In vitro inhibition of 5-α reductase and in vivo suppression of benign prostatic hyperplasia by Physalis angulata ethyl acetate extract

The inhibitory effect against 5-α reductase of the ethyl acetate (EA) extract from Physalis angulata was evaluated in vitro using mouse prostate homogenates, and the suppression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was assessed in a mouse model of testosterone-induced BPH. The EA extract exhibited a potentially inhibitory effect on 5-α reductase with an IC50 of 197 μg/ml. In BPH mice, the EA extract at a dose of 12 mg/kg was comparable to finasteride 5 mg/kg in suppressing BPH in terms of reducing absolute enlarged prostate weight (p < 0.05 vs. BPH group) and mitigating the hypertrophy of glandular elements and prostate connective tissue. Identification of chemical ingredients in the EA extract by UPLC-QTOF-MS revealed 37 substances belonging chiefly to flavonoids and physalins. Further quantification of the EA extract by HPLC-PDA methods revealed that chlorogenic acid, and rutin were the main components. Molecular docking studies of chlorogenic acid and rutin on 5-α reductase showed their high affinity to the enzyme with binding energies of -9.3 and - 9.2 kcal/mol, respectively compared with finasteride (- 10.3 kcal/mol). Additionally, chlorogenic acid inhibited 5-α reductase with an IC50 of 12.07 µM while rutin did not. The presence of chlorogenic acid in the EA extract may explain the inhibitory effects of the EA extract on 5-α reductase, and thus the suppression of BPH.

Effect of Usnea longissima ethyl acetate extract on acute oxidative and inflammatory lung damage from Staphylococcus aureus infection in rats

The role of oxidants and proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has been demonstrated. The present study aims to investigate the protective effect of ethyl acetate extract (EtOAc) obtained from Usnea longissima (UL) against acute oxidative and inflammatory lung damage due to S. aureus infection in rats. Albino Wistar-type male rats were divided into three groups: Healthy (HG), S. aureus inoculated (SaG), and S. aureus inoculated + ULEtOAc administered (SUL). SaG (n = 6) and SUL (n = 6) group rats' left nostrils (excluding HG) were inoculated with 0.1 ml bacterial mixture. After 24 hours, ULEtOAc (50 mg/kg) was administered orally to the SUL group, and the same volume of normal saline was administered orally to the HG (n = 6) and SaG groups. This procedure was performed once a day for seven days. Levels of oxidant and antioxidant parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione (tGSH), as well as pro-inflammatory cytokine levels such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-one beta (IL-1β), were measured in removed lung tissues. Tissues were also examined histopathologically. Biochemical results showed that ULEtOAc significantly suppressed the increase of MDA, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels and the decrease of tGSH caused by S. aureus in lung tissue. S. aureus inoculation caused severe mononuclear cell infiltration in interstitial areas, severe lymphoid hyperplasia in bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue and severe alveolar edema, histopathologically. Treatment with ULEtOAc had an attenuating effect on these histopathological findings. Experimental results from this study suggest that ULEtOAc may be beneficial in treating S. aureus-induced oxidative and inflammatory lung damage.

Revealing how phenytoin triggers liver damage and the potential protective effects of Balanites Aegyptiaca fruit extracts: Exploring Nrf2/MAPK/ Beclin-1 signaling pathways

Phenytoin-induced liver injury (PHT ILII) is a serious condition that may necessitate discontinuation of the drug. This study investigates the mechanisms of PHT ILII and evaluates the protective effects of Balanites Aegyptiaca (BA) fruit extracts on the liver. We focus on the Nrf2/MAPK/NF-κB/Beclin-1 signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress and inflammation from drug-induced liver injury. Phytochemical analyses of BA fruit extracts (Bu-F and EA-F) are conducted. Molecular docking techniques explore the interaction between phenytoin (PHT) and the Nrf2/MAPK/NF-κB/Beclin-1 pathways. Thirty-six male rats are divided into Control, Bu-F, EA-F, PHT, Bu-F/PHT, and EA-F/PHT groups, and they are observed for 45 days. EA-F extract is rich in phenolics/flavonoids, while Bu-F extract mainly contains saponins.PHT ILII causes histological damage in liver tissues and affects Nrf-2, MAPK, TNF-α, IL-1β, Mcp-1, Beclin-1, iNOS expression, and liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP). However, EA-F/Bu-F extracts effectively improve the histological structure and significantly reduce biochemical/immunohistochemical parameters, restoring them to near-normal levels. EA-F extract is particularly effective.In conclusion, the Nrf2/MAPK /Beclin-1 pathways play a critical role in the development of PHT ILII. BA fruit extracts show promise as hepato-protective agents, with the EA-F extract demonstrating superior efficacy. These results lay the groundwork for new treatments for PHT ILII and drug-induced liver injuries.

Antioxidant and anticancer potential of ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower of Tecoma stans (Linn) and In Silico studies on phytoligands against Bcl2 and VEGFR2 factors

This study was designed to appraise the antioxidant and anticancer competence of solvent extracts of Tecoma stans (Linn) and analyze the phytoligands interaction against Bcl2 VEGFR2 through in silico studies. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethyl acetate extract contains more number of pharmaceutically valuable phytochemicals than other solvent extracts. Among the various phytochemicals, flavonoid was found as a predominant component, and UV-Vis- spectrophotometer analysis initially confirmed it. Hence, the column chromatogram was performed to purify the flavonoid, and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed. It revealed that the flavonoid enriched fraction by compared with standard flavonoid molecules. About 84.69% and 80.43% of antioxidant activity were found from ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower at the dosage of 80 μg mL^-1 with the IC₅₀ value of 47.24 and 43.40 μg mL^-1, respectively. In a dose-dependent mode, the ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower showed cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line MCF 7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) as up to 81.38% and 80.94% of cytotoxicity respectively. Furthermore, the IC₅₀ was found as 208.507 μg mL^-1 and 207.38 μg mL^-1 for bark and flower extract correspondingly. About 10 medicinal valued flavonoid components were identified from bark (6) and flower (4) ethyl acetate extract through LC-MS analysis. Out of 10 components, the 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (ΔG -8.8) and Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (ΔG -8.3) had the competence to interact with Bcl2 (B-Cell Lymphoma 2) and VEGFR2 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2) respectively with more energy. Hence, these results confirm that the ethyl acetate extract of bark and flower of T. stans has significant medicinal potential and could be used as antioxidant and anticancer agent after some animal performance study.

Promotion of HepG2 cell apoptosis by Sedum emarginatum Migo and the mechanism of action

BACKGROUND

Sedum emarginatum Migo(S. emarginatum) has anti-tumor and anti-oxidant effects. This study aimed to screen the extractions of S. emarginatum against liver cancer in vitro and explore its anti-liver cancer mechanism.

METHODS

The CCK-8(Cell Counting Kit-8) method was used to detect the inhibitory effect of different extracts of S. emarginatum on the proliferation of liver cancer HepG2 cells. The morphological changes of the cells after administration were observed with microscopy, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA in the cells were detected by RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) to explore the mechanism of action.

RESULTS

CCK-8 method test results showed that among the different extracts of S. emarginatum, the ethyl acetate extract(1000 μg/ml, 2000 μg/ml, 2500 μg/ml, 3000 μg/ml) and n-butanol extract(1000 μg/ml, 2000 μg/ml, 2500 μg/ml, 3000 μg/ml) have the strongest inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HepG2 cells. In these 4 concentrations, the inhibitory effect increased as the concentration increased. The IC50 of the ethyl acetate extract on HepG2 cells was less than that of the n-butanol extract, so the ethyl acetate extract has a better proliferation inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells than the n-butanol extract, followed by the 70% ethanol extract(3000 μg/ml) and the water extract(3000 μg/ml), petroleum ether extract was the weakest. The results of microscopy showed that ethyl acetate extract caused hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cell morphology changed, cell density decreased, and suspension cells increased. Moreover, the results of flow cytometry showed that the ethyl acetate extract of S. emarginatum could induce HepG2 cell apoptosis at the concentrations of 2500μg/ml and 3000μg/ml. RT-PCR results showed that the expression of Bax mRNA was up-regulate by the middle(2500 μg/ml) and high(3000 μg/ml) dose groups of ethyl acetate extract. The expression of Caspase-3 mRNA was up-regulated by the low(2000 μg/ml), medium(2500 μg/ml) and high(3000 μg/ml) dose groups of ethyl acetate extract. The expression of Bcl-2 mRNA was down-regulated by the high(3000 μg/ml) dose group of ethyl acetate extract.

CONCLUSION

The ethyl acetate extract of S. emarginatum has the best effect on human liver cancer HepG2 cells. Its anti-hepatocellular mechanism may be related to affect the expression of apoptosis genes (Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3mRNA) and promote the apoptosis of liver cancer cells. It provided a reference for the research and development of drugs for the treatment of liver cancer.

Ethyl acetate extract of Elephantopus mollis Kunth induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells

Background

Gastric cancer is one of the most leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Therefore, treatment studies have been being conducted, one of which is screening of novel agents from medicinal herbs. Elephantopus mollis Kunth (EM) belonging to Asteraceae family is a perennial herb with several therapeutic properties including anticancer activity. However, the effect of this species on gastric cancer has not been reported yet. In this study, cytotoxicity of different EM crude extracts was investigated on AGS gastric cancer cell line. Besides, the effects of extract on nuclear morphology, caspase-3 activation, and gene expression were also explored.

Results

The results showed that ethyl acetate extract exhibited a remarkably inhibitory ability (IC₅₀ = 27.5 μg/ml) on the growth of AGS cells, while causing less toxicity to normal human fibroblasts. The extract also induced apoptotic deaths in AGS cells as evidenced by cell shrinkage, formation of apoptotic bodies, nuclear fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, and the upregulation of BAK and APAF-1 pro-apoptotic genes related to mitochondrial signaling pathway. Specifically, BAK and APAF-1 mRNA expression levels showed 2.57 and 2.71-fold increases respectively.

Conclusions

The current study not only proved the anti-gastric cancer activity of EM ethyl acetate extract but also proposed its molecular mechanism. The extract could be a potential candidate for further investigation.

Larvicidal Activity of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Derris elliptica Root against the Third-Instar Larvae of Cypermethrin-Resistant Aedes aegypti Offspring

Background:

Derris elliptica extracts have a high larvicidal potential against the laboratory strain of Aedes aegypti larvae, but the effect on offspring larvae of pyrethroid-resistant strains of the species is lack understood. This study aimed to determine the larvicidal activity of the ethyl acetate extract of tuba root against the third-instar larvae of the Cypermethrin-resistant Ae. aegypti offspring.

Methods:

The experimental study occupied four levels of ethyl acetate extract of D. elliptica namely 10, 25, 50, and 100 ppm, and each level was four times replicated. As many as twenty of healthy third-instar larvae, offspring of Cypermethrin-resistant Ae. aegypti were subjected to each experiment group. Larval mortality rate and lethal concentration 50% subject (LC₅₀) were calculated after 24 and 48 hours of exposure time.

Results:

Mortality of larvae increased directly proportional to the increase of extract concentration. Larval mortality rates after 24 and 48 hours of exposure were 40–67.5% and 62.5–97.5%, and LC₅₀ were 34.945 and 6.461ppm, respectively.

Conclusion:

The ethyl acetate extract of D. elliptica has the high effectiveness larvicidal potential against the third-instar larvae, offspring of the Cypermethrin-resistant Ae. aegypti. Isolation of the specific compound is necessarily done to obtain the active ingredient for larvicide formulation.

Elephantopus mollis Kunth extracts induce antiproliferation and apoptosis in human lung cancer and myeloid leukemia cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Elephantopus mollis Kunth (EM), which belongs to Asteraceae family, has been used as a folk medicine with diverse therapeutic properties. Previous studies reported that crude extracts of this plant could inhibit several cancer cell lines, including breast carcinoma MCF-7, liver carcinoma HepG2, colorectal carcinoma DLD-1, lung carcinoma NCI-H23, etc. AIM: In this study, the anticancer activity and associated molecular mechanism of EM which is distributed in Vietnam were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cytotoxicity of various EM extracts was evaluated on different cell lines by MTT assay. In addition, the effects of EM extracts on cell growth, cell morphology, nuclear morphology, caspase-3 activation, and mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes were also examined.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that ethyl acetate extract (EM-EA) caused proliferative inhibition and apoptotic induction towards A549 lung cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 18.66 μg/ml, SI = 5.8) and HL60 leukemia cells (IC₅₀ = 7.45 μg/ml, SI = 14.5) while petroleum ether extract (EM-PE) showed high toxicity to HL60 cell line (IC₅₀ = 11.14 μg/ml, SI = 6.7). Notably, Raji lymphoma cells were also affected by these extracts (IC₅₀ < 20 μg/ml, SI > 4), which has not been reported yet. Furthermore, mechanisms of EM extracts were elucidated. The significant downregulation of PCNA mRNA level induced by EM-EA/PE extracts contributed to the cell-growth restraint. EM-EA extract might activate apoptosis in A549 cells through both extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways by causing a 1.55-fold increase in BID, 3.65-fold increase in BAK and 3.11-fold decrease in BCL-2 expression level. Meanwhile, with EM-EA-extract treatment, HL60 cells might encounter P53-dependent apoptotic deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of antiproliferation and apoptosis activation contributed to the high efficacy of EM extracts. These findings not only proved the anticancer potential of EM but also provided further insights into the mechanisms of EM extracts.

Effects of ethyl acetate extract of peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) seed coat on the proliferation and apoptosis of oral squamous carcinoma cells through miR-424-3p/STAT3/Survivin pathway

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common high malignant tumors. This experiment aimed to investigate whether ethyl acetate extract of peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) seed coat could affect the proliferation and apoptosis of oral squamous carcinoma cells by regulating the miR-424-3p/STAT3/Survivin pathway. For this purpose, oral squamous cell carcinoma cell CAL27 was cultured in vitro, and cells were treated with ethyl acetate extract of peony seed coat at different concentrations. MTT was used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of miR-424-3p. The miR-424-3p mimics and anti-miR-424-3p were transfected into CAL27 cells respectively, and the cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by the above method. Western blot method was used to detect the expression of PCNA, Bcl-2, Bax, p-STAT3 and Survivin protein. Results showed that ethyl acetate extract of peony seed coat could reduce cell proliferation rate and the protein levels of PCNA, Bcl-2, p-STAT3, Survivin and the expression level of miR-424-3p (P&lt;0.05), increase apoptosis rate and the protein level of Bax (P&lt;0.05). After transfection with anti-miR-424-3p, the cell proliferation rate, the protein levels of PCNA and Bcl-2 were significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05), the apoptosis rate and the protein level of Bax were significantly increased (P&lt;0.05), while the effect of miR-424-3p mimics was the opposite. Transfection of miR-424-3p mimics could significantly reduce the regulatory effect of ethyl acetate extract of peony seed coat on CAL27 cell proliferation, apoptosis and STAT3/Survivin pathway. It concluded that ethyl acetate extract of peony seed coat could inhibit the activation of the STAT3/Survivin signaling pathway by down-regulating the expression of miR-424-3p, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of oral squamous carcinoma cells and inducing apoptosis.

Screening of the active fractions from the Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. Flower on diabetic endothelial protection and determination of the underlying mechanism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. flower (CTF) has been used traditionally in China for treating hypertension and diabetes as well as reducing body weight and blood fat. However, the vascular protection effect of the CTF has not been studied to date.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to screen and identify bioactive fractions from the CTF with a diabetic endothelial protection effect and to clarify the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The vascular protection effect of Fraction A was studied in high-fat diet and streptozocin-induced diabetic models. The endothelial protection effect of Fraction A-2 was further studied in an in vitro vascular endothelial dysfunction model induced by high glucose. In a high glucose-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model, Fractions A-2-2 and A-2-3 were screened, and their detailed mechanisms of endothelial protection were studied. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the main components in Fractions A-2-2 and A-2-3.

RESULTS

Fraction A treatment significantly improved the endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the mesenteric artery induced by acetylcholine in diabetic rats. The maximum relaxation was 79.82 ± 2.45% in the control group, 64.36 ± 9.81% in the model group, and 91.87 ± 7.38% in the Fraction A treatment group (P < 0.01). Fraction A treatment also decreased rat tail pressure compared with the model group at the 12th week. The systolic blood pressure was 152.7 5 ± 16.99 mmHg in the control group, 188.50 ± 5.94 mmHg in the model group, and 172.60 ± 14.31 mmHg in the Fraction A treatment group (P < 0.05). The mean blood pressure was 128.50 ± 13.79 mmHg in the control group, 157.00 ± 6.06 mmHg in the model group, and 144.80 ± 11.97 mmHg in the Fraction A treatment group (P < 0.05). In an in vitro vascular endothelium-dependent vasodilation dysfunction model induced by high glucose, Fraction A-2 improved the vasodilation of the mesenteric artery. The maximum relaxation was 82.15 ± 16.24% in the control group, 73.29 ± 14.25% in the model group, and 79.62 ± 13.89% in the Fraction A-2 treatment group (P < 0.05). In a high glucose-induced HUVEC model, Fraction A-2-2 and Fraction A-2-3 upregulated the expression of IRS-1, Akt, and eNOS and increased the levels of p-IRS-1^Ser307, p-Akt ^Ser473, and p-eNOS^Ser1177 and also decreased the expression of NOX4, TNF-α, IL-6, sVCAM, sICAM, and NF-κB (P < 0.01). With the intervention of AG490 and LY294002, the above effects of Fraction A-2-2 and Fraction A-2-3 were inhibited (P < 0.01). LC-MS data showed that in Fraction A-2-2 and Fraction A-2-3, there were 10 main components: flavanocorepsin; polyphenolic; flavanomarein; isochlorogenic acid A; dicaffeoylquinic acid; coreopsin; marein; coreopsin; luteolin-7-O-glucoside; and 3',5,5',7-tetrahydroxyflavanone-O-hexoside.

CONCLUSION

The protective effect of the CTF on diabetic endothelial dysfunction may be due to its effect on the JAK2/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway and the related oxidative stress and inflammation. The results strongly suggested that Fraction A-2-2 and Fraction A-2-3 were the active fractions from the CTF, and the CTF might be a potential option for the prevention of vascular complications in diabetes.

Investigation of the anti-inflammatory and the analgesic effects of the extracts from Smilax ornata Lem. (Jamaican sarsaparilla) plant

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Smilax ornata Lem. is used in folklore medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic pain. This particular claim has never been scientifically validated before in this plant species and hence, it forms the reason for this investigation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Smilax ornata Lem. possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in Sprague-Dawley rats.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were investigated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema model and the tail-flick model respectively.

RESULTS

The methanol extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) and the ethyl acetate extract (400 mg/kg) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity when compared with that of their control groups (saline and vegetable oil respectively), with an onset of 150 min and a duration of 2.5 h. The methanol extract (200 mg/kg) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) analgesic activity, with an onset of 60 min and a duration of 2 h. Also, the methanol and the ethyl acetate extracts (400 mg/kg) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) analgesic activity when compared with that of their control groups (saline and vegetable oil respectively), with an onset of 30 min and a duration of 2.5 h.

CONCLUSION

The present study provided scientific justification that the extracts of Smilax ornata Lem. possess significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.

Evaluation of anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potential of Mikania cordata (Burm. f.) Robinson in experimental animal model

Mikania cordata is widely used for the treatment of cuts, wounds, and dengue fever in Bangladesh. In the present study, essential oil (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) and two extracts, viz., chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts (200, 400, 800 mg/kg b.w.) were tested for peripheral and central anti-nociceptive activity by acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate method, respectively. Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay and yeast-induced hyperthermia assay were also carried out to evaluate anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of oil and extracts, respectively at aforesaid doses. The essential oil (50 mg/kg), chloroform extract (800 mg/kg) and ethyl acetate extract (800 mg/kg) showed potent peripheral anti-nociceptive activity having 47.33%, 29.33% and 16.65% of writhing inhibition, respectively, comparable with standard diclofenac (52.0%). Essential oil (50 mg/kg), chloroform extract (800 mg/kg) and ethyl acetate extract (800 mg/kg) presented promising central anti-nociceptive activity as well having 95.86%, 79.18% and 42.37% elongation of reaction time, respectively, at 90 min after administration of essential oil, ethyl acetate extract and 60 min after administration of chloroform extract. In anti-inflammatory activity screening, the essential oil (50 mg/kg) produced the highest 72.80% edema inhibition at 4 h after administration of carrageenan which was comparable with that of standard phenylbutazoe (87.87%). On the other hand, chloroform extract (800 mg/kg) and ethyl acetate extract (800 mg/kg) showed up to 34.31% and 15.27% of edema inhibition, respectively, at 4 h after administration of carrageenan. In antipyretic assay, the essential oil and chloroform extract displayed a strong antipyretic effect in yeast-induced rats, whereas the ethyl acetate extract had no antipyretic activity. The present study revealed anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potential of M. cordata which could be the therapeutic option against fever, inflammations as well as painful conditions and confirmed the traditional use of M. cordata.

Hepatoprotective activity of Rhus oxyacantha root cortex extract against DDT-induced liver injury in rats

The present investigation aimed to study the antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects of ethyl acetate extract of R. oxyacantha root cortex (RE) against DDT-induced liver injury in male rats. The RE exhibited high total phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannins contents. The antioxidant activity in vitro systems showed a significant potent free radical scavenging activity of the extract. The HPLC finger print of R. oxyacantha active extract showed the presence of five phenolic compounds with higher amounts of catechol and gallic acid. The in vivo results showed that a single intraperitoneal administration of DDT enhanced levels of hepatic markers (ALT, AST and LDH) in serum of experimental animals. It also increased the oxidative stress markers resulting in increased levels of the lipid peroxidation with a significant induction of SOD and GPx, metallothioneins (MTs) and a concomitant decrease of non protein thiols (NPSH) in liver. However, pretreatment of rats with RE at a dose of 150 and 300mg/kg body weight significantly lowered serum transaminases and LDH in treated rats. A significant reduction in hepatic thiobarbituric reactive substances and a decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities and hepatic MTs levels by treatment with plant extract against DDT, were observed. These biochemical changes were consistent with histopathological observations, suggesting marked hepatoprotective effect of RE with the two doses used. These results strongly suggest that treatment with ethyl acetate extract normalizes various biochemical parameters and protects the liver against DDT-induced oxidative damage in rats and thus help in evaluation of traditional claim on this plant.

Influence of pH on the antioxidant phenols solubilised from hydrothermally treated olive oil by-product (alperujo)

The application of a novel industrial process based on the hydrothermal treatment of olive oil waste (alperujo) led to a final liquid phase that contained a high concentration of simple phenolic compounds. In this study the effect of pH on phenol extraction with ethyl acetate from the aqueous phase of hydrothermally treated alperujo at 160°C/60min (without modification, pH 4.5, and adjusted to pH 2.5) was evaluated, beside the increase of hydroxytyrosol during the storage. The variation of the concentration of phenolic compounds in each extract was analyzed by HPLC. The phenolic extract obtained at pH 4.5 presented a higher proportion of total and individual phenols and better antioxidant capacity in vitro than the extract obtained at pH 2.5. The use of lower pH values enhances the concentration of hydroxytyrosol in the liquid diminishing the storage times.

In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of ethyl acetate soluble proanthocyanidins of the inflorescence of Cocos nucifera L

Background

Proanthocyanidins belong to a class of polyphenolic compounds called flavonoids and have been reported to exhibit important biological activities. The immature inflorescence of Cocos nucifera L. is used by Ayurvedic and traditional medical practitioners for the treatment of menorrhagia in Sri Lanka. Our studies have shown that the inflorescence of Cocos nucifera L. predominantly contains proanthocyanidins.

Objective

To determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of ethyl acetate soluble proanthocyanidins (EASPA) of immature inflorescence of Cocos nucifera L.

Methods

EASPA fraction of an acetone/water (7:3) extract of Cocos nucifera L. inflorescence was purified on Sephadex LH-20 and was used for the study. Antioxidant activity of EASPA was determined using DPPH and SOR scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory activity of EASPA was determined by oxidative burst assay using chemiluminescence technique. MTT colorimetric assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of EASPA to both PC3 and HeLa cells.

Results

EASPA showed radical scavenging activity against both DPPH and superoxide radicals with IC50 values of 11.02 ± 0.60 μg/mL and 26.11 ± 0.72 μg/mL. In both assays, EASPA showed less antioxidant activity than the standards used. It exhibited similar anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 10.31 ± 1.11 μg/mL) to ibuprofen (IC50 = 11.20 ± 1.90 μg/mL) (P ≥ 0.05). EASPA also showed stronger cytotoxic activity towards Hela cells (IC50 = 18.78 ± 0.90 μg/mL) than tamoxifen (IC50 = 28.80 ± 1.94 μg/mL) (P ≤ 0.05), while low cytotoxicity was observed against PC3 cells (IC50 = 44.21 ± 0.73 μg/mL) compared to doxorubicin (IC50 = 1.38 ± 0.16 μg/mL).

Conclusion

EASPA showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.

Acute toxicity profiling of the ethyl acetate fraction of Swietenia macrophylla seeds and in-vitro neuroprotection studies

Swietenia macrophylla (SM) is a medicinally important plant found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The ethyl acetate fraction of the seeds of S. macrophylla (SMEAF) is reported to exhibit potent anticancer, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antifeedant activities. Till date, there have been no studies reported on the acute oral toxicity profile of the ethyl acetate fraction of the seeds of SM. The objective of the present study was to determine the acute toxicity of SMEAF and evaluate the in-vitro neuroprotective activity of SMEAF using primary neuronal cell cultures. In acute oral toxicity study, the SMEAF did not produce any lethal signs of morbidity and mortality. Histo-pathological findings, support the safety of SMEAF, as there were no significant changes observed in any of the parameters studied. Based on the results obtained in MTT assay, we infer that SMEAF has a significant neuroprotective effect, as it increased the cell viability and exhibited protection to the neuronal cells against TBHP induced oxidative stress. Thus, SMEAF can be suggested for use in the development of herbal drug formulations with neuroprotective potential.

Immunomodulatory potencies of isolated compounds from Crataegus azarolus through their antioxidant activities

The search of natural immunomodulatory agents has become an area of great interest in order to reduce damage to the human body. In this study, the immunomodulatory potential of Crataegus azarolus and its isolated hyperoside on mouse lymphocytes and macrophages in vitro was assessed. The effect of C. azarolus natural compounds on splenocytes proliferation, natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) activities, and on macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity were assessed by MTT test. Phagocytic activity and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) release by macrophages were also evaluated. The antioxidant capacity of these products was evaluated by determining their cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) in splenocytes and macrophages. Depending on the concentrations, both ethyl acetate (EA) extract and hyperoside (Hyp) from C. azarolus affect macrophage functions by modulating their lysosomal enzyme activity and nitric oxide release. Whereas, the above-mentioned products significantly promote LPS and lectin-stimulated splenocyte proliferation, implying a potential activation of lymphocytes B and T enhancing humoral and cellular immune responses. Moreover, EA extract and Hyp could enhance the activity of NK and T lymphocytes cells, as well as the macrophages-mediated cytotoxicity against B16F10 cells. The anti-inflammatory activity was concomitant with the cellular antioxidant effect of the tested compounds against macrophages and splenocytes. Collectively, C. azarolus and its isolated hyperoside exhibited an immunomodulatory effect through their antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that C. azarolus should be explored as a novel potential immunomodulatory agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Neuroprotective effects of the Phellinus linteus ethyl acetate extract against H2O2-induced apoptotic cell death of SK-N-MC cells

Numerous studies have suggested that neuronal cells are protected against oxidative stress-induced cell damage by antioxidants, such as polyphenolic compounds. Phellinus linteus (PL) has traditionally been used to treat various symptoms in East Asian countries. In the present study, we prepared an ethyl acetate extract from the fruiting bodies of PL (PLEA) using hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and ethyl acetate extraction. The PLEA contained polyphenols as its major chemical component, and thus, we predicted that it may exhibit antioxidant and neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress. The results showed that the pretreatment of human brain neuroblastoma SK-N-MC cells with the PLEA (0.1-5 μg/mL) significantly and dose-dependently reduced the cytotoxicity of H2O2 and the intracellular ROS levels and enhanced the expression of HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1) and antioxidant enzymes, such as CAT (catalase), GPx-1 (glutathione peroxidase-1), and SOD-1 and -2 (superoxide dismutase-1 and -2). The PLEA also directly scavenged free radicals. PLEA pretreatment also significantly attenuated DNA fragmentation and suppressed the mRNA expression and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 kinase, which are induced by oxidative stress and lead to cell death. PLEA pretreatment inhibited the activation of the apoptosis-related proteins caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. These results demonstrate that the PLEA has neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress (H2O2)-induced neuronal cell death via its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. PLEA should be investigated in an in vivo model on its potential to prevent or ameliorate neurodegenerative disease.

Isolation and identification of minor secoiridoids and phenolic components from thermally treated olive oil by-products

The application of an industrial process based on the hydrothermal treatment of 160 °C/60 min of alperujo, a by-product of olive oil extraction, allows the formation of a liquid phase containing a high concentration of phenolic and secoiridoid compounds. Ethyl acetate was used to extract these phenolic compounds from the aqueous matrix. In this study, the isolation with polyamide and XAD resin allowed detection of the presence of phenolic compounds in minor concentrations. These minor phenols were several oleuropein derivatives that had not been identified in these phenolic extracts previously. The polar compounds, acteosides, secoiridoids, and flavonoids, that remain in the aqueous fraction after extraction with ethyl acetate were identified. We report the presence of known compounds and also detected a novel molecule in alperujo with a molecular weight of 408 whose structure was characterized for first time. This new secoiridoid glucoside was identified as 1-β-D-glucopyranosyl acyclodihydroelenolic acid.

In vitro evaluation of dual agonists for PPARγ/β from the flower of Edgeworthia gardneri (wall.) Meisn

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Tibet, the flower of Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn., locally named "Lvluohua, [symbols: see text]", has been traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus for many years.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

To evaluate the activity of dual agonists for PPARγ/β from the flower of E.gardneri in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HeLa cells were transiently co-transfected with the re-constructed plasmids of pBIND-PPARγ-LBD or pBIND-PPARβ-LBD and rL4.35. The activities of crude extracts, secondary fractions and compounds from the flower of E.gardneri were evaluated with the transfected cells. Rosiglitazone (at 0.5 μg/mL) and L-165041 (at 0.5 μg/mL) were used as the positive controls for PPARγ and PPARβ respectively.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts from the flower of E.gardneri were able to significantly activate PPARγ and PPARβ respectively, and the activity of ethyl acetate extract was much better. We further observed that, among the 11 secondary fractions of ethyl acetate extract, the fr. 9 could activate PPARγ and PPARβ significantly. Moreover, umbelliferone (from fr.9) and pentadecanoic acid could activate PPARγ and PPARβ at the same time.

CONCLUSIONS

The extracts from the flower of E.gardneri could significantly activate PPARγ and PPARβ. Besides, umbelliferone and pentadecanoic acid isolated from the flower of E.gardneri were the new agonists for PPARγ and PPARβ.

In vitro cytotoxicity of Indonesian stingless bee products against human cancer cell lines

OBJECTIVE

To screen crude extracts of propolis, bee pollen and honey from four stingless bee species [Trigona incisa (T. incisa)], Timia apicalis, Trigona fusco-balteata and Trigona fuscibasis) native to East Kalimantan, Indonesia for cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cell lines (HepG2, SW620, ChaGo-I, KATO-III and BT474).

METHODS

All samples were extracted with methanol, and then subpartitioned with n-hexane and ethyl acetate. Each crude extract was screened at 20 µg/mL for in vitro cytotoxicity against the cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. In addition, four previously shown bioactive components from propolis (apigenin, caffeic acid phenyl ester, kaempferol and naringenin) and two chemotherapeutic drugs (doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil) were used to evaluate the sensitivity of the cell lines.

RESULTS

Overall, crude extracts from propolis and honey had higher cytotoxic activities than bee pollen, but the activity was dependent upon the extraction solvent, bee species and cell line. Propolis extracts from T. incisa and Timia apicalis showed the highest and lowest cytotoxic activity, respectively. Only the HepG2 cell line was broadly sensitive to the honey extracts. For pure compounds, doxorubicin was the most cytotoxic, the four propolis compounds the least, but the ChaGo-I cell line was sensitive to kaempferol at 10 µg/mL and KATO-III was sensitive to kaempferol and apigenin at 10 µg/mL. All pure compounds were effective against the BT474 cell line.

CONCLUSIONS

Propolis from T. incisa and Trigona fusco-balteata contain an in vitro cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines. Further study is required, including the isolation and characterization of the active antiproliferative agent(s).

The anti-inflammatory effects of Caragana tangutica ethyl acetate extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Caragana tangutica KOM has been used to treat arthritis, wounds, fever and other disease conditions in traditional Chinese medicine (TMC). To support the application of the plant in traditional Chinese medicine by investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethyl acetate extract of Caragana tangutica.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by animal models including xylene-induced ear edema in mice, carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, acetic acid induced writhing in mice and LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI). The anti-inflammatory mechanism was evaluated by detecting prostaglandin E2 and immunohistochemistry expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) using an EIA assay kit and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that the xylene-induced ear edema in mice was significantly reduced by the ethyl acetate extract at dosages of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg, and the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats was monitored to be reduced by the ethyl acetate extract 3h after carrageenan injection. The ethyl acetate extract was also found to reduce the inflammation pain of acetic acid-induced writhing model in a dose-dependent manner and cause reduction of the ALI in mice through the inhibition of the release of PGE2 and the LPS-induced COX-2 expression in the lung.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that the ethyl acetate extract of the plant can help to reduce inflammations by inhibiting the expression of COX-2.

Effects of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Poncirus trifoliata Fruit for Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis

Poncirus trifoliata fruit (PTF) affects the digestive and cardiovascular systems, and kidney function. The authors studied the effects of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of PTF on the activities of osteoblasts and in an animal model. The main compounds of the EtOAc extract, naringin and poncirin have been confi rmed by HPLC and NMR analysis. Effects of osteoblastic differentiation were mea-sured by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteopontin (OPN) protein expression and osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. Also, osteoclast differentiation was measured by multinucleated cells (MNCs) formation through tartrate resistance acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive staining. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured before and after treatment with EtOAc extract of PTF in prednisolone-induced osteoporotic mice. Dexamethasone (DEX) decreased OPN and OPG expression level in MC3T3-E1 cells and ALP activity was decreased by DEX dose-dependently. EtOAc extract of PTF recovered the levels of ALP activity, and the expression of OPN and OPG in MC3T3-E1 cells treated with DEX. In osteoclast differentiation, multinucleated TRAP-positive cell formation was significantly suppressed by the EtOAc extract of PTF. Total body BMD was restored by EtOAc extract of PTF in prednisolone-induced osteoporotic mice. In conclusion, EtOAc extract of PTF recovered DEX-mediated deteriorations in osteoblastic and osteoclastic functions, and increased BMD in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Anti inflammatory activity of Myrica nagi Linn. Bark

The present study evaluated the anti inflammatory activity of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of bark of M. nagi using carrageenan and histamine induced rat paw edema. Adult Wistar albino rats were subjected to carrageenan and histamine induced rat paw edema tests. In carrageenan induced rat paw edema the effects of ethyl acetate and aqueous extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg showed % inhibition of edema 27% and 22% respectively than the standard drug aspirin (28%). These ethyl acetate and aqueous extract extracts also showed % inhibition of edema 25% and 18% respectively than the standard drug (27%) when rats challenged with histamine induced rat paw edema. Future research should focus on the identification and the anti inflammatory activity of the constituents from this plant.