Antimalarial potential, LC-MS secondary metabolite profiling and computational studies of Zingiber officinale

Malaria is among the top-ranked parasitic diseases that pose a threat to the existence of the human race. This study evaluated the antimalarial effect of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale in infected mice, performed secondary metabolite profiling and detailed computational antimalarial evaluation through molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and density functional theory methods. The antimalarial potential of Z. officinale was performed using the in vivo chemosuppressive model; secondary metabolite profiling was carried out using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Molecular docking was performed with Autodock Vina while the MD simulation was performed with Schrodinger desmond suite for 100 ns and DFT calculations with B3LYP (6-31G) basis set. The extract showed 64% parasitaemia suppression, with a dose-dependent increase in activity up to 200 mg/kg. The chemical profiling of the extract tentatively identified eight phytochemicals. The molecular docking studies with plasmepsin II and Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (PfDHFR-TS) identified gingerenone A as the hit molecule, and MMGBSA values corroborate the binding energies obtained. The electronic parameters of gingerenone A revealed its significant antimalarial potential. The antimalarial activity elicited by the extract of Z. officinale and the bioactive chemical constituent supports its usage in ethnomedicine.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Effect of Curcuminoids on Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury after Elective Coronary Angiography or Intervention: A Pilot Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

INTRODUCTION

The role of curcuminoids, a striking antioxidant, in prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of curcuminoids in preventing CI-AKI in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography (CAG) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

We randomized 114 patients who were undergoing elective CAG and/or PCI to receive curcuminoids, 4 g/day (1 day before and 1 day after the procedure, n = 56), or placebo (n = 58). Serum creatinine was assessed at baseline, 12, 24, and 48 h after contrast exposure. The primary endpoint was development of CI-AKI defined as serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 h after contrast exposure. The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of kidney injury defined by >30% increase in urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL).

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Seven (12.7%) in curcuminoids group and eight (14.0%) in placebo group developed CI-AKI (p = 0.84). The incidence of increased urine NGAL was comparable in the placebo and curcuminoids group (39.6% vs. 50%, respectively; p = 0.34). None in both groups had drug-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

This is a pilot study to demonstrate the safety and tolerability of curcuminoids in patients undergoing elective CAG and/or PCI. Curcuminoids have no protective effects against kidney injury after elective CAG and/or PCI.

Near infra-red absorbing Quinolizidine fused curcuminoid-BF2 chelate and its applications in photodynamic therapy using MCF-7 and A549 cells

Metal-free near-infrared absorbing photosensitizers (PS) have been considered promising candidates for photodynamic therapy. Curcumin, curcuminoid, and its derivatives have therapeutic values due to their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiproliferative properties. Curcuminoid-BF2 chelates have also been studied as cell imaging probes, however, their applications in photodynamic therapy are rare. In this article, we describe the synthesis and therapeutic evaluation of quinolizidine fused curcuminoid-BF2 chelate (Quinolizidine CUR-BF2) containing an acid-sensitive group. This donor-acceptor-donor curcuminoid-BF2 derivative exhibits absorption and emission in the deep red region with an absorption band maximum of ∼647 nm and a weak emission band at approximately 713 nm. It is interesting to note that this derivative has a high molar extinction coefficient (164,655 M-1cm-1). Quinolizidine CUR-BF2 possesses intramolecular charge transfer properties, facilitating the production of singlet oxygen (1O2), which plays a crucial role in cell death. Additionally, Quinolizidine CUR-BF2 can enable the selective release of active ingredients in an acidic medium (pH 5). Furthermore, the nanoaggregates of PS were prepared by encapsulating Quinolizidine CUR-BF2 within Pluronic F127 block co-polymer for better water-dispersibility and enhanced cellular uptake. Dark cytotoxicity of nanoaggregates was found to be negligible, whereas they exhibited significant photoinduced cytotoxicity towards cancer cells (MCF-7 and A549) under irradiation of 635 nm light. Further, the cell death pathway using Quinolizidine CUR-BF2 nanoaggregates as PS is found to occur through apoptosis. Specifically, the present study deals with the successful preparation of Quinolizidine CUR-BF2 nanoaggregates for enhanced water-dispersibility and cellular uptake as well as the efficacy evaluation of developed nanoaggregates for photodynamic therapy.

Poly (vinyl alcohol)-gelatin-sericin copolymerized film fortified with vesicle-entrapped demethoxycurcumin/bisdemethoxycurcumin for improved stability, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin tissue regeneration

Vesicle delivery carriers, used to stabilize hydrophobic drugs, are characterized by the propensity to aggregate, and fuse, limiting its applications. Fortifying vesicle-entrapped drugs within a biodegradable polymeric film constitutes a promising solution. In this study, biodegradable poly (vinyl alcohol) copolymerized with gelatin-sericin film and integrated alongside vesicle-entrapped demethoxycurcumin (DMC) or bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) was developed, extensively characterized for improve efficacy, and compared. Vesicle-entrapped DMC or BDMC was spherical in shape with no changes in size, zeta-potential, and morphology after storing at 4 °C for 30 days. Antibacterial activity of vesicle-entrapped DMC formulations against Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus epidermidis was more effective than that of its free form. DMC and BDMC demonstrated dose dependent reduction in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) levels either in free or in entrapped form. Moreover, vesicle-entrapped DMC/BDMC suppressed NO production at lower concentrations, compared with that of their free form and significantly improved the viability of RAW264.7 and HaCaT cells. Furthermore, functionalized film with vesicle-entrapped DMC/BDMC demonstrated excellent radical scavenging, biocompatibility, and cell migration efficacy. Thus, incorporating vesicle, entrapped DMC/BDMC within biodegradable polymeric film may comprised a promising strategy for improving stability, wound healing, and inflammation attenuation efficacy.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin, a curcumin, protects chondrocytes, and reduces cartilage inflammation via the NRF2/HO-1/NLRP3 pathway

BACKGROUND

The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effect of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on osteoarthritis (OA) and comprehensively evaluate the role of the Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling pathway in chondrocytes.

METHOD

In our study, we treated chondrocytes with BDMC in an in vitro chondrocyte assay and measured its influence on extracellular matrix (ECM) expression, downstream heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) levels.

RESULTS

Our study indicates that BDMC significantly activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway in chondrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3, interleukin 1β, recombinant a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)4 and (ADAMTS)5 was significantly suppressed by BDMC.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the potential for BDMC to activate the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 signalling pathway and alleviate OA symptoms. Therefore, BDMC is a promising therapeutic agent for OA that offers new insights and treatment methods.

Genus Curcuma: chemical and ethnopharmacological role in aging process

Aging or senescence is part of human life development with many effects on the physical, mental, and physiological aspects which may lead to age-related deterioration in many organs. Genus Curcuma family Zingieraceae represents one of the well-studied and medically important genera with more than eighty species. The genus is reported to contain different classes of biologically active compounds that are mainly presented in diphenylheptanoids, diphenylpentanoids, diphenylalkanoids, phenylpropene derivatives, alkaloids, flavonoids, chromones, terpenoids, phenolic acids and volatile constituents. Rhizomes and roots of such species are rich with main phytoconstituents viz. curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bis-demethoxycurcumin. A wide variety of biological activities were demonstrated for different extracts and essential oils of genus Curcuma members including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and neuroprotective. Thus, making them as an excellent safe source for nutraceutical products and as a continuous promising area of research on lead compounds that may help in the slowing down of the aging process especially the neurologic and mental deterioration that are usually experienced upon aging. In this review different species of the genus Curcuma were summarized with their phytochemical and biological activities highlighting their role as antiaging agents. The data were collected from different search engines viz. Pubmed®, Google Scholar®, Scopus® and Web of Science® limiting the search to the period between 2003 up till now.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Water-Soluble Prodrugs of C5-Curcuminoid GO-Y030 Based on Reversible Thia-Michael Reaction

Although curcumin and its analogs exhibit anticancer activity, they are still not used as anticancer drugs because of their water insolubility and extremely poor bioavailability. This study describes the development of water-soluble prodrugs of GO-Y030, a potent antitumor C5-curcuminoid, in an attempt to enhance its bioavailability. These prodrugs release the parent compound via a retro-thia-Michael reaction. To endow sufficient hydrophilicity onto GO-Y030 via a single thia-Michael reaction of an aqueous entity, we used a modified glycoconjugate with a thiol group. The water-solubilizing motif was installed on GO-Y030 by the thia-Michael reaction of propargyl-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-thiol and subsequent click chemistry (CuAAC) reaction with 1-glycosyl azide. Turbidity measurements revealed a significantly improved water solubility of the prodrugs, demonstrating that disaccharide conjugates were completely dissolved in water at 100 µM. Their cytotoxicity was comparable to that of the parent compound GO-Y030, indicating the gradual in situ release of GO-Y030. The release of GO-Y030 from GO-Y199 via the retro-thia-Michael reaction was demonstrated through a degradation study in water. Our retro-thia-Michael reaction-based prodrug system can be used for targeting cancer cells.

Exploring the Mechanism of Activation of CFTR by Curcuminoids: An Ensemble Docking Study

Curcumin, a major constituent of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), has beneficial effects against several diseases. In cystic fibrosis (CF), this compound improves patients' symptoms by recovering the activity of a number of mutants of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Despite holding promise in the treatment of CF, the curcumin binding site in CFTR and the molecular mechanism of activation of this channel are still unknown. The results of this study, based on docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, allow us to propose that curcumin binds the closed ATP-free CFTR near the nucleotide-binding domain 1 (NBD1)/ICl1/ICl4 interface. The bound ligand, once approached by the nucleotide-binding domain 2 (NBD2) during transient channel opening, lays at a multiple interdomain cross point. Thereafter, curcumin can bridge NBD1 and NBD2, and also ICL1/ICL4 and ICL2/ICL3, finally tightening the same interdomain interactions that normally uphold the open conformation in the wild-type ATP-bound CFTR. The proposed binding site is compatible with biochemical observations made in previous CFTR-curcumin interaction studies. These findings provide a framework for the design of novel drugs that activate CFTR mutants characterized by defects in ATP binding and/or NBD dimerization or even lacking NBD2.

Differential gene expression analysis under salinity stress in the selected turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivars for curcuminoid biosynthesis

BACKGROUND

Curcuminoids are the phenolic compounds found exclusively in turmeric. Their presence is known to increase immunity and resistance against certain cancers and neurological disorders in humans also, protecting the plant itself against salinity stress.

METHODS

In this experiment, we studied the expression levels of MAPK1 and DCS genes, their curcuminoid biosynthesis under salinity stress conditions so that the impact of individual genes can be understood using semi- quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

The expressions of the genes with respect to curcuminoid biosynthesis showed fluctuations in their band intensity values due to the production of curcuminoids, which is initiated first in the leaves followed by the rhizomes. Not all the genes responsible for the curcuminoid biosynthesis show positive regulation under salt stress conditions which is observed in response to the severity of the stress imposed on the cultivars.

CONCLUSIONS

In our findings, both the genes MAPK1 and DCS were down-regulated for curcuminoid biosynthesis compared to their controls in both the cultivars Vallabh Sharad and Selection 1.

Recent advances in delivering free or nanoencapsulated Curcuma by-products as antimicrobial food additives

Food commodities are often contaminated by microbial pathogens in transit or during storage. Hence, mitigation of these pathogens is necessary to ensure the safety of food commodities. Globally, researchers used botanicals as natural additives to preserve food commodities from bio-deterioration, and advances were made to meet users' acceptance in this domain, as synthetic preservatives are associated with harmful effects to both consumers and environments. Over the last century, the genus Curcuma has been used in traditional medicine, and its crude and nanoencapsulated essential oils (EOs) and curcuminoids were used to combat harmful pathogens that deteriorate stored foods. Today, more research is needed for solving the problem of pathogen resistance in food commodities and to meet consumer demands. Therefore, Curcuma-based botanicals may provide a source of natural preservatives for food commodities that satisfy the needs both of the food industry and the consumers. Hence, this article discusses the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of EOs and curcuminoids derived from the genus Curcuma. Further, the action modes of Curcuma-based botanicals are explained, and the latest advances in nanoencapsulation of these compounds in food systems are discussed alongside knowledge gaps and safety assessment where the focus of future research should be placed.

Enhanced in vivo absorption and biodistribution of curcumin loaded into emulsions with high medium-chain triglyceride content

The health benefits of curcumin have been demonstrated by several clinical studies, but its low bioavailability compromises its functionality. In this regard, emulsions have proven to be effective encapsulation systems for curcumin. Nevertheless, emulsions with a high oil content (50%) may offer some advantages due to the large amount of compound they can incorporate. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of curcumin when carried in optimized emulsions containing 50% MCT oil and a plant-based emulsifier (soybean lecithin) at 2 h or 4 h post-oral administration to rats. The most stable emulsion was obtained using 50% of oil and a surfactant-oil-ratio 0.1, through a microfluidization process. After the oral administration of the systems (150 mg curcumin/kg body weight), curcumin glucuronide was the main compound present in plasma (AUC0-t = 1556.3 ng·h·ml-1), especially at 2-4 h post-administration. The total curcuminoid bioavailability was increased by 10.6-fold when rats were fed with the curcumin emulsion rather than with a control suspension. Moreover, rats fed with the emulsion showed the highest accumulation of free curcuminoids, which present the highest biological activity, in the liver (129 ng curcumin/g tissue) and brown adipose tissue (193 ng curcumin/g tissue). The obtained results are of great interest since the presence of curcumin in the brown adipose tissue has been shown to play a relevant role in the prevention of obesity and its related metabolic disorders.

Interaction of Thiol Antioxidants with α,β-Unsaturated Ketone Moiety: Its Implication for Stability and Bioactivity of Curcuminoids

Many biological functions of curcumin have been reported. As certain bioactivities of curcumin are eliminated by antioxidants, reactive oxygen species generated by curcumin have been suggested as a relevant mechanism. In the present study, the effects of different types of antioxidants on the stability and bioactivities of curcumin were analyzed. High concentrations (>4 mM) of thiol antioxidants, including N-acetylcysteine (NAC), glutathione (GSH), and β-mercaptoethanol, accelerated the decomposition of curcumin and other curcuminoids; the submillimolar levels (<0.5 mM) of GSH and NAC rather improved their stability. Ascorbic acid or superoxide dismutase also stabilized curcumin, regardless of their concentration. The cellular levels and bioactivities of curcumin, including its cytotoxicity and the induction of heme oxygenase-1, were significantly reduced in the presence of 8 mM of GSH and NAC. The effects were enhanced in the presence of submillilmolar GSH and NAC, or non-thiol antioxidants. The present results indicate that antioxidants with a reduced thiol group could directly interact with the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety of curcuminoids and modulate their stability and bioactivity.

First Gallium and Indium Crystal Structures of Curcuminoid Homoleptic Complexes: All-Different Ligand Stereochemistry and Cytotoxic Potential

The crystal structure determination of metal complexes of curcuminoids is a relevant topic to assess their unequivocal molecular structure. We report herein the first two X-ray crystal structures of homoleptic metal complexes of a curcuminoid, namely Dimethoxycurcumin (DiMeOC), with gallium and indium. Such successful achievement can be attributed to the suppression of interactions from the phenolic groups, which favor an appropriate molecular setup, rendering Dimethoxycurcumin gallium ((DiMeOC)2-Ga) and Dimethoxycurcumin indium ((DiMeOC)3-In) crystals. Surprisingly, the conformation of ligands in the crystal structures shows differences in each metal complex. Thus, the ligands in the (DiMeOC)2-Ga complex show two different conformers in the two molecules of the asymmetric unit. However, the ligands in the (DiMeOC)3-In complex exhibit three different conformations within the same molecule of the asymmetric unit, constituting the first such case described for an ML3 complex. The cytotoxic activity of the (DiMeOC)2-Ga complex is 4-fold higher than cisplatin against the K562 cell line and has comparable activity towards U251 and PC-3 cell lines. Interestingly, this complex exhibit three times lesser toxicity than cisplatin and even slightly lesser cytotoxicity than curcumin itself.

Ruthenium(II)-Arene Curcuminoid Complexes as Photosensitizer Agents for Antineoplastic and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: In Vitro and In Vivo Insights

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anticancer/antibacterial strategy in which photosensitizers (PSs), light, and molecular oxygen generate reactive oxygen species and induce cell death. PDT presents greater selectivity towards tumor cells than conventional chemotherapy; however, PSs have limitations that have prompted the search for new molecules featuring more favorable chemical-physical characteristics. Curcumin and its derivatives have been used in PDT. However, low water solubility, rapid metabolism, interference with other drugs, and low stability limit curcumin use. Chemical modifications have been proposed to improve curcumin activity, and metal-based PSs, especially ruthenium(II) complexes, have attracted considerable attention. This study aimed to characterize six Ru(II)-arene curcuminoids for anticancer and/or antibacterial PDT. The hydrophilicity, photodegradation rates, and singlet oxygen generation of the compounds were evaluated. The photodynamic effects on human colorectal cancer cell lines were also assessed, along with the ability of the compounds to induce ROS production, apoptotic, necrotic, and/or autophagic cell death. Overall, our encouraging results indicate that the Ru(II)-arene curcuminoid derivatives are worthy of further investigation and could represent an interesting option for cancer PDT. Additionally, the lack of significant in vivo toxicity on the larvae of Galleria mellonella is an important finding. Finally, the photoantimicrobial activity of HCurc I against Gram-positive bacteria is indeed promising.

Development, characterization, and consumer acceptance evaluation of thermally stable capsule beads containing mixed extracts of green tea and turmeric

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of shell (coating) formulations comprised of alginate and glucono delta lactone (GDL) to encapsulate a mixture of green tea and turmeric extracts. Three concentrations of alginate and GDL were used at 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%, w/v and their solid ratio was varied using a factorial design. A response surface model was applied to optimize the retention of catechin and curcuminoid contents, to determine encapsulation efficiency, and to minimize undesirable flavor and taste. Increasing the concentration of alginate and GDL significantly increased the retention of catechin and curcuminoid contents, encapsulation efficiency, and consumer acceptance (p < 0.05). The encapsulating solution containing 1% of each alginate and GDL performed the best against each criterion. The thermal treatment carried out at the boiling point of water for 15 min had a significant impact on the retention of catechin and curcuminoid content which, in the thermally-treated beads, was 5.15 and 3.85 times higher than unencapsulated, respectively. The consumer acceptance of the encapsulated beads after thermal treatment was higher than that of the unencapsulated formulations as they exhibited lesser pungent flavor and bitterness. The innovative process of thermally stable microencapsulation can produce anti-cancer activity compounds involved in functional food industrial sectors.

Novel Biphasic In Vitro Dissolution Method Correctly Predicts the Oral Bioavailability of Curcumin in Humans

In vitro dissolution methods correctly predicting in vivo bioavailability of compounds from complex mixtures are lacking. We therefore used data on the in vivo performance of bioavailability-improved curcumin formulations to implement an in vivo predictive dissolution method (BiPHa+). BiPHa+ was applied for the characterization of eight curcumin formulations previously studied in a strictly controlled pharmacokinetic human trial. During dissolution, the dissolved proportion of curcumin in the aqueous medium underwent a formulation-dependent reduction, whereas the proportion remained stable in the organic layer. Compared with conventional dissolution systems, BiPHa+ was superior in terms of in vivo-relevant formulation characterization. All formulations could be precisely categorized according to their bioavailability in humans. In vitro-in vivo relationships for each dissolution method were established, with BiPHa+ providing the highest degree of linearity (r2 = 0.9975). The BiPHa+ assay correctly predicted the bioavailability of curcuminoids from complex mixtures and provided mechanistic information about formulation-dependent release characteristics.

Purification and characterization of pure curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin from North-East India Lakadong turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Lakadong turmeric has been outlined for its high content of curcuminoids across the globe. Three significant molecular markers are widely present in turmeric viz, curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, and they are present very high amount in Lakadong turmeric. Curcuminoids have been reported for structural and spectrum similarity of 3 to 4 nm (432, 434, and 436 nm, respectively). Current purification methods are based on recrystallisation where it is difficult to get highly pure material and preparative methods associated with tedious separation with high cost. Lakadong turmeric has not been explored commercially since long time. No reports are available in the literature with highly pure reference materials with in-depth characterization data and purity assessment. Curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin were characterized using different analytical techniques viz, UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1HNMR), Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13CNMR), High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HR-MS) and Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Purified 3 markers has shown High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) purity more than 99.5%. DSC the melting peaks of curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin were observed at 168 °C, 165 °C, and 210 °C, respectively. These plant-based markers have high commercial potential as reference material for routine Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) in herbal industries.

Turmeric and Curcumin-Health-Promoting Properties in Humans versus Dogs

The growing popularity of the use of nutraceuticals in the prevention and alleviation of symptoms of many diseases in humans and dogs means that they are increasingly the subject of research. A representative of the nutraceutical that deserves special attention is turmeric. Turmeric belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is grown extensively in Asia. It is a plant used as a spice and food coloring, and it is also used in traditional medicine. The biologically active factors that give turmeric its unusual properties and color are curcuminoids. It is a group of substances that includes curcumin, de-methoxycurcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is used as a yellow-orange food coloring. The most important pro-health effects observed after taking curcuminoids include anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to characterize turmeric and its main substance, curcumin, in terms of their properties, advantages, and disadvantages, based on literature data.

Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm.: biotechnological advancements and perspectives

Shampoo ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) is a multipurpose ginger that has confirmed their role as food, medicine, and for decorative purposes. The rhizome possesses zerumbone, curcuminoids, and other bioactive molecules that play crucial roles in treating several human diseases. To date, several reports are existing on the in vitro biotechnology of Z. zerumbet. The present review highlights the consolidated clarification and comprehensive explanation of in vitro biotechnological implications based on plant tissue culture for the improvement of Z. zerumbet. Studies on biotechnological involvement in shampoo ginger were primarily emphasized in the study of the last 3 decades, for instance, in vitro regeneration, micro-rhizome production, callus culture, somatic embryogenesis, ex vitro establishment, and molecular assessment of in vitro-raised clones. Moreover, this review provides insights into different in vitro culture systems and endophytes involvement in the production of secondary metabolites. This review will assist for advanced research areas related to in vitro manipulation of shampoo ginger, especially for the commercial cultivation of secondary metabolites rich clones of Z. zerumbet. Moreover, it will provide an insight into crop upgrading and breeding programs of this underutilized, aromatic, and medicinal plant for amended yield and quality. KEY POINTS: • Z. zerumbet is an aromatic spice and an ornamental • This review comprehensively assesses Z. zerumbet tissue culture • Key shortcomings and future directions of Z. zerumbet biotechnology.

Drosophila melanogaster as a Translational Model System to Explore the Impact of Phytochemicals on Human Health

Fruits, vegetables, and spices are natural sources of bioactive phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, curcuminoids, terpenoids, and capsaicinoids, possessing multiple health benefits and relatively low toxicity. These compounds found in the diet play a central role in organism development and fitness. Given the complexity of the whole-body response to dietary changes, invertebrate model organisms can be valuable tools to examine the interplay between genes, signaling pathways, and metabolism. Drosophila melanogaster, an invertebrate model with its extensively studied genome, has more than 70% gene homology to humans and has been used as a model system in biological studies for a long time. The notable advantages of Drosophila as a model system, such as their low maintenance cost, high reproductive rate, short generation time and lifespan, and the high similarity of metabolic pathways between Drosophila and mammals, have encouraged the use of Drosophila in the context of screening and evaluating the impact of phytochemicals present in the diet. Here, we review the benefits of Drosophila as a model system for use in the study of phytochemical ingestion and describe the previously reported effects of phytochemical consumption in Drosophila.

Effects of Curcuminoids and Surfactant-Formulated Curcumin on Chemo-Resistant Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and chronic gut inflammation is a risk factor for CRC initiation and development. Curcuma longa L., or turmeric, has become one of the most studied herbal medicines in recent years due to its anticancer potentials. It is generally accepted that the major component in turmeric is curcuminoids, and the active constituent in curcuminoids is curcumin. However, unprocessed curcumin is characterized by poor water solubility, which means low bioavailability in humans. To increase the bioavailability of curcumin, in this study, we utilized a novel surfactant-formulated curcumin (CuminUP60[Formula: see text]) and evaluated its CRC chemopreventive activities. Compared with the chemo-sensitive CRC cell line HCT-116, the management of the CRC SW-480 cell line is a challenge, since the latter is chemo-resistant. In other words, these cancer cells resist the effects of the chemotherapy. Using the newly formulated CuminUP60[Formula: see text] water solution, this study demonstrated its strong antiproliferative effects on the SW-480 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This new formulation induced early apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase via the upregulation of cyclin B1. We also observed that this new formulation possessed inhibitory effects on Th17 cell differentiation, which regulates the body's immune response against gut malignancies. In summary, our results exhibited a potential clinical utility of the surfactant-formulated curcumin in chemo-resistant colorectal cancer management.

Diarylheptanoid Derivatives (Musellins A-F) and Dimeric Phenylphenalenones from Seed Coats of Musella lasiocarpa, the Chinese Dwarf Banana

Phenylphenalenones (PPs) are phytoalexins protecting banana plants (Musaceae) against various pathogens. However, how plants synthesize PPs is still poorly understood. In this work, we investigated the major secondary metabolites of developing seed coats of Musella lasiocarpa to determine if this species might be a good model system to study the biosynthesis of PPs. We found that PPs are major components of M. lasiocarpa seed coats at middle and late developmental stages. Two previously undescribed PP dimers (M-4 and M-6) and a group of unreported diarylheptanoid (DH) derivatives named musellins A-F (B-7, B-9, B-10, B-12, B-14, and B-15) were isolated along with 14 known compounds. Musellin D (B-12) and musellin F (B-15) contain the first reported furo[3,2-c]pyran ring and represent a previously undescribed carbon skeleton. The chemical structures of all new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic data, including NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD analysis. Plausible biosynthetic pathways for the formation of PPs and DHs are proposed.

Optimization of ethanol-modified subcritical water extraction of curcuminoids from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) rhizomes: Comparison with conventional techniques

Subcritical solvent extraction (SSE) as ethanol-modified subcritical water extraction (SWE) was applied to extract curcuminoids from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) rhizomes. RSM-CCD was employed to evaluate the influential factors including temperature (90-150 °C), flow rate (1-4 mL/min), and ethanol concentration (25-75 wt%) on the extraction yield. The optimum condition was 90 °C, 4 mL/min, and 25 wt% with the extraction yield of 4.12 wt% (db). Applying ethanol as a polarity-tuning parameter enabled operations at lower temperatures, which prevented thermal degradation. The SSE optimum experiment was compared with Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional solvent extraction (CSE), both with the ethanol-water mixture (25 wt%). Their yields were 2.71, 0.85, and 0.84 wt% (db), respectively. The higher yield of SSE was related to the higher solubility of curcuminoids due to the more appropriate adjustment of solvent polarity by a decrease in the dielectric constant with a rise in the operating temperature.

Efficacy of TurmiZn, a Metallic Complex of Curcuminoids-Tetrahydrocurcumin and Zinc on Bioavailability, Antioxidant, and Cytokine Modulation Capability

Complexes of curcumin with metals have shown much-improved stability, solubility, antioxidant capability, and efficacy when compared to curcumin. The present research investigates the relative bioavailability, antioxidant, and ability to inhibit inflammatory cytokine production of a curcuminoid metal chelation complex of tetrahydrocurcumin-zinc-curcuminoid termed TurmiZn. In vitro uptake assay using pig intestinal epithelial cells showed that TurmiZn has an ~3-fold increase (p ≤ 0.01) in uptake compared to curcumin and a ~2-fold increase (p ≤ 0.01) over tetrahydrocurcumin (THC). In a chicken model, an oral 1-g dose of TurmiZn showed a ~2.5-fold increase of a specific metabolite peak compared to curcumin (p = 0.004) and a ~3-fold increase compared to THC (p = 0.001). Oral doses (5 g/Kg) of TurmiZn in rats also showed the presence of curcumin and THC metabolites in plasma, indicating bioavailability across cell membranes in animals. Determination of the antioxidant activity by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging assay indicated that TurmiZn was about 13x better (p ≤ 0.0001) than curcumin and about 4X better (p ≤ 0.0001) than THC, in reducing free radicals. In vitro experiments further showed significant (p ≤ 0.01) reductions of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL) IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, while showing a significant (p ≤ 0.01) increase of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in dog kidney cells. In vivo cytokine modulations were also observed when TurmiZn was fed for 6 weeks to newborn chickens. TurmiZn reduced IL-1 and IL-6, but significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.01) IL-10 levels while there was a concurrent significant (p = 0.02) increase in interferon gamma compared to controls. Overall, these results indicate that TurmiZn has better bioavailability and antioxidant capability than curcumin or THC and has the ability to significantly modulate cytokine levels. Thus, TurmiZn could be an excellent candidate for a novel ingredient that can be incorporated into food and supplements to help overall health during the aging process.

Curcuminoids Modulated the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in LoVo and HT-29 Colorectal Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND

Curcuminoids, including curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdesmethoxycurcumin, are natural polyphenolic compounds that exhibit various biological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Dysregulation of the interleukin (IL)-6-mediated Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway is closely associated with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

Here, we have evaluated the modulation of the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway of curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdesmethoxycurcumin in LoVo and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells with a single molecular array (Simoa), western blot analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and pathway analysis system.

RESULTS

The study showed that curcuminoids suppressed the amount of IL-6 in LoVo and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. Meanwhile, curcuminoids inhibited the expression of inflammation regulator-related microRNA (miRNA). We also found that the expression of total STAT3 was downregulated by curcuminoids. Moreover, the pathway analysis system showed that curcuminoids inactivated the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Taken together, we demonstrated that the anti-cancer activities of curcuminoids against colorectal cancer are due to the modulation of the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 cascade.

CONCLUSION

Curcuminoids could be a promising anti-cancer agent for the treatment of human colorectal cancer.

The Chemical Signatures of Water Extract of Zingiber officinale Rosc

Background: Ginger (Z. officinale Rosc.) is a common herb and is widely used as a diet-based or home therapy in traditional medicine worldwide. However, fresh ginger turns into dried ginger after kiln drying and shows a different treatment effect in clinical practice. Objective: To characterize the changes of major bioactive constituents in dried ginger after the processing of fresh ginger. Methods: A novel, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC−QTOF/MS) method was established to characterize the changes in the bioactive constituents of dried ginger. The novel strategy was split into two steps: firstly, the MS selected the most intense precursor ions of tandem MS; then, target MS/MS acquisition with different collision energies (10, 20, and 40 eV) was used to characterize the compound’s accurate MS/MS spectra and compare the MS/MS spectrum with the building MS reference library and reference standards. Result: Fifty-three compounds, including diarylheptanoids, gingerols, gingerodiols, gingerdiones, and shogaol-related compounds, were identified based on summarized fragmentation patterns. Fifteen out of fifty-three compounds were diarylheptanoids, which was different from fresh ginger. Conclusion: These identified compounds could be used to characterize the quality of dried ginger, pharmacologic studies should focus on diarylheptanoids explaining the different treatment effects between fresh ginger and dried ginger.

Gingerenone A Alleviates Ferroptosis in Secondary Liver Injury in Colitis Mice via Activating Nrf2-Gpx4 Signaling Pathway

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have been found to be frequently associated with secondary liver injury (SLI). In this study, we investigated the protective effect of GA on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced SLI in mice and its mechanism. The SLI was established by adding 4% DSS in the drinking water of mice, and the effects of GA (5, 20 mg/kg, p.o., once a day for 7 days) in hepatic tissues were analyzed. HepG2 cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to detect the effect of GA on ferroptosis and the underlying mechanism. Pathological damage was determined by H&E. Liver parameters (AST and ALT), antioxidant enzyme activities (MDA and SOD), and the level of Fe²⁺ in the liver were detected by kits. Cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and Gpx4 activity in the liver were detected by ELISA. Finally, the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) was detected to explore the mechanism. The results indicated that GA significantly attenuated DSS-induced hepatic pathological damage, liver parameters, and cytokine levels and increased the antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, GA attenuated ferroptosis in DSS-induced liver injury and upregulated Gpx4 expression in DSS-induced mice. Mechanistic experiments revealed that GA activated Nrf2 in mice. Taken together, this study demonstrates that GA can alleviate ferroptosis in SLI in DSS-induced colitis mice, and its protective effects are associated with activating the Nrf2-Gpx4 signaling pathway.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin suppresses human brain glioblastoma multiforme GBM 8401 cell migration and invasion via affecting NF-κB and MMP-2 and MMP-9 signaling pathway in vitro

Human glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the common cancer death in adults worldwide, and its metastasis will lead to difficult treatment. Finding compounds for future to develop treatment is urgent. Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), a natural product, was isolated from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa), which has been shown to against many human cancer cells. In the present study, we evaluated the antimetastasis activity of BDMC in human GBM cells. Cell proliferation, cell viability, cellular uptake, wound healing, migration and invasion, and western blotting were analyzed. Results indicated that BDMC at 1.5-3 μM significantly decreased the cell proliferation by MTT assay. BDMC showed the highest uptake by cells at 3 h. After treatment of BDMC at 12-48 h significantly inhibited cell motility in GBM 8401 cells by wound healing assay. BDMC suppressed cell migration and invasion at 24 and 48 h treatment by transwell chamber assay. BDMC significantly decreased the levels of proteins associated with PI3K/Akt, Ras/MEK/ERK pathways and resulted in the decrease in the expressions of NF-κB, MMP-2, MMP-9, and N-cadherin, leading to the inhibition of cell migration and invasion. These findings suggest that BDMC may be a potential candidate for the antimetastasis of human GBM cells in the future.

Curcuminoids can prevent post-contrast acute kidney injury in chronic kidney disease patients: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Post contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) following coronary procedures is a common cause of renal impairment in hospitalized patients, curcuminoids exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and have shown positive effects on renal hemodynamic protection The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of curcuminoids in the prevention of PC-AKI in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

METHODS

This study was a single-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with CKD undergoing elective coronary angiography (CAG) at Vajira Hospital from October 2018 to March 2019. Patients were randomized to receive curcuminoids at 1500 mg per day 3 days before and 2 days after the procedure or placebo. The primary outcome was the development of PC-AKI, and the secondary outcomes were overall acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence within 7 days after CAG, changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and other adverse events.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were enrolled in this study (30 in the curcuminoid group and 30 in the control group). AKI developed in 5 patients in the control group but not in the curcuminoid group (16.67% vs 0%, P = .052). that curcuminoids could preserve changes in eGFR compared to the placebo group (-1.5 vs 2.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, P value <.001 within 48 hours and -4 vs 1 mL/min/1.73 m2, P value 0.002 within 7 days). However, the hs-CRP and IL-6 levels did not differ between the groups. No serious adverse events were observed in either of the groups.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic administration of curcuminoids, in addition to standard treatment, reduces the incidence of PC-AKI in patients with CKD undergoing elective CAG.

Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction (UAE) Method Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES) to Increase Curcuminoid Yield from Curcuma longa L., Curcuma xanthorrhiza, and Curcuma mangga Val

This study aims to optimize ultrasonic-assisted natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) based extraction from C. longa. Choline chloride-lactic acid (CCLA-H₂O = 1:1, b/v) was used to investigate the impact of various process parameters such as solvent’s water content, solid loading, temperature, and extraction time. The optimal yield of 79.635 mg/g of C. longa was achieved from extraction in 20% water content NADES with a 4% solid loading in 35 °C temperature for 1 h. Peleg’s model was used to describe the kinetics of the optimized ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) method, and the results were found to be compatible with experimental data. The optimum conditions obtained from C. longa extraction were then used for the extraction of C. xanthorriza and C. mangga, which give yields of 2.056 and 31.322 mg/g, respectively. Furthermore, n-hexane was utilized as an anti-solvent in the separation process of curcuminoids extract from C. longa, C. xanthorriza, and C. mangga, which gave curcuminoid recovery of 39%, 0.74%, and 27%, respectively. Solidification of curcuminoids was also carried out using the crystallization method with n-hexane and isopropanol. However, the solution of CCLA and curcuminoids formed a homogeneous mixture with isopropanol. Hence, the curcuminoids could not be solidified due to the presence of NADES in the extract solution.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDC)-Loaded H-Ferritin-Nanocages Mediate the Regulation of Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease Patients

BACKGROUND

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDC) might be an inflammation inhibitor in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, BDC is almost insoluble in water, poorly absorbed by the organism, and degrades rapidly. We thus developed a new nanoformulation of BDC based on H-Ferritin nanocages (BDC-HFn).

METHODS

We tested the BDC-HFn solubility, stability, and ability to cross a blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. We tested the effect of BDC-HFn on AD and control (CTR) PBMCs to evaluate the transcriptomic profile by RNA-seq.

RESULTS

We developed a nanoformulation with a diameter of 12 nm to improve the solubility and stability. The comparison of the transcriptomics analyses between AD patients before and after BDC-HFn treatment showed a major number of DEG (2517). The pathway analysis showed that chemokines and macrophages activation differed between AD patients and controls after BDC-HFn treatment. BDC-HFn binds endothelial cells from the cerebral cortex and crosses through a BBB in vitro model.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed how BDC-Hfn could improve the stability of BDC. Significant differences in genes associated with inflammation between the same patients before and after BDC-Hfn treatment have been found. Inflammatory genes that are upregulated between AD and CTR after BDC-HFn treatment are converted and downregulated, suggesting a possible therapeutic approach.

Curcumin and Its Analogs as a Therapeutic Strategy in Infections Caused by RNA Genome Viruses

The use of natural resources for the prevention and treatment of diseases considered fatal to humanity has evolved. Several medicinal plants have nutritional and pharmacological potential in the prevention and treatment of viral infections, among them, turmeric, which is recognized for its biological properties associated with curcuminoids, mainly represented by curcumin, and found mostly in rhizomes. The purpose of this review was to compile the pharmacological activities of curcumin and its analogs, aiming at stimulating their use as a therapeutic strategy to treat infections caused by RNA genome viruses. We revisited its historical application as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral agent that combined with low toxicity, motivated research against viruses affecting the population for decades. Most findings concentrate particularly on arboviruses, HIV, and the recent SARS-CoV-2. As one of the main conclusions, associating curcuminoids with nanomaterials increases solubility, bioavailability, and antiviral effects, characterized by blocking the entry of the virus into the cell or by inhibiting key enzymes in viral replication and transcription.

Impact of light-activated curcumin and curcuminoids films for catheters decontamination

BACKGROUND

Biofilms are microbial communities protected by an extra polymeric matrix, which promotes a defense against antimicrobial agents. Cells attached in surfaces and promote infections. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is one of the strategies to eliminate infections due to the facility of use and the absence of resistance by bacteria. The study combines formulation with curcuminoids and with Photogem^(R), illuminating them with 450 nm and 630 nm, respectively.

METHODS

Films were prepared with pectin, glycerin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, curcumin, curcuminoids, or Photogem^(R) (0.75; 0.75 mg/mL and 0.03 mg/mL respectively). Bacterial biofilms were formed during 3, 4, or 7 days on catheters and illumination with LED devices at 450 nm and 630 nm.

RESULTS

The best PDI applied in S. aureus 7-days biofilm with curcuminoid film. Photogem film was the best strategy for PDI in E. coli 7-day biofilm. Curcumin film promoted similar results with S. aureus and E. coli. Light penetration demonstrated a similar decreased exponential curve along the increase of thickness of biofilm.

CONCLUSION

Curcuminoids, curcumin and Photogem® show efficient solubilization and availability in formulation with relevant results in PDI. S aureus biofilms were more susceptible to curcuminoid film. E coli biofilms were more susceptible to Photogem film.

Bovine Serum Albumin-Based Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity Enhancement of Three Main Curcuminoids from Curcuma longa

Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) lipid hybrid nanoparticles are part of the new solutions to overcome low bioavailability of poor solubility drugs such as curcuminoids, which possess multiple biological advantages; however, they are counterbalanced by its short biological half-life. In this line, we prepared the three main curcuminoids: curcumin (CUR), desmethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDM)-loaded BSA nanoparticles. The three formulations were characterized by the average size, size distribution, crystallinity, weight loss, drug release, kinetic mechanism, and antioxidant activity. The developed method produced CUR-, DMC-, and BDM-loaded BSA nanoparticles with a size average of 15.83 ± 0.18, 17.29 ± 3.34, and 15.14 ± 0.14 nm for CUR, DMC, and BDM loaded BSA, respectively. FT-IR analysis confirmed the encapsulation, and TEM images showed their spherical shape. The three formulations achieved encapsulation efficiency upper to 96% and an exhibited significantly increased release from the nanoparticle compared to free compounds in water. The antioxidant activity was enhanced as well, in agreement with the improvement in water release, obtaining IC₅₀ values of 9.28, 11.70, and 15.19 µg/mL for CUR, DMC, and BDM loaded BSA nanoparticles, respectively, while free curcuminoids exhibited considerably lower antioxidant values in aqueous solution. Hence, this study shows promises for such hybrid systems, which have been ignored so far, regarding proper encapsulation, protection, and delivery of curcuminoids for the development of functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Fermented medicinal herbs improve hematological and physiological profile of Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

This study sought to determine the effect of fermented medicinal herbs (FMH), i.e. cutchery ( Kaempferia galanga), turmeric ( Curcuma longa) and curcuma ( Curcuma xanthorrhiza) in combination with molasses and probiotic drink (Yakult), administered orally on the hematological and physiological profile of striped catfish ( Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). A complete randomized design (CRD) experiment was used with four levels of treatments, namely P0 (control), P1 (FMH 100 mL/kg), P2 (FMH 200 mL/kg) and P3 (FMH 300 mL/kg) of feed. The fish were kept in a farm in cages at 75 fish/m ³ and fed with the experimental diets for 60 days. The results revealed that FMH (P2) dietary administration improved hematological and physiological profile of catfish, i.e total erythrocytes of 2.81 x 10 ⁶ cells/mm ³, hematocrit values of 39.00%, hemoglobin levels of 10.73 g/dL, total leukocytes of 11.41 x 10 ⁴ cells/mm ³, blood glucose 97.33 mg/dL, and total serum protein 4.10 mg/dL compared to controls with 1.89 x 10 ⁶ cells/mm ³, 32.33 %, g/dL, 9.67 x 10 ⁴ cells/mm ³, 67.33 mg/dL, and total serum protein of 3.10 mg/dL, respectively. Moreover, the diet improved special growth rate, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency and the survival rate of catfish. The hematological and physiological profile of catfish improvement are considered to be due to the content of secondary metabolites of FMH, namely curcuminoids, vitamin C, essential oils, tannins, and flavonoids, which trigger immunostimulation. The presence of curcuminoids provide an antioxidant effect on cell membranes reducing erythrocyte cell membrane damage due to oxidation. Similarly, flavonoids are natural antioxidants, which are credited with the ability of reducing free radicals and anti-free radicals.

Improved Synthesis of Asymmetric Curcuminoids and Their Assessment as Antioxidants

In this paper, the syntheses of twelve asymmetric curcumin analogs using Pabon's method are reported. Generally, the previously reported yields of asymmetric curcuminoids, such as 9a (53%), 9c (38%), and 9k (38%), have been moderate or low. Herein, we propose that the low yields were due to the presence of water and n-BuNH₂ in the reaction media. To prove this formulated hypothesis, we have demonstrated that the yields can be improved by adding molecular sieves (MS) (4 Å) to the reaction mixture, thus reducing the interference of water. Therefore, improved yields (41-76%) were obtained, except for 9b (36.7%), 9g (34%), and 9l (39.5%). Furthermore, compounds 9b, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, 9i, 9j, and 9l are reported herein for the first time. The structures of these synthetic compounds were determined by spectroscopic and mass spectrometry analyses. The free radical scavenging ability of these synthetic asymmetric curcuminoids was evaluated and compared to that of the positive control butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Among the synthesized asymmetric curcuminoids, compounds 9a (IC₅₀ = 37.57 ± 0.89 μM) and 9e (IC₅₀ = 37.17 ± 1.76 μM) possessed effective 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging abilities, and compounds 9h (IC₅₀ = 11.36 ± 0.65 μM) and 9i (IC₅₀ = 10.91 ± 0.77 μM) displayed potent 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging abilities comparable to that of curcumin (IC₅₀ = 10.14 ± 1.04 μM). Furthermore, all the synthetic asymmetric curcuminoids were more active than BHT.

Microbial Transformation of Yakuchinone A and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Its Metabolites

Yakuchinone A (1) is a bioactive diarylheptanoid isolated from the dried fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla. Microbial transformation has been recognized as an efficient method to produce new biologically active derivatives from natural products. In the present study, microbial transformation of yakuchinone A was performed with the fungus Mucor hiemalis KCTC 26779, which led to the isolation of nine new metabolites (2, 3a, 3b, and 4–9). Their structures were elucidated as (3S)-oxyphyllacinol (2), (3S,7R)- and (3S,7S)-7-hydroxyoxyphyllacinol (3a and 3b), (3S)-oxyphyllacinol-4′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), (3S)-4″-hydroxyoxyphyllacinol (5), (3S)-3″-hydroxyoxyphyllacinol (6), (3S)-2″-hydroxyoxyphyllacinol (7), (3S)-2″-hydroxyoxyphyllacinol-2″-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (8), and (3S)-oxyphyllacinol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (9) based on the comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and the application of modified Mosher’s method. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against melanoma, as well as breast, lung, and colorectal cancer cell lines. Compound 9, which was O-glucosylated on the diarylheptanoid alkyl chain, exhibited the most selective cytotoxic activities against melanoma cell lines with the IC₅₀ values ranging from 6.09 to 9.74 μM, indicating that it might be considered as a possible anti-cancer lead compound.

Enhancing the water-solubility of curcuminoids-rich extract using a ternary inclusion complex system: Preparation, characterization, and anti-cancer activity

Curcuminoids are known to exert diverse pharmacological effects and used in some pharmaceutical formulations. This study describes the preparation, characterization, and enhancement in the solubility and anticancer activity of a curcuminoids-rich extract (CRE) using a ternary inclusion complex system. CRE containing 88.9% w/w curcuminoids was prepared using a 'green' microwave extraction coupled with fractionation on a column of hydrophobic adsorbent resin. The ternary complex consisting of CRE, hydroxylpropyl-β-cyclodextrin and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 was prepared using the solvent evaporation method and thoroughly characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractograms, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The ternary complex of CRE improved the water-solubility of curcuminoids (up to 70.3 µg/mL) as well as the dissolution rate when compared to those of CRE (0 µg/mL). In addition, the ternary complex exhibited significantly stronger anticancer activity against human lung adenocarcinoma (A-549), human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines than CRE.

Antifungal Activity of Curcuminoids and Difluorinated Curcumin Against Clinical Isolates of Candida Species

BACKGROUND

Acquired resistance to antifungals is rising particularly among Candida species. Herbal ingredients have biological and pharmacological activities, which make them potential fungicidal agents. The present study investigated the effects of curcumin (CUR) and difluorinated curcumin (CDF) on Candida species.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

CUR and CDF were examined against Candida isolates obtained from patients candidemia due to C. albicans (n = 13), C. dubliniensis (n = 2), C. parapsilosis (n = 2), and C. tropicalis (n = 1); and laboratory strains of C. albicans (TIMML 1292 and TIMML 183), C. krusei (TIMML 1321), C. parapsilosis (TIMML 2201), and C. tropicalis (TIMML 731) based on the M27-A3 guideline.

RESULTS

At the concentrations of 1-512μg/mL, none of the CDF and CUR showed a significant minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range against Candida isolates. There was no significant difference between the effects of CUR and CDF against Candida species.

CONCLUSION

The CUR and CDF did not exert any inhibitory effect on the growth of Candida strains. Any possible effect on other yeast and filamentous fungi needs to be further investigated.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin Promotes Apoptosis and Inhibits the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition through the Inhibition of the G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 161/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathway in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the world and lacks an effective targeted therapy. G-protein-coupled receptor 161 (GPR161) has been demonstrated to perform the functional regulations on TNBC progression and might be a potential new target for TNBC therapy. This study showed the effects of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on GPR161 regulation, indicating that BDMC effectively inhibited GPR161 expression and downregulated GPR161-driven signaling. BDMC showed the potent inhibitory effects on TNBC proliferation through suppressing GPR161-mediated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) activation. Besides, in this study, we discover the mechanism of GPR161-driven TNBC metastasis, linking to GPR161-mediated twist-related protein 1 (Twist1)/matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) contributing to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). BDMC effectively repressed GPR161-mediated TNBC metastasis via inhibiting Twist1/MMP9-induced EMT. The three-dimensional invasion assay also showed that BDMC significantly inhibited TNBC invasion. The combination treatment of BDMC and rapamycin enhanced the inhibition of TNBC proliferation and metastasis through increasing the blockage of mTOR activation. Furthermore, this study also observed that BDMC activated the caspase 3/9 signaling pathway to induce TNBC apoptosis. Therefore, BDMC could be applicable to anticancer therapy, especially targeting on the GPR161-driven cancer type.

Demethoxycurcumin induces apoptosis in HER2 overexpressing bladder cancer cells through degradation of HER2 and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway

Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract and arising from the epithelial lining of the urinary bladder. Resistance to cytotoxic therapies is associated with overexpression of oncogenic proteins; including HER2, and Akt in chemotherapy resistance of bladder cancer. Various studies demonstrated that curcuminoids, the most important active phenolic compounds of turmeric (Curcuma longa), have anti-tumor activities in a wide range of human malignant cell lines. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin) could repress the expression of HER2 in HER2-overexpressing bladder cancer cells. Among the test compounds, DMC significantly suppressed the expression of HER2, and preferentially inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in HER2-overexpressing bladder cancer cells. DMC decreases HER2 level through inhibiting the interaction of HER2 and Hsp90. Our study also indicated that DMC showed additive activity in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, including paclitaxel and cisplatin. These findings show that DMC should be developed further as a new antitumor drug candidate for treatment of HER2-overexpressing bladder cancer.

Neolignans and Diarylheptanoids with Anti-Inflammatory Activity from the Rhizomes of Alpinia zerumbet

The dried leaves and rhizomes of Alpinia zerumbet have been traditionally used as food and medicine. Anti-inflammatory activity-guided phytochemical investigation into the rhizomes of A. zerumbet led to the isolation of 17 compounds including 10 neolignans (1-10, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 are new compounds) and seven diarylheptanoids (11-17) in which 1-3 were three pairs of enantiomers. 4 was only one enantiomer and 5 was a racemic mixture. Compounds 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b incorporated an 8',9'-dinorneolignan skeleton, which was rare in the lignan family. The planar structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive analyses of spectroscopic data. The relative and absolute configurations were determined by the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT)-based electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation method. The 95% ethanol extract and ethyl acetate extract of A. zerumbet were found to show anti-inflammatory activity against croton oil-induced ear edema in mice with inhibition rates of 20.0 and 47.6% at a dose of 80 mg/kg, respectively. Bioassays showed that compounds 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, and 12 moderately inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells with IC₅₀ values of 3.62, 7.63, 6.51, 5.60, and 8.33 μM, respectively.

Efficient purification of the diarylheptanoid oregonin from red alder (Alnus rubra) leaves and bark combining aqueous extraction, spray drying and flash-chromatography

INTRODUCTION

The diarylheptanoid xyloside oregonin ((5S)-1,7-bis(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-(β-d-xylopyranosyloxy)-heptan-3-one) has significant medicinal potential and is found at high concentration in leaves and bark of red alder (Alnus rubra).

OBJECTIVES

To establish inexpensive and easily scaled methods for the extraction and purification of oregonin from timber by-products.

METHODS

We developed a method combining aqueous extraction with spray drying of red alder extract into a powder, thus reducing the need for organic solvents used in traditional Soxhlet extraction or in solvent partitioning. Flash chromatography was utilised to purify oregonin from crude spray-dried alder extract.

RESULTS

Crude spray-dried alder extract was comprised of an average of 9% of the diarylheptanoid compound oregonin. Less than 10% thermal degradation of oregonin was observed using extraction temperatures between 25°C and 50°C, followed by spray drying. The structure of purified oregonin was validated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

CONCLUSION

The developed method was robust, repeatable, and yielded purified oregonin of greater than > 95% purity (average of 95.8%). Our analysis represents the most complete NMR characterisation of oregonin reported to date.

Pharmacokinetics of a Single Dose of Turmeric Curcuminoids Depends on Formulation: Results of a Human Crossover Study

BACKGROUND

Curcuminoids from turmeric rhizome have significant health benefits but low bioavailability.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the pharmacokinetics of a novel natural turmeric dried colloidal suspension compared with 4 other turmeric formulations (including a standardized extract) at their respective recommended dosages.

METHODS

Thirty healthy men and women (18 to 45 y old) were enrolled in a randomized, open-labeled, crossover trial, and sequentially consumed single oral doses of standard turmeric extract (1500 mg), liquid micellar preparation (1000 mg), piperine-curcuminoid combination (1515 mg), phytosome formulation (1000 mg), or the dried colloidal suspension (300 mg). Eleven blood samples were obtained over 24 h, plasma was extracted with or without deconjugation with β-glucuronidase or sulfatase, and ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography/tandem MS was used to quantify the 3 parent curcuminoids and 12 metabolites. Classical pharmacokinetics parameters were derived.

RESULTS

The total AUC values of unconjugated curcuminoids were highly variable within participants, with no significant differences between formulations. However, the AUC values for total curcuminoids (including all metabolites) showed significant product effects. Indeed, the micellar preparation delivered higher levels of total curcuminoids than any other formulation (8540 ng·h/mL), reaching significance when compared with the dried colloidal suspension and standard extract (6520 and 5080 ng·h/mL, respectively). After dose normalization, both micellar and dried colloidal formulations showed significantly higher AUC levels than the standard extract (respectively 136 and 72.9, compared with 3.7 ng·h/mL/mg). Total curcuminoid absorption levels were also significantly higher for the dried colloidal suspension when compared with either piperine or phytosome formulations. Interestingly, no significant differences were observed between the piperine-curcuminoid combination and the standard extract. No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of a low dose of the novel natural dried colloidal suspension provided high unconjugated and conjugated curcuminoid absorption, with significant beneficial differences when compared with the high dose of standard extract.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03621865.

Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Effects of New Diarylheptanoids from Rhynchanthus beesianus

Rhynchanthus beesianus (Zingiberaceae) has been an important food spice and vegetable in southern China. Fifteen phenolic compounds (1-15) including three new diarylheptanoids, rhynchanines A-C (1-3) and one new phenylpropanoid, 4-O-methylstroside B (9), were isolated from R. beesianus rhizomes. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by comprehensive analyses through NMR, HRMS technique, acid hydrolysis, and Mosher's reaction. Among them, compound 5 is the first isolated natural product and its NMR data are reported. Most of the isolated compounds, especially 3-6 and 8, showed significant antioxidant activities on DPPH, ABTS⁺ radical scavenging, and FRAP assays. Furthermore, the antioxidant phenolic compounds were evaluated for their cytoprotective capacity against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in HepG-2 cells. Compounds 3 and 5 could significantly inhibit reactive oxygen species production, and compounds 3, 5, and 6 could remarkably prevent the cell apoptosis. Then, the R. beesianus rhizome, which contained phenolic compounds, might serve as a functional food for potential application on preventing oxidative stress-connected diseases.

Dietary bisdemethoxycurcumin supplementation attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced damages on intestinal redox potential and redox status of broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the beneficial effects of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDC) on growth performance, glutathione (GSH) redox potential, antioxidant enzyme defense, and gene expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. A total of 320, male, 1-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups including 8 replicates with 10 birds per cage in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: BDC supplementation (a basal diet with 0 or 150 mg/kg BDC) and LPS challenge (intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg body weight saline or LPS at 16, 18, and 20 d of age). Results showed that dietary BDC supplementation prevented the LPS-induced decrease in ADG of broilers (P < 0.05). Compared to the saline-challenged group, LPS-challenged broilers showed higher jejunal and ileal malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) contents (P < 0.05). Dietary BDC supplementation alleviated LPS-induced increases in jejunal 8-OHdG, ileal MDA, and PC contents (P < 0.05). LPS challenge impaired the small intestinal antioxidant system, as evident by the decreases of GSH and total thiol contents, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. On the other hand, LPS challenge also increased GSH redox potential and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) contents (P < 0.05). Dietary BDC supplementation increased jejunal and ileal GSH contents, SOD activities, jejunal GR activity, and ileal GST activity, while it decreased jejunal and ileal redox potential, and jejunal GSSG contents (P < 0.05). Dietary BDC supplementation significantly alleviated the downregulation of mRNA expression levels of jejunal and ileal copper and zinc superoxide dismutase, catalytic subunit of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and jejunal catalase and GR induced by LPS challenge (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BDC demonstrated favorable protection against LPS-induced small intestinal oxidative damages, as indicated by the improved growth performance, decreased GSH redox potential, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and upregulated antioxidant-related gene expression.

Curcuminoids and Boswellia serrata extracts combination decreases tendinopathy symptoms: findings from an open-label post-observational study

Background: To investigate the effects of 1-month treatment in addition to standard care with a food supplement containing both Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata extracts on tendinopathy symptoms.Method: This open-label, non-controlled, post-observational study included 670 patients suffering from tendinopathy recruited at different sites by Belgian general practitioners. Patients received a medical prescription for 1-month treatment with two tablets twice a day of a pharmaceutical grade food supplement containing both C. longa and B. serrata extracts. Pain and functional limitation were evaluated using a visual analog scale at the inclusion and 1-month treatment later. Patient satisfaction, concomitant drugs intake and side effects were also recorded.Results: After 1-month treatment, pain and functional limitation were significantly improved whatever the cause of tendinopathy, its localization, and the duration of symptoms. The pain score decreased from 6.16 ± 1.53 to 2.98 ± 1.64 (p < .0001), yielding a drop of 51.6% and the functional limitation score fell after 1-month treatment from 5.96 ± 1.73 to 2.88 ± 1.67 (p < .0001) corresponding to a drop of 51.6%. The percentage of patients taking at least one concomitant treatment at the end of the treatment period had decreased from 81.3% to 61.8% (p < .0001). Only 43 (6.5%) patients reported side effects. No severe adverse effects related to the product were reported.Conclusion: The combination of C. longa and B. serrata extracts improves symptoms in patients suffering of tendinopathy and shows a good safety. Although its effect will have to be confirmed in randomized controlled trials, it can be considered as a helpful support of standard symptomatic treatments for tendinopathies. HighlightsTendinopathy is a common disease representing 30% of all consultations with a general practitioner for musculoskeletal disorders.The combination of Curcuminoids and Boswelliaserrata extracts are efficient on tendinopathy symptoms in support of standard symptomatic treatments.The combination of Curcuminoids and B. Serrata extract is safe and can be administrated for at least 1 month in addition of analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

From Preclinical Stroke Models to Humans: Polyphenols in the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke

Polyphenols are an important family of molecules of vegetal origin present in many medicinal and edible plants, which represent important alimentary sources in the human diet. Polyphenols are known for their beneficial health effects and have been investigated for their potential protective role against various pathologies, including cancer, brain dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The prevention of stroke promoted by polyphenols relies mainly on their effect on cardio- and cerebrovascular systems. However, a growing body of evidence from preclinical models of stroke points out a neuroprotective role of these molecules. Notably, in many preclinical studies, the polyphenolic compounds were effective also when administered after the stroke onset, suggesting their possible use in promoting recovery of patients suffering from stroke. Here, we review the effects of the major polyphenols in cellular and in vivo models of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in immature and adult brains. The results from human studies are also reported.

Amomutsaokols A-K, diarylheptanoids from Amomum tsao-ko and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

Eleven undescribed diarylheptanoids, amomutsaokols A‒K (1-11), together with 13 known ones (13-24), were isolated from the active fraction of the fruits of Amomum tsao-ko. The structures of the undescribed compounds were determined by extensive 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS and ECD calculations. Compounds 3-5, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 19 showed obviously α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 12.9 to 48.8 μM. An enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that compounds 8 and 9 were α-glucosidase noncompetitive inhibitors with K_i values of 18.5 and 213.0 μM, respectively. This study supported diarylheptanoids as the active constituents of A. tsao-ko with α-glucosidase inhibitory effects.

Assessing specialized metabolite diversity of Alnus species by a digitized LC-MS/MS data analysis workflow

Alnus spp. (Betulaceae) have been used for treatments of hemorrhage, burn injuries, antipyretic fever, diarrhea, and alcoholism in traditional medicines. In this study, a digitized LC-MS/MS data analysis workflow was applied to provide an overview on chemical diversity of 15 Alnus extracts prepared from bark, twigs, leaves, and fruits of A. japonica, A. firma, A. hirsuta, and A. hirsuta var. sibirica. Most of the MS/MS spectra could be putatively annotated based on library matching, in silico fragmentation, and substructural topic modeling. The putative annotation allowed us to discriminate the extracts into three chemotypes based on dominant chemical scaffolds: diarylheptanoids, flavonoids or tannins. This high-throughput chemical annotation was correlated with α-glucosidase inhibition data of extracts, and it allowed us to identify gallic acid as the major active compound of A. firma.