An investigation into the supramolecular structure, solubility, stability and antioxidant activity of rutin/cyclodextrin inclusion complex

Rutin mediated targeting of signaling machinery in cancer cells

Progress in our understanding of molecular oncology has started to shed light on dysregulation of spatio-temporally controlled signaling pathways, inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, tumour and normal stem cell quiescence, overexpression of oncogenes, extracellular and stromal microenvironments, epigenetics and autophagy. Sequentially and characteristically it has been shown that cancer cells acquire the ability to escape from apoptotic cell death, proliferate uncontrollably, sustain angiogenesis and tactfully reconstitute intracellular pathways to avoid immune surveillance. We have attempted to provide a recent snapshot of most recent progress with emphasis on how rutin modulates wide ranging intracellular signaling cascades as evidenced by in-vitro and in-vivo research. It is worth describing that 'single-cell proteomics' analysis has further improved our understanding regarding intracellular signaling pathways frequently activated in cancer cells resistant to therapeutics and can provide biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Data obtained from preclinical studies will prove to be helpful for scientists to bridge basic and translational studies.

Incorporation of phenolic compounds, rutin and epicatechin, into soy protein isolate films: mechanical, barrier and cross-linking properties

Edible films prepared from soy protein isolate (SPI), with and without the phenolic compounds, rutin and epicatechin, as cross linking agents, were tested for their mechanical, optical and water vapour barrier properties. The addition of rutin significantly increased puncture strength (9.3N) over SPI alone (6.4N) whereas epicatechin had no effect. Tensile strengths of SPI films with rutin and epicatechin were similar (35.1 MPa and 22.1 MPa, respectively) and significantly stronger than films without added phenolics (9.3 MPa). SPI films without phenolics showed the greatest flexibility, as measured by tensile elongation. The addition of epicatechin was found to increase water vapour permeability significantly to 2.3 g mm/m(2)h kPa from 1.7 g mm/m(2)h kPa for SPI alone whereas rutin decreased water vapour permeability to 1.2 g mm/m(2)h kPa. Films without phenolics had lower opacity values than had those with phenolics. Findings indicate that rutin and epicatechin may be used as a natural means for improving specific properties of SPI films.

Development of a myricetin/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: preparation, characterization, and evaluation

Myricetin shows low oral bioavailability (<10%) in rats due to poor aqueous solubility, though it has various pharmacological activities. Complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs) is a potent pharmaceutical method to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble compounds. The myricetin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex was prepared and confirmed by DSC, PXRD, and SEM. Here, the inclusion mode is described in detail with regard to structural and energetic aspects using a phase solubility diagram and 1H NMR, NOESY, and FT-IR spectra. The water solubility and dissolution rate of myricetin were greatly enhanced by forming the myricetin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex. Consequently, the oral bioavailability of the myricetin/HP-β-CD inclusion complex in rats was effectively increased 9.4-fold over free myricetin, and its antioxidant activity was also improved. The present study provides useful information for the potential application of complexation with myricetin, a naturally occurring hydrophobic phenolic compound in herbal medicine.

Cotton fabric finished with β-cyclodextrin: Inclusion ability toward antimicrobial agent

β-Cyclodextrin was grafted onto cotton fabric through crosslinking with butane tetracarboxylic acid in presence of sodium hypophosphite monohydrate as a catalyst. This finished cotton fabric was loaded with the antimicrobial agent octenidine dihydrochloride. β-Cyclodextrin-grafted cotton fabrics, both after loading with octenidine dihydrochloride or before loading (control) were characterized for their antimicrobial activity against two types of bacteria (Gram positive and Gram negative) and two types of fungi, using the Diffusion Disk Method. The antimicrobial cotton fabric was subjected to several washing cycles and the antimicrobial activity was measured after each washing cycle to examine the durability of this antimicrobial finishing against repeated washing. The measurements showed that the finished cotton fabrics retain reasonable deal of their antimicrobial activity, even after 20 washing cycles. This long-lasting antimicrobial activity is attributed to the hosting ability of the cavities present in cyclodextrin moieties, which host the antimicrobial agent molecules and release them gradually.

Cyclodextrins as encapsulation agents for plant bioactive compounds

Plants possess a wide range of molecules capable of improve healing: fibre, vitamins, phytosterols, and further sulphur-containing compounds, carotenoids, organic acid anions and polyphenolics. However, they require an adequate level of protection from the environmental conditions to prevent losing their structural integrity and bioactivity. Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides arising from the degradation of starch, which can be a viable option as encapsulation technique. Cyclodextrins are inexpensive, friendly to humans, and also capable of improving the biological, chemical and physical properties of bioactive molecules. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight the use of cyclodextrins as encapsulating agents for bioactive plant molecules in the pharmaceutical field.

Physicochemical [corrected] properties of the inclusion complex of puerarin and glucosyl-β-cyclodextrin

Puerarin is a natural isoflavone, found in the Chinese medicinal plant Ge-gen, with many reported health-promoting properties. However, its low water solubility impedes its application in pharmaceutical and functional food products. This study explores the formation of inclusion complex between puerarin and glucosyl-β-cyclodextrin (G-β-CD) to improve the aqueous solubility of puerarin. The complex was prepared by mixing an equal molar mixture of puerarin and G-β-CD for 24 h, followed by freeze-drying. The obtained complex was analyzed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results showed clearly that the process led to the formation of a supramolecular complex in which the guest molecule, puerarin, was entrapped inside the cavity of the host, G-β-CD. The close association between puerarin and G-β-CD resulted in changes in some of the characteristic spectral, phase-transitional, and morphological properties of puerarin.