Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Xanthorrhizol from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. Rhizomes by Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents: Optimization, Antioxidant Activity, and Toxicity Profiles

Xanthorrhizol, an important marker of Curcuma xanthorrhiza, has been recognized for its different pharmacological activities. A green strategy for selective xanthorrhizol extraction is required. Herein, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) based on glucose and organic acids (lactic acid, malic acid, and citric acid) were screened for the extraction of xanthorrhizol from Curcuma xanthorrhiza. Ultrasound-assisted extraction using glucose/lactic acid (1:3) (GluLA) gave the best yield of xanthorrhizol. The response surface methodology with a Box-Behnken Design was used to optimize the interacting variables of water content, solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio, and extraction to optimize the extraction. The optimum conditions of 30% water content in GluLA, 1/15 g/mL (S/L), and a 20 min extraction time yielded selective xanthorrhizol extraction (17.62 mg/g) over curcuminoids (6.64 mg/g). This study indicates the protective effect of GluLA and GluLA extracts against oxidation-induced DNA damage, which was comparable with those obtained for ethanol extract. In addition, the stability of the xanthorrhizol extract over 90 days was revealed when stored at -20 and 4 °C. The FTIR and NMR spectra confirmed the hydrogen bond formation in GluLA. Our study reported, for the first time, the feasibility of using glucose/lactic acid (1:3, 30% water v/v) for the sustainable extraction of xanthorrhizol.

Insights into the anti-infective effects of Pluchea indica (L.) Less and its bioactive metabolites against various bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pluchea indica (L.) Less (family Asteraceae) is popularly consumed as a medicinal vegetable and used in ethnomedicine to treat various diseases including gastrointestinal problems such as dysentery and leucorrhoea, which are due to bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections. There have been numerous studies on the antimicrobial effects of the plant due to these ethnomedicine use.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This review is comprehensively discussed the information on the anti-infective properties of P. indica and its secondary metabolites, and highlight the potential of the plant as a new source of anti-infective agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Scientific databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and ACS Publications were used to gather the relevant information on the ability of P. indica to fight infections, with the leaves and roots receiving most of the attention.

RESULTS

Anti-bacterial, anti-mycobacterial, anti-malarial, and anti-viral activities have been the most exploited. Most studies were carried out on the crude extracts of the plant and in most studies the bioactive extracts were not standardized or chemically characterized. Several studies have reported the anti-infective activity of several bioactive components of P. indica including caffeoylquinic acids, terpenoid glycosides, thiophenes, and kaempferol.

CONCLUSIONS

The strong anti-infective effect and underlying mechanisms of the compounds provide insights into the potential of P. indica as a source of new leads for the development of anti-infective agents for use in food and pharmaceutical industries.

The neuroprotective potential of turmeric rhizome and bitter melon on aspartame-induced spatial memory impairment in rats

Aspartame is widely used artificial sweetener. However, chronic exposure to aspartame led to spatial memory impairment and elevated oxidative stress in the brain. Extract of turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa) (TUR) and extract of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) (BM) is known to have antioxidant activity. The present study was aimed to examine the neuroprotective potential of TUR and BM extracts, either as single or as combination, against the effects of aspartame in the brain. Here, Sprague-Dawley rats fed with aspartame (40 mg/kg BW) for 28 days were compared with rats fed with extract and aspartame. To assess neuroprotective potential, rats were given extract 7 days before and during aspartame treatment. Spatial memory was assessed with Morris water maze test followed with H&E staining of hippocampal region. Brain lipid peroxidation and enzymatic activity of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were measured to probe status of oxidative stress in the brain. Aspartame-treated rats demonstrated spatial memory impairment and reduced number of hippocampal cells and elevated levels of MDA, downregulated activity of GPx and elevated activity of AChE. In contrast, animals received both aspartame and extract demonstrated better spatial memory function, higher number of hippocampal areas, increased GPX activity, reduced MDA levels, and decreased AChE activity were observed in the brain of extract-treated rats. Taken together, our results suggest that extract of TUR rhizome and BM fruit exhibit antioxidant activity which may contribute to the neuroprotective effects against aspartame-induced memory impairment in rats.

Studi Pengaruh Iradiasi Gamma Terhadap Kadar Senyawa Bioaktif dan Aktivitas Antiinflamasi Jahe Merah (Zingiber officinale roscoe)

Background: In Indonesia, the use of herbal plants in overcoming several health problems shows a fairly high rate. Red ginger is one of the herbs that is widely consumed and empirically has the property of relieving or reducing inflammation. However, as is well known, in general the microbiological contamination of herbs is quite high. To maintain the quality of herbal plants, special treatment is required, to ensure that microbial contamination is within safe limits. This study aims to determine the effect of gamma irradiation on the number of microbial contamination, and the bioactive content of 6,8,10-gingerol; 6-shogaol in 70% ethanol extract of red ginger, and its activity as an anti-inflammatory. Methodes: Samples of 70% ethanol extract of red ginger were irradiated with various doses of 0, 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 KGy. Microbiological contamination is determined in Total Plate Number and Yeast Mold Number. The content of compounds 6,8,10-gingerol and 6-shogaol was observed by high performance liquid method and their anti-inflammatory activity was observed by protein denaturation inhibition (BSA) method. Results: Gamma irradiation at doses of 0, 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 KGy reduced microbial contamination as the exposure dose increased, and did not affect the levels of bioactive 6,8,10-gingerol; 6-shogaol and its anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of 70% ethanol extract of red ginger is influenced by the content of bioactive compounds. Conclusion: Gamma irradiation is effective for decontaminating microbiological contaminants, and improving the quality of red ginger, and does not affect the bioactive levels contained and its anti-inflammatory activity (in vivo).   Keywords: 6,8,10-gingerol, 6-shogaol;  Anti-inflammatory ; Irradiation gamma rays; Zingiber officinale roscoe; Bovine serum albumin

Xanthorrhizol, a potential anticancer agent, from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb

BACKGROUND

Xanthorrhizol (XTZ), a bisabolene sesquiterpenoid, is abundantly found in the plant Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. Traditionally, C. xanthorrhiza is widely used for the treatment of different health conditions, including common fever, infection, lack of appetite, fatigue, liver complaints, and gastrointestinal disorders. XTZ exhibits wide-ranging pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities, in addition to a protective effect on multiple organs. The present review provides detailed findings on the anticancer activities of XTZ and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Literature was searched systematically in main databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, with keywords "tumor AND xanthorrhizol" or "cancer AND xanthorrhizol".

RESULTS

Studies show that XTZ has preventive and therapeutic activities against different types of cancer, including breast, cervical, colon, liver, lung, oral and esophageal, and skin cancers. XTZ regulates multiple signaling pathways that block carcinogenesis and proliferation. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that XTZ targets different kinases, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis proteins, and transcription factors, leading to the suppression of angiogenesis, metastasis, and the activation of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

CONCLUSION

The potential anticancer benefits of XTZ recommend further in vivo studies against different types of cancer. Further, XTZ needs to be confirmed for its toxicity, bioavailability, protective, antifatigue, and energy booster activities. Future studies for the therapeutic development of XTZ may be directed to cancer-related fatigue.

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in two-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats

Backgroud

Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth has been used widely to treat headache, kidney disease, fever, and hypertension. Previous in vitro studies discovered that the flavonoid-rich extract of this plant has potential hypotensive effects, specifically angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to validate the result in vivo.

Purpose

This study investigated the dose dependencies of the effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanolic extract of this plant on blood pressure and biomarkers associated with the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone systems (RAAS), such as angiotensin II (AII) and the plasma renin concentration (PRC).

Study design

In total, 30 two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive model rats were divided into five groups (n = 6 each): model group, captopril 25 mg/kg BW group, and three different ethyl acetate groups (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW). Another six rats comprised the sham group.

Methods

Renal hypertensive rats (RHRs) were generated using stainless steel modification clips. Drugs were administered via oral gavage for 2 consecutive weeks. Blood pressure was measured weekly prior to treatment. Blood samples were collected before treatment and after the last dose to measure AII and PRC. The left kidney was isolated for histopathological examination.

Results

Blood pressure, AII levels, and PRC were elevated after 6 weeks in RHRs. Treatment with captopril and the ethyl acetate fraction of P. pellucida (L.) Kunth decreased blood pressure, AII levels, and PRC. The ethyl acetate fraction at a dose of 50 mg/kg BW had similar ACE-inhibitory effects as captopril. Histopathological examination disclosed coagulative necrosis in clipped kidneys. Impairment was alleviated in a dose-dependent manner by P. pellucida (L.) Kunth, similarly as observed in the captopril group.

Conclusion

P. pellucida (L.) Kunth targets the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, which might explain its antihypertensive effects.

Effect of gamma irradiation on the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives content, antioxidant activity, and microbial contamination of Pluchea indica leaves

Pluchea indica (L.) Less. leaf has a long history of being used as a food and in traditional medicines. Although gamma irradiation is an effective decontamination method, it must be performed appropriately to preserve the bioactive constituents and biological activities of the plant. This study investigated the influence of gamma irradiation on the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives content, antioxidant capacity, and microbial burden of P. indica leaf. Dried P. indica leaf powder was exposed to gamma rays from cobalt-60 at the absorbed doses of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 kGy. After a maceration of P. indica leaf with 70% ethanol, the content of six caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (CQAs) in the extract was assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant capacity of the ethanolic extract was also determined using the DPPH, ABTS, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The total aerobic bacteria and total yeast and mold counts were investigated using the Petrifilm method at 0 and 3 months after irradiation. Doses of 5–10 kGy significantly increased the CQA level (P < 0.05). The antioxidant activity was enhanced significantly at 2.5–10 kGy (P < 0.05). Doses of 2.5–10 kGy also effectively reduced the microbial load (P < 0.05). Among the irradiation doses, 10 kGy showed the best results. Thus, gamma irradiation at 10 kGy is useful in increasing CQA content and antioxidant capacity as well as reducing the microbial load of P. indica leaf.

Optimization of betaine-sorbitol natural deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted extraction and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of chlorogenic acid and caffeine content from robusta green coffee beans

Natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) is an alternative approach in natural product extraction with various advantages, including low toxicity, biodegradable, and suitable phytochemical compounds in a wide range of polarity. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) and caffeine, a well-known compound in the coffee bean, have various potential health benefits. This study aims to optimize the betaine–sorbitol NADES-based ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method of CGA and caffeine from Robusta green coffee beans and determine the inhibitory activity of robusta green coffee beans extract of the betaine-sorbitol NADES-UAE from the optimum condition on pancreatic lipase in vitro and in silico. The betaine-sorbitol NADES-UAE factors as experimental design variable parameters include betaine-sorbitol ratio (0.5:1.2, 1.25:1.2, and 2:1.2 mol), extraction time (10, 35, and 60 min), and solid-liquid ratio (1:10, 1:20, and 1:30 g/mL). Response surface methodology and Box-Behnken Design were used to optimize the extraction process. The response surface was calculated by using CGA and caffeine content as response values. CGA and caffeine content was determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Whereas in vitro lipase inhibitory activity assay examined by spectrophotometric measurement and in silico molecular docking analysis on PDB ID: 1LPB. According to the results, the optimum conditions of the betaine-sorbitol NADES-UAE have obtained the betaine-sorbitol ratio of 1.25: 1.2 mol, solid-liquid ratio of 1:30 mg/mL, and 60 min extraction time. Furthermore, obtained Robusta green coffee extract from the optimum condition of the betaine-sorbitol NADES-UAE showed high potential to inhibit lipase activity with IC₅₀ of 18.02 μg/ml, comparable with IC₅₀ of standard CGA (11.90 μg/ml) and caffeine (15.59 μg/ml), where potential interaction of both standards was confirmed using molecular docking analysis. Our finding demonstrated the optimum condition of the betaine-sorbitol NADES-UAE method for CGA and caffeine extraction and the potential pancreatic lipase inhibition activity from the Robusta green coffee bean.

A green extraction design for enhancing flavonoid compounds from Ixora javanica flowers using a deep eutectic solvent

In this study, an environmentally friendly extraction method for flavonoid compound from Ixora javanica, as a new raw material candidate for herbal medicine and cosmetics, was developed. The objectives of the present work were to provide recommendations for the optimal extraction conditions and to investigate the effects of any extraction parameters on flavonoid yields from the I. javanica flower. The extraction process was performed using deep eutectic solvent (DES) (choline chloride and propylene glycol at molar ratio of 1 : 1) and the ultrasound-assisted extraction method. Both single-factor and response surface analyses using three-level and three-factor Box Behnken designs were conducted to obtain the optimum flavonoid concentrations. The results showed that the optimum extraction conditions for total flavonoids featured an extraction time of 40 min, 25% water content in DES and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1 : 25 g ml-1. An extract obtained under optimum extraction conditions showed higher total flavonoid yields than an ethanolic extract which was used for comparison. Scanning electron microscope images demonstrated that both of the solvents also showed different effects on the outer surface of the I. javanica flower during the extraction process. In summary, our work succeeded in determining the optimum conditions for total flavonoids in the I. javanica flower using a green extraction method.

Optimization of choline chloride-glycerol based natural deep eutectic solvent for extraction bioactive substances from Cinnamomum burmannii barks and Caesalpinia sappan heartwoods

Indonesian cassia (Cinnamomum burmannii Blume) is commonly used as a condiment. It reportedly contains a number of major phytochemical constituents such as trans-cinnamaldehyde and coumarin. Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan) is a native plant of Southeast Asia that contains brazilin, a widely known red pigment. This study aimed to determine the optimal extraction conditions using a choline chloride-glycerol (ChCl-glycerol)-based natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) to obtain greater trans-cinnamaldehyde and brazilin levels from Indonesian cassia and sappan wood. The powders of Indonesian cassia and sappan wood were extracted using ChCl-glycerol-based NADES varied at three different levels: ratio of ChCl to glycerol, ratio of powder to NADES, and the amount of water in NADES. All variables were designed using the Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology to provide 15 extraction conditions. The extraction was performed using ultrasonication-assisted extraction for 30 and 50 min for Indonesian cassia and sappan wood, respectively. Determination of the active compound contents was performed using a high-performance liquid chromatography system equipped with a UV-VIS detector at λmax = 280 nm. The optimization results revealed that the highest levels of trans-cinnamaldehyde, coumarin, and brazilin in NADES extracts were 1907.32, 1735.68, and 368.67 μg/ml, respectively, whereas the lowest levels of these compounds were 453.59, 616.76, and 74.21 μg/ml, respectively. The maximal levels exceeded those obtained using a conventional extraction method, in which 5000 μg/ml Indonesian cassia reflux extract contained only 108.45 μg/ml trans-cinnamaldehyde. Similarly, 1000 μg/ml sappan wood contained only 124.64 μg/ml brazilin. ChCl-glycerol-based NADES was suitable for extracting active compounds from Indonesian cassia and sappan wood; moreover, this solvent is more effective than organic ethanolic coventional solvent.

Application and optimization of ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent for the extraction of new skin-lightening cosmetic materials from Ixora javanica flower

The high demand for cosmetics has had a great impact on the development of innovative products in the cosmetic industry. The availability of raw materials has become a common problem in the cosmetic industry. Materials from nature can act as alternative sources, such as Ixora javanica. Several studies have shown the potential of I. javanica as an antioxidant and skin lightening agent. The objectives of the present study were to develop and optimize a green ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of I. javanica. Eleven deep eutectic solvents were evaluated based on extraction efficiency parameters; that is, flavonoid and anthocyanin yields; the antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of the extracts. The combination of choline chloride and propylene glycol (1:1) was shown to be the optimal deep eutectic solvent for I. javanica extraction. The extraction parameters of temperature, extraction time, and solid-to-liquid ratio were also optimized using response surface methodology. The total flavonoid compound obtained was 33 mg quercetin equivalent/g dried sample under the optimum extraction condition (extraction time of 5 min, temperature of 57 °C, solid-to-liquid ratio of 0.02 g/mL). In sum, this work demonstrates the potential of natural deep eutectic solvent as an organic solvent replacement to obtain high quality Ixora javanica extract, which is a potential new source of skin-lightening cosmetic materials.

In silico and in vitro identification of candidate SIRT1 activators from Indonesian medicinal plants compounds database

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a class III family of protein histone deacetylases involved in NAD⁺-dependent deacetylation reactions. It has been suggested that SIRT1 activators may have a protective role against type 2 diabetes, the aging process, and inflammation. This study aimed to explore and identify medicinal plant compounds from Indonesian Herbal Database (HerbalDB) that might potentially become a candidate for SIRT1 activators through a combination of in silico and in vitro methods. Two pharmacophore models were developed using co-crystalized ligands that allosterically bind with SIRT1 similar to the putative ligands used by SIRT1 activators. Then, these were used for the virtual screening of HerbalDB. The identified compounds were subjected to molecular docking and 50 ns molecular dynamics simulation. Molecular dynamics simulation was analyzed using MM-GB(PB)SA methods. The compounds identified by these methods were tested in an in vitro study using a SIRT-Glo™ luminescence assay. Virtual screening using structure-based pharmacophores predicted that mulberrin as the best candidate SIRT1 activator. Virtual screening using ligand-based pharmacophores predicted that gartanin, quinidine, and quinine to be the best candidates as SIRT1 activators. The molecular docking studies showed the important residues involved were Ile223 and Ile227 at the allosteric region. The MM-GB(PB)SA calculations confirmed that mulberrin, gartanin, quinidine, quinine showed activity at allosteric region and their EC₅₀ in vitro values are 2.10; 1.79; 1.71; 1.14 μM, respectively. Based on in silico and in vitro study results, mulberin, gartanin, quinidine, and quinine had good activity as SIRT1 activators.

Review of Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitory Assay: Rapid Method in Drug Discovery of Herbal Plants

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is a signaling pathway which responsible in the blood pressure regulation. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is one of the key elements responsible for the hypertensive mechanism. It converts angiotensin-I to angiotensin-II. The discovery history of the ACE inhibitory activity assay method has been through a long stage for decades and development continues until today. The ACE inhibitory activity has become an effective screening method in the search for new antihypertensive agents from herbal plants. Some of in vitro assay methods were used to examine the activity of ACE inhibitors based on the substrate usage, such as; Cushman and Cheung Method using a substrate hippuryl-histidyl-leucine (HHL), Holmquist method using a substrate furanacryloyl-tripeptide, Elbl and Wagner method using a substrate benzoil-[l-14C] glicyl-L-histidine-L-leucine, Carmel and Yaron method using a substrate o-aminobenzoylglycyl-p-nitrophenylalanilproline, and Lam method using 3-hydroxybutyrylglycyl-glycyl-glycine as substrate. Several different methods to measure the results of enzymatic reactions or separating substrate with products, including spectrophotometric, fluorometric, high-performance liquid chromatography, electrophoresis, and radiochemistry. Application of the test method for screening the ACE inhibitors activity and investigation of active compounds from natural products can be done easily with this method, it is very helpful in research because the results obtained are simple, accurate, and rapid.

Content of methylated inositols in familiar edible plants

Familiar plants contain large amounts of inositols; soybean, white clover, red clover, bush clover, locust tree, wisteria, and kudzu of the legume family contain pinitol (3-O-methyl-chiro-inositol) at approximately 200-600 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW). The contents of pinitol in other plants were 260 mg/100 g FW for sticky mouse-ear, 275 mg/100 g FW for chickweed, and 332 mg/100 g FW for ginkgo. chiro-Inositol of 191 and 156 mg/100 g FW was also found in dandelion and Japanese mallotus, respectively. Ononitol (4-O-methyl-myo-inositol) of 166 mg/100 g FW was found in sticky mouse-ear. Furthermore, young leaves of ginkgo contained sequoyitol (5-O-methyl-myo-inositol) of 287 mg/100 g FW. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of the methylated inositols were higher than those of the original inositols. Effective uses of these familiar edible plants are expected to promote good health.

Virtual screening of Indonesian herbal database as HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor

HIV-1 (Human immunodeficiency virus type 1) is a member of retrovirus family that could infect human and causing AIDS disease. AIDS epidemic is one of most destructive diseases in modern era. There were more than 33 million people infected by HIV until 2010. Various studies have been widely employed to design drugs that target the essential enzymes of HIV-1 that is, reverse transcriptase, protease and integrase. In this study, in silico virtual screening approach is used to find lead molecules from the library or database of natural compounds as HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Virtual screening against Indonesian Herbal Database using AutoDock4 performed on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. From the virtual screening, top ten compounds were mulberrin, plucheoside A, vitexilactone, brucine N-oxide, cyanidin 3-arabinoside, alpha-mangostin, guaijaverin, erycristagallin, morusin and sanggenol N.

Estrogenic and Acetylcholinesterase-Enhancement Activity of a New Isoflavone, 7,2',4'-Trihydroxyisoflavone-4'-O-beta-D-Glucopyranoside from Crotalaria Sessililflora

A new isoflavone, 7,2',4'-trihydroxyisoflavone-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside has been isolated from the aerial part of Crotalaria sessiliflora. The isoflavone glucoside enhanced the proliferation of the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line, which possesses estrogen receptor (ER) and responds to estrogen in culture. The estrogenic property of the isoflavone glucoside was blocked by the known ER antagonist tamoxifen, indicating the involvement of the ER. Furthermore, the isoflavone glucoside was found to enhance the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of the rat neuronal cell line PC12 at low concentrations of nerve growth factor (NGF).

Antioxidative compounds from Crotalaria sessiliflora

Seven antioxidative compounds were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the aerial part of C. sessiliflora (Japanese name, tanukimame) by activity-guided fractionation with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Among the isolated compounds, hydroxyeucomic acid showed the strongest free radical-scavenging activity, which was almost identical to that of epigallocatechin gallate, against DPPH. Orientin and isoorientin showed strong anti-peroxidative activities toward linoleic acid and protective effects against the bactericidal action of the tert-butyl peroxyl radical. Their activities were nearly equal to that of epigallocatechin gallate.