1
|
Segneanu AE, Vlase G, Vlase T, Sicoe CA, Ciocalteu MV, Herea DD, Ghirlea OF, Grozescu I, Nanescu V. Wild-Grown Romanian Helleborus purpurascens Approach to Novel Chitosan Phyto-Nanocarriers-Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Properties. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3479. [PMID: 37836219 PMCID: PMC10574898 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The current nanomedicinal approach combines medicinal plants and nanotechnology to create new scaffolds with enhanced bioavailability, biodistribution and controlled release. In an innovative approach to herb encapsulation in nanosized chitosan matrices, wild-grown Romanian Helleborus purpurascens was used to prepare two new chitosan nanocarriers. The first carrier preparation involved the nanoencapsulation of hellebore in chitosan. The second carrier emerged from two distinct stages: hellebore-AgNPs phyto-carrier system succeeded by nanoencapsulation in chitosan. The morphostructural characteristics and thermal behavior of these newly prepared nanocarriers were examined using FT-IR, XRD, DLS, SEM, EDS and thermogravimetric analyses. In addition, the encapsulation yield, encapsulation efficiency and encapsulation contents were investigated. The antioxidant activity was estimated using four in vitro, noncompetitive methods: total phenolic assay; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay; phosphomolybdate (i.e., total antioxidant capacity); and iron(III)-phenanthroline antioxidant assay. Moreover, this study reports the first low-molecular-weight metabolite profile of wild-grown Romanian Helleborus purpurascens Waldst. & Kit. A total of one hundred and five secondary metabolites were identified in the mass spectra (MS)-positive mode from fourteen secondary metabolite categories (alkaloids, butenolides, bufadienolides, phytoecdysteroids, amino acids and peptides, terpenoids, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sterols, glycosides, carbohydrates, nucleosides and miscellaneous). The collective results suggest the potential application is a promising new antioxidant vehicle candidate in tumor therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adina-Elena Segneanu
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West, University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz Nr. 4, 300086 Timisoara, Romania; (G.V.); (T.V.)
| | - Gabriela Vlase
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West, University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz Nr. 4, 300086 Timisoara, Romania; (G.V.); (T.V.)
- Research Centre for Thermal Analysis Environmental Problems, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi St. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Titus Vlase
- Institute for Advanced Environmental Research-West, University of Timisoara (ICAM-WUT), Oituz Nr. 4, 300086 Timisoara, Romania; (G.V.); (T.V.)
- Research Centre for Thermal Analysis Environmental Problems, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi St. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Crina Andreea Sicoe
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, Pestalozzi St. 16, 300115 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Maria Viorica Ciocalteu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, St. Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (M.V.C.); (V.N.)
| | - Dumitru Daniel Herea
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu-Florin Ghirlea
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, square Eftimie Murgu No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Ioan Grozescu
- CAICON Department, University Politehnica Timisoara, 300006 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Valentin Nanescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, St. Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (M.V.C.); (V.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Efficient Isolation and Structure Analysis of (+)-Ranuncoside, a Unique Tricyclic Spiroacetal Glycoside, from Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger L.). Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x211069456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of medicinal herbs as remedies reaches back to the Stone Age, and their importance as a source of drugs has continuously increased since then. Herbal ingredients can serve as active pharmaceuticals themselves or as lead substances for the development of synthetic pharmaceuticals with less toxicity, higher effectiveness or with new properties. To date, only 6% of the ∼600,000 plants on earth have been tested pharmacologically. Among these, the medicinal plant Helleborus niger L. (Christmas rose) is especially promising because its leaves contain ( + )-ranuncoside 1, characterized by a spiroacetal ring system, a motif which is responsible for the biological activity of a multitude of natural products. Structure-activity relationship studies of ( + )-ranuncoside 1 are lacking and no synthesis of 1 has been described yet. Therefore, we developed a protocol for the rapid and efficient isolation of 1 from the leaves of cultivated Christmas rose. Crystals of high purity were obtained that enabled us to study the stereochemistry of 1 by NMR spectroscopy in solution for the first time. The spiro configuration, the absolute stereochemistry, and the geometry of all three rings was then confirmed by x-ray structure analysis. Our data will enable future structure-activity relationship studies to assess the potential of 1 as a lead substance for the development of novel antibiotics and anticancer agents.
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang ZY, Chu FH, Gu NN, Wang Y, Feng D, Zhao X, Meng XD, Zhang WT, Li CF, Chen Y, Wei SS, Ma ZQ, Lin RC, Zhao CJ, Zou DX. Integrated strategy of LC-MS and network pharmacology for predicting active constituents and pharmacological mechanisms of Ranunculus japonicus Thunb. for treating rheumatoid arthritis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 271:113818. [PMID: 33465444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ranunculus japonicus Thunb. (short for R. japonicus) is a topically applied herb with the activities of removing jaundice, nebula and edema, preventing malaria, stopping asthma, promoting diuresis and relieving pain. It was firstly recorded in Zhouhou Beiji Fang and has been used for the treatment of malaria, ulcers, carbuncle, jaundice, migraine, stomachache, toothache and arthritis for over 1800 years. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to uncover the potentially effective components of R. japonicus and the pharmacological mechanisms against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by combing LC-MS and network pharmacology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, the chemical constituents of R. japonicus were qualitatively identified by UPLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap MS. Then we performed target prediction by PharmMapper, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis via String, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis by DAVID and constructed the compound-target-pathway network using Cytoscape. Thirdly, crucial compounds in the network were quantitatively analyzed to achieve quality control of R. japonicus. Finally, the pharmacological activities of R. japonicus and two potentially bioactive ingredients were validated in RA-FLSs (Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes) in vitro. RESULTS Overall fifty-four ingredients of R. japonicus were identified and forty-five components were firstly discovered in R. japonicus. Among them, twenty-seven validated compounds were predicted to act on twenty-five RA-related targets and they might exhibit therapeutic effects against RA via positive regulation of cell migration, etc. Nine potentially bioactive components of R. japonicus which played important roles in the compound-target-pathway network were simultaneously quantified by an optimized UPLC-ESI-Triple Quad method. In vitro, compared to control group, R. japonicus extract, berberine and yangonin significantly inhibited the migration capacity of RA-FLSs after 24 h treatment. CONCLUSION This study clarified that R. japonicus and the bioactive ingredients berberine and yangonin might exert therapeutic actions for RA via suppressing the aggressive phenotypes of RA-FLSs through combined LC-MS technology and network pharmacology tools for the first time. The present research provided deeper understanding into the chemical profiling, pharmacological activities and quality control of R. japonicus and offered reference for further scientific research and clinical use of R. japonicus in treating RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Yi Wang
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Fu-Hao Chu
- Institute of Regulatory Science for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Nian-Nian Gu
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Xi' an Manareco New Materials Co. Ltd., Xi' An, 710077, China
| | - Dan Feng
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Xue-Dan Meng
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Wen-Ting Zhang
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Chao-Feng Li
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Wei
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Ma
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Rui-Chao Lin
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Chong-Jun Zhao
- Beijing Key Lab for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Di-Xin Zou
- College of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stability of protoanemonin in plant extracts from Helleborus niger L. and Pulsatilla vulgaris Mill. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 188:113370. [PMID: 32497949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The concentration levels and stability of protoanemonin, a characteristic constituent of Ranunculaceae species with antimicrobial and fungicidal properties, were studied for the first time in plant extracts prepared from Helleborus niger L. and Pulsatilla vulgaris Mill. using fermentative production processes. Protoanemonin levels quantified by HPLC-DAD analysis were 0.0345 and 0.0662 mg/g in two freshly prepared Helleborus (whole, flowering plant) extracts and 0.3875 mg/g and 0.4193 mg/g in Pulsatilla (flowers) extracts. Protoanemonin proved to be rather instable in aqueous-fermented extracts stored at 15 °C in the dark, and its concentration decreased rapidly over 12 months of storage independently of the plant species. The decrease was most pronounced when initial concentrations were high (decrease by about 70%). In contrast, low protoanemonin levels remained stable in solution for more than 12 months. Anemonin, the dimer of protoanemonin, was detected in increasing concentrations only in Pulsatilla samples, but its concentration only accounted for less than 50% of the theoretically expected amount. With respect to fermented extracts, both physical processes such as self-polymerization and adsorption/binding to other extract constituents as well as biodegradation were concluded to be responsible for protoanemonin decline. As opposed to plant extracts, both protoanemonin and anemonin levels decreased in 0.22 μm-filtered samples stored in vials. This may be explained by a reduced release from plant material in combination with physicochemically induced degradation. Reduction was most pronounced upon light exposure and elevated temperatures, clearly indicating that photochemical degradation is involved. Contents of protoanemonin in a set of extract batches were 0.0896 ± 0.0125 mg/g and 0.0618 ± 0.0180 mg/g in Helleborus and Pulsatilla extracts, and anemonin levels were 0.0230 ± 0.0076 mg/g and 0.0482 ± 0.0282 mg/g, respectively. Due to its antibiotic effects, but also its reactivity, protoanemonin is a therapeutically and toxicologically relevant constituent, and its concentration should therefore be carefully monitored.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lorenz P, Bunse M, Klaiber I, Conrad J, Laumann-Lipp T, Stintzing FC, Kammerer DR. Comprehensive Phytochemical Characterization of Herbal Parts from Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria L.) by LC/MS n and GC/MS. Chem Biodivers 2020; 17:e2000485. [PMID: 32860459 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Extracts of kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria L.) are becoming increasingly interesting as ingredients for the health and cosmetics industry. However, comprehensive phytochemical investigations of this plant are scant in the literature. Thus, the aim of the present work was an in-depth characterization of semi-polar constituents from A. vulneraria. To capture a broad spectrum of compounds, the aerial parts of A. vulneraria were extracted with EtOH/water and the resulting crude extracts fractionated by partition between AcOEt and BuOH. Secondary plant metabolites were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MSn and GC/MS. In a fraction obtained from the BuOH extract via Amberlite® XAD-7 purification glycosides of kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin and rhamnocitrin were detected by LC/MSn , besides flavonoids acylated with meglutol (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid), acetic and ferulic acids. Moreover, aglycons were analyzed in extracts after 1 N HCl hydrolysis and derivatization with BSTFA. GC/MS analysis of the hydrolysates revealed the incidence of compounds like meglutol, OH/OMe-substituted benzoic acids, ferulic and fatty acids, flavonoids, sugars and the triterpenoid medicagenic acid. Furthermore, a hemolytic activity was detected in the AcOEt extract using a blood-agar assay, and this was ascribed to the occurrence of saponins. In a saponin fraction, obtained from the AcOEt extract by chromatographic purification, two main saponins were characterized by LC/MSn and HR-ESI-MSn . A pure sapogenin could be isolated via VLC and CC purification upon acid hydrolysis of the saponins and assigned to saikogenin D by NMR analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lorenz
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development and Research, Section Phytochemical Research, Dorfstr. 1, DE-73087, Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| | - Marek Bunse
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development and Research, Section Phytochemical Research, Dorfstr. 1, DE-73087, Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| | - Iris Klaiber
- University of Hohenheim, Mass Spectrometry Unit, Core Facility Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 12, DE-70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jürgen Conrad
- University of Hohenheim, Institute of Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry (130b), Garbenstraße 30, DE-70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tino Laumann-Lipp
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development and Research, Section Phytochemical Research, Dorfstr. 1, DE-73087, Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| | - Florian C Stintzing
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development and Research, Section Phytochemical Research, Dorfstr. 1, DE-73087, Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| | - Dietmar R Kammerer
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development and Research, Section Phytochemical Research, Dorfstr. 1, DE-73087, Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Felenda JE, Turek C, Mörbt N, Herrick A, Müller MB, Stintzing FC. Preclinical evaluation of safety and potential of black hellebore extracts for cancer treatment. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 19:105. [PMID: 31113420 PMCID: PMC6528284 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2517-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The therapeutic use of Helleborus niger L. is manifold due to its specific phytochemical composition. Two compound groups, the ranunculin derivates including protoanemonin and the steroidal saponins, are also associated with toxicity (genotoxicity, disintegration of membrane structures). Therefore, in vitro investigations were performed on safety aspects of a Helleborus niger aqueous fermented extract (HNE). In addition its therapeutic potential against various cancer cell lines was assessed to gain insight into the respective mechanisms of action. METHODS To evaluate the safe use of HNE, Ames and hemolytic tests were carried out. Two angiogenesis assays in 2D and 3D design were conducted to assess the anti-angiogenetic potential, for which human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were chosen. A panel of tumor cell lines was used in 2D and 3D proliferation assays as well in the migration- and invasion-assay. All investigations were performed with HNE compared to reference substances. The 2D proliferation assay was additionally performed with isolated compounds of HNE (characteristic steroidal saponins). RESULTS HNE did not exhibit any genotoxic potential. Concentrations up to 10 μl/ml were classified as non-hemolytic. HNE exerted anti-angiogenetic effects in HUVEC and anti-proliferative effects in five cancer cell lines, whereas hellebosaponin A and D as well macranthosid I did not show comparable effects neither singly nor in combination. Due to the inherent instability of protoanemonin in isolated form, parallel investigations with protoanemonin could not be performed. HNE (600-1000 μg/ml) inhibited the migration of certain cancer cells by > 80% such as Caki-2, DLD-1 and SK-N-SH. CONCLUSION HNE exhibit neither genotoxic nor hemolytic potential. The present investigations verify the anti-angiogenetic effects on HUVEC, the anti-proliferative effects and migration-inhibiting properties on tumor cells. The lower effect of the relevant steroidal saponins compared to the whole extract underlines the fact that the latter is more effective than a blend of isolated pharmacologically active components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Felenda
- Pharmacological and Clinical Research, WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Dorfstr. 1, 73087 Bad Boll, Eckwälden Germany
| | - Claudia Turek
- Pharmacological and Clinical Research, WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Dorfstr. 1, 73087 Bad Boll, Eckwälden Germany
| | - Nora Mörbt
- Drug Safety/Information, WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Dorfstr. 1, 73087 Bad Boll, Eckwälden Germany
| | - Anja Herrick
- Pharmacological and Clinical Research, WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Dorfstr. 1, 73087 Bad Boll, Eckwälden Germany
| | - Margit B. Müller
- Analytical Development & Research, WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Dorfstr. 1, 73087 Bad Boll, Eckwälden Germany
| | - Florian C. Stintzing
- Pharmacological and Clinical Research, WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Dorfstr. 1, 73087 Bad Boll, Eckwälden Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Olivieri MF, Marzari F, Kesel AJ, Bonalume L, Saettini F. Pharmacology and psychiatry at the origins of Greek medicine: The myth of Melampus and the madness of the Proetides. JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE NEUROSCIENCES 2017; 26:193-215. [PMID: 27625080 DOI: 10.1080/0964704x.2016.1211901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Melampus is a seer-healer of Greek myth attributed with having healed the young princesses of Argos of madness. Analysis of this legend and its sources sheds light on the early stages of the "medicalizing" shift in the history of ancient Greek medicine. Retrospective psychological diagnosis suggests that the descriptions of the youths' madness rose from actual observation of behavioral and mental disorders. Melampus is credited with having healed them by administering hellebore. Pharmacological analysis of botanical specimens proves that Helleborus niger features actual neurological properties effective in the treatment of mental disorders. The discussion aims at examining the rational aspects of the treatment of mental conditions in Greco-Roman antiquity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo F Olivieri
- a Department of Historical Studies , University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Francesca Marzari
- b Centro Antropologia e Mondo Antico , University of Siena , Siena , Italy
| | | | - Laura Bonalume
- d Department of Psychology , University of Milano-Bicocca , Milan , Italy
| | - Francesco Saettini
- e San Gerardo Hospital, Department of Pediatrics , University of Milano-Bicocca , Milan , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mining chemodiversity from biodiversity: pharmacophylogeny of medicinal plants of Ranunculaceae. Chin J Nat Med 2016; 13:507-20. [PMID: 26233841 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(15)30045-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports a pharmacophylogenetic study of a medicinal plant family, Ranunculaceae, investigating the correlations between their phylogeny, chemical constituents, and pharmaceutical properties. Phytochemical, ethnopharmacological, and pharmacological data were integrated in the context of the systematics and molecular phylogeny of the Ranunculaceae. The chemical components of this family included several representative metabolic groups: benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, ranunculin, triterpenoid saponin, and diterpene alkaloids, among others. Ranunculin and magnoflorine were found to coexist in some genera. The pharmacophylogenetic analysis, integrated with therapeutic information, agreed with the taxonomy proposed previously, in which the family Ranunculaceae was divided into five sub-families: Ranunculoideae, Thalictroideae, Coptidoideae, Hydrastidoideae, and Glaucidioideae. It was plausible to organize the sub-family Ranunculoideae into ten tribes. The chemical constituents and therapeutic efficacy of each taxonomic group were reviewed, revealing the underlying connections between phylogeny, chemical diversity, and clinical use, which should facilitate the conservation and sustainable utilization of the pharmaceutical resources derived from the Ranunculaceae.
Collapse
|
9
|
Schink M, Garcia-Käufer M, Bertrams J, Duckstein SM, Müller MB, Huber R, Stintzing FC, Gründemann C. Differential cytotoxic properties of Helleborus niger L. on tumour and immunocompetent cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 159:129-36. [PMID: 25446603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In Romanian folk medicine, Helleborus niger L. is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or viral infections and in complementary therapy, especially in anthroposophic medicine (AM), where the plant is administered as an adjuvant to treat malignant diseases. In the present study, we investigated the differential cytotoxic effects of H. niger on human tumour and healthy cells of the human immune system in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS Protoanemonin and saponins, as significant constituents of H. niger extracts, were quantified in five individual batches using validated HPLC methods. Further, the impact of H. niger on proliferation capacity (MTT assay) as well as on apoptosis and necrosis induction in a panel of tumour cell lines and human lymphocytes (combined annexin V and propidium iodide staining) was monitored. In addition, NK cell function (degranulation-CD107a assay and IFN-gamma secretion) was also investigated since these immunocompetent cells are important for the control of malignancies within the human body. RESULTS Extracts of H. niger induced proliferation inhibition not only of lymphoblastic leukaemia cells (MOLT4; IC50: 171 µg/mL) but also of myosarcoma (SK-UT-1b; IC50: 304 µg/mL) and melanoma cells (HT-144; IC50: 569 µg/mL) due to the induction of apoptosis. Purified T cells or NK cells were significantly affected through the presence of high H. niger concentrations while bulk lymphocytes were not affected. NK cells' anti-tumour functions expressed by degranulation capacity as well as IFN-y production were unaffected by the presence of the H. niger extract. Since protoanemonin and saponins have been reported in the literature to exert cytotoxic effects, their content was also determined. CONCLUSIONS H. niger extracts exhibit differential cytotoxicity towards tumour cell lines and healthy human T- and NK-cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schink
- Helixor Heilmittel GmbH & Co. KG, Fischermühle 1, 72348 Rosenfeld, Germany
| | - Manuel Garcia-Käufer
- Center for Complementary Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115B, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Bertrams
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development & Research, Dorfstrasse 1, D-73087 Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| | - Sarina M Duckstein
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development & Research, Dorfstrasse 1, D-73087 Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| | - Margit B Müller
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development & Research, Dorfstrasse 1, D-73087 Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| | - Roman Huber
- Center for Complementary Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115B, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian C Stintzing
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development & Research, Dorfstrasse 1, D-73087 Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| | - Carsten Gründemann
- Center for Complementary Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115B, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Duckstein SM, Stintzing FC. LC-MS(n) characterization of steroidal saponins in Helleborus niger L. roots and their conversion products during fermentation. Steroids 2015; 93:47-59. [PMID: 25449769 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Steroidal saponins comprise a substantial part of the secondary metabolite spectrum in the medicinal plant Helleborus niger L. (black hellebore). The saponin fraction from the roots was investigated by LC-MS(n) resulting in 38 saponins and β-ecdysone. Nine diosgenyl-type glycosides, mainly furostanols consisting of the aglycones diosgenin, macranthogenin, sceptrumgenin, and sarsasapogenin were accompanied by 5 diosgenyl-type saponins exhibiting an aglycone with an additional OH group. However, the most relevant compounds were 24 acetylated polyhydroxy saponins including hellebosaponins A and D. The enzymes glucuronidase, β-glucosidase, and pectinase were used to obtain an idea on potential fermentative transformation reactions by incubation of the isolated model saponins macranthosid I and hellebosaponin A. In a second step, aqueous H. niger extracts containing a much greater range of saponins were monitored during fermentation and 12months of storage. The metabolites were examined and assigned by LC-MS(n) and targeted extracted ion current (EIC) scan analyses. Good agreement was found among the results from the model compounds and the whole aqueous fermented extracts. The native diosgenyl-type furostanol saponins were converted to spirostanols under scission of hexoses. Alteration of the acetylated polyhydroxy saponins, exclusively spirostanols, took place following cleavage of acetyl groups and terminal deoxyhexoses. Most interestingly, the pentoses of the sugar chain at C(1) were not affected. Conversion of acetylated polyhydroxy saponins resulted in a final structure type which was stable and detectable, even after 12months of fermentation and storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarina M Duckstein
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development & Research, Section Phytochemical Research, Dorfstrasse 1, D-73087 Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| | - Florian C Stintzing
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development & Research, Section Phytochemical Research, Dorfstrasse 1, D-73087 Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Felipe DF, Brambilla LZS, Porto C, Pilau EJ, Cortez DAG. Phytochemical analysis of Pfaffia glomerata inflorescences by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Molecules 2014; 19:15720-34. [PMID: 25268723 PMCID: PMC6270899 DOI: 10.3390/molecules191015720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pfaffia glomerata contains high levels of β-ecdysone, which has shown a range of beneficial pharmacological effects. The present study demonstrated that inflorescences of P. glomerata contain other important bioactive compounds in addition to β-ecdysone. The identification of compounds from inflorescences using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) was performed for the first time. The eight compounds identified were β-ecdysone, flavonoid glycosides such as quercetin-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-3-O-(6-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside, oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins such as ginsenoside Ro and chikusetsusaponin IV, in addition to oleanonic acid and gluconic acid. This study provided information on the phytochemicals contained in P. glomerata inflorescences revealing the potential application of this plant part as raw material for the phytotherapeutic and cosmetic industries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele F Felipe
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil.
| | - Lara Z S Brambilla
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil.
| | - Carla Porto
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo J Pilau
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil.
| | - Diógenes A G Cortez
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Postgraduate Program, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Duckstein SM, Lorenz P, Conrad J, Stintzing FC. Tandem mass spectrometric characterization of acetylated polyhydroxy hellebosaponins, the principal steroid saponins in Helleborus niger L. roots(#). RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2014; 28:1801-1812. [PMID: 25559450 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.6959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Isolation and extensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses revealed polyhydroxy steroid saponins to be characteristic constituents in Helleborus niger L. roots. A comprehensive study including various multi-stage mass spectrometry (MS(n) ) experiments provided first solid chromatographic and mass spectrometric information facilitating future analysis and structural assessment of polyhydroxy saponins by LC/MS(n) techniques without isolation and NMR analyses. METHODS The polyhydroxy saponins were analyzed by direct syringe injection or chromatographically separated on a capillary high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system coupled to an electrospray ionization (ESI) source. MS(n) spectra were recorded on an ion trap mass spectrometer including up to four fragmentation stages (LC/ESI-MS/MS). Additionally, high-resolution mass spectra were recorded on an Orbitrap Fourier transform (FT) mass spectrometer equipped with a nanospray-ESI interface. RESULTS The polyhydroxy hellebosaponins A and D were discovered to be significant constituents from H. niger roots. Extensive study of their MS(n) data revealed that they readily fragmented in the positive ion mode providing diagnostic fragments for elucidation of the steroidal character and number of OH groups. The negative ion mode yielded valuable information on the [M-H](-) ion, number and location of acetyl groups and sugar units. Additionally, fragmentation pathways for positive and negative ion modes were proposed. CONCLUSIONS These results not only extend the knowledge about H. niger saponins, but also provide a facilitated approach to the analysis of polyhydroxy saponins by LC/MS(n) without prior isolation and extensive NMR identification. Additionally, proposed fragmentation pathways for positive and negative ionization modes provide a solid complementary database for further, more detailed MS(n) studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarina M Duckstein
- WALA Heilmittel GmbH, Department of Analytical Development & Research, Section Phytochemical Research, Dorfstrasse 1, D-73087, Bad Boll/Eckwälden, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|