Isolation, characterisation and complement fixation activity of acidic polysaccharides from Argemone mexicana used as antimalarials in Mali

CONTEXT

Global studies on Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) traditionally used against malaria in Mali are limited to its low-mass compounds activities, and little information on its bioactive polysaccharides is available.

OBJECTIVE

This study determines the structure and the immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides from aerial parts of A. mexicana.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acidic polysaccharides from this plant material named HMAmA1 and HMAmA2 were isolated from water extracts. Their monosaccharide composition was determined by gas chromatography. Glycosidic linkages were determined using GC-MS. NMR was also applied. The polymers were tested for effects on the human complement system in vitro at different doses.

RESULTS

The monosaccharide composition showed that the two polysaccharides contained in different amounts the following monomers: arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid. Overall structural analysis showed the presence of a low ratio of 1,2-linked rhamnose compared to 1,4-linked galacturonic acid with arabinogalactans substituted on position 4 of rhamnose. NMR data showed the presence of galacturonans alternated by rhamnogalacturonans bearing arabinose and galactose units. α-Linkages were found for l-arabinose, l-rhamnose and d-galacturonic acid, while β-linkages were found for d-galactose. The two polysaccharides exhibited strong complement fixation activities, with HMAmA1 being the highest potent fraction. ICH₅₀ value of HMAmA1 was 5 µg/mL, compared to the control BPII being 15.9 µg/mL.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Polysaccharides form A. mexicana presented a complement fixation effect. The complement system is an important part of the immune defense, and compounds acting on the cascade are of interest. Therefore, these polymers may be useful as immunodulatory agents.

Induction of apoptosis in A431 cells via ROS generation and p53-mediated pathway by chloroform fraction of Argemone mexicana (Pepaveraceae)

Argemone mexicana(Pepaveraceae) is an important medicinal plant commonly known as 'maxican prickly poppy' and is traditionally used to treat skin diseases. In the present study, the extract/fractions of aerial parts of A. mexicana after carrying out the organoleptic characteristics were sequentially extracted with the solvents of increasing polarities. Total fractions were examined for their radical scavenging activities in DPPH and DNA nicking assays. Among all, maximum antioxidant activity was shown by chloroform fraction (AmC) in DPPH assay with IC50 of 26.12 μg/ml, and DNA nicking assay showed 80.91% protective potential. The AmC fraction was analyzed for its antibacterial, cytotoxic potential, cell cycle analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using A431 cell line. The AmC fraction exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against bacterial strains in the order Klebsiella pneumoniae> Bacillussubtilis> Salmonella typhi> Staphylococcus epidermidis. The cytotoxic potential of the AmC fraction was analyzed in skin epidermoid carcinoma (A431) cells, osteosarcoma (MG-63) and cervical (HeLa) cell lines with a GI50 value of 47.04 μg/ml, 91.46 μg/ml and 102.90 μg/ml, respectively. The AmC fraction was extended further to explore its role in cell death using A431 cell line. Phase contrast and scanning electron microscopic studies on A431 cells exhibited all the characteristics indicative of apoptosis, viz., viability loss, cell shrinkage, cell rounding-off, DNA fragmentation and formation of apoptotic bodies. Flow cytometric analysis revealed enhanced ROS level, decreased MMP and arrest cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase further strengthened cell death by apoptosis. Increased expressions of apoptotic markers (p53, PUMA, cyt c, Fas and Apaf-1) were confirmed by RT-qPCR analysis. Furthermore, the AmC fraction was subjected to ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, which revealed the presence of different polyphenols in the order: caffeic acid> epicatechin> kaempferol> chlorogenic acid> gallic acid> catechin> ellagic acid >umbeliferone> quercetin> coumaric acid. A critical analysis of results revealed that the AmC fraction induced cell death in epidermoid carcinoma cells via ROS and p53-mediated apoptotic pathway which may be ascribed to the presence of polyphenols in it.

Characterizing the cytotoxic effects and several antimicrobial phytocompounds of Argemone mexicana

Commonly called the Mexican prickly poppy, Argemone mexicana is a stress-resistant member of the Papaveraceae family of plants that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries by indigenous communities in Mexico and Western parts of the United States. This plant has been exploited to treat a wide variety of ailments, with reported antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as cytotoxic effects against some human cancer cell lines. Due to its various therapeutic uses and its abundance of secondary metabolites, A. mexicana has great potential as a drug discovery candidate. Herein, the germination conditions of A. mexicana are described and the cytotoxic activities of different parts (seeds, leaves, inner vs. outer roots) of the plant from methanol or hexane extracts are preliminarily characterized against cells of seven unique organisms. When comparing 1 mg of each sample normalized to background solvent alone, A. mexicana methanol outer root and leaf extracts possessed the strongest antimicrobial activity, with greatest effects against the Gram-positive bacteria tested, and less activity against the Gram-negative bacteria and fungi tested. Additionally, using the MTT colorimetric assay, the outer root methanol and seed hexane extracts displayed pronounced inhibitory effects against human colon cancer cells. Quantification of c-MYC (oncogene) and APC (tumor suppressor) mRNA levels help elucidate how the A. mexicana root methanol extract may be affecting colon cancer cells. After ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and subsequent nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of the root and leaf methanol fractions, two main antibacterial compounds, chelerythrine and berberine, have been identified. The roots were found to possess both phytocompounds, while the leaf lacked chelerythrine. These data highlight the importance of plants as an invaluable pharmaceutical resource at a time when antimicrobial and anticancer drug discovery has plateaued.

Natural RNA dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors: Molecular docking studies of some biologically active alkaloids of Argemone mexicana

COVID-19 has become disastrous for world and spread all over. Researchers all around the globe are working to discover a drug to cure from COVID-19. RNA dependent RNA polymerase plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 replication and thus it could be a potential target for SARS-CoV-2. This study revealed that Protopine, Allocryptopine and (±) 6- Acetonyldihydrochelerythrine could be potential RdRp inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2.

Cholinesterase and Prolyl Oligopeptidase Inhibitory Activities of Alkaloids from Argemone platyceras (Papaveraceae)

Alzheimer's disease is an age-related, neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by cognitive impairment and restrictions in activities of daily living. This disease is the most common form of dementia with complex multifactorial pathological mechanisms. Many therapeutic approaches have been proposed. Among them, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and prolyl oligopeptidase can be beneficial targets in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Roots, along with aerial parts of Argemone platyceras, were extracted with ethanol and fractionated on an alumina column using light petrol, chloroform and ethanol. Subsequently, repeated preparative thin-layer chromatography led to the isolation of (+)-laudanosine, protopine, (-)-argemonine, allocryptopine, (-)-platycerine, (-)-munitagine, and (-)-norargemonine belonging to pavine, protopine and benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline structural types. Chemical structures of the isolated alkaloids were elucidated by optical rotation, spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis (NMR, MS), and comparison with literature data. (+)-Laudanosine was isolated from A. platyceras for the first time. Isolated compounds were tested for human blood acetylcholinesterase, human plasma butyrylcholinesterase and recombinant prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitory activity. The alkaloids inhibited the enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. The most active compound (-)-munitagine, a pavine alkaloid, inhibited both acetylcholinesterase and prolyl oligopeptidase with IC50 values of 62.3 ± 5.8 µM and 277.0 ± 31.3 µM, respectively.

Investigation of adsorption of Rhodamine B onto a natural adsorbent Argemone mexicana

The present study aims at exploring the potential of the seeds of a tropical weed, Argemone mexicana (AM), for the removal of a toxic xanthene textile dye, Rhodamine B (RHB), from waste water. Impact of pH, adsorbent dosage, particle size, contact time and dye concentration have been assessed during adsorption. The weed has been well characterized by several latest techniques thereby providing an indepth information of the mechanism during adsorption. About 80% removal has been attained with 0.06 g of adsorbent over the studied system. Thermodynamic and kinetic studies, followed by second order kinetic model, directed towards the endothermic nature of adsorption. The results obtained from batch experiments were modelled using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm and were analysed on the basis of R² and six error functions for selection of appropriate model. Langmuir isotherm was found to be best fitted to the experimental data with high values of R² and lower values of error functions. Adsorption study revealed the affinity of AM seeds for the dye ions present in waste water, introducing a novel adsorbent in field of waste water treatment.

In Vitro Anti-Urolithiasis Potentials of Argemone mexicana L. Leaves

BACKGROUND

The current study was performed to evaluate the anti-urolithiatic activity of Argemone mexicana L. leaves extracts as natural remedy to over come side effects problem due to the usage of modern synthetic medicine.

METHODS

In vitro experiments (nucleation, aggregation and microscopic assay's) were performed to test the anti-urolithiasis activity of A. mexicana extracted using the four different solvents i.e. petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and water. These extracts were tested at increasing concentration of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/ml and compared with the standard drug cystone.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The extracts were tested for the inhibition percentage of anti-urolithiasis potential against preformed calcium oxalate crystal. The results of A. mexicana extracts on nucleation assay were found to be significant and the methanol leaf extract showed considerable inhibition (72.26%) compared to standard cystone drug (62.96%) and in aggregation assay also the methanol leaf extract of A. mexicana showed significant inhibition (77.24%) compared to cystone (69.33%) at 100 mg/ml concentration. The microscopic assay clearly indicated that A. mexicana leaves extracts are capable to dissolve the calcium oxalate crystals.

CONCLUSION

The methanol extract of A. mexicana leaves contains anti-urolithiatic potentials by in vitro at a dose level of 100 mg/ml. The methanol extract of A. mexicana leaves can be further exploited as a potential anti-urolithiasis drug.

Application of hydrostatic CCC-TLC-HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS for the bioguided fractionation of anticholinesterase alkaloids from Argemone mexicana L. roots

A rapid hydrostatic counter-current chromatography-thin-layer chromatography-electrospray-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CCC-TLC-ESI-TOF-MS) technique was established for use in seeking potent anti-Alzheimer's drugs among the acethylcholinesterase inhibitors in Argemone mexicana L. underground parts, with no need to isolate components in pure form. The dichloromethane extract from the roots of Mexican prickly poppy that was most rich in secondary metabolites was subjected to hydrostatic-CCC-based fractionation in descending mode, using a biphasic system composed of petroleum ether-ethyl acetate-methanol-water at the ratio of 1.5:3:2.1:2 (v/v). The obtained fractions were analyzed in a TLC-based AChE-inhibition "Fast Blue B" test. All active components in the fractions, including berberine, protopine, chelerithrine, sanguinarine, coptisine, palmatine, magnoflorine, and galanthamine, were identified in a direct TLC-HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS assay with high accuracy. This is the first time galanthamine has been reported in the extract of Mexican prickly poppy and the first time it has been identified in any member of the Papaveraceae family, in the significant quantity of 0.77%.

Effect of Argemone mexicana (L.) against lithium-pilocarpine induced status epilepticus and oxidative stress in Wistar rats

Argemone mexicana (L.) has a role in the treatment of epileptic disorders in Indian traditional system of medicine. We studied its effect on induced status epilepticus (SE) and oxidative stress in rats. SE was induced in male albino rats by administration of pilocarpine (30 mg/kg, ip) 24 h after injection of lithium chloride (3 mEq/kg, ip). Different doses of the ethanol extract of A. mexicana were administered orally 1 h before the injection of pilocarpine. The severity of SE was observed and recorded every 15 min for 90 min and thereafter at every 30 min for another 90 min, using the Racine scoring system. In vivo lipid peroxidation of rat brain tissue was measured utilizing thiobarbiturate-reactive substances. Both in vitro free radical nitric oxide and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl scavenging activities of the extract were also determined. The SE severity was significantly reduced following oral administration of the extract at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses. None of the animals from groups 3 to 5 (with A. mexicana extract) have exhibited forelimb clonus of stage 4 seizure. The extract also exhibited both in vivo and in vitro antioxidant activities.

n-Alkane Profile of Argemone mexicana Leaves

An n-hexane extract of fresh, mature leaves of Argemone mexicana (Papaveraceae), containing thin-layer epicuticular waxes, has been analysed for the first time by TLC, IR and GLC using standard hydrocarbons. Seventeen long-chain alkanes (n-C18 to n-C34) were identified and quantified. Nonacosane (n-C29) was established as the n-alkane with the highest amount, whilst octadecane (n-C18) was the least abundant component of the extracted wax fraction. The carbon preference index (CPI) calculated for the hydrocarbon sample with the chain lengths between C18 and C34 was 1.2469, showing an odd to even carbon number predominance.

Evaluation of in vitro aldose reductase inhibitory potential of alkaloidal fractions of Piper nigrum, Murraya koenigii, Argemone mexicana, and Nelumbo nucifera

BACKGROUND

Aldose reductase is primarily involved in development of long-term diabetic complications due to increased polyol pathway activity. The synthetic aldose reductase inhibitors are not very successful clinically. Therefore, the natural sources may be exploited for safer and effective aldose reductase inhibitors.

METHODS

In the present study, the aldose reductase inhibitory potential of hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of Piper nigrum, Murraya koenigii, Argemone mexicana, and Nelumbo nucifera was evaluated. The hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of the selected plants were prepared. The different concentrations of hydroalcoholic and alkaloidal extracts of these plants were evaluated for their goat lens aldose reductase inhibitory activity using dl-glyceraldehyde as substrate. The aldose reductase inhibitory potential of extracts was assessed in terms of their IC50 value.

RESULTS

Amongst the hydroalcoholic extracts, the highest aldose reductase inhibitory activity was shown by P. nigrum (IC50 value 35.64±2.7 μg/mL) followed by M. koenigii (IC50 value 45.67±2.57 μg/mL), A. mexicana (IC50 value 56.66±1.30 μg/mL), and N. nucifera (IC50 value 59.78±1.32 μg/mL). Among the alkaloidal extracts, highest inhibitory activity was shown by A. mexicana (IC50 value 25.67±1.25 μg/mL), followed by N. nucifera (IC50 value 28.82±1.85 μg/mL), P. nigrum (IC50 value 30.21±1.63 μg/mL), and M. koenigii (IC50 value 35.66±1.64 μg/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

It may be concluded that the alkaloidal extracts of these plants possess potent aldose reductase inhibitory activity and may be therapeutically exploited in diabetes-related complications associated with increased activity of aldose reductase.

Acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocytes membrane: a screen for evaluating the activity of some traditional plant extracts

The extraction of plant constituents is essential to isolate biologically active compounds and understanding their role in disease prevention, treatment and in knowing their toxic effects as well. However, meager information is available about the properties and biological activities of phytochemicals derived from certain plants found in Allahabad and adjoining areas. Keeping this information in view, we prepared aqueous extracts and determined their biochemical properties including their impact on the activity of human RBC's acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The UV—Visible spectrophotometric profiles of the aqueous extracts of different parts of the four plant species viz. Calotropis procera, Datura metal, Cannabis sativa, Argemone mexicana and Thevitia peruviana displayed two major peaks at 302 and 336 nm corresponding to the presence of different flavonoids in these preparations. These extracts indicated presence of protein in the range of 1.12 to 19.25mg/g wet weight of the plant tissues. The impact of different phytochemicals present in these extracts was studied on the activity of AChE isolated from human erythrocytes (RBCs). The extracts derived from Argemone mexicana and Datura metal exhibited strong AChE inhibitory potential, whereas others did not show significant inhibition even at higher concentrations. The results indicate that human RBC's can be used as a potential biomarker towards evaluation of the efficacy and toxic potential of varied plant extracts.

Identification of pavinane alkaloids in the genera Argemone and Eschscholzia by GC-MS

The genera Eschscholtzia and Argemone (Papaveraceae) represent a rich source of pavinane alkaloids, the identification of which in alkaloid extracts is generally problematic without standards. The alkaloid extracts of three Argemone and four Eschscholtzia species were analyzed using GC-MS. The alkaloids were identified based on comparison of their mass spectra with commercial libraries, with reported data in the literature and with spectra of reference compounds. A total of 23 alkaloids of six structural types (pavinane, protopine, benzylisoquinoline, benzophenanthridine, aporphine and protoberberine) were identified. The fragmentation pathway of pavinane alkaloids was used for their identification. O-Methylneocaryachine has been reported for the first time from a natural sources and the alkaloid pattern of Eschscholzia pulchella has been analyzed and described for the first time.

Establishment of a sanguinarine-producing cell suspension culture of Argemone mexicana L (Papaveraceae): induction of alkaloid accumulation

A protocol for the induction of a cell suspension culture of Argemone mexicana is described. This suspension has been kept for over 3 years producing sanguinarine, a benzophenanthridine-type alkaloid. Sanguinarine levels can be increased by exposing these cultures to yeast or fungal elicitation.

Improved traditional phytomedicines in current use for the clinical treatment of malaria

Phytomedicines and "green pharmacies" are promoted by some NGOs and governments as part of their efforts to control malaria. "Improved traditional medicines" (ITMs) are standardised as regards preparation and dose, although not always according to the concentration of active compounds. A systematic literature search revealed that six such phytomedicines are currently government-approved in at least one country and used on a relatively large scale nationally or internationally: Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae), Cinchona bark (Rubiaceae), Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr. (Apocynaceae), "Ayush-64", "Malarial-5" and Cochlospermum planchonii Hook. f. ex Planch. (Bixaceae). One further ITM has been developed and is in the process of being approved: Argemone mexicana decoction. Their development, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical trials are reviewed, as well as priorities for future research.

Antibacterial activity of the latex of Argemone ochroleuca Sweet

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antibacterial effect of the crude latex of Argemone ochroleuca (A. ochroleuca) as antibacterial potential against a range of human pathogenic bacteria.

METHODS

This study was carried out at King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from January to March 2010. Seventeen ml of fresh latex from A. ochroleuca Sweet was collected, and the antibacterial activity of crude and diluted latex were examined using one ml of standardized inoculum suspension, and using the agar diffusion method test against Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. All inoculated plates were incubated aerobically at 290C for 48 hours. The diameter of the zones of inhibition was measured to the nearest mm.

RESULTS

The crude latex of A. ochroleuca exhibited a potent antibacterial effect on all bacterial strains examined. The zones of inhibition against the tested bacteria were found in the range of 9.30 - 40.3 mm along with their respective minimum inhibitory concentration values 100 ul/ml.

CONCLUSION

The observable inhibition on selected bacteria by latex of A. ochroleuca makes it a promising alternative as a potential source of natural antibacterial.

Quaternary alkaloids of Argemone mexicana

Four quaternary isoquinoline alkaloids, dehydrocorydalmine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, and oxyberberine, have been isolated from the whole plant of Argemone mexicana Linn. (Papaveraceae) and their structures established by spectral evidence. This is the first report of these alkaloids (dehydrocorydalmine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, and oxyberberine) from Argemone mexicana and the Argemone genus.

Antibacterial potentiality of Argemone mexicana solvent extracts against some pathogenic bacteria

The sensitivity of two Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) pathogenic multi-drug resistant bacteria was tested against the crude extracts (cold aqueous, hot aqueous, and methanol extracts) of leaves and seeds of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) by agar well diffusion method. Though all the extracts were found effective, yet the methanol extract showed maximum inhibition against the test microorganisms followed by hot aqueous extract and cold aqueous extract.

Isoquercitrin from Argemone platyceras inhibits carbachol and leukotriene D4-induced contraction in guinea-pig airways

Argemone platyceras is used in Mexico as a remedy for cough, bronchitis and pneumonia. The present study was performed to investigate the pharmacological anti-asthmatic properties of Argemone platyceras on airways and to identify its active principles. Methanol extracts of leaves and flowers, subsequent organic and aqueous extraction phases, and silica gel chromatography fractions were assayed on the carbachol-induced response, and/or on ovalbumin antigenic challenge, and on leukotriene D(4)-induced response of tracheae from sensitized and non-sensitized guinea-pigs. Methanol extracts, ethyl-acetate phase, and its fractions 6 and 7 inhibited the carbachol-induced contractile response. Isoquercitrin and rutin were the main compounds found in fractions 6 and 7 respectively. Isoquercitrin (fraction 6) abolished the response to ovalbumin, and decreased the contractile response to leukotriene D(4). Because of its effect on carbachol-induced contractile response, on the late-phase response to ovalbumin, and on leukotriene D(4)-induced contractile response, isoquercitrin might be highly useful in treatment of asthma.

Effect of binary combination of some plant-derived molluscicides with MGK-264 or piperonyl butoxide on the reproduction of the snail Lymnaea acuminata

The effects of sub-lethal treatments (20 and 60% of 24-h LC(50)) with plant-derived molluscicides Annona squamosa, acetogenins, Argemone mexicana seed and protopine, in combination (1 + 5) with MGK-264 (ENT 8184) or piperonyl butoxide on the reproduction of Lymnaea acuminata has been studied. The plant-derived molluscicides and their active molluscicidal components, protopine and acetogenins, in combination with ENT 8184 or piperonyl butoxide caused a significant reduction in the fecundity, hatchability and survival of young snails. Combination of A squamosa seed powder with piperonyl butoxide was very effective as it caused a complete arrest of snail fecundity within 24 h of treatment. Removal of the snails to fresh water after the 96-h treatments caused a significant recovery in the fecundity of L acuminata.

Larvicidal and chemosterilant activity of the acetone fraction of petroleum ether extract from Argemone mexicana L seed

The acetone fraction of the petroleum ether extract of seeds from Argemone mexicana L. exhibited larvicidal and growth inhibiting activity against the second instar larvae of Aedes aegypti (Linn). This activity occurred at higher concentrations (200, 100, 50 and 25 ppm). Chemosterilant activity, including reduction in blood meal utilization (27.70%), reduction in fecundity (19.00%), formation of larval-pupal intermediates, formation of pupal-adult intermediates, adult mortality and sterility of first generation eggs (100%), occurred at low concentration (10 ppm).

Cytotoxic benzophenanthridine and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Argemone mexicana

Fractionation of the chloroform extract from the aerial part of Argemone mexicana led to the isolation of two benzophenanthridine-type alkaloids, N-demethyloxysanguinarine and pancorine; three benzylisoquinoline-type alkaloids, (+)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-(2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenylmethyl)-6,7-methylenedioxyisoquinoline, (+)-higenamine and (+)-reticuline. Among them, N-demethyloxysanguinarine is a new compound, and (+)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-(2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenylmethyl)-6,7-methylenedioxy-isoquinoline was isolated form a natural source for the first time, to which was assigned a trivial name, (+)-argenaxine. In addition, six known non-alkaloidal compounds were also isolated and identified. All compounds were characterized on the basis of their spectral data and chemical evidences. Some isolated alkaloids from this species were evaluated for their cytotoxicity to human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HONE-1) and human gastric cancer (NUGC) cell lines. Chelerythrine was found to exhibit significant activity against NUGC cell line, while angoline inhibited both types. (+)-Argenaxine showed moderate activity against the NUGC cell line.