Anti-Heliobacter pylori and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Salvia officinalis Metabolites: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Due to its rising antibiotic resistance and associated inflammations, Helicobacter pylori poses a challenge in modern medicine. Salvia officinalis, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is a promising medicinal herb. In this regard, a phytochemical screening followed by GC-MS and LC-MS was done to evaluate the chemical profile of the total ethanolic extract (TES) and the essential oil, respectively. The anti-H. pylori and the anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by a micro-well dilution technique and COX-2 inhibition assay. Potential anti-H. pylori inhibitors were determined by an in silico study. The results revealed that the main metabolites were flavonoids, sterols, volatile oil, saponins, and carbohydrates. The LC-MS negative ionization mode demonstrated 12 compounds, while GC-MS showed 21 compounds. Carnosic acid (37.66%), epirosmanol (20.65%), carnosol1 (3.3%), and 12-O-methyl carnosol (6.15%) were predominated, while eucalyptol (50.04%) and camphor (17.75%) were dominant in LC-MS and GC-MS, respectively. TES exhibited the strongest anti-H. pylori activity (3.9 µg/mL) asymptotic to clarithromycin (0.43 µg/mL), followed by the oil (15.63 µg/mL). Carnosic acid has the best-fitting energy to inhibit H. pylori (-46.6769 Kcal/mol). TES showed the highest reduction in Cox-2 expression approaching celecoxib with IC₅₀ = 1.7 ± 0.27 µg/mL, followed by the oil with IC₅₀ = 5.3 ± 0.62 µg/mL. Our findings suggest that S. officinalis metabolites with anti-inflammatory capabilities could be useful in H. pylori management. Further in vivo studies are required to evaluate and assess its promising activity.

GC-MS Profiling, Anti-Helicobacter pylori, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Three Apiaceous Fruits' Essential Oils

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori is a challenge due to rising antibiotic resistance and GIT-related disorders. Cuminum cyminum, Pimpinella anisum, and Carum carvi are fruits belonging to the Apiaceae family. Their essential oils were extracted, analyzed using GC-MS, tested for anti-H. pylori activity by a micro-well dilution technique, identified for potential anti-H. pylori inhibitors by an in-silico study, and investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using a COX-2 inhibition assay. Results showed that the main components of C. cyminum, P. anisum, and C. carvi were cumaldehyde (41.26%), anethole (92.41%), and carvone (51.38%), respectively. Essential oil of C. cyminum exhibited the greatest anti-H. pylori activity (3.9 µg/mL) followed by P. anisum (15.63 µg/mL), while C. carvi showed the lowest activity (62.5 µg/mL). The in-silico study showed that cumaldehyde in C. cyminum has the best fitting energy to inhibit H. pylori.C. cyminum essential oil showed the maximum ability to reduce the production of Cox-2 expression approaching celecoxib with IC₅₀ = 1.8 ± 0.41 µg/mL, followed by the C. carvi oil IC₅₀ = 7.3 ± 0.35 µg/mL and then oil of P. anisum IC₅₀ = 10.7±0.63 µg/mL. The investigated phytochemicals in this study can be used as potential adjunct therapies with conventional antibiotics against H. pylori.

Assessment of commitment to healthy daily habits and diets, preventive measures, and beliefs about natural products utilization during COVID-19 pandemic in certain population in Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Objective

The purpose of this research is to assess the commitment of participants in Saudi Arabia and Egypt towards healthy daily habits, preventive measures, healthy food habits, and beliefs about natural products as an immunostimulants during COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in Saudi Arabia (mainly Riyadh and Jeddah) and Egypt (mainly Cairo). The questionnaire instrument was created based on an extensive literature review on the COVID-19 pandemic, including its spreading and transmission methods, preventive measures, healthy lifestyle, and diets that increase human immunity against viral infections and the use of natural products and drinks. The questionnaire was created by Microsoft 365® office forms, participants were invited through emails and other social media. The questionnaire includes a demographic section (gender, nationality, residency country, city, age, marital status, educational level, employment status, chronic disease history, under anxiety or stress, have a temper or irritable person, were infected/currently infected and in contact to COVID-19 patient) and (23) questions arranged under five domains; Domain I daily habits (4), Domain II keeping preventive measures (4), Domain III healthy eating habits (9), Domain IV for participants currently or previously infected, or in contact with a patient (4) Domain V for assessment of participants' beliefs towards the use of natural products to elevate immunity during COVID-19 pandemic (2), beside 4 choice questions (stimulant drinks, natural drinks, natural products, and zinc-rich food). SPSS® was used to analyze the results using Student' t-test, ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD tests.

Result

510 individuals with various demographic characteristics participated in the study. This study revealed that the participants belief in healthy foods, natural drinks (mainly ginger, lemon, and cinnamon), natural products (mainly honey, olive oil, and black seed), healthy habits, and preventive measures as sanitizers, social distance, and exercise. Only 13% of all participants were infected with COVID-19, although 31% of them were in contact with COVID -19 patients, about 93% were under stress, and 22% were with chronic diseases. Participants who are married, not in contact with patients and not previously infected by COVID-19 are more adhered to preventive measures while those previously or currently infected are more committed to healthy lifestyle and diet habits. Qualification level seems to make no significant difference in any domain. 78.6% of the participants beliefs in the benefits of utilizing natural products in preventing infection with corona virus or reducing the period of treatment in case of infection. About 95.7% of the infected persons had no need of hospitalization and about 50% are cured within two weeks of infection. The questionnaire revealed that Nescafe and black tea were the most used stimulant drinks among the participants, particularly the students and who were always under stress. Most of the participants agreed with the utilization of Zn-rich food, particularly Egyptians, which may help in boosting their immunity.

Conclusion

Natural products selected in the present study can be used in combination with the existing clinical standards of care that have the potential to serve as prophylactic agents in populations that are at risk to develop COVID-19 infection.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Sesquiterpenoids from Aerial Parts of Anvillea garcinii

Two new sesquiterpenoids belonging to the guaiane, 4α,9α,10α-trihydroxyguaia-11(13)en-12,6α-olide (1), and germacrane, 9β-hydroxyparthenolide-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), classes have been isolated from the leaves of the Saudi medicinal plant Anvillea garcinii along with seven known compounds (3–9). The structures of the new metabolites were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, including one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS). The antimicrobial properties of 1–9 were screened against seven different pathogenic microbes, and compounds 1–3 showed a potent antifungal activity.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of Antidesm abunius L

It was deemed of interest to investigate Antidesm bunius aerial parts from phytochemical and biological points of view due to limited previous studies. Isolation and identification of phenolic compounds and evaluation of the potential antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of A. bunius aerial parts was investigated. The petroleum ether (PEE) and 80% EtOH extracts (EE), as well as, n-hexane (HF), CHCl3 (CF), EtOAc (EAF), n-BuOH (BF) and H2O soluble fractions (WF) of the latter were prepared. Phytochemical study has been performed for isolation and identification of the major polyphenols. Antimicrobial activity, using diffusion agar technique, and potential cytotoxic effect against HepG2, MCF7 and HCT cell lines were evaluated. Malic acid (I), caffeic acid (II), methyl benzoate (III), (+)-catechin (IV), (-)-epicatechin (V), epicatechin-(4β→8)-catechin (procynidin B1, VI) and epicatechin-(4β→8)-epicatechin (procyanidin B2, VII) were isolated. Compounds I-VII showed strong to moderate antimicrobial activity, with MIC values in the range of 1.95-125μg/ml except for compounds 1 and IV, which did not show any effect. All tested samples showed dose dependent cytotoxic effect against all three tested cell lines. PEE showed strong cytotoxic activity (IC50=23.7-38.2μg/ml). Furthermore, compound VI showed potent cytotoxicity against HepG2, MCF7 and HCT cell lines (IC₅₀=24.7, 16.5 and 18.0μg/ml) respectively. The strong to moderate antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic effect of the plant could be attributed to its content of phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols and/or proanthocyanidins. These findings were confirmed by results obtained for the isolated compounds.

Biological Activity and Isolation of Compounds from Stem Bark of Plumeria acutifolia

Background:

Plumeria acutifolia (Apocynaceae) is an ornamental plant, used in the traditional medicine and known to have a variety of constituents as alkaloids, flavonoids, and iridoids. Extracts of this plant were proved to have antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

Objectives:

This research was conducted for the evaluation of the biological activities of P. acutifolia stem bark and isolation and structural elucidation of various chemical compounds from the biologically active fractions.

Materials and Methods:

Methanol extract of stem bark of P. acutifolia was successively fractionated with petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The fractions were evaluated for their antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities. Fractions with promising biological activities were subjected to chromatographic techniques for the isolation of compounds, followed by structural elucidation using several spectroscopic techniques.

Results:

P. acutifolia stem bark showed a significant antimicrobial activity, where the ethyl acetate fraction was active against Syncephalastrum racemosum (7.81 μg/ml) and Escherichia coli (3.9 μg/ml). The cytotoxic activity against HEPG-2, HCT-116, and MCF-7 cell lines was highest in the petroleum ether fraction, using concentrations of 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 μl/ml. The antioxidant activity was concentration dependent; ethyl acetate fraction showed the most predominant effect, with an IC₅₀ of 197.1 μg/ml. Five compounds were identified as narcissin (1), quercitrin (2), sweroside (3), gaertneroside (4), and plumieride (5).

Conclusion:

P. acutifolia was proved to have significant antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities; the isolated compounds were flavonoids, iridoids, and secoiridoid, some of which were reported for the first time in genus Plumeria and/or family Apocynaceae.

SUMMARY

P. acutifolia stem bark showed a significant antimicrobial activity, where the ethyl acetate fraction was active against Syncephalastrum racemosum and Escherichia coli. The cytotoxic activity against HEPG-2, HCT-116, and MCF-7 cell lines was highest in the petroleum ether fraction. The antioxidant activity was concentration dependent; ethyl acetate fraction showed the most predominant effect. Five compounds were identified as narcissin (1), quercitrin (2), sweroside (3), gaertneroside (4), and plumieride (5).

Abbreviations used: mp: Melting point, NMR: Nuclear magnetic resonance, s: Singlet, d: Double, t: Triplet, q: Quartet, dd: Double-double, m: Multiplet, br: Broad.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oils of Some Coniferous Plants Cultivated in Egypt

Family Cupressaceae is the largest coniferous plant family. Essential oils of many species belonging to family Cupressaceae are known to have several biological activities specially antimicrobial activity. The essential oils from aerial parts of Calocedrus decurrens Torr., Cupressus sempervirens stricta L. and Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. were prepared by hydrodistillation. The chemical composition of the essential oils has been elucidated by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis. The prepared essential oils were examined against selected species of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and Candida species. Broth dilution methods were used to detect minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Sixteen compounds were identified in the essential oils of both Calocedrus decurrens and Cupressus sempervirens L. and fifteen compounds were identified in the essential oil of Tetraclinis articulata. δ-3-Carene (43.10%), (+)-Cedrol (74.03%) and Camphor (21.23%) were the major constituents in the essential oils of Calocedrus decurrens, Cupressus sempervirens L. and Tetraclinis articulata, respectively. The essential oils showed strong antimicrobial activities against the selected microorganisms in concentration range 0.02 3- 3.03 µL/mL. This study could contribute to the chemotaxonomic characterization of family Cupressaceae. In addition, it proved that the essential oils under investigation possess potential antimicrobial properties.

Antioxidant potential and phenolic acid content of certain cucurbitaceous plants cultivated in Egypt

Many species belonging to Cucurbitaceae family have long been regarded as food, medicinal plants, or both. Preliminary phytochemical screening of Citrullus colocynthis L., Cucumis sativus L. and Momordica charantia L. herbs showed the presence of phenolic compounds. Quantitative analysis of total phenolic compounds using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent revealed the presence of 50.87 mg GAE g(-1), 56.58 mg GAE g(-1) and 42.36 mg GAE g(-1) in C. colocynthis L., C. sativus L. and M. charantia L. herbs, respectively. HPLC analysis of phenolic content showed the presence of chlorogenic acid (16.3 mg per 100g dry sample and 27.7 mg per 100 g(-1) dry samples in C. colocynthis L. and C. sativus L., respectively) and gallic acid (26.7 mg per 100 g dry sample) as a major phenolic acids in M. charantia L. herb. The antioxidant activity of the herb of plants under investigation was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and total antioxidant capacity was determined in terms of GAE. This study showed that C. sativus L. is the most active antioxidant, followed by C. colocynthis L., while M. charantia L. has the least antioxidant activity.

Photonic logic NOR gate based on two symmetric microring resonators

We demonstrate an all-optical NOR logic gate based on symmetric GaAs-AlGaAs microring resonators whose resonances are closely matched. Two input pump data streams are tuned close to one resonance of the symmetric microrings to switch a probe beam tuned to another resonance by two-photon absorption. The switching energy of the gate is 20 pJ/pulse, and the switching window is 40 ps, limited by the carrier lifetime. The use of two rings provides for better cascading in photonic logic circuits because of the higher number of available ports.

Dysregulation of blood lymphocyte subsets and natural killer cells in schistosomal liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Immunological factors are important in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of hepatobiliary diseases. Using flow cytometry, we determined the changes in lymphocyte subsets and natural killer cells in 123 individuals (81 patients with liver disease and 42 healthy volunteers). The liver diseases included periportal fibrosis (PPF, 10 patients), liver cirrhosis (LC, 31 patients), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, 40 patients). Schistosomiasis and viral hepatitis B and C were the putative etiological agents of liver diseases. Immunophenotyping by indirect immunofluorescence was conducted using monoclonal antibodies to CD3 (T-lymphocytes), CD4 (helper/inducer T-cells), CD8 (suppressor/cytotoxic T-cells), and CD57 (natural killer cells) cell surface markers. Immunophenotyping of PPF patients showed no significant changes in all markers compared with the healthy controls. However, there was a significant decrease ( P<0.01) in CD3 and CD4 T-cells, and a highly significant increase ( P<0.001) in CD57 T-cells in patients with LC or HCC. In addition, LC and HCC patients showed no significant change in CD8 T-cells compared with controls. In conclusion, the progression of liver diseases is associated with a dysregulation of cellular immune responses. T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of liver cirrhosis and HCC.

Dysregulation of blood lymphocyte subsets and natural killer cells in schistosomal liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Immunological factors are important in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of hepatobiliary diseases. Using flow cytometry, we determined the changes in lymphocyte subsets and natural killer cells in 123 individuals (81 patients with liver disease and 42 healthy volunteers). The liver diseases included periportal fibrosis (PPF, 10 patients), liver cirrhosis (LC, 31 patients), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, 40 patients). Schistosomiasis and viral hepatitis B and C were the putative etiological agents of liver diseases. Immunophenotyping by indirect immunofluorescence was conducted using monoclonal antibodies to CD3 (T-lymphocytes), CD4 (helper/inducer T-cells), CD8 (suppressor/cytotoxic T-cells), and CD57 (natural killer cells) cell surface markers. Immunophenotyping of PPF patients showed no significant changes in all markers compared with the healthy controls. However, there was a significant decrease ( P<0.01) in CD3 and CD4 T-cells, and a highly significant increase ( P<0.001) in CD57 T-cells in patients with LC or HCC. In addition, LC and HCC patients showed no significant change in CD8 T-cells compared with controls. In conclusion, the progression of liver diseases is associated with a dysregulation of cellular immune responses. T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of liver cirrhosis and HCC.

All-optical time-division demultiplexing and spatial pulse routing with a GaAs/AlGaAs microring resonator

We report what is to our knowledge the first demonstration of all-optical time-division demultiplexing and spatial pulse routing in a compact nonlinear GaAs/AlGaAs microring resonator operating at 1.55 microm . Switching is through the refractive-index change induced by two-photon absorption. The switching time of the device, limited by the ring-charging time and the recombination time of the induced carriers, is measured to be 30 ps. The switching on-off contrast, limited by the slight mismatch between the input and output coupling coefficients, exceeds 8 dB. The device can be used for time-division multiplexing as well.

DNA ploidy of liver biopsies from patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: a flow cytometric analysis

Flow cytometric DNA analysis was used to assess cellular kinetics of needle liver biopsies from patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An abnormal DNA content was shown in 44.5% of liver cirrhosis cases and in 78.6% of tumor sites. The number of proliferating cells (S + G2M%) was significantly increased in cirrhotic liver (P < 0.05). Dysplasia was found in 66% of cirrhotic specimens. All negative dysplasia specimens showed a diploid pattern while 69% of positive dysplastic specimens were aneuploid (P < 0.001). In conclusion, cell proliferation, aneuploidy and liver cell dysplasia are important indicators in liver cirrhosis for the development of HCC.

DNA ploidy of liver biopsies from patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: a flow cytometric analysis

Flow cytometric DNA analysis was used to assess cellular kinetics of needle liver biopsies from patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An abnormal DNA content was shown in 44.5% of liver cirrhosis cases and in 78.6% of tumor sites. The number of proliferating cells (S + G2M%) was significantly increased in cirrhotic liver (P < 0.05). Dysplasia was found in 66% of cirrhotic specimens. All negative dysplasia specimens showed a diploid pattern while 69% of positive dysplastic specimens were aneuploid (P < 0.001). In conclusion, cell proliferation, aneuploidy and liver cell dysplasia are important indicators in liver cirrhosis for the development of HCC.

Retrospective review of dot enzyme immunoassay test for typhoid fever in an endemic area

Typhoid fever remains a common problem in Malaysia, but for its diagnosis both blood culture and the Widal test have drawbacks. A dot enzyme immunoassay (EIA) has been developed which detects IgM and IgG antibodies to a specific 50 kDa outer membrane protein on Salmonella typhi. This study was performed among outpatients attending the university hospital in Kelantan, a state on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia where typhoid is endemic. The dot EIA was done on 149 outpatients of all ages in whom typhoid was suspected. Of these, 60 were not analysable due to insufficient data. The other 89 were retrospectively classed as typhoid (total = 21), or not typhoid (total = 68). The criteria for diagnosis of typhoid was either, blood culture was positive, or with blood culture negative, temperature was at least 38 degrees C and Widal O and/or H titer greater than or equal to 1/160. We then compared the diagnosis with the EIA result. For the result where either IgM or IgG was positive, sensitivity was 90%, specificity 91% and negative predictive value 97%. For IgM positive, specificity was 100%. But the specificity of IgG positive alone was reduced by six false positives, which were probably due to persistence of IgG after acute infection. Other cases were found where IgG positive alone appeared in the first week of typhoid fever, probably due to rapid response in a second or subsequent infection. We also found that IgM-producing patients were significantly younger than those showing IgG alone positive.