Caffeoylquinic Acids, Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, Acetylcholinesterase and Tyrosinase Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Six Inula Species from Bulgaria

Inula salicina L.: Insights into Its Polyphenolic Constituents and Biological Activity

In this study, UHPLC-HRMS analysis of the defatted methanol extract obtained from Inula salicina L. led to the identification of 58 compounds-hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids and their glycosides, acylquinic and caffeoylhexaric acids, and flavonoids and their glycosides. In addition, a new natural compound, N-(8-methylnepetin)-3-hydroxypiperidin-2-one was isolated and its structure was elucidated by NMR spectroscopy. The presence of a flavoalkaloid in genus Inula is described now for the first time. Chlorogenic acid was the main compound followed by 3,5-, 1,5- and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids. The methanol extract was studied for its antioxidant potential by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays and sun protective properties. In addition, a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the tested extract in inhibiting biofilm formation by Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Results from crystal violet tests revealed a notable decrease in biofilm mass due to the extract. The anti-biofilm efficacy was confirmed through the observation of the biofilm viability by live/dead staining. The obtained results showed that this plant extract could be used in the development of cosmetic products with antibacterial and sun protection properties.

Influence of extraction solvents on the chemical constituents and biological activities of Astragalus aduncus from Turkey flora: In vitro and in silico insights

The n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water (70% ethanol), and water extracts of Astragalus aduncus aerial parts were investigated for their antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibition activity (anti-acetylcholinesterase [AChE], anti-butyrylcholinesterase [BChE], antityrosinase, antiamylase, and antiglucosidase) and antiproliferative effect (against colon adenocarcinoma cell line [HT-29], gastric cancer cell line [HGC-27], prostate carcinoma cell line [DU-145], breast adenocarcinoma cell line [MDA-MB-231], and cervix adenocarcinoma cell line [HeLa]). In addition, the phytochemical profile of the extracts was evaluated using validated spectrophotometric and high-pressure liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectroscopy methods. Generally, the 70% ethanol extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant properties, and it was the richest source of total phenolic constituents. Our findings indicated that the ethyl acetate extract was the most potent BChE inhibitor (11.44 mg galantamine equivalents [GALAE]/g) followed by the ethanol extract (8.51 mg GALAE/g), while the ethanol extract was the most promising AChE inhibitor (3.42 mg GALAE/g) followed by the ethanol/water extract (3.17 mg GALAE/g). Excellent tyrosinase inhibitory activity (66.25 mg kojic acid equivalent/g) was observed in ethanol/water extracts of the aerial part of A. aduncus. Тhese results showed that the most cytotoxic effects were exhibited by the ethyl acetate extract against HGC-27 cells (IC50: 36.76 µg/mL), the ethanol extract against HT-29 cells (IC50: 30.79 µg/mL), and the water extract against DU-145 cells (IC50: 37.01 µg/mL). A strong correlation was observed between the highest total flavonoid content and the highest content of individual compounds in the ethanol extract, including rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside (delphinidin-3,5-O-diglucoside), and kaempferol-3-glucoside (kaempferol-3-O-glucoside). In the present study, the A. aduncus plant was considered a new source of antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, and anticancer agents and could be used as a future health-benefit natural product.

Anti-Biofilm and Anti-Quorum-Sensing Activity of Inula Extracts: A Strategy for Modulating Chromobacterium violaceum Virulence Factors

The formation of microbial biofilm is a self-organizing process among bacterial cells, regulated by quorum-sensing (QS) mechanisms, contributing to development of infections. These processes, either separately or in combination, significantly contribute to bacterial resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants. A novel approach to addressing the challenge of treating infections due to antibacterial resistance involves the use of plant metabolites. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of different phytochemicals as potential modulators. In our study, we evaluated the synergistic effect of chloroform and methanol extracts from Inula species against key virulence factors, including biofilm formation, violacein production, and swarming motility. Each of the 11 examined plant extracts demonstrated the ability to reduce biofilms and pigment synthesis in C. violaceum. Two of the extracts from I. britannica exhibited significant anti-biofilm and anti-quorum-sensing effects with over 80% inhibition. Their inhibitory effect on violacein synthesis indicates their potential as anti-QS agents, likely attributed to their high concentration of terpenoids (triterpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and diterpenoids). Scanning electron microscopy revealed a notable reduction in biofilm biomass, along with changes in biofilm architecture and cell morphology. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy revealed the presence of metabolically inactive cells, indicating the potent activity of the extracts during treatment. These new findings underscore the effectiveness of the plant extracts from the genus Inula as potential anti-virulent agents against C. violaceum. They also propose a promising strategy for preventing or treating its biofilm formation.

Gaillardin inhibits autophagy and induces apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by regulating JAK/STAT pathway

BACKGROUND

Gaillardin is a potent anti-cancer sesquiterpene lactone found in Inula oculus-christi.

AIM

The present study examined the effects of gaillardin on apoptosis and autophagy in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.

METHODS

The MTT assay was used to unravel the antiproliferative effects of gaillardin on MCF-7 cells. The expression of apoptosis-related genes including CASP3, BAX, BCL2, STAT3, and JAK2, and key markers of autophagy such as ATG1, ATG4, ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, BECN1, and MAP1LC3A were measured by real time-PCR method. The protein expression of Caspase 3, phosphorylated JAK2, phosphorylated STAT3, ATG1, ATG4, ATG5, ATG12, Beclin1, and LC-III was determined using western blotting.

RESULTS

Gaillardin treatment significantly decreased the proliferation of MCF-7 cells with a parallel upregulation of the level of pro-apoptotic caspase-3 enzyme with no effect on Bax and Bcl2 expression. The levels of phosphorylated and active forms of JAK2 and STAT3 proteins were reduced following the treatment of MCF-7 cells with gaillardin. This sesquiterpene lactone com-pound considerably downregulated the levels of six autophagy markers, including ATG1, ATG4, ATG5, ATG12, Beclin1, and LC-III in MCF-7 cells.

CONCLUSION

These data indicated the apoptosis-inducing activity of gaillardin in MCF-7 cells by a mechanism that inhibits the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Further, autophagy inhibition was the other phenomenon caused by gaillardin in MCF-7 cells. These results can provide evidence to highlight the role of gaillardin as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of breast cancer.

Comparative Analysis of Root Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Five Native and Invasive Solidago L. Species

The high environmental importance of invasive goldenrod has prompted research to find potential benefits that can be derived from these species. This study aimed to identify differences in root phenolic profiles among five Solidago species, thus providing valuable information on their potential applications and the botanical origin of the raw material. The roots of native S. virgaurea L., two alien species S. gigantea Aiton and S. canadensis L. and their hybrids S. ×niederederi Khek and S. ×snarskisii Gudž. & Žaln. were sampled from mixed-species stands in Lithuania. A complex of twelve phenolic acids and their derivatives was identified and quantified in methanol-water root extracts using the HPLC-PDA and LC/MS systems. The radical-scavenging capacities of the extracts were assessed by ABTS. The chemical content of the roots of S. virgaurea, S. gigantea and S. ×niederederi were statistically similar, while the roots of S. canadensis and S. ×snarskisii contained lower amounts of compounds than the other species. The PCA score-plot models of the phenolic profiles only partially confirmed the identification of S. ×niederederi and S. ×snarskisii as crosses between native and alien species. The findings from the phenolic profiles and the observed radical-scavenging activity of root extracts of Solidago species provide valuable insights into their potential applications in various fields.

Characteristics of Phenolic Compounds in Peucedanum japonicum According to Various Stem and Seed Colors

Total polyphenol and total flavonoid assays were performed to characterize the relationships between the color of Peucedanum japonicum (PJ) seed coat and stem and the content of phytochemical compounds. The samples were divided into two groups based on their stem and seed coat color, with each group containing 23 samples. The stem color group was subdivided into green, light red, and red, whereas the seed coat color group was divided into light brown, brown, and dark brown. In the stem color group, the light red stems exhibited the highest content of phytochemical compounds, with levels over 10% higher than those of the stems of the other colors. Moreover, among the top ten samples with the highest total polyphenol content, eight samples were light red, and the light red group also exhibited the highest total flavonoid content among the examined color groups. In terms of the seed coat color, the plants grown from dark brown seeds exhibited the highest contents of both total polyphenols and total flavonoids. In conclusion, PJ plants with dark brown seeds and light red stems contained the highest levels of phytochemical compounds. Collectively, our findings provide a valuable basis for future seed selection of PJ for pharmaceutical purposes.

LC-MS profile, in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, antibacterial and hemostatic properties of Ranunculus bullatus extract

The ethanol extract from aerial parts of Ranunculus were investigated for its chemical composition by LC-ESI-MS/MS technique, which allowed to identify a series of glycosylated flavonoids and one phenolic acid. RBEE extract showed acetyl-cholinesterase inhibition higher than the reference compound Galantamine at a concentrationof 200 µg/mL. A moderate antibacterial activity of the extract was also obtained against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC43300, Citrobacter freundii ATCC8090, and Proteus vulgaris ATCC29905 at a concentration 100 µg. Additionally, a good reduction in plasma coagulation time at 200 μL was also observed for RBEE.

Chemical Fingerprinting, Aorta Endothelium Relaxation Effect, and Enzymatic Inhibition of Canelo (Drimys winteri J. R. Forst. & G. Forst, (D.C) A. Gray, Family Winteraceae) Fruits

Drimys winteri J.R. Forst. & G. Forst (D.C) G. Gray, var. chilensis (canelo) is an endemic tree from Chile. Since pre-Columbian times, it has produced a fruit known as the canelo pepper, (pimienta de canelo) or Foye pepper, which can be used as a spice. The chemical and biological analysis of canelo fruits is reported for the first time in this study, that is, its phenolic fingerprinting by UHPLC-PDA- Q-orbitrap MS, the antioxidant activity, the enzymatic inhibitory activity, and its relaxation effects on rat aorta. The proximal composition and the mineral content (Ca: 1.45 ± 0.03 mg/100 g; Mg: 7.72 ± 0.03 mg/100 g; Fe: 4.54 ± 0.21 mg/100 g; Zn: 2.99 ± 0.02 mg/100 g; Mn: 1.08 ± 0.03 mg/100 g; Cu: 0.82 ± 0.02 mg/100 g; K: 53.03 ± 0.20 mg/100 g; Na: 0.087 ± 0.00 mg/100 g) are also reported. The canelo fruits showed a total phenolic content of 57.33 ± 0.82 mg GAE/g dry weight. In addition, the total flavonoid content was 38.42 ± 1.32 mg equivalent of QE/g dry weight. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by employing DPPH and ABTS methods (IC₅₀ of 6.65 ± 0.5 and 9.5 ± 0.05 μg/mL, respectively), ORAC (25.33 ± 1.2 μmol Trolox/g dry plant) and FRAP (45.56 ± 1.32 μmol Trolox/g dry plant). The enzymatic inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase (IC₅₀: 1.94 ± 0.07, 2.73 ± 0.05, and 9.92 ± 0.05 µg extract/mL, respectively) is also reported. Canelo extract led to an 89% relaxation of rat aorta. Our results confirm that D. winteri fruits are a rich source of secondary metabolites and can inhibit enzymes associated with neurodegenerative diseases; the results also suggest that canelo may induce a potentially hypotensive effect in rat aorta. The study demonstrates the medicinal properties of canelo fruit and spice.

Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton Ethanolic Extract Inhibits the Growth of Human AGS and A549 Cancer Cell Lines

The present study shows the chemical profile and cytotoxic properties of the ethanolic extracts of Inula viscosa from Northeast Algeria. The extract was obtained by maceration using ethanol. Its phenolic profile was determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS), which allowed the identification and quantification of 17 compounds, 1,5-O-caffeoylquinic acid being the most abundant. The cytotoxic activity was assessed against human gastric cancer (AGS) and human non-small-cell lung cancer (A549) cell lines, whereas ethanolic extract elicited nearly 60 % and 40 % viability loss toward AGS and A549 cancer cells, respectively. Results also showed that cell death is caspase-independent and confirmed the involvement of RIPK1 and the necroptosis pathway in the toxicity induced by the I. viscosa extract. In addition, the ethanolic extract would not provoke morphological traits in the cancer cells. These findings suggest that I. viscosa can be a source of new antiproliferative drugs or used in preparation plant-derived pharmaceuticals.

Identification and evaluation of a novel tribenzamide derivative as an inhibitor targeting the entry of the respiratory syncytial virus

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised, yet no licensed vaccine and only limited therapeutic options for prevention and treatment are available, which poses a global health challenge and emphasizes the urgent medical need for novel antiviral agents. In the current study, a novel potent small molecule inhibitor of RSV was identified by performing a screening and structure optimization campaign, wherein a naturally occurring dicaffeoylquinic acid (DCQA) compound served as a chemical starting point. The reported benzamide derivative inhibitor, designated as 2f, was selected for its improved stability and potent antiviral activity from a series of investigated structurally related compounds. 2f was well tolerated by cells and able to inhibit RSV infection with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 35 nM and a favorable selectivity index (SI) of 3742. Although the exact molecular target for 2f is not known, in vitro mechanism of action investigations revealed that the compound inhibits the early stage of infection by interacting with RSV virion and interferes primarily with the attachment and potentially with the virus-cell fusion step. Moreover, intranasal administration of 2f to mice simultaneously or prior to intranasal infection with RSV significantly decreased viral load in the lungs, pointing to the in vivo potential of the compound. Our results suggest that 2f is a viable candidate for further preclinical development and evaluation as an antiviral agent against RSV infections.

Metabolite Profiling, Antioxidant and Key Enzymes Linked to Hyperglycemia Inhibitory Activities of Satureja hispidula: An Underexplored Species from Algeria

In the present study, two extracts from the aerial parts of the endemic species Satureja hispidula were analyzed for the first time by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) method in order to identify and quantify their phenolic compounds. These extracts' antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were also evaluated. UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS allowed the identification of 28 and 20 compounds in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively; among them, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was the most abundant in both extracts. The biological assay results indicate that the species S. hispidula, besides its high antioxidant power, is also potentially useful for inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme. In both antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays, the aqueous extract exhibited the most promising results, significantly better than the standards used as positive controls.

Bulgarian Medicinal Extracts as Natural Inhibitors with Antiviral and Antibacterial Activity

Background: Bulgaria is a country with a wide range of medicinal plants, with uses in traditional medicine dating back for centuries. Methods: Disc diffusion assay was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts. A cytopathic effect inhibition test was used for the assessment of the antiviral activity of the extracts. The virucidal activity of the extracts, their influence on the stage of viral adsorption, and their protective effect on uninfected cells were reported using the end-point dilution method, and Δlgs was determined as compared to the untreated controls. Results: The results of the study reveal that the antibacterial potential of G. glabra and H. perforatum extracts in Gram-positive bacteria is more effective than in Gram-negative bacteria. When applied during the replication of HSV-1 and HCov-OC-43, only some of the extracts showed weak activity, with SI between 2 to 8.5. Almost all tested extracts inhibited the extracellular virions of the studied enveloped viruses (HSV-1 and HCov-OC-43) to a greater extent than of the non-enveloped viruses (PV-1 and HAdV-5). They inhibited the stage of viral adsorption (HSV-1) in the host cell (MDBK) to varying degrees and showed a protective effect on healthy cells (MDBK) before they were subjected to viral invasion (HSV-1). Conclusion: The antipathogenic potential of extracts of H. perforatum and G. glabra suggests their effectiveness as antimicrobial agents. All 13 extracts of the Bulgarian medicinal plants studied can be used to reduce viral yield in a wide range of viral infections.

A Comparative Study of Chemical Profiling and Biological Effects of Doronicum orientale Extracts

In this study, phytochemical and pharmacological screening of the aerial part and roots extracts from Doronicum orientale Hoffm. (Asteraceae) was carried out. Plant extracts were obtained using solvents of different polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water, water) for selection the most optimal solvent for the extraction of active compounds. For instance, the extracts yielded total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the range of 12.13-45.67 mg GAE/g and 0.75-12.44 mg QE/g, respectively, while the total antioxidant capacity of the extracts determined by the phosphomolybdenum assay ranged from 0.88-2.53 mmol TE/g. HPLC/MS/MS analysis revealed 5-caffeoylquinic acid (2.52-337.05 μg/g) and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3.12-299.36 μg/g) to be the major components present in the investigated extracts. Antioxidant activity in terms of radical scavenging ability of the extracts ranged from 0.82-45.56 mg TE/g in DPPH assay and from 5.07-104.58 mg TE/g in ABTS assay. The tested extracts were found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (aerial part: 0.50-2.33 mg GALAE/g; roots: 0.40-2.43 mg GALAE/g), while with the exception of the water extracts, the other extracts showed butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (aerial part: 2.46-5.02 mg GALAE/g; root: 2.93-4.17 mg GALAE/g). Overall, this study presented an interesting scope of this species in phytomedicine with preliminary data demonstrating some of the tested extracts to possess high bioactive contents, antioxidant potential and enzyme inhibitory activity. Thus, additional investigations are necessary to confirm their safety in herbal drug applications.

Chondroprotective Effects of 4,5-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid in Osteoarthritis through NF-κB Signaling Inhibition

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage degradation, inflammation, and pain. The dicaffeoylquinic acid (diCQA) isomer, 4,5-diCQA, exhibits antioxidant activity and various other health-promoting benefits, but its chondroprotective effects have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the chondroprotective effects of 4,5-diCQA on OA both in vitro and in vivo. Primary rat chondrocytes were pre-treated with 4,5-diCQA for 1 h before stimulation with interleukin (IL)-1β (5 ng/mL). The accumulation of nitrite, PGE₂, and aggrecan was observed using the Griess reagent and ELISA. The protein levels of iNOS, COX-2, MMP-3, MMP-13, ADMATS-4, MAPKs, and the NF-κB p65 subunit were measured by Western blotting. In vivo, the effects of 4,5-diCQA were evaluated for 2 weeks in a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-surgery-induced OA rat model. 4,5-diCQA significantly inhibited IL-1β-induced expression of nitrite, iNOS, PGE₂, COX-2, MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-4. 4,5-diCQA also decreased the IL-1β-induced degradation of aggrecan. It also suppressed the IL-1β-induced phosphorylation of MAPKs and translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit to the nucleus. These findings indicate that 4,5-diCQA inhibits DMM-surgery-induced cartilage destruction and proteoglycan loss in vivo. 4,5-diCQA may be a potential therapeutic agent for the alleviation of OA progression. In this study, diclofenac was set to be administered once every two days, but it showed an effect on OA. These results may be used as basic data to suggest a new dosing method for diclofenac.

Phytochemical Analysis of Polyphenols in Leaf Extract from Vernonia amygdalina Delile Plant Growing in Uganda

Due to the presence of phytochemicals, plants have been known to be used in the treatment and management of various diseases. Vernonia amygdalina, belonging to the Asteraceae family, is a plant known for its many applications in traditional medicine for various purposes. Previous studies on the methanolic leaf extract of this plant have proved the antibacterial, cytotoxic, anticancer and antioxidant effects indicative of promising therapeutic potentials. In this work, chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques along with high-performance liquid chromatography quantitative analysis were adopted to isolate, identify and quantify polyphenolic compounds in V. amygdalina leaf extract. UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and UHPLC-DAD methods were adopted for qualitative and quantitative analysis, respectively. In the case of polyphenol separation, some reference substances were isolated by preparative HPLC. Seven polyphenols were identified and quantified in this study: 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, luteolin hexoside, 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 1,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid and luteolin dihexoside, with 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid being isolated in the highest quantity of 27.49 mg g−1 extract.

Aegle marmelos Leaf Extract Phytochemical Analysis, Cytotoxicity, In Vitro Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities

For many years, Aegle marmelos (A. marmelos) has been used medicinally and as a dietary supplement. Despite this, there are minimal research data on A. marmelos phytochemical properties and pharmacological effects. This study aimed to explore the phytoconstituents, cytotoxicity, glucose uptake, and antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of an alcoholic extract of A. marmelos leaf. The cytotoxicity of A. marmelos in HepG2 cells was tested in vitro, and the results revealed that it has strong cytocompatibility and cytoprotective properties. The extract's antioxidant activities were investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. Antioxidant potential was shown to be quite impressive. The enzymes α-amylase and α-glycosidase were found to be substantially inhibited by A. marmelos, with IC₅₀ values of 46.21 and 42.07 mg/mL, respectively. In HepG2 cells, A. marmelos significantly reduced ROS levels that were elevated due to high glucose and enhanced glucose consumption (p < 0.05). These activities might be due to the enrichment of bioactive phytoconstituents analyzed chromatographically using GC/MS and HPLC. The findings of this study show that A. marmelos could be an effective restorative therapy for diabetes and related diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of 4,5-Dicaffeoylquinic Acid on RAW264.7 Cells and a Rat Model of Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory agents that are safer and more effective than the currently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are urgently needed. The dicaffeoylquinic acid (diCQA) isomer 4,5-diCQA exhibits antioxidant activity and various other health-promoting benefits; however, its anti-inflammatory properties require further investigation. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of 4,5-diCQA in vitro and in vivo using RAW264.7 cells and a carrageenan-induced inflammation model, respectively. In RAW264.7 cells, 4,5-diCQA pretreatment significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6, without inducing cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of 4,5-diCQA were mediated by the suppression of nuclear factor-κB nuclear translocation and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Oral administration of 4,5-diCQA at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg of the body weight suppressed carrageenan-induced edema and the expression of nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and tumor necrosis factor-α in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, our results suggest that 4,5-diCQA exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing activation of the nuclear factor-κB and MAPK pathways in vitro and reducing carrageenan-induced edema in vivo. Therefore, 4,5-diCQA shows potential as a natural alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Caffeoylquinic acids: chemistry, biosynthesis, occurrence, analytical challenges, and bioactivity

Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) are specialized plant metabolites we encounter in our daily life. Humans consume CQAs in mg-to-gram quantities through dietary consumption of plant products. CQAs are considered beneficial for human health, mainly due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Recently, new biosynthetic pathways via a peroxidase-type p-coumaric acid 3-hydroxylase enzyme were discovered. More recently, a new GDSL lipase-like enzyme able to transform monoCQAs into diCQA was identified in Ipomoea batatas. CQAs were recently linked to memory improvement; they seem to be strong indirect antioxidants via Nrf2 activation. However, there is a prevalent confusion in the designation and nomenclature of different CQA isomers. Such inconsistencies are critical and complicate bioactivity assessment since different isomers differ in bioactivity and potency. A detailed explanation regarding the origin of such confusion is provided, and a recommendation to unify nomenclature is suggested. Furthermore, for studies on CQA bioactivity, plant-based laboratory animal diets contain CQAs, which makes it difficult to include proper control groups for comparison. Therefore, a synthetic diet free of CQAs is advised to avoid interferences since some CQAs may produce bioactivity even at nanomolar levels. Biotransformation of CQAs by gut microbiota, the discovery of new enzymatic biosynthetic and metabolic pathways, dietary assessment, and assessment of biological properties with potential for drug development are areas of active, ongoing research. This review is focused on the chemistry, biosynthesis, occurrence, analytical challenges, and bioactivity recently reported for mono-, di-, tri-, and tetraCQAs.

Two Medicinal Plants (Alkanna trichophila and Convolvulus galaticus) from Turkey: Chemical Characterization and Biological Perspectives

The aim of the present study was to quantify selected phenolic compounds, determine antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory effects of the aerial parts of Alkanna trichophylla Hub.-Mor. (A. trichophylla) and Convolvulus galaticus Rost.ex Choisy (C. galaticus) extracts prepared by homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE), maceration (MAC) and infusion techniques. This is the first time such study has been designed to validate the phytochemical composition and bioactivity of these plants. Multivariate analysis was conducted on collected data. Rutin and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives were the most significant compounds in A. trichophylla and C. galaticus, respectively. The highest antioxidant activity of A. trichophylla was mostly exhibited by HAE/methanolic extracts as determined by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP (51.39, 112.70 and 145.73 mg TE/g, respectively) and phosphomolybdenum (2.05 mmol TE/g) assays. However, significant antioxidant activities varied within the extracts of C. galaticus. HAE/methanolic extract of A. trichophylla significantly depressed AChE (2.70 mg GALAE/g), BChE (5.53 mg GALAE/g) and tyrosinase (26.34 mg KAE/g) activities and that of C. galaticus inhibited AChE (2.04 mg GALAE/g), tyrosinase (31.25 mg KAE/g) and α-amylase (0.53 mmol ACAE/g) activities significantly. We concluded that HAE was the most efficient extraction technique as high yield of compounds and promising bioactivities were recorded from extracts prepared. Multivariate analysis showed that types of solvents influenced recovery of compounds and biological activities. This research study can be used as one methodological starting point for further investigation on these plants as all results are clearly promising and open the door to further research challenges such as cytotoxicity evaluation, molecular docking analysis, and more screening of pharmacological actions.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential of Wild Moroccan Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton Leaves

Medicinal plants offer imperative sources of innovative chemical substances with important potential therapeutic effects. Among them, the members of the genus Inula have been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. The present study investigated the antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays) and the in vitro anti-hyperglycemic potential of aerial parts of Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton (I. viscosa) extracts through the inhibition of digestive enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), responsible of the digestion of poly and oligosaccharides. The polyphenolic profile of the Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton EtOAc extract was also investigated using HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS analysis, whereas the volatile composition was elucidated by GC-MS. The chemical analysis resulted in the detection of twenty-one polyphenolic compounds, whereas the volatile profile highlighted the occurrence of forty-eight different compounds. Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton presented values as high as 87.2 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g and 78.6 ± 0.55mg CE/g, for gallic acid and catechin, respectively. The EtOAc extract exhibited the higher antioxidant activity compared to methanol and chloroform extracts in different tests with (IC50 = 0.6 ± 0.03 µg/mL; IC50 = 8.6 ± 0.08 µg/mL; 634.8 mg ± 1.45 AAE/g extract) in DPPH, ABTS and FRAP tests. Moreover, Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton leaves did show an important inhibitory effect against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. On the basis of the results achieved, such a species represents a promising traditional medicine, thanks to its remarkable content of functional bioactive compounds, thus opening new prospects for research and innovative phytopharmaceuticals developments.

Achillea Species as Sources of Active Phytochemicals for Dermatological and Cosmetic Applications

Achillea spp. is well known for its broad range of applications and long history of use in traditional medicine around the world. Health benefits of Achillea extracts result from the multitude of secondary metabolites identified in the plants from this genus that include flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, guaianolides, phytosterols, fatty acids, and organic acids. The properties of several Achillea extracts meet also the expectations of a vividly developing cosmetic market. An increasing number of studies on the dermatological properties of Achillea spp. are observed in the recent years, with Achillea millefolium L. being the most studied and used representative of the genus. There is strong scientific evidence showing that also other yarrow species might be rich sources of effective cosmetic ingredients, with skin calming and rejuvenating properties, wound healing activity, and anti-inflammatory potential. Several Achillea extracts and isolated compounds were also shown to display significant tyrosinase inhibitory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and thus are interesting candidates for active ingredients of medications and cosmetic products protecting the skin from the harmful impact of environmental stressors. The aim of this review is to collect the current information on the composition and cosmeceutical significance of different Achillea species.

The Comparative Analysis of Carboxylic Acid Composition of Four Iris Species from Ukraine

The present article reports results of analysis of carboxylic acids in leaves of Iris species from Ukraine using a gas chromatography (GC) method with mass spectrometric (MS) detection (GC/MS). Carboxylic acids play significant roles in contemporary society as evidenced by multiple applications in fields of medicine, agriculture, pharmacy, food, and other industries. Study of natural plant products as a source of organic acids is of particular interest. Carboxylic acid composition of leaves of Iris hungarica Waldst. & Kit., Iris germanica L., Iris pallida Lam., and Iris variegate L. was studied for the first time applying GC/MS method. The mass spectrums of compounds were matched with NIST and WILEY Libraries. The GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of 26 common acids in the plant raw materials studied. The short-chain carboxylic acids, such as citric (1337.5-12364.4 mg/kg), malic (50.8-4558.0 mg/kg) and oxalic (1199.0-3435.2 mg/kg) acids were contained in significantly high quantity in all samples. Ferulic, p-coumaric and vanillic acids were the most abundant among phenolic acids. α-Linolenic acid was dominant in the leaves of I. germanica (869.5 mg/kg), I. pallida (753.3 mg/kg), and I. variegate (250.3 mg/kg) among polyunsaturated fatty acids, however, linoleic acid prevailed in the plant raw material of I. hungarica (1150.7 mg/kg). Since the leaves of Iris species studied contain carboxylic acids with diverse pharmacological activity, extracts of these raw materials are perspective for development food supplements and medicines.

Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Antiproliferative Compounds from Limbarda crithmoides (L.) Dumort

Limbarda crithmoides (L.) Dumort (Asteraceae) n-hexane extract displayed high cell proliferation inhibitory activity against acute myeloid leukaemia cells (OCI-AML3) and was therefore subjected to a bioassay-guided multistep separation procedure. Two thymol derivatives, namely 10-acetoxy-8,9-epoxythymol tiglate (1) and 10-acetoxy-9-chloro-8,9-dehydrothymol (2), were isolated and identified by means of NMR spectroscopy. Both of them exhibited a significant dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation.