Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of infusions from leaves and inflorescences of Achillea collina Becker ex Rchb

The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of Achillea millefolium L. extracts on Clostridioides difficile ribotype 001 in human intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common health care-acquired infections. The dramatic increase in antimicrobial resistance of C. difficile isolates has led to growing demand to seek new alternative medicines against CDI. Achillea millefolium L. extracts exhibit strong biological activity to be considered as potential therapeutic agents. In this work, the inhibitory effects of A. millefolium, its decoction (DEC) and ethanol (ETOH) extracts, were investigated on the growth of C. difficile RT001 and its toxigenic cell-free supernatant (Tox-S) induced inflammation and apoptosis.

METHODS

Phytochemical analysis of extracts was performed by HPLC and GC analysis. The antimicrobial properties of extracts were evaluated against C. difficile RT001. Cell viability and cytotoxicity of Caco-2 and Vero cells treated with various concentrations of extracts and Tox-S were examined by MTT assay and microscopy, respectively. Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of extracts were assessed in Tox-S stimulated Caco-2 cells by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

Analysis of the phytochemical profile of extracts revealed that the main component identified in both extracts was chlorogenic acid. Both extracts displayed significant antimicrobial activity against C. difficile RT001. Moreover, both extracts at concentration 50 µg/mL had no significant effect on cell viability compared to untreated cells. Pre-treatment of cells with extracts (50 µg/mL) significantly reduced the percentage of Vero cells rounding induced by Tox-S. Also, both pre-treatment and co-treatment of Tox-S stimulated Caco-2 cells with extracts significantly downregulated the gene expression level of IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β, iNOS, Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3 and upregulated the expression level of Bcl-2.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study for the first time demonstrate the antimicrobial activity and protective effects of A. millefolium extracts on inflammatory response and apoptosis induced by Tox-S from C. difficile RT001 clinical strain in vitro. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential application of A. millefolium extracts as supplementary medicine for CDI prevention and treatment in clinical setting.

Phytochemistry and Evidence-Based Traditional Uses of the Genus Achillea L.: An Update (2011–2021)

Knowledge within the field of phytochemistry research has accelerated at a tremendous speed. The excess of literature reports featuring plants of high ethnopharmacological importance, in combination with our interest in the Asteraceae family and traditional medicine, led us to acknowledge the value of the Achillea L. genus. In a broad context, the various Achillea species are used around the globe for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including gastrointestinal problems, haemorrhages, pneumonia, rheumatic pains, diuresis, inflammation, infections, and wounds, as well as menstrual and gynaecologic abnormalities. The present review aims to provide and summarize the recent literature (2011–2021) on the phytochemistry of the Achillea genus. In parallel, this study attempts to bridge the reports on the traditional uses with modern pharmacological data. Research articles that focused on secondary metabolites, traditional uses and pharmacological activities were collected from various scientific databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Reaxys and Google Scholar. This study revealed the presence of 141 phytochemicals, while 24 traditionally used Achillea spp. were discussed in comparison to current data with an experimental basis.

Comparison of the Phenolic Compound Profile and Antioxidant Potential of Achillea atrata L. and Achillea millefolium L

In the present study, Achillea atrata L. and A. millefolium L. were compared for the first time with regard to their phenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity by applying the 2,2-diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl radical assay. For this purpose, aerial plant parts were consecutively extracted with solvents of increasing polarity (dichloromethane, n-butanol, ethyl acetate), revealing that the A. atrata ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 12.2 ± 0.29 µg/mL compared to 17.0 ± 0.26 µg/mL for A. millefolium. Both species revealed the presence of luteolin, apigenin, centaureidin, and nevadensin exclusively in this most polar fraction, which are known as effective 2,2-diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl radical scavengers. The antioxidant capacity of the aforementioned fractions strikingly correlated with their total phenolic contents, which was highest in the ethyl acetate fraction of A. atrata. Characterization of the metabolite profiles of both Achillea species showed only marginal differences in the presence of key compounds, whereas the concentrations of individual compounds appeared to be species-specific. Our results suggest that A. atrata, based on its compound pattern and bioactivity characteristics, has similar qualities for phytotherapy as A. millefolium.

A comprehensive LC-MS/MS method validation for the quantitative investigation of 37 fingerprint phytochemicals in Achillea species: A detailed examination of A. coarctata and A. monocephala

The current study aims to optimize and validate a comprehensive LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of 37 phytochemicals (15 phenolic acids, 17 flavonoids, 3 non-phenolic organic acids, 1 phenolic aldehyde and 1 benzopyrene) in Achillea species. Though Achillea species were chosen as real life samples, the current method is applicable to a wide range of plant species. The developed method was fully validated in terms of linearity, accuracy (recovery), inter-day and intra-day precision (repeatability), limits of detection and quantification (LOD/LOQ) and relative standard uncertainty (U% at 95% confidence level (k = 2)). Reversed-phase ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography was optimized to achive optimum separation for 37 phytochemical compounds and to overcome the suppression effects. MS detection was performed using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer and negative or positive ionization modes were optimized for each analyte. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used to quantify the analytes, related molecular ions and transition ions were optimized. Phytochemical screening of ethanol and methanol-chloroform extracts of root and aerial parts of A. coarctata and A. monocephala were performed by using the developed and validated LC-MS/MS method. Root and aerial parts of both species have considerable amounts of certain phenolic-nonphenolic acids (quinic, malic, fumaric, chlorogenic and vanillic acids) and flavonoids (rutin, hesperidin, isoquercitrin, apigetrin, luteolin, apigenin). Additionally, total phenolic and flavonoid amounts, antioxidant (DPPH free radical scavenging assay, ABTS radical cation decolorization assay, β-carotene lipid peroxidation test system and CUPRAC cupper reduction capacity methods), anticholinesterase, tyrosinase, urease inhibition and cytotoxic activities (on HeLa (Human Cervical Carcinoma Cell Line) of A. coarctata and A. monocephala were also investigated. It has been determined that the studied Achillea species, that are rich in total phenolic-flavonoid and chlorogenic acid contents, have high antioxidant and cytotoxic potential at the same time. According to the results of LC-MS/MS, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity studies, after detailed chemical investigation and toxicity studies on these species, A. coarctata and A. monocephala may be promoted as promising sources of natural agents and used for the development of nutraceuticals or functional food ingredients in future.

In vitro anti-oxidant, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of Achillea teretifolia Willd extracts on human prostate cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND

The majority of Achillea species are the most important native economic plants of Anatolia. They include highly bioactive compounds, so they have therapeutic applications.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, the aim was to investigate in vitro anti-oxidant, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of Achillea teretifolia Willd extracts (Turkish name: Beyaz civanperÇemi).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-oxidant potential of the extracts was analyzed by the free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and total phenolic content methods. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to detect cytotoxicity of the extracts onhuman prostate cancer cell lines (DU145 and PC-3) and human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells. mRNA expression levels of pro-apoptotic (bax, caspase-3) and anti-apoptotic (bcl-2) genes were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The results showed that extracts exhibited a remarkable DPPH scavenging activity, and total phenolic content of the methanol extract was higher than that of the water extract. As time and concentration were increased, the methanol extract exhibited a more powerful cytotoxic effect on prostate cancer cells. In prostate cancer cells, the levels of mRNA expression of the bax and caspase-3 genes were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05), whereas the expression of bcl-2 was down-regulated (P < 0.05). In HGF cells, there were no cytotoxic effect and apoptosis induction triggered by the extracts.

CONCLUSION

The methanol extract had more powerful anti-oxidant, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects than the water extract. The extracts could be good anti-oxidant sources, and they might include anti-cancer compounds triggering the cytotoxicity and the apoptosis on prostate cancer cells.

Comparative Studies on Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant, Wound Healing and Cytotoxic Activities of Selected Achillea L. Species Growing in Turkey

Turkey is one of the most important centers of diversity for the genus Achillea L. in the world. Keeping in mind the immense medicinal importance of phenols, in this study, three species growing in Turkey, A. coarctata Poir. (AC), A. kotschyi Boiss. subsp. kotschyi (AK) and A. lycaonica Boiss. & Heldr. (AL) were evaluated for their phenolic compositions, total phenolic contents (TPC), antioxidant properties, wound healing potencies on NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Comprehensive LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that AK was distinctively rich in chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, apigenin, hesperidin, rutin, kaempferol and luteolin (2890.6, 987.3, 797.0, 422.5, 188.1, 159.4 and 121.2 µg analyte/g extract, respectively). The findings exhibited a strong correlation between TPC and both free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Among studied species, the highest TPC (148.00 mg GAE/g extract) and TAC (2.080 UAE), the strongest radical scavenging (EC₅₀ = 32.63 μg/mL), the most prominent wound healing and most abundant cytotoxic activities were observed with AK. The results suggested that AK is a valuable source of flavonoids and chlorogenic acid with important antioxidant, wound healing and cytotoxic activities. These findings warrant further studies to assess the potential of AK as a bioactive source that could be exploited in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.

Anticonvulsant and antioxidant effects of Tilia americana var. mexicana and flavonoids constituents in the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures

Tilia genus is commonly used around the world for its central nervous system properties; it is prepared as tea and used as tranquilizing, anticonvulsant, and analgesic. In this study, anticonvulsant activity of the Tilia americana var. mexicana inflorescences and leaves was investigated by evaluating organic and aqueous extracts (100, 300, and 600 mg/kg, i.p.) and some flavonoids in the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice. Moreover, antioxidant effect of these extracts and flavonoids was examined in an in vitro study by using spectrophotometric technique. Significant activity was observed in the methanol extract from inflorescences. An HPLC analysis of the methanol extract from inflorescences and leaves of Tilia allowed demonstrating the respective presence of some partial responsible flavonoid constituents: quercetin (20.09 ± 1.20 μg/mg and 3.39 ± 0.10 μg/mg), rutin (3.52 ± 0.21 μg/mg and 8.94 ± 0.45 μg/mg), and isoquercitrin (1.74 ± 0.01 μg/mg and 1.24 ± 0.13 μg/mg). In addition, significant but different antioxidant properties were obtained among the flavonoids and the extracts investigated. Our results provide evidence of the anticonvulsant activity of Tilia reinforcing its utility for central nervous system diseases whose mechanism of action might involve partial antioxidant effects due to the presence of flavonoids.

Effect of Light Environment on Growth and Phenylpropanoids of Yarrow (Achillea collina cv. SPAK) Grown in the Alps

A 2-year field study on the effect of different light environments, obtained by using cladding materials (polyethylene films and shade net) able to cut off specific regions of the photosynthetically active radiation and ultraviolet wavebands, on the growth and phenylpropanoids content of Achillea collina grown in the Alps was conducted. Overall the plant growth was strongly enhanced in the second growing season irrespective of radiation treatment. The light environment did not affect total biomass accumulation, but only carbon allocation to leaves or inflorescences. Indeed the phenylpropanoid levels in inflorescences appeared to be more sensitive to the light environment than leaves as the latter showed high constitutive amounts of these compounds. However, the use of polyethylene films improved to some extent the content of caffeic acid derivatives in leaves. Our results showed that yarrow production, in the alpine situation considered, is influenced by the growing season and the light environment, providing a basis to optimize its quality, depending on the concentration of bioactive compounds, by means of proper agronomic practices.

Secondary metabolites and antioxidant capacities of Waldheimia glabra (Decne.) Regel from Nepal

BACKGROUND

The phenolic content, volatile compound fingerprint and antioxidant capacity of Waldheimia glabra (Decne.) Regel (Asteraceae), a wild plant from the Himalayan mountains used in Sherpa religious rituals and in traditional medicine, were determined for the first time to investigate its suitability as a source of natural antioxidants.

RESULTS

The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of dried and powdered plants from two different altitudes (5000 and 5200 m above sea level) in Khumbu Valley, Nepal were estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical methods respectively. The volatile organic compound (VOC) fingerprints from leafing plants (in vivo and in situ VOC sampling) and from dried plant samples were evaluated by headspace solid phase microextraction. The results indicated that W. glabra was a good source of phenolics with antioxidant properties. A correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity was found (r² = 0.9111). Seychellene, a volatile compound that characterises patchouli oil, was detected for the first time in a species of the Asteraceae family.

CONCLUSION

Waldheimia glabra was proved to be a good source of antioxidants, partially supporting its traditional uses. Further studies aimed at deepening knowledge on W. glabra bioactivity and its possible uses will be of interest, considering the lack of proper scientific awareness regarding these aspects.

Flowers from Kalanchoe pinnata are a Rich Source of T Cell-Suppressive Flavonoids

The chemical composition and immunosuppressive potential of the flowers from Kalanchoe pinnata (Crassulaceae) were investigated. We found that the aqueous flower extract was more active than the leaf extract in inhibiting murine T cell mitogenesis in vitro. Flavonoids isolated from the flower extract were identified and quantitated based on NMR and HPLC-DAD-MS analysis, respectively. Along with quercetin, four quercetin glycosyl conjugates were obtained, including quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, which are described for the first time in K. pinnata. All flavonoids inhibited murine T cell mitogenesis and IL-2 and IL-4 production without cell toxicity. This is the first report on the pharmacological activity of flowers of a Kalanchoe species, which are not used for curative purposes. Our findings show that K. pinnata flowers are a rich source of T-suppressive flavonoids that may be therapeutically useful against inflammatory diseases.

Antioxidant, antihyperuricemic and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of Hyoscyamus reticulatus

CONTEXT

 Xanthine oxidase (XO) is a key enzyme in the pathophysiological homeostasis of hyperuricemia. It catalyzes the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine and then to uric acid, the reaction involves the formation of free radical intermediates and superoxide byproducts.

OBJECTIVES

 This study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant, antihyperuricemic, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory potentials of Hyoscyamus reticulatus L. (Solanaceae) extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 The antioxidant potency was measured using the ABTS•+ scavenging capacity system, which includes Trolox as a standard. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of the extract was quantitated in vitro by measuring the decline in the catalytic rate of xanthine oxidase following incubations with the plant extracts and using xanthine as a substrate. The hypouricemic potential of the extract was evaluated using an in vivo model for hyperuricemia. We tested three different doses of the extract and allopurinol was used as standard antihyperuricemic positive control.

RESULTS

 H. reticulatus aqueous extract exhibited significant antioxidant scavenging properties (533.26 μmol TE/g dry extract weight) and inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase activity (IC₅₀ 12.8 μg/mL). Furthermore, oral administration of the aqueous extract significantly reduced serum urate levels in oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice in a dose-dependent manner.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

 Our results suggest that the aqueous extract of H. reticulatus aerial parts might have great potential as an antioxidant and a hypouricemic agent. Our lab is currently identifying the active compounds in the extract to which the biological activities could be attributed.

Antiulcerogenic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium L.: involvement of the antioxidant system

Achillea millefolium L. is a member of the Asteraceae family that is commonly referred to as "yarrow" and has been used in folk medicine against several disturbances including skin inflammations, spasmodic and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as hepato-biliary complaints.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of a hydroalcoholic extract from the Achillea millefolium (HE) for gastroprotective properties and additional mechanism(s) involved in this activity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Rats were treated with HE and subsequently exposed to both acute gastric lesions induced by ethanol P.A. and chronic gastric ulcers induced by 80% acetic acid. Following treatment, glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed in animals with acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers.

RESULTS

Oral administration of HE (30, 100 and 300mg/kg) inhibited ethanol-induced gastric lesions by 35, 56 and 81%, respectively. Oral treatment with HE (1 and 10mg/kg) reduced the chronic gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid by 43 and 65%, respectively, and promoted significant regeneration of the gastric mucosa after ulcer induction denoting increased cell proliferation, which was confirmed by PCNA immunohistochemistry. HE treatment prevented the reduction of GSH levels and SOD activity after acetic acid-induced gastric lesions. In addition, HE (10mg/kg) inhibited the MPO activity in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate that the antioxidant properties of HE may contribute to the gastroprotective activity of this extract.