Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill on exploratory behavior of mice-model

Increased anxiety and depressive symptoms have reported to be its association with long term illness. Because of having unwanted effects of newly available drugs, patients administering anxiolytic drugs usually discontinue the treatment before they are completely recovered. Therefore, there is a serious need to develop new anxiolytic drugs. The anxiolytic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei in animal models was assessed. 24 male mice (Mus musculus genus) were included in the study. Four groups were prepared and each group contained six animals. The groups were vehicle control, positive control (diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as two treatment groups receiving Agaricus blazei hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.50 mg/kg and 273.0 mg/kg orally. The Marble burying test, Nestlet shredding test and Light and Dark box test used to assess anxiolytic activity. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. while hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) was administered via oral route which exhibited marked reduction in number of marbles-burying as compared to vehicle control group. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. and Oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) exhibited significant decrease in nestlet shredding in comparison to vehicle control group. The oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.5mg/kg and 273mg/kg showed elevation in time spent in light box and was comparable to standard treated group while time spent by mice following oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei at a dose of 273.0 mg/kg also showed elevation and was found to be more near to standard treated group (diazepam 1 mg/kg, i.p.).

Effects of Smokeless Tobacco Samples from Tabuk Saudi Arabia on Nitric Oxide Production: A Potential Risk for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases

BACKGROUND

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) is traditionally used in Middle East countries. The several toxic constituents with potential carcinogenicity make it a serious human health risk. Literature regarding their effects on cardiac and cancer disease is lacking in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to investigate the adverse effect of 11 different samples of widely used SLT varieties from the Tabuk region - Saudi Arabia, on nitric oxide (NO) level and their potential risk on cardiovascular health, etiology and/or progression of cancers.

METHODS

Samples were collected from Tabuk, KSA and analyzed by the GC-MS technique. Nitric oxide inhibition was performed using J774.2 macrophages by the Griess method. The retrieved crystallized structure of human inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) from Brookhaven Protein Data Bank Repository PDB I.D: 3E7G with 2.20Å resolution was further prepared by structure using the MOE.2019 tool. The compounds abstracted from 11 different Shammah varieties were sketched by the MOE-Builder tool. Minimization for both receptor and compounds was performed via AMBER99 and MMFF99X force field implemented in MOE.

RESULTS

Nine samples (4 - 11) showed a potent suppressive effect on NO production with IC50 values ranging between (16.9-20.4 µg/mL), respectively. The samples (1 & 2) exhibited a moderate level of inhibition with IC50 ranging between 33.2 and 57.4 µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, sample 4 consisting of compounds (13-15, 19-26, 28) that mostly belongs to the group fatty acid ester and phthalic acid ester showed the most potent suppressive effect. Molecular docking results revealed that the current local SLT constituents presented noticeable potency in different extract samples.

CONCLUSION

Variable suppressive effects on NO were detected in the current SLT samples, where sample 4 was the most potent among all. The extract of the latter exhibited molecular interaction with the first shell amino acid residues of Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which may anchor the plasticity and selectivity of the compounds present in it. The samples (4 -11) showed a potent inhibitory effect on the NO, where compound 26 (Phthalic acid ester) is common, and its adequate concentration may account for augmented biological activity. These results may effectively highlight their adverse effects on cardiovascular health and etiology and/or progression of cancer and may help in strengthening the social and governmental efforts in minimizing the use of these substances.

Spectral analysis, in vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial studies of bioactive principles from the leaves of Conocarpus lancifolius, a common tree of Jazan, Saudi Arabia

The objective of the present study was to analyse the bioactive compounds of the leaves of Conocarpus lancifolius (C. lancifolius). The GC-MS analysis of the hot methanolic extract of the leaves (HMEL) of C. lancifolius exhibited the bioactive compounds such as 1-(3-Methoxy-2-nitrobenzyl) iso quinoline, morphin-4-ol-6,7-dione, 1-bromo-N-methyl-, phytol, hexadecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester, 2,2':4',2"-terthiophene, ethyl iso-allocholate, caryophyllene oxide, campesterol, epiglobulol, cholestan-3-ol, 2-methylene-, (3á,5à)-, dasycarpidan-1-methanol, acetate (ester) and oleic acid, eicosyl ester. The FT-IR analysis of HMEL of C. lancifolius showed a unique peak at 3184, 2413, 1657 cm-1 representing coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid. The HMEL of C. lancifolius was actively inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancer cells MCF-7 ATCC at the concentration of 72.66 ± 8.21 µg/ml as IC50 value. The HMEL of C. lancifolius also revealed a good spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cultures screened in this work. The activity observed has shown more or less similar effects against screened bacteria. However, the magnitude of potentiality was significantly lesser compared to standard ciprofloxacin disc at p< 0.001 level (99% confidence intervals). Furthermore, the study demonstrating the bioactive compounds can be isolated from the leaves of C. lancifolius.

Isoflavanquinones from Abrus precatorius roots with their antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects

Phytochemical studies on the root of Abrus precatorius Linn. (Fabaceae), leads towards the identification of four undescribed (abruquinones M, N, O, and P), and seven known abruquinones, (abruquinones A, E, B, F, I, D, and G). Spectroscopic analyses (1D, and 2D NMR, HRESI-MS) were used in elucidating structures of the all compounds. Evaluation of anticancer activities of the isolated isoflavanquinones revealed that abruquinones M, and N showed cytotoxicity against oral CAL-27 (IC₅₀ values 6.48 and 5.26 μM, respectively), and colon (Caco-₂) cell lines (IC₅₀ values 15.79 and 10.33 μM, respectively). Abruquinone M also inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells (NCI-H460) with IC₅₀ of 31.33 μM. The isolated isoflavanquiones also showed potent anti-inflammatory potential through phagocyte oxidative burst and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α inhibition in vitro. These findings suggest isoflavanquinones from A. precatorius roots as candidates for further research in cancer treatment.

ROS Inhibitory Activity and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Benzoyl, Acetyl, Alkyl Ester, and Sulfonate Ester Substituted Coumarin Derivatives

BACKGROUND

A number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin, indomethacin, ibuprofen, flufenamic acid, and phenylbutazone are being clinically used to treat inflammatory disorders. These NSAIDs are associated with serious side effects such as gastric ulceration, nephrotoxicity, and bleeding. Therefore, the identification of potent and safe therapy for inflammatory disorders is still of great interest to the medicinal chemist.

METHODS

A series of varyingly substituted benzoyl, acetyl, alkyl ester, and sulfonate ester substituted coumarins 1-64 were screened for the inhibition of ROS, generated from zymosan activated whole blood phagocytes, using luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence technique.

RESULTS

Among all tested compounds, 8 (IC₅₀ = 65.0 ± 3.1 μM), 24 (IC₅₀ = 41.8 ± 1.5 μM), 26 (IC₅₀ = 10.6 ± 2.8 μM), 28 (IC₅₀ = 20.9 ± 1.5 μM), and 41 (IC₅₀ = 4.6 ± 0.3 μM) showed good anti- inflammatory potential as compared to standard antiinflammatory drug ibuprofen (IC₅₀ = 54.3 ± 1.9 μM). Specifically, compounds 24, 26, 28, and 41 showed superior activity than standard antiinflammatory drug. Furthermore, compounds 12 (IC₅₀ = 219.0 ± 1.4 μM), 14 (IC₅₀ = 216.5 ± 6.2 μM), 16 (IC50 = 187.4 ± 2.2 μM), and 20 (IC₅₀ = 196.2 ± 2.0 μM) showed moderate ROS inhibitory activity. Limited SAR study revealed that the hydroxy-substituted compound showed better ROS inhibition potential in case of 3-benzoyl and 3-ethylester coumarin derivatives. Whereas, chloro substitution was found to be important in case of 3-acetyl coumarin derivatives. Similarly, in case of sulfonate ester, chloro, and nitro groups especially at positions -4 and -3 of ring "R" played vital role in ROS inhibition. Furthermore, cytotoxicity of all active compounds was also checked on NIH-3T3 cell line. Compounds 12, 14, and 20 were found to be non-cytotoxic. Whereas, 8, 16, 24, 26, 28, and 41 were found to be very weak cytotoxic as compared to standard cycloheximide (IC₅₀ = 0.13 ± 0.02 μM).

CONCLUSION

Identified ROS inhibitors offer the possibility of additional modifications that could give rise to lead structures for further research in order to obtain more potent, and safer antiinflammatory agent.

Sulfonamides and Sulphonyl Ester of Quinolines as Non-Acidic, Non- Steroidal, Anti-inflammatory Agents

Background:

Quinolines are an important class of heterocyclic compounds possessing a wide range of biological activities. Previously, we had identified Schiff bases of quinoline as potential anti-inflammatory agents, thus the current work is the continuation of our previous study.

Objective:

In the current study, 3-, 5-, and 8-sulfonamide and 8-sulfonate derivatives of quinoline (1-50) were synthesized and their anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated. These synthetic analogs were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity via ROS (Reactive oxygen species) inhibitory effect produced from phagocytes from human whole blood.

Methods:

The sulfonamide and sulfonate derivatives of quinoline were synthesized via treating 5-, 3-, 8-amino, and 8-hydroxy quinolines with different substituted sulfonyl chlorides in pyridine. The synthetic molecules were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques and screened for their anti-inflammatory potential.

Results:

Among the synthetic derivatives 1-50, six compounds showed good to moderate antiinflammatory activity. Compounds 47 (IC50 = 2.9 ± 0.5 μg/mL), 36 (IC50 = 3.2 ± 0.2 μg/mL), and 24 (IC50 = 6.7 ± 0.3 μg/mL) exhibited enhanced activity as compared to the standard ibuprofen (IC50 = 11.2 ± 1.9 μg/mL). Compounds 20 (IC50 = 25.5 ± 0.7 μg/mL), 50 (IC50 = 42.9 ± 5.6 μg/mL), and 8 (IC50 = 53.9 ± 3.1 μg/mL) were moderately active, however, rest of the compounds were found to be inactive.

Conclusion:

The sulfonamide and sulfonate derivatives of quinoline were found to have promising anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies on the modification of these molecules may lead to the discovery of new and potential anti-inflammatory agents.

Synthesis of Highly Potent Anti-Inflammatory Compounds (ROS Inhibitors) from Isonicotinic Acid

In search of anti-inflammatory compounds, novel scaffolds containing isonicotinoyl motif were synthesized via an efficient strategy. The compounds were screened for their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Remarkably high activities were observed for isonicotinates 5-6 and 8a-8b. The compound 5 exhibits an exceptional IC50 value (1.42 ± 0.1 µg/mL) with 95.9% inhibition at 25 µg/mL, which is eight folds better than the standard drug ibuprofen (11.2 ± 1.9 µg/mL). To gain an insight into the mode of action of anti-inflammatory compounds, molecular docking studies were also performed. Decisively, further development and fine tuning of these isonicotinates based scaffolds for the treatment of various aberrations is still a wide-open field of research.

Phytochemicals from Carissa carandas with potent cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities

Six natural products (1-6) were isolated from the fresh leaves of Carissa carandas including ursolic acid (1), ursolic acid-γ-lactone (2), 27-O-Z-p-coumaroyl ursolic acid (3), 23-hydroxy ursolic acid (4), uvaol (5) and ursolic aldehyde (6). Their structure elucidation was done by modern spectroscopic techniques including ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and comparison with reported data. All compounds were known, while 2-4 were isolated for the first time from the genus Carissa. Isolated compounds were screened for their cytotoxic via MTT assay and anti-inflammatory potential via luminol-enhanced chem-iluminescence assay. Compounds 3 and 4 showed potent activity against lung cancer cell line (NCI-H460), and 4 showed potent anti-inflammatory activity against reactive oxygen species production from human whole blood phagocytes. Compound 5 displayed good selective cytotoxicity against NCI-H460 and did not provoke cytotoxicity against normal cell line upto 250 μM. Compounds 3-5 were identified as potential anti-cancer drug leads.

Fungal mediated biotransformation of melengestrol acetate, and T-cell proliferation inhibitory activity of biotransformed compounds

Glomerella fusaroide, and Rhizopus stolonifer were effectively able to transform the steroidal hormone melengestrol acetate (MGA) (1) into four (4) new metabolites, 17α-acetoxy-11α-hydroxy-6-methyl-16-methylenepregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione (2), 17α-acetoxy-11α-hydroxy-6-methyl-16-methylenepregna-1,4,6-triene-3,20-dione (3), 17α-acetoxy-6,7α-epoxy-6β-methyl-16-methylenepregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione (4), and 17α-acetoxy-11β,15β-dihydroxy-6-methyl-16-methylenepregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione (5). All these compounds were structurally characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. The objective of the current study was to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of melengestrol acetate (1), and its metabolites 2-5. The metabolites and the substrate were assessed for their inhibitory effects on proliferation of T-cells in vitro. The substrate (IC₅₀ = 2.77 ± 0.08 µM) and its metabolites 2 (IC₅₀ = 2.78 ± 0.07 µM), 4 (IC₅₀ = 2.74 ± 0.1 µM), and 5 (IC₅₀ = < 2 µM) exhibited potent T- cell proliferation inhibitory activities, while compound 3 (IC₅₀ = 29.9 ± 0.09 µM) showed a moderate activity in comparison to the standard prednisolone (IC₅₀ = 9.73 ± 0.08 µM). All the metabolites were found to be non-toxic against 3T3 normal cell line. This study thus identifies some potent compounds active against T-cell proliferation. Their anti-inflammatory potential, therefore, deserves to be further investigated.

Biotransformation of contraceptive drug desogestrel with Cunninghamella elegans, and anti-inflammatory activity of its metabolites

Biotransformation of an orally active contraceptive drug, desogestrel (1), with Cunninghamella elegans yielded a new metabolite, 13β-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-17β-ol-3,6-dione (2), along with five known metabolites, i.e., 13β-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3β,6β,17β-triol (3), 13β-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-6β,17β-diol-3-one (4), 13β-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-17β-ol-3-one (5), 13β-ethyl-11-epoxy-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-17β-ol-3-one (6), and 13β-ethyl-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-10β,17β-diol-3-one (7). The structure of new metabolite 2 was elucidated by using ¹H-, ¹³C-, and 2D-NMR, EI-, and HREI-MS, IR, and UV spectroscopic data. Compounds 1-7 were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activities, i.e., inhibition of T-cell proliferation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α). Compounds 1 (IC₅₀ = 1.12 ± 0.03 µg/mL), 2 (IC₅₀ = 1.15 ± 0.05 µg/mL), 3 (IC₅₀ = 1.15 ± 0.05 µg/mL), 4 (IC₅₀ = 1.40 ± 0.03 µg/mL), 5 (IC₅₀ = 1.78 ± 0.08 µg/mL), and 6 (IC₅₀ = 1.36 ± 0.07 µg/mL) were identified as potent inhibitors of T-cells proliferation, in comparison to the standard drug, prednisolone (IC₅₀ = 3.51 ± 0.03 µg/mL). Compound 7 (IC₅₀ = 6.18 ± 0.04 µg/mL) showed a good activity. In addition, substrate 1 (IC₅₀ ≤ 1 µg/mL), and its metabolites 2 (IC₅₀ = 4.1 ± 0.60 µg/mL), and 6 (IC₅₀ = 6.8 ± 0.8 µg/mL) also showed a potent inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) production, as compared to the standards drug, pentoxifilline (IC₅₀ = 94.8 ± 2.1 µg/mL). Whereas compounds 3 (IC₅₀ = 57.9 ± 7.6 µg/mL), and 5 (IC₅₀ = 27.2 ± 6.8 µg/mL) showed a moderate inhibition of TNF-α production, while compounds 4 and 7 showed no inhibition. Compounds 1-7 were found to be non-cytotoxic to 3T3 normal cell line (mouse fibroblast).

Whole-cell fungal-mediated structural transformation of anabolic drug metenolone acetate into potent anti-inflammatory metabolites

Seven new derivatives, 6α-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-oxo-5α-androst-1-en-17-yl acetate (2), 6α,17β-dihydroxy-1-methyl-3-oxo-5α-androst-1-en (3), 7β-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-oxo-5α-androst-1-en-17-yl acetate (4), 15β,20-dihydroxy-1-methyl-3-oxo-5α-androst-1-en-17-yl acetate (5), 15β-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-oxo-5α-androst-1-en-17-yl acetate (6), 12β,17β-dihydroxy-1-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-dien (11), and 7β,15β,17β-trihydroxy-1-methyl-3-oxo-5α-androst-1-en (14), along with six known metabolites, 17β-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-dien (7), 17β-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-oxo-5α-androst-1-en (8), 17β-hydroxy-1-methyl-3-oxo-5β-androst-1-en (9), 1-methyl-5β-androst-1-en-3,17-dione (10), 1-methyl-3-oxoandrosta-1,4-dien-3,17-dione (12), and 17β-hydroxy-1α-methyl-5α-androstan-3-one (13) of metenolone acetate (1), were synthesized through whole-cell biocatalysis with Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus alliaceous, Fusarium lini, and Cunninghamella elegans. Atamestane (12), an aromatase inhibitor, was synthesized for the first time via F. lini-mediated transformation of 1 as the major product. Hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, and reduction were occurred during biocatalysis. Study indicated that F. lini was able to catalyze dehydrogenation reactions selectively. Structures of compounds 1-14 were determined through NMR, HRFAB-MS, and IR spectroscopic data. Compounds 1-14 were identified as non-cytotoxic against BJ human fibroblast cell line (ATCC CRL-2522). Metabolite 5 (81.0 ± 2.5%) showed a potent activity against TNF-α production, as compared to the substrate 1 (62.5 ± 4.4%). Metabolites 2 (73.4 ± 0.6%), 8 (69.7 ± 1.4%), 10 (73.2 ± 0.3%), 11 (60.1 ± 3.3%), and 12 (71.0 ± 7.2%), also showed a good inhibition of TNF-α production. Compounds 3 (IC50 = 4.4 ± 0.01 µg/mL), and 5 (IC50 = 10.2 ± 0.01 µg/mL) showed a significant activity against T-cell proliferation. Identification of selective inhibitors of TNF-α production, and T-cell proliferation is a step forward towards the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Diversified Thiazole Substituted Coumarins and Chromones as Non- Cytotoxic ROS and NO Inhibitors

Background:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, indomethacin, flufenamic acid and phenylbutazone are used to treat most of the inflammatory disorders. These NSAIDs are also associated with serious side effects including gastric ulceration, nephrotoxicity, and bleeding, mainly due to acidic nature. Hence, there is a need to identify highly potent and safer treatment for inflammatory disorders.

Methods:

Herein, synthetic hydrazinyl thiazole substituted coumarins and chromones 1-48 were evaluated for ROS inhibitory activity. ROS were generated from zymosan activated whole blood phagocytes.

Results:

Among all tested compounds, compounds 1 (IC50 = 38.3 ± 7.1 μM), 2 (IC50 = 5.7 ± 0.2 μM), 5 (IC50 = 28.3 ± 3.5 μM), 23 (IC50 = 12.5 ± 3.1 μM), 27 (IC50 = 32.8 ± 1.1 μM), 39 (IC50 = 20.2 ± 1.6 μM), and 42 (IC50 = 43.2 ± 3.8 μM) showed potent ROS inhibition as compared to standard ibuprofen (IC50 = 54.3 ± 1.9 μM). Whereas, compounds 3 (IC50 = 134.7 ± 1.0 μM), 16 (IC50 = 75.4 ± 7.2 μM), 24 (IC50 = 102.4 ± 1.0 μM), and 31 (IC50 = 86.6 ± 1.5 μM) were found to be moderately active. Compounds 1, 2, 5, 23, 27, 39, and 42, having potent ROS inhibitory activity were also screened for their nitric oxide (NO) inhibition. Cytotoxicity was also checked for all active compounds on NIH-3T3 cell line. Cyclohexamide (IC50 = 0.13 ± 0.02 μM) was used as standard.

Conclusion:

Identified active compounds from these libraries may serve as lead candidates for future research in order to obtain a more potent, and safer anti-inflammatory agent.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial potential of newly synthesized 4-(2-Keto-1-benzimidazollinyl) derivatives of piperidine

Benzimidazole and its derivatives found variety of biological activities, for the searching of its potent anti-inflammatory analogues, we synthesized four novel 4-(2-keto-1-benzimidazollinyl) piperidine derivatives (Q1 to Q4) by refluxing piperidine with substituted imidazole and subjected to in-vitro anti-inflammatory (ROS, NO) and antibacterial activities, structures were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques. Results revealed that compound Q1 showed most effective anti-inflammatory activity with IC ₅₀ 7.6±1.3 μg/ml compared with standard Ibuprofen having IC₅₀ 11.2±1.9μg/mL. Compound Q3 showed good activity for Nitrite accumulation by stimulating macrophages test similar to standard N_G Methyl L-arginine acetate with IC₅₀ value 24.2±0.8μg/mL. The antibacterial activity of these compounds were evaluated against selected Gram+ve E. faecalis, C. diphtheriae, S. aureus and Gram -ve organism E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes and P. aeruginosa. Synthesized compounds showed low to moderate level of antibacterial activity Q1 showed the highest antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli with zone of inhibition 18mm and Q3 showed highest activity against Corynebacterium diptheriae (ZOI:18mm). Structure-activity relationship (SAR) study revealed that among all the synthesized compounds unsubstituted naphthalene (Q1) and phenyl (Q3) ring containing derivatives were most potent.

Anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory activities of fractions from methanol root extract of Abrus precatorius L

Background

Abrus precatorius possesses various therapeutic properties including anticancer potentials. This study evaluated the anti-proliferative activities of fractions of methanol root extract of A. precatorius on breast and cervical cancer cells and their immunomodulatory effect. Phytochemical screening was done by FTIR and GCMS. In vitro anti-proliferative effect was evaluated on human breast cancer (AU565) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells and on murine fibroblast (NIH 3 T3) cells. Antioxidant activity was performed via DPPH radical scavenging assay. The immunomodulatory potential of fractions was evaluated by inhibition of phagocytes oxidative burst (ROS), Nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α.

Results

A. precatorius fractions showed different chemical groups and were somewhat selective in antiproliferative activity against studied cancer cells. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the most significant antiproliferative activity with IC50 values of 18.10 μg/mL and 11.89 μg/mL against AU565 and HeLa cells respectively. Hexane fraction significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited HeLa cells (IC50 18.24 ± 0.16 μg/mL), whereas aqueous fraction showed mild inhibition (IC50 46.46 ± 0.14 μg/mL) on AU565 cell proliferation. All fractions showed no cytotoxicity against NIH-3 T3 murine fibroblast normal cells. All fractions showed potent and significant (p < 0.001) DPPH radical scavenging activity as well as suppressed phagocytic oxidative burst. Hexane (< 1 μg/mL), ethyl acetate (< 1 μg/mL), and butanol (5.74 μg/mL) fractions potently inhibited the cytokine TNF- α, hexane (< 1 μg/mL) and ethyl acetate (< 1 μg/mL) fractions also potently inhibited NO.

Conclusions

The antiproliferative activities and suppressive effect on the phagocytic oxidative burst, NO and proinflammatory cytokine might be due to the synergistic actions of bioactive compounds especially flavonoids present in the assayed fractions and therefore, suggest chemotherapeutic use of A. precatorius in cancer treatment.

A new isoflavonol and other constituents from Cameroonian propolis and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antioxidant potential

Propolis is rich in diverse bioactive compounds. Propolis samples were collected from three localities of Cameroon and used in the study. Column chromatography separation of propolis MeOH:DCM (50:50) extracts yielded a new isoflavonol, 2-hydroxy-8-prenylbiochanin A (1) alongside 2',3'-dihydroxypropyltetraeicosanoate (2) and triacontyl p-coumarate (3) isolated from propolis for first time together with seven compounds: β-amyrine (4), oleanolic acid (5), β-amyrine acetate (6), lupeol (7), betulinic acid (8), lupeol acetate (9) and lupenone (10). These compounds were tested for their inhibitory effect on oxidative burst where intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced from zymosan stimulated human whole blood phagocytes and on production of nitric oxide (NO) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated J774.2 mouse macrophages. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated on NIH-3 T3 normal mouse fibroblast cells, antiradical potential on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylhydrazyl (DPPH·) as well as their anti-yeast potential on four selected candida species. Compound 1 showed higher NO inhibition (IC₅₀ = 23.3 ± 0.3 µg/mL) than standard compound L-NMMA (IC₅₀ = 24.2 ± 0.8 µg/mL). Higher ROS inhibition was shown by compounds 6 (IC₅₀ = 4.3 ± 0.3 µg/mL) and 9 (IC₅₀ = 1.1 ± 0.1 µg/mL) than Ibuprofen (IC₅₀ = 11.2 ± 1.9 µg/mL). Furthermore, compound 1 displayed moderate level of cytotoxicity on NIH-3 T3 cells, with IC₅₀ = 5.8 ± 0.3 µg/mL compared to the cyclohexamide IC₅₀ = 0.13 ± 0.02 µg/mL. Compound 3 showed lower antifungal activity on Candida krusei and Candida glabrata, MIC of 125 μg/mL on each strain compared to 50 μg/mL for fuconazole. The extracts showed low antifungal activities ranging from 250 to 500 μg/mL on C. albicans, C. krusei and C. glabrata and the values of MIC on Candida parapsilosis were 500 μg/mL and above. DPPH* scavenging activity was exhibited by compounds 1 (IC₅₀ = 15.653 ± 0.335 μg/mL) and 3 (IC₅₀ = 89.077 ± 24.875 μg/mL) compared to Vitamin C (IC₅₀ = 3.343 ± 0.271 μg/mL) while extracts showed moderate antiradical activities with IC₅₀ values ranging from 309.31 ± 2.465 to 635.52 ± 11.05 µg/mL. These results indicate that compounds 1, 6 and 9 are potent anti-inflammatory drug candidates while 1 and 3 could be potent antioxidant drugs.

Flavonoids and triterpenes from Combretum fragrans with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic potential

Despite the well-documented benefits of Combretum fragrans in Cameroon, only few scientific works have been done on it. In this study we isolated eight compounds from the leaves extract of C. fragrans: velutin (1), belamcanidin (2), cirsilineol (3), cirsimaritin (4), 3β-acetoxy-20,24-epoxy-11,25-hydroxy-dammarane (5), combretin A (6), combretin B (7) and a mixture of arjunolic acid (8a) and asiatic acid (8b). Compounds 6 and 7 presented potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Compounds 1, 3, 5 and the mixture of 8a and 8b were significantly active, and compounds 2 and 4 presented moderate activity for reactive oxygen species inhibitory and free-radical scavenging. All compounds were isolated using chromatographic techniques; their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques and their spectroscopic data compared with those of the literature. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated via the oxidative burst assay using a luminol-amplified chemiluminescence technique, antioxidant activity by free-radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and antidiabetic activity via α-glucosidase inhibition. All of the isolated compounds (1-8) were reported to exhibit significant antioxidant activity. Compounds 1, 3, and 5-8 exhibited potent chemiluminescence inhibition effect, and only compounds 6 and 7 inhibited α-glucosidase. Thus, C. fragrans can be used as an effective natural source of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic compounds.

Bioactive constituents from seeds of Annona Senegalensis Persoon (Annonaceae)

Column chromatography led to the isolation and full characterization of N-cerotoyltryptamine (1) previously described in a mixture of 5 compounds, asimicin (2) and ent-19-Carbomethoxykauran-17-oic acid (3) isolated from this species for first time alongside stigmasterol glycoside (4) and lacceroic acid (5). The structures of the compounds were established by extensive EIMS, HRESIMS, 1 D and 2 D NMR studies. Compound 1 and the extract AS were more potent inhibitors of ROS with IC₅₀ values of 2.7 ± 0.1 µg/mL and 8.7 ± 10.2 µg/mL respectively than Ibuprofen (11.2 ± 1.9 µg/mL) as a standard anti-inflammatory drug. Compound 2 showed high inhibition on nitric oxide (IC₅₀ = 3.9 ± 0.2 µg/mL), almost 6 times more active than the standard compound L-NMMA (IC₅₀ = 24.2 ± 0.8 µg/mL) used. Compounds showed relatively low toxicity on NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells compared to standard. The results indicate that compounds 1 and 2 are potent anti-inflammatory drug candidates.

Synthesis of Novel 8-Hydroxyquinoline Derivatives through Mannich Reaction and their Biological Evaluation as Potential Immunomodulatory Agents

BACKGROUND

In continuation of our work on Mannich reaction on 8-hydroxyquinoline, fifteen different combinations of aromatic aldehydes and aniline were subjected to Mannich reaction from which twelve products (eight Mannich bases, two imines and two intramolecularly cyclized products with benzofuranone skeleton) were obtained. Among them six compounds (1, 2, 6, 8, 9 and 12) are the new compounds. The structures of the compounds were characterized by UV, IR, MS and 1H NMR.

METHODS

The compounds were tested for the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) at a concentration of 25 µg/mL. The cytokines were produced by THP-1 cells differentiated with PMA for 24hrs and stimulated with LPS for 4 hrs and supernatant were analyzed through ELISA technique.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Compounds 1-5, 8 and 9 inhibited the production of TNF-α and IL-1β. Compounds 1, 3, and 8 exerted potent inhibitions of TNF-α with 71%, 71%, and 83% inhibition, respectively. Compounds 1 and 8 significantly inhibited the production of IL-1β with 64% and 78% inhibition, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Compounds 1 and 8 significantly inhibited the production of IL-1β with 64% and 78% inhibition, respectively. Notably compound 8 showed the most potent inhibition of these cytokines. Additionally, the effect of compounds on viability of THP-1 cells was also evaluated. Moreover, molecular docking was carried out to study the mechanism of inhibition of TNF-α production.

Studies on Isoniazid Derivatives through a Medicinal Chemistry Approach for the Identification of New Inhibitors of Urease and Inflammatory Markers

A library of thiosemicarbazide derivatives of isoniazid 3-27, was synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and urease inhibition activities, by using in vitro bioassays. Among these compounds 9, 10, 12, 21, and 26 were identified as new derivatives. Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and infections caused by Helicobacter pylori (ureolytic bacteria), are the two most significant causes of gastric and peptic ulcers. We focused on the identification of the dual inhibitors of inflammation and urease enzyme. Compound 23 was identified as the best dual inhibitor of inflammation (ROS; IC50 = 12.3 µg/mL), and urease enzyme inhibition activity (IC50 = 22.4 µM). Many of these compounds showed comparable activities to the standard anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen, IC50 = 11.2 µg/mL) and urease inhibitor (thiourea/acetohydraoxamic acid, IC50 = 21.1/20.3 µM). Compound 12 was found to be the most potent urease inhibitor (IC50 = 12.3 µM) and good inhibitor of inflammation (IC50 = 27.7 µg/mL). Compounds 19, 11, 13, 9, 17, 10, and 16, were also found to be potent inhibitors of urease. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated and all the compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic, except compound 18 and the parent drug isoniazid (IC50 = 29.5 and 28.5 µM, respectively).