Cytotoxic cardenolide and sterols from Calotropis gigantea

The dichloromethane extract from the leaves of Calotropis gigantea Linn. was strongly cytotoxic against non-small cell lung carcinoma (A549), colon carcinoma (HCT 116) and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2), and non toxic to Chinese hamster ovary (AA8). The extract afforded uscharin (1), 3,5,8-trihydroxy-24-methylcholest-6,22-diene (2), a mixture of (24R)-3beta-hydroxy-24-ethylcholest-5-en-7-one (3a) and 6beta-hydroxy-24-ethylcholest-4,22-dien-3-one (3b), and another mixture of (24R)-24-ethylcholest-4-en-3-one (4a) and (24S)-24-ethylcholest-4,22-dien-3-one (4b). Cardenolide 1 exhibited extreme toxicity to A549, HCT 116 and Hep G2 with IC50 values of 0.003 microg/mL, 0.013 microg/mL, and 0.018 microg/mL, respectively, while sample 3 exhibited an IC50 of 1.35 microg/mL, 4.46 microg/mL, and 3.83 microg/mL, respectively.     

A facile scalable conductive graphene-coated Calotropis gigantea yarn

Cellulose - Graphene-functionalized fibers have attracted substantial attention due to their potential applications in flexible wearable electronics. However, these conventional conductive...     

Cytotoxic triterpenoid saponins from the roots of Cephalaria gigantea

Three new oleanane-type saponins, giganteosides L (1), M (2) and N (3) along with eight known ones were isolated from the roots of Cephalaria gigantea. Their structures were established as 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid, 3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-hederagenin, 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-hederagenin, respectively, by means of spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS). Cytotoxic activity of monodesmosides was investigated in vitro using three cancer cell lines, namely, human non pigmented melanoma MEL-5 and human leukemia HL-60. Giganteosides D (4) and E (5) showed antiproliferative effect on human cell lines with IC(50) values in the range 3.15-7.5 microM.     

Calotropis gigantea fibers: A potential reinforcement for polymer matrices

Natural fibers are identified as one of the effective alternatives for reinforcing the polymer matrices on account of their sustainability and renewable characteristics by replacing the synthetic fibers. This study is intended to apprehend the properties of the fibers derived from the stem of Calotropis gigantea plant. The functional groups of biopolymers were recognized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum. The crystalline nature of the cellulose that represents the mechanical strength and integrity of the fibers was found from the X-ray diffraction, whereas the thermal behavior was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Scanning electron microscope was used to study the morphology of the fibers. The results of these analytical studies have shown that the crystallinity index of the fibers was 56.08% and the fibers were able to withstand a temperature of about 220°C proving that the fibers can be used as effective reinforcements for polymer matrices similar to the commonly used bio-fibers.     

Experimental Investigations on Highly Conducting Solid Bio-Polymer Electrolytes Based on Latex of Calotropis gigantea Plant

The study has prepared highly conducting polymer electrolyte films using solution cast technique with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) PVDF-HFP, mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC), and propylene carbonate (PC) as plasticizer and latex of Calotropis gigantea (CGL) as an ionic source. In this study, four films are prepared using PVDF-HFP:CGL in ratio 1:1 with the increasing concentration of EC+PC as 1, 2, 3, and 4 M named as 1:1:1, 1:1:2, 1:1:3, 1:1:4. The prepared polymer electrolyte is examined by polarized optical microscopy (POM), elemental dispersive X-ray technique (EDX), and complex impedance spectroscopy. EDX and POM are studied for the surface morphology of all prepared samples and to investigate the porous nature of films. The enhancement in ionic conductivity occurs due to CGL and increasing amount of EC-PC. Conductivity of highest composition (1:1:4) polymer electrolyte film is found to be ≈10⁻³ S cm⁻¹. The optimized polymer electrolyte film is considered as a promising candidate for application in supercapacitors.     

Flavonoids from Cephalaria gigantea flowers

Luteolin, quercetin, cinaroside, quercimeritrin, and the new flavonol bioside gigantoside A were isolated from Cephalaria gigantea (Ledeb.) Bobr. (Dipsacaceae) flowers. Spectral properties and chemical transformations established that gigantoside A had the structure quercetin-7-O-[α-L-arabinopyranosyl(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside. __________ Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 6, pp. 552–554, November–December, 2006.     

Indonesian medicinal plants. I. Chemical structures of calotroposides A and B, two new oxypregnane-oligoglycosides from the root of Calotropis gigantea (Asclepiadaceae).

Two new oxypregnane-oligoglycosides named calotroposides A (1) and B (2) have been isolated from the root of Calotropis gigantea (Asclepiadaceae), an Indonesian medicinal plant, and their chemical structures have been elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods as 12-O-benzoyllineolon 3-O-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl(1----4)-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl( 1----4)- beta-D-oleandropyranosyl(1----4)-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl(1--- -4)-beta-D- cymaropyranoside and 12-O-benzoyldeacetylmetaplexigenin 3-O-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl(1---4)-beta-D-oleandropyranosyl(- ---4)- beta-D-oleandropyranosyl(1----4)-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl(1--- -4)- beta-D-cymaropyranoside, respectively.     

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle using flowers of Calotropis gigantea (L.) W.T. Aiton and activity against pathogenic bacteria

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate solution are carried out using the flower extract of Calotropis gigantea. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometer, X-Ray diffractometer (XRD). Reduction of silver ions in the aqueous solution of silver during the reaction was observed by UV–vis spectroscopy. Crystalline nature of synthesized silver nanoparticles was studied by XRD pattern, refraction peak using the Scherrer’s equation. Antibacterial activity of the silver nanoparticles was performed by disc diffusion method against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida and Escherichia coli. The antibacterial activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles by flower extract of C. gigantea was found against B. subtilis (10 mm). Synthesised AgNPs has the efficient antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria.     

New Pregnane Glycosides Isolated from Stapelia gigantea

Chemistry of Natural Compounds - Two new pregnane glycosides (1 and 2) were isolated from Stapelia gigantea. The structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectral analysis. The absolute...     

Important insights from the antimicrobial activity of Calotropis procera

Calotropis procera (family Apocynaceae) is a valuable medicinal plant as it contains many valuable phytochemicals such as glycosides (mostly cardenolides), flavonoids, triterpenes, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, proteins and enzymes. Multiparous biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, wound healing and wideranging antimicrobial activities of C. procera have been well investigated and reported. The main aim of this review was to present the encompassing information regarding antimicrobial activities of C. procera latex, different crude extracts and some isolated compounds which have been tested for antimicrobial property. Comprehensive data extracted from earlier as well as recently published original articles regarding antibacterial, antifungal, anti-protozoal and antiviral properties of C. procera were discussed and summarised in tabular forms. The compiled data comprised of plant parts, geographical origin, type of tested extracts/fractions, test model, used doses, tested microorganisms, obtained results and relevant references. In addition, the isolated antimicrobial pure compounds of C. procera are also discussed in a separate section. The analysis and information presented in this review identified the existing critical knowledge gaps in the research and also explored the future perspectives and further research opportunities of C. procera.     

Elucidation of the Metabolite Profile of Yucca gigantea and Assessment of Its Cytotoxic,Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

The acute inflammation process is explained by numerous hypotheses, including oxidative stress, enzyme stimulation, and the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory activity of Yucca gigantea methanol extract (YGME) against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation and possible underlying mechanisms was investigated. The phytochemical profile, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities were also explored. LC-MS/MS was utilized to investigate the chemical composition of YGME, and 29 compounds were tentatively identified. In addition, the isolation of luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside was performed for the first time from the studied plant. Inflammation was induced by subcutaneous injection of 100 μL of 1% carrageenan sodium. Rats were treated orally with YGME 100, 200 mg/kg, celecoxib (50 mg/kg), and saline, respectively, one hour before carrageenan injection. The average volume of paws edema and weight were measured at several time intervals. Levels of NO, GSH, TNF-α, PGE-2, serum IL-1β, IL-6 were measured. In additionally, COX-2 immunostaining and histopathological examination of paw tissue were performed. YGME displayed a potent anti-inflammatory influence by reducing paws edema, PGE-2, TNF-α, NO production, serum IL-6, IL-1β, and COX-2 immunostaining. Furthermore, it replenished the diminished paw GSH contents and improved the histopathological findings. The best cytotoxic effect of YGME was against human melanoma cell line (A365) and osteosarcoma cell line (MG-63). Moreover, the antimicrobial potential of the extract was evaluated against bacterial and fungal isolates. It showed potent activity against Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and fungal Candida albicans isolates. The promoting multiple effects of YGME could be beneficial in the treatment of different ailments based on its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects.     

Lactones ofFerula gigantea

The following substances have been isolated from an acetone extract ofFerula gigantea B. Fedtsch.: a coumarin — umbelliferone, C₉H₆O₂, mp 230–233°C; and sesquiterpene lactones — talassin A, C₂₅H₃₀O₇, mp 188–191°C; malaphyllinin, C₂₄H₂₄O₇, mp 231–235°C; malaphyll, C₂₉H₃₂O₉, mp 212–213°C; and malaphyllin, C₂₆H₂₈O₉, mp 216–218°C. Structures have been proposed for three new sesquiterpene lactones on the basis of an analysis of their spectral characteristics.     

Cytotoxic withanolides from Physalis angulata

A new withanolide (1), physagulide P, together with five known withanolides (2–6), was isolated from the aerial parts of Physalis angulata L. The structure of new compound was elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic techniques, including 1D, 2D NMR and HRESIMS. The activity screening indicated that compound 1 showed significant cytotoxicities against the human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63, HepG-2 hepatoma cells and breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 with the IC₅₀ value of 3.50, 4.22 and 15.74 μM.     

Cytotoxic Withaphysalins from Physalis minima

A novel withanolide, withaphysalin P ( 1 ) with a nine‐membered ring, and six other new withaphysalins, 2 – 7 , together with the three known withaphysalins 8 – 10 were isolated from Physalis minima L. The structures were deduced by means of spectroscopic analyses, and that of withaphysalin P ( 1 ) was confirmed by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Plausible biosynthetic pathways were postulated (Scheme 1). All compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activities toward the human colorectal‐carcinoma HCT‐116 cells and human nonsmall‐cell lung‐cancer NCI‐H460 cells (Table 4). Compounds 1 – 3, 7 – 10, 7a , and 7b displayed moderate cytotoxic activity against the two human cancer cell lines.     

Cytotoxic constituents from Podocarpus fasciculus

A new diterpene, 16-hydroxy communic acid (1), along with thirty one known compounds including five norditerpenes (2-6), twenty two flavonoids containing four biflavonoids (7-10), nine monoflavonoids (11-19) and nine flavanoid glycosides (20-28), as well as four phenolic constituents (29-32) were isolated from the 95% ethanolic extract of Podocarpus fasciculus. The structure of 1 was elucidated using spectral methods. Of these isolates, nagilactone C (2) showed the most significant inhibitory effects against DLD cells (human colon carcinoma) (ED(50)=2.57 microg/ml) and compounds 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12 had moderate cytotoxic activity against human KB (human oral epithelium carcinoma), Hela (human cervical carcinoma), Hepa (human hepatoma), DLD (colon carcinoma), and A-549 (human lung carcinoma) tumor cell lines. Preliminary structure-activity relationship studies of the isolated diterpenoids and biflavonoids are discussed.     

Cytotoxic compounds from Polygala vulgaris

To search for antitumor agents from plants, we studied Polygala vulgaris since cytotoxic lignans are known to occur in some Polygala species. Preliminary data on plant petrol ether, chloroform, and methanol extracts from the roots and aerial parts, showed in vitro cytotoxic activity against the solid tumor LoVo cell line. Fractionation of the active extracts led to the isolation of three new compounds, a derivative of aucuparine and two xanthones, as well as a known methylsinapate. All compounds were tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity using two cell lines, LoVo and its strain, which express resistance to common antitumor agents.