Pharmacological activity of ethanolic extract of Alhagi maurorum roots

The ethanolic extract (EE) of Ahagi maurorum powdered roots was examined for its pharmacological activity and showed the following results: (1) Administration of EE intraperitoneally into mice decreased the body temperature in a dose-dependent manner. The decreases ranged from 0.2 to 3.3 °C. (2) Treatment of the frog tissue with EE blocked the action of the neurotransmitter, acetyl choline (Ach). Thus, EE seemed to act as a skeletal muscle relaxant. (3) Intraperitoneal administration of EE into the anaesthetized rats decreased heart rate by 22.5%, thus, EE seemed to be a bradycardiogenic drug. (4) The extract induced relaxations to the guinea-pig ureter and suppressed histamine-induced spasms. It seemed to possess a spasmolytic action and a ureter relaxing action that can enhance getting rid of renal stones and relieve of the accompanying pain (contraction of the ureter). (5) The extract did not possess the property of enhancing dissolution of oxalate calculi.     

Antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of Stachys glutinosa L. ethanol extract

Ethanol extracts of Stachys glutinosa L. (Lamiaceae) were investigated for antioxidative properties, as well as antiproliferative action on various cell lines. The antioxidant activities were investigated by ABTS (2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging, β-carotene/linoleic acid assay, scavenging of hydrogen peroxide (horseradish peroxidase test), superoxide anion scavenging, and hypochlorous acid scavenging (taurine test). The antioxidant activity was reported as IC₅₀ and reveals antioxidant effects. Antiproliferative effects were measured in vitro on three cell lines: HepG2 (human hepatocarcinoma), MCF7 (breast human adenocarcinoma) and C2C12 (mouse myoblast) cell lines by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The ethanol extract induced variations in cell viability on all cell lines tested. At 200 μg/mL, the effects on cell viability were ? 23%, ? 27% and ? 37%, respectively, for C2C12, MCF7 and HepG2.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of Pistacia lentiscus L. edible oil and phenolic extract

Pistacia lentiscus L. is known in some Tunisian forest area by its fixed oil used in traditional medicine as an antiseptic product. This investigation is the first to study the antimicrobial activity of P.lentiscus edible oil and its phenolic extract. Oil was extracted from fruits harvested from six provenances located in Tunisia. The antimicrobial activity was tested using disc diffusion assay and the broth dilution method. Kbouch and Sidi Zid oils were most efficient (p < 0.003) against, respectively, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger with an inhibition zone of 9.33 mm. The phenolic extract had the largest spectrum of sensitive microorganisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration results showed that all strains were inhibited by both oil and extract.     

Anti-hyperalgesic activity of crude extract and 7-methyljuglone of Diospyros lotus roots

This study was designed to evaluate the antihyperalgesic effect of crude extract of Diospyros lotus followed by the isolation and characterisation of 7-methyljuglone in acetic acid and formalin tests. The pretreatment of crude extract evoked dose-dependent inhibition of noxious stimulation with maximum effect of 56.78% in acetic acid-induced writhing test, which were 51.89% and 60.69% in first and second phases, respectively, at 100 mg/kg i.p. The structure of 7-methyljuglone was confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. 7-Methyljuglone evoked profound increase in pain threshhold dose dependently; when it was studied in acetic acid-induced writhing test with 63.73% pain attenuation while 51.22% and 65.44% pain amelioration in first and second phases, respectively, at 100 mg/kg i.p. In conclusion, crude extract and 7-methyljuglone of D. lotus roots possessed both peripheral and central antinociceptive potential and thus could be a useful new therapeutic agent.     

Anticarcinogenic and Antioxidant Action of an Edible Aquatic Flora Jussiaea repens L. Using In Vitro Bioassays and In Vivo Zebrafish Model

Oxidative stress is the major cause of many health conditions, and regular consumption of antioxidants helped to encounter and prevent such oxidative stress-related diseases. Due to safety concerns over long-term uses of synthetic antioxidants, natural antioxidants are more preferred. The purpose of this study is to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of Jussiaea repens L., a wild edible flora found in Manipur, India. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and DNA-nicking assay. The anticancer activity was tested using five cancer lines viz., SKOV3 cells (ovarian), HeLa (cervical), MDA-MB-231 (breast), PANC-1 (pancreatic), and PC3 (prostate). The toxicity, developmental effect, antiproliferative activity was further tested using zebrafish embryos. The methanolic plant extract had higher polyphenol content than flavonoids. The in vitro study demonstrated a promising antioxidant capacity and DNA protection ability of this plant. The extract also showed cytotoxic activity against SKOV3, HeLa, MDA-MB-23, and PANC-1 cancer cell lines. The in vivo studies on zebrafish embryos demonstrated the extract’s ability to suppress the developmental process and elicited more cytotoxicity to cancer cells than developing zebrafish embryos. Moreover, the in vivo studies on zebrafish embryos also indicated the antiproliferative activity of J. repens L. extract.     

New cytotoxic bufadienolides from the roots and rhizomes of Helleborus thibetanus Franch

Abstract

Three new bufadienolides 14β, 16β-dihydroxy-3β-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-5α-bufa-20, 22-dienolide (1), 14β-hydroxy-3β-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-5α-bufa-20, 22-dienolide (2) and hellebrigenin-3-O-β-D-glucosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucoside (3), together with eight known bufadienolides (4–11) were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Helleborus thibetanus. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and acid hydrolysis. Compounds 1–7 were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against HCT116, A549 and HepG2 tumor cell lines. Compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with IC₅₀ value of 15.1?±?1.72?μM. Compounds 5 and 6 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against HCT116 cells with IC₅₀ values of 15.12?±?0.58?μM and 13.17?±?2.34?μM, respectively.     

Chemical profiling and anti-psoriatic activity of methanolic extract of Andrographis nallamalayana J.L.Ellis

Andrographis nallamalayana is being widely used as tribal medicine in the treatment of leucoderma and mouth ulcers. Chemical profiling of methanolic extract of the whole plant (PE), using GC–MS and LC–MS, revealed the presence of compounds viz. α-tocopherol, β-sitosterol, tetradecanoic acid, monostearin, flavones/flavanones and their glycosides, chromones, etc. Topical application of imiquimod on the dorsal portion of male BALB/C mice resulted in the development of psoriatic symptoms (erythema, scaling, thickening and folding) with a mean disease activity index (DAI) of >7.0. Topical treatment with 100-μL PE (~6.4%/12.8%) formulations, for 12-days, resulted in the alleviation of disease symptoms. Compared to water-based formulations, emu oil-based formulation, PE400EO was found more effective in reducing the mean DAI (>84%), keratinocyte count (>65%) (p < 0.01) and interleukin-22 (~70%) (p < 0.05). We report, for the first time, anti-psoriatic activity of A. nallamalayana having great potential in developing a potent phytomedicine against psoriasis.     

Effect of ethanolic extract of Rubia peregrina L. (Rubiaceae) on monoamine-mediated behaviour

In the traditional system of medicine in Sardinia, Rubia peregrina (RP) is reported as an aphrodisiac herb. Since aphrodisiacs may also have dopaminergic activity, and there can be a reciprocal relationship between dopaminergic and serotonergic functions in the central nervous system, the aim here was to study the effect of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of R. peregrina on monoamine-mediated behaviour. The RP (100 and 200?mg?kg(-1) intraperitoneally) significantly inhibited haloperidol (1?mg?kg(-1) i.p.) induced catalepsy in mice (p?相似文献   

A new biflavonoid from Solanum dulcamara L. and investigation of anti-hyperglycaemic activity of its fruit extract

A new biflavone, 6,2′,3″,5″,4?-pentahydroxy-3,7″-biflavone, has been isolated from the fruits of Solanum dulcamara L., in addition to two known compounds, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol. Their structures were established on the basis of UV, IR, 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic methods. The anti-hyperglycaemic effect of S. dulcamara was investigated using diabetic rats. The anti-hyperglycaemic activity of the fruit extract of S. dulcamara was presented for the first time in this study.     

Iridoids and sesquiterpenoids with NGF-potentiating activity from the rhizomes and roots of Valeriana fauriei

A new iridoid glycoside, 10-isovaleryl kanokoside C (1), and a new sesquiterpene (2) together with two known compounds (3, 4) were isolated from the rhizomes and roots of Valeriana fauriei. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 2 and 4 showed enhancing activity of nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth in PC 12D cells.     

A new triterpenoid glycoside from the leaves and stems of Duranta repens

A new triterpenoid glycoside (1) was isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves and stems of Duranta repens L. (Verbenaceae) along with 14 known compounds consisting of eight triterpenoids, four iridoids, one phenylethanoid glycoside and one flavonoid. The chemical structure of 1 was determined to be bayogenin 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranoside]-28-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→5)-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→4)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl] ester, based on spectroscopic data. In addition, the inhibitory effects of the isolates on lipoxygenase activity were examined. Among them, acteoside and apigenin resulted in 94 ± 3.6% and 82 ± 4.7% inhibition, respectively, at 0.5 mM.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of saponins from roots of Impatiens parviflora DC.

Abstract

Two triterpene saponins (IPS-1, IPS-2) for the first time were isolated from the roots of Impatiens parviflora DC. (Balsaminaceae). Their anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by means of two in vitro models: anti-hyaluronidase and anti-denaturation assays. Both saponins were shown to be potent hyaluronidase inhibitors that affect the enzyme in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-hyaluronidase effect of IPS-2 (IC₅₀?=?286.7?µg/mL) was higher than that of the reference drug: escin (IC₅₀?=?303.93?µg/mL). Both saponins protected bovine serum albumin from heat-induced denaturation in a dose-dependent manner. IPS-1 demonstrated higher anti-denaturation effect (IC₅₀?=?86.7?µg/ml) than IPS-2 (IC₅₀?=?109.76?µg/mL) or the standard drug: acetylsalicylic acid (IC₅₀?=?262.22?µg/mL). In conclusion, potent activity of IPS-1, IPS-2 in both in vitro assays shows that saponins from I. parviflora have anti-inflammatory activity. The obtained results allow to suggest that such compounds may be beneficial in inflammatory conditions, especially associated with excessive degradation of hyaluronic acid.     

Hepatoprotective activity of Cichorium endivia L. extract and its chemical constituents

The objective of the present study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective properties of Cichorium endivia L. extract (CEE), and to identify its chemical constituents. CEE significantly blocked the oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, oral administration of CEE to mice before the treatment of t-BHP exhibited a markedly protective effect by lowering serum levels of ALT and AST, inhibiting the changes in liver biochemistry including MDA, SOD, GSH and GST, as well as ameliorating the liver injuries according to the histopathological observations. According to the acute oral toxicity test, the LD(50) of CEE was greater than 5,000 mg/kg, which demonstrates that the CEE can be considered practically non-toxic. Phytochemical analysis of CEE showed the presence of five compounds identified as 2-furanmethanol-(5'→11)-1,3-cyclopentadiene-[5,4-c]-1H-cinnoline, which is a new cinnoline derivative derived from a natural source but not synthesis, 2-phenylethyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside, kaempferol, and adenosine. In the ORAC assay, CEE and its constituents kaempferol and kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside had considerable antioxidant potency. Taken together, CEE protects hepatic tissue from oxidative damage in vitro and in vivo, potentially due to its phenolic substances, and does not cause acute oral toxicity, which suggests that CEE may be a valid and safe remedy to cure liver disease.     

An acidic polysaccharide having activity on the reticuloendothelial system from the roots and rhizomes of Saposhnikovia divaricata

An acidic polysaccharide, named saposhnikovan C, was isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Saposhnikovia divaricata Schischk. It was homogeneous as judged by electrophoresis and gel chromatography, and showed remarkable reticuloendothelial system-potentiating activity in a carbon clearance test. It is composed of D-galacturonic acid:L-rhamnose:L-arabinose:D-galactose in a molar ratio of 27:7:8:8, and its molecular mass was estimated to be 132000. About 30% of the D-galacturonic acid residues exist as the methyl esters. O-Acetyl groups were identified, and the content amounted to 3.3%. Methylation analysis, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, and controlled Smith degradation studies indicated the structural features. It has a pectin-like rhamnogalacturonan backbone with branched arabinan and galactan side chains.     

Phytochemical investigation of ethyl acetate extract from Curcuma aromatica Salisb. rhizomes

Three phytochemicals, curcumin 1, demethoxycurcumin 2 and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside 3 have been isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica. Chemical structures of all the three isolates were determined using spectroscopic and chemical analyses. β-Sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside has been isolated for the first time from this plant.     

Nucleoside alkaloids with anti-platelet aggregation activity from the rhizomes of Ligusticum striatum

Two new (1–2) and six known (3–8) nucleoside alkaloids were isolated from the rhizomes of Ligusticum striatum DC. Compounds 1 and 2 (liguadenosines A and B) were unusual N-10 substituted adenosine derivatives. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and ECD calculation. Most of them significantly inhibited the abnormal increase in platelet aggregation induced by ADP at concentrations of 50 and 100 μM. Particularly, the inhibitory effect of 3 was equivalent to aspirin.     

Determination of the polyphenolic content of a Capsicum annuum L. extract by liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection and evaluation of its biological activity

The present study was aimed to investigate the polyphenolic profile of a pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) extract from Algeria and evaluate its biological activity. The total polyphenol content of the extract was determined as 1.373 mg of gallic acid equivalents (±0.0046), whereas the flavonoids were determined as 0.098 mg of quercetin (±0.0015). The determination of the complete polyphenolic profile of the extract was achieved by liquid chromatography with an RP‐amide column in combination with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection through an electrospray ionization interface. A total of 18 compounds were identified, of which five were reported for the first time in the sample tested. Quercetin rhamnoside was the most abundant compound (82.6 μg/g of fresh pepper) followed by quercetin glucoside (19.86 μg/g). The antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects were also determined. For the antimicrobial tests assessed against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, kaempferol showed the strongest inhibitory effect followed by quercetin and caffeic acids. In the study of the cytotoxicity of the extract, the cancer cells (U937) were more affected than the normal cells (peripheral blood mononucleated cells), with more than 62% inhibition at the highest concentration.     

Identification of phytobioconstituents present in Simmondsia chinensis L. seeds extract by GC-MS analysis

Simmondsia chinensis L. commonly called as Jojoba and belongs to family Simmondsiaceae. It has shown positive pharmacological activities of these compounds which include antidiabetic, antirheumatic, anthelminthic, antipsoriatic, antioxidant, antiepileptic, antigonorrheal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and pesticidal activity of jojoba. The multifaceted action of numerous bioactives existing in the seed extract with therapeutic activity have attracted great research interest by pharmaceutical industries. n-hexane extract of Simmondsia chinensis L. (SC) Seeds was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy for identification and characterization of phytobioconstituents and its therapeutic claim by traditional system. The major compounds discovered in SC seeds extract are cis-9-octadecen-1-ol (24.85%), 9-octadecen-1-ol, (Z)- (18.24%), Stigmast-5-en-3-ol (14.10%), Ergost-5-en-3-ol, (3-β)-ol (5.26%), (Z)-14-tricosenyl formate (5.24%), Thiositosteroldisulfide (3.64%), Silane, Dimethyl (dimethylpentyloxysilyloxy) tetradecyloxy- (3.41%), Ergost-5-ene, 3-methoxy-, (3β,24R)- (2.55%), Ergosta-5,22-dien-3-ol (2.22%), 1,19-eicosadiene (2.17%), Pentacosane (2.02%), Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol (1.64%), 1,19-eicosadiene (1.57%), 9-octadecen-1-ol, (Z)- (1.46%), 9,19-cyclo-9β-lanostan-3β-ol, 24-methylene- (1.14%), (9Z)-9-octadecenyl palmitate (1.50%), Hexadecanoic acid, 9-octadecenyl ester, (Z) (1.37%), 9Z)-9-octadecenyl (9Z)-9-hexadecenoate (1.01%). The hexane extract of Simmondsia chinensis seeds comprises various polar and nonpolar phytobioconstituents. These compounds were established qualitatively via GC-MS evaluation. GC-MS reports will be promising in pharmaceutical sector in identification of variety of Phytobioconstituents in distinct plant extracts, polyherbal extract and the standardization of particular plant materials.     

Polyphenolic characterisation and bioactivity of an Oxalis pes-caprae L. leaf extract

The present work is focused on the characterisation of the polyphenolic content of an Oxalis pes-caprae L. leaf extract and on the evaluation of its bioactivity with particular interest on its vascular activity and antioxidant potential. The polyphenolic content was characterised by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS. The vascular activity was evaluated according to the influence on the serotonergic and adrenergic systems of the human internal mammary artery (HIMA). Antioxidant and neuroprotective studies were also conducted. Several luteolin and apigenin derivatives were identified as main constituents of the extract, which did not present any contractile effect nor had any effect on the serotonergic system of HIMA. However, it showed antagonistic effect on the adrenergic system, inhibiting the contraction to noradrenaline (reduction of 58.44% of maximum contraction). The extract showed antioxidant activity and standardised luteolin and apigenin derivatives showed neuroprotective potential, particularly homoorientin.     

Cytotoxic polyacetylenes isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Notopterygium incisum

Phytochemical investigation on the roots and rhizomes of Notopterygium incisum led to the isolation of a new polyacetylene, notopolyenol A (1), along with thirteen known analogues (2-14). Their structures were elucidated by extensive analyses of NMR and HRMS data, and the absolute configuration of 1 was unambiguously determined as 3 R by comparison of its retention time and ECD curve with those of synthetic enantiomers (-)-1 and (+)-1, whose absolute configurations were established by using the modified Mosher's method. Subsequent activity screening revealed that (3 S)-1 exhibited the most significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7, H1299, and HepG2 cancer cells with IC_(50) values of 1.3 μmol/L,0.6μmol/L and 1.4μmol/L, respectively.