Hepatoprotective natural triterpenoids

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry-characterized extract of Aerides odorata Lour alleviates paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in animal model evidenced by biochemical, molecular, and computational studies

BACKGROUND

Many kinds of orchids have significant health benefits although adequate research on their biological functions is yet to be carried out. This study investigated the paracetamol-induced liver damage-protecting effect of epiphytic Aerides odorata methanol extract (AODE).

METHODS

The protective effects of AODE were studied by analyzing its effect on liver function parameters, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, and tissue histopathological architecture. The results were confirmed by ligand-receptor interaction of molecular docking and multitarget interaction of network pharmacological analyses.

RESULTS

AODE significantly (p < 0.05) minimized the dose-dependent increase in acid phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total bilirubin compared to the reference drug silymarin. Malondialdehyde level decreased, and the antioxidant genes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), β-actin, paraoxonase-1 (PON1), and phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) were upregulated in AODE-treated paracetamol-intoxicated rats. A total of 376 compounds comprising phenols and flavonoids were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-qTOF-MS). The online toxicity assessment using SwissADME and admetSAR exhibited drug-like, nontoxic, and potential pharmacological properties. Additionally, in silico analysis showed that isoacteoside, one of the identified compounds, exhibited the best docking score (-11.42) with the liver protein human pituitary adenylate cyclase-1 (Protein Data Bank ID: 3N94). Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis identified the top 10 hub genes, namely AKT1 (protein kinase B), CTNNB1 (catenin beta-1), SRC (proto-oncogene c-Src), TNF (tumor necrosis factor), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), HSP90AA1 (heat shock protein 90α), MAPK3 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 3), STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), CASP3 (caspase protein), and ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1), which are responsible for hepatoprotective activity.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate that AODE could be a novel hepatoprotective target in drug-induced liver damage with a further single compound-based animal study.

Regulation of NS5B Polymerase Activity of Hepatitis C Virus by Target Specific Phytotherapeutics: An In-Silico Molecular Dynamics Approach

Chronic hepatitis caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is closely linked with the advancement of liver disease. The research hypothesis suggests that the NS5B enzyme (non-structural 5B protein) of HCV plays a pivotal role in facilitating viral replication within host cells. Hence, the objective of the present investigation is to identify the binding interactions between the structurally diverse phytotherapeutics and those of the catalytic residue of the target NS5B polymerase protein. Results of our docking simulations reveal that compounds such as arjunolic acid, sesamin, arjungenin, astragalin, piperic acid, piperidine, piperine, acalyphin, adhatodine, amyrin, anisotine, apigenin, cuminaldehyde, and curcumin exhibit a maximum of three interactions with the catalytic residues (Asp 220, Asp 318, and Asp 319) present on the Hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase of HCV. Molecular dynamic simulation, particularly focusing on the best binding lead compound, arjunolic acid (-8.78 kcal/mol), was further extensively analyzed using RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and SASA techniques. The results of the MD simulation confirm that the NS5B-arjunolic acid complex becomes increasingly stable from 20 to 100 ns. The orientation of both arjunolic acid and sofosbuvir triphosphate (standard) within the active site was investigated through DCCM, PCA, and FEL analysis, indicating highly stable interactions of the lead arjunolic acid with the catalytic region of the NS5B enzyme. The findings of our current investigation suggest that bioactive therapeutics like arjunolic acid could serve as promising candidates for limiting the NS5B polymerase activity of the hepatitis C virus, offering hope for the future of HCV treatment.

The Antiviral Potential of Perilla frutescens: Advances and Perspectives

Viruses pose a significant threat to human health, causing widespread diseases and impacting the global economy. Perilla frutescens, a traditional medicine and food homologous plant, is well known for its antiviral properties. This systematic review examines the antiviral potential of Perilla frutescens, including its antiviral activity, chemical structure and pharmacological parameters. Utilizing bioinformatics analysis, we revealed the correlation between Perilla frutescens and antiviral activity, identified overlaps between Perilla frutescens target genes and virus-related genes, and explored related signaling pathways. Moreover, a classified summary of the active components of Perilla frutescens, focusing on compounds associated with antiviral activity, provides important clues for optimizing the antiviral drug development of Perilla frutescens. Our findings indicate that Perilla frutescens showed a strong antiviral effect, and its active ingredients can effectively inhibit the replication and spread of a variety of viruses in this review. The antiviral mechanisms of Perilla frutescens may involve several pathways, including enhanced immune function, modulation of inflammatory responses, and inhibition of key enzyme activities such as viral replicase. These results underscore the potential antiviral application of Perilla frutescens as a natural plant and provide important implications for the development of new antiviral drugs.

Extraction, purification and anticancer activity studies on triterpenes from pomegranate peel

Pomegranate peel is the by-product of pomegranate processing, which contains a lot of triterpene compounds. In this study, the total triterpenes of pomegranate peel (TPP) were extracted using an ultrasonic-assisted ethanol extraction method under optimal conditions, purified using D-101 macroporous resin to obtain a purity of 75.28%. The triterpenes in TPP were mainly pentacyclic triterpenes determined by LC-MS/MS. Network pharmacological analysis predicted that the anticancer targets were closely related to the MAPK pathway. The in vitro results showed that TPP could inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis, reduce mitochondrial membrane potential and increase ROS levels. The western blot results indicated that the expression levels of the apoptotic proteins Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome C, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 were increased. In addition, the protein expression of the MAPK pathway predicted by network pharmacology also changed significantly. These results provided that TPP has potential for adjuvant therapy of tumors.

In silico pharmacokinetic and therapeutic evaluation of Musa acuminata peels against aluminium chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in adult BALB/c mice

East Africa (Musa spp.), notably Musa acuminata, "Matooke" a staple and economically important food in the region. Here, 12 selected M. acuminata peels extract (MAPE) bioactive compounds were studied for hepatoprotective potentials in aluminium chloride-induced hepatoxicity in adult BALB/c mice. GC-MS analysis was used to identify active components of MAPE. In silico estimation of the pharmacokinetic, the GCMS-identified compounds' toxicity profile and molecular docking were compared with the standard (Simvastatin) drug. Hepatotoxicity was induced using aluminium-chloride treated with MAPE, followed by biochemical and histopathological examination. Twelve bioactive compounds 2,2-Dichloroacetophenone (72870), Cyclooctasiloxane 18993663), 7-Hydroxy-6,9a-dimethyl-3-methylene-decahydro-azuleno[4,5-b]furan-2,9-dione (534579), all-trans-alpha-Carotene (4369188), Cyclononasiloxane (53438479), 3-Chloro-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6,7a-dimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-4H-furo[2,3-c]pyridin-2-one (536708), Pivalic acid (6417), 10,13-Octadecadienoic acid (54284936), Ethyl Linoleate (5282184), Oleic acid (5363269), Tirucallol (101257), Obtusifoliol (65252) were identified by GC-MS. Of these, seven were successfully docked with the target proteins. The compounds possess drug likeness potentials that do not inhibits CYP450 isoforms biotransformation. All the docked compounds were chemoprotective to AMES toxicity, hERGI, hERGII and hepatotoxicity. The animal model reveals MAPE protective effect on liver marker's function while the histological studies show regeneration of the disoriented layers of bile ducts and ameliorate the cellular/histoarchitecture of the hepatic cells induced by AlCl3. The findings indicate that MAPE improved liver functions and ameliorated the hepatic cells' cellular or histoarchitecture induced by AlCl3. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanism action and toxicological evaluation of MAPE's chronic or intermittent use to ascertain its safety in whole organism systems.

Oleanolic acid: an antimycobacterial component of Syzygium aromaticum L. and inhibitor of efflux mediated drug resistance

Oleanolic acid (OA) was isolated from Syzygium aromaticum L. buds, and structurally characterised using different spectroscopic techniques; MS, IR,1H/13C-NMR and 2D NMR experiments. The antimycobacterial activity according to a resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) showed important inhibitory effect of OA on the virulent H37Rv strain, with the lowest minimum concentration of 50 µg/mL, compared to other fractions. Molecular docking of OA with BacA drug efflux pump resulted in good binding affinity of hydrophobic interaction type. Therefore, OA could contribute to the antimycobacterial action of clove buds, and has potential as an efflux pump inhibitor. Further studies are required on its use to combat multidrug resistant strains.

Novel triterpenoid pyrones, phthalimides and phthalates are selectively cytotoxic in CCRF-CEM cancer cells - Synthesis, potency, and mitochondrial mechanism of action

A series of triterpenoid pyrones was synthesized and subsequently modified to introduce phthalimide or phthalate moieties into the triterpenoid skeleton. These compounds underwent in vitro cytotoxicity screening, revealing that a subset of six compounds exhibited potent activity, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Further biological evaluations, including Annexin V and propidium iodide staining experiment revealed, that all compounds induce selective apoptosis in cancer cells. Measurements of mitochondrial potential, cell cycle analysis, and the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins confirmed, that apoptosis was mediated via the mitochondrial pathway. These findings were further supported by cell cycle modulation and DNA/RNA synthesis studies, which indicated a significant increase in cell accumulation in the G0/G1 phase and a marked reduction in S-phase cells, alongside a substantial inhibition of DNA synthesis. The activation of caspase-3 and the cleavage of PARP, coupled with a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL proteins, underscored the induction of apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Given their high activity and pronounced effect on mitochondria function, trifluoromethyl pyrones 1f and 2f, and dihydrophthalimide 2h have been selected for further development.

Boldine protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic liver injury by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway

Sustained liver injuries predominantly promote oxidative stress and inflammation that lead to the progression of chronic liver disease (CLD), including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Boldine, an alkaloid isolated from Peumus boldus, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Currently, there is no definitive treatment option available for CLD. Therefore, we investigated the hepatoprotective effect of boldine against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced chronic liver injury in rats. CCl4 (2 mL/kg., b.w., i.p.) was administered twice weekly for 5 weeks to induce chronic liver injury in rats. Separate groups of rats were given boldine (20 mg/kg b.w., and 40 mg/kg b.w.) and silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w.) orally, daily. Serum transaminases, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant levels were measured, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2), interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) gene and protein expressions were evaluated. CCl4 administration increased liver marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity in serum and oxidative stress markers, inflammatory genes and α-smooth muscle actin expression in liver tissue. Boldine concurrent treatment suppressed CCl4 -induced elevation of transaminase levels in serum, restored enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants, and downregulated NF-κB, TNF-α, Cox-2 and IL-1β expressions, thereby suppressing hepatic inflammation. Boldine administration also repressed α-SMA expression. The results of this study demonstrate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties of boldine, and it can be a potential therapeutic candidate in the treatment of CLD.

Medicinal Plant-derived Phytochemicals in Detoxification

The average worldwide human life expectancy is 70 years, with a significantly higher value in Western societies. Many modern diseases are not associated with premature mortality but with a decreased quality of life in aged patients and an excessive accumulation of various toxic compounds in the human body during life. Today, scientists are especially interested in finding compounds that can help increase a healthy lifespan by detoxifying the body. Phytotherapy with specific approaches is used in alternative medicine to remove toxins from the body. Worldwide, research is conducted to identify medicinal plant-derived molecules that, with few or no side effects, may protect the liver and other organs. This review provides updated information about the detoxification process, the traditional and modern use of the most effective medicinal plants, their active metabolites as detoxifying agents, and the mechanisms and pathways involved in the detoxification process. Among medicinal plants with substantial detoxifying properties, a major part belongs to the Asteraceae family (Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Arctium lappa, Helichrysum species, Inula helenium, and Taraxacum officinale). The most widely used hepatoprotective phytocomponent is silymarin, a standardized extract from the Silybum marianum seeds containing a mixture of flavonolignans. Many polysaccharides, polyphenols, and terpenoids have a detoxifying effect. Overall, scientific data on medicinal plants used in phytotherapeutic practice worldwide provides an understanding and awareness of their efficacy in detoxification.

Liver protective effect of chloroform extract of Bauhinia purpurea leaves is attributed partly to its antioxidant action and the presence of flavonoids

CONTEXT

Bauhinia purpurea L. (Fabaceae) is used in the Ayurvedic system to treat various oxidative-related ailments (e.g., wounds, ulcers etc.). Therefore, it is believed that the plant also has the potential to alleviate oxidative-related liver damage.

OBJECTIVE

This study elucidates the hepatoprotective activity of chloroform extract of B. purpurea leaves (CEBP) in paracetamol (PCM)-induced liver injury (PILI) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6) were pre-treated once daily (p.o.) with CEBP (50-500 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days before being administered (p.o.) a hepatotoxic agent, 3 g/kg PCM. Liver enzyme levels were determined from the collected blood, while the collected liver was used to determine the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and for histopathological examination. CEBP was also subjected to radical scavenging assays and phytochemical analysis.

RESULTS

CEBP significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the toxic effect of PCM by increasing the serum levels of AST and ALT, and the activity of endogenous catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while reducing the liver weight/body weight (LW/BW) ratio. Other than low TPC value and radical scavenging activity, CEBP had a high antioxidant capacity when evaluated using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis of CEBP showed the presence of flavonoids.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

CEBP exerts its hepatoprotective activity through a non-free radical scavenging pathway that involves activation of the endogenous enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Further study is needed to identify the responsible bioactive compounds before the plant can be developed as a future alternative hepatoprotective medicament for clinical use.

Hepatoprotective effect of syringin combined with costunolide against LPS-induced acute liver injury in L-02 cells via Rac1/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway

Acute liver injury (ALI) leads to abnormal liver function and damage to liver cells. Syringin (syr) and costunolide (cos) are the major extracts from Dolomiaea souliei (Franch.) C.Shih (D. souliei), showing diverse biological functions in various biological processes. We explored the underlying hepatoprotective effects of syr+cos against LPS-induced ALI. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using an MTT assay and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. ELISA was utilized to measure liver function and antioxidant stress indexes. qRT-PCR and western blotting was performed to determine mRNA and protein levels respectively. Using shRNA approach to Rac1 analyzed transcriptional targets. The results showed that syr+cos promoted L-02 cell proliferation, inhibiting the cell apoptosis and blocking cell cycle in G1 and G2/M phase. Syr+cos decreased the production of ALT, AST, LDH, MDA and ROS while increased SOD and CAT activities. Pretreated with syr+cos may decrease expressions of caspase-3,7,9, NF-κB, TNF-α proteins, Cyclin B, CDK1 and p-IκB proteins while p-IκB increased. Silencing of Rac-1 may protect the liver by increasing AKT, S473, T308 and reducing p-AKT proteins. Syr+cos exhibits anti-ALI activity via Rac1/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway which might act as an effective candidate drug for the treatment of ALI.

Pentacyclic triterpene-amino acid derivatives induced apoptosis and autophagy in tumor cells, affected the JNK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

A series of pentacyclic triterpene-amino acid derivatives were synthesized and tested for anti-proliferative activity. The results showed that most of the target compounds had good anti-proliferative activity. 2c did not contain protecting groups and hydrochloride, had excellent cytotoxicity, so it had been selected for further study in the mechanism of action in T24 cells. The data from transcriptome sequencing indicated that 2c was found to be closely related to apoptosis and autophagy. Observation of fluorescence staining and analysis from flow cytometry demonstrated that 2c induced apoptosis and cause cell cycle arrest in S/G2 phase in T24 cells. Molecular mechanism studies exhibited that 2c induced apoptosis in the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. 2c also induced cellular autophagy in T24 cells. Results from Western Blotting showed that 2c could activate JNK pathway and inhibit PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, 2c was deserved further investigation in the field of anti-tumor.

Unveiling Neuroprotective Potential of Spice Plant-Derived Compounds against Alzheimer's Disease: Insights from Computational Studies

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious threat to the global health care system and is brought on by a series of factors that cause neuronal dysfunction and impairment in memory and cognitive decline. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals that belong to the ten regularly used spice plants, based on their binding affinity with AD-associated proteins. Comprehensive docking studies were performed using AutoDock Vina in PyRx followed by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations using AMBER 14. The docking study of the chosen molecules revealed the binding energies of their interactions with the target proteins, while MD simulations were carried out to verify the steadiness of bound complexes. Through the Lipinski filter and admetSAR analysis, the chosen compounds' pharmacokinetic characteristics and drug likeness were also examined. The pharmacophore mapping study was also done and analyzed for best selected molecules. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to examine how the general motion of the protein changed. The results showed quercetin and myricetin to be potential inhibitors of AChE and alpha-amyrin and beta-chlorogenin to be potential inhibitors of BuChE, exhibiting best binding energies comparable to those of donepezil, used as a positive control. The multiple descriptors from the simulation study, root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), hydrogen bond, radius of gyration (Rg), and solvent-accessible surface areas (SASA), confirm the stable nature of the protein-ligand complexes. Molecular mechanic Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) binding free energy calculations indicated the energetically favorable binding of the ligands to the protein. Finally, according to pharmacokinetic properties and drug likeness, characteristics showed that quercetin and myricetin for AChE and alpha-amyrin and beta-chlorogenin for BuChE were found to be the most effective agents for treating the AD.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Kitaibelia vitifolia Extract against Proven Antibiotic-Susceptible and Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Strains of Bacteria of Clinical Origin

The goal of the present research was to screen the antimicrobial activity of an ethanolic extract of Kitaibelia vitifolia against 30 multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains isolated from healthcare-associated infections. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the samples against the tested bacteria were determined using the microdilution method. MDR bacterial strains were characterized using standard biochemical tests and the commercial identification systems API 20 NE and API 20 E as: Klebsiella spp. (18 isolates-I); methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-3; Acinetobacter spp.-3; Pseudomonas aeruginosa-5; vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)-1. The sensitivity of isolated bacterial strains was determined using the disc diffusion method against 25 commonly used antibiotics. The highest level of sensitivity to K. vitifolia extract was confirmed in 88.89% of Klebsiella spp. isolates, E. coli ATCC 25922, two strains of MRSA (1726, 1063), Acinetobacter spp. strain 1578, and VRE strain 30, like Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 (MIC =< 2.44 μg/mL). The lowest sensitivity was exhibited by 75.00% of Acinetobacter spp. (strains 1577 and 6401), where the highest values for MICs were noted (1250 μg/mL). The results indicate that the extract of K. vitifolia could be a possible source for creating new, efficient, and effective natural medicines for combat against MDR strains of bacteria.

The Preventive Mechanism of Anserine on Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced Liver Injury in L-02 Cells via Regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 and JNK-Caspase-3 Signaling Pathways

Anserine is a naturally occurring histidine dipeptide with significant antioxidant activities. This study aimed to investigate the preventive mechanism of anserine on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced liver damage in a normal human liver cell line (L-02 cells). The L-02 cells were pretreated with anserine (10, 20, and 40 mmol/L) and then induced with 400 μmol/L of TBHP for 4 h. The results showed that the survival rates of L-02 cells and the contents of GSH were significantly increased with the pretreatment of anserine; the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the extracellular fluid were sharply decreased; and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear fragmentation, and apoptosis were significantly inhibited. In addition, anserine could bind to the Kelch domain of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) with a binding force of -7.2 kcal/mol; the protein expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and Bcl-2 were upregulated by anserine in TBHP-induced L-02 cells, with the downregulation of p-JNK and caspase-3. In conclusion, anserine might alleviated liver injury in L-02 cells via regulating related proteins in the Keap1-Nrf2 and JNK-Caspase-3 signaling pathways.

Gypsogenin Battling for a Front Position in the Pentacyclic Triterpenes Game of Thrones on Anti-Cancer Therapy: A Critical Review-Dedicated to the Memory of Professor Hanaa M. Rady

In the last decade, gypsogenin has attracted widespread attention from medicinal chemists by virtue of its prominent anti-cancer potential. Despite its late identification, gypsogenin has proved itself as a new anti-proliferative player battling for a frontline position among other classic pentacyclic triterpenes such as oleanolic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, and celastrol. Herein, we present the most important reactions of gypsogenin via modification of its four functional groups. Furthermore, we demonstrate insights into the anti-cancer activity of gypsogenin and its semisynthetic derivatives and go further by introducing our perspective to judiciously guide the prospective rational design. The present article opens a new venue for a better exploitation of gypsogenin chemical entity as a lead compound in cancer chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review article exploring the anti-cancer activity of gypsogenin derivatives.

Foegraecumoside O and P, a Pair of Triterpenoid Saponins with a 4/5/6 Fused Tricyclic Oleanane Carbon Skeleton from Lysimachia foenum-graecum Hance

Lysimachia foenum-graecum Hance (Primulaceae) is a medicinal plant used for cold, pain, ascariasis, etc., in China. Triterpenoid saponins have been found to be the main components of this genus. In this work, a pair of oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins with an unprecedented 4/5/6 fused tricyclic skeleton, foegraecumoside O (1) and foegraecumoside P (2) were isolated from the butanol fraction of the aerial parts of L. foenum-graecum. Their structures were determined using chemical methods and extensive spectroscopic analyses, along with quantum chemical calculations. Compound 2 displayed moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2, MGC-803, T24, NCI-H460, A549, and A549/CDDP (drug-resistant lung-cancer cell line) with IC₅₀ at 12.4-19.2 μM in an MTT assay, comparing with the positive control doxorubicin, which had IC₅₀ at 0.53-4.92 μM, but was inactive for A549/CDDP. Furthermore, a possible biosynthetic pathway for forming compounds 1 and 2 was proposed.

Herpetin Promotes Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Alleviate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Herpetin, an active compound derived from the seeds of Herpetospermum caudigerum Wall., is a traditional Tibetan herbal medicine that is used for the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stimulant effect of herpetin on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to improve acute liver injury (ALI). In vitro results showed that herpetin treatment enhanced expression of the liver-specific proteins alpha-fetoprotein, albumin, and cytokeratin 18; increased cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily a member 4 activity; and increased the glycogen-storage capacity of BMSCs. Mice with ALI induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) were treated with a combination of BMSCs by tail-vein injection and herpetin by intraperitoneal injection. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and serum biochemical index detection showed that the liver function of ALI mice improved after administration of herpetin combined with BMSCs. Western blotting results suggested that the stromal cell-derived factor-1/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 axis and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the liver tissue were activated after treatment with herpetin and BMSCs. Therefore, herpetin is a promising BMSC induction agent, and coadministration of herpetin and BMSCs may affect the treatment of ALI.

Antibiotic-Potentiating Activity of the Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi Essential Oil against MDR Bacterial Strains

Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus are the primary bacteria that cause clinical infections, such as urinary and intestinal infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, and sepsis. Bacterial resistance is an innate natural occurrence in microorganisms, resulting from mutations or the lateral exchange of genetic material. This serves as evidence for the association between drug consumption and pathogen resistance. Evidence has demonstrated that the association between conventional antibiotics and natural products is a promising pharmacological strategy to overcome resistance mechanisms. Considering the large body of research demonstrating the significant antimicrobial activities of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, the present study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antibiotic-enhancing effects of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi essential oil (STEO) against the standard and multidrug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The STEO was extracted by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type vacuum rotary evaporator. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the STEO was assessed by the microdilution method to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The antibiotic-enhancing activity of the essential oil was assessed by determining the MIC of antibiotics in the presence of a sub-inhibitory concentration (MIC/8) of the natural product. The GC-MS analysis revealed alpha-pinene (24.3%), gamma-muurolene (16.6%), and myrcene (13.7%) as major constituents of the STEO. The STEO potentiated the enhanced antibacterial activity of norfloxacin and gentamicin against all the strains and increased the action of penicillin against the Gram-negative strains. Therefore, it is concluded that although the STEO does not exhibit clinically effective antibacterial activity, its association with conventional antibiotics results in enhanced antibiotic activity.

Promising hepatoprotective agents from the natural sources: a study of scientific evidence

Background

Natural bioactive components derived from plant secondary metabolites have been pronounced as valuable alternatives for anticipating and subsiding hepatotoxic effects and its chronic complications based on experimental verification. The focus of this review is to elucidate the commonly used modern medicine for the treatment of liver disease and how major phytoconstituents have been tested for hepatoprotective activity, mechanism of action of some promising agents from natural sources, and clinical trial data for treating in patients with different liver diseases by the aid of natural phytoconstituents.

Main text

The review shows fifteen major isolated phytoconstituents, their biological sources, chemical structures, utilized plant parts, type of extracts used, hepatoprotective assay method, and their possible mechanism of action on the hepatoprotection. Nine promising hepatoprotective leads from natural sources with their chemistry and hepatoprotective mechanism are mentioned briefly. The review further includes the recent clinical trial studies of some hepatoprotective leads and their clinical outcome with different liver disease patients. Scientific studies revealed that antioxidant properties are the central mechanism for the phytoconstituents to subside different disease pathways by upsurging antioxidant defense system of cells, scavenging free radicals, down surging lipid peroxidation, improving anti-inflammatory potential, and further protecting the hepatic cell injury. In this review, we summarize recent development of natural product-based hepatoprotective leads and their curative potential for various sort of liver diseases. Furthermore, the usefulness of hit and lead molecules from natural sources for significant clinical benefit to discover new drug molecule and downsizing the problems of medication and chemical-induced hepatotoxic effects is extrapolated.

Conclusion

Further research are encouraged to elucidate the pharmacological principle of these natural-based chemical agents which will stimulate future pharmaceutical development of therapeutically beneficial hepatoprotective regimens.

Acetaminophen-induced liver injury: Molecular mechanism and treatments from natural products

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic over-the-counter medicine worldwide. Hepatotoxicity caused by APAP overdose is one of the leading causes of acute liver failure (ALF) in the US and in some parts of Europe, limiting its clinical application. Excessive APAP metabolism depletes glutathione and increases N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimide (NAPQI) levels, leading to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell necrosis in the liver, which in turn leads to liver damage. Studies have shown that natural products such as polyphenols, terpenes, anthraquinones, and sulforaphane can activate the hepatocyte antioxidant defense system with Nrf2 as the core player, reduce oxidative stress damage, and protect the liver. As the key enzyme metabolizing APAP into NAPQI, cytochrome P450 enzymes are also considered to be intriguing target for the treatment of APAP-induced liver injury. Here, we systematically review the hepatoprotective activity and molecular mechanisms of the natural products that are found to counteract the hepatotoxicity caused by APAP, providing reference information for future preclinical and clinical trials of such natural products.

Selected plant triterpenoids and their amide derivatives in cancer treatment: A review

Medicinal plants have been used to treat different diseases throughout the human history namely in traditional medicine. Most of the plants mentioned in this review article belong among them, including those that are widely spread in the nature, counted frequently to be food and nutrition plants and producing pharmacologically important secondary metabolites. Triterpenoids represent an important group of plant secondary metabolites displaying emerging pharmacological importance. This review article sheds light on four selected triterpenoids, oleanolic, ursolic, betulinic and platanic acid, and on their amide derivatives as important natural or semisynthetic agents in cancer treatment, and, in part, in pathogenic microbe treatment. A literature search was made in the Web of Science for the given key words covering the required area of secondary plant metabolites and their amide derivatives. The most recently published findings on the biological activity of the selected triterpenoids, and on the structures and biological activity of their relevant amide derivatives have been summarized therein. Mainly anti-cancer effects, and, in part, antimicrobial and other effects of the four selected triterpenoids and their amide derivatives have also been reviewed. A comparison of the effects of the parent plant products and those of their amide derivatives has been made.

Applications of protein engineering in the microbial synthesis of plant triterpenoids

Triterpenoids are a class of natural products widely used in fields related to medicine and health due to their biological activities such as hepatoprotection, anti-inflammation, anti-viral, and anti-tumor. With the advancement in biotechnology, microorganisms have been used as cell factories to produce diverse natural products. Despite the significant progress that has been made in the construction of microbial cell factories for the heterogeneous biosynthesis of triterpenoids, the industrial production of triterpenoids employing microorganisms has been stymied due to the shortage of efficient enzymes as well as the low expression and low catalytic activity of heterologous proteins in microbes. Protein engineering has been demonstrated as an effective way for improving the specificity, catalytic activity, and stability of the enzyme, which can be employed to overcome these challenges. This review summarizes the current progress in the studies of Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs), cytochrome P450s (P450s), and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), the key enzymes in the triterpenoids synthetic pathway. The main obstacles restricting the efficient catalysis of these key enzymes are analyzed, the applications of protein engineering for the three key enzymes in the microbial synthesis of triterpenoids are systematically reviewed, and the challenges and prospects of protein engineering are also discussed.

Plant-derived bioactive compounds regulate the NLRP3 inflammasome to treat NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver disorder characterized by abnormal accumulation of hepatic fat and inflammatory response with complex pathogenesis. Over activation of the pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome triggers the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, induces pyroptosis, and promotes the release of a large number of pro-inflammatory proteins. All of which contribute to the development of NAFLD. There is a great deal of evidence indicating that plant-derived active ingredients are effective and safe for NAFLD management. This review aims to summarize the research progress of 31 active plant-derived components (terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols) that alleviate lipid deposition, inflammation, and pyroptosis by acting on the NLRP3 inflammasome studied in both in vitro and in vivo NAFLD models. These studies confirmed that the NLRP3 inflammasome and its related genes play a key role in NAFLD amelioration, providing a starting point for further study on the correlation of plant-derived compounds treatment with the NLRP3 inflammasome and NAFLD.

The Role of Saponins in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain caused by tissue injury or disease involving the somatosensory nervous system, which seriously affects the patient's body function and quality of life. At present, most clinical medications for the treatment of neuropathic pain, including antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, or analgesics, often have limited efficacy and non-negligible side effects. As a bioactive and therapeutic component extracted from Chinese herbal medicine, the role of the effective compounds in the prevention and treatment of neuropathic pain have gradually become a research focus to explore new analgesics. Notably, saponins have shown analgesic effects in a large number of animal models. In this review, we summarized the most updated information of saponins, related to their analgesic effects in neuropathic pain, and the recent progress on the research of therapeutic targets and the potential mechanisms. Furthermore, we put up with some perspectives on future investigation to reveal the precise role of saponins in neuropathic pain.

Lanostane-type triterpenoids from the mycelial mat of Ganoderma lucidum and their hepatoprotective activities

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), a well-known Polyporaceae family fungus, is valued for its edibility and medicinal properties. It is a rich source of active polysaccharides and triterpenoids. However, obtaining material for medicinal purposes relies on artificial cultivation in a greenhouse, which requires large amounts of tree trunk due to the low biomass transformation rate. Therefore, an effective and environment-friendly culture method should be developed and the chemical compounds in the cultured material should be studied. Here we report the isolation and structural elucidation of 10 undescribed lanostane triterpenoids and 21 known compounds from statically cultured mycelial mat of G. lucidum. The hepatoprotective activity of these compounds in H₂O₂-induced HepG2 cells was evaluated. The structure-activity relationship is discussed. Our results demonstrated that twelve ganoderic acid derivatives possess significant hepatoprotective activities, as judged by suppressed activities of ALT, AST and LDH and increased GSH levels in H₂O₂-injured HepG2 cells.

Nutritional and Bioactive Characterization of Sicana odorifera Naudim Vell. Seeds By-Products and Its Potential Hepatoprotective Properties in Swiss Albino Mice

The "Kurugua" (Sicana odorifera) is a native fruit that demonstrates attractive nutritional, coloring, flavoring, and antioxidant properties. The main by-products from the processing and consumption of kurugua fruit are epicarp and seeds. In this work, the properties of the seeds of S. odorifera were evaluated. The nutritional composition of the fruit seeds was determined through AOAC official methods and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS profiling. The antioxidant activities were determined using in vitro methods, and the acute toxicity and hepatoprotective properties were investigated in Swiss albino mice. Quercetin derivatives and cucurbitacins were the main phytochemicals in the seeds' methanolic extract and demonstrated some biological activities. GC-MS analysis revealed the essential fatty acids linolenic and linoleic as the main compounds present in seeds oil. The methanolic extract significantly reduced the serum levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) in mice with induced hepatotoxicity (GPT p < 0.05; GOT p < 0.001) at the minor concentration tested (100 mg/kg EMSo). The results suggest that the S. odorifera seeds as by-products show potential use as a source of phytochemicals and in the production of oils with application in food supplements and nutraceuticals. Their integral use could contribute to waste reduction from kurugua fruits processing within the food safety and environmental sustainability framework.

Epiphytic Acampe ochracea orchid relieves paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and upregulating antioxidant genes in in vivo and virtual screening

Orchids are basically ornamental, and biological functions are seldom evaluated. This research investigated the effects of Acampe ochracea methanol extract (AOME) in ameliorating the paracetamol (PCM) induced liver injury in Wistar albino rats, evaluating its phytochemical status through UPLC-qTOF-MS analysis. With molecular docking and network pharmacology, virtual screening verified the inevitable interactions between the UPLC-qTOF-MS-characterized compounds and hepatoprotective drug receptors. The AOME has explicit a dose-dependent decrease of liver enzymes acid phosphatase (ACP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin, as well as an increase of serum total protein and antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH) with a virtual normalization (p < 0.05-p < 0.001) and the values were almost equivalent to the reference drug silymarin. After pretreatment with AOME, PCM-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were considerably decreased (p < 0.001). Histopathological examinations corroborated the functional and biochemical findings. The AOME upregulated the genes involved in antioxidative (CAT, SOD, β-actin, PON1, and PFK1) and hepatoprotective mechanisms in PCM intoxicated rats. An array of 103 compounds has been identified from AOME through UPLC-qTOF-MS analysis. The detected compounds were substantially related to the targets of several liver proteins and antioxidative enzymes, according to an in silico study. Virtual prediction by SwissADME and admetSAR showed that AOME has drug-like, non-toxic, and potential pharmacological activities in hepatic damage. Furthermore, VEGFA, CYP19A1, MAPK14, ESR1, and PPARG genes interact with target compounds impacting the significant biological actions to recover PCM-induced liver damage.

The genus Schefflera: A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Schefflera is the largest genus in the family Araliaceae, which contains 602 known species indigenous to Asia, Africa, and the southwest Pacific region, several of which are used in traditional medicine.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The review discusses current knowledge of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Schefflera species, to assess the medicinal potential of this genus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature were explored using the keyword "Schefflera" in SciFinder®, Google Scholar®, and PubMed® databases. The taxonomy of all reported plants was authenticated using "The Plant List". Additional data on traditional uses was obtained from secondary references including books and online resources.

RESULTS

Fourteen species were documented as traditional medicines in China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, specifically to manage rheumatism, pain, and trauma. Other species are used in the treatment of liver disorders, skin conditions, respiratory infections, cancer, diarrhea, malaria, paralysis, and many other conditions. The main phytochemical constituents identified were triterpenoids and saponins, with sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, and lignans. Pharmacological properties of extracts and pure isolated compounds included analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antimalarial, and antiallergic effects.

CONCLUSION

The reported biological activities of Schefflera species support their traditional uses, although the available data, even for medicinal species, was limited. Reports of chemical constituents or biological activities could be found for only about 20 species, but suggest that further investigation of efficacy and safety of the largely unexplored genus Schefflera is necessary.

Elimination of the toxic effect of copper sulfate is accompanied by the normalization of liver function in fibrosis

The search for biologically active compounds that regulate liver function in fibrosis is an urgent medical and biological problem. A working hypothesis was tested, according to which low molecular weight biologically active compounds from Pleurotus ostreatus and Sacharamirses cerevisiae are capable of exerting immunomodulatory and antitoxic effects after intoxication of the body with ions of heavy metals, in particular copper sulfate. Elimination of the toxic effect caused by copper sulfate can also ensure the normalization of liver function in various pathologies, in particular with liver fibrosis. When determining toxicity, a study was carried out on Wistar rats, and when studying the effect of low molecular weight biologically active compounds on liver function, clinical trials were carried out on volunteers. The activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, actonitase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the content of bilirubin and lipid hydroperoxides were determined. It was shown that preliminary administration of biologically active compounds to rats at a dose of 0.05 mL/100 g of body weight provided the formation in some animals (up to 80%) of resistance to the toxic effect of copper sulfate (dose 2.5 mg/100 g of body weight). Such stability is associated with a shift in the balance of “prooxidants-antioxidants” towards antioxidants. The data obtained in the clinic on volunteers with liver fibrosis and hepatitis also testify in favour of the membranotropic action of biologically active compounds. Biologically active compounds provided a decrease or complete restoration of the activity of transferases (ALT and AST) in the blood serum of these patients, with the exception of one patient out of 20 examined. Our experiment has shown the relationship between the elimination of toxicity to the action of copper sulfate and the normalization of liver function in patients. The results obtained indicate that it will be promising to use a complex of low molecular weight components from P. ostreatus and S. cerevisiae as an antidote and hepatoprotective agent.

Hepatoprotective Plants from Bangladesh: A Biophytochemical Review and Future Prospect

Liver diseases are quite prevalant in many densely populated countries, including Bangladesh. The liver and its hepatocytes are targeted by virus and microbes, as well as by chemical environmental toxicants, causing wide-spread disruption of metabolic fuctions of the human body, leading to death from end-stage liver diseases. The aim of this review is to systematically explore and record the potential of Bangladeshi ethnopharmacological plants to treat liver diseases with focus on their sources, constituents, and therapeutic uses, including mechanisms of actions (MoA). A literature survey was carried out using Pubmed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases with articles reported until July, 2020. A total of 88 Bangladeshi hepatoprotective plants (BHPs) belonging to 47 families were listed in this review, including Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Compositae families contained 20% of plants, while herbs were the most cited (51%) and leaves were the most consumed parts (23%) as surveyed. The effect of BHPs against different hepatotoxins was observed via upregulation of antioxidant systems and inhibition of lipid peroxidation which subsequently reduced the elevated liver biomarkers. Different active constituents, including phenolics, curcuminoids, cucurbitanes, terpenoids, fatty acids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides, have been reported from these plants. The hepatoameliorative effect of these constituents was mainly involved in the reduction of hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways. In summary, BHPs represent a valuable resource for hepatoprotective lead therapeutics which may offer new alternatives to treat liver diseases.

Betulinic Acid-Azaprostanoid Hybrids: Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation as Anti-inflammatory Agents

Background: Prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases require effective and low-toxic medicines. Molecular hybridization is an effective strategy to enhance the biological activity of new compounds. Triterpenoid scaffolds are in the focus of attention owing to their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory activities. Heteroprostanoids have different pleiotropic effects in acute and chronic inflammatory processes.

Objective: The study aimed to develop structurally new and low toxic anti-inflammatory agents via hybridization of betulinic acid with azaprostanoic acids.

Methods: A series of betulinic acid-azaprostanoid hybrids was synthesized. The synthetic pathway included the transformation of betulin via Jones' oxidation into betulonic acid, reductive amination of the latter and coupling obtained by 3β-amino-3-deoxybetulinic acid with the 7- or 13-azaprostanoic acids and their homo analogues. The hybrids 1-9 were investigated in vivo on histamine-, formalin- and concanavalin A-induced mouse paw edema models and two models of pain - the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and the hot-plate test. The hybrids were in vitro evaluated for cytotoxic activity on cancer (MCF7, U-87 MG) and non-cancer humane cell lines.

Results: In the immunogenic inflammation model, the substances showed a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, which was comparable to that of indomethacin. In the models of the exudative inflammation, none of the compounds displayed a statistically significant effect. The hybrids produced weak or moderate analgesic effects. All the agents revealed low cytotoxicity on human immortalized fibroblasts and cancer cell lines compared with 3β-amino-3-deoxybetulinic acid and doxorubicin.

Conclusion: The results indicate that the principal anti-inflammatory effect of hybrids is substantially provided with the triterpenoid scaffold and in some cases with the azaprostanoid scaffold, but the latter makes a significant contribution to reducing the toxicity of hybrids. Hybrid 1 is of interest as a potent low toxic agent against immune-mediated inflammation.

Pentacyclic Triterpenoids with Nitrogen-Containing Heterocyclic Moiety, Privileged Hybrids in Anticancer Drug Discovery

Pentacyclic triterpenoids are well-known phytochemicals with various biological activities commonly found in plants as secondary metabolites. The wide range of biological activities exhibited by triterpenoids has made them the most valuable sources of pharmacological agents. A number of novel triterpenoid derivatives with many skeletal modifications have been developed. The most important modifications are the formation of analogues or derivatives with nitrogen-containing heterocyclic scaffolds. The derivatives with nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds are among the most promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic drugs. About 75% of FDA-approved drugs are nitrogen-containing heterocyclic moieties. The unique properties of heterocyclic compounds have encouraged many researchers to develop new triterpenoid analogous with pharmacological activities. In this review, we discuss recent advances of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic triterpenoids as potential therapeutic agents. This comprehensive review will assist medicinal chemists to understand new strategies that can result in the development of compounds with potential therapeutic efficacy.

Chemical Characterization and Hepatoprotective Effects of a Standardized Triterpenoid-Enriched Guava Leaf Extract

Nutraceutical/pharmaceutical agents capable of maintaining redox and inflammation homeostasis are considered as candidates for the prevention and/or treatment of liver diseases. Psidium guajava (commonly known as guava) leaf is a commercially available functional food that has been reported to possess hepatoprotective property. However, the hepatoprotective constituents in guava leaf are not known. In the current study, a standardized triterpenoid-enriched extract of guava leaves (TGL) was developed. A new ursolic acid derivative, namely 2α,3β,6β,23,30-pentahydroxyurs-11,13(18)-dien-28,20β-olide (1), and 23 known triterpenoids were isolated and identified from TGL. The hepatoprotective effects of TGL were evaluated through a model using acetaminophen (APAP)-exposed C57BL/6 male mice. Pretreatment of TGL (75 and 150 mg/kg) restored the mice hepatic architecture, improved the serum ALT and AST levels, and reduced the hepatic ROS and MDA contents. Further molecular mechanistic study revealed that TGL modulated Nrf2 and MAPK signaling pathways to alleviate APAP-induced oxidative and inflammatory stress in liver. In addition, the new compound 1 from TGL showed protective effects against APAP-induced cytotoxicity via activation of the Nrf2 pathway in HepG2 cells. Overall, this is the first report on the hepatoprotective effects of a standardized triterpenoid-enriched extract of guava leaves, which supports its potential nutraceutical application in liver disease management.

New pentacyclic triterpenoids isolated from Leptopus chinensis and their hepatoprotective activities on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative injury

Eight unknown pentacyclic triterpenoids (1-4 and 8-11), along with eight known analogues (5-7 and 12-16) have been first isolated from the dried whole plant of Leptopus chinensis. The structures of the new compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, as well as HRESIMS measurements. Meanwhile, the hepatoprotective activities of the isolated compounds were preliminarily evaluated, and the results indicated that compounds 2, 5 and 16 possess potent protective effects on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative injury in vitro, and further study revealed that 16 significantly alleviates t-BHP-induced hepatotoxicity by effectively improving cell viability and decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the cell apoptosis rate in HepG2 cells.

Discovery of Bivalent GalNAc-Conjugated Betulin as a Potent ASGPR-Directed Agent against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel betulin and N-acetyl-d-galactosamine (GalNAc) glycoconjugates and suggest them as targeted agents against hepatocellular carcinoma. We prepared six conjugates derived via the C-3 and C-28 positions of betulin with one or two saccharide ligands. These molecules demonstrate high affinity to the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) of hepatocytes assessed by in silico modeling and surface plasmon resonance tests. Cytotoxicity studies in vitro revealed a bivalent conjugate with moderate activity, selectivity of action, and cytostatic properties against hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2. An additional investigation confirmed the specific engagement with HepG2 cells by the enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species. Stability tests demonstrated its lability to acidic media and to intracellular enzymes. Therefore, the selected bivalent conjugate represents a new potential agent targeted against hepatocellular carcinoma. Further extensive studies of the cellular uptake in vitro and the real-time microdistribution in the murine liver in vivo for fluorescent dye-labeled analogue showed its selective internalization into hepatocytes due to the presence of GalNAc ligand in comparison with reference compounds. The betulin and GalNAc glycoconjugates can therefore be considered as a new strategy for developing therapeutic agents based on natural triterpenoids.

Novel pentacyclic triterpenes exhibiting strong neuroprotective activity in SH-SY5Y cells in salsolinol- and glutamate-induced neurodegeneration models

Novel triterpene derivatives were prepared and evaluated in salsolinol (SAL)- and glutamate (Glu)-induced models of neurodegeneration in neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells. Among the tested compounds, betulin triazole 4 bearing a tetraacetyl-β-d-glucose substituent showed a highly potent neuroprotective effect. Further studies revealed that removal of tetraacetyl-β-d-glucose part (free triazole derivative 10) resulted in strong neuroprotection in the SAL model at 1 μM, but this derivative suffered from cytotoxicity at higher concentrations. Both compounds modulated oxidative stress and caspase-3,7 activity, but 10 showed a superior effect comparable to the Ac-DEVD-CHO inhibitor. Interestingly, while both 4 and 10 outperformed the positive controls in blocking mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, only 4 demonstrated potent restoration of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in the model. Derivatives 4 and 10 also showed neuroprotection in the Glu model, with 10 exhibiting the strongest oxidative stress reducing effect among the tested compounds, while the neuroprotective activity of 4 was probably due recovery of the MMP.

Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with High Antimicrobial and Catalytic Activities using Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa)

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely sought after for a variety of biomedical and environmental applications due to their antimicrobial and catalytic properties. We present here a green and simple synthesis of AgNPs utilizing traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. The screening of 20 aqueous herb extracts shows that Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa) had the most promising potential in producing AgNPs of 30±6 nm, with narrow size distribution and high crystallinity. The antimicrobial activities of these AgNPs conducted on E. coli cells were found to be superior in comparison to poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-capped AgNPs synthesized using common chemical method. Additionally, the AgNPs obtained possess excellent catalytic performance in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. We compared the phytochemical and FTIR spectral analyses of the herb extract before and after synthesis, in order to elucidate the phytochemicals responsible for the reduction of Ag⁺ ions and the capping of the AgNPs produced.

Carvone suppresses oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver of immobilised rats

OBJECTIVE

The investigation of the effect of carvone (a natural monoterpene) on liver damage caused by chronic immobilisation.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, carvone, stress, and stress-carvone. To induce stress, rats were placed in a restrainer (6 h/21 day) and carvone was treated by gavage at a dose of 20 mg/kg.

RESULTS

Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase activities were significantly increased in sera of immobilised rats. Chronic immobilisation also increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased reduced glutathione content, as well as increased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-κB mRNA expression and also led to the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver parenchyma. Carvone's 21-day treatment prevented all of these changes in immobilised rats.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that carvone has effectively prevented chronic immobilisation-induced liver injury, most probably through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Surface activity and foaming properties of saponin-rich plants extracts

Saponins are amphiphilic glycosidic secondary metabolites produced by numerous plants. So far only few of them have been thoroughly analyzed and even less have found industrial applications as biosurfactants. In this contribution we screen 45 plants from different families, reported to be rich in saponins, for their surface activity and foaming properties. For this purpose, the room-temperature aqueous extracts (macerates) from the alleged saponin-rich plant organs were prepared and spray-dried under the same conditions, in presence of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate as preservatives and drying aids. For 15 selected plants, the extraction was also performed using hot water (decoction for 15 min) but high temperature in most cases deteriorated surface activity of the extracts. To our knowledge, for most of the extracts this is the first quantitative report on their surface activity. Among the tested plants, only 3 showed the ability to reduce surface tension of their solutions by more than 20 mN/m at 1% dry extract mass content. The adsorption layers forming spontaneously on the surface of these extracts showed a broad range of surface dilational rheology responses - from null to very high, with surface dilational elasticity modulus, E' in excess of 100 mN/m for 5 plants. In all cases the surface dilational response was dominated by the elastic contribution, typical for saponins and other biosurfactants. Almost all extracts showed the ability to froth, but only 32 could sustain the foam for more than 1 min (for 11 extracts the foams were stable during at least 10 min). In general, the ability to lower surface tension and to produce adsorbed layers with high surface elasticity did not correlate well with the ability to form and sustain the foam. Based on the overall characteristics, Saponaria officinalis L. (soapwort), Avena sativa L. (oat), Aesculus hippocastanum L. (horse chestnut), Chenopodium quinoa Willd. (quinoa), Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert (cowherb) and Glycine max (L.) Merr. (soybean) are proposed as the best potential sources of saponins for surfactant applications in natural cosmetic and household products.

Chemistry, Biological Activities and In Silico Bioprospection of Sterols and Triterpenes from Mexican Columnar Cactaceae

The Cactaceae family is an important source of triterpenes and sterols. The wide uses of those plants include food, gathering, medicinal, and live fences. Several studies have led to the isolation and characterization of many bioactive compounds. This review is focused on the chemistry and biological properties of sterols and triterpenes isolated mainly from some species with columnar and arborescent growth forms of Mexican Cactaceae. Regarding the biological properties of those compounds, apart from a few cases, their molecular mechanisms displayed are not still fully understand. To contribute to the above, computational chemistry tools have given a boost to traditional methods used in natural products research, allowing a more comprehensive exploration of chemistry and biological activities of isolated compounds and extracts. From this information an in silico bioprospection was carried out. The results suggest that sterols and triterpenoids present in Cactaceae have interesting substitution patterns that allow them to interact with some bio targets related to inflammation, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative processes. Thus, they should be considered as attractive leads for the development of drugs for the management of chronic degenerative diseases.