Chemical constituents from leaves of Palicourea coriacea (Rubiaceae)

Palicourea tomentosa (Aubl.) Borhidi: Microscopy, chemical composition and the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-acetylcholinesterase potential

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Palicourea tomentosa (Aubl.) Borhidi (synonym Psychotria poeppigiana Müll. Arg.) leaves are used in the popular treatments of inflammation and pain; however, there are no scientific studies demonstrating their activity as the methanolic extract of P. tomentosa.

AIM OF STUDY

This study was undertaken to investigate the potential antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-hyperalgesic, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the chemical composition and concentrations of constituents of the methanolic extract of P. tomentosa leaves (MEPT). The study also analyzes the micromorphology and histochemistry of leaves of P. tomentosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MEPT was analysed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). The concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols and condensed tannin were determined. The micromorphology and histochemistry of leaves were performed using standard reagents, light and field emission scanning electron microscopy, beyond energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was evaluated for DPPH, β-carotene and MDA. The anti-inflammatory activity of MEPT (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) was assayed in carrageenan-induced models of paw oedema, mechanical hyperalgesia (Von Frey), cold allodynia (acetone) and pleurisy in mice. The anti-nociceptive potential of MEPT (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) was evaluated by the formalin method in mice. The anti-acetylcholinesterase properties were evaluated in vivo in four rat brain structures.

RESULTS

The total ion chromatogram of MEPT demonstrated two alkaloids, one coumarin, one iridoid and two terpene derivatives. The highest phenol, flavonoid, flavonol and condensed tannin concentrations were found in the extract. A comprehensive explanation of the leaf micromorphology and histochemistry was presented. MEPT was significantly inhibited by the DPPH, β-carotene and MDA models. MEPT (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) reduced the inflammation and hyperalgesic parameters in a carrageenan model and reduced formalin-induced nociception in both phases, which were cold sensitivity and oedema formation. The oral administration of 30 and 100 mg/kg MEPT significantly inhibited AChE activity in the frontal cortex.

CONCLUSION

This is the first chemical and biological study performed with a P. tomentosa methanolic extract and anatomical and histochemical analysis. The present study showed that MEPT inhibited pain and inflammatory parameters contributing, at least in part, to explain the popular use of this plant as analgesic natural agent. Also, anatomical and histochemistry of leaves described in the present study provide microscopical information, which aids species identification.

Experimental and computational studies of an antiplasmodial derivative of allantoin; antimycobacterial essential oil from Cordia batesii WERNHAM (Boraginaceae)

Background

Chemical and pharmacological investigations were performed on the stems of Cordia batesii (Boraginaeae); chemical studies included quantum calculations applied on a newly described compound.

Results

A new derivative of allantoin (1) named batesiin (2) was characterized. Thirteen other known compounds involving allantoin (1) were either isolated or identified. GC–MS enabled the identification of six compounds from a fraction containing essential oil. MeOH extract and some isolated compounds were tested in vitro against Pf7G8 CQS and Pf Dd2 CQR strains of Plasmodium falciparum; extract disclosed a moderate antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ = 50 μg mL⁻¹). Meantime, the CH₂Cl₂ extract and essential oil fraction were tested on a resistant mycobacterial strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; a potent antimycobacterial activity with a MIC = 9.52 μg mL⁻¹ was deduced from essential oil. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried on batesiin (2). Calculated chemical shifts at B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and MPW1PW91/6-31G+(d,p) showed much better correlations with the experimental data. Time dependent DFT at B3LYP/6-31G+(d,p) displayed a major absorption band 3.01 nm higher than the experimental value.

Conclusion

Cordia batesii can be considered as promising in search of compounds with antimalarial and antitubercular properties. DFT studies are very helpful when trying to learn more about the spectroscopic insights of a derivative of allantoin (1).

Compounds from the fruits of mangrove Sonneratia apetala: Isolation, molecular docking and antiaging effects using a Caenorhabditis elegans model

The chemical investigation of the fruits of a mangrove Sonneratia apetala collected from the Beibu Gulf led to the isolation of four new compounds, sonneradons A-D (1-4), as well as 18 known compounds (5-22). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analysis, and the structures of the known compounds were established by comparison of their spectroscopic data with those of related metabolites. The antiaging activities of all isolates were evaluated using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. The results showed that 10 compounds could protect C. elegans by extending its lifespan. Compound 1 possessed the most potent effect in the anti-heat stress assay and significantly attenuated aging-related decreases in the pumping and bending of the nematodes in the healthspan assay. Molecular docking studies suggested that compound 1 was bound to the DNA binding domain of HSF-1 and promoted the conformation of HSF-1, thus strengthening the interaction between the HSF-1 and related DNA. GLN49, ASN-74, and LYS-80 of the binding region might be the key amino residues during the interaction.

Chemical components of Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss.: isolation and identification, characterization by HPLC-DAD-ESI-HRMS/MS, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity

Eighteen compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the aerial part of Hyssopus cuspidatus. Their structures were established by analysis of mass and NMR data, as well as comparison with previous published data in the literatures. Among them, ten compounds were found from the Hyssopus genus for the first time, and one compound was isolated from H. cuspidatus for the first time. HPLC-DAD-ESI-HRMS/MS investigations was applied to further obtain the phenolic profiling of the ethyl acetate fraction, and nine derivatives of caffeic acid and ferulic or isoferulic acid were identified. Antioxidant activity against DPPH free radical and antibacterial activity against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited weak antioxidant activity and moderate antibacterial activity. The isolated compounds showed weak to potent antioxidant and antibacterial activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of H. cuspidatus.

The Spatial Distribution of Alkaloids in Psychotria prunifolia (Kunth) Steyerm and Palicourea coriacea (Cham.) K. Schum Leaves Analysed by Desorption Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry Imaging

INTRODUCTION

Species of the genera Psychotria and Palicourea are sources of indole alkaloids, however, the distribution of alkaloids within the plants is not known. Analysing the spatial distribution using desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) has become attractive due to its simplicity and high selectivity compared to traditional histochemical techniques.

OBJECTIVES

To apply DESI-MSI to visualise the alkaloid distribution on the leaf surface of Psychotria prunifolia and Palicourea coriacea and to compare the distributions with HPLC-MS and histochemical analyses.

METHODOLOGY

Based upon previous structure elucidation studies, four alkaloids targeted in this study were identified using high resolution mass spectrometry by direct infusion of plant extracts, and their distributions were imaged by DESI-MSI via tissue imprints on a porous Teflon surface. Relative quantitation of the four alkaloids was obtained by HPLC-MS/MS analysis performed using multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

Alkaloids showed distinct distributions on the leaf surfaces. Prunifoleine was mainly present in the midrib, while 10-hydroxyisodeppeaninol was concentrated close to the petiole; a uniform distribution of 10-hydroxyantirhine was observed in the whole leaf of Psychotria prunifolia. The imprinted image from the Palicourea coriacea leaf also showed a homogeneous distribution of calycanthine throughout the leaf surface.

CONCLUSION

Different distributions were found for three alkaloids in Psychotria prunifolia, and the distributions found by MSI were in complete accordance with HPLC-MS analysis and histochemical results. The DESI-MSI technique was therefore demonstrated to provide reliable information about the spatial distribution of metabolites in plants. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Loganin and secologanin derived tryptamine-iridoid alkaloids from Palicourea crocea and Palicourea padifolia (Rubiaceae)

During comparative analysis on Palicourea species from Costa Rica, two unusual loganin derived tryptamine-iridoid alkaloids were isolated from an accession of Palicourea crocea. Besides the already known brachycerine (2), palicroceaine (1) features a novel hexacyclic backbone. A second provenance, however, yielded strictosidinic acid (3), belonging to the more common secologanin derived tryptamine-iridoid alkaloids, such as those found in Palicourea padifolia. From this species, strictosidine (4), lyaloside (5) and its derivative (E)-O-(6')-(4″-hydroxy-3″,5″-dimethoxy)-cinnamoyl lyaloside (6) could be isolated. A herbarium specimen-based screening was performed, indicating some degree of regional differentiation in alkaloid content and biosynthetic pathways within the widespread and variable Pal. crocea. It further shows its differentiation from the related strictosidine containing Palicourea croceoides. The occurrence of loganin derived tryptamine-iridoid alkaloids in Pal. crocea, Psychotria brachyceras and Psychotria brachypoda, all putatively unrelated members of the Palicourea s.l. clade, is a noteworthy exception within the genus, otherwise largely characterized by secologanin-derived tryptamine-iridoid alkaloids.

Cholinesterase enzymes inhibitors from the leaves of Rauvolfia reflexa and their molecular docking study

Plants of the Apocynaceae family have been traditionally used in the treatment of age-related brain disorders. Rauvolfia reflexa, a member of the family, has been used as an antidote for poisons and to treat malaria. The dichloromethane, ethanol and methanol extracts from the leaves of Rauvolfia reflexa showed potential acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities, with IC50 values in the 8.49 to 52.23 g/mL range. Further cholinesterase inhibitory-guided isolation of these extracts afforded four bioactive compounds, namely: (E)-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acrylic acid (1), (E)-methyl 3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl) acrylate (2), 17-methoxycarbonyl-14-heptadecaenyl-4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamate (3) and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-oxo-β-carboline (4). The isolated compounds showed moderate cholinesterase inhibitory activity compared to the reference standard, physostigmine. Compounds 1 and 2 showed the highest inhibitory activity against AChE (IC50 = 60.17 µM) and BChE (IC50 = 61.72 µM), respectively. Despite having similar molecular weight, compounds 1 and 2 were structurally different according to their chemical substitution patterns, leading to their different enzyme inhibition selectivity. Compound 2 was more selective against BChE, whereas compound 1 was a selective inhibitor of AChE. Molecular docking revealed that both compounds 1 and 2 were inserted, but not deeply into the active site of the cholinesterase enzymes.

Clinically useful anticancer, antitumor, and antiwrinkle agent, ursolic acid and related derivatives as medicinally important natural product

Medicinal plants are becoming an important research area for novel and bioactive molecules for drug discovery. Novel therapeutic strategies and agents are urgently needed to treat different incurable diseases. Many plant derived active compounds are in human clinical trials. Currently ursolic acid is in human clinical trial for treating cancer, tumor, and skin wrinkles. This review includes the clinical use of ursolic acid in various diseases including anticancer, antitumor, and antiwrinkle chemotherapies, and the isolation and purification of this tritepernoid from various plants to update current knowledge on the rapid analysis of ursolic acid by using analytical methods. In addition, the chemical modifications of ursolic acid to make more effective and water soluble derivatives, previous and current information regarding, its natural and semisynthetic analogs, focusing on its anticancer, cytotoxic, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, acetyl cholinesterase, α-glucosidase, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective activities, briefly discussion is attempted here for its research perspectives. This review article contains fourteen medicinally important ursolic acid derivatives and 351 references.

Diuretic activity and acute oral toxicity of Palicourea coriacea (Cham.) K Schum

AIM OF THE STUDY

Palicourea coriacea (Cham.) K Schum, is an endemic plant used in the Midwestern Region of Brazil, popularly known as "douradinha do campo" and "congonha do campo". This plant has been used in traditional medicine for several ailments, especially to treat kidney diseases. Since no formal studies on the biological activities and medicinal properties of the ethanolic extract of Palicourea coriacea (PCEE) have been carried out previously, the present study represents the first research into the efficacy of this plant as a diuretic agent employing laboratory rats as test animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For diuretic activity evaluation we assayed three doses of PCEE (20, 40 and 80mg/kg) and measurement of the urinary volume and electrolytes (Na(+), K(+)) concentration were taken. The acute oral toxicity of PCEE was investigated according to OECD Guideline 423.

RESULTS

The oral administration of a single dose of PCEE significantly increased the urinary volume in 24h. Additionally, the treatment with PCEE increased, in a dose-dependent manner, the excretion of both, Na(+) and K(+). No sign of toxicity was observed in the animals.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirmed the ethnopharmacological use of Palicourea coriacea as a diuretic agent in the experimental condition tested here. Additionally, this work supports the importance of the preservation of local knowledge as well as the conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.

Mutiniside, new antioxidant phenolic glucoside from Abutilon muticum

Mutiniside (1), new phenolic glucoside, and the flavonoidal glucoside cephacoside (2) have been isolated from the n-BuOH soluble fraction, along with lupeol (3), beta-sitosterol (4), stigmasterol (5), methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (6), taraxacin (7), ursolic acid (8), and beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (9), have been isolated from the EtOAc soluble fraction of Abutilon muticum. Compounds 2-9 are reported for the first time from this species. Compound 1 showed significant antioxidant activity while moderate inhibitory activity was observed against the enzyme lipoxygenase.