Symmetrical and un-symmetrical curcumin analogues as selective COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor

Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin and Synthetic Derivatives: A Computational Approach to Anti-Obesity Treatments

Natural compounds such as curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from the rhizome of turmeric, have gathered remarkable scientific interest due to their diverse metabolic benefits including anti-obesity potential. However, curcumin faces challenges stemming from its unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile. To address this issue, synthetic curcumin derivatives aimed at enhancing the biological efficacy of curcumin have previously been developed. In silico modelling techniques have gained significant recognition in screening synthetic compounds as drug candidates. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of three synthetic derivatives of curcumin. This evaluation was conducted in comparison to curcumin, with a specific emphasis on examining their impact on adipogenesis, inflammation, and lipid metabolism as potential therapeutic targets of obesity mechanisms. In this study, predictive toxicity screening confirmed the safety of curcumin, with the curcumin derivatives demonstrating a safe profile based on their LD50 values. The synthetic curcumin derivative 1A8 exhibited inactivity across all selected toxicity endpoints. Furthermore, these compounds were deemed viable candidate drugs as they adhered to Lipinski's rules and exhibited favorable metabolic profiles. Molecular docking studies revealed that both curcumin and its synthetic derivatives exhibited favorable binding scores, whilst molecular dynamic simulations showed stable binding with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), csyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) proteins. The binding free energy calculations indicated that curcumin displayed potential as a strong regulator of PPARγ (-60.2 ± 0.4 kcal/mol) and FAS (-37.9 ± 0.3 kcal/mol), whereas 1A8 demonstrated robust binding affinity with COX2 (-64.9 ± 0.2 kcal/mol). In conclusion, the results from this study suggest that the three synthetic curcumin derivatives have similar molecular interactions to curcumin with selected biological targets. However, in vitro and in vivo experimental studies are recommended to validate these findings.

Identification of potential anti-inflammatory components in Moutan Cortex by bio-affinity ultrafiltration coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

Moutan Cortex (MC) has been used in treating inflammation-associated diseases and conditions in China and other Southeast Asian countries. However, the active components of its anti-inflammatory effect are still unclear. The study aimed to screen and identify potential cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors in MC extract. The effect of MC on COX-2 was determined in vitro by COX-2 inhibitory assays, followed by bio-affinity ultrafiltration in combination with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (BAUF-UPLC-MS). To verify the reliability of the constructed approach, celecoxib was applied as the positive control, in contrast to adenosine which served as the negative control in this study. The bioactivity of the MC components was validated in vitro by COX-2 inhibitor assay and RAW264.7 cells. Their in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated using LPS-induced zebrafish inflammation models. Finally, molecular docking was hired to further explore the internal interactions between the components and COX-2 residues. The MC extract showed an evident COX-2-inhibitory effect in a concentration-dependent manner. A total of 11 potential COX-2 inhibitors were eventually identified in MC extract. The COX-2 inhibitory activity of five components, namely, gallic acid (GA), methyl gallate (MG), galloylpaeoniflorin (GP), 1,2,3,6-Tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (TGG), and 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranose (PGG), were validated through both in vitro assays and experiments using zebrafish models. Besides, the molecular docking analysis revealed that the potential inhibitors in MC could effectively inhibit COX-2 by interacting with specific residues, similar to the mechanism of action exhibited by celecoxib. In conclusion, BAUF-UPLC-MS combining the molecular docking is an efficient approach to discover enzyme inhibitors from traditional herbs and understand the mechanism of action.

One-Pot Self-Assembly of Core-Shell Nanoparticles within Fibers by Coaxial Electrospinning for Intestine-Targeted Delivery of Curcumin

Nanotechniques for curcumin (Cur) encapsulation provided a potential capability to avoid limitations and improve biological activities in food and pharmaceutics. Different from multi-step encapsulation systems, in this study, zein-curcumin (Z-Cur) core-shell nanoparticles could be self-assembled within Eudragit S100 (ES100) fibers through one-pot coaxial electrospinning with Cur at an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 96% for ES100-zein-Cur (ES100-Z-Cur) and EE of 67% for self-assembled Z-Cur. The resulting structure realized the double protection of Cur by ES100 and zein, which provided both pH responsiveness and sustained release performances. The self-assembled Z-Cur nanoparticles released from fibermats were spherical (diameter 328 nm) and had a relatively uniform distribution (polydispersity index 0.62). The spherical structures of Z-Cur nanoparticles and Z-Cur nanoparticles loaded in ES100 fibermats could be observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) revealed that hydrophobic interactions occurred between the encapsulated Cur and zein, while Cur was amorphous (rather than in crystalline form). Loading in the fibermat could significantly enhance the photothermal stability of Cur. This novel one-pot system much more easily and efficiently combined nanoparticles and fibers together, offering inherent advantages such as step economy, operational simplicity, and synthetic efficiency. These core-shell biopolymer fibermats which incorporate Cur can be applied in pharmaceutical products toward the goals of sustainable and controllable intestine-targeted drug delivery.

Exploring the Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant, Xanthine Oxidase and COX Inhibitory Activity of Commiphora gileadensis Commonly Grown Wild in Saudi Arabia

The use of the synthetic drugs has increased in the last few decades; however, these drugs exhibit various side effects. Scientists are therefore seeking alternatives from natural sources. Commiphora gileadensis has long been used to treat various disorders. It is commonly known as bisham or balm of Makkah. This plant contains various phytochemicals, including polyphenols and flavonoids, with biological potential. We found that steam-distilled essential oil of C. gileadensis exhibited higher antioxidant activity (IC_50, 22.2 µg/mL) than ascorbic acid (IC_50, 1.25 µg/mL). The major constituents (>2%) in the essential oil were β-myrcene, nonane, verticiol, β-phellandrene, β-cadinene, terpinen-4-ol, β-eudesmol, α-pinene, cis-β-copaene and verticillol, which might be responsible for the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The extract of C. gileadensis exhibited inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase (IC_50, 450.1 µg/mL), xanthine oxidase (251.2 µg/mL) and protein denaturation (110.5 µg/mL) compared to standard treatments, making it a viable treatment from a natural plant source. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds such as caffeic acid phenyl ester, hesperetin, hesperidin, chrysin and transient amounts of catechin, gallic acid, rutin and caffeic acid. The chemical constituents of this plant can be explored further to investigate its wide variety of therapeutic potential.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic of Curcuminoids Formulations with an Omega-3 Fatty Acids Monoglyceride Carrier: A Randomized Cross-Over Triple-Blind Study

There is a growing interest for curcuminoids in the general population and the scientific research community. Curcuminoids, derived from turmeric spice, are lipophiles and therefore have a low solubility in water which hence have a low bioavailability in the human plasma. To circumvent this issue, a natural product developed by Biodroga Nutraceuticals combined curcuminoids with omega-3 fatty acids (OM3) esterified in monoglycerides (MAG). The objective was to perform a 24 h pharmacokinetics in humans receiving a single dose of curcuminoid formulated by three different means, and to compare their plasma curcuminoids concentration. Sixteen males and fifteen females tested three formulations: 400 mg of curcuminoids powder extract, 400 mg of curcuminoids in rice oil and 400 mg of curcuminoids with 1 g MAG-OM3. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 24 h post dose intake. Plasma samples were analyzed by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Twenty-four hours after a single dose intake, the total plasma curcuminoids area under the curve (AUC) reached 166.8 ± 17.8 ng/mL*h, 134.0 ± 12.7 ng/mL*h and 163.1 ± 15.3 ng/mL*h when curcuminoids were provided with MAG-OM3, with rice oil or in powder, respectively. The C_max of total curcuminoids reached between 11.9-17.7 ng/mL at around 4 h (T_max). One-hour post-dose, the curcuminoids plasma concentration was 40% higher in participants consuming the MAG-OM3 compared to the other formulations. Thus, in a young population, plasma curcuminoids 24 h pharmacokinetics and its increase shortly after the single dose intake were higher when provided with MAG-OM3 than rice oil.

Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata Extracts Modulate Different and Complementary Pathways on Human Chondrocytes In Vitro: Deciphering of a Transcriptomic Study

Objectives:Curcuma longa (CL) and Boswellia serrata (BS) extracts are used to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate their mechanisms of action at therapeutic plasmatic concentrations on primary human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes.

Methods: BS (10–50 μg/ml) and CL (0.4–2 μg/ml corresponding to 1–5 µM of curcumin) were evaluated separately or in combination on primary chondrocytes isolated from 17 OA patients and cultured in alginate beads. Ten patients were used for RNA-sequencing analysis. Proteomic confirmation was performed either by immunoassays in the culture supernatant or by flow cytometry for cell surface markers after 72 h of treatment.

Results: Significant gene expression modifications were already observed after 6 h of treatment at the highest dose of CL (2 μg/ml) while BS was significantly effective only after 24 h of treatment irrespective of the concentration tested. The most over-expressed genes by CL were anti-oxidative, detoxifying, and cytoprotective genes involved in the Nrf2 pathway. Down-regulated genes were principally pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Inversely, BS anti-oxidant/detoxifying activities were related to the activation of Nrf1 and PPARα pathways. BS anti-inflammatory effects were associated with the increase in GDF15, decrease in cholesterol cell intake and fatty acid metabolism-involved genes, and down-regulation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activation. Similar to CL, BS down-regulated ADAMTS1, 5, and MMP3, 13 genes expression. The combination of both CL and BS was significantly more effective than CL or BS alone on many genes such as IL-6, CCL2, ADAMTS1, and 5.

Conclusion: BS and CL have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-catabolic activities, suggesting a protective effect of these extracts on cartilage. Even if they share some mechanism of action, the two extracts act mainly on distinct pathways, and with different time courses, justifying their association to treat osteoarthritis.

Anti-Lung Cancer Activities of 1,2,3-Triazole Curcumin Derivatives via Regulation of the MAPK/NF-κB/STAT3 Signaling Pathways

In this study, a series of curcumin derivatives containing 1,2,3-triazole were designed and synthesized, and their inhibitory activities against the proliferation of lung cancer cells were studied. Compound 5 k (3,4-dichlorobenzyltriazole methyl curcumin) had the best activity against A549 cells, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀ ) of 2.27 μM, which was approximately 10 times higher than that of the lead curcumin and higher than that of gefitinib (IC₅₀ =8.64 μM). Western blotting revealed that 5 k increased the phosphorylation levels of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Compound 5 k also promoted the expression of the inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (IκBα) and decreased that of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and β-catenin. Therefore, 5 k suppresses A549 cell proliferation by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinases and suppressing NF-κB/STAT3 signaling pathways. So, 5 k can potentially be used for treating non-small cell lung cancer.