Baccharis(Asteraceae): Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities

Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Characterization of Baccharis concava Pers., a Native Plant of the Central Chilean Coast

Few sclerophyllous plants from the central coast of Chile have been systematically studied. This work describes the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Baccharis concava Pers. (sin. B. macraei), a shrub found in the first line and near the Pacific coast. B. concava has been traditionally used by indigenous inhabitants of today's central Chile for its medicinal properties. Few reports exist regarding the phytochemistry characterization and biological activities of B. concava. A hydroalcoholic extract of B. concava was prepared from leaves and small branches. Qualitative phytochemical characterization indicated the presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic, and tannin compounds. The antimicrobial activity of this extract was assessed in a panel of microorganisms including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and pathogenic yeasts. The extract displayed an important antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive bacteria, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans but not against Gram-negatives, for which an intact Lipopolysaccharide is apparently the determinant of resistance to B. concava extracts. The hydroalcoholic extract was then fractionated through a Sephadex LH-20/methanol-ethyl acetate column. Afterward, the fractions were pooled according to a similar pattern visualized by TLC/UV analysis. Fractions obtained by this criterion were assessed for their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The fraction presenting the most antimicrobial activity was HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, obtaining molecules related to caffeoylquinic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acid, and quercetin, among others. In conclusion, the extracts of B. concava showed strong antimicrobial activity, probably due to the presence of metabolites derived from phenolic acids, such as caffeoylquinic acid, and flavonoids, such as quercetin, which in turn could be responsible for helping with wound healing. In addition, the development of antimicrobial therapies based on the molecules found in B. concava could help to combat infection caused by pathogenic yeasts and Gram-positive bacteria, without affecting the Gram-negative microbiota.

Baccharis anomala DC. extract reduces inflammation and attenuates hepatic fibrosis in vivo by decreasing NF-kB and extracellular matrix compounds

Baccharis anomala DC. (BA) is a plant species found in the tropical regions of South America and is widely used for its hepatoprotective effects, as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Studies have recently reported its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. BA extract can reverse the activated phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which plays a central role in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the development of liver fibrosis. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the treatment with BA extract on liver fibrosis in a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model in BALB/c mice. Methanolic extract was obtained from BA leaves, a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to detect the compounds present was performed, and then administered by intraperitoneal injection in Balb/C mice at a concentration of 50 and 100 mg/kg together with the administration of CCl4 for inducing liver fibrosis. After 10 weeks, blood analysis, histopathology, oxidative stress, as well as protein and gene expression in the hepatic tissue were performed. Treatment with BA extract was able to reduce profibrotic markers by reducing the expression of α-SMA and Col-1 proteins, as well as reducing the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. (BA extract showed anti-inflammatory effects in the liver by suppressing NF-kB activation and reducing gene expression of signaling targets (IL-6 and iNOS). The data obtained showed that BA extract has antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Antibiofilm Activity of Invasive Plants against Candida albicans: Focus on Baccharis halimifolia Essential Oil and Its Compounds

The extracts of five invasive plants were investigated for antifungal and antibiofilm activities against Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis. The antifungal activity was evaluated using the microdilution assay and the antibiofilm effect by measurement of the metabolic activity. Ethanol and ethanol-water extracts of Reynoutria japonica leaves inhibited 50 % of planktonic cells at 250 μg mL-1 and 15.6 μg mL-1 , respectively. Ethanol and ethanol-water extracts of Baccharis halimifolia inhibited >75 % of the mature biofilm of C. albicans at 500 μg mL-1 . The essential oil (EO) of B. halimifolia leaves was the most active (50 % inhibition (IC50 ) at 4 and 74 μg mL-1 against the maturation phase and 24 h old-biofilms of C. albicans, respectively). Oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the primary contents in this EO (62.02 %), with β-caryophyllene oxide as the major component (37 %). Aromadendrene oxide-(2), β-caryophyllene oxide, and (±)-β-pinene displayed significant activities against the maturation phase (IC50 =9-310 μ mol l-1 ) and preformed 24 h-biofilm (IC50 =38-630 μ mol l-1 ) of C. albicans with very low cytotoxicity for the first two compounds. C. albicans remained the most susceptible species to this EO and its components. This study highlighted for the first time the antibiofilm potential of B. halimifolia, its EO and some of its components.

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae) Root Extract and Its Triterpene Baccharis Oxide Display Topical Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Different Mice Ear Edema Models

B. dracunculifolia is popularly used to treat skin diseases. This work aimed to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory properties of B. dracunculifolia root extract (BdR) and its major compound baccharis oxide (BOx) on mice ear edema models. BdR was analyzed by GC-MS, and BOx was isolated by chromatographic fractionation. Topical anti-inflammatory activities were determined by using the croton oil, capsaicin, histamine, and phenol-induced mouse ear edema models. N-acetyl-β-D- glucosaminidase (NAG) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, as well as NO dosage and histopathological analyses, were also evaluated. Phytochemical analysis of BdR showed BOx as one of the major constituents. BdR and BOx (both at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/ear) significantly reduced croton oil, histamine, and phenol-induced ear edema, while only BOx was effective in reducing capsaicin-induced edema. MPO and NAG activities, as well as NO production, were significantly inhibited by BdR and BOx. Histopathological analysis confirmed the topical anti-inflammatory properties of BdR and BOx. Our findings showed that BdR and BOx demonstrated significant topical anti-inflammatory effects in mouse ear edema induced by different agents, suggesting their possible application on skin inflammatory diseases.

Antimicrobial activity in Asterceae: The selected genera characterization and against multidrug resistance bacteria

Plants from the Asteraceae family are widely used as ethno medicines to treatment parasitic, malaria, hematemesis, pruritus, pyretic, anthelmintic, wound healing. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of Asteraceae plants antimicrobial activity. The most relevant results from the published studies are summarized and discussed. The species in genus of Artemisia, Echinacea, Centaurea, Baccharis, and Calendula showed antimicrobial activity. Most of these species are usually used as ethno medicines to treat infection, inflammation, and parasitics. The effective part or component for antimicrobial was essential oil and crude extract, and essential oil attracted more attention. It was also reported that nanoparticles coated with crude extract were effective against multidrug resistant bacteria. For multidrug resistant bacteria study, the species in Armtemisia were the most investigated, and Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most studied multidrug resistant strains. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated mainly based on the results of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Few reports have been reported on minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) and its antibacterial mechanisms. According to the reported study results, some plants in Asteraceae have the potential to be developed as bacteriostatic agents and against multidrug resistant bacteria. However, most studies are still in vitro, further clinical and applied studies are needed.

Chemical Constituents from Leaves of Baccharis sphenophylla (Asteraceae) and Their Antioxidant Effects

Baccharis is one of the largest genera of Asteraceae and its species are used in folk medicine for several medicinal purposes due to the presence of bioactive compounds. We investigated the phytochemical composition of polar extracts of B. sphenophylla. Using chromatographic procedures, diterpenoids (ent-kaurenoic acid), flavonoids (hispidulin, eupafolin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, biorobin, rutin, and vicenin-2), caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid derivatives (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and its methyl ester, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and its methyl ester) were isolated from polar fractions and are described. The extract, polar fractions, and fifteen isolated compounds were evaluated in relation to radical scavenging activity using two assays. Chlorogenic acid derivatives and flavonols exhibited higher antioxidant effects, confirming that B. sphenophylla is an important source of phenolic compounds with antiradical properties.

Pro-Apoptotic and Anti-Cancer Activity of the Vernonanthura Nudiflora Hydroethanolic Extract

The mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) protein is involved in several essential cancer hallmarks, including energy and metabolism reprogramming and apoptotic cell death evasion. In this study, we demonstrated the ability of hydroethanolic extracts from three different plants, Vernonanthura nudiflora (Vern), Baccharis trimera (Bac), and Plantago major (Pla), to induce cell death. We focused on the most active Vern extract. We demonstrated that it activates multiple pathways that lead to impaired cell energy and metabolism homeostasis, elevated ROS production, increased intracellular Ca²⁺, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. The massive cell death generated by this plant extract's active compounds involves the induction of VDAC1 overexpression and oligomerization and, thereby, apoptosis. Gas chromatography of the hydroethanolic plant extract identified dozens of compounds, including phytol and ethyl linoleate, with the former producing similar effects as the Vern hydroethanolic extract but at 10-fold higher concentrations than those found in the extract. In a xenograft glioblastoma mouse model, both the Vern extract and phytol strongly inhibited tumor growth and cell proliferation and induced massive tumor cell death, including of cancer stem cells, inhibiting angiogenesis and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, the multiple effects of Vern extract make it a promising potential cancer therapeutic.

Bio-Guided Isolation of New Compounds from Baccharis spp. as Antifungal against Botrytis cinerea

Baccharis genus Asteraceae is widely used in traditional treatment against fever, headache, hepatobiliary disorders, skin ulcers, diabetes, and rheumatism, as well as an antispasmodic and diuretic. Its phytochemistry mainly shows the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and triterpenes. Some of them have been evaluated for biological activities presenting allelopathic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this paper, our research group reported the isolation, characterization, and antifungal evaluation of several molecules isolated from the dichloromethane extract from Baccharis prunifolia, Baccharis trinervis, and Baccharis zumbadorensis against the phytopathogen fungus Botrytis cinerea. The isolated compounds have not previously been tested against Botrytis, revealing an important source of antifungals in the genus Baccharis. Six known flavones were isolated from B. prunifolia. The dichloromethane extracts of B. trinervis and B. zumbadorensis were subjected to a bio-guided isolation, obtaining three known flavones, an α-hydroxidihydrochalcone mixture, one labdane, one triterpene, and two norbisabolenes from the most active fractions. The compounds 4'-methoxy-α-hydroxydihydrochalcone (7A), 3β,15-dihydroxylabdan-7-en-17-al (8), and 13-nor-11,12-dihydroxybisabol-2-enone (11) are novel. The most active compounds were the Salvigenin (5) and 1,2-dihydrosenedigital-2-one (10) with an IC50 of 13.5 and 3.1 μg/mL, respectively.

Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. (ASTERACEAE)

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Lamiaceae) (Asteraceae) is found in South America, mainly in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. Folk medicine is used as a sedative, hypotensive, bronchodilator, cardiovascular disorders, anti-flu, and also in skin wounds. Considered the main source of green propolis, which increases the pharmacological interest in this species. It is also known as a "benefactor" plant facilitating the development of other plant species around it, being indicated for the recovery of degraded areas. This species has been studied for decades in order to isolate and identify the active principles present in the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) and roots. The present study consists of a review of the scientific literature addressing the ethnobotanical, ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological and potential cytotoxic effects of the B. dracunculifolia species. In this survey, we sought to investigate issues related to the botanical and geographic description of the species, the ethnobotanical uses, as well as the phytochemical studies of the essential oil, extracts and green propolis obtained from the aerial parts and roots of B. dracunculifolia. Using high precision analytical tools, numerous compounds have already been isolated and identified from leaves and flowers such as the flavonoids: naringenin, acacetin, dihydrokaempferol, isosakuranetin and kaempferide; phenolic acids: p-coumaric, dihydrocoumaric, ferulic (E)-cinnamic, hydroxycinnamic, gallic, caffeic, and several caffeoylquinic acids derivatives; phenolic acids prenylated: artepillin C, baccharin, drupanin; the glycosides dracuculifosides and the pentacyclic triterpenoids: Baccharis oxide and friedelanol. The predominant class in the essential oil of leaves and flowers are terpenoids comprising oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, highlighting the compounds nerolidol, spathulenol, germacrene D and bicyclogermacrene. These compounds give the species high antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, analgesic, immunomodulatory and antiparasitic potential, making this species a promising herbal medicine. In vitro toxicity assays with B. dracunculifolia extract showed low or no cytotoxicity. However, in vivo analyses with high doses of the aqueous extract resulted in genotoxic effects, which leads us to conclude that the toxicity of this plant is dose-dependent.

Polyphenols and Flavonoids Composition, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Andean Baccharis macrantha Extracts

This study examined the leaves of Baccharis macrantha to obtain extracts of Baccharis macrantha (EBM) and to determine the total flavonoid content (TFC) and the total polyphenol content (TPC). The main objective of this work was to quantify TPC and TFC of extracts of B. macrantha from Ecuador and evaluate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The extraction method was optimized with solvents, ethanol, and methanol, at temperatures of 30-60 °C and extraction times of 5-20 min. The optimal TFC extraction conditions were at EtOH25% at 50 °C for 10 min. The optimal TPC extraction conditions were at EtOH50% at 50 °C for 10 min. EBM was characterized by TLC and HPLC with three standards: gallic acid, catechin, and quercetin. EBM-EtOH25% and EBM-EtOH50% obtained at 50 °C for 10 min were used to identify quercetin and evaluate biologicals activities. Quercetin was detected in EBM (EtOH25% and EtOH50%). EBM anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with the red blood cell stabilization (RBC) method. The RBC model showed values of 49.72% of protection lysis RBC to EBM-EtOH25% and 50.71% of protection lysis RBC to EBM-EtOH50%. The EBM in vitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation showed a protection of 77.00% (EtOH25%) and 73.11% (EtOH50%) when the TBARs method was used. EBM-EtOH25% and EtOH50% showed high antioxidant activity. EBM-EtOH25% presented values of ABTS (1172 µmol TE/g EBM), DPPH (836 µmol TE/g, EBM), and FRAP (85.70 µmol TE/g, EBM).

Selective cytotoxicity of ent-kaurene diterpenoids isolated from Baccharis lateralis and Baccharis retusa (Asteraceae)

This study presents the cytotoxic activity evaluation of the natural diterpenes ent-kaurenoic acid (1) and its 15β-hydroxy (2), 15β-senecioyloxy (3), and 15β-tiglinoyloxy (4) derivatives, isolated from Brazilian native plants, Baccharis retusa and B. lateralis (Asteraceae). Using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colorimetric assay, it was observed that compound 1 displayed in vitro activity towards the aggressive MDA-MB-231 adenocarcinoma cell line and reduced toxicity against MCF-10A nontumorigenic epithelial cells, indicating expressive selectivity. On the contrary, compounds 2-4 exhibited reduced toxicity and selectivity in both tested cell lines. Based on the chemical structures of compounds 1-4, it is suggested that the presence of additional functional groups at the C-15 position-a hydroxyl group in compound 2 and isomeric isoprene units in compounds 3 and 4-might be responsible for the reduction in the potential/selectivity. In silico studies show, for compounds 1-4, good predictions regarding bioavailability and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties as well as no alerts for PAINS (pan-assay structures interference). In conclusion, ent-kaurenoic acid (1), a common diterpenoid isolated in high amounts from different plants belonging to the Baccharis genus, has been shown to be a promising cytotoxic agent against an aggressive adenocarcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-23) and, if well exploited, could be used as a scaffold in the development of molecular prototypes for the treatment of breast cancer.

Anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of Baccharis conferta Kunth in a kaolin/carrageenan-induced monoarthritis model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Popularly known as "escoba" (broom) or "escobilla china" (Chinese brush), Baccharis conferta Kunth (Asteraceae), is a plant widely used in Mexican folk medicine for alleviating muscular and rheumatic pain. A recent study described that dichloromethane extract as well as fractions and isolated compounds, possess anti-inflammatory activity in TPA-induced acute edema.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Based on the popular medicinal uses of B. conferta as well as previous studies on its anti-inflammatory activity, the aim of this research was to evaluate the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of dichloromethane extract, fractions, and compounds from B. conferta in a monoarthritis model induced with kaolin/carrageenan (K/C).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aerial parts of B. conferta were collected, dried, and macerated with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane extract (BcD) was separated by open column chromatography to obtain the BcD2 fraction where the diterpene kingidiol (KIN) was isolated and from the BcD3 fraction the flavonoid cirsimaritin (CIR), which are the most active compounds in the TPA model. In addition, the flavonoids acacetin, pectolinaringenin and 6-methoxykaempferide were identified and isolated from the BcD2 fraction. The content of the main compounds was estimated in BcD, BcD2 and BcD3. The anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory effects of B. conferta were investigated by evaluating ankle joint inflammation, hyperalgesia using the hot plate test, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in the synovial capsule as well as histological changes in ankle joint tissue in a monoarthritis model induced with K/C in Balb/c mice.

RESULTS

Oral administration of BcD2 fraction (25 mg/kg) and KIN (10 mg/kg) reduced the ankle thickness induced by K/C and decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17, while BcD2 increased IL-10. In addition, BcD2 and KIN showed significant edema attenuation of the synovial membrane and decreased inflammatory infiltration and cartilage erosion compared to the VEH group. Finally, BcD (50 mg/kg), KIN (10 mg/kg) and CIR (5 mg/kg) decreased hyperalgesia.

CONCLUSIONS

B. conferta constitutes a therapeutic or preventive candidate for osteoarthritis, because of decreased articular inflammation and pain accompanied with the modulation of cytokine concentrations, which confirms the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities of B. conferta and support its popular use.

In Vitro Pharmacological Screening of Essential Oils from Baccharis parvidentata and Lippia origanoides Growing in Brazil

In this study, the in vitro antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities of essential oil from Baccharis parvidentata Malag. (EO-Bp) and Lippia origanoides Kunth (EO-Lo) were explored. The relevant effects were observed against the parasitic protozoans Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania amazonensis (ranging 0.6 to 39.7 µg/mL) and malignant MCF-7, MCF-7/HT, 22Rv1, and A431 cell lines (ranging 6.1 to 31.5 µg/mL). In parallel, EO-Bp showed better selective indexes in comparison with EO-Lo against peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice and MRC-5 cell line. In conclusion, EO-Lo is known to show a wide range of health benefits that could be added as another potential use of this oil with the current study. In the case of EO-Bp, the wide spectrum of its activities against protozoal parasites and malignant cells, as well as its selectivity in comparison with non-malignant cells, could suggest an interesting candidate for further tests as a new therapeutic alternative.

Ethnomedicine and neuropsychopharmacology in Mesoamerica

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The burden of disease caused by mental and neurological disorders is increasing globally, to a disproportionate degree in Latin America. In contrast to the many psychoactive plants with a use history in Mesoamerican cultures, the translation to the wider population of knowledge around numerous botanicals used contemporarily by indigenous Mesoamerican societies to treat psychological and neurological disorders did not receive the same attention.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used the previously published Mesoamerican Medicinal Plant Database to extract species and associated botanical drugs used as treatments for illnesses associated with the nervous system by Mesoamerican cultures in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. With the critical use of published pharmacological literature, the cross-culturally most salient genera are systematically reviewed.

RESULTS

From 2188 plant taxa contained in the database 1324 are used as treatments for illnesses associated with the nervous system. The ethnomedical data was critically confronted with the available biomedical literature for the 58 cross-culturally most salient genera. For a considerable proportion of the frequently used taxa, preclinical data are available, mostly validating ethnomedicinal uses.

CONCLUSION

This quantitative approach facilitates the prioritization of taxa for future pre-clinical, clinical and treatment outcome studies and gives patients, practitioners, and legislators a fundamental framework of evidence, on which to base decisions regarding phytomedicines.

Chemical Constituents from Aerial Parts of Baccharis sphenophylla and Effects against Intracellular Forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

The hexane extract from aerial parts Baccharis sphenophylla Dusén ex Malme (Asteraceae) displayed activity against amastigote forms of Trypanossoma cruzi and was subjected to chromatographic steps to afford one unreported - 7α-hydroxy-ent-abieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12β-olide (1) and three known diterpenes - ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid, (2), grandifloric acid (3), and 15β-tiglinoyloxy-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (4), two sesquiterpenes - spathulenol (5) and oplopanone (6) - as well as hexacosyl p-coumarate (7). Isolated compounds were characterized by NMR and ESI-HR-MS spectra and were evaluated in vitro for activity against amastigote forms of the parasite T. cruzi - the relevant clinical form in the chronic phase of Chagas disease. In addition, the activity of compounds 1-7 against NCTC cells was evaluated. Compounds 1 and 7 showed effectiveness with EC₅₀ values of 21.3 and 16.9 μM, respectively. Both compounds also exhibited reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (CC₅₀ >200 μM) with SI values higher than 9.4 and 11.9. Obtained results suggest that the new ent-abietane diterpene 1 and alkyl coumarate 7 could be used as prototypes for the development of novel and selective semisynthetic derivatives against intracellular forms of T. cruzi.

Chemistry, Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential of Swertiamarin - A Promising Natural Lead for New Drug Discovery and Development

Swertiamarin, a seco-iridoid glycoside, is mainly found in Enicostemma littorale Blume (E. littorale) and exhibits therapeutic activities for various diseases. The present study aimed to provide a review of swertiamarin in terms of its phytochemistry, physicochemical properties, biosynthesis, pharmacology and therapeutic potential. Relevant literature was collected from several scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar, between 1990 and the present. This review included the distribution of swertiamarin in medicinal plants and its isolation, characterization, physicochemical properties and possible biosynthetic pathways. A comprehensive summary of the pharmacological activities, therapeutic potential and metabolic pathways of swertiamarin was also included after careful screening and tabulation. Based on the reported evidence, swertiamarin meets all five of Lipinski’s rules for drug-like properties. Thereafter, the physicochemical properties of swertiamarin were detailed and analyzed. A simple and rapid method for isolating swertiamarin from E. littorale has been described. The present review proposed that swertiamarin may be biosynthesized by the mevalonate or nonmevalonate pathways, followed by the seco-iridoid pathway. It has also been found that swertiamarin is a potent compound with diverse pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritis, antidiabetic, antioxidant, neuroprotective and gastroprotective activities. The anticancer activity of swertiamarin against different cancer cell lines has been recently reported. The underlying mechanisms of all these pharmacological effects are diverse and seem to involve the regulation of different molecular targets, including growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases, apoptosis-related proteins, receptors and enzymes. Swertiamarin also modulates the activity of several transcription factors, and their signaling pathways in various pathological conditions are also discussed. Moreover, we have highlighted the toxicity profile, pharmacokinetics and possible structural modifications of swertiamarin. The pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential of swertiamarin have been extensively investigated. However, more advanced studies are required including clinical trials and studies on the bioavailability, permeability and administration of safe doses to offer swertiamarin as a novel candidate for future drug development.

Insecticidal and oviposition deterrent effects of essential oils of Baccharis spp. and histological assessment against Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

The diverse flora of the Atlantic Forest is fertile ground for discovering new chemical structures with insecticidal activity. The presence of species belonging to the genus Baccharis is of particular interest, as these species have shown promise in pest management applications. The objective of this study is to chemically identify the constituents expressed in the leaves of seven species of Baccharis (B. anomala DC., B. calvescens DC., B. mesoneura DC., B. milleflora DC., B. oblongifolia Pers., B. trimera (Less) DC. and B. uncinella DC.) and to evaluate the toxicological and morphological effects caused by essential oils (EOs) on the larvae and adults of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Chemical analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) indicated that limonene was the main common constituent in all Baccharis species. This constituent in isolation, as well as the EOs of B. calvescens, B. mesoneura, and B. oblongifolia, caused mortality in over 80% of adults of D. suzukii at a discriminatory concentration of 80 mg L^-1 in bioassays of ingestion and topical application. These results are similar to the effect of spinosyn-based synthetic insecticides (spinetoram 75 mg L^-1) 120 h after exposure. Limonene and EOs from all species had the lowest LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values relative to spinosyn and azadirachtin (12 g L^-1) in both bioassays. However, they showed the same time toxicity over time as spinetoram when applied to adults of D. suzukii (LT₅₀ ranging from 4.6 to 8.7 h) in a topical application bioassay. In olfactometry tests, 92% of D. suzukii females showed repellent behavior when exposed to the EOs and limonene. Likewise, the EOs of B. calvescens, B. mesoneura, and B. oblongifolia significantly reduced the number of eggs in artificial fruits (≅ 7.6 eggs fruit^-1), differing from the control treatment with water (17.2 eggs fruit^-1) and acetone (17.6 eggs fruit^-1). According to histological analyses, the L3 larvae of D. suzukii had morphological and physiological alterations and deformations after exposure to treatments containing EOs and limonene, which resulted in high larval, pupal, and adult mortality. In view of the results, Baccharis EOs and their isolated constituent, limonene, proved to be promising alternatives for developing bioinsecticides to manage of D. suzukii.

Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC leaf derivatives and eupatorin activities against Leishmania amazonensis

Natural products have been largely explored as treatments for leishmaniasis, neglected diseases with few toxic therapeutic options, as scaffolds for the development of new drugs. Herein, derivatives from the aerial parts of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC (extract and its fractions) were evaluated against Leishmania amazonensis and macrophage cells. The ethyl acetate extract was fractionated by solid-phase extraction, resulting in eight fractions (F1-F8). Fractions F3-4 were further separated into 149 subfractions; subfraction 148 (IC_50-PRO = 1.56 ± 0.1 μg mL^-1) was selected for purification and constituent(s) characterization by high-performance liquid chromatography, as well as ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The flavonoid eupatorin (3',5-dihydroxy-4',6,7-trimethoxyflavone) was identified. This compound was 3.7 times more effective against intracellular amastigotes (IC_50-AMA = 1.6 ± 0.1 μM) than amphotericin B and presented low cytotoxicity (CC₅₀ > 100 μM), being almost 62 times more selective for the parasite, showing great potential in drug development for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.

Antinociceptive Effect of an Aqueous Extract and Essential Oil from Baccharis heterophylla

Infusions and poultices prepared from the aerial parts of Baccharis heterophylla Kunth (Asteraceae) are widely used in Oaxaca (Mexico) for relieving painful and inflammatory complaints. Therefore, the antinociceptive potential of an aqueous extract (31.6–316 mg/kg, p.o.) and essential oil (30–177 µg/paw, i.pl.) of the plant was assessed using the formalin test. Both preparations inhibited the formalin-induced nociception response (100–316 mg/kg and 100–177 µg/paw, respectively) during the test’s second phase. Chemical analysis of the aqueous extract revealed that the major active components were chlorogenic acid (1), 3,4-di-O-(E)-caffeoylquinic acid (2), 3,5-di-O-(E)-caffeoylquinic acid (3), 4,5-di-O-(E)-caffeoylquinic acid (4), 3,5-di-O-(E)-caffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (5), apigenin (6), genkwanin (7), acacetin (8). Compounds 1–5 and 8 are new for B. heterophylla. A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for quantifying chlorogenic acid (1) and di-caffeoylquinic acids 2–4 in the plant was developed and validated. Analyses of the essential oil and the headspace solid-phase microextraction products, via gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry, revealed that the major volatiles were β-pinene, myrcene, D-limonene, β-caryophyllene, and α-caryophyllene, which have demonstrated antinociceptive properties.

15β-Senecioyl-oxy-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic Acid, a Diterpene Isolated from Baccharis lateralis, as Promising Oral Compound for the Treatment of Schistosomiasis

Praziquantel is the only available drug to treat schistosomiasis, and therefore, urgent studies must be performed to identify new anthelmintic agents. This study reports the anthelmintic evaluation of two related ent-kaurane diterpenes isolated from aerial parts of Baccharis lateralis (Asteraceae), ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (1) and 15β-senecioyl-oxy-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (2) against Schistosoma mansoni in vitro and in a murine model of schistosomiasis. Both compounds exhibited in vitro activity with lethal concentration 50% (LC₅₀) values of 26.1 μM (1) and 11.6 μM (2) as well as reduced toxicity against human cell lines, revealing a good selectivity profile, mainly with compound 2 (selectivity index > 10). Compound 2 also decreased egg production and caused morphological alterations in the parasite reproductive system. In mice infected with S. mansoni, oral treatment with compound 2 at 400 mg/kg, the standard dose used in this model of schistosomiasis, caused a significant reduction in a total worm burden of 61.9% (P < 0.01). S. mansoni egg production, a key mechanism for both transmission and pathogenesis, was also markedly reduced. In addition, compound 2 achieved a significant reduction in hepatosplenomegaly. Therefore, the diterpene 15β-senecioyl-oxy-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (2) has an acceptable cytotoxicity profile and is orally active in a murine schistosomiasis model.

Effects of Gender and Geographical Origin on the Chemical Composition and Antiradical Activity of Baccharis myriocephala and Baccharis trimera

This study aimed to characterize and compare essential oils and ethyl acetate fractions obtained in basic and acidic conditions from both male and female Baccharis species (Baccharis myriocephala and Baccharis trimera) from two different Brazilian regions. Samples were characterized according to their chemical compositions and antiradical activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Principal component analysis (PCA) provided a clear separation regarding the chemical composition of essential oils from the samples obtained from different regions by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with flame-ionization detection (GC-MS-FID). PCA also revealed that gender and region of plant collections did not influence the chemical composition and antiradical activity of ethyl acetate fractions, which was corroborated with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) data. High performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) identified significant quantities of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the fractions obtained in basic and acidic fractions, respectively. The obtained results clearly demonstrated that the geographical region of plant collection influenced the chemical composition of essential oils from the studied Baccharis species. Moreover, the obtained fractions were constituted by several antiradical compounds, which reinforced the usage of these species in folk medicine.

Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae) essential oil displays anti-inflammatory activity in models of skin inflammation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae) is a commonly used plant in traditional medicine known as "alecrim-do-campo". Popularly it has been used as an immunostimulant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory among other applications. So far, only a few studies have investigated the B. dracunculifolia anti-inflammatory effect and none has investigated the effectiveness of essential oil on skin diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed at evaluating the topical anti-inflammatory activity of B. dracunculifolia essential oil (BdEO) in mice models of acute and chronic skin inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BdEO was obtained from leaves and it was analyzed with Gas Chromatograph. Topical anti-inflammatory activity of BdEO (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/ear) was evaluated in Arachidonic Acid or TPA-induced acute and chronic skin inflammation in mice. Parameters such edema, cell migration and keratinocytes proliferation were evaluated. In addition, safety and a possible mechanism of action for BdEO essential oil were also investigated.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that mainly terpenoids compounds compose BdEO. In addition, topical treatment with BdEO inhibited inflammatory parameters in both acute and chronic models of skin inflammation. This protective effect was associated with reduced edema formation, smaller cellular influx into the inflamed tissue and reduction of keratinocytes hyperproliferation. Although BdEO appears to exert its anti-inflammatory effect through a corticosteroid pathway, no local or systemic side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the present results showed that the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from B. dracunculifolia leaf samples exhibit remarkable topical anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, our study demonstrated evidence for BdEO topical anti-inflammatory efficacy and safety, suggesting that it could be considered for developing of a new phytotherapeutic formulation as treatment for skin diseases.

Entomogenous fungi isolated from Cryptotympana atrata with antibacterial and antifungal activity

Although many entomogenous fungi have been discovered over the years, few studies on the crude extracts of fungi isolated from Cryptotympana atrata with antibacterial and antifungal activity were reported. In this study, total twenty entomogenous fungi were isolated for the first time. And among of them, two pure cultures were identified as Purpureocillium lilacinum and Aspergillus fumigatus with apparent morphology, microscopic identification and 18S rRNA gene sequence. The active strains were fermented to optimize in six different culture media at three different pH values. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the metabolites were more potent and efficient in Fungal medium 3^# at a pH of 6.2 than in the other tested media or at the other tested pH values. Total seven human pathogens and one insect pathogen were used to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of crude extracts, among which 25% of the extracts exhibited antifungal activity against Verticillium lecanii, while 33.3% and 47.2% of the extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against the important human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, respectively. The range of the MICs was from 15.6 to 250 μg mL^-1, and 35% of the fungal metabolites exhibited antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus thuringiensis and Enterobacter aerogenes at 1000 μg mL^-1 except the previously described antibacterial activities. Furthermore, the phylogenetic relationships of the two identified fungi were also constructed. In brief, it is the first reporting about enthompathogenic fungi from Cryptotympana atrata and provides candidate strains with potential use as biological agents and against multidrug-resistant organisms.

Fusarium: a treasure trove of bioactive secondary metabolites

Covering up to December 2019Fusarium, one of the most common fungal genera, has received considerable attention because of its biosynthetic exuberance, the result of many unique gene clusters involved in the production of secondary metabolites. This review provides the first comprehensive analysis of the secondary metabolites unique to the genus Fusarium, describing their occurrence, bioactivity, and genome features.

Effect of Terpenoids and Flavonoids Isolated from Baccharis conferta Kunth on TPA-Induced Ear Edema in Mice

In this study, we isolated from the aerial parts of Baccharis conferta Kunth (i) a new neoclerodane, denominated "bacchofertone"; (ii) four known terpenes: schensianol A, bacchofertin, kingidiol and oleanolic acid; and (iii) two flavonoids: cirsimaritin and hispidulin. All structures were identified by an exhaustive analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopy (MS). Extracts from aerial parts were screened for anti-inflammatory activity in the mice ear edema model of 12-O-tetradecanoylforbol-13-acetate mice. Dichloromethane extract (BcD) exhibited 78.5 ± 0.72% inhibition of edema, followed by the BcD2 and BcD3 fractions of 71.4% and 82.9% respectively, at a dose of 1 mg/ear. Kingidiol and cirsimaritin were the most potent compounds identified, with a median effective dose of 0.12 and 0.16 mg/ear, respectively. A histological analysis showed that the topical application of TPA promoted intense cell infiltration, and this inflammatory parameter was reduced with the topical application of isolated compounds.

Two New Flavonoids from the Leaves of Baccharis oblongifolia (Ruiz and Pav.) Pers. (Asteraceae)

In this work, two new flavonoids, oblongifolioside A (1) and oblongifolioside B (2), along with eight known compounds (3–10), are isolated from the leaves of Baccharis oblongifolia (Asteraceae). The new structures are established through spectroscopic data and the known compounds are identified by comparison with data reported in the literature. The compounds (1–10) are evaluated in relation to their antiradical properties. Compounds 1 and 2 are found to exhibit high antiradical activity compared to their respective non-acylated flavonoids.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils from male and female specimens of Baccharis punctulata (Asteraceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baccharis punctulata (Asteraceae), popularly known as "Chíllka saru saru" in Bolivia, has been used by rural communities in Bustillo Province of the Potosi Department for treatment of asthma, luxations and contusions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from leaves of female (BPF) and male (BPM) specimens and evaluate their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Chemical composition analyses of Baccharis punctulata essential oils isolated by hidrodistillation from leaves of male and female specimens were performed by GC-FID-MS. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the model of TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) induced ear edema, and the polymorphonuclear cell migration was evaluated by mieloperoxidase (MPO) and analyzed histologically. To measure the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the inflamed tissue, the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used. The chemical in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oils was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay.

RESULTS

The chemical analysis showed high proportion of sesquiterpenes in the volatiles samples obtained from BPM, such as δ-elemene (14.29%), germacrene D (11.29%) and bicyclogermacrene (10.90%), and in the sample from BPF, bicyclogermacrene (42.44%), germacrene D (21.18%) and β-caryophyllene (14.06%). A statistical difference (p < 0.05) on chemical composition between both essential oils was observed. Topical administration of both BPM and BPF essential oils was able to inhibit the formation of TPA-induced edema in the treated groups. Isolated administration of TPA promoted an increase in MPO enzyme activity, and inhibition of the increase of MPO activity was observed when animals were treated with BFP at concentrations of 0.1 mg/ear (13.69 ± 0.20%), 0.3 mg/ear (22.35 ± 0.11%), and 1.0 mg/ear (44.98 ± 0.27%). Topical treatment with BPM was able to inhibit MPO activity at 22.40 ± 0.29% (0.1 mg/ear), 36.49 ± 0.07% (0.3 mg/ear) and 52.19 ± 0.28% (1.0 mg/ear). The positive control of dexamethasone (DEXA, 0.1 mg/ear) was able to revert the increase in the enzymatic activity of MPO caused by TPA (65.16%). Histological analysis showed that topical application of TPA promoted intense cellular infiltration. This inflammatory parameter was reduced with the topical application of the BPF and BPM oil samples as well as with DEXA. The results observed in the ROS and DPPH tests suggest that both samples were able to reduce the inflammatory cells influx and have in vitro antioxidant properties, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents, for the first time, the chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from leaves of male and female specimens of Baccharis punctulata, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The results presented by the volatile samples in our biotests support traditional uses of this plant species.

Essential Oils of Five Baccharis Species: Investigations on the Chemical Composition and Biological Activities

This paper provides a comparative account of the essential oil chemical composition and biological activities of five Brazilian species of Baccharis (Asteraceae), namely B. microdonta, B. pauciflosculosa, B. punctulata, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla. The chemical compositions of three species (B. pauciflosculosa, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla) are reported for the first time. Analyses by GC/MS showed notable differences in the essential oil compositions of the five species. α-Pinene was observed in the highest concentration (24.50%) in B. reticularioides. Other major compounds included α-bisabolol (23.63%) in B. punctulata, spathulenol (24.74%) and kongol (22.22%) in B. microdonta, β-pinene (18.33%) and limonene (18.77%) in B. pauciflosculosa, and β-pinene (15.24%), limonene (14.33%), and spathulenol (13.15%) in B. sphenophylla. In vitro analyses for antimalarial, antitrypanosomal, and insecticidal activities were conducted for all of the species. B. microdonta and B. reticularioides showed good antitrypanosomal activities; B. sphenophylla showed insecticidal activities in fumigation bioassay against bed bugs; and B. pauciflosculosa, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla exhibited moderate antimalarial activities. B. microdonta and B. punctulata showed cytotoxicity. The leaves and stems of all five species showed glandular trichomes and ducts as secretory structures. DNA barcoding successfully determined the main DNA sequences of the investigated species and enabled authenticating them.

Chemical characterization and cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic properties of Baccharis trinervis (Lam, Persoon) from Colombia and Brazil

PHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Baccharis trinervis (Lam, Persoon) leaves are used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of high fevers, edema, inflammation, sores and muscle cramps, snakebites and as antiseptic.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects of extracts and fractions of B. trinervis from Brazil and Colombia in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, and to examine the mutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Aqueous extracts (AE) of aerial parts of B. trinervis from Brazil (B) and Colombia (C) were fractioned in ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), butanol extract (BF), and aqueous residue fraction (ARF). Qualitative chemical screening and determination of total flavonoid content were made. Identification of chemical constituents was performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). For the in vitro tests, CHO cells were treated for 3h with extracts and fractions. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated by clonal survival and 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2.5-biphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction assay (MTT). Genotoxic and mutagenic effects were evaluated by the alkaline comet assay and Cytokinesis-blockage micronucleus test (CBMN), respectively. Additionally, Salmonella/microsome assay was carried out to determinate the mutagenic effects in EAF from Brazil and Colombia.

RESULTS

Phytochemical analyses indicated the presence of saponins and flavonoids. AE and EAF were the samples with the highest quantity of total flavonoids. HPLC showed the presence of luteolin only in AEC, and caffeic acid, ellagic acid, rosmarinic acid, and rutin were identified in AEB and AEC (AEC>AEB). The HRMS in positive mode of EAFB and EAFC showed presence of two carboxylic acids, coumarin, and two terpenoids. In addition, were identified one terpenoid and two carboxylic acids in AE, BF and ARF of B. trinervis from both countries in negative mode. Dose-dependent cytotoxic effects were observed in CHO cells treated with B. trinervis extracts and fractions by using clonal survival and MTT at concentrations higher than 0.05mg/mL. All the extracts and fractions induced DNA strand breaks in CHO cells with dose-dependent response, mostly EAFB and EAFC. The EAF from Brazil and Colombia showed mutagenic effect at 0.5mg/mL, while the other fractions did not show a significant difference in relation to the control. No mutagenic effects were found in EAF from both countries by the Salmonella/microsome assay.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were demonstrated in all extracts and fractions used, although only EAF showed mutagenic effects by CBMN, but not by Salmonella/microsome assay. Our results suggest that flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, coumarins, and diterpenes may be responsible for the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects observed.

Baccharis reticularia DC. and Limonene Nanoemulsions: Promising Larvicidal Agents for Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Control

Baccharis reticularia DC. is a plant species from the Asteraceae family that is endemic to Brazil. Despite the great importance of Baccharis genus, no study has been carried out regarding either the phytochemical composition of B. reticularia or the evaluation of its larvicidal potential. Considering the intrinsic immiscibility of essential oils, this study shows larvicidal nanoemulsions containing the B. reticularia phytochemically characterized essential oil and its main constituent against Aedes aegypti. The major compound found was d-limonene (25.7%). The essential oil inhibited the acetylcholinesterase, one of the main targets of insecticides. The required hydrophile-lipophile balance of both nanoemulsions was 15.0. The mean droplet sizes were around 90.0 nm, and no major alterations were observed after 24 h of preparation for both formulations. After 48 h of treatment, the estimated LC₅₀ values were 118.94 μg mL^-1 and 81.19 μg mL^-1 for B. reticularia essential oil and d-limonene nanoemulsions, respectively. Morphological alterations evidenced by scanning electron micrography were observed on the larvae treated with the d-limonene nanoemulsion. This paper demonstrated a simple and ecofriendly method for obtaining B. reticularia essential oil and d-limonene aqueous nanoemulsions by a non-heating and solvent-free method, as promising alternatives for Aedes aegypti control.

Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae) selectively modulates the effector functions of human neutrophils

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether the hydroalcoholic extract from Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves (BdE) modulates the human neutrophil oxidative metabolism, degranulation, phagocytosis and microbial killing capacity.

METHODS

In-vitro assays based on chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, flow cytometry and polarimetry were used, as well as docking calculations.

KEY FINDINGS

At concentrations that effectively suppressed the neutrophil oxidative metabolism elicited by soluble and particulate stimuli (<10 μg/ml), without clear signs of cytotoxicity, BdE (1) inhibited NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase activity; (2) scavenged H₂ O₂ and HOCl; (3) weakly inhibited phagocytosis; and (4) did not affect neutrophil degranulation and microbial killing capacity, the expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, FcγRIIa, FcγRIIIb and CR3 and the activity of elastase and lysozyme. Caffeic acid, one of the major B. dracunculifolia secondary metabolites, did not inhibit phagocytosis but interfered in the myeloperoxidase-H₂ O₂ -HOCl system by scavenging H₂ O₂ and HOCl, and interacting with the catalytic residues His-95, Arg-239 and Gln-91.

CONCLUSIONS

BdE selectively modulates the effector functions of human neutrophils, inhibits the activity of key enzymes and scavenges physiological oxidant species. Caffeic acid contributes to lower the levels of oxidant species. Our findings help to unravel the mechanisms by which these natural products exert immunomodulatory action towards neutrophils.