The Prangos genus: a comprehensive review on traditional use, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities

Recent Progress on Prangos (Apiaceae) Species Used in Traditional Herbal Medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants have been used for a long time in traditional medicine to treat many diseases. The genus Prangos belongs to the Apiaceae family and has various medicinal and aromatic species. Since ancient times, Prangos species have been employed extensively in traditional medicine for different purposes and are especially popular for their aphrodisiac effects.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The goal of this paper is to represent a systematic review of the species in the genus Prangos, including their botanical characteristics, uses in traditional medicine, phytochemical constituents, the composition of the essential oils produced, and the biological properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The articles and keywords regarding traditional uses and bioactivities of Prangos species were evaluated using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Use of the World Flora Online (WFO) - The Plant List, The International Plant Names Index, the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (2024), and ChemDraw Professional helped complete this compilation.

RESULTS

Phytochemical investigations have indicated that coumarins are characteristic constituents of Prangos species, especially prenylated and furanocoumarins, and also flavonoids, terpenoids, and phytosterols occur in this genus. In addition, the essential oils of these plants have been examined. The biological properties of the Prangos species seem worthy of further investigation. Also, some information about the toxicity of these species and their use as ingredients in food products is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the evaluation of traditional knowledge, phytochemical profiles, biological activities, and potential uses of Prangos species as foods and spices. Many pharmacological activities have been performed related to their traditional uses, but frequently, the exact mechanism of action remains scientifically unproven. This review has compiled data on the phytochemistry, the active secondary metabolites, the biological properties, and recent advances in Prangos species.

Two new eudesmane-type sesquiterpene derivatives from Lecokia cretica (Lam.) DC

Two new sesquiterpene glucosides, 1α,6β,9β-trihydroxy-eudesm-4(15)-en-1,6-O-β-diglucopyranoside (1) and 1α,6β,9β-trihydroxy-eudesm-3-en-1,6-O-β-diglucopyranoside (2) were obtained along with the 1α,6β,9β-trihydroxy-5,10-bis-epi-eudesm-3-en-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), chlorogenic acid (4), luteolin 7-O-rutinoside (5) and luteolin 7-O- glucoside (6) from the whole plant parts of Lecokia cretica. Their structures were determined on the basis of 1 D, 2 D NMR and HRMS analyses. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of compounds 1-3 against human lung cancer cells (A549) and normal human lung cells (BEAS-2B) was determined using the MTT colorimetric assay. All the tested eudesmane derivatives were found to be inactive.

Biological Activities and Chemical Compositions of Prangos platychlaena Boiss. Essential Oil and Fractions, Multivariate Statistical Analyses

In this research, essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts of Prangos platychlaena Boiss. by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, separated into fractions having different polarities by column chromatography. Both essential oil and the fractions were analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS simultaneously. Nona-3,5-diyne-2-yl acetate (46%) and 3,5-nonadiyne (13.5%) were found to be the main constituents of the essential oil. While the main components of the n-hexane fraction were characterized as 3,5-nonadiyne (45.6%) and germacrene B (16.4%), the major components of the methanol fraction were found to be nona-3,5-diyne-2-yl acetate (59.6%) and 3,5-nonadiyne-2-ol (25.9%). In addition, principal multivariate statistical analyses were performed with principal component analyses and Venn diagram calculations, utilizing chemical compositions of the essential oil and the fractions. Furthermore, in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil and the fractions were evaluated to correlate the chemical composition with the biological activity, and to the best of our knowledge, this study was performed for the first time in this aspect. LOX inhibitions of the essential oil, n-hexane, and methanol fractions were determined to be 70.98 ± 1.7, 67.10 ± 2.5, and 50.11 ± 4.8%, respectively. Preliminary initial findings of this study will be extended in the future with new biological assays.

Exploring the Biological and Phytochemical Potential of Jordan's Flora: A Review and Update of Eight Selected Genera from Mediterranean Region

Jordan's flora is known for its rich diversity, with a grand sum of 2978 plant species that span 142 families and 868 genera across four different zones. Eight genera belonging to four different plant families have been recognized for their potential natural medicinal properties within the Mediterranean region. These genera include Chrysanthemum L., Onopordum Vaill. Ex. L., Phagnalon Cass., and Senecio L. from the Asteraceae family, in addition to Clematis L. and Ranunculus L. from the Ranunculaceae family, Anchusa L. from the Boraginaceae family, and Eryngium L. from the Apiaceae family. The selected genera show a wide variety of secondary metabolites with encouraging pharmacological characteristics including antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, and neuroprotective actions. Further research on these genera and their extracts will potentially result in the formulation of novel and potent natural pharmaceuticals. Overall, Jordan's rich flora provides a valuable resource for exploring and discovering new plant-based medicines.

Deciphering the chemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of Prangos pabularia Lindl. using LC-MS/MS in combination with experimental evaluation and computational studies

This study meticulously explores the antimicrobial potential of Prangos pabularia Lindl.'s aerial parts through a comprehensive blend of in vitro and in silico analysis. Extracts with varying polarities underwent LC-MS/MS identification of active components, followed by in vitro and in silico assessments of antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida paropsilosis. The methanolic extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity with a MIC value of 48 μg/mL against all tested strains. Molecular docking revealed the compound 9-(3-methylbut-2-enoxy)-furo-(3,2-g)-chromen-7-one's highest binding affinity against the penicillin-binding protein (PBP) bacterial drug target molecule. Other compounds also displayed substantial interactions with key antimicrobial drug target proteins. Further, Molecular dynamics simulations affirmed the stability of protein and ligand conformations. Collectively, these results underscore Prangos pabularia Lindl.'s aerial parts as a promising botanical resource in combating diverse microbial infections. This comprehensive approach not only validates it's in vitro antimicrobial properties but also provides molecular insights into interaction mechanisms, advancing our comprehension of the plant's therapeutic potential.

Chemical Analysis and Investigation of Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities of Prangos trifida (Apiaceae)

Plants of the genus Prangos are intensively investigated as potential new sources of bioactive isolated products. In this work, the chemical composition of volatile constituents (essential oils and headspace volatiles) and dichloromethane extracts, as well as antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of essential oils and MFDEs (methanol fractions of dichloromethane extracts) of Prangos trifida from Serbia, were investigated. Volatiles of roots, leaves, stems and fruits, and fatty acids and phytosterols in dichloromethane extracts of roots and fruits were analyzed by GC-FID-MS, whereas coumarins in MFDEs by LC-MS and some isolated coumarins by 1H-NMR. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations/minimum fungicidal concentrations (MBCs/MFCs) of essential oils and MFDEs were determined against 13 microorganisms. Antibiofilm activity was assessed against four microorganisms. Additionally, congo red and ergosterol binding assays were conducted to elucidate selected mechanisms of antibiofilm action in the case of Candida albicans. Total of 52 volatile constituents, 16 fatty acids, eight phytosterols and 10 coumarins were identified. Essential oils demonstrated significant activity, surpassing that of commercial food preservatives, against six tested molds from the Aspergillus, Penicillium and Trichoderma genera, as well as against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Most of the oils strongly inhibited the formation of biofilms by S. aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. MFDEs exhibited noteworthy effects against B. cereus and the tested Aspergillus species, particularly A. niger, and significantly inhibited C. albicans biofilm formation. This inhibition was linked to a marked reduction in exopolysaccharide production, while antifungal mechanisms associated with ergosterol remained unaffected.

Mechanisms of anti-ulcer actions of Prangos pabularia (L.) in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Peptic ulcer disease is the greatest digestive disorder that has increased incidence and recurrence rates across all nations. Prangos pabularia (L.) has been well documented as a folkloric medicinal herb utilized for multiple disease conditions including gastric ulcers. Hence, the target study was investigation the gastro-protection effects of root extracts of Prangos pabularia (REPP) on ethanol-mediated stomach injury in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were clustered in 5 cages: A and B, normal and ulcer control rats pre-ingested with 1 % carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)); C, reference rats had 20 mg/kg omeprazole; D and E, rats pre-supplemented with 250 and 500 mg/kg of REPP, respectively. After one hour, group A was given orally 1 % CMC, and groups B-E were given 100 % ethanol. The ulcer area, gastric acidity, and gastric wall mucus of all stomachs were determined. The gastric tissue homogenates were examined for antioxidant and MDA contents. Moreover, the gastric tissues were analyzed by histopathological and immunohistochemically assays. Acute toxicity results showed lack of any toxic effects or histological changes in rats exposed to 2 and 5 g/kg of REPP ingestion. The ulcer controls had extensive gastric mucosal damage with lower gastric juice and a reduced gastric pH. REPP treatment caused a significant reduction of the ethanol-induced gastric lacerations represented by an upsurge in gastric mucus and gastric wall glycoproteins (increased PAS), a decrease in the gastric acidity, leukocyte infiltration, positively modulated Bax and HSP 70 proteins, consequently lowered ulcer areas. REPP supplementation positively modulated oxidative stress (increased SOD, CAT, PGE2, and reduced MDA) and inflammatory cytokines (decreased serum TNF-α, IL-6, and increased IL-10) levels. The outcomes could be scientific evidence to back-up the folkloric use of A. Judaica as a medicinal remedy for oxidative stress-related disorders (gastric ulcer).

Identifying phenolics by UPLC-MS/MS in some Prangos Lindl. species and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with biochemical, physiological, and pathological changes in the liver and characterized by some deficiencies in insulin secretion or insulin action. Prangos Lindl. species are important plants used as spice and medicine in Asian countries, including Türkiye. This study first aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of the aerial parts of the 5 different Prangos species (Apiaceae) collected from various locations to discover and identify bioactive phenolic components. The results revealed that the methanolic extract of P. heyniae exhibited the highest activity against α-glucosidase inhibition compared to the other Prangos species (IC50 = 458.54 ± 5.62 μg/mL). For this reason, the active species P. heyniae (an endemic species) was subjected to UPLC-MS/MS to evaluate the possible active phenolic components. The results showed that 53 phenolic compounds were correctly screened, 21 were precisely determined by UPLC-MS/MS in P. heyniae. Therefore, it was concluded that the aerial parts of P. heyniae might have therapeutic potential for hyperglycemia due to its phenolic compounds. Moreover, quinic acid (3.66%), chlorogenic acid (2.35%), rutin (2.96%), and hesperidin (0.79%) might be potential markers of the methanolic extract of P. heyniae. In the end, this study provides comprehensive knowledge regarding the phenolic profile of P. heyniae related to antidiabetic activity for the first time in this study.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil of Italian Prangos trifida (Mill.) Herrnst. & Heyn

In this work, the essential oil of the aerial parts of a not previously investigated accession of Prangos trifida (Mill.) Herrnst. & Heyn (Apiaceae), collected in Northern Italy, was analysed by GC/MS. Twenty-five compounds were identified, accounting for 91.30% of the total oil, which is characterised by a high content of monoterpene hydrocarbons (71.26%). The main constituents of the essential oil were cis-β-ocimene (18.12%), α-phellandrene (12.14%), sylvestrene (11.32%), p-mentha-1,3,8-triene (9.56%) and α-pinene (8.85%). The essential oil of P. trifida showed a good antimicrobial activity directed above all against Gram-positive bacteria, and had an interesting antioxidant activity, thus making it an excellent candidate for future cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Essential oil of Sicilian Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl. and its major component, β-ocimen, affect contractility in rat small and large intestine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl is an Apiaceae plant, widely used in traditional medicine. Recently, chemical composition and biological activities of its essential oil (Prangroil) have been reported, but there are no studies on possible effects on intestinal contractility.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

We investigated the effects of essential oil Sicilian Prangoil on the contractility of rat small (duodenum) and large (colon) intestine and the related action mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Responses to Prangoil and to its major component β-ocimen in intestinal segments were assessed in vitro as changes in isometric tension.

RESULTS

Prangoil, induced in duodenum, depending upon doses, contraction and/or muscular relaxation. Instead, in colon Prangoil only reduced the phasic contractions and induced muscular relaxation. β-ocimen, in both segments, produced only reduction of the spontaneous contractions without affecting basal tone. Prangoil contractile effects were abolished by ω-conotoxin, neural N-type Ca²⁺ channels blocker, atropine, muscarinic receptor antagonist, neostigmine, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, suggesting that Prangoil-induced contraction would be the result of an increase in neuronal cholinergic activity. Prangoil and β-ocimen inhibitory effects were unaffected by ω-conotoxin, L-NAME, blocker of the NO synthase, ODQ, soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, excluding involvement of neurotransmitter release or NO synthesis in the inhibitory effects. Potassium channel blocker did not affect Prangoil or β-οcimen inhibitory responses. Prangoil or β-οcimen inhibited the Ca²⁺ and high-KCl solution -induced contractions and the Carbachol-induced contractions in calcium free solution.

CONCLUSION

Prangoil affects the contractility of small and large intestine in rat, with regional differences, via potentiation of neural cholinergic activity, blockade of L-type voltage-gated calcium channel and reduction of Ca²⁺ release from the intracellular store. The Prangroil main components, β-ocimen, contributes to the inhibitory effects.

The Antioxidant Properties and Protective Capacity of Prangos trifida and Cachrys cristata Essential Oils against Cd Stress in Lunularia cruciata and Brassica napus

The genera Prangos Lindl. and Cachrys L., for a long time interpreted as a single genus but today distinct and separate, and both belonging to the majestic Apiaceae family, are species with a large distribution and are used in ethnomedicine in various countries, especially in Asian countries. In this context, we investigated the chemical characteristics and biological properties of two essential oils (EOs) obtained from different specimens, namely Cachrys cristata (Cc) and Prangos trifida (Pt). The chemical composition of the two EOs was investigated by GC-MS analysis. From gas-chromatography analyses, while the (Cc) EO was rich in β-myrcene (45.34%), allo-ocimene (10.90%), and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde (23.47%), the (Pt) EO was characterized by moderate amounts of α-pinene (8.85%), sylvestrene (11.32%), α-phellandrene (12.14%), (Z)-β-ocimene (18.12%), and finally, p-mentha-1,3,8-triene (9.56%). Furthermore, the protective and antioxidant capacity of (Pt) and (Cc) EOs on Lunularia cruciata and Brassica napus exposed to cadmium (Cd) stress was studied. To study these possible effects, the liverwort and oilseed rape, previously pretreated with both EOs, were subsequently subjected to oxidative stress by treatment with Cd. Then, DNA damage and antioxidant enzyme activity were measured in both EOs-pretreated and untreated samples to examine EOs-induced tolerance to Cd toxicity. The results indicate that (Pt) and (Cc) EOs have antioxidant and protective capacity in modulating the redox state through the antioxidant pathway by reducing oxidative stress induced by Cd. Furthermore, B. napus was found to be a more resistant and tolerant species than L. cruciata.

Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant and Photobiological Properties of Different Extracts from Prangos ferulacea Lindl

Interesting photobiological properties have been demonstrated for some Cachrys species, including C. libanotis L., C. sicula L., and C. pungens Jan. The present study was designed to assess the photocytotoxic activity of Prangos ferulacea Lindl. (synonym of C. ferulacea (L.) Calest.). This plant was previously considered a Cachrys species but, at present, it is part of the Prangos genus. P. ferulacea is an orophilous plant present in the eastern Mediterranean and in western Asia. Three different extraction techniques were utilized. Obtained extracts were compared both for their phytochemical content and for their photobiological properties on human melanoma cells irradiated with UVA light. The apoptotic responses, together with the antioxidant activity, were also assessed. P. ferulacea extracts were able to affect cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, with the sample obtained through supercritical CO₂ extraction showing the highest activity (IC₅₀ = 4.91 μg/mL). This research points out the interesting content in the photoactive compounds of this species, namely furanocoumarins, and could provide a starting point for further studies aimed at finding new photosensitizing agents useful in cancer photochemotherapy.

New coumarin glycosides from endemic Prangos heyniae H. Duman & M.F. Watson

Two new coumarin glycosides, named 7-methoxy isoarnottinin 4'-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside and 7-methoxy isoarnottinin 4'-O-rutinoside (1 and 2) along with six known compounds (3-8) were isolated from the roots of Prangos heyniae, an endemic plant of Turkey. 1-methylethyl 6-O-D-apio-β-ᴅ-furanosyl-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (7) and cnidioside A (8) have been obtained from the genus Prangos for the first time. Structures of isolated compounds were established using spectroscopic methods (1 D and 2 D NMR, HR-MS, UV and IR). Moreover, all extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against NIH/3T3, HK-2, A-549, MCF-7, PC-3 and SH-SY5Y cell lines by WST-1 method. One of the new coumarin glycosides, 7-methoxy isoarnottinin 4'-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranoside (1) exhibited selective cytotoxic activity against SH-SY5Y cells with IC₅₀ value of 31.41 ± 1.04 μM.

Phytochemical and biological activities of some Iranian medicinal plants

CONTEXT

Due to adverse effects of synthetic compounds, there is a growing interest in utilization of plant-derived natural products in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Iranian endemic medicinal plants widely used in traditional practice have attracted much attention as antibacterial and antioxidant agents.

OBJECTIVE

This review attempts to compile the accessible scientific research pertained to phytochemical compounds, antibacterial and antioxidant effects of essential oils obtained from some of the most widely used and distributed medicinal plants in Iran.

METHODS

This review has been compiled using references via reliable databases (Google Scholar, SID and Science Direct) from 2010 to 2020. This literature review was limited to references published in English and Persian languages.

RESULTS

Based on studies heretofore carried out, essential oils isolated from mentioned medicinal plants exhibited strong antioxidant activity which is attributed to their main phytochemical compounds; thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene. In addition, the antibacterial activities of essential oils of most plant species from Apiaceae and Asteraceae families were more susceptible against Gram-positive bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus than Gram-negative bacteria; however, essential oils of other studied plant species manifested similar behaviours against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

As there is rich ethnobotanical knowledge behind Iranian endemic medicinal plants, further scientific research is required to prove their safety and efficacy. This review revealed that there are numerous valuable medicinal plants adoptable in food and pharmaceutical industries in the near future.

Relaxation mechanisms of chloroform root extracts of Prangos heyniae and Prangos uechtritzii on mouse corpus cavernosum

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve/maintain an erection. Because of the side effects, interactions, or ineffectiveness of currently used drugs, novel drug discovery studies are ongoing. The roots of Turkish endemic plants Prangos uechtritzii and Prangos heyniae are traditionally used as aphrodisiacs in Anatolia and contain coumarin-like relaxant compounds. This study aims to reveal the relaxant effect mechanisms of chloroform root extracts of P. heyniae (Ph-CE) and P. uechtritzii (Pu-CE). Isolated organ bath experiments were performed on Swiss albino mouse corpus cavernosum by DMT strip myograph. Relaxant responses to extract (10-7 -10-4  g/ml) were obtained in the presence/absence of NO and H2 S synthesis inhibitors nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 100 μM) and aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, 10 mM) respectively. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10-9 to 10-4  M) and Na2 S (10-6 to 3 × 10-3  M)-induced relaxations and CaCl2 (10-6 to 10-4  M), KCl (10-2.1 to 10-0.9  M) and phenylephrine (3 × 10-8 to 3 × 10-5  M)-induced contractions were taken in the presence/absence of the extracts (10-4  g/ml). Relaxations induced by Ph-CE but not by Pu-CE were inhibited in the presence of l-NAME and AOAA. Ph-CE increased Na2 S- and SNP-induced relaxations. Ph-CE and Pu-CE decreased the contractions of KCl, phenylephrine, and CaCl2 . It was concluded that NO and H2 S synthesis/downstream mechanisms play roles in relaxations of Ph-CE but not in Pu-CE-induced relaxations. Inhibition of calcium influx appears to be involved in the relaxant effect of Ph-CE and Pu-CE. Since the extracts act directly by relaxing smooth muscle or through H2 S as well as NO, they may be a potential therapeutic agent in diseases such as ED where the bioavailability of NO is impaired.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Prangos ferulacea Essential Oils

Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl, which belongs to the Apiaceae family, is a species that mainly grows in the eastern Mediterranean region and in western Asia. It has been largely used in traditional medicine in several countries and it has been shown to possess several interesting biological properties. With the aim to provide new insights into the phytochemistry and pharmacology of this species, the essential oils of flowers and leaves from a local accession that grows in Sicily (Italy) and has not yet been previously studied were investigated. The chemical composition of both oils, obtained by hydrodistillation from the leaves and flowers, was evaluated by GC-MS. This analysis allowed us to identify a new chemotype, characterized by a large amount of (Z)-β-ocimene. Furthermore, these essential oils have been tested for their possible antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. P. ferulacea essential oils exhibit moderate antimicrobial activity; in particular, the flower essential oil is harmful at low and wide spectrum concentrations. They also exhibit good antioxidant activity in vitro and in particular, it has been shown that the essential oils of the flowers and leaves of P. ferulacea caused a decrease in ROS and an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in OZ-stimulated PMNs. Therefore, these essential oils could be considered as promising candidates for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical preparations.

Anticholinesterase Compounds from Endemic Prangos uechtritzii

In this study, the anticholinesterase effects of the extracts and isolated compounds from the roots of endemic Prangos uechtritzii Boiss & Hausskn (Apiaceae) are reported. A novel polyacetylenic compound; (+)-8-O-methyloplopantriol A along with two known polyacetylenes; (-)-panaxynol, (+)-falcarindiol and fifteen known coumarin derivatives; umbelliferone, 6-formylumbelliferone, suberosin, 7-demethylsuberosin, (+)-ulopterol, tamarin, psoralen, imperatorin, (+)-oxypeucedanin, (+)-oxypeucedanin hydrate, (+)-oxypeucedanin methanolate, (+)-marmesin, (-)-prantschimgin, (+)-decursinol, and (-)-adicardin were isolated from the hexane (Pu-HE), chloroform (Pu-CE), and methanol (Pu-ME) extracts of P. uechtritzii roots. (-)-Panaxynol, (+)-falcarindiol, 6-formylumbelliferone, (+)-decursinol, and (-)-adicardin were obtained from the genus Prangos for the first time. (+)-8-O-Methyloplopantriol A inhibited both AChE (IC50 =194.5±5.8 μM) and BChE (IC50 =51.9±2.96 μM) enzymes. (+)-Falcarindiol, 6-formylumbelliferone, 7-demethylsuberosin, tamarin, and imperatorin also exhibited BChE-specific inhibitory activities (IC50 =27.88-93.86 μM). (+)-Falcarindiol (IC50 =27.88±0.91 μM) and imperatorin (IC50 =30.89±1.40 μM) as the most active components could be led compounds to develop new BChE inhibitors with further research against Alzheimer's disease.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Three Prangos Species (P. heyniae, P. meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides, and P. uechtritzii) Depicted by Comprehensive LC-MS and Multivariate Data Analysis

The aim of the present study was to identify/quantify bioactive compounds and determine the antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory effects of various solvent extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of Prangos heyniae H. Duman and M.F. Watson, Prangos meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides, and Prangos uechtritzii Boiss. and Hausskn. This is the first time such a report has been designed to validate the phytochemical composition and bioactivity (especially enzyme inhibitory properties) of these plants. A combined approach of liquid chromatography (LC) with mass spectrometry (HR-MS and MSⁿ) allowed to identify that P. heyniae contains condensed tannins; P. meliocarpoides is rich in hydrolysable tannins; and P. uechtritzii possesses coumarins, flavonoids, and hydroxycinnamic acids. Different extracts were tested for antioxidant activities using a battery of assays, such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (phosphomolybdenum), and metal chelating. Enzyme inhibitory effects were investigated using acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase as target enzymes. The obtained results depended on the extraction solvents used for each Prangos species. The methanol extract of P. meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides exhibited significant radical scavenging activity (DPPH: 52.27 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g; ABTS: 92.84 mg TE/g), the most potent-reducing potential (CUPRAC: 154.04 mg TE/g; FRAP: 104.34 mg TE/g), and high TAC (2.52 mmol TE/g). Moreover, the strongest BChE (7.97 mg galantamine equivalent/g), α-amylase (0.46 mmol acarbose equivalent/g), and tyrosinase (81.15 mg kojic acid equivalent/g) inhibitory effects were observed for the hexane extract of P. meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between hydrolysable tannins and antioxidant activities. The same trend was also observed between the same class of compounds and the inhibitory effects on enzymatic activities. These results suggest a principal role of hydrolysable tannins in the observed bioactivities of Prangos. Our results suggested that the tested Prangos species could be valuable as sources of natural agents in the development of health-promoting applications.

Chemical Composition, Biological Activities and In Silico Analysis of Essential Oils of Three Endemic Prangos Species from Turkey

In this study, the essential oils (EOs) obtained from three endemic Prangos species from Turkey (P. heyniae, P. meliocarpoides var. meliocarpoides, and P. uechtritzii) were studied for their chemical composition and biological activities. β-Bisabolenal (12.2%) and caryophyllene oxide (7.9%) were the principal components of P. heyniae EO, while P. meliocarpoides EO contained sabinene (16.7%) and p-cymene (13.2%), and P. uechtritzii EO contained p-cymene (24.6%) and caryophyllene oxide (19.6%), as the most abundant components. With regard to their antioxidant activity, all the EOs were found to possess free radical scavenging potential demonstrated in both DPPH and ABTS assays (0.43–1.74 mg TE/g and 24.18–92.99 mg TE/g, respectively). Additionally, while no inhibitory activity was displayed by P. meliocarpoides and P. uechtritzii EOs against both cholinesterases (acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases). Moreover, all the EOs were found to act as inhibitors of tyrosinase (46.34–69.56 mg KAE/g). Molecular docking revealed elemol and α-bisabolol to have the most effective binding affinity with tyrosinase and amylase. Altogether, this study unveiled some interesting biological activities of these EOs, especially as natural antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors and hence offers stimulating prospects of them in the development of anti-hyperpigmentation topical formulations.

Linarin, a Glycosylated Flavonoid, with Potential Therapeutic Attributes: A Comprehensive Review

Many flavonoids, as eminent phenolic compounds, have been commercialized and consumed as dietary supplements due to their incredible human health benefits. In the present study, a bioactive flavone glycoside linarin (LN) was designated to comprehensively overview its phytochemical and biological properties. LN has been characterized abundantly in the Cirsium, Micromeria, and Buddleja species belonging to Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Scrophulariaceae families, respectively. Biological assessments exhibited promising activities of LN, particularly, the remedial effects on central nervous system (CNS) disorders, whereas the remarkable sleep enhancing and sedative effects as well as AChE (acetylcholinesterase) inhibitory activity were highlighted. Of note, LN has indicated promising anti osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, thus a bone formation effect. Further biological and pharmacological assessments of LN and its optimized semi-synthetic derivatives, specifically its therapeutic characteristics on osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, might lead to uncovering potential drug candidates.

Oxypeucedanin: Chemotaxonomy, Isolation, and Bioactivities

The present review comprehensively gathered phytochemical, bioactivity, and pharmacokinetic reports on a linear furanocoumarin, namely oxypeucedanin. Oxypeucedanin (OP), which structurally contains an epoxide ring, has been majorly isolated from ethyl acetate-soluble partitions of several genera, particularly Angelica, Ferulago, and Prangos of the Apiaceae family; and Citrus, belonging to the Rutaceae family. The methanolic extract of Angelica dahurica roots has been analytically characterized as the richest natural OP source. This naturally occurring secondary metabolite has been described to possess potent antiproliferative, cytotoxic, anti-influenza, and antiallergic activities, as assessed in preclinical studies. In order to explore potential drug candidates, oxypeucedanin, its derivatives, and semi-synthetically optimized analogues can be considered for the complementary assessments of biological assays.

Ducrosia spp., Rare Plants with Promising Phytochemical and Pharmacological Characteristics: An Updated Review

The rare genus Ducrosia (Apiaceae family) consists of six species, which are mainly native to Asia, specifically to Iran and Iraq. The aerial parts of D. anethifolia, as the most common species, have been traditionally consumed to relieve headache, backache and colic pain, and have also been used as an anxiolytic, an antidepressant, and for treating insomnia. The antispasmodic and carminative effects of D. assadii, and the analgesic activity of D. flabellifolia, along with the insecticidal activities and use as a remedy of skin infections of D. ismaelis, have been previously documented. Among the 49 non-volatile secondary metabolites identified from D. anethifolia and D. ismaelis, 17 linear furanocoumarins and 8 flavonoids have been characterized. The essential oil compositions of four species, including D. anethifolia, D. assadii, D. flabellifolia and D. ismaelis, have been analyzed, whereby aldehyde hydrocarbons, including decanal (10.1‒74.0%) and dodecanal (7.2‒33.41%), and α-pinene (4.0‒70.3%), were identified as the main aroma constituents. From the species of the genus, the bioactivities of D. anethifolia, as well as D. ismaelis, D. assadii and D. flabellifolia, have been previously investigated. Except one clinical trial, all the pharmacological data are derived from preclinical tests, predominantly focusing on antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities in vitro, and neuroprotective, antidiabetic and analgesic effects in vivo. Considering the vast ethnobotanical uses of the plants in Iranian folk medicine, the phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of un-investigated species might be promising. Furthermore, due to extensive consumption of the Ducrosia genus, more scientific data are needed to support the safety and efficacy of these plants.