Chemical characterization of three different extracts obtained from Chelidonium majus L. (Greater celandine) with insights into their in vitro, in silico and network pharmacological properties

Plant species C. majus, which is a very rich source of secondary metabolites, was used to obtain extracts, using a conventional extraction technique. For the extraction of bioactive molecules, three solvents were used: ethyl acetate, methanol and water, which differ from each other based on their polarity. The obtained extracts were examined in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory activity, and cytotoxic effects. The research results indicate that methanol was a better and more efficient extractant in the process of isolating bioactive compounds than ethyl acetate and water. The chemical composition of this solvent, i.e. its polarity, contributed the most to the extraction of alkaloids and flavonoids. The high content of total phenolic compounds in the methanol extract, as well as individual alkaloids, caused a very strong antioxidant activity, as well as a strong inhibitory power when it comes to inhibiting the excessive activity of cholinesterase and tyrosinase. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts achieved very good cytotoxic activity against cancerous cells HGC-27 and HT-29 and did not exert a toxic effect on non-cancerous cell lines (HEK293). Extracts of plant species C. majus, especially methanol extract could be characterized as a very good starting plant material for the formulation of products intended for various branches of the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmacological properties of mangiferin: bioavailability, mechanisms of action and clinical perspectives

This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the pharmacological properties of mangiferin, focusing primarily on its bioavailability and mechanisms of action, and its potential therapeutic applications, especially in the context of chronic diseases. We conducted a comprehensive examination of in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials involving mangiferin or plant extracts containing mangiferin. The primary source of mangiferin is Mangifera indica, but it's also found in other plant species from the families Anacardiaceae, Gentianaceae, and Iridaceae. Mangiferin has exhibited a myriad of therapeutic properties, presenting itself as a promising candidate for treating various chronic conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, renal and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Despite the promising results showcased in many in vitro studies and certain animal studies, the application of mangiferin has been limited due to its poor solubility, absorption, and overall bioavailability. Mangiferin offers significant therapeutic potential in treating a spectrum of chronic diseases, as evidenced by both in vitro and clinical trials. However, the challenges concerning its bioavailability necessitate further research, particularly in optimizing its delivery and absorption, to harness its full medicinal potential. This review serves as a comprehensive update on the health-promoting and therapeutic activities of mangiferin.

LC-MS/MS and GC-MS profiling, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and antiproliferative activities of Thymus leucostomus H ausskn. & V elen. extracts

The chemical composition as well as antioxidant, antiproliferative, and enzyme inhibition activities of extracts from aerial parts of Thymus leucostomus H ausskn. & V elen. obtained with hexane, methanol, and water were evaluated. Results showed that the methanol extract had significantly (p < 0.05) the highest total phenolic content (TPC; 107.80 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids content (TFC; 25.21 mg RE/g) followed by the aqueous extract (102.72 mg GAE/g and 20.88 mg RE/g, respectively). LC-MS/MS-guided profiling of the three extracts revealed that rosmarinic acid (34.8%), hesperetin (42.9%), and linoleic acid (18%) were the dominant compounds in the methanol, aqueous and hexane extracts, respectively. GC-MS analysis of the hexane extract showed that ɣ-sitosterol (29.9%) was the major constituent. The methanol extract displayed significantly (p < 0.05) the highest Cu++ , Fe+++ , and Mo(VI) ions scavenging and reducing properties while the aqueous extract exerted significantly (p < 0.05) the highest metal chelating power (42.51 mg EDTAE/g). Both the hexane and methanol extracts effectively inhibited the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (2.63 and 2.65 mg GALAE/g, respectively) while the former extract exerted significantly (p < 0.05) the highest butyrylcholinesterase (2.32 mg GALAE/g), tyrosinase (19.73 mg KAE/g), and amylase (1.16 mmol ACAE/g) inhibition capacity. The aqueous extract exhibited the best glucosidase inhibition property (0.49 mmol ACAE/g). The methanol and hexane extracts exerted a higher cytotoxic effect on HT-29 (IC50 : 8.12 µg/mL) and HeLa (IC50  = 8.08 µg/mL) cells, respectively. In conclusion, these results provide valuable insight into the potential use of T. leucostomus bioactive extracts in different pharmaceutical applications.

Enhanced Expression of p53 and Suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR by Three Red Sea Algal Extracts: Insights on Their Composition by LC-MS-Based Metabolic Profiling and Molecular Networking

Brown algae comprise up to 2000 species with wide dissemination in temperate zones. A comprehensive untargeted metabolic profiling guided by molecular networking of three uninvestigated Red-Sea-derived brown algae, namely Sirophysalis trinodis, Polycladia myrica, and Turbinaria triquetra, led to the identification of over 115 metabolites categorized as glycerolipids, fatty acids, sterol lipids, sphingolipids, and phospholipids. The three algae exhibited low-to-moderate antioxidant capacity using DPPH and ABTS assays. Preliminary in vitro antiproliferative studies showed that the algal extracts displayed high cytotoxic activity against a panel of cancer cell lines. The most potent activity was recorded against MCF-7 with IC₅₀ values of 51.37 ± 1.19, 63.44 ± 1.13, and 59.70 ± 1.22 µg/mL for S. trinodis, P. myrica, and T. triquetra, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the algae was selective to MCF-7 without showing notable effects on the proliferation of normal human WISH cells. Morphological studies revealed that the algae caused cell shrinkage, increased cellular debris, triggered detachment, cell rounding, and cytoplasmic condensation in MCF-7 cancer cells. Mechanistic investigations using flow cytometry, qPCR, and Western blot showed that the algae induced apoptosis, initiated cell cycle arrest in the sub-G₀/G₁ phase, and inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells via increasing mRNA and protein expression of p53, while reducing the expression of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR.

Comparative GC-MS Analysis of Fresh and Dried Curcuma Essential Oils with Insights into Their Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities

Species belonging to the Zingiberaceae family are of high nutritional, industrial, and medicinal values. In this study, we investigated the effect of processing steps (fresh vs. dried milled rhizomes) and extraction methodologies (hydrodistillation vs. hexane extraction) of curcuma essential oil on its chemical content (using GC-MS analysis), its antioxidant behavior (using in vitro assays such as DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelation), and its enzyme inhibitory activities (on tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase, butylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) supported by multivariate analysis, in silico studies, and molecular dynamics. The GC-MS investigations revealed a high degree of similarity in the chemical profile of fresh hydrodistilled and hexane-extracted essential oils with tumerone and curlone being the major metabolites. The extraction techniques affected the concentrations of other minor constituents such as terpinolene, caryophylla-4(12), 8(13)-dien-5α-ol, and neo-intermedeol, which were almost exclusively detected in the hydrodistilled fresh essential oil; however, zingiberene and β-sesquiphellandrene were predominant in the hexane-extracted fresh essential oil. In the dried curcuma rhizomes, tumerone and curlone contents were significantly reduced, with the former being detected only in the hydrodistilled essential oil while the latter was doubly concentrated in the hexane-derived oil. Constituents such as D-limonene and caryophyllene oxide represented ca. 29% of the dried hydrodistilled essential oil, while ar-turmerone was detected only in the dried hydrodistilled and hexane-extracted essential oils, representing ca. 16% and 26% of the essential oil composition, respectively. These variations in the essential oil chemical content have subsequently affected its antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitory activities. In silico investigations showed that hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding were the characteristic binding modes of the bioactive metabolites to their respective targets. Molecular dynamics revealed the stability of the ligand-target complex over time. From the current study we conclude that fresh hexane-extracted essential oil showed the best radical scavenging properties, and fresh rhizomes in general display better enzyme inhibitory activity regardless of the extraction technique.

Family Myrtaceae: The treasure hidden in the complex/diverse composition

Myrtaceae is one of the most important plants families, being regarded as the eighth largest flowering plant family. It includes many genera of utmost ecological and economical importance distributed all over the world. This review aimed to report the latest studies on this family focusing on certain widely used plants including Eucalyptus sp., Eugenia sp. (Eugenia uniflora, Eugenia sulcata), Syzygium sp. (Syzygium aromaticum and Syzygium cumini), Psidium sp., Pimenta dioica, Myrtus sp. (Myrtus communis), Myrciaria sp. and Melaleuca alternifolia. The extraction of bioactive compounds has been evolving through the optimization of conventional methods and the use of emerging technologies. Supercritical CO2 was applied for essential oils and ultrasound for polyphenols leading to extracts and essential oils rich in bioactive compounds. Advances in the field of encapsulation and delivery systems showed promising results in the production of stable essential oils nanoemulsions and liposomes and the production of plant extracts in the form of nanoparticles. Moreover, a significant increase in the number of patents was noticed especially the application of Myrtaceae extracts in the pharrmacuetucal field. The applications of ceratin plants (Pimenta dioica, Melaleuca alternifolia, Syzygium aromaticum essential oils or Myrciaria cauliflora peel extract) in food area (either as a free or encapsulated form) also showed interesting results in limiting microbial spoilage of fresh meat and fish, slowing oxidative degradation in meat products, and inhibiting aflatoxin production in maize. Despite the massive literature on Myrtaceae plants, advances are still necessary to optimize the extraction with environmentally friendly technologies and carry out risk assessment studies should be accomplished to harness the full potential in food, industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

Citrus reticulata Leaves Essential Oil as an Antiaging Agent: A Comparative Study between Different Cultivars and Correlation with Their Chemical Compositions

The mass-based metabolomic approach was implemented using GC-MS coupled with chemometric analysis to discriminate between the essential oil compositions of six cultivars of Citrus reticulata. The antiaging capability of the essential oils were investigated through measurement of their ability to inhibit the major enzymes hyaluronidase, collagenase, and amylase involved in aging. GC-MS analysis resulted in the identification of thirty-nine compounds including β-pinene, d-limonene, γ-terpinene, linalool, and dimethyl anthranilate as the main components. Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA) successfully discriminated the cultivars into five main groups. In vitro antiaging activity showed that Kishu mandarin (Km) (2.19 ± 0.10, 465.9 ± 23.7, 0.31 ± 0.01 µg/mL), Cara mandarin (Cm) (3.22 ± 0.14, 592.1 ± 30.1, 0.66 ± 0.03 µg/mL), and Wm (8.43 ± 0.38, 695.2 ± 35.4, 0.79 ± 0.04%) had the highest inhibitory activity against hyaluronidase, collagenase, and amylase, respectively. Molecular docking studies on the major compounds validated the activities of the essential oils and suggested their possible mechanisms of action. Based on our result, certain cultivars of Citrus reticulata can be proposed as a promising candidate in antiaging skin care products.

Comparative LC-LTQ-MS-MS Analysis of the Leaf Extracts of Lantana camara and Lantana montevidensis Growing in Egypt with Insights into Their Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Activities

Lantana camara L. and Lantana montevidensis Briq. (F. Verbenaceae) are invasive ornamental weeds native to the tropical regions of Africa and America. The leaves of both species have been traditionally used as infusions for treating fever, rheumatism, and cancer. LC-MS-MS-guided profiling of the methanolic extracts of the leaves of L. camara and L. montevidensis growing in Egypt led to the putative identification of 59 compounds belonging to terpenoids, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, phenolic acids, and their derivatives. The in-vitro antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of the two extracts were investigated. L. camara and L. montevidensis inhibited DPPH^• (IC₅₀ = 34.01 ± 1.32 and 47.43 ± 1.74 µg/mL), ABTS⁺ (IC₅₀ = 30.73 ± 1.42 and 40.37 ± 1.51 µg/mL), and superoxide anion (IC₅₀ = 1.57 ± 0.19 and 1.31 ± 0.14 μg/mL) free radicals. A potent anti-inflammatory effect was observed for both species through the inhibition of elastase release in fMLF/CB-induced human neutrophils (IC₅₀ = 2.40 ± 0.16 and 1.90 ± 0.07 μg/mL). The extracts showed significant cytotoxic activity against a panel of cancer cell lines with the most potent activity against Caco cells (IC₅₀ = 45.65 ± 1.64 and 40.67 ± 1.52 µg/mL for L. camara and L. montevidensis, respectively). Western blotting supported by FACS analysis revealed that the extracts inhibited cancer cell proliferation, reduced metastasis, and induced apoptosis resulting in cell cycle arrest. This was achieved via increasing mRNA and protein expressions of p53 and GSK-3β as well as decreasing the expression of PI3K, Akt, and cyclin D1.

Anti-ulcer effects of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), and caraway (Carum carvi L.) essential oils on peptic ulcer and ulcerative colitis models in rats

Introduction: Essential oils are considered a potential alternative to synthetic drugs in the management of diseases such as peptic ulcer (PU) and ulcerative colitis (UC). This study is concerned with comparing the therapeutic effects of Cuminum cyminum L, Carum carvi L, and Thymus vulgaris L. essential oils on PU and UC models induced by ethanol. Methods: Rats were divided into 10 groups; control groups were treated with saline and experimental groups with 500 mg/kg body weight of C. cyminum, C. carvi, or T. vulgaris essential oil. Curative effects were determined by measuring tissue oxidative markers, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the inflammatory marker prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), stomach pepsin (PEP), and colon alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Biochemical and histological examinations were done on stomach and colon tissues. Results: The current study proved the anti-ulcer effects of C. cyminum, C. carvi, and T. vulgaris essential oils. They improved the oxidative and inflammatory markers in both stomach and colon tissues and modulated stomach PEP and colon ALP activities. T. vulgaris essential oil modulated GSH and MDA levels resulting in a significant elevation in GSH levels by 120.43% and 99.46% and a significant reduction in MDA levels by 20.05% and 24.1% in PU and UC models, respectively. C. carvi essential oil was the most effective in restoring PGE2 by 71.51% compared to UC group. Results were confirmed by the morphological and histopathological changes. Conclusion: C. cyminum, C. carvi, or T. vulgaris essential oils might be used in the management of acute PU and UC.

Vicia plants-A comprehensive review on chemical composition and phytopharmacology

The plants belonging to the genus Vicia are of great interest as a source of many bioactive compounds and micronutrients. A snapshot of their cultivation, habitat, main components, from which essential oils can be obtained, is given. The traditional medicinal uses of Vicia plants are also reported, as well as the wide spectrum of the main biological activities attributed to Vicia plants is discussed regarding potential health beneficial properties, in particular anti-Parkinson, anticholinesterase, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive, antidiabetic, antihemolytic, anticoagulant, estrogenic, diuretic, antihypoxic activities.

The Therapeutic Potential of Anthocyanins: Current Approaches Based on Their Molecular Mechanism of Action

Anthocyanins are natural phenolic pigments with biological activity. They are well-known to have potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity, which explains the various biological effects reported for these substances suggesting their antidiabetic and anticancer activities, and their role in cardiovascular and neuroprotective prevention. This review aims to comprehensively analyze different studies performed on this class of compounds, their bioavailability and their therapeutic potential. An in-depth look in preclinical, in vitro and in vivo, and clinical studies indicates the preventive effects of anthocyanins on cardioprotection, neuroprotection, antiobesity as well as their antidiabetes and anticancer effects.

Achillea spp.: A comprehensive review on its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, phytopharmacology and industrial applications

The genus Achillea genus houses more than 100 species, a number of them are popularly used in traditional medicine for spasmodic gastrointestinal, gynecological and hepatobiliary disorders, hemorrhages, pneumonia, rheumatic pain, inflammation, wounds healing etc. Members of the genus contain a wide variety of volatile and non-volatile secondary metabolites, including terpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids and others. Multiple studies have assessed the biological effects and other aspects of Achillea spp. In a number of preclinical studies, Achillea plants and their essential oils have demonstrated promising antibacterial properties against a number of human and plant pathogens. Besides, the plants have displayed strong antioxidative and potent anti-proliferative and anticancer properties in various cellular and animal models. Achillea plants have widely been used as food preservative in food industry. Clinical studies have indicated its potential against multiple sclerosis (MS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, episiotomy wound, primary dysmenorrhea, oral mucositis etc. The present work focuses to provide a brief overview on folk knowledge, phytochemistry, biological activity and applications of Achillea plants. There is a close relationship between the traditional ethnobotanical usage and pharmacological and clinical data from different Achillea spp. The application of Achillea plants and their extracts seems to be a promising alternative for antimicrobial and antioxidant purposes in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Gastroprotective effects of Erythrina speciosa (Fabaceae) leaves cultivated in Egypt against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Members of the genus Erythrina have been traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments such as inflammation and gastrointestinal disorders. Erythrina speciosa (Fabaceae) is a spiny, deciduous shrub or small tree native to Southern America in Brazil. It is cultivated in Africa and Asia. The traditional usage of E. speciosa indicated its antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Evaluation of the phytochemical constituents, gastroprotective effects and possible mechanism of action of the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the methanol extract of E. speciosa leaves (ESLE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical characterization of ESLE was done using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The gastroprotective activity of ESLE was evaluated using ethanol-induced gastric-ulcer model in rats. Rats were pre-treated with ESLE 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg 1 h before the administration of absolute ethanol. Histological analysis, mucin content, and total acidity were evaluated. The possible mechanism of action of ESLE was studied through the examination of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, PGE2, and NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, and HSP-70 immunoexpression. In vitro, anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of ESLE was also studied using micro-well dilution method.

RESULTS

Fourteen compounds were tentatively identified including alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. ESLE exerted a powerful gastroprotective effect. The pre-treatment with ESLE at different doses resulted in a significant reduction in gastric lesions and significant elevation in the mucin production. These effects could be partially mediated by the potent anti-inflammatory activity of ESLE as evidenced by the significant reduction in the immunoexpression of NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS and the reduction in the pro-inflammatory marker, TNF-α. ESLE counteracted the ethanol-induced oxidative stress by increasing the levels of depleted GSH and catalase as well as significantly attenuating the ethanol-induced lipid peroxidation tissue levels. In addition, ESLE exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against H. pylori.

CONCLUSIONS

The chemical constituents of ESLE strongly support its potent gastroprotective effect suggesting its future potential application in the management of gastric ulcer by eliminating its symptoms and causes including H. pylori.

Breaking Down the Barriers to a Natural Antiviral Agent: Antiviral Activity and Molecular Docking of Erythrina speciosa Extract, Fractions, and the Major Compound

The in vitro cytotoxic activity in Vero cells and the antiviral activity of Erythrina speciosa methanol extract, fractions, and isolated vitexin were studied. The results revealed that E. speciosa leaves ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanol extract (ESLE) was the most active against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Bioactivity-guided fractionation was performed on ESLE to isolate the bioactive compounds responsible for this activity. One sub-fraction from ESLE (ESLE IV) showed the highest activity against HSV-1 and Hepatitis A HAV-H10 viruses. Vitexin isolated from ESLE VI exhibited a significant antiviral activity (EC₅₀ =35±2.7 and 18±3.3 μg/mL against HAV-H10 and HSV-1 virus, respectively), which was notably greater than the activity of the extract and the fractions. Molecular docking studies were carried out to explore the molecular interactions of vitexin with different macromolecular targets. Analysis of the in silico data together with the in vitro studies validated the antiviral activity associated with vitexin. These outcomes indicated that vitexin is a potential candidate to be utilized commendably in lead optimization for the development of antiviral agents.

Alkaloids of genus Erythrina: An updated review

Genus Erythrina (Fabaceae) comprises several species, which are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The plants of this genus exhibited significant role in traditional medicine targeting different diseases. Alkaloids and flavonoids were reported as the chief bioactive constituents of this genus with a wide range of biological activities. About 143 alkaloids were isolated from Erythrina sp. Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, curare-like activity, insecticidal and cytotoxic activities were reported for Erythrina sp. alkaloids. The present work is an overview of the isolated alkaloids from Erythrina sp. with their reported biological activities.[Figure: see text]Abbreviations: CHCl3: Chloroform; CNS: Central nervous system; DCM: Methylene chloride; DPPH: 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; E.: Erythrina; ERα/β: Estrogen receptors α/β; EtOAc: Ethyl acetate; EtOH: Ethanol; Hep-G2: Human liver carcinoma cell lines; HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus; HL-60: Human promyelocytic leukemia cells; K-562: Human immortalized myelogenous leukemia cell line; LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; MeOH: Methanol; MOLT-4: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line; nAChRs: nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; NO: Nitric oxide; NREM: non-rapid eye movement; Pet. ether: Petroleum ether; RBA: Receptor binder affinity; TRAIL: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand.

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Terminalia Muelleri Benth. (Combretaceae)

Preclinical Research The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of a polyphenol-rich fraction (TMEF) obtained from Terminalia muelleri Benth. were measured. The analgesic activity of TMEF was tested using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate models in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using carrageenan-induced paw edema model by measuring PGE₂ , TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 plasma levels as well as the paw thickness. TMEF was tested at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg p.o. and diclofenac sodium was used as a standard (100 mg/kg) in all experiments. The group treated with 400 mg/kg of TMEF showed a greater inhibition in the number of writhes (by 63%) than the standard-treated group (61%). Pretreatment with TMEF increased the analgesic effect in hot plate test in a dose-dependent manner with a maximum effect after 120 min. TMEF pretreatment alos reduced the edema thickness by 48, 53, and 62% at the tested doses, respectively. TMEF administration inhibited the carrageenan-induced elevations in PGE₂ (by 34, 43, and 47%), TNF-α (18, 28, and 41%), IL-1β (14, 22, and 29%), and IL-6 (26, 31, and 46%). Four phenolic compounds were isolated from Terminalia muelleri for the first time. Drug Dev Res 78 : 146-154, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.