to isolate the bioactive principles from the stem-bark and root of V. amygdalina and assess the anti-inflammatory (in vitro) activity of both the crude extracts and the isolated compounds. Following extraction with the methanol, the extract was subjected to gravity column chromatography and the resultant fractions was further purified to obtained pure compounds. The structural elucidation of the compounds were based on data obtained from 1H to 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies as well as fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). Using diclofenac as a control drug, the albumin denaturation assay was used to determine the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts and isolates. Three distinct compounds characterized are vernoamyoside D, luteolin-7-α-o-glucuronide, and vernotolaside, a new glycoside. When compared to diclofenac, which has an IC50 of 167.8 μg/mL, luteolin-7-α-o-glucuronide, vernoamyoside D, and vernotolaside all showed significant inhibitions with respective IC50 values 549.8, 379.5, and 201.7 μg/mL. Vernotolaside is reported for the first time from the root. The assertion that the plant is used in traditional medicine for the management of inflammatory disorder is somewhat validated by the confirmation of the existence of the compounds with the biochemical actions. Further validation of the isolated compounds would be required in animal studies.

Fluconazole-Loaded Ibuprofen In Situ Gel-Based Oral Spray for Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Treatment

Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection affecting the oral mucous membrane, and this research specifically addresses on a localized treatment through fluconazole-loaded ibuprofen in situ gel-based oral spray. The low solubility of ibuprofen is advantageous for forming a gel when exposed to an aqueous phase. The 1% w/w fluconazole-loaded in situ gel oral sprays were developed utilizing various concentrations of ibuprofen in N-methyl pyrrolidone. The prepared solutions underwent evaluation for viscosity, surface tension, contact angle, water tolerance, gel formation, interface interaction, drug permeation, and antimicrobial studies. The higher amount of ibuprofen reduced the surface tension and retarded solvent exchange. The use of 50% ibuprofen as a gelling agent demonstrated prolonged drug permeation for up to 24 h. The incorporation of Cremophor EL in the formulations resulted in increased drug permeation and exhibited effective inhibition against Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida lusitaniae, and Candida tropicalis. While the Cremophor EL-loaded formulation did not exhibit enhanced antifungal effects on agar media, its ability to facilitate the permeation of fluconazole and ibuprofen suggested potential efficacy in countering Candida invasion in the oral mucosa. Moreover, these formulations demonstrated significant thermal inhibition of protein denaturation in egg albumin, indicating anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, the fluconazole-loaded ibuprofen in situ gel-based oral spray presents itself as a promising dosage form for oropharyngeal candidiasis treatment.

Polyphenolic Composition and Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antihyperglycemic Activity of Different Extracts of Teucrium montanum from Ozren Mountain

Teucrium montanum has widespread use in folk medicine on the Balkan peninsula. In order to scientifically justify this use, the composition and biological activity of aqueous, ethanol, and acetone extract were investigated in this study. Moreover, acetone and ethanol extracts were obtained from the plant material previously exhausted by water extraction. A total of 27 compounds were detected in extracts by UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis, with all of them present in acetone and ethanol extracts. Consequentially, the acetone and ethanol extracts showed higher contents of total phenols of 23% and 18%, respectively, compared to the water extract. The results indicated high biological potential in the investigated extracts. Among all extracts, the aqueous extract showed slightly higher antimicrobial potential, especially against Gram-positive strains, probably due to the release of components soluble in water from the dry unexhausted plant material. On the other hand, the acetone and ethanol extracts had significantly higher antioxidative (by 20%), anti-inflammatory activity (up to 3 and 4 times higher, respectively), and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential (3 times higher) than the aqueous extract. The results of this investigation reveal the great potential of the use of T. montanum in various branches of food, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry. An important part of this research is a confirmation that, once exhausted by water extraction, for example by hydrodistillation, T. montanum plant material can be reused for obtaining valuable products with a wide range of biological activities.

Phytochemical analysis and biological investigation of Cheilanthes tenuifolia (Burm.f.) Swartz

Introduction: Cheilanthes tenuifolia is an evergreen ornamental small fern, belonging to the family Pteridaceae, that grows in warm and rocky regions worldwide. Many species of Cheilanthes genus are evidently endowed with important phytochemicals and bioactivities. This study aimed to perform a preliminary phytochemical analysis of Cheilanthes tenuifolia leaves alongside an evaluation of free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and clot lysis activities of extract fractions. Materials and methods: A preliminary phytochemical analysis was done after fractionation of ethanolic extract (ECT) with n-hexane (HCT) and chloroform (CCT). Then, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, egg albumin and RBC membrane stabilization tests, disc diffusion, and human blood clot lysis assays were performed. Results: Phytochemical investigations suggested that the plant is rich in alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids. All obtained fractions exhibited concentration-dependent radical scavenging, inhibition of egg protein denaturation and RBC membrane lysis capacities. Except for antifungal tests, ECT exhibited better DPPH radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and clot lysis capacities than HCT and CCT fractions. However, all fractions exhibited a mild anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: C. tenuifolia might be a good source of antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-atherothrombotic agents. Further studies are required to isolate and characterize the active principles liable for each bioactivity, along with possible molecular interactions.

Ethno-entomotherapeutic and metabolite profiling of Coridius chinensis (Dallas), a traditional edible insect species of North-East India

Edible insects possess several health enhancing properties and play an important role in human nutrition. Coridius chinensis is an edible insect that is considered food and claimed as traditional medicine. In the present study, nutritional contents, chemical composition, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of C. chinensis were analyzed. It was found that the insect sample contains 50.46% moisture, 44.65% protein, 4.45% carbohydrate, 39.42% crude fats, 3.53% ash and 576.11 (Kcal/100 g) energy. Our study highlighted the presence of a significant amount of phenol and flavonoids. The C. chinensis hydro-alcoholic extract showed high antioxidant property and anti-inflammatory activity. GCMS analysis identified 61 volatile compounds. LC-MS analysis of hydroalcoholic extract of C. chinensis revealed the presence of compounds such as etodolac glucuronide, morphine 3-glucuronide, ecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, sufentanil, and palmitoyl ethanololamide. These findings suggest that C. chinensis species can be employed as a valuable food source with excellent therapeutic properties.

Free Radical Scavenging, Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Activity of Acorus calamus Leaves Extract Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

Background Herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, has been used for centuries in traditional healing practices to harness the therapeutic properties of different plant-derived elements. Acorus calamus, a perennial herbaceous plant, has significant historical importance in traditional medicine, specifically in Ayurveda, where it is referred to as "Vacha." This study investigates the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics of the A. calamus dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) extract. The objectives of the research are to provide valuable knowledge about the preparation of A. calamus DMSO extract and to explore its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Materials and methods The A. calamus DMSO extract was derived from leaves, and its antioxidant activity was evaluated through the use of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (H2O2 assay), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the Bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation assay, egg albumin (EA) denaturation assay, and membrane stabilization assays. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed using the agar well diffusion technique and the time-kill curve assay. Results In DPPH and H2O2 tests, the DMSO extract of A. calamus showed significant antioxidant activity, near that of standard ascorbic acid. The FRAP assay demonstrated a correlation between the dose and the activity of reducing ferric ions. The A. calamus DMSO extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory properties in BSA and EA denaturation assays, similar to the standard diclofenac sodium. The anti-inflammatory potential of the A. calamus DMSO extract was further confirmed through the membrane stabilization assay. The DMSO extract of A. calamus exhibited a significant inhibition zone against the pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa during the antimicrobial evaluation, surpassing the efficacy of the standard antibiotic. The time-kill curve assay validated the antibacterial efficacy, which was dependent on the concentration. Conclusion The A. calamus DMSO extract exhibited promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, supporting its traditional use in alternative medicine. The findings suggest its potential as a natural resource of compounds with bioactive properties for use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Assessment of multi-biomedical efficiency of Andrographis paniculata shoot extracts through in-vitro analysis and major compound identification

The present investigation looked into the various biomedical potentials of Andrographis paniculata shoot extracts. The results showed that the methanol extract (Met-E) of A. paniculata contains more phytochemicals than the acetone and petroleum ether extracts, including alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, phytosterol, steroids, and protein. Accordingly, the Met-E alone showed considerable bactericidal activity (through agar well diffusion method) against the bacterial pathogens namely Shigella dysenteriae, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphlococcus aureus, E. coli, and B. subtilis. This bactericidal activity was found as dose dependent manner, since at 1000 μg ml concentration, the Met-E showed better antibacterial activity. Similarly, at increased concentration (1000 μg ml) it showed notable antidiabetic (α-amylase inhibition: 74.31% and α-glucosidase inhibition: 72.34%), antioxidant (DPPH: 78.24%), and anti-inflammatory (albumin denaturation inhibition: 79.84% and lipoxigenase inhibition: 69.4%) activities. The phytochemical profiling of Met-E was characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses. The results showed the Met-E contain bioactive compounds such as gallic acid, epicatechin, catechin, naringin, vitexin-2-rhamnoside, taxifolin, kaempferol, hesperidin, myricetin, rutin, quercetin, phloretin, and ursolic acid compounds. While most of these substances have been recognised for their pharmacological application perspective, the biological properties of particular substances must be studied in the future using in-vivo strategies.

Sida cordifolia L. attenuates behavioral hypersensitivity by interfering with KIF17-NR2B signaling in rat model of neuropathic pain

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sida cordifolia L., a perennial subshrub belonging to the Malvaceae family, holds noteworthy significance in the Indian Ayurvedic System and global texts. Roots of this plant are reported to be useful in neurodegenerative disorders, facial paralysis, and treating several neuropathic pain conditions such as neuralgia, and sciatica. However, despite these claims, there remains a dearth of experimental evidence showcasing the effectiveness of Sida cordifolia L. roots in mitigating neuropathic pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The primary objective of this study was to assess the analgesic properties of the whole extract (SCE) obtained from the roots of Sida cordifolia L., as well as its aqueous fraction (SAF) in rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain. Furthermore, in-depth phytochemical and molecular biology studies were conducted to identify the potential phytoconstituents and unveil the underlying mechanisms of action.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

DCM: Methanol (1:1) was used to extract the roots of Sida cordifolia L. to get whole extract (SCE) and was subjected to phytochemical investigations including LC-MS analysis. Analgesic potential of SCE was evaluated in chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain in rats followed by its bioactivity guided fractionation using in-vitro anti-inflammatory assay and assessment of most potent fraction (SAF) in in-vivo pain model. We have also performed the detailed phytochemical and molecular biology investigations to delineate the mechanism of action of Sida cordifolia root extract.

RESULTS

Chronic constriction injury leads to significant decrease in paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency indicating development of hypersensitivity in rodents. Treatment with SCE and its most potent aqueous fraction (SAF) leads to significant and dose-dependent reduction in pain-like behavior of nerve injured rats. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), glia cell markers (Iba1, ICAM1), neuropeptides (CGRP and Substance P), KIF-17 and NR2B expressions were found to be significantly upregulated in DRG and spinal cord of nerve injured rats. Treatment with SCE and SAF suppressed oxido-inflammatory cascade along with attenuation of KIF-17 mediated NR2B trafficking and neuroinflammation in DRG and spinal tissues of neuropathic rats. HPTLC and HR-MS analysis suggest betaine as major constituent in SAF which along with other phytoconstituents.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the whole extract (SCE) and the aqueous fraction (SAF) demonstrate a significant reduction in mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity by inhibiting KIF-17 mediated NR2B signaling in nerve injured rats and may be used as a potential alternative for the treatment of chronic pain. Our findings support the use of roots of Sida cordifolia L. in neuropathic pain conditions as acclaimed by its traditional use.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and isolation and characterization of a new bioactive compound, 3,4,9-trimethyl-7-propyldecanoic acid from Vitex negundo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herbal medicines derived from plant extraction are affordable, more therapeutically effective, and have fewer side effects than contemporary medications. Vitex negundo L. (V. negundo). is a medicinal shrub, which contains numerous phytoconstituents. In ancient medicinal practices, V. negundo was primarily prescribed as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics of crude extracts from V. negundo leaves, including those derived from petroleum ether (P), methanol (M), and aqueous (A) solvents. Additionally, the research seeks to identify the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these observed properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The nitric oxide scavenging study was performed to evaluate the V. negundo crude extract's ability to function as a nitric oxide scavenger. Protein denaturation and proteinase inhibition experiments were employed to study the ability of extracts to suppress proteolysis and inhibit the enzymes that cause tissue injury. The membrane-stabilizing potency of plant extracts were examined through the process of heat-induced hemolysis. The ability of the extracts to neutralize free radicals showed a dose-dependent response, and the aqueous extract exhibited substantially higher activity in both FRAP and DPPH. The GC-MS analysis of V. negundo extracts revealed a vast array of pharmacologically active metabolites. Based on this Bioassay-guided fractionation approach, the optimal extract was selected for the potent molecule isolation and characterization.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated that the aqueous extract of V. negundo exhibited markedly superior radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory capabilities compared to the other two extracts. Furthermore, a new molecule, 3,4,9-trimethyl-7-propyldecanoic acid was isolated from this extract, and its chemical structure was successfully determined.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the aqueous extract of V. negundo demonstrated notably stronger in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in comparison to the methanol and petroleum ether extracts. The identified active compound, 3,4,9-trimethyl-7-propyldecanoic acid is likely responsible for the extract's free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, conducting both in vitro and in vivo studies is crucial to substantiate the potential of this active constituent for the development of an anti-inflammatory drug derived from V. negundo.

The Anti-Inflammatory Potential of an Ethanolic Extract from Sarcopoterium spinosum Fruits for Protection and/or Counteraction against Oxidative Stress in Dysfunctional Endothelial Cells

Plants and plant extracts are a relevant source of bioactive compounds widely employed as functional foods. In the Mediterranean area, the shrub Sarcopoterium spinosum is traditionally used as an herbal medicine for weight loss and a diabetes treatment. Inflammation is a protective mechanism involved in the development of many pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to investigate in vitro the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of an ethanolic extract from S. spinosum fruits (SEE) in a cellular model of endothelium dysfunction. Corilagin and quercetin are two polyphenols abundant in SEE and were tested for comparison. The exposure of HECV cells for 24 h to 30 µM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) lead to an oxidative stress condition. When HECV cells were treated with 10 µg/mL of SEE or single compounds after or before the oxidative insult, the results showed their ability to (i) decrease the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production quantified using fluorometric analysis and the lipid peroxidation measured with a spectrophotometric assay; (ii) rescue both the glutathione reduced to oxidized (GSH/GSSG) ratio and nitric oxide impair and the protein denaturation; and (iii) accelerate the wound repair measured using a T-scratch assay. Taken together, our findings indicate that the ethanolic extract from S. spinosum fruits could be a potential candidate for nutraceutical application.

Phytochemical analysis, GC-MS profile and determination of antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities of peel and seeds extracts (chloroform and ethyl acetate) of Tamarindus indica L

Tamarindus indica L., is widely used tree in ayurvedic medicine. Here, we aimed to understand the presence of important constituents in seeds and peel of Tamarind fruits and their biological activities. Hence, seeds and peel of Tamarind fruits are used for further extraction process by soxhlet method (chloroform and ethyl acetate solvents). Results suggest that the ethyl acetate extract (seeds) consists of terpenoids (72.29 ± 0.513 mg/g), phenolic content (68.67 ± 2.11 mg/g) and flavonoids (26.36 ± 2.03 mg/g) whereas chloroform extract (seeds) has terpenoids (42.29 ± 0.98 mg/g). Similarly, chloroform extract (peel) has terpenoids (25.96 ± 3.20 mg/g) and flavonoids (46.36 ± 2.03 mg/g) whereas ethyl acetate extract (peel) has terpenoids (62.93 ± 0.987 mg/g). Furthermore, anti-inflammation activity results revealed that the chloroform extract of peel was found to be more effective with IC50 of 226.14 µg/ml by protein denaturation analysis and with IC50 of 245.5 µg/ml on lipoxygenase inhibition activity. Chloroform extract (peel and seeds) shown better antioxidant activity using DPPH than ethyl acetate extract (peel and seeds). Ethyl acetate extract of seeds showed impressive potency by inhibiting the growth of fungus, Candida albicans. Additionally, ethyl acetate extract of seeds showed impressive potency inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli than Bacillus cereus. GC-MS analysis shown the existence of diverse set of phytochemicals in each extract. Overall, comparative studies highlight the effectiveness of seeds extracts than peel extracts. Moreover, GC-MS results suggest that the seeds and peel extracts (chloroform and ethyl acetate) contains a wide range of compounds (including flavonoids, isovanillic acid, fatty acids and phenolic compounds) which can be utilized for therapeutic purpose.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Dicliptera cuneata Nees aerial parts

Dicliptera cuneata Nees is a traditional medicinal plant but its extract or phytochemicals are less known. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of aerial part hydroalcoholic extract of Dicliptera cuneata Nees. Hence, we used protein denaturation assay, FRAP assay, Nitric oxide and peroxide scavenging assays methods following standard developed techniques. The hydro-alcoholic extract exhibited dose-dependent effectiveness in all the assays and showed maximum efficacy in the assays at higher doses selected. Data shows that hydroalcholic extract of Dicliptera cuneata Nees showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in in vitro settings. It should be noted that more data is needed to further develop the extract into suitable formulations.

Anti-inflammatory activity of lauric acid, thiocolchicoside and thiocolchicoside-lauric acid formulation

It is of interest to develop potent and safer anti-inflammatory drugs from plants, as medicinal plants and herbs attained great attention in the medical world due to their multifunctional activities. This article studied the anti-inflammatory effects of lauric acid (LA), thiocolchicoside (TC) and thiocolchicoside-lauric acid (TC-LA) formulation. The anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds were determined by following the methods of inhibition of protein denaturation and proteinase inhibition activity. This was assessed at different concentrations to determine the 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of the compounds. The result indicated that the activity of LA, TC, TC-LA formulation, and reference drug increased with the increase in the concentration from 10-50 µg/ml, thus proving the activity of LA, TC, and TC-LA formulation against inflammation was in a dose-dependent manner. The percentage of inhibition of protein denaturation was 59.56%, 66.94%, 86.62%, and 60.34% for LA, TC, the combination of TC-LA and standard drug, and the IC50 values were found to be 44.78 µg/mL, 37.65 µg/mL, 27.15 µg/mL and 43.42 µg/mL, respectively. The percentage of proteinase inhibition activity of LA, TC, and a combination of TC-LA and the standard drug was 66.65%, 77.49%, 94.07%, and 69.83%, and IC50 of LA, TC, a combination of TC-LA and standard drug were35.5 µg/mL, 32.12 µg/mL, 24.35 µg/mL and 37.80 µg/mL, respectively. We found out that lauric acid, thiocolchicoside, and thiocolchicoside-lauric acid formulation exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity.

In-vitro antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and In-silico ADMET, molecular docking study on Hardwickia binata phytocompunds with potential inhibitor of skin cancer protein

The new sources of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents for methanol extracts of Hardwickia binata Roxb were evaluated systematically. The present investigation is antibacterial, antioxidant, ADMET and molecular docking studies. Our results show the good polyphenol content (total phenol, total flavonoid) and antioxidant capacity of methanol extracts. The free radical scavenging activities of the methanol extracts also were highest, with the antioxidant activity becoming significantly greater. Furthermore, in-vitro antibacterial experiments against phytopathogens, Enterococcus faecalis have a high zone of inhibition (14 ± 0.54) compared with other pathogens. The functional groups of methanol extract were identified using FTIR. The active molecules from GCMS involved in ADMET and docking study for skin cancer proteins (1P7K and 5OTE) among the phytocompounds, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (- 6.2; - 6.6 kcal/mol) and 5-Phenyl-2,4-pyrimidinediamine, 2TMS derivative (- 7.50; - 8.11 kcal/mol) is the best compound for the human skin cancer possessed higher binding energy. Our results indicate that the plants can provide sources of natural compounds used for moderate good anticancer drug.

In vitro investigations of biological activities of Thymus willdenowii and Thymus atlanticus polyphenol-rich extracts

Thyme species produce a wide variety of phenolic compounds including tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Thymus atlanticus (T. atlanticus) and Thymus willdenowii (T. willdenowii) are important thyme species in the southeast of Morocco, with numerous biological properties. The polyphenolic extracts of these two thyme species were obtained using ethanol through Soxhlet apparatus. Antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, and TAC methods), antihemolytic (2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) induced hemolysis test), hypolipidemic (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity inhibition test), and anti-inflammatory (protein denaturation inhibition) effects of extracts were carried out using in vitro methods. The results showed that the polyphenolic extracts of these two species revealed important amounts of phenolic compounds. The contents of flavonoids were significant in the two species, while the contents of tannins and anthocyanin were very low. T. atlanticus showed an important antioxidant activity and a considerable antihemolytic effect in AAPH-induced hemolysis test (IC50 = 0.29 mg/mL), while T. willdenowii showed an important anti-inflammatory activity in heat-induced protein denaturation test (IC50 = 1.61 mg/mL). Moreover, both extracts at a dose of 20 µg/mL showed an important in vitro hypolipidemic activity by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase activity (T. willdenowii: 51.16 %; T. atlanticus: 62.83 %). In conclusion, T. willdenowii and T. atlanticus extracts have considerable antioxidant, antihemolytic, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The richness of these species in polyphenols gives them a large specter of biological properties, making them a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds that could prevent or treat various diseases.

Phytochemical analysis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity of Calotropis gigantea and its therapeutic applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herbal remedies can be used to treat a variety of chronic inflammatory illnesses, like rheumatoid arthritis and leprosy. The plant Calotropis gigantea (C. gigantea) belongs to the family Apocynaceae. To treat numerous contagious diseases, C. gigantea is utilized alone or combine with certain medicinal herbs. Traditional Asian and African practitioners employed C. gigantea to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions like boils, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, leprosy and other disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The goal of this study is to examine the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of C. gigantea leaf extracts extracted using methanol, petroleum ether, and water.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The leaf extracts of C. gigantea were obtained using the Soxhlet extraction technique. The phytoconstituents present in all three C. gigantea leaf extracts were confirmed by qualitative analysis, and the amounts of the alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenols found in the extracts were quantified. C. gigantea crude extracts were subjected to a nitric oxide scavenging experiment to assess their free radical scavenging activities. Protein denaturation and proteinase inhibition assays were used to investigate the effectiveness of extracts to restrict denaturation of protein and to inhibit key enzymes responsible for tissue damage. Further, the membrane stabilization efficacy of plant extracts were examined by the heat-induced hemolysis method. The DPPH and FRAP experiments were performed to determine the antioxidant effectiveness of phytoconstituents extracted using different solvents. The GC-MS study of plant C. gigantea methanolic, aqueous and petroleum ether extracts displayed a broad range of compounds that possess beneficial therapeutic effects.

RESULTS

This study reveals that the methanolic extract of C. gigantea provides significantly more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity than other extracts.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the aqueous and petroleum ether extracts, the methanolic leaf extract of C. gigantea demonstrated greater in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Physicochemical and Bioactivity Characteristics of Doxycycline Hyclate-Loaded Solvent Removal-Induced Ibuprofen-Based In Situ Forming Gel

Modulation with the suppression of infection and inflammation is essential to the successful treatment of periodontitis. An aqueous insoluble hydrophobic anti-inflammatory compound, i.e., ibuprofen (IBU), was investigated in this study as the matrix-forming agent of a doxycycline hyclate (DH)-loaded solvent removal-induced in situ forming gel (ISG) using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) as the solvents. Their physicochemical properties, including pH, density, viscosity, surface tension, contact angle, water tolerance, injectability, mechanical properties, gel formation, and drug release, were determined. Their antimicrobial activities were tested using agar cup diffusion, and their anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using thermal inhibition of protein denaturation of egg albumin. Increasing the IBU content decreased the density, pH, surface tension, and contact angle but increased the viscosity, force and work of injection, and gel formation of IBU-based ISG solution. Although their water tolerance values decreased with the increase in IBU content, the addition of DH and the use of NMP led to high water tolerance. The characterization of the dried gel remnants of ISGs presented no change in IBU crystallinity and thermal properties and confirmed no chemical interaction among the components of ISGs. The obtained transformed IBU matrix prolonged the release of DH and IBU from ISGs over 7 days from its tortuously packed IBU matrix with small pores, and conformed well with Fickian diffusion mechanism. The developed DH-loaded solvent removal-induced IBU-based ISGs exhibited efficient antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. IBU in formulation promoted the antimicrobial activity of ISGs, whereas DH and NMP promoted the anti-inflammatory activity of ISGs. Consequently, the DH-loaded solvent removal-induced IBU-based ISGs proposed in this study show great potential as an effective bioactive drug delivery system for periodontitis treatment by localized periodontal pocket injection.

Ephedra alata Subsp. Alenda as a Novel Source of Bioactive Phytochemicals: Characterization Based on the Mass Spectrometry and Profiling of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The aim of the present study was to examine, for the first time, the phytochemical content of Ephedra alata pulp extract (EAP) and explore its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS) was used for phytochemical analysis and three in vitro antioxidant assays together with three in vitro anti-inflammatory tests were used for the assessment of biological activity. The HPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS analysis revealed the presence of 42 metabolites, including flavonoids, sphingolipides, fatty acids, ephedrine derivatives, and amino acid derivatives. In vitro findings revealed that EAP has interesting 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide, and ferrous ion chelating capacities (IC₅₀ values were 0.57 mg/mL, 0.55 mg/mL, and 0.51 mg/mL for DPPH, superoxide radical, and ferrous ion, respectively). Furthermore, EAP showed a noticeable anti-inflammatory ability by inhibiting the two cyclooxygenase isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2 (IC₅₀ of 59.1 and 58.8 µg/mL for COX-1 and COX-2, respectively), preventing protein denaturation (IC50 = 0.51 mg/mL), and protecting membrane stabilization (IC50 = 0.53 mg/mL). The results highlighted the use of Ephedra alata pulp as a potential source of natural compounds with therapeutic effects for the management of inflammatory disorders.

Green Techniques for Preparation of Red Beetroot Extracts with Enhanced Biological Potential

Red beetroot is well known for its high proportion of betalains, with great potential as functional food ingredients due to their health-promoting properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of processing techniques such as Soxhlet, cold, ultrasound and supercritical fluid extraction on the betalains content and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic activities. Whilst Soxhlet extraction with water has provided the highest yield, the highest content of total phenolics was found in an extract prepared using Soxhlet extraction with 50% ethanol. Amongst eight phenolic compounds detected in the extracts, protocatechuic acid was the most abundant. The concentrations of total phenolics ranged from 12.09 mg/g (ultrasound extraction with 30% methanol) to 18.60 mg/g (Soxhlet extraction with 50% ethanol). The highest anti-inflammatory activity was observed for cold extraction with 50% methanol extract. The high radical scavenging activity of supercritical fluid extracts could be a consequence of nonphenolic compounds. The chemometrics approach was further used to analyse the results to find the “greenest” method for further possible application in the processing of beetroot in the food and/or pharmaceutical industry. According to the standard score, the best extraction method was determined to be Soxhlet extraction with 50% ethanol.

Hydrogel Containing Borassus flabellifer L. Male Flower Extract for Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Borassus flabellifer L. is a plant in Arecaceae family, widely distributed and cultivated in tropical Asian countries. The purpose of this study was to identify the bioactive compounds of B.flabellifer L. male flower ethanolic extract and investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities against Cutibacterium acnes. Total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids in B.flabellifer L. male flower ethanolic extract were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, respectively. Active substances in the extract and their quantities were analyzed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The antioxidant evaluation was carried out using DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging assays, and FRAP assay. C. acnes inhibitory activity was performed by the broth microdilution method. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by the protein denaturation assay. In addition, gel containing different amounts of B.flabellifer L. male flower extract was formulated. The physical stability of the gel was observed by measuring viscosity and pH after six heating and cooling cycles, as well as 1-month storage at 4, 30, and 45 °C. The total phenolic content in the extract was 268.30 ± 12.84 mg gallic acid equivalent/g crude dry extract. The total flavonoid contents in the extract were 1886.38 ± 55.86 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract and 2884.88 ± 128.98 mg EGCG equivalent/g extract, respectively. The LC–MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, coumarin, and quercetin and the concentrations of quercetin, coumarin, and gallic acid in B. flabellifer male flower ethanolic extract were 0.912, 0.021, and 1.610 µg/mL, respectively. DPPH and ABTS antioxidant assays indicated that the B.flabellifer L. male flower extract had IC₅₀ values of 31.54 ± 0.43 and 164.5 ± 14.3 µg/mL, respectively. FRAP assay revealed that the B.flabellifer male flower extract had high ferric ion reducing power. The extract was able to inhibit C.acnes bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 250 mg/mL. At 250 and 500 µg/mL, the extract demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory activity. The gel containing 31.25% w/w and 62.5% w/w showed good physical stability after six heating and cooling cycles, as well as 1-month storage.

Determination of Chemical Composition, In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Essential Oil from Leaves of Apium graveolens Grown in Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to explore the composition and evaluate the in silico and in vitro antioxidants and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of Apium graveolens var. dulce leaves essential oil (AGO) collected from Al-Kharj (Saudi Arabia). AGO was isolated using the hydro-distillation method, and its composition was studied using gas-chromatography-mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), antimicrobial activities using well diffusion assay, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities using spectrophotometric methods. The pharmacological activities of their major compounds were predicted using PASS (prediction of activity spectra for substances) and drug-likening properties by ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) through web-based online tools. Isocnidilide (40.1%) was identified as the major constituent of AGO along with β-Selinene, Senkyunolide A, Phytyl acetate, and 3-Butylphthalide. AGO exhibited a superior antibacterial activity, and the strongest activity was detected against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. Additionally, it exhibited a weaker antioxidant potential and stronger anti-inflammatory effects. PASS prediction supported the pharmacological finding, whereas ADMET revealed the safety of AGO. The molecular docking of isocnidilide was carried out for antibacterial (DNA gyrase), antioxidant (tyrosinase), and anti-inflammatory (cyclooxygenase-2) activities. The docking simulation results were involved hydrophilic interactions and demonstrated high binding affinity of isocnidilide for anti-inflammatory protein (cycloxygenase-2). The presence of isocnidilide makes AGO a potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. AGO, and its major metabolite isocnidilide, may be a suitable candidate for the future drug development.

Ethnomedicinal documentation and anti-inflammatory effects of n-butanol extract and of four compounds isolated from the stems of Pituranthos scoparius: An in vitro and in vivo investigation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pituranthos scoparius is a medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It thrives in North Africa, and is widely distributed in the high plateau of most parts of the Sahara in Algeria. This plant is widely used in the Algerian traditional medicine to treat numerous infectious diseases, dermatoses, nervous breakdowns, digestive disorders, and calm abdominal pain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the present work was to examine the ethnomedicinal uses of Pituranthos scoparius in Setif region, Algeria, isolate and identify the chemical constituents of the n-butanol stem extract of P. scoparius (BEPS), and to determine the toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds in addition to the extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory effects of BEPS and the four compounds isolated from the extract were evaluated using the in vitro protein denaturation assay, whereas the topical anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. Toxicity was determined based on assessment of in vitro cytotoxicity using hemolytic activity against human red blood cells (RBCs).

RESULTS

Four compounds, identified as the rare isorhamnetin-3-O-β-apiofuranosyl (1 → 2)-β glucopyranoside (2), in addition to three known compounds, namely isorhamnetin-3-O-β-glucoside (1), D-mannitol (3), and isorhamnetin-3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated from BEPS. These compounds were characterized by means of NMR and high-resolution mass spectral (HRMS) data. These four compounds were isolated for the first time from this traditional Algerian medicinal plant. Screening of the extract indicated the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, free quinones, coumarins and tannins. Topical anti-inflammatory effect showed that the four isolated compounds, as well as BEPS, exhibit a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent (0.5 and 1 mg/ear) anti-inflammatory effect. At a dose of 1 mg/ear, compounds 1, 2, and 4, exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory effect with a percentage inhibition of 85.50 ± 2.78, 79.78 ± 4.68, and 75.78 ± 2.98%, respectively. Results from in vitro cytotoxicity showed that the % lysis of the extract, along with isolated compounds was found to be virtually nontoxic.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that BEPS and isolated compounds are safe, nontoxic, and exert remarkable anti-inflammatory effects, and can be new sources of natural anti-inflammatory agents.