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Kgosana MR, Sandasi M, Ncube E, Vermaak I, Gouws C, Viljoen AM. Exploring the wound healing potential of Lobostemon fruticosus using in vitro and in vivo bioassays. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024:118632. [PMID: 39069028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Lobostemon fruticosus (L.) H.Buek is a perennial and woody shrub of the Boraginaceae family, found in the Cape region of South Africa. The leaves and twigs are used to treat dermatological conditions such as wounds, burns, ringworm, erysipelas and eczema. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-proliferative activities of L. fruticosus have been reported. However, there is a void in research which reports on the wound healing properties of this plant. AIM OF THE STUDY Aligned with the traditional use of L. fruticosus, our study aimed to use in vitro and in vivo bioassays to confirm the wound healing potential of the plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS An aqueous methanol extract (80% v/v) of L. fruticosus was prepared using a sample collected from the Western Cape Province of South Africa and chromatographically profiled by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay was performed to screen the non-toxic concentrations of the extract for subsequent use in the in vitro scratch assay. Both the human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and fibroblast (BJ-5ta) cell lines were employed in the in vitro scratch assay. The in vivo caudal fin amputation assay was used to assess the wound healing potential of L. fruticosus, by monitoring fin regeneration in zebrafish larvae treated with the plant extract at various concentrations. RESULTS Six major compounds were tentatively identified in the L. fruticosus extract namely; globoidnan A, globoidnan B, rutin, rabdosiin, sagerinic acid and rosmarinic acid. The potentially toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids were also identified and quantitatively confirmed to be present at a low concentration of 119.58 ppm (m/m). Treatment of HaCaT and BJ-5ta cells with the plant extract in the scratch assay resulted in an increase in cell migration, which translates to accelerated wound closure. After 24 hr treatment with 100 μg/mL of extract, wound closure was recorded to be 91.1±5.7% and 94.1±1.3% for the HaCaT and BJ-5ta cells, respectively, while the untreated (medium) controls showed 72.3±3.3% and 73.0±4.3% for the two cell lines, respectively. Complete wound closure was observed between 24 and 36 hr, while the untreated control group did not achieve 100% wound closure by the end of the observation period (48 hr). In vivo, the crude extract at 100 μg/mL accelerated zebrafish caudal fin regeneration achieving 100.5±3.8% regeneration compared to 68.3±6.6% in the untreated control at two days post amputation. CONCLUSIONS The study affirms the wound healing properties, as well as low toxicity of L. fruticosus using both in vitro and in vivo assays, which supports the traditional medicinal use. Other in vitro assays that target different mechanisms involved in wound healing should be investigated to support the current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashilo R Kgosana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Maxleene Sandasi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Efficient Ncube
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Ilze Vermaak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Chrisna Gouws
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Alvaro M Viljoen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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Luca SV, Zengin G, Kulinowski Ł, Sinan KI, Skalicka-Woźniak K, Trifan A. Phytochemical profiling and bioactivity assessment of underutilized Symphytum species in comparison with Symphytum officinale. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:3971-3981. [PMID: 38252561 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symphytum (comfrey) genus, particularly Symphytum officinale, has been empirically used in folk medicine mainly for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. In an attempt to shed light on the valorization of less known taxa, the current study evaluated the metabolite profile and antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects of nine Symphytum species. RESULTS Phenolic acids, flavonoids and pyrrolizidine alkaloids were the most representative compounds in all comfrey samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that, within the roots, S. grandiflorum was slightly different from S. ibericum, S. caucasicum and the remaining species. Within the aerial parts, S. caucasicum and S. asperum differed from the other samples. All Symphytum species showed good antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities, as evaluated in DPPH (up to 50.17 mg Trolox equivalents (TE) g-1), ABTS (up to 49.92 mg TE g-1), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC, up to 92.93 mg TE g-1), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, up to 53.63 mg TE g-1), acetylcholinesterase (AChE, up to 0.52 mg galanthamine equivalents (GALAE) g-1), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE, up to 0.96 mg GALAE g-1), tyrosinase (up to 13.58 mg kojic acid equivalents g-1) and glucosidase (up to 0.28 mmol acarbose equivalents g-1) tests. Pearson correlation analysis revealed potential links between danshensu and ABTS/FRAP/CUPRAC, quercetin-O-hexoside and DPPH/CUPRAC, or rabdosiin and anti-BChE activity. CONCLUSIONS By assessing for the first time in a comparative manner the phytochemical-biological profile of a considerably high number of Symphytum samples, this study unveils the potential use of less common comfrey species as novel phytopharmaceutical or agricultural raw materials. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Vlad Luca
- Biothermodynamics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Łukasz Kulinowski
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Adriana Trifan
- Department of Pharmacognosy-Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Iasi, Romania
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Melnyk N, Popowski D, Strawa JW, Przygodzińska K, Tomczyk M, Piwowarski JP, Granica S. Skin microbiota metabolism of natural products from comfrey root (Symphytum officinale L.). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116968. [PMID: 37506778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Comfrey root (Symphytum officinale L., Boraginaceae) has been used in folk medicine for a long time to treat different diseases. It is recommended for swellings, phlebitis, contusions, gastro-duodenal ulcers, respiratory diseases, and metrorrhagia. Currently, preparations from S. officinale are only topically used due to its wound-healing effects, and for reducing inflammation and the treatment of broken bones, tendon damage, painful joints and muscles. Although it is a widespread plant material, little is known about the interaction of externally applied preparations of comfrey with the human skin microbiome. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aims to determine the interaction between human skin microbiota and the comfrey root extracts, by monitoring the biotransformation of the constituents present in the extract and evaluating changes in the population of the skin microbiota in an ex vivo setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS The comfrey root extract was incubated with the human skin microbiota from ten healthy donors. The UHPLC-DAD-MSn analysis determined the composition of the raw extract and the microbial metabolites. Bacterial genomic DNA was extracted and examined by amplification sequencing of the 16S rDNA to determine changes in the bacterial composition. RESULTS The hydroethanolic extract of comfrey root primarily consists of phenolic acids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and their derivatives, and lignans. The natural products present in the extract underwent biodegradation by the skin microbiota, leading to the formation of smaller molecules. It was observed that the skin microbial metabolism primarily focused on modifying the derivatives of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It resulted in the production of deacetylated and deesterificated compounds. However, it did not lead to the conversion of these compounds into free alkaloids. CONCLUSIONS The microbiota-triggered biotransformation of the comfrey root extract was observed. A few N-oxides were metabolized to deacetylated and deesterificated forms in ex vivo conditions. It suggests that the intermittent external applications of comfrey preparations perchance are unlikely to pose a substantial risk. While it even may serve as a potential factor influencing the extract activity in treating skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Melnyk
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dominik Popowski
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Food Safety and Chemical Analysis, Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology-State Research Institute, ul. Rakowiecka 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jakub W Strawa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2a, 15-230, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Klaudia Przygodzińska
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Tomczyk
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2a, 15-230, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Jakub P Piwowarski
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Sebastian Granica
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
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Iobbi V, Parisi V, Bernabè G, De Tommasi N, Bisio A, Brun P. Anti-Biofilm Activity of Carnosic Acid from Salvia rosmarinus against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3679. [PMID: 37960038 PMCID: PMC10647425 DOI: 10.3390/plants12213679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The Salvia rosmarinus "Eretto Liguria" ecotype was studied as a source of valuable bioactive compounds. LC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract underlined the presence of diterpenoids, triterpenoids, polyphenolic acids, and flavonoids. The anti-virulence activity of carnosic acid along with the other most abundant compounds against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was evaluated. Only carnosic acid induced a significant reduction in the expression of agrA and rnaIII genes, which encode the key components of quorum sensing (QS), an intracellular signaling mechanism controlling the virulence of MRSA. At a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL, carnosic acid inhibited biofilm formation by MRSA and the expression of genes involved in toxin production and made MRSA more susceptible to intracellular killing, with no toxic effects on eukaryotic cells. Carnosic acid did not affect biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a human pathogen that often coexists with MRSA in complex infections. The selected ecotype showed a carnosic acid content of 94.3 ± 4.3 mg/g. In silico analysis highlighted that carnosic acid potentially interacts with the S. aureus AgrA response regulator. Our findings suggest that carnosic acid could be an anti-virulence agent against MRSA infections endowed with a species-specific activity useful in multi-microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Iobbi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy;
| | - Valentina Parisi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (V.P.); (N.D.T.)
| | - Giulia Bernabè
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy; (G.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Nunziatina De Tommasi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (V.P.); (N.D.T.)
| | - Angela Bisio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy;
| | - Paola Brun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy; (G.B.); (P.B.)
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Kimel K, Godlewska S, Gleńsk M, Gobis K, Ośko J, Grembecka M, Krauze-Baranowska M. LC-MS/MS Evaluation of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids Profile in Relation to Safety of Comfrey Roots and Leaves from Polish Sources. Molecules 2023; 28:6171. [PMID: 37630423 PMCID: PMC10459857 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) has a long tradition of use in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. However, due to hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), the EMA restricts the use of comfrey root (CR) to external use only and for short periods of time. Recent studies indicate a low permeability of PAs across the skin, calling into question the safety of topical application of products containing comfrey preparations. The aim of our work was to develop and validate an HPLC method enabling the separation of isomeric PAs from comfrey and, on this basis, to assess the potential toxicity of CR and comfrey leaf (CL) obtained from various Polish sources. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of PAs via HPLC-MS/MS was performed in MRM mode. The results obtained confirmed a lower content of PAs in CL than in CR and showed a wide variation in the composition of PAs in CR, with a much more stable profile of PAs in CL. Factor analysis confirmed that CRs and CLs differ in PA content, which is influenced by the growth conditions and geographical origin. The determined concentrations of PAs prove that in some CRs available on the Polish herbal market, the content of PAs may exceed the daily dose considered safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kimel
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 107 Hallera St., 80-416 Gdansk, Poland; (K.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Sylwia Godlewska
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 107 Hallera St., 80-416 Gdansk, Poland; (K.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Michał Gleńsk
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicines, Wroclaw Medical University, 211A Borowska St., 50-556 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Gobis
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 107 Hallera St., 80-416 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Justyna Ośko
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 107 Hallera St., 80-416 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Grembecka
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 107 Hallera St., 80-416 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Mirosława Krauze-Baranowska
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 107 Hallera St., 80-416 Gdansk, Poland; (K.K.); (S.G.)
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Sousa AC, Ribeiro C, Gonçalves VMF, Pádua I, Leal S. Chromatographic Methods for Detection and Quantification of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Flora, Herbal Medicines, and Food: An Overview. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2023:1-25. [PMID: 37300809 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2023.2218476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are natural toxins produced by some plants that gained special interest due to their potential hazardous effects in humans and animals. These substances have been found in wild flora, herbal medicines and food products raising health concerns. Recently, maximum concentration levels of PAs were established for some food products; however, maximum daily intake frequently surpasses the upper limit set by the competent authorities posing a health risk. Given the scarcity or absence of occurrence data on PAs in many products, there is an urgent need to measure their levels and establish safety intake levels. Analytical methods have been reported to detect and quantify PAs in different matrices. The commonly used chromatographic methodologies provides accurate and reliable results. Analytical methods include diverse steps as extraction and sample preparation procedures that are critical for sensitivity and selectivity of the analytical method. Great efforts have been directed toward optimization of extraction procedures, clean up and chromatographic conditions to improve recovery, reduce matrix effects, and achieve low limits of detection and quantification. Therefore, this paper aims to give a general overview about the occurrence of PAs in flora, herbal medicines, and foodstuff; and discuss the different chromatographic methodologies used for PAs analysis, namely extraction and sample preparation procedures and chromatographic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Sousa
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ribeiro
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Virgínia M F Gonçalves
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
- UNIPRO - Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Inês Pádua
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
- Epidemiology Unit - Institute of Public Health of University of Porto (ISPUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Leal
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
- CINTESIS-RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Luca SV, Zengin G, Sinan KI, Skalicka-Woźniak K, Trifan A. Post-Distillation By-Products of Aromatic Plants from Lamiaceae Family as Rich Sources of Antioxidants and Enzyme Inhibitors. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12010210. [PMID: 36671072 PMCID: PMC9855019 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There is currently no use for the vast quantities of post-distillation by-products, such as spent plant materials and residual waters, produced by the essential oil (EO) industry of aromatic herbs. In this study, the EOs of three Lamiaceae species (thyme, oregano, and basil) and their total, spent, and residual water extracts were phytochemically characterized and biologically assessed. The collected information was put through a series of analyses, including principal component analysis, heatmap analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. Concerning the EOs, 58 volatile compounds were present in thyme (e.g., p-cymene, thymol), 44 compounds in oregano (e.g., thymol, carvacrol), and 67 compounds in basil (e.g., eucalyptol, linalool, estragole, (E)-methyl cinnamate). The LC-HRMS/MS analysis of the total, spent, and residual water extracts showed the presence of 31 compounds in thyme (e.g., quercetin-O-hexoside, pebrellin, eriodictyol), 31 compounds in oregano (e.g., rosmarinic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, salvianolic acids I, B, and E), and 25 compounds in basil (e.g., fertaric acid, cichoric acid, caftaric acid, salvianolic acid A). The EOs of the three Lamiaceae species showed the highest metal-reducing properties (up to 1792.32 mg TE/g in the CUPRAC assay), whereas the spent extracts of oregano and basil displayed very high radical-scavenging properties (up to 266.59 mg TE/g in DPPH assay). All extracts exhibited anti-acetylcholinesterase (up to 3.29 mg GALAE/g), anti-tyrosinase (up to 70.00 mg KAE/g), anti-amylase (up to 0.66 mmol ACAE/g), and anti-glucosidase (up to 1.22 mmol ACAE/g) effects. Thus, the present research demonstrated that both the raw extracts (EOs and total extracts) and the post-distillation by-products (spent material and residual water extracts) are rich in bioactive metabolites with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Vlad Luca
- Biothermodynamics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.V.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya 42130, Turkey
- Correspondence: (S.V.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya 42130, Turkey
| | | | - Adriana Trifan
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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Hepatotoxicity of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Compound Intermedine: Comparison with Other Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids and Its Toxicological Mechanism. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120849. [PMID: 34941687 PMCID: PMC8709407 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are common secondary plant compounds with hepatotoxicity. The consumption of herbal medicines and herbal teas containing PAs is one of the main causes of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS), a potentially life-threatening condition. The present study aimed to reveal the mechanism underlying the cytotoxicity of intermedine (Im), the main PA in Comfrey. We evaluated the toxicity of the retronecine-type PAs with different structures to cell lines derived from mammalian tissues, including primary mouse hepatocytes, human hepatocytes (HepD), mouse hepatoma-22 (H22) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The cytotoxicity of Im to hepatocyte was evaluated by using cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation experiment, wound healing assay and dead/live fluorescence imaging. In vitro characterization showed that these PAs were cytotoxic and induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. We also demonstrated that Im induced cell apoptosis by generating excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), changing the mitochondrial membrane potential and releasing cytochrome c (Cyt c) before activating the caspase-3 pathway. Importantly, we directly observed the destruction of the cell mitochondrial structure after Im treatment through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This study provided the first direct evidence of Im inducing hepatotoxicity through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. These results supplemented the basic toxicity data of PAs and facilitated the comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the toxicity caused by PA compounds.
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Oster M, Reyer H, Keiler J, Ball E, Mulvenna C, Ponsuksili S, Wimmers K. Comfrey (Symphytum spp.) as a feed supplement in pig nutrition contributes to regional resource cycles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148988. [PMID: 34273829 PMCID: PMC8463835 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In smallholder agriculture, the fast-growing and perennial accumulator plant comfrey (Symphytum spp.) was used to supply pigs with protein and minerals. Comfrey leaves show similar values in dry matter as soybean or blue lupine in crude protein content, but much higher levels of calcium and phosphorus. However, in terms of increased efficiency in animal husbandry, comfrey has been displaced by mainly soybean and cereals. Due to its profile of macro- and micronutrients the use of comfrey could have the potential to re-establish local resource cycles and help remediate over-fertilized soils. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a modern pig breed accepts a continuous feed supplement of dried comfrey leaves. After an initial adaptation period post-weaning, German Landrace piglets were subjected to either a standard control diet or a diet supplemented with 15% dried comfrey leaves for 4 weeks. Body weight was reduced in comfrey-supplemented piglets compared to controls, which might be attributed to reduced palatability in the experimental setting. Nevertheless, comfrey-supplemented piglets exhibited adequate bone mineralization and intestinal integrity. The microbiome profile in feces and digesta revealed higher diversity in comfrey-supplemented piglets compared to controls, with pronounced effects on the abundances of Treponema and Prevotella. This may be due to described bio-positive components of the comfrey plant, as data suggest that the use of comfrey leaves may promote intestinal health. Digestive tract phosphorus levels were reduced in piglets receiving comfrey supplementation, which may ultimately affect phosphorus levels in manure. Results indicate that comfrey leaves could serve as a feed component in integrated agricultural systems to establish regional nutrient cycles. The trial provides a basis for further work on comfrey as a regionally grown protein source and effective replacement for rock mineral supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Oster
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Henry Reyer
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jonas Keiler
- Department of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstrasse 9, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Ball
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Large Park, Hillsborough Co. Down BT26 6DR, UK
| | - Christina Mulvenna
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Large Park, Hillsborough Co. Down BT26 6DR, UK
| | - Siriluck Ponsuksili
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Klaus Wimmers
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6, 18059 Rostock, Germany.
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Trifan A, Zengin G, Sinan KI, Esslinger N, Grubelnik A, Wolfram E, Skalicka-Woźniak K, Minceva M, Luca SV. Influence of the Post-Harvest Storage Time on the Multi-Biological Potential, Phenolic and Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Content of Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale L.) Roots Collected from Different European Regions. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10091825. [PMID: 34579358 PMCID: PMC8471851 DOI: 10.3390/plants10091825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) roots are well-known bioactive ingredients included in various cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical preparations. In this study, the influence of the post-harvest storage on the chemico-biological potential of roots collected from different European regions and stored for up to six months was investigated. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total phenolic acid content (TPAC) were spectrophotometrically estimated, whereas the levels of individual phenolic and pyrrolizidine alkaloidal markers were determined by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS, respectively. The changes in the biological potential was tracked via antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP) and anti-enzymatic (cholinesterase, tyrosinase, glucosidase, and amylase) assays. TPC and TPAC varied from 6.48–16.57 mg GAE/g d.w. root and from 2.67–9.03 mg CAE/g, respectively. The concentration of the four phenolics (rosmarinic acid, globoidnan A, globoidnan B, rabdosiin) and six pyrrolizidine alkaloids generally showed maximum values at 1–3 months, after which their levels significantly decreased. With respect to the bioassays, the samples showed a wide range of antioxidant and anti-enzymatic effects; however, a direct storage time–bioactivity relationship was not observed. Similar conclusions were also revealed by the multivariate and correlation analyses. Our study could improve the current knowledge of the shelf-life properties of comfrey-based products and enhance their industrial exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Trifan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya 42130, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (S.V.L.)
| | - Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan
- Physiology and Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya 42130, Turkey;
| | - Nils Esslinger
- Alpinamed AG, 9306 Freidorf, Switzerland; (N.E.); (A.G.)
| | | | - Evelyn Wolfram
- Phytopharmacy and Natural Products Research Group, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland;
| | - Krystyna Skalicka-Woźniak
- Independent Laboratory of Natural Products Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Mirjana Minceva
- Biothermodynamics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany;
| | - Simon Vlad Luca
- Biothermodynamics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany;
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (S.V.L.)
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