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Benjamaa R, Moujanni A, Kaushik N, Choi EH, Essamadi AK, Kaushik NK. Euphorbia species latex: A comprehensive review on phytochemistry and biological activities. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1008881. [PMID: 36275519 PMCID: PMC9583255 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1008881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The genus Euphorbia includes about 2,000 species commonly widespread in both temperate and tropical zones that contain poisonous milky juice fluid or latex. Many species have been used in traditional and complementary medicine for the treatment of various health issues such as dropsy, paralysis, deafness, wounds, warts on the skin, and amaurosis. The medicinal applications of these species have been attributed to the presence of various compounds, and most studies on Euphorbia species have focused on their latex. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on chemical composition and biological activities of the latex from various species of the genus Euphorbia. Our aim was to explore the applications of latex extracts in the medical field and to evaluate their ethnopharmacological potential. The databases employed for data collection, are obtained through Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus, from 1983 to 2022. The bibliographic data indicate that terpenoids are the most common secondary metabolites in the latex. Furthermore, the latex has interesting biological properties and pharmacological functions, including antibacterial, antioxidant, free radical scavenger, cytotoxic, tumor, anti-inflammatory, healing, hemostatic, anti-angiogenic, insecticidal, genotoxic, and mutagenic activities. However, the role of other components in the latex, such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids, remains unknown, which limits the application of the latex. Future studies are required to optimize the therapeutic use of latex extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Benjamaa
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Neurosciences, Natural Resources and Environment, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Hassan First University of Settat, Settat, Morocco
| | - Abdelkarim Moujanni
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Neurosciences, Natural Resources and Environment, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Hassan First University of Settat, Settat, Morocco
| | - Neha Kaushik
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, Hwaseong-si, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Neha Kaushik,
| | - Eun Ha Choi
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Abdel Khalid Essamadi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Neurosciences, Natural Resources and Environment, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Hassan First University of Settat, Settat, Morocco
- Abdel Khalid Essamadi,
| | - Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, South Korea
- Nagendra Kumar Kaushik,
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Samrot AV, Saigeetha S, Mun CY, Abirami S, Purohit K, Cypriyana PJJ, Dhas TS, Inbathamizh L, Kumar SS. Utilization of Carica papaya latex on coating of SPIONs for dye removal and drug delivery. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24511. [PMID: 34972829 PMCID: PMC8720089 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03328-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Latex, a milky substance found in a variety of plants which is a natural source of biologically active compounds. In this study, Latex was collected from raw Carica papaya and was characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR and GC-MS analyses. Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesized, coated with C. papaya latex (PL-Sp) and characterized using UV-Vis, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, XRD, VSM and Zeta potential analyses. SPIONs and latex coated SPIONs (PL-Sp) were used in batch adsorption study for effective removal of Methylene blue (MB) dye, where (PL-Sp) removed MB dye effectively. Further the PL-Sp was used to produce a nanoconjugate loaded with curcumin and it was characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, XRD, VSM and Zeta potential. It showed a sustained drug release pattern and also found to have good antibacterial and anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony V Samrot
- School of Bioscience, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, 42610, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia. .,Centre for Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India.
| | - S Saigeetha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Chua Yeok Mun
- School of Bioscience, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, 42610, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - S Abirami
- Department of Microbiology, Kamaraj college, Tiruchendur Road, Thoothukudi, 628003, India
| | - Kajal Purohit
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - P J Jane Cypriyana
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - T Stalin Dhas
- Centre for Ocean Research, Earth Science and Technology Cell (ESTC), Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - L Inbathamizh
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - S Suresh Kumar
- Centre for Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India.
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Fais A, Delogu GL, Floris S, Era B, Medda R, Pintus F. Euphorbia characias: Phytochemistry and Biological Activities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1468. [PMID: 34371671 PMCID: PMC8309316 DOI: 10.3390/plants10071468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to summarize all the compounds identified and characterized from Euphorbia characias, along with the biological activities reported for this plant. Euphorbia is one of the greatest genera in the spurge family of Euphorbiaceae and includes different kinds of plants characterized by the presence of milky latex. Among them, the species Euphorbia characias L. is an evergreen perennial shrub widely distributed in Mediterranean countries. E. characias latex and extracts from different parts of the plant have been extensively studied, leading to the identification of several chemical components such as terpenoids, sterol hydrocarbons, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, cerebrosides and phenolic and carboxylic acids. The biological properties range between antioxidant activities, antimicrobial, antiviral and pesticidal activities, wound-healing properties, anti-aging and hypoglycemic properties and inhibitory activities toward target enzymes related to different diseases, such as cholinesterases and xanthine oxidase. The information available in this review allows us to consider the plant E. characias as a potential source of compounds for biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rosaria Medda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.F.); (G.L.D.); (S.F.); (B.E.); (F.P.)
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Gilmour ME, Lavers JL. Latex balloons do not degrade uniformly in freshwater, marine and composting environments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123629. [PMID: 32846264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Latex balloons are a poorly-studied aspect of anthropogenic pollution that affects wildlife survival, aesthetic value of waterways, and may adsorb and leach chemicals. Pure latex needs to be vulcanised with sulphur and requires many additional compounds to manufacture high quality balloons. Yet, balloons are often marketed as "biodegradable", which is confusing to consumers. Due to the persistence of latex balloons in the environment and the lethal, documented threat to wildlife, degradation behaviours of latex balloons were quantified in freshwater, saltwater and industrial compost. Using the metrics mass change, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and superficial composition via attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), latex balloon degradation was documented for 16 weeks. Overall, latex balloons retained their original shape and size. Composted balloons lost 1-2% mass, but some balloons in freshwater gained mass, likely due to osmotic processes. Balloons' UTS decreased from 30.7 ± 10.8-9.5 ± 4.1 Newtons in water, but remained constant (34.3 ± 13.4 N) in compost. ATR-FTIR spectra illustrated compositional and temporal differences between treatments. Taken together, latex balloons did not meaningfully degrade in freshwater, saltwater, or compost indicating that when released into the environment, they will continue to contribute to anthropogenic litter and pose a threat to wildlife that ingest them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E Gilmour
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania, 7004, Australia.
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania, 7004, Australia
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Pegorin GS, Leite MN, Antoniassi M, Chagas ALD, Santana LA, Garms BC, Marcelino MY, Herculano RD, Cipriani Frade MA. Physico-chemical characterization and tissue healing changes by Hancornia speciosa Gomes latex biomembrane. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2020; 109:938-948. [PMID: 33241610 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Skin wounds have been a public health concern of high frequency, in addition to requiring intensive and expensive care. The natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hancornia speciosa Gomes has been used to treat many problems in traditional medicine and also present healing properties, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity and antinociceptive effects. The purpose of this study was to characterize the new biomembrane from the NRL of H. speciosa (HS) by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and mechanical strength test and to investigate its biological properties by the cytotoxicity assay and in vivo healing activity. The results showed that the HS biomembrane exhibited characteristic bands of the main component cis-1,4-polyisoprene. Besides, its Young modulus was close to human skin with adhesive-compatible mechanical characteristics. The cytotoxicity assays revealed that the HS biomembrane was not toxic to fibroblast cells neither using agar diffusion test nor MTT assay. Furthermore, the HS biomembrane stimulated the inflammatory cells and the angiogenesis, increased significantly the collagenesis and improved the quality of heal until the remodeling phase induced by implants in mice. Thus, this biomembrane has proven to be a safe and biocompatible biomaterial with healing potential, becoming an effective and low-cost alternative for the treatment of skin wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana S Pegorin
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemical Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, Brazil.,Department of Biotechnology and Bioprocesses Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marcel N Leite
- Division of Dermatolgoy of Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School at São Paulo University (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Marcio Antoniassi
- Division of Dermatolgoy of Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School at São Paulo University (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura D Chagas
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemical Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, Brazil.,Department of Biotechnology and Bioprocesses Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna C Garms
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mônica Y Marcelino
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioprocesses Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Rondinelli D Herculano
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioprocesses Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marco Andrey Cipriani Frade
- Division of Dermatolgoy of Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School at São Paulo University (USP), Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-900, Brazil
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6
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Azadi S, Bagheri H, Mohammad Parast B, Ghorbani-Marghashi M. Natural rubber identification and characterization in Euphorbia macroclada. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 26:2047-2052. [PMID: 33088048 PMCID: PMC7548304 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-020-00880-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Natural rubber is one of the most important polymers produced by plants, which contains cis-1,4-polyisoprene, protein and fatty acids. It has unique properties compared to synthetic rubber and has many different uses in industry. Here, natural rubber of Euphorbia macroclada was characterized due to its abundance in arid areas. Isolation of rubber was done using both acetone and hexane solvents. FT-IR and NMR further characterized and confirmed the structure of rubber as cis-1,4 polyisoprene. GPC analyses showed a molecular weight of 8.180E+2 with polydispersity of 1.287. These data is useful for better understanding of latex composition in family of Euphorbiaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somaye Azadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Hedayat Bagheri
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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Samrot AV, Sahiti K, Bhavya KS, Suvedhaa B. Synthesis of Plant Latex Based Hybrid Nanocarriers Using Surfactants for Curcumin Delivery. J CLUST SCI 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10876-018-1472-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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8
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Qu YB, Liao ZX, Liu C, Wang XZ, Zhang J. EFLDO induces apoptosis in hepatic cancer cells by caspase activation in vitro and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 100:407-416. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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9
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Pintus F, Sabatucci A, Maccarrone M, Dainese E, Medda R. Amine oxidase from Euphorbia characias: Kinetic and structural characterization. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2017; 65:81-88. [PMID: 28940598 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This minireview focuses on a plant copper/2,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl alanine quinone amine oxidase isolated from the latex of the shrub Euphorbia characias (ELAO). This enzyme has been investigated in terms of both molecular structure and kinetic mechanism. The characterization of this enzyme allowed us to identify specific amino acids and domains that play a key role in modulating substrate access into the active site not only for ELAO but also for other plant and mammalian amine oxidases. As mammalian amine oxidases are implicated in several physiological and pathological conditions, the deep structural characterization of their active site accession mechanisms could be the starting point for the development of enzyme modulators with high therapeutic potential. Thus, this paper gives structural/functional insights that open new perspectives in the research about the whole amine oxidase family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pintus
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Annalaura Sabatucci
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Dainese
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Medda
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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10
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Krstić G, Anđelković B, Choi YH, Vajs V, Stević T, Tešević V, Gođevac D. Metabolic changes in Euphorbia palusrtis latex after fungal infection. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2016; 131:17-25. [PMID: 27553715 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The variations of metabolic profile of the latex of wild-growing Euphorbia palustris was carried out using multivariate analysis of 1H NMR spectral data. One population was infected with fungi Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium proliferatum and Alternaria alternata, while the other consisted of healthy plant species. The non-polar metabolites of latex extracts such as benzoyl ingenol-laurate, amyrin decadienoate esters, cis-1,4-polyisoprene, and 24-methylenecycloartanol were identified using 1H and 2D NMR spectra. Principal component analysis of 1H NMR data provided a clear discrimination between the latex of infected and healthy plants. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration values of the latex extracts of healthy and infected plants were determined. The latex of infected plants was found to contain higher levels of benzoyl ingenol-laurate and 24-methylenecycloartanol, of which concentrations were strongly correlated with the antifungal activities of the latex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Krstić
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Boban Anđelković
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Young Hae Choi
- Natural Products Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vlatka Vajs
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Stević
- Institute for Medicinal Plants Research ''Dr. Josif Pančić", Tadeuša Košćuška 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vele Tešević
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Gođevac
- Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
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Biological Activities of Aerial Parts Extracts of Euphorbia characias. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:1538703. [PMID: 27314007 PMCID: PMC4895043 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1538703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-HIV, and cholinesterase inhibitory activities of aqueous and alcoholic extracts from leaves, stems, and flowers of Euphorbia characias. The extracts showed a high antioxidant activity and were a good source of total polyphenols and flavonoids. Ethanolic extracts from leaves and flowers displayed the highest inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, showing potential properties against Alzheimer's disease. Antimicrobial assay showed that leaves and flowers extracts were active against all Gram-positive bacteria tested. The ethanolic leaves extract appeared to have the strongest antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus with MIC value of 312.5 μg/mL followed by Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus that also exhibited good sensitivity with MIC values of 1250 μg/mL. Moreover, all the extracts possessed anti-HIV activity. The ethanolic flower extract was the most potent inhibitor of HIV-1 RT DNA polymerase RNA-dependent and Ribonuclease H with IC50 values of 0.26 and 0.33 μg/mL, respectively. The LC-DAD metabolic profile showed that ethanolic leaves extract contains high levels of quercetin derivatives. This study suggests that Euphorbia characias extracts represent a good source of natural bioactive compounds which could be useful for pharmaceutical application as well as in food system for the prevention of the growth of food-borne bacteria and to extend the shelf-life of processed foods.
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Pintus F, Spanò D, Corona A, Medda R. Antityrosinase activity of Euphorbia characias extracts. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1305. [PMID: 26500815 PMCID: PMC4614905 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosinase is a well-known key enzyme in melanin biosynthesis and its inhibitors have become increasingly important because of their potential use as hypopigmenting agents. In the present study, the anti-melanogenic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Euphorbia characias leaves, stems, and flowers in cell-free and cellular systems was examined. All the extracts showed inhibitory effects against mushroom tyrosinase with leaf extracts exhibiting the lowest IC50 values of 24 and 97 µg/mL for aqueous and ethanolic extracts respectively. Enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that leaf aqueous extract acts as a mixed type inhibitor, while ethanolic extract shows a competitive inhibition effect on mushroom tyrosinase using L-DOPA as substrate. In addition, the inhibitory effect of leaf extracts on tyrosinase activity and melanin production was examined in murine melanoma B16F10 cells. Cellular tyrosinase activity as well as levels of melanin synthesis are reduced in a dose-dependent manner by extracts in cells treated with α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The effects are comparable, and sometimes even better, than that of kojic acid, a well known tyrosinase inhibitor used for reference. All these results suggest that E. characias could be a great source of the natural inhibitors from tyrosinase and has the potential to be used as a whitening agent in therapeutic fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pintus
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari , Monserrato, Cagliari , Italy
| | - Delia Spanò
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari , Monserrato, Cagliari , Italy
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari , Monserrato, Cagliari , Italy
| | - Rosaria Medda
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari , Monserrato, Cagliari , Italy
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13
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Spanò D, Pospiskova K, Safarik I, Pisano MB, Pintus F, Floris G, Medda R. Chitinase III in Euphorbia characias latex: Purification and characterization. Protein Expr Purif 2015; 116:152-8. [PMID: 26318237 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2015.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper deals with the purification of a class III endochitinase from Euphorbia characias latex. Described purification method includes an effective novel separation step using magnetic chitin particles. Application of magnetic affinity adsorbent noticeably simplifies and shortens the purification procedure. This step and the subsequently DEAE-cellulose chromatography enable to obtain the chitinase in homogeneous form. One protein band is present on PAGE in non-denaturing conditions and SDS-PAGE profile reveals a unique protein band of 36.5 ± 2 kDa. The optimal chitinase activity is observed at 50 °C, pH 5.0. E. characias latex chitinase is able to hydrolyze colloidal chitin giving, as reaction products, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, chitobiose and chitotriose. Moreover, we observed that calcium and magnesium ions enhance chitinase activity. Finally, we cloned the cDNA encoding the E. characias latex chitinase. The partial cDNA nucleotide sequence contains 762 bp, and the deduced amino acid sequence (254 amino acids) is homologous to the sequence of several plant class III endochitinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Spanò
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Kristyna Pospiskova
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Safarik
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Nanobiology and Structural Biology of GCRC, Na Sadkach 7, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Barbara Pisano
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Francesca Pintus
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Giovanni Floris
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Rosaria Medda
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
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Hernández N, Williams RC, Cochran EW. The battle for the "green" polymer. Different approaches for biopolymer synthesis: bioadvantaged vs. bioreplacement. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 12:2834-49. [PMID: 24687118 DOI: 10.1039/c3ob42339e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Biopolymers have been used throughout history; however, in the last two centuries they have seen a decrease in their utilization as the proliferation of inexpensive and mass-produced materials from petrochemical feedstocks quickly became better-suited to meeting society's needs. In recent years, high petroleum prices and the concern of society to adopt greener and cleaner products has led to an increased interest in biorenewable polymers and the use of sustainable technologies to produce them. Industrial and academic researchers alike have targeted several routes for producing these renewable materials. In this perspective, we compare and contrast two distinct approaches to the economical realization of these materials. One mentality that has emerged we term "bioreplacement", in which the fields of synthetic biology and catalysis collaborate to coax petrochemical monomers from sugars and lignocellulosic feedstocks that can subsequently be used in precisely the same ways to produce precisely the same polymers as we know today. For example, the metabolic engineering of bacteria is currently being explored as a viable route to common monomers such as butadiene, isoprene, styrene, acrylic acid, and sebacic acid, amongst others. Another motif that has recently gained traction may be referred to as the "bioadvantage" strategy, where the multifunctional "monomers" given to us by nature are combined in novel ways using novel chemistries to yield new polymers with new properties; for these materials to compete with their petroleum-based counterparts, they must add some advantage, for example less cost. For instance, acrylated epoxidized soybean oil readily undergoes polymerization to thermosets and recently, thermoplastic rubbers. Additionally, many plants produce pre-polymeric or polymeric materials that require little or no post modification to extract and make use of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nacú Hernández
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
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Spanò D, Pintus F, Esposito F, Loche D, Floris G, Medda R. Euphorbia characias latex: micromorphology of rubber particles and rubber transferase activity. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2015; 87:26-34. [PMID: 25532121 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2014.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We have recently characterized a natural rubber in the latex of Euphorbia characias. Following that study, we here investigated the rubber particles and rubber transferase in that Mediterranean shrub. Rubber particles, observed by scanning electron microscopy, are spherical in shape with diameter ranging from 0.02 to 1.2 μm. Washed rubber particles exhibit rubber transferase activity with a rate of radiolabeled [(14)C]IPP incorporation of 4.5 pmol min(-1)mg(-1). Denaturing electrophoresis profile of washed rubber particles reveals a single protein band of 37 kDa that is recognized in western blot analysis by antibodies raised against the synthetic peptide whose sequence, DVVIRTSGETRLSNF, is included in one of the five regions conserved among cis-prenyl chain elongation enzymes. The cDNA nucleotide sequence of E. characias rubber transferase (GenBank JX564541) and the deduced amino acid sequence appear to be highly homologous to the sequence of several plant cis-prenyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Spanò
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Francesca Pintus
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Francesca Esposito
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Danilo Loche
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giovanni Floris
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Rosaria Medda
- Department of Sciences of Life and Environment, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Escrig PV, Iglesias DJ, Corma A, Primo J, Primo-Millo E, Cabedo N. Euphorbia characias as bioenergy crop: a study of variations in energy value components according to phenology and water status. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2013; 61:10096-10109. [PMID: 24079468 DOI: 10.1021/jf403015a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Euphorbia characias has drawn much attention as a potential bioenergy crop given its considerable amount of latex, rich in hydrocarbon-like compounds, and its ability to grow in large areas of semiarid lands. Compositions of major constituents with an energy value have been determined for the three phenological stages of this plant (preflowering, flowering, and postflowering) and different irrigation treatments. Metabolites from both nonpolar and polar extracts have been identified and quantified by GC-MS, GC-FID, HPLC-ELSD, and UPLC-PDA-MS. The results highlight that the end of the flowering period is the optimal harvesting time to maximize the yields of E. characias as a potential energy crop. The total water requirements to obtain the maximum yields of hexane- and methanol-extractables were determined for its annual development cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- P V Escrig
- Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC) , Avenida de los Naranjos s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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