HIV-1 protease and HIV-1 integrase inhibitory substances from Eclipta prostrata

Bithiophene and coumestan derivatives from Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. and their hepatoprotective activity

One new bithiophene derivative, 5-(but-3-en-1-yn-1-yl)-5'-(methoxymethyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (1), along with twelve known compounds, senecioester (2), tiglinsaureester (3), 5-acetoxymethyl-2'-(but-3-en-1-yn-1-yl)-2,5'-bithiophene (4), 5-(4-isovaleroyloxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (5), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,5':2',5'')-terthienyl tiglate (6), 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,5':2',5'')-terthienyl agelate (7), 5- hydroxymethyl-2,5':2',5''-terthiophene dimethylacrylate (8), 5-methoxymethyl-2,2':5',2''-terthiophene (9), α-terthiophene (10), 1,3,8,9-tetrahydroxycoumestan 3-sulfate (11), demethylwedelolactone (12), and wedelolactone (13) were isolated from the methanol extract of aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. All isolated compounds were evaluated for the protective ability on the HepG2 cells. At the concentration of 100 μM, compounds 11-13 showed the highest hepatoprotective effects, with HepG2 cell viability ranging from 38.68% to 48.54%. Bithiophenes showed higher hepatoprotective cell viability than terthiophenes.

The search for an antiviral lead molecule to combat the neglected emerging Oropouche virus

Oropouche virus (OROV) is a member of the Peribunyaviridae family and the causative agent of a dengue-like febrile illness transmitted by mosquitoes. Although mild symptoms generally occur, complications such as encephalitis and meningitis may develop. A lack of proper diagnosis, makes it a potential candidate for new epidemics and outbreaks like other known arboviruses such as Dengue, Yellow Fever and Zika virus. The study of natural molecules as potential antiviral compounds is a promising alternative for antiviral therapies. Wedelolactone (WDL) has been demonstrated to inhibit some viral proteins and virus replication, making it useful to target a wide range of viruses. In this study, we report the in silico effects of WDL on the OROV N-terminal polymerase and its potential inhibitory effects on several steps of viral infection in mammalian cells in vitro, which revealed that WDL indeed acts as a potential inhibitor molecule against OROV infection.

HR-MAS NMR Metabolomics Profile of Vero Cells under the Influence of Virus Infection and nsP2 Inhibitor: A Chikungunya Case Study

The arbovirus Chikungunya (CHIKV) is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in urban environments, and in humans, it triggers debilitating symptoms involving long-term complications, including arthritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The development of antiviral therapies is relevant, as no efficacious vaccine or drug has yet been approved for clinical application. As a detailed map of molecules underlying the viral infection can be obtained from the metabolome, we validated the metabolic signatures of Vero E6 cells prior to infection (CC), following CHIKV infection (CV) and also upon the inclusion of the nsP2 protease inhibitor wedelolactone (CWV), a coumestan which inhibits viral replication processes. The metabolome groups evidenced significant changes in the levels of lactate, myo-inositol, phosphocholine, glucose, betaine and a few specific amino acids. This study forms a preliminary basis for identifying metabolites through HR-MAS NMR (High Resolution Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Ressonance Spectroscopy) and proposing the affected metabolic pathways of cells following viral infection and upon incorporation of putative antiviral molecules.

Unlocking Therapeutic Potential: Comprehensive Extraction, Profiling, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. for Dermatological Applications

Herbal medicine has been studied as an alternate approach to modern medicine as it is more cost-effective and accessible via natural sources. Eclipta alba (E. alba, L.) Hassk. is a weed plant abundantly distributed throughout different regions of the world and contains abundant bioactive compounds used for various skin conditions. In this review, we aimed to gather information from the literature about the extraction, separation, and identification of these bioactive compounds and their potential in skin diseases. Relevant studies published before August 2023 were identified and selected from electronic databases, including Scopus, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Wiley Library, using the following keywords: Eclipta alba, Eclipta prostrata, phytochemicals, extraction, separation, isolation, identification, characterization, pharmacological activity, and skin conditions. Up-to-date extraction, separation, and identification methods of bioactive compounds from E. alba and their skin-related pharmacological activities are discussed in this review. As there are limitations regarding extraction, separation, and identification methods, and in-depth mechanistic and human studies of the skin-related pharmacological activities of bioactive compounds, these gaps are areas for future research to expand our understanding and broaden the potential applications of this medicinal weed plant, including the development of cosmeceutical and skincare products, anti-inflammatory agents, and formulations for dermatological treatments.

Unraveling the secrets of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.: a comprehensive study of morpho-anatomy and DNA barcoding

Safety regarding herbal products is very necessary; therefore, routine identification of raw materials should be performed to ensure that the raw materials used in pharmaceutical products are suitable for their intended use. In order for the identification-related data obtained to be accurate, the identification of various kinds of markers is also very necessary. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. based on qualitative morpho-anatomical markers and quantitative DNA coding. The morphology of this plant has herbaceous habit with a taproot and a stem with branches that appear from the middle. Leaves are single type imperfectly arranged oppositely, lanceolatus, finely serrated on the edges, tapered at the base, pointed at the end, and have a pinnate and hairy leaf surface. The flowers consist of ray flowers and tube flowers with a cup shape. Meanwhile, in terms of anatomy, E. alba has aerenchyma, which are scattered in the cortex of the root and stem. In addition, there are anisocytic stomata, glandular trichomes, and non-glandural trichomes with an elongated shape accompanied by ornamentation found on the leaf epidermis. The results of sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree reconstruction show that the sample plants are closely related to species in the genus Eclipta.

Potential use of the Asteraceae family as a cure for diabetes: A review of ethnopharmacology to modern day drug and nutraceuticals developments

The diabetes-associated mortality rate is increasing annually, along with the severity of its accompanying disorders that impair human health. Worldwide, several medicinal plants are frequently urged for the management of diabetes. Reports are available on the use of medicinal plants by traditional healers for their blood-sugar-lowering effects, along with scientific evidence to support such claims. The Asteraceae family is one of the most diverse flowering plants, with about 1,690 genera and 32,000 species. Since ancient times, people have consumed various herbs of the Asteraceae family as food and employed them as medicine. Despite the wide variety of members within the family, most of them are rich in naturally occurring polysaccharides that possess potent prebiotic effects, which trigger their use as potential nutraceuticals. This review provides detailed information on the reported Asteraceae plants traditionally used as antidiabetic agents, with a major focus on the plants of this family that are known to exert antioxidant, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, and wound healing effects, which further action for the prevention of major diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), liver cirrhosis, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Moreover, this review highlights the potential of Asteraceae plants to counteract diabetic conditions when used as food and nutraceuticals. The information documented in this review article can serve as a pioneer for developing research initiatives directed at the exploration of Asteraceae and, at the forefront, the development of a botanical drug for the treatment of DM.

Plant Coumarins with Anti-HIV Activity: Isolation and Mechanisms of Action

This review summarizes and systematizes the literature on the anti-HIV activity of plant coumarins with emphasis on isolation and the mechanism of their antiviral action. This review summarizes the information on the anti-HIV properties of simple coumarins as well as annulated furano- and pyranocoumarins and shows that coumarins of plant origin can act by several mechanisms: inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase and integrase, inhibition of cellular factors that regulate HIV-1 replication, and transmission of viral particles from infected macrophages to healthy ones. It is important to note that some pyranocoumarins are able to act through several mechanisms or bind to several sites, which ensures the resistance of these compounds to HIV mutations. Here we review the last two decades of research on the anti-HIV activity of naturally occurring coumarins.

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (Asteraceae): Ethnomedicinal Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Biological Activities

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (Syn.: Eclipta alba (L.) Hassak, Family: Asteraceae) is an important medicinal plant in the tropical and subtropical regions. It is widely used in treating various diseases of skin, liver and stomach in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other countries. The main aim of this review was to collect and analyze the available information on traditional uses, phytoconstituents, and biological activities of E. prostrata. The scientific information was collected from the online bibliographic databases such as Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, SciFinder, etc. and books and proceedings. The active phytochemicals were coumestan derivatives, phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids, triterpenoid and steroid saponins, substituted thiophenes, etc. Various extracts and isolated compounds of E. prostrata showed a wide range of biological activities such as antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and hair growth promoting activities. Relatively a few studies have been performed to reveal the exact phytoconstituents responsible for their corresponding pharmacological activities. Future studies should focus on detailed mechanism based studies using animal models and clinical studies.

Naturally occurring coumestans from plants, their biological activities and therapeutic effects on human diseases

Naturally occurring coumestans are known as a collection of plant-derived polycyclic aromatic secondary metabolites which are characterized by the presence of an oxygen heterocyclic four-ring system comprising a coumarin moiety and a benzofuran moiety sharing a C˭C bond. Recently, there is an increasing attention in excavating the medicinal potential of coumestans, particularly coumestrol, wedelolactone, psoralidin and glycyrol, in a variety of diseases. This review is a comprehensive inventory of the chemical structures of coumestans isolated from various plant sources during the period of 1956-2020, together with their reported biological activities. 120 molecules were collected and further classified as coumestans containing core skeleton, dimethylpyranocoumestans, furanocoumestans, O-glycosylated coumestans and others, which showed a wide range of pharmacological activities including estrogenic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporotic, organ protective, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity, antimicrobial, immunosuppressive, antioxidant and skin-protective activities. Furthermore, this review focuses on the counteraction of coumestans against bone diseases and organ damages, and the involved molecular mechanisms, which could provide important information to better understand the medicinal values of these compounds. This review is intended to be instructive for the rational design and development of less toxic and more effective drugs with a coumestan scaffold.

Coumarin-based derivatives with potential anti-HIV activity

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), as a result of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which leads to severe suppression of immune functions, is an enormous world-wide health threat. The anti-HIV agents are critical for the HIV/AIDS therapy, but the generation of viral mutants and the severe side effects of the anti-HIV agents pose serious hurdles in the treatment of HIV infection, and creat an urgent need to develop novel anti-HIV agents. The plant-derived compounds possess structural and mechanistic diversity, and among them, coumarin-based derivatives have the potential to inhibit different stages in the HIV replication cycle, inclusive of virus-host cell attachment, cell membrane fusion, integration, assembly besides the conventional target like inhibition of the reverse transcriptase, protease, and integrase. Moreover, (+)-calanolide A, a coumarin-based natural product, is a potential anti-HIV agent. Thus, coumarin-based derivatives are useful scaffolds for the development of anti-HIV agents. This review article describes the recent progress in the discovery, structural modification, and structure-activity relationship studies of potent anti-HIV coumarin-based derivatives including natural coumarin compounds, synthetic hybrids, dimers, and other synthetic derivatives covering articles published between 2000 and 2020.

Porophyllum Genus Compounds and Pharmacological Activities: A Review

The genus Porophyllum (family Asteraceae) is native to the western hemisphere, growing in tropical and subtropical North and South America. Mexico is an important center of diversification of the genus. Plants belong of genus Porophyllum have been used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat kidney and intestinal diseases, parasitic, bacterial, and fungal infections and anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities. In this sense, several trials have been made on its chemical and in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities. These studies were carried on the extracts and isolated compounds and support most of their reported uses in folk medicine as antifungal, antileishmanial, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and burn repair activities, and as a potential source of new class of insecticides. Bio guided phytochemical studies showed the isolation of thiophenes, terpenes and phenolics compounds, which could be responsible for the pharmacological activities. However, more pre-clinical assays that highlight the mechanisms of action of the compounds involved in pharmacological function are lacking. This review discusses the current knowledge of their chemistry, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities carried out on the plants belonging to the Porophyllum genus.

Bioactive Natural Antivirals: An Updated Review of the Available Plants and Isolated Molecules

Viral infections and associated diseases are responsible for a substantial number of mortality and public health problems around the world. Each year, infectious diseases kill 3.5 million people worldwide. The current pandemic caused by COVID-19 has become the greatest health hazard to people in their lifetime. There are many antiviral drugs and vaccines available against viruses, but they have many disadvantages, too. There are numerous side effects for conventional drugs, and active mutation also creates drug resistance against various viruses. This has led scientists to search herbs as a source for the discovery of more efficient new antivirals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 65% of the world population is in the practice of using plants and herbs as part of treatment modality. Additionally, plants have an advantage in drug discovery based on their long-term use by humans, and a reduced toxicity and abundance of bioactive compounds can be expected as a result. In this review, we have highlighted the important viruses, their drug targets, and their replication cycle. We provide in-depth and insightful information about the most favorable plant extracts and their derived phytochemicals against viral targets. Our major conclusion is that plant extracts and their isolated pure compounds are essential sources for the current viral infections and useful for future challenges.

Wedelolactone inhibits human cytomegalovirus replication by targeting distinct steps of the viral replication cycle

Wedelolactone (WDL) is a coumestan present in the plants Eclipta prostrata and Wedelia calendulacea which are used for treatment of a multitude of health problems in traditional medicine. It has previously been shown that WDL exerts antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus. In this study, we investigated the effect of WDL on lytic human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. We demonstrate a strong interference with HCMV replication as analyzed in multi-round replication settings. A more detailed analysis of the underlying mechanisms revealed that WDL acts at two distinct steps of the viral replication cycle. During immediate early (IE) times, we observe an inhibition of IE1/IE2 expression. Although WDL was reported to interfere with NF-κB signaling our results suggest the existence of additional mechanisms that impede viral IE expression. During later time points of infection, WDL induced a disruption of the interaction between EZH2 and EED, components of the virus-supportive polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Thereby, the stability of the PRC2 complex as well as the related complex PRC1 was disturbed leading to diminished viral DNA synthesis. Taken together, we identify WDL as a potent agent against HCMV which interferes at two distinct steps of viral replication.

A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eclipta prostrata, a traditional herbal medicine, has long been used in Asia and South America for the therapy of hemorrhagic diseases (e.g. hemoptysis, hematemesis, hematuria, epistaxis and uterine bleeding), skin diseases, respiratory disorders, coronary heart disease, hair loss, vitiligo, snake bite and those caused by the deficiency of liver and kidney.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

In this review, we highlight relatively comprehensive and up-to-date information of E. prostrata on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity, along with featuring the gaps in current knowledge, aiming to provide references for future research and possible opportunities for well applications of this medicinal plant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on E. prostrata was gathered from scientific databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scifinder, Baidu Scholar, PubMed and CNKI). Information was also obtained from local books, Ph.D. theses and M.Sc. dissertations and Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The plant taxonomy was validated by the database "The Plant List".

RESULTS

Various phytochemical classes has been identified and isolated from the plant covering triterpenes, flavonoids, thiopenes, coumestans, steroids and others. Among these, coumestans are reported as the most common ingredients. The isolated crude extracts and individual compounds have been reported to exhibit promising pharmacological properties, such as hepatoprotective, osteoprotective, cytotoxic, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, hypolipidemic, promoting hair growth, rejuvenative and neuroprotective effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Until now, significant progress has been witnessed in phytochemistry and pharmacology of E. prostrata. Thus, some traditional uses has been well supported and clarified by modern pharmacological studies. Moreover, E. prostrata also showed therapeutic potential in some refractory diseases such as cancer, dementia and diabetes. But, present findings are still insufficient that cannot satisfactorily explain some mechanisms of action. More well-designed studies in vitro especially in vivo are required to establish links between the traditional uses and bioactivities, discover new skeletons and activity molecules, as well as ensure safety before clinical use.

Autophagy Machinery as a Promising Therapeutic Target in Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is the fourth most frequent neoplasia for women worldwide, and over the past two decades it incidence has increased. The most common histological type of endometrial cancer is endometrioid adenocarcinoma, also known as type 1 endometrial cancer. Endometrioid endometrial cancer is associated with diverse epidemiological risk factors including estrogen use, obesity, diabetes, cigarette smoking, null parity, early menarche, and late menopause. Clinical effectiveness of chemotherapy is variable, indicating that novel molecular therapies against specific cellular processes associated to cell survival and resistance to therapy, such as autophagy, urged to ameliorate the rates of success in endometrial cancer treatment. Autophagy (also known as macroautophagy) is a specialized mechanism that maintains cell homeostasis which is activated in response to cellular stressors including nutrients deprivation, amino acids starvation, hypoxia, and metabolic stress to prolong cell survival via lysosomal degradation of cytoplasmic macromolecules and organelles. However, in human cancer cells, autophagy has a controversial function due to its dual role as self-protective or apoptotic. Conventional antitumor therapies including hormones, chemotherapy and ionizing radiation, may activate autophagy as a pro-survival tumor response contributing to treatment resistance. Intriguingly, if autophagy continues above reversibility of cell viability, autophagy can result in apoptosis of tumor cells. Here, we have reviewed the mechanisms of autophagy described in endometrial cancers, including the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMPK-mTOR, and p53 signaling pathways that trigger or inhibit the process and thus representing potential molecular targets in therapeutic clinical approaches. In addition, we discussed the recent findings indicating that autophagy can be modulated using repurposing drugs which may leads to faster experimentation and validation, as well as more easy access of the medications to patients. Finally, the promising role of dietary compounds and microRNAs in autophagy modulation is also discussed. In conclusion, although the research about autophagy is scarce but ongoing in endometrial cancer, the actual findings highlight the promising usefulness of novel molecules for directing targeted therapies.

A comprehensive review of topoisomerase inhibitors as anticancer agents in the past decade

The topoisomerase enzymes play an important role in DNA metabolism, and searching for enzyme inhibitors is an important target in the search for new anticancer drugs. Discovery of new anticancer chemotherapeutical capable of inhibiting topoisomerase enzymes is highlighted in anticancer research. Therefore, biologists, organic chemists and medicinal chemists all around the world have been identifying, designing, synthesizing and evaluating a variety of novel bioactive molecules targeting topoisomerase. This review summarizes types of topoisomerase inhibitors in the past decade, and divides them into nine classes by structural characteristics, including N-heterocycles compounds, quinone derivatives, flavonoids derivatives, coumarin derivatives, lignan derivatives, polyphenol derivatives, diterpenes derivatives, fatty acids derivatives, and metal complexes. Then we discussed the application prospect and development of these anticancer compounds, as well as concluded parts of their structural-activity relationships. We believe this review would be invaluable in helping to further search potential topoisomerase inhibition as antitumor agent in clinical usage.

Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Since the beginning of the epidemic, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has infected around 70 million people worldwide, most of whom reside is sub-Saharan Africa. There have been very promising developments in the treatment of HIV with anti-retroviral drug cocktails. However, drug resistance to anti-HIV drugs is emerging, and many people infected with HIV have adverse reactions or do not have ready access to currently available HIV chemotherapies. Thus, there is a need to discover new anti-HIV agents to supplement our current arsenal of anti-HIV drugs and to provide therapeutic options for populations with limited resources or access to currently efficacious chemotherapies. Plant-derived natural products continue to serve as a reservoir for the discovery of new medicines, including anti-HIV agents. This review presents a survey of plants that have shown anti-HIV activity, both in vitro and in vivo.

Ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, and biotechnological applications of Eclipta prostrata

Eclipta prostrata belongs to a family of medicinal plants (Asteraceae) and plays a role in the treatment of several diseases, including infectious hepatitis, snake venom poisoning, gastritis, and respiratory diseases such as a cough and asthma. A number of compounds, including thiophene derivatives, steroids, triterpenes, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, polypeptides, and coumestans, have been isolated from E. prostrata. The plant functional compounds can act as reducing agent in the field of nanoparticle synthesis. The extracts of E. prostrata are widely used for green biosynthesis of various metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, nanoparticles, which showed a potential for pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and biomedical applications. Establishment of a efficient in vitro regeneration and genetic transformation method of E. prostrata is a vital prerequisite for application of biotechnology in order to improve secondary metabolite yields. The present mini-review discusses its pharmacological profile, chemical constituents, biotechnological, and ethnomedical uses, mainly focusing on antimyotoxic, antihemorrhagic, antiproliferative, antioxidant, antitumor, antihyperglycemic, antidementia, antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic, antivenom, anti-HIV, and larvicidal activities, so that the pharmaceutical potential of the plant can be better evaluated. The mini review, providing up-to-date phytochemical and other information on E. prostrata, will serve a reference for further studies.

Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) Activity by Extracts from 57 Plants Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Background:

Herbal medicine is widely used all over the world for treating various health disorders. It is employed either alone or in combination with synthetic drugs or plants to be more effective.

Objective:

The assessment of the effect of both water and methanol extracts of 57 widely used plants from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) against the main phase I metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4 in vitro for the first time.

Materials and Methods:

The inhibition of cytochrome P450 activity was evaluated using a luminescence assay. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to correlate the inhibitory activity with the main secondary metabolites present in the plant extracts. Molecular modeling studies on CYP3A4 (PDB ID 4NY4) were carried out with 38 major compounds present in the most active plant extracts to validate the observed inhibitory effect.

Results:

Aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu, Andrographis paniculata, Arctium lappa, Areca catechu, Bupleurum marginatum, Chrysanthemum indicum, Dysosma versipellis, and Spatholobus suberectus inhibited CYP3A4 is more than 85% (at a dose of 100 μg/mL). The corresponding methanol extracts of A. catechu, A. paniculata, A. catechu, Mahonia bealei, and Sanguisorba officinalis inhibited the enzyme by more than 50%. Molecular modeling studies revealed that two polyphenols, namely hesperidin and rutin, revealed the highest fitting scores in the active sites of the CYP3A4 with binding energies equal to -74.09 and -71.34 kcal/mol, respectively.

Conclusion:

These results provide evidence that many TCM plants can inhibit CYP3A4, which might cause a potential interference with the metabolism of other concomitantly administered herbs or drugs.

SUMMARY

In this study, the inhibitory activity of the aqueous and methanol extracts of 57 widely used plants from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) against the main phase I metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4 was tested in vitro for the first time.

Aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu, Andrographis paniculata, Arctium lappa, Areca catechu, Bupleurum marginatum, Dysosma versipellis, and Spatholobus suberectus inhibited CYP3A4 by more than 85% (at a dose of 100 μg/mL).

The activity could be attributed to the presence of polyphenolics as revealed from the multivariate chemometric analysis and molecular modeling study.

These results provide evidence that many TCM plants can inhibit CYP3A4, which might cause a potential interference with the metabolism of other concomitantly administered herbs or drugs.

Abbreviation used: CHARMm: Chemistry at HARvard Macromolecular Mechanics, CYP: Cytochrome P450, DMSO: Dimethyl Sulfoxide, PCA: Principal Component Analysis, PDB: Protein Data Bank, TCM: Traditional Chinese Medicine

Improvement in human immunodeficiency virus-1/acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients’ well-being following administration of “Phyto V7”

AIM: To corroborate the capacity of Phyto V7, a complex of phytochemicals, to improve the physical well-being of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infected and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients not undergoing antiretroviral treatment.

METHODS: Two hundred and thirty nine HIV-1 seropositive male and female voluntary inmates were recruited through the Uruguay National Program of AIDS. The study participants received for 90 consecutive days every eight hours two tablets (760 mg/each) of Phyto V7, containing a mix of the following phytochemicals: flavonols (Kaempferol, Quercetin), flavones (Apigenin, Luteolin), hydroxy-cinnamic acids (ferrulic acid), carotenoids (Lutein, Lycopene, Beta carotene) and organosulfur compounds, all from vegetal origin. The participants did not receive any antiretroviral treatment during the study. At days 0, 30, 60 and 90 (± 2 d) the participants were evaluated for body mass index (BMI), tolerance to Phyto V7 and Index of Quality of Life based on the Karfnosky scale. ANOVA, Tukey Post-test, χ² test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used to analyze the effect of treatment.

RESULTS: One hundred and nighty nine study participants finished the study. Already after 30 d of Phyto V7 consumption, the weight, BMI and Karnofsky score statistically significantly improved (P < 0.001), and continued to improve until the end of the study. The mean weight gain per participant during the 90 d was of 1.21 kg (approximately 2% of body weight). The overall increase in the mean Karnofsky score after 90 d was 14.08%. The lower the BMI and Karnofsky score of the participants were at the beginning of the study, the more notorious was the improvement over time. For example, the mean increment of Index of Quality of Life, among the participants with an initial Karnofsky score of 5 or below (n = 33) from day 0 to day 90, was of 35.67% (0.476 ± 0.044 vs 0.645 ± 0.09; P < 0.001). The tolerability to Phyto V7 was very good and no adverse reactions were recorded or reported.

CONCLUSION: Administration of the Phyto V7 can be an important tool to improve the well-being of HIV-1 seropositive individuals and AIDS patients, not undergoing antiretroviral treatment.

Wedelolactone inhibits breast cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis by decreasing Akt/mTOR signaling

The bone is the most common metastatic site of breast cancer. Bone metastasis causes pain, pathologic fractures, and severely reduces the quality of life. Breast cancer causes osteolytic bone metastasis, which is dependent on osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. While current treatments rely on palliative anti-resorptive agents, there is a need to develop a drug based on potential alternative therapies. This study is the first to determine that wedelolactone (WDL), a natural coumarin isolated from plants, can inhibit breast cancer-mediated osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclasts were generated from human CD14(+) monocytes cultured with M-CSF/RANKL and WDL suppressed human osteoclast differentiation and activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, WDL inhibited the upregulation of osteoclasts stimulated by MDA‑MB‑231 breast cancer cells. The activity of WDL on osteoclasts and breast cancer-mediated osteoclastogenesis was associated with the inhibition of Akt/mammalian target of the rapamycin signaling pathway (mTOR). Blocking Akt and mTOR by specific inhibitors significantly decreased osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Furthermore, WDL regulated breast cancer-enhanced interaction of osteoblasts and osteoclasts by decreasing M-CSF expression in MDA‑MB‑231-stimulated osteoblasts. Thus, this study suggests that WDL may be a potential natural agent for preventing and treating bone destruction in patients with bone metastasis due to breast cancer.

Ethnopharmacological Significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Asteraceae)

Eclipta alba can be found growing wild in fallow lands of Bangladesh where it is considered as a weed by farmers. Traditional medicinal systems of the Indian subcontinent countries as well as tribal practitioners consider the plant to have diverse medicinal values and use it commonly for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory tract disorders (including asthma), fever, hair loss and graying of hair, liver disorders (including jaundice), skin disorders, spleen enlargement, and cuts and wounds. The plant has several phytoconstituents like wedelolactone, eclalbasaponins, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, luteolin, and apigenin. Pharmacological activities of plant extracts and individual phytoconstituents have revealed anticancer, hepatoprotective, snake venom neutralizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Phytoconstituents like wedelolactone and ursolic and oleanolic acids as well as luteolin and apigenin can form the basis of new drugs against cancer, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, and liver disorders.

Isolation, bioactivity, and production of ortho-hydroxydaidzein and ortho-hydroxygenistein

Daidzein and genistein are two major components of soy isoflavones. They exist abundantly in plants and possess multiple bioactivities. In contrast, ortho-hydroxydaidzein (OHD) and ortho-hydroxygenistein (OHG), including 6-hydroxydaidzein (6-OHD), 8-hydroxydaidzein (8-OHD), 3'-hydroxydaidzein (3'-OHD), 6-hydroxygenistein (6-OHG), 8-hydroxygenistein (8-OHG), and 3'-hydroxygenistein (3'-OHG), are rarely found in plants. Instead, they are usually isolated from fermented soybean foods or microbial fermentation broth feeding with soybean meal. Accordingly, the bioactivity of OHD and OHG has been investigated less compared to that of soy isoflavones. Recently, OHD and OHG were produced by genetically engineering microorganisms through gene cloning of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme systems. This success opens up bioactivity investigation and industrial applications of OHD and OHG in the future. This article reviews isolation of OHD and OHG from non-synthetic sources and production of the compounds by genetically modified microorganisms. Several bioactivities, such as anticancer and antimelanogenesis-related activities, of OHD and OHG, are also discussed.

Wedelolactone inhibits LPS-induced pro-inflammation via NF-kappaB pathway in RAW 264.7 cells

BACKGROUND

Wedelolactone (WEL), a major coumestan ingredient in Wedelia chinensis, has been used to treat septic shock, hepatitis and venom poisoning in traditional Chinese medicines. The objective of the study was to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of WEL with a cellular model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells.

RESULTS

To study the role of WEL in pro-inflammation, we measured key inflammation mediators and end products including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by using the Griess method, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) transcription activity was detected by luciferase reporter assay. The important pro-inflammatory transcription factors, NF-κB p65 and inhibitory kappaB alpha (IκB-α); and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK (p38) were analyzed by Western blotting. Our study showed that WEL (0.1, 1, 10 μM) significantly inhibited the protein expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated cells, as well as the downstream products, including NO, PGE2 and TNF-α. Moreover, WEL also inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB p65 activation via the degradation and phosphorylation of IκB-α and subsequent translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit to the nucleus.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that WEL has a potential to be a novel anti-inflammatory agent targeting on the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Anti-HIV-1 integrase activity of Mimusops elengi leaf extracts

CONTEXT

Integrase (IN) is one of the three human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) enzymes that, together with a reverse transcriptase and protease, allow the virus to reproduce itself after infecting the host cells. Any new knowledge on inhibitors of this enzyme could provide essential clues for the development of anti-HIV drugs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-HIV-1 IN activity of some Thai medicinal plant extracts, and to isolate the active compounds from the extract that possessed the strongest anti-HIV-1 IN activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethanol extracts of eight Thai medicinal plants (10-100 µg/mL) were evaluated for their inhibitory effect against HIV-1 IN. An extract of Mimusops elengi L. (Sapotaceae) leaves that possessed the strongest anti-HIV-1 IN activity was fractionated to isolate the active compounds by an anti-HIV-1 IN assay-guided isolation process.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The leaf extract from M. elengi had the strongest anti-HIV-1 IN activity with an IC₅₀ value of 62.1 µg/mL. A bioassay-guided isolation of the active compounds from M. elengi leaf extract resulted in the isolation of active compounds, identified as a mixture of gallocatechin and epigallocatechin. This mixture of gallocatechin and epigallocatechin showed satisfactory anti-HIV-1 IN activity with an IC₅₀ value of 35.0 µM. A flavanol glycoside, mearnsitrin was also isolated but was inactive at a concentration of 100 µM.

Anti-HIV-1 integrase compound from Pometia pinnata leaves

CONTEXT

HIV-1 integrase (HIV-1 IN) is a key enzyme involved in the replication cycle of the retrovirus. Any new knowledge on inhibitors of this enzyme could provide essential clues for the development of anti-HIV drugs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate anti-HIV-1 IN activity of some Thai medicinal plant extracts, and the extract that possessed the strongest anti-HIV-1 IN activity was subjected to isolation of the active compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethanol extracts of eight Thai medicinal plants were evaluated for their inhibitory effect against HIV-1 IN. An extract of Pometia pinnata J. R. Forst. & G. Forst (Sapindaceae) leaves that possessed the strongest anti-HIV-1 IN activity was fractionated to isolate the active compounds by anti-HIV-1 IN assay-guided isolation process.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The leaf extract from P. pinnata had the strongest anti-HIV-1 IN activity with an IC50 value of 8.8 µg/mL. An anti-HIV-1 IN assay-guided isolation of the active compounds from a leaf extract of P. pinnata resulted in the isolation of one active compound, identified as proanthocyanidin A2. Proanthocyanidin A2 showed satisfactory anti-HIV-1 IN activity with an IC50 value of 30.1 µM. Three flavonoids, epicatechin, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside; a glycolipid, 1-O-palmitoyl-3-O-[α-.-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-.-galactopyranosyl]-sn-glycerol; a steroidal glycoside; stigmasterol-3-O-glucoside; and a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, 3-O-α-.-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 3)-[α-.-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-α-.-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin were also isolated but were inactive at a concentration of 100 µM.

Bio-assay Guided Isolation of α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Constituents from Eclipta alba

Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk is used traditionally in diabetes mellitus in India and the plant extract is reported to possess anti-diabetic activity. A bioactivity-guided isolation approach based on α-glucosidase inhibition was used to identify the constituents contributing towards the inhibition of the enzyme and probably contributing towards its anti-diabetic activity. Four echinocystic acid glycosides were thus isolated, of which eclalbasaponin VI, isolated from the n-butanol fraction, was found to be the most potent (IC50 54.2 ± 1.3 μM). The compound is an uncompetitive type of inhibitor with Ki 26.1 μM. A quantitative estimation of the constituents was established using RP-HPLC.

Inhibition on HIV-1 Integrase Activity and Nitric Oxide Production of Compounds from Ficus glomerata

An ethanol Ficus glomerata wood extract and its purified components were investigated for their HIV-1 integrase (IN) and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activities. From bioassay-guided isolation, five compounds: β-sitosterol-D-glucoside (1), aloe-emodin (2), genistein (3), 1,3,6-trihydroxy-8-methyl-anthraquinone (4) and 3-(1- C-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2,6-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid (5) were isolated. Among the tested samples, at concentrations of 100 μM; compound 2 showed 31.9% inhibition of HIV-1 IN, followed by 4 (19.5%), whereas other compounds were inactive. With regard to the inhibitory effect on NO production, 3 possessed the highest activity with an IC50 value of 27.5 μM, followed by 4 (IC50 = 34.7 μM) and 2 (IC50 = 41.8 μM), respectively. This is the first time that compounds 2-5 have been isolated from Ficus glomerata.

Larvicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles using Eclipta prostrata leaf extract against filariasis and malaria vectors

Mosquitoes transmit serious human diseases, causing millions of deaths every year. Use of synthetic insecticides to control vector mosquitoes has caused physiological resistance and adverse environmental effects in addition to high operational cost. Insecticides of synthesized natural products for vector control have been a priority in this area. In this study, larvicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing aqueous extract from Eclipta prostrata, a member of the Asteraceae was investigated against fourth instar larvae of filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus say and malaria vector, Anopheles subpictus Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae). The synthesized AgNPs characterized by UV-vis spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM analyses of the synthesized AgNPs were clearly distinguishable measured 35-60 nm in size. Larvae were exposed to varying concentrations of aqueous extract of synthesized AgNPs for 24h. The maximum efficacy was observed in crude aqueous, and synthesized AgNPs against C. quinquefasciatus (LC(50)=27.49 and 4.56 mg/L; LC(90)=70.38 and 13.14 mg/L), and against A. subpictus (LC(50)=27.85 and 5.14 mg/L; LC(90)=71.45 and 25.68 mg/L) respectively. The chi-square value were significant at p<0.05 level. These results suggest that the synthesized AgNPs have the potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of the Culex tritaeniorhynchus and A. subpictus. This method is considered as a new approach to control vectors. Therefore, this study provides first report on the mosquito larvicidal activity of synthesized AgNPs against vectors.

Construction and application of a functional library of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae

A functional library of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases from Aspergillus oryzae (AoCYPs) was constructed in which 121 isoforms were coexpressed with yeast NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using this functional library, novel catalytic functions of AoCYPs, such as catalytic potentials of CYP57B3 against genistein, were elucidated for the first time. Comprehensive functional screening promises rapid characterization of catalytic potentials and utility of AoCYPs.

Essential Oil Constituents of Eclipta Prostrata (L.) L. and Vernonia amygdalina Delile

The chemical composition of the essential oils from the leaves and stem bark of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. and the aerial parts of Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae) have been analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The investigation led to the identification of 33 and 30 compounds in the oils of the leaves and stem of E. prostrate, respectively, and 40 compounds in the oil of V. amygdalina. While the oil of the leaves of E. prostrata was highly dominated by sesquiterpenoids (89.3%), the stem bark was comprised of sesquiteprenoids (47.7%), straight chain hydrocarbons (25.6%) and monoterpenoids (11.1%). The main constituents of both oils were β-caryophyllene (47.7% and 15.9%) and α-humulene (31.8 and 12.9%) in the leaves and stem, respectively. In addition, ( E)-β-farnesene (10.0%) was also identified in significant amount in the stem bark. On the other hand, the major component of V. amygdalina oil was α-muurolol (45.7%).