Estrogenic Activity of Derris scandens Stem Extract and its Major Compounds Using MCF-7 Cell Proliferation Assay and Estrogen-Related Gene Expression

Derris scandens, which contains isoflavones and prenylated derivatives, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and is an ingredient in traditional Thai medicine for perimenopause and menopause. However, the estrogenic activity of D. scandens has not yet been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the estrogenic activity of the stem extract of D. scandens and its isoflavone derivatives. In this study, we conducted a proliferation assay in MCF-7 cells, and used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to assess gene expression. We found that the relative cell proliferation of the compounds (1 µM) was ranked in the following order as compared to 0.1 nM 17β-estradiol (100%): genistein (97.84%) > derrisisoflavone A (83.17%) > genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-glucopyranoside] (69.55%) > 6,8-diprenylgenistein (51.91%) > lupalbigenin (18.72%). Furthermore, cotreatment with 1 µM lupalbigenin and 0.1 nM 17β-estradiol was performed, which decreased cell proliferation to 80.38%. In vitro results suggest that lupalbigenin has an estrogen-antagonistic effect. At a dose of 1 µM, genistein had the strongest efficacy in increasing the expression of human estrogen receptor β by 4.0-fold compared to the control. Furthermore, genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-glucopyranoside augmented the gene expression of human estrogen receptor α and human estrogen receptor β by 1.5- and 3.4-fold, respectively. Prenylated derivatives of genistein (derrisisoflavone A, 6,8-diprenylgenistein, and lupalbigenin) significantly suppressed the gene expression of the human androgen receptor. The administration of the crude extract at 10 µg/mL significantly suppressed human androgen receptor (0.6-fold) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (0.1-fold) expression but did not significantly affect human estrogen receptor α and human estrogen receptor β gene expression. This herbal medicine may be safe for estrogen-exposed breast cancer patients.

Simultaneous rapid detection of glycyrrhizin and sennoside A in Daiokanzoto samples by lateral flow immunoassay

INTRODUCTION

Glycyrrhizin (GLY) and sennoside A (SA) are characteristic bioactive marker compounds of the Kampo medicine Daiokanzoto. Their accurate detection in blends of Rhei rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae radix of several species (4:1 or 4:2) is essential for quality control and to ensure therapeutic efficacy. A rapid, efficient assay can significantly facilitate their detection.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a rapid qualitative assay for GLY and SA detection, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) was developed using specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) nanoparticles.

METHODOLOGY

This assay harnesses the competitive binding of mAb nanoparticles to the immobilized analytes on test strips and free analytes in the samples. Two conjugates for detecting GLY and SA, GLY-bovine serum albumin and SA-human serum albumin, were separately immobilized on the test zones of LFA strips. The detection mechanism is reliant on the visual detection of color changes in the test zones.

RESULTS

When GLY and SA were present in samples, they contended with the immobilized conjugates on the strip to bind with the mAb nanoparticles and produced distinct color patterns in the test zones. The limits of detection of the assay for GLY and SA were both 3.13 μg/mL. The capability of the LFA was substantiated using plant samples and Daiokanzoto, and its alignment with indirect competitive ELISA results was confirmed.

CONCLUSION

The introduced LFA is a groundbreaking procedure that offers a rapid, straightforward, and sensitive method for simultaneously detecting GLY and SA in Daiokanzoto samples. It is instrumental in ensuring product quality.

Advanced quality assessment of Sanshishi (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) and Kampo medicines using a monoclonal antibody against geniposide

Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, a plant widely used in traditional medicine, is known for its array of biological activities. A key bioactive compound, geniposide (GE), an iridoid glycoside, significantly contributes to the medicinal properties of the plant, with potential side effects. Thus, a reliable and efficient method for GE detection is required to ensure the quality of medicinal-grade G. jasminoides Ellis. This study developed such a method by first synthesizing GE-bovine serum albumin conjugates to function as immunizing agents in mice. This led to the production of a monoclonal antibody (mAb 3A6) against GE from the fusion of splenocytes from immunized mice with myeloma cells (P3U1), resulting in a hybridoma that produces mAb 3A6. Thereafter, we developed a mAb 3A6-based indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA). The icELISA exhibited satisfactory sensitivity (0.391-12.5 μg/ml) and repeatability (coefficients of variation <10%). The accuracy of this method was validated through a spike-recovery assay (recovery of 101-112%). Furthermore, the icELISA was employed to determine the GE content in plant and Kampo medicine samples. The GE content positively correlated with those determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet. The proposed icELISA is rapid, cost-effective, and reliable for high-throughput GE detection in G. jasminoides Ellis, thereby contributing to the improved quality control and standardization of this valuable medicinal plant.

Development and characterisation of highly specific monoclonal antibody-based immunoassays for the detection and quantification of genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-glucopyranoside in Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth

INTRODUCTION

The stem of the plant species Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. (DS) contains genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-glucopyranoside (GTG), which is a unique marker. Previous analyses of GTG using antibody-based immunoassays were compromised because of their high cross-reactivity with structurally related compounds of DS, thereby limiting their applicability in DS quality control.

OBJECTIVE

Conjugation of GTG with carrier proteins was achieved using the Mannich reaction to produce a highly specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting GTG (anti-GTG mAb).

METHODS

The anti-GTG mAb was generated using hybridoma technology and characterised using an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA). Both lateral-flow immunoassay (LFIA) and icELISA were developed to detect and quantify GTG in DS raw materials and associated products.

RESULTS

icELISA using the anti-GTG mAb showed 100% specificity for GTG, with only 1.77% cross-reactivity with genistin and less than 0.01% cross-reactivity with other compounds. icELISA demonstrated a linear range for GTG determination between 62.5 and 2000 ng/mL. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification were 49.68 and 62.50 ng/mL for GTG, respectively. The precision of the analysis ranged from 1.28% to 4.20% for repeatability and from 1.03% to 7.05% for reproducibility. The accuracy of the analysis ranged from 101.97% to 104.01% for GTG recovery. GTG levels determined via icELISA were consistent with those confirmed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (R2 = 0.9903). Moreover, the LOD of LFIA for GTG was 500 ng/mL.

CONCLUSION

Immunoassays utilising specific anti-GTG mAbs were successfully developed, including LFIA for rapid GTG detection and icELISA for GTG quantification.

Identification of Major Bioactive Anti-inflammatory Compounds of Derris scandens Stem Using RAW 264.7 Cells and HPLC-UV Analysis

Derris scandens (DS) is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties, specifically its analgesic effects, which significantly alleviate muscle pain. The chemical constituents of DS stem include various isoflavone derivatives. However, there is currently a lack of specified anti-inflammatory chemical markers and analytical methods for quality control. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of DS and its constituents using the RAW 264.7 cell model. The expression of inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) was examined using quantitative RT-PCR. An high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV detection method was developed to quantitatively analyze genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-glucopyranoside, genistein, derrisisoflavone A, lupalbigenin, and 6,8-diprenylgenistein in DS stem. The developed HPLC-UV method demonstrated high sensitivity with limits of detection and quantification ranging from 0.01 to 0.06 µg/mL and 0.03 to 0.18 µg/mL, respectively. The accuracy of the method ranged from 93.3 to 109.6%. Furthermore, the repeatability and reproducibility of the method were suitable, as indicated by the relative standard deviations of ≤ 3.02% and ≤ 6.22%, respectively. The DS extract notably inhibited NO production, exhibiting effects comparable to those of 500 µM diclofenac, and substantially suppressed the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and 5-LOX of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced genes. As to the pure isoflavone derivatives, the order of NO production inhibition was found to be genistein > lupalbigenin > derrisisoflavone A > 6,8-diprenylgenistein > genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-glucopyranoside. Genistein, derrisisoflavone A, and 6,8-diprenylgenistein significantly suppressed the upregulation of all LPS-induced genes. Consequently, these compounds are recommended as anti-inflammatory markers for the quantitative chemical analysis of DS.

Anti-inflammatory activity of verbascoside- and isoverbascoside-rich Lamiales medicinal plants

Verbascoside and isoverbascoside are two active phenylethanoid glycosides mainly found in plants of the order Lamiales. This study analyzes the verbascoside and isoverbascoside levels and the total phenolic contents in the water and ethanolic extracts of 20 medicinal plants of the order Lamiales commonly used in Thailand. The related bioactivities, including the antioxidant activity via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reduction activity potential assays and anti-tyrosinase and -inflammatory activities via the cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide assays are also investigated. The extracts of several plant species, including Barleria prionitis, B. lupulina, Rhinacanthus nasutus, Orthosiphon aristatus, and Nicoteba betonica, exhibit high verbascoside and isoverbascoside content levels. The correlation analysis between the bioactive activities and the active compounds demonstrates a significant association between the verbascoside level in the water extracts and both the DPPH antioxidant activity and the nitric oxide level in the anti-inflammatory assays. This study provides the first report on the verbascoside and isoverbascoside quantification of several plant samples. The findings provide valuable insights for future research on lesser-studied plants possessing high verbascoside and isoverbascoside levels, which exhibit promising anti-inflammatory activities.

Immunoaffinity separation of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol from Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (Airy Shaw & Suvat.) Niyomdham using fragment antigen-binding antibody produced via Escherichia coli

INTRODUCTION

Miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol are potent phytoestrogens and are oestrogen markers of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica. However, purifying these compounds is difficult because they only exist in trace amounts.

OBJECTIVES

Active fragment antigen-binding (Fab) antibodies were produced via Escherichia coli SHuffle® T7 and used to selectively separate these compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two immunoaffinity separation approaches were developed, namely the immunoaffinity column (IAC) and a cell-based method. Group-specific Fab antibodies against miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol (anti-MD Fab) were used as biological binding reagents for selective separation.

RESULTS

The Fab-based IAC effectively separated miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol (0.65 and 2.24 μg per 2 mL of resin, respectively) from P. mirifica root extract. When P. mirifica extract was added to E. coli cultures during Fab expression via a cell-based method, the target compound accumulated in intracellular compartments and, thus, were separated from E. coli cells after the removal of other compounds. A yield of 1.07 μg of miroestrol per gram of cell pellet weight was obtained. Miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol were successfully purified from P. mirifica extract using anti-MD Fab via the IAC and an intracellular cell-based method.

CONCLUSION

The proposed methods can simplify the miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol extraction process and provide a basis for applications utilising recombinant antibodies to separate target compounds.

Immunochromatographic assay for miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol, its cross-reactivity, and application in Pueraria mirifica (white Kwao Krua) analysis

INTRODUCTION

Miroestrol (Mi) and deoxymiroestrol (Dmi) are trace, yet potent, phytooestrogens found in white Kwao Krua [Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (Airy Shaw & Suvat.) Niyomdham, PM]. However, the analysis of these substances is difficult because of complex matrix effects and their various analogues. In addition, alteration in the cross-reactivity of a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based immunochromatographic assay (ICA) resulting from the electrostatic adsorption between antibodies and AuNPs has not yet been evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to develop, characterise, and validate ICA with a monoclonal antibody exhibiting similar reactivity against Mi and Dmi (MD-mAb).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ICA performance was validated for cross-reactivity and performance in comparison with those of indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (icELISAs) with MD-mAb and mAb exhibiting specificity against Mi (Mi-mAb).

RESULTS

The ICA showed a limit of detection (LOD) at 1 and 16 μg/mL for Mi and Dmi, respectively. The cross-reactivity of the ICA with Dmi was lower (6.25%) than that observed with the icELISA (120%). Cross-reactivity of ICA against other compounds of the PM was also correlated with those of icELISA; no false-positive/negative results were observed. The repeatability and reproducibility of the ICA were confirmed. The results obtained using ICA in samples of PM are correlated with the concentrations determined through icELISAs.

CONCLUSION

An ICA with MD-mAb was constructed and validated. However, direct conjugation via the electrostatic adsorption of mAb-AuNPs was expected to alter the cross-reactivity of ICA, especially that of the analyte analogue Dmi.

Construction of a monoclonal antibody against glabridin (2G4) and development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

INTRODUCTION

Glabridin is a unique isoflavonoid found only in Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The pharmacological effects of glabridin are well established, especially for beauty- and wellness-related uses, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ultraviolet (UV) protection, and skin-lightening effects. Therefore, glabridin is often found in commercial products such as creams, lotions, and dietary supplements.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a glabridin-specific antibody.

METHOD

Immunogen conjugation of glabridin-bovine serum albumin was performed via the Mannich reaction, and the resulting conjugates were injected into BALB/c mice. Subsequently, hybridomas were produced. An ELISA method for glabridin determination was developed and validated.

RESULT

A highly specific antibody against glabridin was produced using clone 2G4. The assay range for the determination of glabridin was 0.28-7.02 μg/ml, with a detection limit of 0.16 μg/ml. The validation parameters in terms of accuracy and precision met the acceptable criteria. Standard curves of glabridin in various matrices were compared to evaluate the matrix effect on human serum using ELISA. Standard curves of the human serum and water matrix were obtained in the same manner, and the measurement range was 0.41-10.57 μg/ml.

CONCLUSION

The developed ELISA method was used to quantify glabridin in plant materials and products with high sensitivity and specificity, and has potential applications in quantifying compounds in plant-derived products and human serum samples.

Correction: Analysis of canthin-6-one alkaloids derived from Eurycoma spp. by micellar liquid chromatography and conventional high-performance liquid chromatography: a comparative evaluation

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D2RA07034K.].

Comparative stability and analytical performance of anti-miroestrol recombinant antibody in different cassettes

Immunoassays are efficient for the phytochemical analysis of various matrices. However, producing an appropriate recombinant antibody for small molecules is challenging, resulting in costly analyses. In this study, we aimed to develop recombinant fragment antigen-binding (Fab) antibodies against miroestrol, a potent phytoestrogen marker of Pueraria candollei. Two expression cassettes of Fab were established for the production of active Fab antibodies using SHuffle^® T7 Escherichia coli cells. The orientation of variable fragment heavy chain (VH) and variable fragment light chain (VL) in the expression vector constructs influences the reactivity, stability, and binding specificity of the resultant Fab. Stability testing of antibodies demonstrated that Fab is a more stable form of recombinant antibody than a single-chain variable fragment (ScFv) antibody in all conditions. Based on the obtained Fab, the ELISA specifically detected miroestrol in the range of 39.06-625.00 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-assay precisions were 0.74-2.98% and 6.57-9.76%, respectively. The recovery of authentic miroestrol spiked into samples was 106.70-110.14%, and the limit of detection was 11.07 ng/mL. The results for P. candollei roots and products determined using our developed ELISA with Fab antibody and an ELISA with anti-miroestrol monoclonal antibody (mAb) were consistent (R² = 0.9758). The developed ELISA can be applied for the quality control of miroestrol derived from P. candollei. Therefore, the appropriate expression platform of Fab resulted in the stable binding specificity of the recombinant antibody and was applicable for immunoassays.Key points• ELISAs with Fab has higher sensitivity than that with ScFv.• Fab is more stable than ScFv.• Fab-based ELISA can be used for miroestrol determination of Pueraria candollei.

Analysis of canthin-6-one alkaloids derived from Eurycoma spp. by micellar liquid chromatography and conventional high-performance liquid chromatography: a comparative evaluation

Extracts of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (EL) and Eurycoma harmandiana Pierre (EH) contain numerous bioactive compounds and varying matrices that are challenging to separate using chromatographic techniques. Herein, micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) was used to analyze canthin-6-one alkaloids contained in these extracts, and the achieved performance was compared with that of a conventional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The optimal mobile phase of MLC corresponded to 15 : 85 (v/v) acetonitrile : water (pH 3) containing 110 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate and 10 mM NaH₂PO₄. The retention times of canthin-6-one-9-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one, canthin-6-one, and 9-methoxycanthin-6-one were 4.78/15.42, 17.64/24.11, 32.84/38.27, and 39.04/39.86 min, respectively, in the cases of isocratic MLC and conventional HPLC. In both cases, the analyte resolution exceeded 1.5. The MLC elution behavior of the examined analytes was largely determined by their hydrophobicity and ionization. The sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and per-run acetonitrile consumption of the MLC method were comparable to those of the conventional HPLC method. However, the latter method exhibited higher performance for application to EL and EH samples, particularly those with low analyte concentrations and varying sample matrices. Overall, the analysis of canthin-6-one alkaloids using MLC was limited to trace analytes due to interference by the matrix.

Evaluating the in Vitro Efficacy of Quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia and Eurycoma harmandiana against Common Cold Human Coronavirus OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 Using In-Cell Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, has become a pandemic and public health crisis. SARS-CoV-2 and the seasonal common cold coronavirus (HCoV-OC43) belong to the beta genus of human coronaviruses (HCoVs). In-cell ELISA assays were performed using HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 and evaluated the antiviral activity of herbal plants. Eurycoma longifolia (EL) and Eurycoma harmandiana (EH) roots (antipyretic properties) and their constituent quassinoids, especially chaparrinone and eurycomalactone, showed potent anti-HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 activities, and the low IC₅₀ values of the mentioned constituents were observed in the range of 0.32-0.51 μM. Eurycomanone and 13β,21-dihydroeurycomanone may contribute to the antiviral activity of EL, whereas chaparrinone is the major and active antiviral constituent of EH root. The content of quassinoids, β-carboline, and canthin-6-one alkaloids and the cytotoxicity profile of EL and EH extracts were varied regarding extraction solvents. The boiled water and 50% EtOH extractions of both plants were less toxic than those with 95% EtOH as the extraction solvent. Our research suggests that quassinoids, which come from EL and EH roots and are anti-coronavirus compounds, are potential treatment candidates for COVID-19 and merit further in vivo investigations.

Improvement in the binding specificity of anti-isomiroestrol antibodies by expression as fragments under oxidizing conditions inside the SHuffle T7 E. coli cytoplasm

Sensitive and specific analysis of isomiroestrol (Iso) is required for the quality control of Pueraria candollei, an herb used to treat menopausal disorders. The anti-isomiroestrol monoclonal antibody (Iso-mAb) exhibits cross-reactivity with miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol, which impacts the analytical results. Here, the active and soluble forms of the single-chain variable fragment (Iso-scFv) and fragment antigen-binding (Iso-Fab) against Iso were expressed using Escherichia coli SHuffle® T7 to alter the binding specificity. The Iso-scFv format exhibited a higher binding activity than the Iso-Fab format. The reactivity of Iso-scFv towards Iso was comparable to that of the parental Iso-mAb. Remarkably, the binding specificity of the scFv structure was improved and cross-reactivity against analogs was reduced from 13.3-21.0% to less than 1%. The structure of recombinant antibodies affects the binding characteristics. Therefore, the immunoassays should improve specificity; these findings can be useful in agricultural processes and for quality monitoring of P. candollei-related materials.

Extraction of curcuminoids and ar-turmerone from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) using hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) and application as HDES-based microemulsions

The extraction of curcuminoids and aromatic (ar)-turmerone from Curcuma longa L. using organic solvents produces chemical waste, and is therefore incompatible with food applications. To address this issue, this study presents the design of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) and HDES-based microemulsions. Using the response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal extraction conditions were identified as follows: HDES = OA:menthol (1:3.6 M ratio), solid-to-liquid ratio = 10:1 (mg/mL), and extraction duration = 90 min (prediction accuracy ≥ 85 %). Under these conditions, the HDES extraction yields of bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, curcumin, and ar-turmerone were 2.49 ± 0.25, 5.61 ± 0.45, 9.40 ± 0.86, and 3.83 ± 0.19 % (w/w, dry basis), respectively, while those obtained using the HDES-based microemulsion were 2.10 ± 0.18, 6.31 ± 0.48, 12.6 ± 1.20, and 2.58 ± 0.19 % (w/w, dry basis), respectively. The HDES and its microemulsions are more effective and environmentally friendly than conventional organic solvents for the extraction of curcuminoids and ar-turmerone, and these solvents are also compatible with food and pharmaceutical formulations.

Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitory Activity of Canthin-6-One Alkaloids and the Roots of Eurycoma longifolia and Eurycoma harmandiana

Eurycoma longifolia (EL) and Eurycoma harmandiana (EH) are natural medicinal plants belonging to the Simaroubaceae family, and are well-known for their ability to enhance male sexual performance. The present study investigated the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitory activity of intact roots of EL and EH. Additionally, canthin-6-one alkaloids, β-carboline alkaloids, and quassinoids were also screened for PDE-5 inhibitory activity. We developed in vitro root and callus cultures of EL and EH to determine their PDE-5 inhibitory activity. Our results indicated that canthin-6-one alkaloids, which include canthin-6-one-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 9-methoxycanthin-6-one, canthin-6-one, and 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one, exhibited PDE-5 enzymatic inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ values of 2.86±0.23, 3.30±1.03, 4.31±0.52, and 4.66±1.13 μM, respectively. The ethanolic extract of the intact roots of EL and EH, and the in vitro root culture of EH had large amounts of canthin-6-one alkaloids (1.50±0.04, 2.12±0.03, and 3.48±0.08 mg/g dry weight, respectively), and showed potent PDE-5 inhibition. Our findings indicate that in vitro root cultures of EH may be used to replace intact plants, and canthin-6-one-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside should be further investigated for development as a health supplement.

Harringtonine Ester Derivatives with Enhanced Antiproliferative Activities against HL-60 and HeLa Cells

Harringtonine (HT), produced from Cephalotaxus species, is known to exhibit potent antiproliferative activity against myeloid leukemia cells by inhibiting protein synthesis. A previous study using acute promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells raised the possibility that the C-5' methyl group of HT plays an important role in regulating leukemia cell line antiproliferative activity. In order to investigate the effect of hydrocarbon chains at C-5' on the resultant activity, the C-5' methyl group was replaced with various straight- and branched-chain hydrocarbons using the corresponding alcohols, and their antiproliferative activity against HL-60 and HeLa cells was investigated. As a result, 4'-n-heptyl-4'-demethylharringtonine (1f, n-heptyl derivative) showed the most potent cytotoxicity among the HT ester derivatives produced, with IC₅₀ values of 9.4 nM and 0.4 μM for HL-60 and HeLa cells, respectively. Interestingly, the cytotoxicity of derivative 1f against HL-60 and HeLa cells respectively was ∼5 (IC₅₀ = 50.5 nM) and ∼10 times (IC₅₀ = 4.0 μM) those of HT and ∼2 (IC₅₀ = 21.8 nM) and ∼4 times (IC₅₀ = 1.7 μM) more than homoharringtonine (HHT). These results demonstrate the potential of the derivative 1f as a lead compound against leukemia.

Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Active Compounds Identified in Ardisia elliptica Extracts from Different Plant Parts

Ardisia elliptica Thunb. (AE) has been used as food and in traditional medicine to prevent and treat fever, diarrhea, chest pain, liver poisoning, and parturition complications in Southeast Asian countries. This study focused on phytochemical constituents of AE extracts and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro by evaluating nitric oxide production, and DPPH and FRAP radical scavenging activity. The bioactive compounds from different plant parts, including old leaves, young leaves, flowers, roots, and fruits, were identified. The results showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid content in the root extract among all extracts, which resulted in the most potent free radical scavenging activity revealed by the DPPH and FRAP assay. The roots and flowers showed the highest bergenin (3.36±0.22 mg/g dry weight) and quercetin (2.99±0.10 mg/g dry weight) content, respectively. In contrast, embelin was found only in the fruits. Interestingly, AE extracts significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, leading to inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusively, the results suggest the natural products of AE extracts as effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that can be utilized for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Open sandwich fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of soy isoflavone glycosides

To detect major soy isoflavone glycosides, namely daidzin (DZ) and genistin (GEN), novel open sandwich fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (os-FLISA) was developed by taking advantage of enhanced interactions between variable regions of heavy (VH) and light chain (VL) domains in the presence of an antigen. The VH and VL genes were expressed in Escherichia coli as a chimera protein with green fluorescence protein (AcGFP1) and maltose-binding protein (MBP), respectively. Comprehensive characterization of os-FLISA displayed nearly the same specificity as parental DZ- and GEN-specific monoclonal antibody, demonstrating the potential of the developed assay for detection of both DZ and GEN. Their detectable range in this system exhibited at 0.1-12.5 μg mL-1. Subsequent validation analysis revealed that os-FLISA was reliable and accurate system for detection of total soy isoflavone glycosides. Notably, this is the first FLISA based on an open sandwich system, which can be employed for the detection of small molecules.

Permeation, stability and acute dermal irritation of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol from Pueraria candollei var. mirifica crude extract loaded transdermal gels

In this study, permeation behaviors and chemical stability of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol from Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (PM), Thai traditional medicine, crude extract containing transdermal gels were firstly evaluated. Three different PM extract containing gels were formulated, including hydroalcoholic and microemulsion gels using carbomer, and silicone gel using silicone elastomer. In vitro permeation through porcine ear skin demonstrated that the flux and 24 h cumulative permeation of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol were in the order of hydroalcoholic > silicone > microemulsion gels. Hydroalcoholic gel provided the highest partition coefficient from gel onto skin, and thus the skin permeability coefficient. After 24 h permeation, no miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol remained deposited in the skin. Accelerated study using heating-cooling revealed insignificant difference between the remaining percentages of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol in aqueous and non-aqueous based gels. Long-term stability study showed that miroestrol contents remained constant for 90 d and 30 d under 5 ± 3 °C and 30 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5%RH, respectively; whereas the percentage of deoxymiroestrol decreased significantly after 30 d storage, irrespective of storage conditions. Acute dermal irritation test on New Zealand White rabbits showed that PM hydroalcoholic gels were non-irritant, with no signs of erythema or oedema.[Figure: see text].

Biocompatible natural deep eutectic solvent-based extraction and cellulolytic enzyme-mediated transformation of Pueraria mirifica isoflavones: a sustainable approach for increasing health-bioactive constituents

The presence of specific gut microflora limits the biotransformation of Pueraria mirifica isoflavone (PMI) glycosides into absorbable aglycones, thus limiting their health benefits. Cellulolytic enzyme-assisted extraction (CAE) potentially solves this issue; however, solvent extraction requires recovery of the hydrophobic products. Here, we established the simultaneous transformation and extraction of PMIs using cellulolytic enzymes and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs). The NADES compositions were optimized to allow the use of NADESs as CAE media, and the extraction parameters were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions were 14.7% (v/v) choline chloride:propylene glycol (1:2 mol ratio, ChCl:PG) at 56.1 °C for the cellulolytic enzyme (262 mU/mL) reaction in which daidzin and genistin were extracted and wholly transformed to their aglycones daidzein and genistein. The extraction of PMIs using ChCl:PG is more efficient than that using conventional solvents; additionally, biocompatible ChCl:PG enhances cellulolytic enzyme activity, catalyzing the transformation of PMIs into compounds with higher estrogenicity and absorbability.