Showing papers in "Revista Brasileira De Farmacognosia-brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy in 2017"
TL;DR: Four compounds including beauvericin, parahydroxybenzaldehyde, indole-3-carboxylic acid and quinizarin isolated from endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum showed that they could be developed for the formulation of antioxidant-rich therapeutic diets and as a therapeutic agent against bacterial infections.
Abstract: Four compounds including beauvericin, parahydroxybenzaldehyde, indole-3-carboxylic acid and quinizarin were isolated from endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum and their cytotoxicity, antibacterial and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Beauvericin had remarkable activity against two Gram-negative strains (Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium) with respective MIC values of 3.12 and 6.25 μg/ml. All the compounds had weak cytotoxic effect on both normal and tumor cells. LC50 values ranged from 40.42 to 86.56 μg/ml, 31.87 to 86.57 μg/ml and 21.59 to 67.27 μg/ml on Vero cells, THP-1 and RAW 264.7 respectively. The present study showed that these compounds could be developed for the formulation of antioxidant-rich therapeutic diets and as a therapeutic agent against bacterial infections.
70 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a methanol extract from the whole plant of Dendrobium formosum Roxb. ex Lindl, Orchidaceae, showed inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase enzymes.
Abstract: A methanol extract from the whole plant of Dendrobium formosum Roxb. ex Lindl., Orchidaceae, showed inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase enzymes. Chromatographic separation of the extract resulted in the isolation of twelve phenolic compounds. The structures of these compounds were determined through analysis of NMR and HR-ESI-MS data. All of the isolates were evaluated for their α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities, as well as glucose uptake stimulatory effect. Among the isolates, 5-methoxy-7-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-1,4-phenanthrenequinone (12) showed the highest α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory effects with an IC50 values of 126.88 ± 0.66 μM and 69.45 ± 10.14 μM, respectively. An enzyme kinetics study was conducted by the Lineweaver-Burk plot method. The kinetics studies revealed that compound 12 was a non-competitive inhibitor of α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase enzymes. Moreover, lusianthridin at 1 and 10 μg/ml and moscatilin at 100 μg/ml showed glucose uptake stimulatory effect without toxicity on L6 myotubes. This study is the first report on the phytochemical constituents and anti-diabetic and anti-obesity activities of D. formosum.
68 citations
TL;DR: The yeast extract amendment in medium improved vinblastine and vincristine yield in cultivating tissues, maximum being in germinating embryos and in in vitro raised leaf.
Abstract: Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, Apocynaceae, is an immensely important medicinal plant, produces a variety of anticancerous compounds. The yield of two most investigated alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine is unfortunately very low. A vast array of technologies including elicitation have recently been used to enrich Catharanthus alkaloid in culture. Yeast extract is a biotic elicitor, the polysaccharide and the peptide moiety have been recognized as a signalling element in enriching secondary metabolites. In this study, the yeast extract elicitation on vinblastine and vincristine was studied in various protoplast derived tissues and plantlets. Four different yeast extract treatments (T1 = 0.5 g/l, T2 = 1.0 g/l, T3 = 1.5 g/l and T4 = 2.0 g/l) were prepared and used. The alkaloid was quantified and a comparative account of yield were presented by the use of High performance thin layer chromatography. The yeast extract amendment in medium improved vinblastine and vincristine yield in cultivating tissues, maximum being in germinating embryos and in in vitro raised leaf. The highest yield was in T3 (1.5 mg/l) in which 22.74% vinblastine and 48.49% vincristine enrichment was noted in germinating embryos; the enhancement was however, treatment-specific. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were investigated as addition of yeast extract caused cellular stress and had enriched level of alkaloids.
38 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that these plants must be prioritized in development of medicines, submitting them to clinical studies or by considering their traditionality, as established by WHO.
Abstract: The Brazilian flora is very rich in medicinal plants, and much information about the traditional use of the Brazilian plants is only available from early literature and we are facing a rapid process of loss of biodiversity. To retrieve data about useful plants registered in the books of the Polish physicist P.L.N. Chernoviz, who lived in Brazil for 15 years in the 19th century. The aim is to improve our knowledge about Brazilian plants, and to ensure the benefits of sharing it with potential users. Data about Brazilian plants were obtained from six editions of the book Formulary and Medical Guide (Formulario e Guia Medico), published in 1864, 1874, 1888, 1892, 1897 and 1920. All this information was then organized in boxes, and correlated with pharmacological studies from PubMed and Lilacs. A total of 238 species were recorded and 117 different traditional uses were registered for the plants. The most common uses were to treat general skin diseases and intermittent fevers, as purgative, diuretics and andidiarrheal. From the total, only 61 species (25.6%) have been to date subject to pharmacological studies and had their activities confirmed. Chernoviz books represent an important source of data about plants used in traditional medicine of Brazil. Their records were collected at a time when Brazil's native vegetation was still largely intact, and traditional medicine was practiced based on native plants. We argue that these plants must be prioritized in development of medicines, submitting them to clinical studies or by considering their traditionality, as established by WHO. Strategies for the protection of the traditional knowledge are also necessary.
37 citations
TL;DR: The study shows the dependence of local people on medicinal plants in their daily life and provides practical evidence regarding the traditional usage of herbs in health care practices and will provide the basis for the preservation of ethnomedicinal heritage, knowledge and practices as well as for the further scientific investigations regarding the development of new herbal drugs.
Abstract: This is the first ethnobotanical exploration with the aim to document the traditional medicinal usage of plants with the therapeutic values in Tehsil Talagang of Punjab province, Pakistan. The study shows the dependence of local people on medicinal plants in their daily life and provides practical evidence regarding the traditional usage of medicinal plants in health care practices. A total of 196 respondents including residents of the study area with gender representation and traditional healers were interviewed by using visual appraisal approach and rapid rural appraisal methods along semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaire. The data was quantitatively analyzed by using quantitative indices like use value, the relative frequency of citation, informant consensus factor, fidelity level and relative importance. A comparison with 25 published ethnobotanical and pharmacological studies was carried out to authenticate the ethnomedicinal relevance of the data recorded. The ethnomedicinal practices of 101 medicinal plants belonging to 36 families were reported. The results indicated that the dominant family was Brassicaceae (nine species). Herbs (57%) were the most dominant life form and leaves (29%) were the frequently used plant part with 45 reports. Mentha arvensis was found as highly cited plant species by respondents. The highest informant consensus factor value (0.65) was found for gastrointestinal disease category. There are 25 plant species having 100% fidelity level value. Use value and relative frequency of citation ranges from 0.04 to 0.16 and 0.15 to 0.36, respectively. The majority of the plant species were found to have strong pharmacological evidence. The current study will provide the basis for the preservation of ethnomedicinal heritage, knowledge and practices as well as for the further scientific investigations regarding the development of new herbal drugs.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify phenolic constituents of the leaves of M. bracteata from two considerably distant populations and show that the leaves are a source of flavonoids with possible biological activities.
Abstract: Myricaria bracteata Royle, Tamaricaceae, is a species with a wide geographic range that encompasses Eastern Europe, Western and Central Siberia, Central Asia, and the Himalayas. This plant is used in traditional folk medicine in Russia (Siberia) and in China typically as an analgesic and for the treatment of some infections and certain types of intoxication. The aim of this study was to identify phenolic constituents of the leaves of M. bracteata from two considerably distant populations. Chromatographic profiles of the leaves of M. bracteata were analyzed for the first time. Seventeen compounds, mainly methyl ethers of quercetin (isorhamnetin, rhamnazin), kaempferol (kaempferide, rhamnocitrin), and ellagic acid as well as quercetin, quercetin 3-glucoside, kaempferol, luteolin, chrysoeriol, citric acid, gallic acid, methyl gallate, ethyl gallate, and ferulic acid were identified in hydrolyzed aqueous ethanol extracts of the leaves. Flavonols and ellagic acid were the major compounds in both samples. Isorhamnetin was the main flavonoid constituent. Kaempferide and rhamnazin were also abundant in the flavonoid complex of the leaves of M. bracteata from the Altai. This study shows that M. bracteata leaves are a source of flavonoids with possible biological activities.
33 citations
TL;DR: The dichloromethane extract presented better results than isolated neolignans against all of the biofilms tested, with a minimum inhibitory concentration S. aureusBiofilms and efficient prophylaxis.
Abstract: Many infections worldwide are associated with bacterial biofilms. The effects of isolated neolignans (conocarpan and eupomathenoid-5) and the dichloromethane extract of Piper regnellii (Miq.) C. DC., Piperaceae, were tested against isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus biofilms and S. aureus planktonic cells. The dichloromethane extract presented better results than isolated neolignans against all of the biofilms tested, with a minimum inhibitory concentration <400 μg/ml for preformed biofilms and minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration of 15.6 μg/ml for biofilm formation. The minimum inhibitory concentration to planktonic cells was <12.5 μg/ml. These results indicate a good effect of the dichloromethane extract against methicillin-resistant S. aureus and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus biofilms and efficient prophylaxis.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reported the first study of the variation of the chemical composition and abundance of the essential oil of Croton heliotropiifolius, in four seasons, and the evaluation of its antibacterial activity.
Abstract: This paper reports the first study of the variation of the chemical composition and abundance of the essential oil of Croton heliotropiifolius, in four seasons, and the evaluation of its antibacterial activity. Essential oil obtained from leaves of C. heliotropiifolius were analyzed by GC/MS and evaluated against eight bacteria strains by broth microdilution method. The chemical constituents identified were the same in all samples, but with different proportions. The total percentages identified were 96.58% in summer, 92.08% in autumn, 98.44% in winter and 90.78% in spring. The majors constituents are β-caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene, germacrene-D, limonene and 1,8-cineole. β-Caryophyllene was the major compound in all samples. The results of the antibacterial evaluations showed weak to moderate activity against the analyzed strains. In all analyzes was observed that essential oil sample collected in summer stands out from the others, displaying stronger activity against Gram-positive as Gram-negative bacteria.
32 citations
TL;DR: Results suggest that A. zerumbet leaves are a promising source of anticancer compounds.
Abstract: Natural products are a major source of drugs for the treatment of cancer. The species Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt & R.M. Sm, Zingiberaceae, is widely distributed in Brazil where it is known as “colonia”. The leaves are commonly used in the treatment of hypertension and dyspepsia, however, the effects of A. zerumbet extracts and isolated substances on human cancer cells remain to be elucidated. This study was designed to identify the chemical constituents of hydroalcoholic and dichloromethane extracts from A. zerumbet leaves and to investigate their in vitro antiproliferative activity. The isolated phytochemicals included kaempferol, dihydro-5,6-dehydrokavain, 5,6-dehydrokavain, and pinostrobin. The hydroalcoholic extract inhibited cellular proliferation only at high concentrations, while the dichloromethane extract showed a moderate antiproliferative effect against leukemia and lung tumor cell lines. 5,6-Dehydrokavain showed potent cytostatic activity against glioblastoma cells and a moderate effect on all other tumor cell lines. Pinostrobin showed potent activity against leukemia and breast tumor cell lines and moderate cytostatic effect against ovarian cell. Furthermore, this is the first report on the isolation of kaempferol and pinostrobin from A. zerumbet leaves. Moreover, the purification process described in this study was effective. These results suggest that A. zerumbet leaves are a promising source of anticancer compounds.
31 citations
TL;DR: The dichloromethane extract was the most active against all the tested strains and the two pure alkaloids were more active than the extracts, justifying the ethnobotanical use of Z. tingoassuiba and other species for the treatment of various infectious diseases.
Abstract: The emergence of multiresistant strains of bacteria reinforces the need to search for new compounds able to combat resistant organisms. Medicinal plants are a great resource of bioactive substances, providing the possibility of obtaining molecules with potential antimicrobial activity. The aim of the present study is the evaluation of the antibacterial activity of extracts and alkaloids isolated from the root bark of Zanthoxylum tingoassuiba A. St.-Hil., Rutaceae, against four resistant clinical isolates and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The dichloromethane and methanol extracts were fractionated by chromatography on silica gel, leading to the isolation of dihydrocheleryhtrine and N-methylcanadine, identified by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of the extracts and isolated compounds was evaluated by the disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. The dichloromethane extract was the most active against all the tested strains and the two pure alkaloids were more active than the extracts. The anti-MRSA activity of the two benzophenanthridine alkaloids is demonstrated for the first time in this study. These compounds appear as potential leads for the development of new anti-MRSA compounds and could be responsible for the antibacterial activity, justifying the ethnobotanical use of Z. tingoassuiba and other species for the treatment of various infectious diseases.
28 citations
TL;DR: This is the first report for the occurrence of actinodaphnine in Annona species, and total alkaloid extract and its fractions showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.
Abstract: Annona hypoglauca Mart., Annonaceae, popularly known as “beriba”, was collected in flooded areas of the Amazonian Rain Forest. The crude extract obtained from this species was found to be cytotoxic against human cancer cells. Chemical information on A. hypoglauca is scarce. So, the present work aimed the isolation and identification of its alkaloids and to test their cytotoxic activity. Alkaloids were obtained from stem by acid–base partitioning and the remaining alkaloid-free extract was partitioned with organic solvents. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry GC/MS analysis of total alkaloids allowed the identification of four aporphine alkaloids: actinodaphnine, anonaine, isoboldine and nornuciferine. Total alkaloids were fractionated by column chromatography and were purified by preparative thin-layer-chromatography, which allowed the isolation of two aporphine alkaloids, actinodaphnine and isoboldine, characterized by NMR and CG–MS analyses. This is the first report for the occurrence of actinodaphnine in Annona species. All the samples were tested in cytotoxic and antibacterial assays. Total alkaloid extract and its fractions showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. In the cytotoxicity assay, the crude extract showed a lethal effect against breast and colon cancer cells. Isoboldine-containing FA5 and actinodaphnine-containing FA6 showed activity against breast cancer cell line, while the alkaloid-free fractions did not show significant activity against cancer cell lines.
TL;DR: In this article, a commercial Baobab seed oil sample was characterised (fatty acid content) using GCxGC-ToF-MS and a pilot study on the safety and efficacy of the seed oil was performed.
Abstract: Recently there has been a renewed impetus in the search for novel ingredients to be used in the cosmetic industry and Baobab (Adansonia digitata L., Malvaceae) seed oil has received high interest. In this study, a commercial Baobab seed oil sample was characterised (fatty acid content) using GCxGC-ToF-MS and a pilot study on the safety and efficacy of the seed oil was performed. The safety and efficacy of Baobab seed oil after topical application was determined using healthy adult female caucasian participants (n = 20). A 2× magnifying lamp was used for visual analysis, while for monitoring and evaluation of the irritancy level, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hydration level of the skin, Chromameter®, Aquaflux® and Corneometer® instruments, respectively, were used. In addition, Aquaflux® and Corneometer® instruments were used to assess occlusive effects. Thirteen methyl esters were identified using GCxGC-ToF-MS. The major fatty acids included 36.0% linoleic acid, 25.1% oleic acid and 28.8% palmitic acid with 10.1% constituting trace fatty acids. The irritancy of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) in the patch test differed significantly compared to both de-ionised water (p < 0.001) and Baobab seed oil (p < 0.001) but the difference between the irritancy of Baobab seed oil and de-ionised water was not significant (p = 0.850). The moisture efficacy test indicated a reduced TEWL (p = 0.048) and an improved capacitance moisture retention (p < 0.001) for all the test products (Baobab oil, liquid paraffin, Vaseline® intensive care lotion and Vaseline®). The occlusivity wipe-off test indicated an increased moisture hydration (p < 0.001) and decreased TEWL particularly when Baobab oil was applied. Baobab possesses hydrating, moisturising and occlusive properties when topically applied to the skin. Baobab seed oil could be a valuable functional ingredient for cosmeceutical applications.
TL;DR: Red light induces plant growth and increases leaf number and dry weight in in vitro -cultivated H. marrubioides , whereas blue and white lights promote the greatest rutin accumulation.
Abstract: Hyptis marrubioides Epling, Lamiaceae, a species from Brazilian Cerrado, has been used against gastrointestinal infections, skin infections, pain, and cramps. Herein, H. marrubioides seedlings were cultured in vitro under different wavelengths (white, blue, green, red, and yellow) with 50 μmol m −2 s −1 irradiance and a 16-h photoperiod. After 20 and 30 days of cultivation, shoot length, leaf number, fresh mass, and dry mass were evaluated. The flavonoid rutin content was determined by the HPLC-DAD method. The shoots were longer in plants cultivated under yellow (16.603 ± 0.790 cm, 1.8-fold), red (15.465 ± 0.461 cm, 1.7-fold), and green (14.677 ± 0.737 cm, 1.6-fold) lights than in control plants exposed to white light (9.203 ± 0.388 cm). The number of leaves increased in plants exposed to red (23.425 ± 1.138, 1.1-fold) and green (22.725 ± 1.814, 1.1-fold) lights, compared to control plants (20.133 ± 0.827). Fresh (0.665 ± 0.048 g, 1.2-fold) and dry (0.066 ± 0.005 g, 1.3-fold) mass of seedlings were the highest in seedlings grown under red light, compared to seedlings grown under white light (0.553 ± 0.048 and 0.028 ± 0.004, respectively). However, rutin production was higher under white (0.308 mg g −1 of dry weight) and blue lights (0.298 mg g −1 of dry weight). Thus, red light induces plant growth and increases leaf number and dry weight in in vitro -cultivated H. marrubioides , whereas blue and white lights promote the greatest rutin accumulation.
TL;DR: A compendium of the Maytenus genus and its isolated chemical compounds, among them tingenone, reveals promising sources for the development of new drugs specially targeted for the treatment of painful inflammatory diseases.
Abstract: Uses of medicinal plants by people around the world significantly contribute and guide biologically active compounds research that can be useful in the combat against various diseases. Due to a great chemical and structural variety found in their vegetal structures it consolidates ethnopharmacology as an important science for the pharmaceutical section. Inserted in the diversity of medicinal plants, is the Maytenus genus, whose research has already revealed lots of isolated substances which are responsible for a great variety of biological activities, among which we cite analgesic and anti-inflammatory, for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gastritis, ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this review article is to make a compendium of the Maytenus genus and its isolated chemical compounds, among them tingenone. The elucidation of its mechanism of action reveals promising sources for the development of new drugs specially targeted for the treatment of painful inflammatory diseases.
TL;DR: Results show that dichloromethane fraction provides protection against cerebral ischemia in rats, and the possible mechanism is related to anti-inflammatory activity and reduction in oxygen-free radicals.
Abstract: White pepper ( Piper nigrum L.) and long pepper ( Piper longum L.) belong to family Piperaceae and are commonly used as household spices and traditional medicine worldwide, specifically in China and Southeast Asia. In Traditional Chinese Hui Medicine, these herbs are widely used for treatment of stroke. Our present study investigated effects of these herbs on inflammation in rat model with cerebral ischemia. After subjecting the rats to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) for 6 h, at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, dichloromethane fraction from white pepper and long pepper, respectively, was intragastrically administered once a day for seven consecutive days. Cerebral cortical and hippocampal tissues were collected after seven days. Superoxide dismutase, malonaldehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 were measured by spectrophotometer. Phytochemical profile of dichloromethane fraction was determined through HPLC. Dichloromethane fraction exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing expression or production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. By contrast, dichloromethane fraction showed activity against pMCAO injury by reducing oxygen-free radicals through increased superoxide dismutase activity and decreased malonaldehyde level. HPLC analysis revealed piperine as major component of dichloromethane fraction. These results show that dichloromethane fraction provides protection against cerebral ischemia. The possible mechanism is related to anti-inflammatory activity and reduction in oxygen-free radicals.
TL;DR: The crude extract and isolated compounds of S. terebinthifolius (leaves) have in vitro antioxidant, antiproliferative, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities that are related to the presence of flavonoids and the galloyl phenolic derivative content.
Abstract: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Anacardiaceae, native to Brazil, is referred to as “pimento-rosa” and is used to treat inflammatory disease in folk medicine. Studies have reported important pharmacological properties, but these effects have still not been fully exploited. This study reports that the crude extract and isolated compounds of S. terebinthifolius (leaves) have in vitro antioxidant, antiproliferative, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. The samples were evaluated for antioxidant activity using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, β-carotene/linoleic acid and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulphonic acid reagents. The anti-inflammatory effects were assayed against a carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in mice to test doses of 10, 100 and 300 mg/kg at different time points in addition to myeloperoxidase activity analysis. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated using ten human tumour cell lines. Two derivatives of gallic acid and four flavonoids were isolated and exhibited considerable antioxidant activity. The extract and its compounds showed selectivity towards ovarian cancer cells, with growth inhibitory activity values ranging from 1.9 to 6.5 μg/ml. Sample extracts and methyl gallate significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced oedema in the mice paw oedema experimental model. The calculated topological polar surface area for methyl gallate (86.98 A2) showed good intestinal absorption. The effects reported herein are be related to the presence of flavonoids and the galloyl phenolic derivative content.
TL;DR: Compounders, in addition to the xanthones, probably also contribute to the bioactivity of different Swertia species by synergistic effect, and are suggested as potential hepatoprotective agents.
Abstract: β-Glucuronidase inhibitors are suggested as potential hepatoprotective agents. Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) Buch.-Ham. ex C.B. Clarke, Gentianaceae, is known for its hepatoprotective and anti-hepatotoxic activity in Ayurvedic system of medicine for ages. This plant is substituted by other species like S. decussata Nimmo ex C.B. Clarke and S. bimaculata (Siebold & Zucc.) Hook. f. & Thomson ex C.B. Clarke. The aim of the study was to compare metabolite profile and β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity of these three important species of Swertia and to identify the active constituents. S. chirayita (IC50 210.97 μg/ml) and S. decussata (IC50 269.7 μg/ml) showed β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity significantly higher than that of silymarin, the known inhibitor of the enzyme. The activity of S. bimaculata was low. The metabolites present in the three species were analyzed by HPLC and GC-MS based metabolomics approach. Five amino acids, twenty one organic acids, one inorganic acid, eight fatty acids, twenty one phenols including xanthones, eight sugars, seven sugar alcohols, five terpenoids and amarogentin were identified. Activities of the xanthones mangiferin (IC50 16.06 μg/ml), swerchirin (IC50 162.84 μg/ml), decussatin (IC50 195.11 μg/ml), 1-hydroxy-3,5,8-trimethoxy xanthone (IC50 245.97 μg/ml), bellidifolin (IC50 390.26 μg/ml) were significantly higher than that of silymarin (IC50 794.62 μg/ml). Quinic acid (IC50 2.91 mg/ml), O-acetylsalicylic acid (IC50 48.4 mg/ml), citric acid (IC50 1.77 mg/ml), d -malic acid (IC50 14.82 mg/ml) and succinic acid (IC50 38.86 mg/ml) also inhibited the enzyme β-glucuronidase. The findings suggest that constituents, in addition to the xanthones, probably also contribute to the bioactivity of different Swertia species by synergistic effect. Further in vivo study is required to support the claim.
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparative HPLC rapid quantification of nobiletin in the different byproduct citrus varieties hexane fractions revealed that nobiletins is present in higher concentration in mandarin (10.14%) than the other species.
Abstract: Citrus is an economically important fruit for Egypt, but its peel also is one of the major sources of agricultural waste. Due to its fermentation, this waste causes many economic and environmental problems. Therefore it is worthwhile to investigate ways to make use of this citrus waste generated by the juice industry. This study was aimed to explore the hypocholesterolemic, antidiabetic activities of four varieties of citrus peels agrowastes, to isolate the main flavonoids in the active fractions and to quantify them by HPLC method for nutraceutical purposes. All the tested samples of the agro-waste Citrus fruits peels showed significant decrease in cholesterol, triacylglyceride and glucose. The most decrease in cholesterol level was observed by mandarin peels aqueous homogenate and its hexane fraction (59.3% and 56.8%, respectively) reaching the same effect as the reference drug used (54.7%). Mostly, all samples decrease triacylglyceride (by 36%–80.6%) better than the reference drug used (by 35%), while, glucose was decreased (by 71.1%–82.8 and 68.6%–79.6%, respectively) mostly by the aqueous homogenates (except lime) and alcoholic extracts (except mandarin) of Citrus fruits peels better than the reference drug used (by 68.3%). All the isolated pectin, from the four cultivars, has significant effect on the three parameters. The comparative HPLC rapid quantification of nobiletin in the different by-product citrus varieties hexane fractions revealed that nobiletin is present in higher concentration in mandarin (10.14%) than the other species. Nobiletin and 4′,5,7,8-tetramethoxy flavone were isolated from mandarin peels hexane fraction by chromatographic fractionation. This is the first report of the comparative HPLC quantification of nobiletin and biological studies of different citrus peels species as agro-waste products. Based on these results, we suggest the possibility that Citrus fruits peels may be considered as an antidiabetic and hypocholesterolemic nutraceutical product.
TL;DR: In this article, a sensitive and reliable high performance thin layer chromatography method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of quercetin and gallic acid in Leea indica, Vitaceae.
Abstract: A sensitive and reliable high performance thin layer chromatography method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of quercetin and gallic acid in Leea indica, Vitaceae. Ethyl acetate extract prepared from hydrolysed aqueous alcoholic extract (70%) was applied on silica gel G 60 F254 plate. The plate was developed using toluene-ethyl acetate-formic acid, 5:4:1 (v/v/v) as a mobile phase and detection and quantification were performed by densitometric scanning at 254 nm. The system was found to give well resolved bands for quercetin (Rf 0.63) and gallic acid (Rf 0.45) from other constituents present in the extract of L. indica. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.991 and 0.999 with relative standard deviation, 0.97–1.23% and 0.1–1.13% for quercetin and gallic acid respectively in the developed method. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by conducting recovery studies at different levels using the standard addition method. The average recovery of quercetin and gallic acid was found close to 99% suggesting the accurateness of the method. The proposed validated high performance thin layer chromatographic method offers a new, sensitive, specific and precise gauge for quantification of quercetin and gallic acid in L. indica.
TL;DR: The pharmacological potential make these medicinal plants good candidates for the development of new phytomedicine for the treatment of asthma and a strong collaboration to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical study is still necessary for theDevelopment of an effective medicine from J. pectoralis.
Abstract: Justicia pectoralis Jacq., Acanthaceae, is a medicinal plant found Central America. In the Northeast of Brazil, it is popularly known as “chamba” being extensively used in homemade preparations for the treatment of cough, bronchitis and asthma. The species is part of a public phytotherapy program in Brazil entitled “Farmacias Vivas”, National Record of Plants of Interest to the National Health System and the National Formulary of Herbal medicines. This paper aims to critically review the available scientific literature regarding the health promoting effects of J. pectoralis var. stenophylla. The traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, quality control and potential interactions with conventional drugs were included in the present review. Botanical, chemical and pharmacognostical studies stablished several parameters useful for quality control of plant drug, extracts and phytomedicine from aerial parts of J. pectoralis using as markers two bioactive coumarins. A wide range of evidence have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anti-spasmodic, smooth muscle relaxant and anxiolytic effects of J. pectoralis and its chemical constituents. Pilot clinical studies showed the efficacy of a syrup preparation of J. pectoralis in the treatment of mild and moderate asthma. The pharmacological potential make these medicinal plants good candidates for the development of new phytomedicine for the treatment of asthma. However, a strong collaboration to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical study is still necessary for the development of an effective medicine from J. pectoralis.
TL;DR: A new isoflavonoid glycoside, iridin A, along with eight known is oflavonoids, are identified and structural elucidation of these flavonoids was achieved with the aid of extensive spectroscopic techniques and comparing with the published data.
Abstract: A new isoflavonoid glycoside, iridin A (9), along with eight known isoflavonoids: irilone 4′-methyl ether (1), irilone (2), irisolidone (3), irigenin S (4), irigenin (5), irilone 4′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (6), iridin S (7), and iridin (8) were separated from Iris × germanica L., Iridaceae, rhizomes. The structural elucidation of these flavonoids was achieved with the aid of extensive spectroscopic techniques and comparing with the published data. They were estimated for their α-amylase and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl inhibitory capacities. Compounds 3, 5, and 9 showed α-Amylase inhibitory activities with % inhibition 70.8, 67.5, and 70.5, respectively compared to acarbose (a reference α-Amylase inhibitor). Moreover, 9 exhibited moderate antioxidant activity with IC50 8.91 μM.
TL;DR: P. granatum L. peel extract-treated rats, particularly those treated with a high dose, exhibited a marked reduction in the aforementioned parameters and improved the histological organization of the colon tissue, consistent with those mediated through 5-fluorouracil.
Abstract: This study aims to elucidate the beneficial effect of Punica granatum L., Lythraceae (pomegranate) peel extract in the management of colon cancer induced intrarectally with N-methylnitrosourea. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered N-methylnitrosourea (2 mg in 0.5 ml water/rat) intrarectally three times/week for five weeks to induce colorectal cancer, followed by treatment with either 5-fluorouracil (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or Punica peel extract (2.25 or 4.5 g/kg, p.o.). Developed tumor elevated plasma TGF-β, and Bcl2, serum epidermal growth factor, carcinoembryonic antigen, colon cancer specific antigens, and matrix metalloproteinase-7. Besides, immune-histochemical studies revealed an increase in COX-2, cyclin D1 and survivin content, as well as upregulation of the expression of colonic β-Catenin, K-ras and C-myc genes. These results were further supported by the histological findings. Punica peel extract-treated rats, particularly those treated with a high dose, exhibited a marked reduction in the aforementioned parameters and improved the histological organization of the colon tissue. These alterations were consistent with those mediated through 5-fluorouracil. The present study encourages the use of P. granatum L. against colon cancer. Because Punica peel extract promotes apoptosis, mitigates inflammation and suppresses tumor cell proliferation in vivo, the potential mechanism underlying these activities might depend on the inhibition of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway.
TL;DR: This is the first report of the presence of isoquercetin, galangin and apigenin in this species, which enhances the chemical knowledge of this species.
Abstract: Eugenia brasiliensis Lam., Myrtaceae, is used in folk medicine for anti-inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity and phenolic profile of the crude hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction from E. brasiliensis leaves. Crude hydroalcoholic extract and the ethyl acetate fraction were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS in comparison to standard phenolic compounds. The anti-inflammatory activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract (1, 10 and 25 mg kg−1) and the ethyl acetate fraction (10, 25 and 50 mg kg−1) was evaluated in a swiss mouse model of acute pleurisy induced by carrageenan, being the total cell count, exudation and analysis of nitrite/nitrate the inflammation parameters. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis revealed apigenin, catechin, galangin, isoquercetin, myricetin, quercetin and rutin. Crude hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction were effective in inhibiting cell migration in all tested doses. Crude hydroalcoholic extract was effective in inhibiting exudation only at the 10 mg kg−1 dose; ethyl acetate fraction was effective in all tested doses. Results for nitrite/nitrate levels reveals that only the ethyl acetate fraction was effective at the tested doses. This is the first report of the presence of isoquercetin, galangin and apigenin in this species. Results from the phytochemical analysis enhance the chemical knowledge of this species. In the future, together with more studies, validation of its popular use in inflammatory diseases is possible.
TL;DR: The chromatographic analyses discussed here can be used to assist in determining the quality and authenticity of herbal drugs derived from Passiflora species.
Abstract: Popularly known as passion fruit, some species of the genus Passiflora are widely used in folk medicines, such as sedatives and tranquilizers in many countries. Although these plants are employed for the same purposes, research with different species of Passiflora has indicated their heterogeneous chemical compositions. Since different chemical compositions can result in varying degrees of therapeutic efficiency, quality control based on the chemical constituents of each species is essential. To that end, the aim of this study was to compare pharmacognostically species of Passiflora in order to establish a chromatographic profile for the quality control of drugs in herbal medicines containing passion fruit. The study was conducted by collecting samples of leaves from twelve Passiflora taxa (i.e., ten species and two forms of P. edulis) – P. actinia, P. alata, P. amethystina, P. capsularis, P. cincinnata, P. edulis f. flavicarpa, P. edulis f. edulis, P. incarnata, P. morifolia, P. urnifolia, P. coccinea, and P. setacea – from different locations and obtaining their chromatographic profiles via thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Both methods used the flavonoid C-glycosides isoorientin, orientin, vitexin, and isovitexin as reference compounds and could ultimately establish specific profiles for each species. The chromatographic analyses discussed here can be used to assist in determining the quality and authenticity of herbal drugs derived from Passiflora species.
TL;DR: In this article, the ability of non-heating and solvent-free method to generate Pterodon emarginatus oleoresin-based nano-emulsions was evaluated.
Abstract: Pterodon emarginatus Vogel, Fabaceae, is a great source of bioactive compounds. The most known and studied herbal derivative from this species is an ambar-colored oleoresin that contains vouacapane diterpenes and volatile terpenoids, such as β-caryophyllene. Some recent papers aimed to generate nanoemulsions using this oleoresin for biological applications. However, they used high-energy methods that elevate costs of the process or heating procedures, which offer the disadvantage of possible volatile substances loss. Thus, as part of our ongoing studies with nanobiotechnology of natural products, especially regarding preparation of nanoemulsions with promising plant-based oils by low cost and low energy methods, we decided to evaluate the ability of non-heating and solvent-free method to generate P. emarginatus oleoresin-based nanoemulsions. Two non-ionic surfactants were used to generate the nanoemulsions by a simple homogenization method with vortex stirrer. Low mean droplet size (<180nm) and low polydispersity index (<0.200) were observed even after one day of preparation. The low coefficient of variation for the analyzed parameters of different batches and similar profile for droplet size distribution suggested reproducibility of the method. After 30 days, some degree of droplet growth was observed on nanoemulsion prepared with polyethyleneglycol 400 monooleate, while almost no alteration was observed for nanoemulsion prepared with polysorbate 85. Programmed temperature ramp analysis revealed that no major effects on droplet size and polydispersity index were observed, suggesting the robustness of formed nanoemulsions. Thus, the present study shows for the first time the formation of sucupira-based nanoemulsions by a simple, low cost and ecofriendly method. This study opens new perspectives for bioactive evaluation of this novel nano-product.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present cumulative data on potential use of D. kaki for its possible role in dermatologic and cosmetic applications, and summarize and present on available molecular mechanism that can contribute toward phytoconstituents usage in cosmetics and dermatology mediated by different cellular pathways.
Abstract: Diospyros kaki L.f. belonging to family Ebenaceae, commonly known as persimmon is used as a medicinal plant in Chinese traditional medicine since many years for different ailments including cosmetics and dermatologic applications. Traditionally this plant is used to treat different skin conditions including pimples, skin eruptions and eczema. Present interest has been focused toward use of natural bioactive compounds in various curative and beautifying applications in dermatological and cosmeceutical disciplines. The objective of this article is to present cumulative data on potential use of D. kaki for its possible role in dermatologic and cosmetic applications. Scientific data has revealed an excellent position of D. kaki in both dermatology and cosmetic discipline making it a valuable choice in respective field. Active principles from different plant parts have shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, photo-protective, and anti-wrinkle effects with appreciable activities against tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase enzymes. Promising antioxidant activity and skin whitening potential, augmented by reduction in sebum contents, and reduction in size and number of skin pores make it a suitable choice as cosmetic ingredient. Data has been summarized and presented on available molecular mechanism that can contribute toward phytoconstituents usage in cosmetics and dermatology mediated by different cellular pathways. Crude extracts and some of phytochemical obtained from this plant such as isoquercitrin and hyperin have better reported activities than well-known cosmetic ingredients viz., arbutin, kojic acid and hydroquinone with possibility of having no side effects. Photo protection against degenerative effects of UVA, UVB and gamma radiation can help skin to fight well against oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species. Further investigation need to be directed toward human subjects for evaluation of these reported activities for obtaining optimum commercial and industrial benefits from this valuable plant.
TL;DR: In this paper, a 33 Box-Behnken design and Response Surface Methodology were performed to evaluate the influence of extract feed rate, drying air inlet temperature and spray nozzle airflow rate on the process yield, stability parameters (moisture content and water activity) and on several physicomechanical properties of spray-dried rosemary extracts.
Abstract: A 33 Box-Behnken design and Response Surface Methodology were performed to evaluate the influence of extract feed rate, drying air inlet temperature and spray nozzle airflow rate on the process yield, stability parameters (moisture content and water activity) and on several physicomechanical properties of spray-dried rosemary extracts. Powder yield ranged from 17.1 to 74.96%. The spray-dried rosemary extracts showed moisture content and water activity below 5% and 0.5%, respectively, which indicate their chemical and microbiological stabilities. Even without using drying aids, some sets of experimental conditions rendered dried products with suitable flowability and compressibility characteristics for direct preparation of solid dosage forms. Analysis of variance and Response Surface Methodology proved that studied factors significantly affected most of the spray-dried rosemary extract quality indicators at different levels. The main processing parameter affecting the spray-dried rosemary extract characteristics was inlet temperature. The best combination of parameters used to obtain a reasonable yield of stable dry rosemary extracts with adequate technological properties for pharmaceutical purpose involves an extract feed rate of 2 ml/min, 80 °C inlet temperature and 40 l/min SA. The design of experiments approach is an interesting strategy for engineering spray-dried rosemary extracts with improved characteristics for pharmaceutical industrial purpose.
TL;DR: The findings suggest that natural products can be a promising or a trump tool for the development of new drugs to treat orofacial pain conditions, but the researchers that deal with experimental preclinical trials of new medications urgently need to show translational evidence (with clinical approach) of these compounds.
Abstract: Orofacial pain is related to tissues of the head, face, neck and all the intraoral structures; it is rather debilitating to the patient and also difficult to treat. There are relatively few studies dedicated to the use of natural products to alleviate orofacial pain in preclinical experiment models (performed in experimental animals which provide support for clinical trials). Main objectives of the present systematic review summarize the studies on natural products assessed in animal models for orofacial pain seeking to give evidence to future development of new pharmaceutical products to manage the orofacial pain. Our review includes a thorough search of literature using the terms of orofacial pain, facial pain, medicinal plants and natural products. This search was performed using to retrieve English language articles in Medline-PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. A total of eighteen studies were included in our survey for the inclusion criteria. Firstly, this review identified 210 citations from electronic search, after removal of duplicates and screening for relevant titles and abstracts, a total of eighteen articles were selected to the inclusion criteria established. Our findings suggest that natural products can be a promising or a trump tool for the development of new drugs to treat orofacial pain conditions, but the researchers that deal with experimental preclinical trials of new drugs (including natural products or synthetic drugs) for orofacial pain conditions urgently need to show translational evidence (with clinical approach) of these compounds.
TL;DR: In this article, the UHPLC-PDA-OT-MS fingerprint was used for the authentication of Ophryosporus triangularis Meyen, Asteraceae, growing in the Atacama Desert by means of ultra-high resolution liquid chromatography orbitrap MS analysis.
Abstract: High-resolution mass spectrometry is currently used to determine the mass of biologically active compounds in plants and UHPLC-Orbitrap is a relatively new technology that allows fast fingerprinting and metabolomics analysis. In this work, several phenolic compounds including eleven phenolic acids, two fatty acids, two chromones and fourteen flavones were rapidly identified in the methanolic extracts of aerial parts and flowers of the unique Chilean species Ophryosporus triangularis Meyen, Asteraceae, growing in the Atacama Desert by means of ultrahigh resolution liquid chromatography orbitrap MS analysis (UHPLC-PDA-OT-MS) for the first time. The UHPLC-MS fingerprint generated can be used for the authentication of this endemic species. The methanolic extracts of the aerial parts and flowers showed also antioxidant capacities (65.34 ± 1.32 and 52.41 ± 1.87 μg/ml in the DPPH assay, 184.88 ± 13.22 and 196.80 ± 13.28 μmol TE/g dry weight in the ferric reducing power assay and 56.17 ± 3.03 and 65.41 ± 1.96% in the superoxide anion scavenging assay, respectively).
TL;DR: In this article, the antimicrobial potential of extracts of bark and leaves of Cassia bakeriana Craib, Fabaceae, against aerobic and anaerobic oral bacteria was evaluated by the microdilution broth method.
Abstract: The antimicrobial potential of extracts of bark and leaves of Cassia bakeriana Craib, Fabaceae, against aerobic and anaerobic oral bacteria was evaluated by the microdilution broth method. For crude ethanol extracts and organic fractions tested, the bark dichloromethane phase showed a significant antibacterial effect, with MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 100 μg/ml for most of the microorganisms tested. Thus, a bioassay-guided fractionation of this fraction was performed. This fractionation led to isolation of the 1,8-dihydroxy-anthraquinone-3-carboxylic acid, also known as cassic acid or rhein. It is the first time that this bioactive anthraquinone has been isolated from this plant. Rhein exhibited good selectivity and high activity against anaerobic microorganisms, with MIC values ranging between 3.12 μg/ml (11.0 μM) and 25 μg/ml (88.0 μM). These results were considered very promising since the most active samples and rhein showed greater selectivity against oral microorganisms than toxicity to Vero cells.