Bioactive molecules in Kalanchoe pinnata leaves: extraction, purification, and identification

Kalanchoe tomentosa: Phytochemical Profiling, and Evaluation of Its Biological Activities In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico

In this work, the leaves of K. tomentosa were macerated with hexane, chloroform, and methanol, respectively. The phytochemical profiles of hexane and chloroform extracts were unveiled using GC/MS, whereas the chemical composition of the methanol extract was analyzed using UPLC/MS/MS. The antibacterial activity of extracts was determined against gram-positive and gram-negative strains through the minimal inhibitory concentration assay, and in silico studies were implemented to analyze the interaction of phytoconstituents with bacterial peptides. The antioxidant property of extracts was assessed by evaluating their capacity to scavenge DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 radicals. The toxicity of the extracts was recorded against Artemia salina nauplii and Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes. Results demonstrate that the hexane and chloroform extracts contain phytosterols, triterpenes, and fatty acids, whereas the methanol extract possesses glycosidic derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol together with sesquiterpene lactones. The antibacterial performance of extracts against the cultured strains was appraised as weak due to their MIC90 values (>500 μg/mL). As antioxidants, treatment with extracts executed high and moderate antioxidant activities within the range of 50-300 μg/mL. Extracts did not decrease the viability of A. salina, but they exerted a high toxic effect against C. elegans during exposure to treatment. Through in silico modeling, it was recorded that the flavonoids contained in the methanol extract can hamper the interaction of the NAM/NAG peptide, which is of great interest since it determines the formation of the peptide wall of gram-positive bacteria. This study reports for the first time the biological activities and phytochemical content of extracts from K. tomentosa and proposes a possible antibacterial mechanism of glycosidic derivatives of flavonoids against gram-positive bacteria.

Exploring the Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Profiles of Aqueous Extracts of Kalanchoe

The use of plants for medicinal purposes has a long history, however it is desirable a continuous evaluation seeking for complementary scientific evidences for their safe application. Species within the Kalanchoe genus are often referred to as "miracle leaf" due to their remarkable healing properties. Traditionally, these plants have been used to treat infections, inflammation, and cancer. Despite their widespread use, the identification of their active components remains incomplete. This study aimed to differentiate K. crenata (KC), K. marmorata (KM), and K. pinnata (KP) by conducting detailed histochemical and phytochemical analyses, and to assess their antioxidant capabilities. The investigation revealed significant differences between the species, highlighting the variability in phenolic (PC) and flavonoid contents (FC) and their distinct antioxidant effects. The KM demonstrated the greatest results (PC: 59.26±1.53 mgEqGA/g; FC: 12.63±0.91 mgEqCQ/g; DPPH⋅ (IC50): 110.66 ug/mL; ABTS⋅+ (IC50): 26.81 ug/mL; ORAC: 9.65±0.75 mmolTE) when compared to KC and KP. These findings underscore a new reference for research within the Kalanchoe genus.

A Review of the Popular Uses, Anatomical, Chemical, and Biological Aspects of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae): A Genus of Plants Known as "Miracle Leaf"

Species of the genus Kalanchoe have a long history of therapeutic use in ethnomedicine linked to their remarkable healing properties. Several species have chemical and anatomical similarities, often leading to confusion when they are used in folk medicine. This review aims to provide an overview and discussion of the reported traditional uses, botanical aspects, chemical constituents, and pharmacological potential of the Kalanchoe species. Published scientific materials were collected from the PubMed and SciFinder databases without restriction regarding the year of publication through April 2023. Ethnopharmacological knowledge suggests that these species have been used to treat infections, inflammation, injuries, and other disorders. Typically, all parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes either as crude extract or juice. Botanical evaluation can clarify species differentiation and can enable correct identification and validation of the scientific data. Flavonoids are the most common classes of secondary metabolites identified from Kalanchoe species and can be correlated with some biological studies (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential). This review summarizes several topics related to the Kalanchoe genus, supporting future studies regarding other unexplored research areas. The need to conduct further studies to confirm the popular uses and biological activities of bioactive compounds is also highlighted.

Biological Activities and Chemical Profiles of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi Extracts

In this study, the leaves of Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi were consecutively macerated with hexane, chloroform, and methanol. These extracts were used to assess the bioactivities of the plant. The antimicrobial activity was tested against a panel of Gram-positive and -negative pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains using the microdilution method. The cytotoxicity of K. fedtschenkoi extracts was investigated using human-derived macrophage THP-1 cells through the MTT assay. Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts was studied using the same cell line by measuring the secretion of IL-10 and IL-6. The phytoconstituents of hexane and chloroform extracts were evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to study the phytochemical content of methanol extract. The total flavonoid content (TFC) of methanol extract is also reported. The chemical composition of K. fedtschenkoi extracts was evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results revealed that the chloroform extract inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 150 μg/mL. At the same concentration, methanol extract inhibited the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Regarding their cytotoxicity, the three extracts were highly cytotoxic against the tested cell line at IC50 < 3 μg/mL. In addition, the chloroform extract significantly stimulated the secretion of IL-10 at 50 μg/mL (p < 0.01). GC/MS analyses revealed that hexane and chloroform extracts contain fatty acids, sterols, vitamin E, and triterpenes. The HPLC analysis demonstrated that methanol extract was constituted by quercetin and kaempferol derivatives. This is the first report in which the bioactivities and chemical profiles of K. fedtschenkoi are assessed for non-polar and polar extracts.

Bryophyllum pinnatum and Improvement of Nocturia and Sleep Quality in Women: A Multicentre, Nonrandomised Prospective Trial

Nocturia is a pathologic condition that significantly affects the quality of sleep. The aetiology of nocturia is multifactorial, and the evidence available on its management remains limited. Besides behavioural measures, validated pharmaceutical treatment options exist but are, however, associated with marked side effects. Prospective clinical studies with tablets prepared from the leaf press juice of the plant Bryophyllum pinnatum revealed a tendency towards reduction of micturition in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and several improvements in sleep quality. These observations are in part supported by in vitro and in vivo data. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of Bryophyllum 50% chewable tablets in the treatment of nocturia and associated sleep disorders. Altogether, 49 women with idiopathic OAB and nocturia of ≥2 voids/night were treated with Bryophyllum 50% tablets for 3 weeks (350 mg chewable tablets, dosage 0-0-2-2 oral tablets; WELEDA AG, Arlesheim, Switzerland). Nocturia, voiding volumes at night (ml), quality of life, sleep quality, and daily sleepiness were assessed before and after treatment with a 3-day micturition diary, the International Consultation on Incontinence evaluating overactive bladder and related impact on quality of life (QoL) [ICIQ-OAB], the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), respectively. The age of the study population was 68.5 ± 11.6 y. After treatment, nocturia diminished from 3.2 ± 1.4 to 2.3 ± 1.3 (P  <  0.001) and the PSQI score decreased from 7.7 ± 3.7 to 6.6 ± 3.4 (P=0.004). Urgency, the ICIQ score, and the ESS lowered significantly, and the micturition volume showed a tendency to increase. No serious adverse drug reactions were reported, and compliance was good. The results show a beneficial effect on the nocturnal voids and sleep quality of women with OAB. Bryophyllum 50% tablets can be regarded as a well-tolerated alternative in the treatment of nocturia and broaden the repertoire of standard management.

Gel formulated with Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract promotes skin wound healing in vivo by increasing VEGF expression: A novel potential active ingredient for pharmaceuticals

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Crassulaceae) is used in traditional medicine for treating skin wounds. In our previous study, a topical gel containing B. pinnatum aqueous leaf extract showed a preclinical anti-inflammatory effect in in vivo acute edema models. In continuation, the present study aims to evaluate the phytochemical content and the stability of a formulation in gel containing B. pinnatum aqueous leaf extract and its healing properties and mechanism of action through an experimental model of induction of skin wounds in rats and in vitro assays. The animals were treated topically for 7 or 14 days with a formulation in gel containing extract at 5% or a placebo or Fibrinase^® in cream. In addition, to establish some quality control parameters, the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and a study focusing on the phytochemical and biological stability of a gel for 30 days at two different conditions (room temperature and 40°C/75% RH) were performed. Gel formulation containing extract showed a TPC and TFC of 2.77 ± 0.06 mg of gallic acid/g and 1.58 ± 0.03 mg of quercetin/g, respectively. Regarding the stability study, the formulation in gel showed no significant change in the following parameters: pH, water activity, chromatographic profile, and the content of the major compound identified in the extract. The gel formulation containing extract stimulated skin wound healing while reducing the wound area, as well as decreasing the inflammatory infiltrate, reducing the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, and stimulating angiogenesis with increased expression of VEGF, an effect similar to Fibrinase. In conclusion, the gel formulation containing extract exhibited relevant skin wound healing properties and, therefore, has the potential to be applied as a novel active ingredient for developing wound healing pharmaceuticals.

Potential of Kalanchoe pinnata as a Cancer Treatment Adjuvant and an Epigenetic Regulator

Cancer is a global public health problem that is related to different environmental and lifestyle factors. Although the combination of screening, prevention, and treatment of cancer has resulted in increased patient survival, conventional treatments sometimes have therapeutic limitations such as resistance to drugs or severe side effects. Oriental culture includes herbal medicine as a complementary therapy in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This study aimed to identify the bioactive ingredients in Kalanchoe pinnata, a succulent herb with ethnomedical applications for several diseases, including cancer, and reveal its anticancer mechanisms through a molecular approach. The herb contains gallic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, quercetin, quercitrin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, bersaldegenin, bryophyllin a, bryophyllin c, bryophynol, bryophyllol and bryophollone, stigmasterol, campesterol, and other elements. Its phytochemicals participate in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, angiogenesis, metastasis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. They have the potential to act as epigenetic drugs by reverting the acquired epigenetic changes associated with tumor resistance to therapy-such as the promoter methylation of suppressor genes, inhibition of DNMT1 and DNMT3b activity, and HDAC regulation-through methylation, thereby regulating the expression of genes involved in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Nrf2/Keap1, MEK/ERK, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. All of the data support the use of K. pinnata as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.

In-Vitro Effect of Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Its Main Component, Quercetin against Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis

Background:

Parasitic infections represent one of the main public health problems in humans according to the WHO. Therefore, the need has arisen to find new treatments that can be used as an alternative cure to parasitosis. We aimed to investigate the in-vitro effects of the methanolic extract of Kalanchoe daigremontiana as well as its main component, quercetin against Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis.

Methods:

For this purpose, the in-vitro activity of the methanol extract of K. daigremontiana also its main component, quercetin, against trophozoites of E. histolytica and T. vaginalis was evaluated, using the microassay technique. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was determined. Finally, the cytotoxic and cytoprotective capacity was determined using the hemolysis technique.

Results:

The IC₅₀ indicated that quercetin significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the growth rate of the trophozoite stage of E. histolytica and T. vaginalis in comparison to the methanolic extract of K. daigremontiana (KalL). Also, quercetin significantly (P < 0.05) was a better antioxidant as compared with the positive control. In the evaluation of cytotoxicity effects, it could be observed that KalL as compared with quercetin exhibited more cytotoxicity against human erythrocytes. Quercetin significantly (P < 0.001) exhibited better cytoprotective activity compared to KalL.

Conclusion:

Both K. daigremontiana methanolic extract and quercetin alone demonstrated high antiparasitic activity against E. histolytica and T. vaginalis. However, the in-vivo efficacy of K. daigremontiana and quercetin also requires to be evaluated using an animal model.

Development of Hinoline® as a natural preservative for cosmetic product using bioinspiration and Greenpharma Database

AIMS

The cosmetic industry needs new preservatives that are effective, natural, safe, cost effective, sustainable and compliant with regulatory standards. This necessity has posed challenges requiring obligations, bioinformatics and bioinspiration as driving forces.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty natural extracts were selected from the Greenpharma Database with parameter filters corresponding to development constraints and antimicrobial properties. We confirmed using minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) assays that eight of the extracts have good bactericidal properties and that one has a high antifungal activity. The latter was purified hinokitiol, a bioproduct from Aomori Hiba wood. This substance provides high resistance against putrefaction; for instance, old Japanese temples were made of Aomori Hiba wood. The combination of hinokitiol with levulinic acid, another bioproduct, demonstrated complementary antimicrobial activities and synergistic effects in MIC studies and measurements according to Kull synergy index. Further, the mixture Hinoline® was tested at 2% in challenge tests and fulfilled criteria A of different standards. It also exerted complementary preservative effects with potassium sorbate and beneficial effects in unbalanced skin microbiota.

CONCLUSION

Hinoline, a new effective preservative from renewable bioresources, was developed.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study accelerates the development of a preservative solution for cosmetics selected from Greenpharma Database, through bioinspiration and the identification of cost-effective investments and resources.

Secure and Sustainable Sourcing of Plant Tissues for the Exhaustive Exploration of Their Chemodiversity

The main challenge of plant chemical diversity exploration is how to develop tools to study exhaustively plant tissues. Their sustainable sourcing is a limitation as bioguided strategies and dereplication need quite large amounts of plant material. We examine if alternative solutions could overcome these difficulties by obtaining a secure, sustainable, and scalable source of tissues able to biosynthesize an array of metabolites. As this approach would be as independent of the botanical origin as possible, we chose eight plant species from different families. We applied a four steps culture establishment procedure, monitoring targeted compounds through mass spectrometry-based analytical methods. We also characterized the capacities of leaf explants in culture to produce diverse secondary metabolites. In vitro cultures were successfully established for six species with leaf explants still producing a diversity of compounds after the culture establishment procedure. Furthermore, explants from leaves of axenic plantlets were also analyzed. The detection of marker compounds was confirmed after six days in culture for all tested species. Our results show that the first stage of this approach aiming at easing exploration of plant chemodiversity was completed, and leaf tissues could offer an interesting alternative providing a constant source of natural compounds.

From Ethnomedicine to Plant Biotechnology and Machine Learning: The Valorization of the Medicinal Plant Bryophyllum sp

The subgenus Bryophyllum includes about 25 plant species native to Madagascar, and is widely used in traditional medicine worldwide. Different formulations from Bryophyllum have been employed for the treatment of several ailments, including infections, gynecological disorders, and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, neurological and neoplastic diseases. Two major families of secondary metabolites have been reported as responsible for these bioactivities: phenolic compounds and bufadienolides. These compounds are found in limited amounts in plants because they are biosynthesized in response to different biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, novel approaches should be undertaken with the aim of achieving the phytochemical valorization of Bryophyllum sp., allowing a sustainable production that prevents from a massive exploitation of wild plant resources. This review focuses on the study of phytoconstituents reported on Bryophyllum sp.; the application of plant tissue culture methodology as a reliable tool for the valorization of bioactive compounds; and the application of machine learning technology to model and optimize the full phytochemical potential of Bryophyllum sp. As a result, Bryophyllum species can be considered as a promising source of plant bioactive compounds, with enormous antioxidant and anticancer potential, which could be used for their large-scale biotechnological exploitation in cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Biological activities of leaf extracts from selected Kalanchoe species and their relationship with bufadienolides content

CONTEXT

Kalanchoe species (Crassulaceae) are widely used in traditional medicine as remedies in infectious diseases and cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE

Cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet & H. Perrier, K. pinnata (Lam.) Pers., and K. blossfeldiana Poelln. extracts were determined. The relationship between biological activities and the extracts bufadienolides content was also investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fresh leaves of Kalanchoe species were macerated with 95% ethanol or water. The quantitative analysis of bufadienolides in the extracts was carried out with mass spectrometry. Cytotoxicity tests were performed on human cancer cell lines - HeLa, SKOV-3, MCF-7, and A375 by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and Real-Time Cell Analysis system. The microbiological study was done using a few bacteria strains (β-hemolytic Streptococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus hirae, Escherichia coli) and Candida albicans.

RESULTS

The K. blossfeldiana ethanol extract and K. daigremontiana water extract exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀ < 19 µg/mL for HeLa and SKOV-3 cells). The strongest antibacterial effects showed ethanol extract of K. blossfeldiana and K. pinnata (MIC values were 8.45, 8.45, 0.25 and <33.75 µg/mL for S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and E. hirae, respectively). The highest total amount of bufadienolides was in K. daigremontiana ethanol extract. In contrast, K. blossfeldiana ethanol extract did not show the presence of these compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana ethanol extract is a potential candidate for cancer and bacterial infection treatment. Additionally, the biological effects of Kalanchoe extracts are not dependent on the presence and amount of bufadienolides in the plant extracts.

Bryophyllum pinnatum markers: CPC isolation, simultaneous quantification by a validated UPLC-DAD method and biological evaluations

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken (Crassulaceae) is widely used as leaf juice or extracts in traditional medicine all over tropical areas, especially in Brazil, to relieve inflammation-associated symptoms. Flavonol glycosides with unusual sugar moiety are among the major metabolites. Nevertheless, there are not enough quality control studies that can contribute to authentication of B. pinnatum and determination of their markers. As it is also used as medicinal plant in several countries, it is necessary to provide data related to safety, efficacy and quality. In this context, this work aims to isolate the major flavonoids from B. pinnatum hydroethanolic extract, to validate a method to quantify the content of chemical markers and to evaluate their xanthine oxidase inhibition and antioxidant activity. The extract was submitted to centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). The solvents system CyHex-EtOAc-EtOH-H₂O, 0.5:9:3:5.5, v/v/v/v was selected by shake-flask method. Four flavonoids (quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (3) and kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4)) were isolated in a single and fast CPC run and their structures were confirmed by NMR analysis. An UPLC-DAD quantification method was established for the first time with validation of required parameters, according to RDC 166/2017. The calibration curves were linear with correlation coefficient ranging from 0.9996 to 0.9997 while the values of LOD (0.0077-1.984 ng.mL^-1), LOQ (0.0263-6.012 ng.mL^-1), recovery (≥ 80.7 %) and inter-day (%RSD ≤ 3.581) and intra-day precision (%RSD ≤ 2.628) were satisfactory. Quantitative analysis of these compounds showed that the proportion of 1, 2 and 3 were 2.43, 0.25 and 0.33 % (24.3 mg.g^-1, 0.25 mg.g^-1 and 0.33 mg.g^-1 of extract), respectively. Moreover, in vitro xanthine oxidase (XO), DPPH and ABTS inhibition were evaluated for the extract and the major flavonoids. Compounds 2 (168 μM) and 3 (124 μM) moderately inhibited XO, while compounds 1 and 3 displayed average radical scavenging activity. In conclusion, our results suggest the flavonoid 1 as a specific marker which may be used for quality control of B. pinnatum hydroethanolic leaves extract.

Vitamin C and aroma composition of fresh leaves from Kalanchoe pinnata and Kalanchoe daigremontiana

Species of kalanchoe are rich in bioactive compounds and are widely used in folk medicine; however, these plants are not well known from the point of view of aroma. Two species, Kalanchoe pinnata and Kalanchoe daigremontiana, were examined after six months and two years of growth and their vitamin C content, succulence, and aroma composition were determined. The efficiency of juice extraction was highest (72%) for the leaves of K. daigremontiana after six months of growth. The concentration of vitamin C was highest in juices from two-year-old plants and much higher in the juice of K. pinnata (81 mg/100 g). SPME/GC/MS analysis identified 32 aroma components, considering those with the spectrum similarity over 75%. The main components were furan-2-ethyl, hexanal, 2-hexenal, 2,4-hexadienal, 1-octen-3-ol, nonanal. The quantitative relations of these compounds were somewhat different in the two species. The most dominant component, 2-hexenal, is responsible for the green-like aroma noted by the sensory panel.

Chemical Composition and Cytotoxicity of Kalanchoe pinnata Leaves Extracts prepared using Accelerated System Extraction (ASE)

Kalanchoe pinnata (Crassulaceae) is a medicinal plant distributed in several areas of the World. Their leaves have been used, in folk medicine, for anxiety and sleep disorders among other proposes. Chemically, this plant is composed by organic acids, flavonoids, bufadienolides, triterpenoids and some ubiquitous compounds. In this study, the fresh leaves of K. pinnata were extracted in an accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) system using H2O (cold and hot) as well as with EtOH:H2O 1:1. The obtained crude extracts were analyzed by HPLC-UV-MS. As a result, were identified organic acids and flavonoids, these being quercetin-3- O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, kaempferol-3- O-α-L-arabinopiranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, quercitrin, and trans- p-coumaryl glutaric acid the main compounds in the studied extracts. Obtained results revealed the predominance of flavonoids in extracts prepared using hot H2O (70 26 α 2.19%) or EtOH:H2O 1:1 (74.65 α 5.39%) while a reduction in the amount of these compounds was observed in the extracts prepared using cold H2O (54.41 α 2.93%). Additionally, crude extracts from leaves of K. pinnata extracted with hot H2O and EtOH:H2O 1:1 showed in vitro cytotoxicity on five tested cancer cell lines: murine melanoma (B16F10), human melanoma (A2058), human cervical carcinoma (HeLa), human leukemia (HL-60), and human glioblastoma (U87-MG), with IC50 values in the range of 10.6 α 2.5-91.3 α 7.2 μg/mL. On the other hand, the extract prepared using cold H2O displayed reduced potential. These crude extracts were also tested against human foreskin fibroblasts (non-tumorigenic cells) showing IC50 values ranging from 79.5 to 90.2 μg/mL. In conclusion, our results showed the impact that different extraction methods have on the chemical composition and pharmacological activity, which are notable for the anticancer activity associated to flavonoids.

Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of 3-O- (β-d-glycopyranosyl)-sn-glycerols and their evaluation as preservative in cosmetics

d-Glycopyranosyl glycerols are common natural products and exhibit strong biological properties, notably as moisturizing agents in cosmetics. Their chemical synthesis remains tedious thus decreasing their potential industrial and economic development, as well as the study of their structure-function relationships. In this work, the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of three enantiopure 3-O-(β-d-glycopyranosyl)-sn-glycerols was efficiently performed using an original glycosidase from Dictyoglomus thermophilum and their preservatives properties were assessed using a challenge test method. Amongst them, the 3-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-sn-glycerol exhibited a specific anti-fungus activity.

Bufadienolides of Kalanchoe species: an overview of chemical structure, biological activity and prospects for pharmacological use

Toad venom is regarded as the main source of bufadienolides; however, synthesis of these substances takes also place in a variety of other animal and plant organisms, including ethnomedicinal plants of the Kalanchoe genus. Chemically, bufadienolides are a group of polyhydroxy C-24 steroids and their glycosides, containing a six-membered lactone (α-pyrone) ring at the C-17β position. From the pharmacological point of view, bufadienolides might be a promising group of steroid hormones with cardioactive properties and anticancer activity. Most of the literature concerns bufadienolides of animal origin; however, the medicinal use of these compounds remains limited by their narrow therapeutic index and the risk of development of cardiotoxic effects. On the other hand, plants such as Kalanchoe are also a source of bufadienolides. Kalanchoe pinnata (life plant, air plant, cathedral bells), Kalanchoe daigremontiana (mother of thousands) and other Kalanchoe species are valuable herbs in traditional medicine of Asia and Africa. The present review focuses on the available data on chemical structures of 31 compounds, biological properties and prospects for therapeutic use of bufadienolides from Kalanchoe species. Furthermore, it presents some new investigational trends in research on curative uses of these substances.

Immunomodulating and Revascularizing Activity of Kalanchoe pinnata Synergize with Fungicide Activity of Biogenic Peptide Cecropin P1

Previously transgenic Kalanchoe pinnata plants producing an antimicrobial peptide cecropin P1 (CecP1) have been reported. Now we report biological testing K. pinnata extracts containing CecP1 as a candidate drug for treatment of wounds infected with Candida albicans. The drug constitutes the whole juice from K. pinnata leaves (not ethanol extract) sterilized with nanofiltration. A microbicide activity of CecP1 against an animal fungal pathogen in vivo was demonstrated for the first time. However, a favorable therapeutic effect of the transgenic K. pinnata extract was attributed to a synergism between the fungicide activity of CecP1 and wound healing (antiscar), revascularizing, and immunomodulating effect of natural biologically active components of K. pinnata. A commercial fungicide preparation clotrimazole eliminated C. albicans cells within infected wounds in rats with efficiency comparable to CecP1-enriched K. pinnata extract. But in contrast to K. pinnata extract, clotrimazole did not exhibit neither wound healing activity nor remodeling of the scar matrix. Taken together, our results allow assumption that CecP1-enriched K. pinnata extracts should be considered as a candidate drug for treatment of dermatomycoses, wounds infected with fungi, and bedsores.

Bactericide, Immunomodulating, and Wound Healing Properties of Transgenic Kalanchoe pinnata Synergize with Antimicrobial Peptide Cecropin P1 In Vivo

Procedure of manufacturing K. pinnata water extracts containing cecropin P1 (CecP1) from the formerly described transgenic plants is established. It included incubation of leaves at +4°C for 7 days, mechanical homogenization of leaves using water as extraction solvent, and heating at +70°C for inactivating plant enzymes. Yield of CecP1 (after heating and sterilizing filtration) was 0.3% of total protein in the extract. The water extract of K. pinnata + CecP1 exhibits favorable effect on healing of wounds infected with S. aureus (equal to Cefazolin) and with a combination of S. aureus with P. aeruginosa (better than Cefazolin). Wild-type K. pinnata extract exhibited evident microbicide activity against S. aureus with P. aeruginosa but it was substantially strengthened in K. pinnata + CecP1 extract. K. pinnata extracts (both wild-type and transgenic) did not exhibit general toxicity and accelerated wound recovery. Due to immunomodulating activity, wild-type K. pinnata extract accelerated granulation of the wound bed and marginal epithelialization even better than K. pinnata + CecP1 extract. Immunomodulating and microbicide activity of K. pinnata synergizes with microbicide activity of CecP1 accelerating elimination of bacteria.

Antioxidant efficacy of Kalanchoe daigremontiana bufadienolide-rich fraction in blood plasma in vitro

CONTEXT

The main source of bufadienolides is toad venom; however, plants such as members of Kalanchoe Adans. (Crassulaceae) genus may also synthesize these bioactive substances.

OBJECTIVE

This is the first study on antioxidant effects and cytotoxicity of bufadienolide-rich fraction isolated from Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet & H. Perrier.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The methanolic fraction was extracted from the plant roots and contained 0.48 mg bufadienolides/mg of dry mass (11α,19-dihydroksytelocinobufagin, bersaldegenin-1-acetate, bersaldegenin-1,3,5-orthoacetate, 19-(acetyloxy)-3β,5β,11α,14-tetrahydroxyl-12-oxo-bufa-20,22-dienolide and 19-(acetyloxy)-1β,3β,5β,14-tetrahydroxyl-bufa-20,22-dienolide, mainly). The cytotoxicity of K. daigremontiana fraction was evaluated in an in vitro experimental model of blood platelets. The viability of blood platelets was determined on the basis of a release of lactate dehydrogenase.

RESULTS

The fraction scavenged DPPH^• radicals, with EC₅₀ of 21.80 μg/mL. Studies on an experimental model of blood plasma under peroxynitrite-induced oxidative stress revealed that the plant preparation had moderate antioxidant properties. Levels of 3-nitrotyrosine and thiol groups indicated that the protective effect of K. daigremontiana was significant mainly for its concentration of 50 μg/mL. No effect was found in prevention of oxidation of low-molecular plasma thiols (glutathione, cysteine and cysteinylglycine). Simultaneously, measurements of lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) indicated that the examined fraction might be effective antioxidant at broader concentration range, that is 1-5 and 25-50 μg/mL for hydroperoxides and TBARS generation, respectively. No cytotoxicity was observed at the concentration range of 1-50 μg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the obtained results, we suggest that antioxidant activity may additionally contribute to beneficial properties of K. daigremontiana-derived extracts.

Fast Centrifugal Partition Chromatography Fractionation of Concentrated Agave (Agave salmiana) Sap to Obtain Saponins with Apoptotic Effect on Colon Cancer Cells

Separation of potentially bioactive components from foods and plant extracts is one of the main challenges for their study. Centrifugal partition chromatography has been a successful technique for the screening and identification of molecules with bioactive potential, such as steroidal saponins. Agave is a source of steroidal saponins with anticancer potential, though the activity of these compounds in concentrated agave sap has not been yet explored. In this study, fast centrifugal partition chromatography (FCPC) was used coupled with in vitro tests on HT-29 cells as a screening procedure to identify apoptotic saponins from an acetonic extract of concentrated agave sap. The three most bioactive fractions obtained by FCPC at partition coefficients between 0.23 and 0.4 contained steroidal saponins, predominantly magueyoside b. Flow cytometry analysis determined that the fraction rich in kammogenin and manogenin glycosides induced apoptosis, but when gentrogenin and hecogenin glycosides were also found in the fraction, a necrotic effect was observed. In conclusion, this study provides the evidence that steroidal saponins in concentrated agave sap were potential inductors of apoptosis and that it was possible to separate them using fast centrifugal partition chromatography.

Sleep Quality Improves During Treatment With Bryophyllum pinnatum: An Observational Study on Cancer Patients

HYPOTHESIS

Cancer patients frequently suffer from poor sleep quality. Bryophyllum pinnatum is a herbal medication used in anthroposophic medicine, which has been shown to be associated with improvements in sleep quality during pregnancy with only few and minor or moderate side-effects reported. In this study, the sleep quality of cancer patients during treatment with B pinnatum was investigated.

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective, observational study, cancer patients suffering from sleep problems were treated with B pinnatum (350 mg tablets, corresponding to 50% of leaf pressed juice [Weleda AG, Arlesheim, Switzerland], dosage at physician's consideration, but most frequently 2 tablets with evening meal and 2 before going to bed).

METHODS

Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), daily sleepiness (Epworth Sleeping Scale [ESS]), and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS]) were assessed at the beginning of the treatment and after 3 weeks. Possible adverse drug reactions perceived by the patients during the treatment were recorded. From the 28 recruited patients, 20 completed both questionnaires and were considered in the present analysis. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation.

RESULTS

Patients were 61 ± 10.4 years old and the majority were female (17 out of 20). During treatment with B pinnatum, the PSQI decreased from 12.2 ± 3.62 to 9.1 ± 3.61 (P < .01), and ESS changed from 8.4 ± 3.18 to 7.1 ± 3.98 (P < .05). There was no change in FSS. The treatment was well tolerated by the majority of patients, with only 6 patients reporting discomfort that might have been caused by B pinnatum (fatigue n = 3, dry throat n = 1, agitation n = 1, difficult digestion n = 1). No serious adverse drug reactions were detected.

CONCLUSION

B pinnatum may be a suitable treatment for sleep problems of cancer patients. Controlled, randomized clinical trials of the use of B pinnatum in sleep disorders are urgently needed.

Countercurrent Separation of Natural Products: An Update

This work assesses the current instrumentation, method development, and applications in countercurrent chromatography (CCC) and centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), collectively referred to as countercurrent separation (CCS). The article provides a critical review of the CCS literature from 2007 since our last review (J. Nat. Prod. 2008, 71, 1489-1508), with a special emphasis on the applications of CCS in natural products research. The current state of CCS is reviewed in regard to three continuing topics (instrumentation, solvent system development, theory) and three new topics (optimization of parameters, workflow, bioactivity applications). The goals of this review are to deliver the necessary background with references for an up-to-date perspective of CCS, to point out its potential for the natural product scientist, and thereby to induce new applications in natural product chemistry, metabolome, and drug discovery research involving organisms from terrestrial and marine sources.

A New Triglycosyl Flavonoid Isolated from Leaf Juice of Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri (Crassulaceae)

Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri R. Hamet & H. Perrier (Crassulaceae) is a succulent species empirically used as a vaginal contraceptive as well as to heal genitourinary infections. A phytochemical study of leaf juice prepared from specimens collected in the flowering season resulted in the isolation of the new flavonoid quercetin 3- O-α-rhamnopyranoside-7- O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, as well as the already known 6- C-β-D-glucopyranosyl-8- C-β-D-glucopyranosylapigenin (vicenin-2). The NMR spectra of this flavonoid at room temperature exhibited broad and duplicated signals, suggesting the existence of rotameric conformers, which was confirmed by coalescence of the signals at 40°C. The structural elucidation was based on 1H and 13C NMR (HMQC and HMBC) analyses and MS data. This is the first report of a C-glycosyl flavonoid (vicenin-2) in the Crassulaceae family. Additionally, this is the first study in which atropoisomerism has been shown for vicenin-2.

Sleep quality in pregnancy during treatment with Bryophyllum pinnatum: an observational study

INTRODUCTION

Poor sleep quality in pregnancy is frequent. A treatment with sedatives is problematic due to possible adverse effects for mother and embryo/foetus. In the present study, we investigated the sedative effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum, a phytotherapeutic medication used in anthroposophic medicine. In previous clinical studies on its tocolytic effect, B. pinnatum showed a good risk/benefit ratio for mother and child. A recent analysis of the prescribing pattern for B. pinnatum in a network of anthroposophic physicians revealed sleep disorders as one of the most frequent diagnoses for which these preparations are prescribed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective, multi-centre, observational study, pregnant women suffering from sleep problems were treated with B. pinnatum (350mg tablets, 50% leaf press juice, Weleda AG, Arlesheim, dosage at physician's consideration). Sleep quality, daily sleepiness and fatigue were assessed with the aid of standardised questionnaires, at the beginning of the treatment and after 2 weeks. Possible adverse drug reactions perceived by the patients during the treatment were recorded.

RESULTS

The number of wake-ups, as well as the subjective quality of sleep was significantly improved at the end of the treatment with B. pinnatum. The Epworth Sleeping Scale decreased, indicating a decrease of the tiredness during the day. There was, however, no evidence for prolongation of the sleep duration, reduction in the time to fall asleep, as well as change in the Fatigue Severity Scale after B. pinnatum. No serious adverse drug reactions were detected.

CONCLUSION

B. pinnatum is a suitable treatment of sleep problems in pregnancy. The data of this study encourage further clinical investigations on the use of B. pinnatum in sleep disorders.

Increased antioxidant activity and changes in phenolic profile of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamarck) Persoon (Crassulaceae) specimens grown under supplemental blue light

Antioxidant compounds protect plants against oxidative stress caused by environmental conditions. Different light qualities, such as UV-A radiation and blue light, have shown positive effects on the production of phenols in plants. Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamarck) Persoon (Crassulaceae) is used for treating wounds and inflammations. Some of these beneficial effects are attributed to the antioxidant activity of plant components. We investigated the effects of blue light and UV-A radiation supplementation on the total phenol content, antioxidant activity and chromatographic profile of aqueous extracts from leaves of K. pinnata. Monoclonal plants were grown under white light, white plus blue light and white plus UV-A radiation. Supplemental blue light improved the antioxidant activity and changed the phenolic profile of the extracts. Analysis by HPLC of supplemental blue-light plant extracts revealed a higher proportion of the major flavonoid quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl (1→2) α-L-rhamnopyranoside, as well as the presence of a wide variety of other phenolic substances. These findings may explain the higher antioxidant activity observed for this extract. Blue light is proposed as a supplemental light source in the cultivation of K. pinnata, to improve its antioxidant activity.

Anticancer property of Bryophyllum pinnata (Lam.) Oken. leaf on human cervical cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Bryophyllum pinnata (B. pinnata) is a common medicinal plant used in traditional medicine of India and of other countries for curing various infections, bowel diseases, healing wounds and other ailments. However, its anticancer properties are poorly defined. In view of broad spectrum therapeutic potential of B. pinnata we designed a study to examine anti-cancer and anti-Human Papillomavirus (HPV) activities in its leaf extracts and tried to isolate its active principle.

METHODS

A chloroform extract derived from a bulk of botanically well-characterized pulverized B. pinnata leaves was separated using column chromatography with step- gradient of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. Fractions were characterized for phyto-chemical compounds by TLC, HPTLC and NMR and Biological activity of the fractions were examined by MTT-based cell viability assay, Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay, Northern blotting and assay of apoptosis related proteins by immunoblotting in human cervical cancer cells.

RESULTS

Results showed presence of growth inhibitory activity in the crude leaf extracts with IC50 at 552 μg/ml which resolved to fraction F4 (Petroleum Ether: Ethyl Acetate:: 50:50) and showed IC50 at 91 μg/ml. Investigations of anti-viral activity of the extract and its fraction revealed a specific anti-HPV activity on cervical cancer cells as evidenced by downregulation of constitutively active AP1 specific DNA binding activity and suppression of oncogenic c-Fos and c-Jun expression which was accompanied by inhibition of HPV18 transcription. In addition to inhibiting growth, fraction F4 strongly induced apoptosis as evidenced by an increased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, suppression of the anti-apoptotic molecules Bcl-2, and activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP-1. Phytochemical analysis of fraction F4 by HPTLC and NMR indicated presence of activity that resembled Bryophyllin A.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study therefore demonstrates presence of anticancer and anti-HPV an activity in B. pinnata leaves that can be further exploited as a potential anticancer, anti-HPV therapeutic for treatment of HPV infection and cervical cancer.

Leaf press juice from Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lamarck) Oken induces myometrial relaxation

AIMS

The use of preparations from Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lamarck) Oken (Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamarck) Persoon) in tocolysis is supported by clinical evidence. We studied here the effect of B. pinnatum leaf press juice and its chemical fractions on the response of human myometrial strips. No data are available if the influence on myometrial strips of the juice differs from that of its components in the chemical fractions, in order to increase the pharmacological effect.

METHODOLOGY

In vitro study to test the effect of repeated addition of B. pinnatum leaf press juice (BPJ) and its chemical components in several dilutions (undiluted, 1-10%) on myometrium strips hang up in a myograph chamber. Chemical analysis is including HPLC, MPLC with Sephadex LH-20 and TLC.

RESULTS

All test solutions are inhibiting contractility by reducing the amplitude and the area under the curve (AUC) of the contractions. Undiluted BPJ and its undiluted chemical fraction 4 are reducing most effective these two parameters: the amplitude was at 78% of the baseline (95% CI (77-89); p<0.05) at the second addition of the BPJ and at 70% (95% CI (50-90); p<0.05) of the first addition of fraction 4; the AUC was at 82% (95% CI (69-95); p<0.05) of the baseline at the first addition of the press juice and at 51% (95% CI (27-74); p<0.05) at the first addition of fraction 4. The BPJ decreased amplitude and AUC significantly faster and increased frequency significantly faster than the control. Fractions could be tentatively assigned to bufadienolids, flavonoids and cinnamic acids. Fraction 4, accounted for flavonoids, increased the frequency of the contractions most effectively: 557% of the baseline (95% CI (316-797); p<0.05) at the first addition.

CONCLUSION

Leaf juice of B. pinnatum and its flavonoid fraction are most effective in relaxing myometrial strips by inducing frequency.

FBAT-SNP-PC: an approach for multiple markers and single trait in family-based association tests

OBJECTIVE

Develop a new test for family-based association studies and continuous traits that incorporates power- enhancing techniques from two existing testing strategies.

METHODS

The new procedure initiates with an extraction of the relevant information from the variability of the genotypes and an assessment of the approximate individual markers effects and their directions. This information is incorporated in the construction of the actual test statistic through a selection of a data-determined number of optimal linear combinations of the offspring genotypes which, in a power enhancing step, are consequently combined into a single degree of freedom test. We conduct a comparison simulation study in which the performance of the new test is contrasted with the test that is currently known to offer the highest overall power, FBAT-LC.

RESULTS

The new test has an overall performance very similar to that of FBAT-LC but attains higher power in candidate genes with lower average pairwise correlations and moderate to high allele frequencies with large gains (up to 80%) for some of the analyzed genes possessing the above-mentioned characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The new test is a promising tool for candidate gene studies with substantial power gains for genes that are characterized by SNPs with low mean pairwise correlation.