Chemical Constituents of Plants from the Genus Eupatorium (1904–2014)

Phytochemically analysed extract of Ageratina adenophora (Sprengel) R.M.King & H. Rob. initiates caspase 3-dependant apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell: A synergistic approach with chemotherapeutic drugs

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ageratina adenophora (Sprengel) R.M.King & H.Rob. has been used as traditional indigenous medicine all across the globe for its diverse therapeutic applications such as anticancer, analgesic, antipyretic, thermogenic, antiseptic, antimicrobial as well as astringent. The various ethnic groups of India use plant parts to treat cuts and wounds, venomous insect bites, skin lesions, blisters, scabies and other skin irritations, gastritis and indigestion problems, cough, stomach ache and dysentery. The Portuguese traditionally extract the juice from the plant and use it for cancer, diabetes, liver disorder, gallbladder and stomach ailments. Nigerian healers use different parts of the plant to treat diabetes, fever and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic potential of A. adenophora hydroalcoholic leaves extract (AHL) on Colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines (HCT-116, HCT-15 and HT-29), synergistic potential with chemotherapeutic drugs 5FU and Cisplatin as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, based on the sample collected from Mao district of Manipur, India. Identification of bioactive phytocompounds in AHL was also performed by HRLCMS.

METHODS

The AHL was evaluated for its cytotoxic as well as antiproliferative activities by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, clonogenic and cell migration assays. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were quantified by Folin-ciocalteu and Aluminium chloride assays respectively. Caspase 3 activation was evaluated using Caspase-3 Assay Kit. Apoptosis detection by flow cytometry was carried out using annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit. The apoptotic cells were also visualized by Giemsa and 4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. The intracellular Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also evaluated using fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein di-acetate (H2DCFDA) in flow cytometry. The combination effects of AHL with chemotherapeutic drugs 5FU and Cisplatin were also evaluated. The identification of phytochemical constituents of AHL were analysed by HR-LCMS.

RESULTS

The AHL induced cytotoxic activity significantly in HCT-116 with IC50 of 65.65 ± 2.10 μg/mL, but non-cancerous cell HeK-293 was least cytotoxic. Colony formation and cell migration were inhibited in a dose and time dependent manner. The cell morphology upon AHL treatment was significantly altered with apoptotic features. The extract was rich in total phenolic (82.09 ± 0.35mgGAE/g) and total flavonoid (58.31 ± 0.55 mgQAE/g) contents. AHL induced apoptosis as detected by AnnexinV/PI, via activation of caspase 3 and elevated production of Reactive oxygen species (ROS). AHL in combination with 5FU and Cisplatin acts synergistically and potentiates the therapeutic properties of the extract. Sesquiterpenes, phenolic as well as flavonoid derivatives with anticancer properties were detected in AHL by HRLCMS, and these phytoconstituents may be attributed for anticancer property of AHL.

CONCLUSION

The present study evaluates the effectiveness of AHL against Colorectal cancer cell lines. AHL is cytotoxic and induces apoptosis in HCT-116 cells by caspase 3 activation and increased ROS production that can be attributed to sesquiterpenoids. Thus, the plant A. adenophora has therapeutic potential for Colorectal cancer and can be further exploited for developing anticancer drug.

Evolution of the Secondary Metabolites in Invasive Plant Species Chromolaena odorata for the Defense and Allelopathic Functions

Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Robinson is native to tropical America, and has naturalized in many other countries in tropical Asia, Austria, and West Africa. The species often forms dense thickets and reduces the native species diversity and population in the invasive ranges. The species is also considered as a noxious weed in agriculture fields, and listed in the 100 of the world's worst invasive alien species. The characteristics of its life-history such as the seed production rate, growth pattern, and adaptative ability to the environmental conditions may contribute to the invasiveness of the species. Possible evidence of the defense capacity against the natural enemy, and the allelopathic potential against the competitive plant species for C. odorata has been accumulated in the literature over three decades. The extracts, residues, and/or rhizosphere soil of C. odorata increased the mortality of various insects and parasitic nematodes, and decreased their population. The extracts, residues, and/or rhizosphere soil of C. odorata also inhibited the germination and growth of several plant species including the indigenous plant species in the invasive ranges of C. odorata. Toxic substances, pyrrolizidine alkaloids were found in the leaves and flowers of C. odorata. These pyrrolizidine alkaloids may work as the defense agents against the natural enemies. Several potential allelochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids were also found in the plant extracts of C. odorata. Some of these compounds may work as allelopathic agents of C. odorata and inhibit the germination and growth of the competitive plant species. These characteristics of C. odorata for the defense function against their natural enemies such as insects and parasitic nematodes, and allelopathic potential against the competitive native plant species may contribute to the invasiveness and naturalization of C. odorata in the new habitats as invasive plant species. However, it is necessary to determine the concentration of these allelochemicals in the neighboring environment of C. odorata such as the rhizosphere soil since allelochemicals are able to work only when they are released into the neighboring environment. It is the first review article focusing on the defense function and allelopathy of C. odorata.

Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) King & H. Rob. Standardized leaf extract as an antidiabetic agent for type 2 diabetes: An in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Type 2 diabetes has become one of the major health concerns of the 21st century, marked by hyperglycemia or glycosuria, and is associated with the development of several secondary health complications. Due to the fact that chemically synthesized drugs lead to several inevitable side effects, new antidiabetic medications from plants have gained substantial attention. Thus, the current study aims to evaluate the antidiabetic capacity of the Ageratina adenophora hydroalcoholic (AAHY) extract in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced diabetic Wistar albino rats. The rats were segregated randomly into five groups with six rats each. Group I was normal control, and the other four groups were STZ-NA-induced. Group II was designated diabetic control, and group III, IV, and V received metformin (150 mg/kg b.w.) and AAHY extract (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.) for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose, serum biochemicals, liver and kidney antioxidant parameters, and pancreatic histopathology were observed after the experimental design. The study concludes that the AAHY extract has a significant blood glucose lowering capacity on normoglycemic (87.01 ± 0.54 to 57.21 ± 0.31), diabetic (324 ± 2.94 to 93 ± 2.04), and oral glucose-loaded (117.75 ± 3.35 to 92.75 ± 2.09) Wistar albino rats. The in vitro studies show that the AAHY extract has α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities which can restore the altered blood glucose level, glycated hemoglobin, body weight, and serum enzymes such as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, total protein, urea, and creatinine levels close to the normal range in the treated STZ-NA-induced diabetic rats. The evaluation of these serum biochemicals is crucial for monitoring the diabetic condition. The AAHY extract has significantly enhanced tissue antioxidant parameters, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and lipid peroxidation, close to normal levels. The presence of high-quantity chlorogenic (6.47% w/w) and caffeic (3.28% w/w) acids as some of the major phytoconstituents may contribute to the improvement of insulin resistance and oxidative stress. The study provides scientific support for the utilization of A. adenophora to treat type 2 diabetes in the STZ-NA-induced diabetic rat model. Although the preventive role of the AAHY extract in treating Wistar albino rat models against type 2 diabetes mellitus is undeniable, further elaborative research is required for efficacy and safety assessment in human beings.

Eupalinolide B inhibits hepatic carcinoma by inducing ferroptosis and ROS-ER-JNK pathway

Primary hepatic carcinoma is a common malignant tumor. The classic molecular targeted drug sorafenib is costly and is only effective for some patients. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to search for new molecular targeted drugs. Eupalinolide B (EB) from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. is used to treat chronic tracheitis in clinical practice. However, the role of EB in hepatic carcinoma is unknown. In this study, we first measure the effect of EB on tumor growth in a xenograft model and PDX model. The cell proliferation and migration are also detected in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines (SMMC-7721 and HCCLM3). Then, we investigate cell cycle, cell apoptosis, cell necrosis, cell autophagy, and ferroptosis by flow cytometry, western blot analysis and electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that EB exerts anti-proliferative activity in hepatic carcinoma by blocking cell cycle arrest at S phase and inducing ferroptosis mediated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as well as HO-1 activation. When HO-1 is inhibited, EB-induced cell death and ER protein expression are rescued. The migration-related mechanism consists of activation of the ROS-ER-JNK signaling pathway and is not connected to ferroptosis. In summary, we first discover that EB inhibits cell proliferation and migration in hepatic carcinoma, and thus EB is a promising anti-tumor compound that can be used for hepatic carcinoma.

Germacrane sesquiterpenes from leaves of Eupatorium chinense inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase

Three new germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones (1-3) were isolated alongside seven known related congeners (4-10) from the leaves of Eupatorium chinense L. (Compositae). The planar structures of 1-3 were elucidated by their spectroscopic data, including 1D and 2D NMR spectra. The relative and absolute configurations of 1-3 were determined using NOESY experiments and electronic circular dichroism analyses. Compounds 1, 4, 5, and 7 inhibited protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B activity with IC₅₀ values of 25, 11, 28, and 24 μM, respectively. Among these, compound 4 exhibited an inhibitory effect on T-cell PTP (TCPTP) with an IC₅₀ value of 25 μM. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the PTP inhibitory activity of the germacrane sesquiterpenes. The results show that compound 4 acts as an inhibitor of both PTP1B and TCPTP.

Ten undescribed cadinane-type sesquiterpenoids from Eupatorium chinense

Ten undescribed cadinane-type sesquiterpenes (1-10) were isolated from the whole plant of Eupatorium chinense. Their planar structures were mainly elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data and DFT NMR calculations. The absolute configurations of 1, 2, and 3 were determined by TDDFT ECD calculations while those of compounds 4-7 and 9 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Compounds 2 and 3 are a pair of C-10 epimers, compounds 4 and 5 a pair of C-1 epimers, and compounds 9 and 10 a pair of compounds isomerized at both C-1 and C-10. A possible biosynthetic pathway for these new sesquiterpenes was proposed.

An insight into cytotoxic activity of flavonoids and sesquiterpenoids from selected plants of Asteraceae species

Cancer continues to be a disease that is difficult to cure and the current therapeutic regimen is associated with severe side effects and the issue of emerging drug resistance. According to the World Health Organization fact sheet 2017, cancer is the second major cause of morbidity and death and a 70% rise in new cases is expected over the next 20 years. The quest for new anticancer chemical entities is a thrust area identified by many government agencies and industry research and development groups. Nature-derived entities have played a very important role in therapeutics especially cancer Asteraceae is a large family consisting of around 1700 genera and more than 24,000 species. Several genera belonging to this family have ethnopharmacological uses such as cytotoxicity, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and antioxidant. This review highlights the cytotoxic potential of structurally novel flavonoids and sesquiterpenes isolated from some selected species of Asteraceae plants native to Asia, Europe, parts of Africa and America. The existing literature suggests that sesquiterpenes and flavonoids from various species of Asteraceae represent a viable class of secondary metabolites with strong cytotoxic potential. These have demonstrated potent activity in cell cycle arrest, inhibition of neoangiogenesis and induction of apoptosis. The sesquiterpenoids exhibiting potent cytotoxic activity were found to contain an α- methylene-butyrolactone conjugated with an exomethylene group and the flavonoids obtained from various plant species of Blumea suggest that a dihydroxy ring system present in structure is essential for activity. Most of the published literature contains in vitro data of extracts/secondary metabolites with very few in vivo studies. Additionally, there is dearth of knowledge on mechanisms of cytotoxic activity and molecular targets impacted by the active secondary metabolites. This review hopes to fuel interest in researchers to take up detailed investigations on these scaffolds that could contribute significantly as potential leads in anticancer drug development.

Simultaneous determination of eight pyrrolizidine alkaloids in various parts of Eupatorium lindleyanum by ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and risk assessments based on a real-life exposure scenario

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are toxins having hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects on human health. A ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry technique was developed for the first time for the simultaneous determination of eight pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including four diastereoisomers (intermedine, lycopsamine, rinderine, and echinatine) and their respective N-oxide forms, in different parts of Eupatorium lindleyanum. The risk assessment method for pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Eupatorium lindleyanum was explored using the margin of exposure strategy for the first time based on a real-life exposure scenario. Differences were found in all eight pyrrolizidine alkaloids in various parts of Eupatorium lindleyanum. Besides, the total levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Eupatorium lindleyanum followed the order of root > flower > stem > leaf. Moreover, the risk assessment data revealed that the deleterious effects on human health were unlikely at exposure times of less than 200, 37, and 12 days during the lifetimes of Eupatorium lindleyanum leaves, stems, and flowers, respectively. This study reported both the contents of and risk associated with Eupatorium lindleyanum pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The comprehensive application of the novel ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry technique alongside the risk assessment approach provided a scientific basis for quality evaluation and rational utilization of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Eupatorium lindleyanum to improve public health safety.

Alkyl-benzofuran dimers from Eupatorium chinense with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory activities

Five new racemic alkyl-benzofuran dimers, (±)-dieupachinins I-M (1-5), were isolated from the root tubers of Eupatorium chinense, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diphtheria in Guangdong province. The structures of these compounds, especially the first examples of 12,10'-epoxy dimer dieupachinin I (1), 12-nor-dimer dieupachinin J (2), and 12,12'-dinor-dimer dieupachinin K (3), were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis. Chiral resolution were further carried out on a cellulose column by HPLC, and compounds 2-5 were successfully separated into two enantiomers, respectively. The absolute configurations of (+)-(2-5) and (-)-(2-5) were established by theoretical ECD calculation. All the compounds were evaluated for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes and (±)-dieupachinin I (1) exhibited the best activity. Compound 1 enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake via activating the insulin receptor substrate 1/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β signaling pathway. Moreover, all the isolates were tested for their nitric oxygen (NO) inhibitory effects in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW264.7 macrophages, and compounds (±)-1, (±)-2, and (±)-4 showed promising inhibitory effects with IC₅₀ values of 6.42 ± 1.85, 6.29 ± 1.94, and 16.03 ± 2.07 μM, respectively. (±)-Dieupachinin I (1) again dose-dependently suppressed LPS-induced expression of inducible NO synthase and nuclear translocation of p65.

Chemical Constituents of Eupatorium japonicum and Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxic, and Apoptotic Activities of Eupatoriopicrin on Cancer Stem Cells

Eupatorium japonicum Thunb. of the plant family Asteraceae is a popular traditional herb in Vietnam. However, its chemical constituents as well as bioactive principles have not been investigated yet. We investigated the phytochemistry of E. japonicum in Vietnam and isolated seventeen compounds (1–17) including phytosterols, terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty alcohols, and fatty acids. They were structurally determined by MS and NMR analysis. Except for compounds 6 and 12, all the other compounds were identified for the first time from E. japonicum. Since many sesquiterpene lactones with α-methylene γ-lactone ring are reported as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents, eupatoriopicrin (10), 1-hydroxy-8-(4,5-dihydroxytigloyloxy)eudesma-4(15),11(13)-dien-6,12-olide (11) were selected among the isolates for biological assays. Compound 10 was identified as the main bioactive sesquiterpene lactone of E. japonicum showing its potent anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity through inhibiting NO production and the growth of HepG2 and MCF-7 human cancer cell lines. For the first time, eupatoriopicrin (10) was demonstrated to strongly inhibit NTERA-2 human cancer stem cell (CSC) line in vitro. It is noticeable that the cytotoxicity of eupatoriopicrin against NTERA-2 cells is mediated by its apoptosis-inducing capability of 10 as demonstrated by the results of Hoechst 33342 staining, flow cytometry apoptosis analysis, and caspase-3 activity assays. The biological activities of the main bioactive constituents 1–7, 10, 12, and 15 supported the reported anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of extracts from E. japonicum.

Jaceosidin: A Natural Flavone with Versatile Pharmacological and Biological Activities

Nature always remains an inexhaustible source of treasures for mankind. It remains a mystery for every challenge until the completion of the challenge. While we talk about the complicated health issues, nature offers us a great variety of chemical scaffolds and their various moieties packed in the form of natural products e.g., plants, microorganisms (fungi, algae, protozoa), and terrestrial vertebrates and invertebrates. This review article is an update about jaceosidin, a bioactive flavone, from genus Artemisia. This potentially active compound exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, antiallergic and anti-cancer activities. The bioactivities and the therapeutic action of jaceosidin, especially the modulation of different cell signaling pathways (ERK1/2, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt and ATM-Chk1/2) which become deregulated in various pathological disorders, have been focused here. The reported data suggest that the bioavailability of this anti-cancer compound should be enhanced by utilizing various chemical, biological and computational techniques. Moreover, it is recommended that researchers and scientists should work on exploring the mode of action of this particular flavone to precede it further as a potent anti-cancer compound.

Three new cadinane-type sesquiterpenes from Eupatorium adenophorum spreng

Three new cadinane-type sesquiterpenes, eupatorinones A-C (1-3), along with seven known compounds (4-10), were obtained from the petroleum ether fraction of 95% ethanol extract of Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng. The structures of these new compounds were determined by NMR, MS, and ECD spectra analysis. The configuration of compound 3 was established by quantum chemical calculations of NMR chemical shifts and ECD spectra, that matched the experimental data. In addition, compounds 1, 3 and 5 increased the glucose uptake in L6 cells by 1.42, 1.21 and 1.60 times, respectively.

Analysis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. and their in vitro neurotoxicity

This study was to analyze the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in Eupatorium fortunei herbs and its derived finished products with a view to evaluating their effects on the proliferation and oligodendrogenesis of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Using a LC-MS/MS method with 32 PAs reference standards, 8 PAs including intermedine, intermedine N-oxide, lycopsamine, lycopsamine N-oxide, retronecine, seneciphylline and senkirkine and 7-acetylintermedine N-oxide were identified with intermedine N-oxide and lycopsamine N-oxide being most abundant. The total PA amounts were found to vary from 0.18 to 61.81 μg/g in 30 batches of herbs and from 0.86 to 36.96 μg/g in 4 commercial finished products, respectively. Risk assessments indicated that the short-term intake seemed unlikely lead to acute toxic effects but the chronic use warranted cautions. Using NPCs derived from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells as an in vitro testing model, intermedine, intermedine N-oxide and lycopsamine N-oxide appeared to decrease cell viability at 30 μM whereas intermedine N-oxide inhibited oligodendrogenesis of NPCs at 10 μM. The present results suggested that the PAs in the majority of E. fortunei herbs and the derived products not only resulted in their exposure far exceeding the acceptable intake limit (i. e. 1.0 μg PA per day for adults) in herbal medicinal products recommended by the European Medicines Agency but also induced neurotoxicity to NPCs in vitro.

Quantitative Determination of p-Cymene, Thymol, Neryl Acetate, and β-Caryophyllene in Different Growth Periods and Parts of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. by GC-MS/MS

Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine in China. In this study, a gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to simultaneously determine the contents of p-cymene, thymol, neryl acetate, and β-caryophyllene in roots, stems, and leaves of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. harvested at different growth periods. All four constituents could be detected in leaves, three could be detected in stems except β-caryophyllene, and only thymol could be detected in roots. The order of the total contents of four constituents in different parts was leaves > stems > roots. It indicated that the leaves could be the proper medicinal parts of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. The content of four constituents in leaves varied a lot among different growth periods and showed an M-shaped change trend with the growth of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. The four constituents accumulated to the highest values in early July followed by mid-September. Accordingly, the best harvest time of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. is early July and mid-September.

Coumarins and Polar Constituents from Eupatorium triplinerve and Evaluation of Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity

In our study of antidiabetic compounds from the leaves of Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl. (Asteraceae), ten compounds were isolated from the methanol leaf extract. They were determined to be β-sitosterol (1), stigmasterol (2), β-sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), ayapanin (4), ayapin (5), thymoquinol 5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), thyrsifloside (8), (E)-4-methoxymelilotoside (9), and kaempferol 3,7-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10) by using ESI-MS, 1D (1H-, 13C-, DEPT) and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) techniques. This is the first report of water-soluble compounds from E. triplinerve and compounds 6–10 were isolated for the first time from E. triplinerve. NMR profiling and HPLC analysis are fast and reliable methods to screen phytochemicals in plant samples. Due to their high concentrations in the leaf extracts of E. triplinerve, coumarins 4 and 5 could be fast screened by NMR profiling and RP-HPLC-PDA analysis. In the in vitro test for α-glucosidase inhibition of compounds 4–9, compounds 4, 5, and 7 showed the enzymatic inhibition of 40%, 46%, and 81%, respectively, at 256 μg/mL. An IC50 value of 58.65 ± 1.20 μg/mL (302 μM) was calculated for compound 7 which is lower than that of the positive control acarbose (IC50 197.33 ± 2.51 μg/mL; 306 μM).

Cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactones from Campuloclinium macrocephalum (=Eupatorium macrocephalum)

Three undescribed germacranolide sesquiterpene lactones, named macrocephalides A-C, along with known steroids, triterpenes and flavonoids were isolated from the aerial parts of Campuloclinium macrocephalum. The structures of the undescribed compounds were elucidated with basis on their 1D and 2D-NMR, and HR-ESI-MS data. Their absolute configurations were assigned by comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Additionally, macrocephalides A-C were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activities against nine human cancer cell lines. Macrocephalides A and B exhibited moderate to potent cytotoxic activity, inhibiting 50% of cell growth (GI₅₀) at concentrations ranging from 0.576 to 6.37 μM.

Biomedical Application of a Herbal Product Based on Two Asteraceae Species

Background: Species belonging to the Asteraceae family have been widely studied for their healing properties. The paper introduces STOMAPET (patent pending A2016/00888/23.11.2016) based on Eupatorium cannabinum (hemp-agrimony) and Inula helenium (elecampagne) and its potential application in diseases of the oral system. Methods: STOMAPET was prepared according to the patent application and HPLC analysis was performed for chemical analysis. In vitro studies were performed using human monocytes and the cells’ viability was determined by MTS assay. In vivo studies involved lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine endotoxemia and veterinary clinical case reports. Results: HPLC analysis revealed various phenolic compounds and alantolactone. In in vitro studies, monocytes viability remained stable, around and above 100% at all concentrations (7.8 to 250 µg/mL), and a high stimulatory effect on cell proliferation was noted. In LPS-induced murine endotoxemia, STOMAPET prevents mortality, improves the decrease in body mass, and prevents the drop in temperature. Case reports of companion animals with oral diseases ameliorated after STOMAPET treatment are presented. Conclusions: Preclinical studies confirmed the safety of STOMAPET and its pharmacological potential. The results of the veterinary case reports are also encouraging. More studies are needed to find the precise mechanism of action in correlation to chemical composition.

New thymol and isothymol derivatives from Eupatorium fortunei and their cytotoxic effects

Four new thymol derivatives (1-4), one new isothymol derivative (5), together with one known analogue (6) were isolated from the overground parts of Eupatorium fortunei. The structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis, including UV, IR, HR-ESIMS, 1D-, and 2D-NMR data. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against four human cancer cell lines using MTT assay. Compounds 1, 2, and 6 showed cytotoxicities with IC₅₀ values 6.24-11.96 μM against MCF-7, HeLa, A549, and Hep G-2 cell lines.

Volatile Compositions and Antifungal Activities of Native American Medicinal Plants: Focus on the Asteraceae

In the past, Native Americans of North America had an abundant traditional herbal legacy for treating illnesses, disorders, and wounds. Unfortunately, much of the ethnopharmacological knowledge of North American Indians has been lost due to population destruction and displacement from their native lands by European-based settlers. However, there are some sources of Native American ethnobotany remaining. In this work, we have consulted the ethnobotanical literature for members of the Asteraceae used in Cherokee and other Native American traditional medicines that are native to the southeastern United States. The aerial parts of Eupatorium serotinum, Eurybia macrophylla, Eutrochium purpureum, Polymnia canadensis, Rudbeckia laciniata, Silphium integrifolium, Smallanthus uvedalia, Solidago altissima, and Xanthium strumarium were collected from wild-growing plants in north Alabama. The plants were hydrodistilled to obtain the essential oils and the chemical compositions of the essential oils were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The essential oils were tested for in-vitro antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The essential oil of E. serotinum showed noteworthy activity against C. neoformans with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 78 μg/mL, which can be attributed to the high concentration of cyclocolorenone in the essential oil.

Gastroprotective activity and pharmacological safety evaluation of Eupatorium aschenbornianum

Eupatorium aschenbornianum has been widely used in traditional Mexican and folk medicine for the treatment of wounds, skin lesions, hemorrhages and gastric ulcers in humans. Phytochemical studies have indicated that hexane extracts of E. aschenbornianum have anti-microbial and anti-fungal activities. In the present study, an accurate and reliable approach using a murine model was pursued to evaluate the anti-ulcer activity, lipid peroxidation properties and acute toxicity of powdered dried stem of E. aschenbornianum. The results indicated that administration of E. aschenbornianum exerted an anti-ulcerative effect and decreased lipid peroxidation in gastric ulcers induced by acetylsalicylic acid. An acute toxicity assay indicated normal behavior and no significant variations in the weight and food consumption of animals. In addition, quantitative analysis of biochemical parameters did not indicate any liver or kidney damage. The results indicated that E. aschenbornianum may be a safe therapeutic agent for the prevention of gastric ulcers.

Germacrane-Type Sesquiterpenoids with Antiproliferative Activities from Eupatorium chinense

Ten new germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids (1-10) were isolated from a whole plant extract of Eupatorium chinense. The structures were elucidated by analysis of their NMR and MS data as well as by comparison with literature values. The absolute configuration of eupachinsin A (1) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 3 and 4 exhibited cytotoxicity against a human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), with IC₅₀ values of 0.8 and 3.4 μM, respectively. In addition, compounds 3-5 showed cytotoxicity against the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG₂), with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.6 to 7.6 μM.

Evaluation of antiproliferative and protective effects of Eupatorium cannabinum L. extracts

Eupatorium cannabinum L. (Asteraceae) has been used for a long time for medicinal purposes due to its various pharmacological effects and richness in active compounds such as phenolics, sesquiterpenes, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and polysaccharides. Despite the high content of compounds that have important roles in medicinal plants, there are still limited literature data regarding this valuable species. The plant was fractioned using chloroform (EC) and distilled water (EA) and HPLC analysis revealed the presence of eupatorin, eupatilin, and quercetin in EC and caefic acid and rutin in EA. The antiproliferative potential on BT-20, HepG2, Caco-2, and Jurkat cancer cell lines was assessed by MTS test. Jurkat cells were more sensitive to both extracts (IC50 of 7.35 ± 0.35 for EC and 13.77 ± 2.16 µg/mL for EA), while the other lines were susceptible only to EC (IC50 88.27 ± 1.34 on Caco-2 cells and over 100 µg/mL on BT20 and HepG2 cells) after 24 h of exposure. In an LPS-induced damage mouse model of endotoxemia, we showed that preventive administration increases the survival times of mice and leads to inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines. Both polar and nonpolar compounds are involved in exerting these effects, but further analytical studies are needed to identify the key responsible compounds and their biochemical pathways.

Eupatorium fortunei and Its Components Increase Antiviral Immune Responses against RNA Viruses

Eupatorium fortunei (EF) has long been used as herbal medicine in Korea, China, and Asian countries to treat a variety of diseases. Recent studies have reported that EF has anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant activities, as well as activities against malignant metastatic human cancers. The effect of EF and its components on viruses has not been reported. In the present study, the antiviral activity and mechanism of action of an aqueous extract of EF (WEF) and its components were evaluated in vitro. We found that pretreatment with WEF markedly reduced viral replication, as evaluated using a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged virus (influenza A virus, Newcastle disease virus, and vesicular stomatitis virus) in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. We demonstrated that WEF induces the production of type I IFN including pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, we identified the active anti-viral components of WEF as quercetin, psoralen, and quercitrin. Thus, WEF and its active components are immunomodulators of the innate immune response in murine macrophages, a finding that is potentially useful to developing prophylactic or therapeutic treatments against a range of viruses.

Preparation, Phytochemical Investigation, and Safety Evaluation of Chlorogenic Acid Products from Eupatorium adenophorum

Eupatorium adenophorum is widely distributed throughout the world's tropical and temperate regions. It has become a harmful weed of crops and natural environments. Its leaves contain bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acid and may be used as feed additives. In this study, chlorogenic acid was extracted and separated from leaves of E. adenophorum. Three chlorogenic acid products were prepared with different purities of 6.11%, 22.17%, and 96.03%. Phytochemical analysis demonstrated that the main toxins of sesquiterpenes were almost completely removed in sample preparation procedure. The three products were evaluated for safety via in vitro and in vivo toxicological studies. All the products exhibited no cytotoxic effects at a dose of 400 μg/mL in an in vitro cell viability assay. When administered in vivo at a single dose up to 1.5 g/kg bw, all three products caused no signs or symptoms of toxicity in mice. These results encourage further exploration of extracts from E. adenophorum in feed additive application.

A manifesto for the valorization of wild edible plants

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Wild foods constitute an essential component of people's diets around the world, but despite their widespread use and their cultural importance, wild edible plants (WEPs) lack recognition as significant contributors to the human diet in developed countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We stimulate national and international bodies dealing with food and agriculture, to increase their attention and investments on WEPs, leveraging the results of scientific investigation, enhancing the link between in situ conservation strategies and sustainable use of plant genetic diversity.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

WEPs should be reconsidered throughout their value chain, capturing their important socio-cultural, health, and economic benefits to indigenous and local communities and family farmers who are engaged in their production and wild-harvesting.