Separation and characterization of homopipecolic acid isoflavonoid ester derivatives isolated from Ononis spinosa L. root

Neuroprotective potential of formononetin, a naturally occurring isoflavone phytoestrogen

The increased prevalence of neurological illnesses is a burgeoning challenge to the public healthcare system and presents greater financial pressure. Formononetin, an O-methylated isoflavone, has gained a lot of attention due to its neuroprotective potential explored in several investigations. Formononetin is widely found in legumes and several types of clovers including Trifolium pratense L., Astragalus membranaceus, Sophora tomentosa, etc. Formononetin modulates various endogenous mediators to confer neuroprotection. It prevents RAGE activation that results in the inhibition of neuronal damage via downregulating the level of ROS and proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, formononetin also increases the expression of ADAM-10, which affects the pathology of neurodegenerative disease by lowering tau phosphorylation, maintaining synaptic plasticity, and boosting hippocampus neurogenesis. Besides these, formononetin also increases the expression of antioxidants, Nrf-2, PI3K, ApoJ, and LRP1. Whereas, reduces the expression of p65-NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokines. It also inhibits the deposition of Aβ and MAO-B activity. An inhibition of Aβ/RAGE-induced activation of MAPK and NOX governs the protection elicited by formononetin against inflammatory and oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage. Besides this, PI3K/Akt and ER-α-mediated activation of ADAM10, ApoJ/LRP1-mediated clearance of Aβ, and MAO-B inhibition-mediated preservation of dopaminergic neurons integrity are the major modulations produced by formononetin. This review covers the biosynthesis of formononetin and key molecular pathways modulated by formononetin to confer neuroprotection.

In-depth analysis of the xanthine oxidase inhibitors of Cicer arietinum L.-based receptor-ligand affinity coupled with complex chromatography

INTRODUCTION

Cicer arietinum L. is the choice of health food for people with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. As an essential source of high-nutrition legumes, it is also an important source of dietary isoflavones.

OBJECTIVES

In order to improve the preparation efficiency of natural plants, a rapid biological activity screening and preparation of xanthine oxidase inhibitors from C. arietinum L. was established.

METHODS

Xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitors were rapidly screened using ultrafiltration liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UF-LC-MS) based on receptor-ligand affinity. The change in XOD activity was evaluated by enzymatic reaction kinetics measurement. The potential bioactive compounds were verified through molecular docking. In addition, the biological activity of ligands screened was separated and purified by complex chromatography. The structures of the compounds were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Three active ingredients, namely daidzin, daidzein, calycosin with XOD binding affinities were identified and isolated from the raw plant materials via semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), 0-60 min, 5-50% B and countercurrent chromatography (CCC) (ethyl acetate/acetic acid/water [5:0.8:10, v/v/v]).

CONCLUSION

This study will help to elucidate the mechanisms of action of natural plants of interest at the molecular level and could also provide more opportunities for the discovery and development of new nutritional value from other natural resources.

Medicinal Plants of the Flora of Kazakhstan Used in the Treatment of Skin Diseases

The skin shows the physiological condition of the body's organs and systems that prevent infections and physical damage. Throughout the ages, in folk medicine, phytotherapy was considered a primary form of treatment in all countries, including Kazakhstan, due to the abundance and availability of plant-based remedies. This paper discusses several medicinal plants that are traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The chemical composition of these plants was analyzed, with a particular focus on the biologically active basic compounds responsible for their therapeutic efficiency in treating skin ailments.

Bioactive pterocarpans from the root of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus

Eleven undescribed and three known pterocarpans were isolated and identified from the traditional Chinese medicine "Huang-qi", Astragali Radix (the root of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bunge) P.K.Hsiao). The structures of these pterocarpans were determined using spectroscopic, X-ray crystallographic, quantum chemical calculation, and chemical methods. Pterocarpans, almost exclusively distributed in the family of Leguminosae, are the second largest subgroup of isoflavanoids. However, pterocarpan glycoside number is limited, most of which are glucosides, and only one pterocarpan apioside was isolated from nature. Notably, nine rare apiosyl-containing pterocarpan glycosides were isolated and identified. The hypoglycemic activities of all these compounds were evaluated using α-glucosidase and DPP-IV inhibitory assays respectively, and some isolates displayed the α-glucosidase inhibitory function. The antioxidant activities of all compounds were evaluated using the ORAC and DPPH radical scavenging assays, respectively. All compounds exhibited varying degrees of oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and some compounds displayed DPPH radical scavenging ability.

Anti-adipogenic activity of maackiain and ononin is mediated via inhibition of PPARγ in human adipocytes

Obesity is a global health burden for which we do not yet have effective treatments for prevention or therapy. Plants are an invaluable source of bioactive leads possessing anti-adipogenic potential. Ethnopharmacological use of Ononis spinosa L. roots (OSR) for treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders requires а scientific rationale. The current study examined the anti-adipogenic capacity of OSR and its secondary metabolites ononin (ONON) and maackiain (MACK) in human adipocytes as an in vitro model of obesity. Both ONON and MACK diminished lipid accumulation during adipocyte differentiation. Molecular docking analysis exposed the potential interactions between MACK or ONON and target regulatory adipogenic proteins. Furthermore, results from an RT-qPCR analysis disclosed significant upregulation of AMPK by MACK and ONON treatment. In addition, ONON increased SIRT1, PI3K and ACC mRNA expression, while MACK notably downregulated CEBPA, AKT, SREBP1, ACC and ADIPOQ. The protein level of PI3K, C/EBPα, PPARγ and adiponectin was reduced upon MACK treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, ONON suppressed PI3K, PPARγ and adiponectin protein abundance. Finally, our study provides evidence that ONON exerts anti-adipogenic effect by upregulation of SIRT1 and inhibition of PI3K, PPARγ and adiponectin, while MACK induced strong inhibitory effect on adipogenesis via hampering PI3K, PPARγ/C/EBPα signaling and anti-lipogenic effect through downregulation of SREBP1 and ACC. Even though OSR does not hamper adipogenic differentiation, it could be exploited as a source of natural leads with anti-adipogenic potential. The multidirectional mechanism of action of MACK warrant further validation in the context of in vivo obesity models.

Quantitative determination of isoflavonoids in Ononis species by UPLC-UV-DAD

INTRODUCTION

The root of the Ononis species has been used internally and externally in ethnomedicine for centuries and contains biologically valuable isoflavonoid compounds. Therefore, it is important to obtain quantitative information about the isoflavonoid profile of these plants.

OBJECTIVES

In this article we aimed to develop an optimised sample preparation protocol alongside a validated method for the quantitative measurement of isoflavones, isoflavanones and pterocarpans in the form of glucosides and aglycones, in order to compare the specialised metabolites of Ononis spinosa L. and O. arvensis L.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Quantitative determination was carried out by the means of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet diode-array detection (UPLC-UV-DAD).

RESULTS

An optimised sample preparation method was developed to transform malonyl glucosides to their glucosidic forms. Chromatographic methods were created for the baseline separation of isoflavones, isoflavanones and pterocarpans alongside with their glucosides. Altogether 12 compounds were evaluated quantitatively in samples of O. spinosa and O. arvensis.

CONCLUSION

As a result, no characteristic change could be observed between the two species regarding their isoflavonoid pattern.

Rapid screening and purification of potential inhibitors from Medicago sativa by ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography combined with stepwise flow rate counter-current chromatography

INTRODUCTION

Medicago sativa contains flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, sterols, monoterpenes, and organic acids, with flavonoids being the main active constituents. Flavonoids naturally contain a 2-phenylchromone structure with antioxidant, free radical scavenging, cardiovascular, and trace estrogen-like effects.

OBJECTIVE

Screening and isolation of neuraminidase, lipoxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors from M. sativa via ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UF-LC-MS) combined with stepwise flow rate counter-current chromatography (CCC).

METHOD

Utilising the medicinal plants M. sativa as the research objects and UF-LC-MS was used for activity screening followed by isolation and purification of the inhibitors by stepwise flow rate CCC. Finally, identification of the three active compounds was achieved by MS and nuclear magnetic resonance.

RESULTS

Three major compounds, viz. quercetin, genistein, and formononetin, were identified as potent neuraminidase, lipoxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors, respectively. A two-phase solvent system of ethyl acetate/methanol/n-butanol/water (5.0:1.5:5.0:10; v/v/v/v) was subsequently selected for separation by stepwise flow rate CCC.

CONCLUSION

This novel approach based on UF-LC-MS and stepwise flow rate CCC represents a powerful tool for the screening and isolation of neuraminidase, lipoxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors from complex matrices. Therefore, a useful platform for the large-scale production of bioactive and nutraceutical ingredients was developed herein.

Phenolic Content and Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Solidago virga-aurea, Phyllanthus niruri, Epilobium angustifolium, Peumus boldus, and Ononis spinosa Extracts

Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition that is related to multiple infectious agents, including bacteria and fungi. Traditional herbal extracts proved efficacious in controlling clinical symptoms associated with prostatitis. In this context, the aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy of extracts from Solidago virga-aurea, Ononis spinosa, Peumus boldus, Epilobium angustifolium, and Phyllanthus niruri against bacterial (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) and fungi strains (Candida albicans; C. tropicalis) involved in prostatitis. Additionally, anti-mycotic effects were tested against multiple species of dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum, T. tonsurans, T. erinacei, Arthroderma crocatum, A. quadrifidum, A. gypseum, A. currey, and A. insingulare). Antioxidant effects were also evaluated in isolated rat prostates challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and phytochemical analyses were conducted to identify and quantify selected phenolic compounds, in the extracts. Finally, a bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict putative human and microbial enzymes targeted by extracts’ phytocompounds and underlying the observed bio-pharmacological effects. The phytochemical analysis highlighted that rutin levels could be crucial for explaining the highest antibacterial activity of P. boldus extract, especially against E. coli and B. cereus. On the other hand, in the E. angustifolium extract, catechin concentration could partially explain the highest efficacy of this extract in reducing lipid peroxidation, in isolated rat prostates stimulated with LPS. Concluding, the results of the present study showed moderate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects induced by water extracts of S. virga-aurea, P. boldus, E. angustifolium, P. niruri, and O. spinosa that could be related, at least partially, to the phenolic composition of the phytocomplex.

Ononis spinosa L., an edible and medicinal plant: UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap/MS chemical profiling and biological activities of the herbal extract

This study explored the chemical profile of the aerial parts of Ononis spinosa and further investigated its biological activities. Chemical profiling of the extract revealed the presence of 63 different compounds: phenolic acids, flavonoid glycosides and aglycones, isoflavonoid glycosides and aglycones, and other related compounds. Our results revealed that the extract was active against 8 strains of free floating bacteria. It showed anti-biofilm potential against Staphylococcus aureus and was able to supress the production of staphyloxanthin in S. aureus at sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations. Its antioxidant activity was evaluated by using several assays (phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, and metal chelating assay), which showed that the extract exhibited a dose dependent activity. Inhibition of AChE, BChE, amylase, glucosidase and tyrosinase was achieved by the extract, demonstrating its anti-enzymatic activity. The antiproliferative potential of the extract towards human cancer cell lines (HepG2, MCF-7, SiHa and A172) was determined by using the crystal violet assay. Ki67, a marker of proliferation was downregulated in the A172 glioblastoma cell line.

F. R. Ferreira I, D. Soković M. Methanolic Extract of the Herb Ononis spinosa L. Is an Antifungal Agent with no Cytotoxicity to Primary Human Cells

Ononis spinosa L. is a plant traditionally used as folk remedy. There are numerous studies regarding chemical constituents and health beneficial properties of Ononidis Radix. The following study was designed to investigate chemical composition and antifungal potential of the methanolic extract obtained from the O. spinosa L. herb. Chemical analyses regarding phenolic compounds of O. spinosa were performed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI/MSn). Antifungal activity, antibiofilm properties and antifungal mode of action of the extract were evaluated, as well as cytotoxicity. Chemical analyses revealed the presence of flavonoids, isoflavonoids and phenolic acids in O. spinosa, with kaempherol-O-hexoside-pentoside being the most abundant compound (5.1 mg/g extract). Methanolic extract was active against all of the tested microfungi with Penicillium aurantiogriseum being the most sensitive to the extract inhibitory effect at 0.02 mg/mL; and effectively inhibited biofilms formed by Candida strains. Minimum fungicidal concentrations of extract rose in the presence of ergosterol and leakage of cellular components was detected. The extract showed no cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) cells. This study significantly contributes to overall knowledge about medicinal potential of O. spinosa herbal extract and enlightens previously unrevealed properties. O. spinosa aerial parts seem to be an interesting candidate for the development of antifungal preparations, non-toxic to human cells.

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Ononis Hairy Root Cultures

Hairy root cultures are genetically and biochemically stable, and they regularly possess the same or better biosynthetic capabilities for specialized (secondary) metabolite production compared to the intact plant. Ononis species are well-known herbal remedies in ethnopharmacology and rich sources of isoflavonoids. Besides isoflavones, less prevalent isoflavones and pterocarpans with valuable biological effects can be found in Ononis species as well. As these plants are only collected but not cultivated, biotechnological methods could play a role in the larger-scale extraction of Ononis isoflavonoids. Regarding this information, we aimed to establish Ononis spinosa and Ononis arvensis hairy root cultures (HRCs) and analyze the isoflavonoid profile of hairy root cultures qualitatively and quantitatively, in order to define their capacity to produce biologically valuable isoflavonoids. During the qualitative description, beside isoflavonoids, two new phenolic lactones, namely, bulatlactone 2″-O-β-D-glucoside and ononilactone, were isolated, and their structures were characterized for the first time. Altogether, 29 compounds were identified by the means of UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS. Based on UHPLC-UV-DAD measurements, the isoflavonoid spectrum of the Ononis HRCs differed markedly from wild-grown samples, as they produce a limited range of the scaffolds. The most abundant compounds in the HRCs were medicarpin glucoside and sativanone glucoside. The overall isoflavonoid production of the cultures was comparable to wild-grown O. arvensis and approximately twice as high as in wild-grown O. spinosa samples. As the overall content of wild-grown samples include more isoflavonoid derivatives, the HRCs contain structurally less divergent isoflavonoids but in higher quantity.

Potential Anticancer Properties and Mechanisms of Action of Formononetin

Nature, a vast reservoir of pharmacologically active molecules, has been most promising source of drug leads for the cure of various pathological conditions. Formononetin is one of the bioactive isoflavones isolated from different plants mainly from Trifolium pratense, Glycine max, Sophora flavescens, Pycnanthus angolensis, and Astragalus membranaceus. Formononetin has been well-documented for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Recently anticancer activity of formononetin is widely studied. This review aims to highlight the pharmacological potential of formononetin, thus providing an insight of its status in cancer therapeutics. Formononetin fights progression of cancer via inducing apoptosis, arresting cell cycle, and halting metastasis via targeting various pathways which are generally modulated in several cancers. Although reported data acclaims various biological properties of formononetin, further experimentation on mechanism of its action, medicinal chemistry studies, and preclinical investigations are surely needed to figure out full array of its pharmacological and biological potential.

Evaluation of biological synthesized platinum nanoparticles using Ononidis radix extract on the cell lung carcinoma A549

Due to the search for new methods for synthesizing nanomaterials, this work proposes the biological synthesis of platinum nanoparticles using Ononidis radix extract. The synthesized platinum nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with EDS profile, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The examination conducted by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy showed the presence of spherical and hexagonal platinum nanoparticles. Atomic Force Microscopy indicated the presence of locally agglomerated nanoparticles whose size was about 4 nm. The study also examined the influence of platinum nanoparticles on human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells A549. It was found that the mortality of cells cultured together with platinum nanoparticles increased, and the proliferative activity of A549 cells decreased gradually over time in proportion to the increasing concentration of the test substance.