Flavonoids, centaurein and centaureidin, from Bidens pilosa, stimulate IFN-gamma expression

Identification of a polyphenol O-methyltransferase with broad substrate flexibility in Streptomyces albidoflavus J1074

Flavonoids are a large and important group of phytochemicals with a great variety of bioactivities. The addition of methyl groups during biosynthesis of flavonoids and other polyphenols enhances their bioactivities and increases their stability. In a previous study of our research group, we detected a novel flavonoid O-methyltransferase activity in Streptomyces albidoflavus J1074, which led to the heterologous biosynthesis of homohesperetin from hesperetin in feeding cultures. In this study, we identify the O-methyltransferase responsible for the generation of this methylated flavonoid through the construction of a knockout mutant of the gene XNR_0417, which was selected after a blast analysis using the sequence of a caffeic acid 3'-O-methyltransferase from Zea mays against the genome of S. albidoflavus J1074. This mutant strain, S. albidoflavus ∆XNR_0417, was no longer able to produce homohesperetin after hesperetin feeding. Subsequently, we carried out a genetic complementation of the mutant strain in order to confirm that the enzyme encoded by XNR_0417 is responsible for the observed O-methyltransferase activity. This new strain, S. albidoflavus SP43-XNR_0417, was able to produce not only homohesperetin from hesperetin, but also different mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-methylated derivatives on other flavanones, flavones and stilbenes, revealing a broad substrate flexibility. Additionally, in vitro experiments were conducted using the purified enzyme on the substrates previously tested in vivo, demonstrating doubtless the capability of XNR_0417 to generate various methylated derivatives.

Elucidation of Anti-Obesity Mechanisms of Phenolics in Artemisiae argyi Folium (Aiye) by Integrating LC-MS, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking

The global prevalence of obesity is a pressing health issue, increasing the medical burden and posing significant health risks to humans. The side effects and complications associated with conventional medication and surgery have spurred the search for anti-obesity drugs from plant resources. Previous studies have suggested that Artemisiae argyi Folium (Aiye) water extracts could inhibit pancreatic lipase activities, control body weight increase, and improve the plasma lipids profile. However, the exact components and mechanisms were not precisely understood. Therefore, this research aims to identify the chemical profile of Aiye and provide a comprehensive prediction of its anti-obesity mechanisms. The water extract of Aiye was subjected to LC-MS analysis, which identified 30 phenolics. The anti-obesity mechanisms of these phenolics were then predicted, employing network pharmacology and molecular docking. Among the 30 phenolics, 21 passed the drug-likeness screening and exhibited 486 anti-obesity targets. The enrichment analysis revealed that these phenolics may combat obesity through PI3K-Akt signaling and MAPK, prolactin, and cAMP signaling pathways. Eight phenolics and seven central targets were selected for molecular docking, and 45 out of 56 docking had a binding affinity of less than -5 kcal/mol. This research has indicated the potential therapy targets and signaling pathways of Aiye in combating obesity.

Systematic Review of Chemical Compounds with Immunomodulatory Action Isolated from African Medicinal Plants

A robust, well-functioning immune system is the cornerstone of good health. Various factors may influence the immune system's effectiveness, potentially leading to immune system failure. This review aims to provide an overview of the structure and action of immunomodulators isolated from African medicinal plants. The research was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Full-text access research articles published in English up to December 2023, including plant characteristics, isolated phytochemicals, and immuno-modulatory activities, were screened. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were generated using ChemDraw® (version 12.0.1076), and convergent and distinctive signaling pathways were highlighted. These phytochemicals with demonstrated immunostimulatory activity include alkaloids (berberine, piperine, magnoflorine), polysaccharides (pectin, glucan, acemannan, CALB-4, GMP90-1), glycosides (syringin, cordifolioside, tinocordiside, aucubin), phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, vanillic acid, eupalitin), flavonoids (curcumin, centaurein, kaempferin, luteolin, guajaverin, etc.), terpenoids (oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, boswellic acids, corosolic acid, nimbidin, andrographolides). These discussed compounds exert their effects through various mechanisms, targeting the modulation of MAPKs, PI3K-Akt, and NF-kB. These mechanisms can support the traditional use of medicinal plants to treat immune-related diseases. The outcomes of this overview are to provoke structural action optimization, to orient research on particular natural chemicals for managing inflammatory, infectious diseases and cancers, or to boost vaccine immunogenicity.

Phytoimmunomodulators: A review of natural modulators for complex immune system

In the past few decades, the medicinal properties of plants and their effects on the human immune system are being studied extensively. Plants are an incredible source of traditional medicines that help cure various diseases, including altered immune mechanisms and are economical and benign compared to allopathic medicines. Reported data in written documents such as Traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurvedic medicine support the supplementation of botanicals for immune defense reactions in the body and can lead to safe and effective immunity responses. Additionally, some botanicals are well-identified as magical herbal remedies because they act upon the pathogen directly and help boost the immunity of the host. Chemical compounds, also known as phytochemicals, obtained from these botanicals looked promising due to their effects on the human immune system by modulating the lymphocytes which subsequently reduce the chances of getting infected. This paper summarises most documented phytochemicals and how they act on the immune system, their properties and possible mechanisms, screening conventions, formulation guidelines, comparison with synthetic immunity-enhancers, marketed immunity-boosting products, and immune-booster role in the ongoing ghastly corona virus wave. However, it focuses mainly on plant metabolites as immunomodulators. In addition, it also sheds light on the current advancements and future possibilities in this field. From this thorough study, it can be stated that the plant-based secondary metabolites contribute significantly to immunity building and could prove to be valuable medicaments for the design and development of novel immunomodulators even for a pandemic like COVID-19.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Phytoactive Compounds on Human Health: A Narrative Review Integrated with Bioinformatics Approach

BACKGROUND

Immunomodulation is the modification of immune responses to control disease progression. While the synthetic immunomodulators have proven efficacy, they are coupled with toxicity and other adverse effects, and hence, the efforts were to identify natural phytochemicals with immunomodulatory potential.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the immunomodulatory properties of various phytochemicals and investigate them in Echinacea species extracts using an in silico approach.

METHODOLOGY

Several scientific database repositories were searched using different keywords: "Phytochemicals," "Alkaloids," "Polyphenols," "Flavonoids," "Lectins," "Glycosides," "Tannins," "Terpenoids," "Sterols," "Immunomodulators," and "Human Immune System" without any language restriction. Additionally, the study specifically investigated the immunomodulatory properties of Echinacea species extracts using gene expression analysis of GSE12259 from NCBI-GEO through the Bioconductor package GEOquery and limma.

RESULTS

A total of 182 studies were comprehensively analyzed to understand immunomodulatory phytochemicals. The in silico analysis highlighted key biological processes (positive regulation of cytokine production, response to tumor necrosis factor) and molecular functions (cytokine receptor binding, receptor-ligand activity, and cytokine activity) among Echinacea species extracts contributing to immune responses. Further, it also indicated the association of various metabolic pathways, i.e., pathways in cancer, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NF-kappa B, PI3K-Akt, TNF, MAPK, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways, with immune responses. The study revealed various hub targets, including CCL20, CCL4, GCH1, SLC7A11, SOD2, EPB41L3, TNFAIP6, GCLM, EGR1, and FOS.

CONCLUSION

The present study presents a cumulative picture of phytochemicals with therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the study also reported a few novel genes and pathways in Echinacea extracts by re-analyzing GSE 12259 indicating its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and immunomodulatory properties.

Securidaca inappendiculata stem extract confers robust antioxidant and antidiabetic effects against high fructose/streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes in rats. Exploration of bioactive compounds using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS

Diabetes mellitus is the most deadly and most prevalent metabolic disease of contemporary times. This study evaluated the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and pancreato-protective effects of Securidaca inappendiculata extract (SIE) in high-fructose/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes. SIE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was administered to diabetic rats for 8 weeks, thereafter glycaemic parameters, pancreatic β cell function, lipid profile, hepatorenal function, and antioxidant parameters were evaluated in diabetic rats treated SIE. The results indicated that treatment with SIE markedly lowered blood glucose, lipid parameters, hepatorenal function parameters, and lipid peroxidation at the end of the intervention. Additionally, serum insulin levels were significantly increased as supported by restoration of pancreatic β-cell cells in the H&E staining. Moreover, SIE also upregulated serum antioxidant enzyme activities in the treated diabetic rats. The results revealed that SIE possesses potent antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects with the considerable restoration of pancreatic β-cells function.

Structural insights into modeling of hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase and identification of its inhibitors from potential medicinal plants of Western Ghats: an in silico and in vitro study

The present study was proposed to model full-length HBV-RT and investigate the intermolecular interactions of known inhibitor and libraries of phytocompounds to probe the potential natural leads by in silico and in vitro studies. Homology modeling of RT was performed by Phyre2 and Modeller and virtual screening of ligands implemented through POAP pipeline. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation (100 ns) and MM-GBSA calculations were performed using Schrodinger Desmond and Prime, respectively. Phytocompounds probable host protein targets gene set pathway enrichment and network analysis were executed by KEGG database and Cytoscape software. Prioritized plant extracts/enriched fraction LC-MS analysis was performed and along with pure compound, RT inhibitory activity, time-dependent HBsAg and HBeAg secretion, and intracellular HBV DNA, and pgRNA by qRT-PCR was performed in HepG2.2.15 cell line. Among the screened chemical library of 268 phytocompounds from 18 medicinal plants, 15 molecules from Terminalia chebula (6), Bidens pilosa (5), and Centella asiatica (4)) were identified as potential inhibitors of YMDD and RT1 motif of HBV-RT. MD simulation demonstrated stable interactions of 15 phytocompounds with HBV-RT, of which 1,2,3,4,6-Pentagalloyl Glucose (PGG) was identified as lead molecule. Out of 15 compounds, 11 were predicted to modulate 39 proteins and 15 molecular pathways associated with HBV infection. TCN and TCW (500 µg/mL) showed potent RT inhibition, decreased intracellular HBV DNA, and pgRNA, and time-dependent inhibition of HBsAg and HBeAg levels compared to PGG and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. We propose that the identified lead molecules from T. chebula as promising and cost-effective moieties for the management of HBV infection.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Immunomodulatory Properties of Natural Extracts and Compounds Derived from Bidens pilosa L.: Literature Review

Bidens pilosa L. has been used in different parts of the world mainly to treat diseases associated with immune response disorders, such as autoimmunity, cancer, allergies, and infectious diseases. The medicinal properties of this plant are attributed to its chemical components. Nevertheless, there is little conclusive evidence that describes the immunomodulatory activity of this plant. In this review, a systematic search was carried out in the PubMed-NLM, EBSCO Host and BVS databases focused on the pre-clinical scientific evidence of the immunomodulatory properties of B. pilosa. A total of 314 articles were found and only 23 were selected. The results show that the compounds or extracts of Bidens modulate the immune cells. This activity was associated with the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids that control proliferation, oxidative stress, phagocytosis, and the production of cytokines of different cells. Most of the scientific information analyzed in this paper supports the potential use of B. pilosa mainly as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumoral, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial immune response modulator. It is necessary that this biological activity be corroborated through the design of specialized clinical trials that demonstrate the effectiveness in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and infectious diseases. Until now there has only been one clinical trial in phase I and II associated with the anti-inflammatory activity of Bidens in mucositis.

Mechanistic insight into immunomodulatory effects of food-functioned plant secondary metabolites

Medicinally important plant-foods offer a balanced immune function, which is essential for protecting the body against antigenic invasion, mainly by microorganisms. Immunomodulators play pivotal roles in supporting immune function either suppressing or stimulating the immune system's response to invading pathogens. Among different immunomodulators, plant-based secondary metabolites have emerged as high potential not only for immune defense but also for cellular immunoresponsiveness. These natural immunomodulators can be developed into safer alternatives to the clinically used immunosuppressants and immunostimulant cytotoxic drugs which possess serious side effects. Many plants of different species have been reported to possess strong immunomodulating properties. The immunomodulatory effects of plant extracts and their bioactive metabolites have been suggested due to their diverse mechanisms of modulation of the complex immune system and their multifarious molecular targets. Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates and polyphenols have been reported as responsible for the immunomodulatory effects of several medicinal plants. This review illustrates the potent immunomodulatory effects of 65 plant secondary metabolites, including dietary compounds and their underlying mechanisms of action on cellular and humoral immune functions in in vitro and in vivo studies. The clinical potential of some of the compounds to be used for various immune-related disorders is highlighted.

Flavonoid and cannabinoid impact on the ocular surface

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To evaluate the impact of flavonoids and cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory and antiallergic treatments on the anterior surface of the eye.

RECENT FINDINGS

Allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome are common ocular surface diseases that have been treated with traditional pharmacological measures, e.g. corticosteroids, antihistamines. Given the side-effect profiles of these medications and the growing interest in complementary treatment modalities as part of integrative medical interventions, well known flavonoids, such as quercetin and catechin, are under investigation for topical and systemic application methods for relief. As flavonoid derivatives, pycnogenol and epigallocatechin gallate have alleviated dry eye symptoms, including lacrimal gland inflammation, tear secretion, and the stability of the tear film. Research on ocular cannabinoid receptors and response to synthetic cannabinoids are also being considered for therapy of anterior ocular disorders. The expansion of herbal formulations provides a framework for future treatment regimens for ocular surface disorders.

SUMMARY

Flavonoids and cannabinoids show promise as potential complementary treatment for allergic diseases because of their anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. Several studies implementing ocular and systemic application of these compounds show potential in becoming adjuvant treatment strategies for improving quality of life while also managing ocular surface disease processes.

Total Flavonoids of Bidens pilosa Ameliorates Bone Destruction in Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the infiltration of synovial inflammatory cells and progressive joint destruction. Total flavonoids of Bidens pilosa have been used against inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, but its role in bone destruction remains to be explored. The aim of this paper was to study whether total flavonoids of B. pilosa relieve the severity of collagen-induced arthritis in rats, particularly whether it regulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin signaling pathway. In this research, a collagen-induced disease model was induced in adult rats by subcutaneous injection of collagen II. Total flavonoids of B. pilosa at different doses (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg/d) were administered intragastrically, while methotrexate (1 mg/kg/w) was injected intraperitoneally as a positive control. Paw swelling, arthritis score, and body weight were assessed and evaluated. The severity of joint damage was determined using X-ray and confirmed by histopathology. The expression levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, osteoprotegerin, IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF in the serum and tissue were assayed using ELISA and immunohistochemistry. We found that total flavonoids of B. pilosa attenuated collagen-induced arthritis at the macroscopic level, and total flavonoids of B. pilosa-treated rats showed reduced paw swelling, arthritis scores, and X-ray appearance of collagen-induced arthritis in addition to improved histopathological results. These findings were consistent with reduced serum and tissue receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, TNF, IL-1β, and IL-17 levels but increased osteoprotegerin levels. Our data suggest that total flavonoids of B. pilosa attenuate collagen-induced arthritis by suppressing the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB/osteoprotegerin pathway and the subsequent production of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, total flavonoids of B. pilosa may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Stevia Genus: Phytochemistry and Biological Activities Update

The Stevia genus (Asteraceae) comprises around 230 species, distributed from the southern United States to the South American Andean region. Stevia rebaudiana, a Paraguayan herb that produces an intensely sweet diterpene glycoside called stevioside, is the most relevant member of this genus. Apart from S. rebaudiana, many other species belonging to the Stevia genus are considered medicinal and have been popularly used to treat different ailments. The members from this genus produce sesquiterpene lactones, diterpenes, longipinanes, and flavonoids as the main types of phytochemicals. Many pharmacological activities have been described for Stevia extracts and isolated compounds, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities being the most frequently mentioned. This review aims to present an update of the Stevia genus covering ethnobotanical aspects and traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of the extracts and isolated compounds.

Compounds of plants with activity against SARS-CoV-2 targets

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 global pandemic is a public health emergency due to its high virulence and mortality. Many vaccine development studies at clinical trials are currently conducted to combat SARS-CoV-2. Plants are a rich source of phytochemicals with different biological activities, including antiviral activities, which are the focus of many studies.

AREAS COVERED

This review shows compounds of traditional plants listed on RENISUS list have therapeutic properties against SARS-CoV-2 targets.

EXPERT OPINION

The rise of new variants, more pathogenic and virulent, impacts in the increase of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and thus, the control of the outbreaks of disease remains a global challenge. Other's drug and vaccines development is an essential element in controlling SARS-COV-2. Therefore, it is imperative that approach to tackle this pandemic has to be solidly evidence-informed. It should be noticed that the immune system does play critical roles in fighting viruses. Studies show that T cells levels decreased continuously as the disease progressed. T cell-mediated cellular immune response, probably by immunological memory, is essential for direct virus eradication after infection whilst B cells functions in producing antibodies that neutralize virus.But, have distinct patterns of T cell response exist in different patients, suggesting the possibility of distinct clinical approaches. Efforts are concentrated to elucidate the underlying immunological mechanisms in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and progression for better design of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies. We seek to identify biomolecules with the potential to act in biomarkers that predict how severe the disease can get. But it is important to warn that the plants that produce the compounds mentioned here should not be used without a physician prescription. Finally, we speculate that these compounds may eventually attract the attention of physicians and researchers to perform tests in specific contexts of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and if they show positive results, be tested in Clinical trials.

Natural products: A lead for drug discovery and development

Natural products are used since ancient times in folklore for the treatment of various ailments. Plant-derived products have been recognized for many years as a source of therapeutic agents and structural diversity. A literature survey has been carried out to determine the utility of natural molecules and their modified analogs or derivatives as pharmacological active entities. This review presents a study on the importance of natural products in terms of drug discovery and development. It describes how the natural components can be utilized after small modifications in new perspectives. Various new modifications in structure offer a unique opportunity to establish a new molecular entity with better pharmacological potential. It was concluded that in this current era, new attempts are taken to utilize the compounds derived from natural sources as novel drug candidates, with a focus to find and discover new effective molecules that were referred to as "new entities of natural product drug discovery."

Exploring the multifocal role of phytochemicals as immunomodulators

A well-functioning immune system of the host body plays pivotal role in the maintenance of ordinary physiological and immunological functions as well as internal environment. Balanced immunity enhances defense mechanism against infection, diseases and unwanted pathogens to avoid hypersensitivity reactions and immune related diseases. The ideal immune responses are the results of corrective interaction between the innate immune cells and acquired components of the immune system. Recently, the interest towards the immune system increased as significant target of toxicity due to exposure of chemicals, drugs and environmental pollutants. Numerous factors are involved in altering the immune responses of the host such as sex, age, stress, malnutrition, alcohol, genetic variability, life styles, environmental-pollutants and chemotherapy exposure. Immunomodulation is any modification of immune responses, often involved induction, amplification, attenuation or inhibition of immune responses. Several synthetic or traditional medicines are available in the market which promptly have many serious adverse effects and create pathogenic resistance. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring molecules, which significantly play an imperative role in modulating favorable immune responses. The present review emphasizes on the risk factors associated with alterations in immune responses, and immunomodulatory activity of phytochemicals specifically, glycosides, alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and sterols and sterolins.

Effects of three medicinal herbs Bidens pilosa, Lonicera japonica, and Cyathula officinalis on growth and non-specific immune responses of cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

This study investigates the effects of three medicinal herbal extracts, namely Bidens pilosa (BPE), Lonicera japonica (LJE), and Cyathula officinalis (COE), on nonspecific immune parameters of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) in vitro and in vivo. During in vitro tests, BPE treatment increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in a dose-dependent manner in primary head kidney leukocytes. Similarly, ROS production rates were enhanced by LJE (50 and 100 mg/ml) and COE (100 mg/ml). This suggests that these three herbal extracts possess immunostimulating properties. We then conducted two feeding trials to examine the effects of these three herbal extracts on growth and innate immune parameters of cobia, and sought an optimal dietary supplementation proportion required for activating the non-specific immune responses. In the first trial, we supplemented the diet with 1, 5, or 10% of the individual extracts. After a ten-week feeding trial, no negative impacts on weight gain, feed conversion rate, and survival rate were observed in fish offered experimental diets. Further, ROS production, phagocytic capacity of the head kidney leukocytes, and serum lysozyme activity were enhanced by differing degrees in fish fed the herbal extracts compared to fish in the control group. A similar albumin/globulin ratio was seen between each experimental group and the control group regardless of the type and dose of herbal extract used, indicating these medicinal herbal extracts are safe for cobia. We then performed a 30-day feeding trial with lower extract concentrations (1, 3, and 5% of the diet) to identify dose responses in cobia at various time points so that we could establish a cost-effective manner of administering the three extracts for cobia. All BPE fed fish had higher ROS production compared to the control group, while phagocytosis rate and index were simultaneously raised in only the BPE30 group (3% BPE). Immune parameters such as ROS production, phagocytic rate, and serum lysozyme activity were triggered when fish received 30 g LJE per kg of feed. However, ROS production only increased in the LJE10 group (1% LJE) on day 30 and was not enhanced in the LJE50 group (5% LJE). Additionally, although the phagocytic rate and phagocytic index were induced in the LJE50 group, serum lysozyme activity was not elevated in this group (LJE50) at any time point examined. ROS production was greatly improved in all COE fed groups, but only the COE30 group (3% COE) showed prolonged enhanced phagocytic rate over the 30-day feeding trial.

Profiling of Altered Metabolomic States in Bidens pilosa Leaves in Response to Treatment by Methyl Jasmonate and Methyl Salicylate

Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) is an edible medicinal plant with many bioactivities reported to have a health-beneficial role in controling various diseases. Though B. pilosa contain a diverse array of natural products, these are produced in relatively low concentrations. A possible way to enhance secondary metabolite production can be through the use of elicitors. Here, the effects of exogenous treatments with two signal molecules—methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and methyl salicylate (MeSA)—on the metabolomic profiles of B. pilosa leaves were investigated. Plants were treated with 0.5 mM of MeJA or MeSA and harvested at 12 h and 24 h. Metabolites were extracted with methanol and separated on an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system hyphenated to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection. Data was subjected to multivariate statistical analysis and modeling for annotation of metabolites. Hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) derivatives, such as caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), tartaric acid esters (chicoric acid and caftaric acid), chalcones, and flavonoids were identified as differentially regulated. The altered metabolomes in response to MeSA and MeJA overlapped to a certain extent, suggestive of a cross-talk between signaling and metabolic pathway activation. Moreover, the perturbation of isomeric molecules, especially the cis geometrical isomers of HCA derivatives by both treatments, further point to the biological significance of these molecules during physiological responses to stress. The results highlight the possibility of using phytohormones to enhance the accumulation of bioactive secondary metabolites in this plant.

Profiling of Chlorogenic Acids from Bidens pilosa and Differentiation of Closely Related Positional Isomers with the Aid of UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-Based In-Source Collision-Induced Dissociation

Bidens pilosa is an edible herb from the Asteraceae family which is traditionally consumed as a leafy vegetable. B. pilosa has many bioactivities owing to its diverse phytochemicals, which include aliphatics, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) derivatives and other phenylpropanoids. The later include compounds such as chlorogenic acids (CGAs), which are produced as either regio- or geometrical isomers. To profile the CGA composition of B. pilosa, methanol extracts from tissues, callus and cell suspensions were utilized for liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometric detection (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). An optimized in-source collision-induced dissociation (ISCID) method capable of discriminating between closely related HCA derivatives of quinic acids, based on MS-based fragmentation patterns, was applied. Careful control of collision energies resulted in fragment patterns similar to MS² and MS³ fragmentation, obtainable by a typical ion trap MSⁿ approach. For the first time, an ISCID approach was shown to efficiently discriminate between positional isomers of chlorogenic acids containing two different cinnamoyl moieties, such as a mixed di-ester of feruloyl-caffeoylquinic acid (m/z 529) and coumaroyl-caffeoylquinic acid (m/z 499). The results indicate that tissues and cell cultures of B. pilosa contained a combined total of 30 mono-, di-, and tri-substituted chlorogenic acids with positional isomers dominating the composition thereof. In addition, the tartaric acid esters, caftaric- and chicoric acids were also identified. Profiling revealed that these HCA derivatives were differentially distributed across tissues types and cell culture lines derived from leaf and stem explants.

Structure-Activity-Relationship and Mechanistic Insights for Anti-HIV Natural Products

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which chiefly originatesfroma retrovirus named Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), has impacted about 70 million people worldwide. Even though several advances have been made in the field of antiretroviral combination therapy, HIV is still responsible for a considerable number of deaths in Africa. The current antiretroviral therapies have achieved success in providing instant HIV suppression but with countless undesirable adverse effects. Presently, the biodiversity of the plant kingdom is being explored by several researchers for the discovery of potent anti-HIV drugs with different mechanisms of action. The primary challenge is to afford a treatment that is free from any sort of risk of drug resistance and serious side effects. Hence, there is a strong demand to evaluate drugs derived from plants as well as their derivatives. Several plants, such as Andrographis paniculata, Dioscorea bulbifera, Aegle marmelos, Wistaria floribunda, Lindera chunii, Xanthoceras sorbifolia and others have displayed significant anti-HIV activity. Here, weattempt to summarize the main results, which focus on the structures of most potent plant-based natural products having anti-HIV activity along with their mechanisms of action and IC50 values, structure-activity-relationships and important key findings.

Effect of Formulated Artocarpus champeden Extract on Parasite Growth and Immune Response of Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Background

The ethanol extract of Artocarpus champeden stem bark (ACEE) has been proven to exhibit antimalarial activity. Despite the antimalarial effects observed, mechanisms of immune response to explain the antimalarial activity of ACEE remain poorly characterized. Here, we show the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines T helper 1 (Th1: IFN-γ, TNF-α) and T helper 2 (Th2: IL-10) from Plasmodium berghei-infected mice treated with formulated ACEE in order to better characterize the mechanism behind ACEE's antimalarial activity. In addition, we have also determined the effect of formulated ACEE on parasite growth and liver function.

Methods

Balb/c mice were infected with P. berghei strain ANKA and then administered daily doses of ACEE at a dose of 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW, and survival time was recorded. We determined the presence of P. berghei strain ANKA and then administered daily doses of ACEE at a dose of 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW, and survival time was recorded. We determined the presence of P. berghei strain ANKA and then administered daily doses of ACEE at a dose of 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW, and survival time was recorded. We determined the presence of γ, TNF-α) and T helper 2 (Th2: IL-10) from

Results

We found that formulated ACEE inhibited parasite growth and showed the highest antimalarial activity at 100 mg/kg BW. AST and ALT levels were found to be in the normal range, and there was no significant difference among control and treatment groups (P > 0.05). Infected mice treated with formulated ACEE showed a significant increase in the production of IFN-γ, TNF-α) and T helper 2 (Th2: IL-10) from

Conclusion

This study suggests that the administration of ACEE was effective in inhibiting P. berghei strain ANKA and then administered daily doses of ACEE at a dose of 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW, and survival time was recorded. We determined the presence of γ, TNF-α) and T helper 2 (Th2: IL-10) from

A selection of eleven plants used as traditional Polynesian cosmetics and their development potential as anti-aging ingredients, hair growth promoters and whitening products

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In French Polynesia, embellishment of the hair and skin is an important cultural and everyday practice. Yet, little research has focused on traditional preparations used for beautification in this region and their potential development as innovative cosmetic ingredients.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this present study we aim to assess and compile the ethnocosmetic potential of plants of French Polynesia to select and further study plants showing the most promise to be developed as anti-aging, anti-blemish and hair care products.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature analysis of plants of the IECIC list, present in French Polynesia was conducted. The most interesting plants from a cosmetic development standpoint were selected based on four main criteria, i.e. their traditional use in Polynesian cosmetic-related preparations, their biogeographical status, their phytochemistry of cosmetic interest, and lastly their availability and absence from the UICN list. Furthermore, a preliminary screening of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities was also performed on several extracts obtained.

RESULTS

Eleven plants were chosen, and a compilation of multidisciplinary data emphasized each selected plant's potentiality. Traditional allegations showed uses ranging from dermatology such as wound healing or anti-inflammatory properties, to hair growth promoting preparations or even skin ligthening ones. Preliminary screenings were useful in narrowing the number of extracts to study. Literature-based data associated to traditional uses depicted how the remaining plants and plant parts could be developed for targeted cosmetic applications.

CONCLUSIONS

A prospective approach of plants used traditionally for cosmetic purposes in French Polynesia gave insight on their development potential when paired with the appropriate multidisciplinary data. The eleven plants presented show promise in being developed sustainably as natural anti-aging or hair care products and as skin brightening agents.

Anti-coccidial properties and mechanisms of an edible herb, Bidens pilosa, and its active compounds for coccidiosis

Avian coccidiosis is an economically important disease in the poultry industry. In view of the disadvantages of anti-coccidial drugs in chickens, edible plants and their compounds are re-emerging as an alternative strategy to combat this disease. A previous publication reported that the edible plant B. pilosa showed promise for use against coccidiosis. Here, we first investigated into the anti-coccidial effects of B. pilosa. We found that B. pilosa at 100 ppm or more significantly suppressed E. tenella as evidenced by reduction in mortality rate, oocyst excretion and gut pathological severity in chickens and its minimum prophylactic duration was 3 days. Next, we explored the mode of action of anti-coccidial mechanism of B. pilosa. The E. tenella oocysts were not directly killed by B. pilosa; however, administration of the plant suppressed oocyst sporulation, sporozoite invasion, and schizonts in the life cycle of E. tenella. Besides, B. pilosa boosted T cell-mediated immunity. Finally, we characterized the related anti-coccidial phytochemicals and their mode of action. One of three potent polyynes present in B. pilsoa, Compound 1 (cytopiloyne), acted against coccidiosis in chickens in a similar manner to B. pilosa. These data illustrate the anti-coccidial potency and mechanism of B. pilosa and one of its active compounds, and provide a cornerstone for development of novel herbal remedies for avian coccidiosis.

Revision of the Phytochemistry of Eremophila sturtii and E. mitchellii

Eremophila sturtii and E. mitchellii are found in the arid and temperate regions of Australia and, because of their similar appearances, are often confused. Previous phytochemical investigations have described mitchellene sesquiterpenes (1-5) reported from E. mitchellii but are here demonstrated to be from E. sturtii. A previous study that described serrulatic acids (16 and 17) from a species reported as E. sturtii actually used E. mitchellii. In addition, two new C-15 modified analogues, mitchellenes F (14) and G (15), were isolated from E. sturtii. The absolute configuration of 14 was determined with the first X-ray structure of a compound with the mitchellene skeleton.

Flavonoids as detoxifying and pro-survival agents: What's new?

The role of flavonoids in the survival machinery of cells has come in the spotlight due to the recent evidence of their effect on the relationship mitochondria-ER stress-proteasome, including the intracellular mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis. Numerous experimental animal investigations and even human clinical studies have highlighted the major role of these natural compounds in the economy of life and their deep relationship with autotrophic organisms in the evolutionary space. Their role as anti-oxidant and oxidative stress preventive molecules has to date been investigated extensively in the literature. Despite this great amount of promising evidence, many concerns, however, remain, most of which dealing with biochemistry, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and interaction of flavonoids with gut microbiome, issues that make difficult any good attempt to introduce these molecules in the human healthcare systems as possible, encouraging therapeutic substances. This review tries to address and elucidate these items.

Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) modulates inflammatory cytokines and IFN-γ in obese mice

This study investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché on systemic chronic inflammation in an obesity model induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) via modulating the expression of adipokines (TNF-α, IL-6, resistin, and adiponectin) and immune-regulatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10). Cucurbita ficifolia extract was administered daily by gavage to lean and MSG-obese mice for 30 days. At the end of treatment, cytokine mRNA expression in adipose tissue was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the protein levels of these cytokines were also quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cucurbita ficifolia extract decreased body mass and inflammation in MSG-obese mice by reducing the expression of TNF-α and IL-6; these decreases were parallel to significant reductions in protein levels. The extract also increased protein levels of IL-10 in lean mice and IFN-γ in both lean and MSG-obese mice. In conclusion, C. ficifolia extract modulates systemic chronic inflammation in MSG-obese mice and could have a beneficial effect on the adaptive immune system in obesity.

Data on the effect of Cytopiloyne against Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice

Cytopiloyne (CP), a novel polyacetylene compound extracted from B. pilosa, shows a multi-bioactivity, including immunomodulatory and antidiabetes. Here, we investigated the anti-Listeria effect of cytopiloyne in mice by assessing mortality, clearance of L. monocytogenes, and pathology examination. The data presented herein are supplemental to our research article entitled "Cytopiloyne, a polyacetylenic glucoside from Bidens pilosa, acts as a novel anticandidial agent via regulation of macrophages" [1].

Cytopiloyne, a polyacetylenic glucoside from Bidens pilosa, acts as a novel anticandidal agent via regulation of macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bidens pilosa, a tropical and sub-tropical herbal plant, is used as an ethnomedicine for bacterial infection or immune modulation in Asia, America and Africa. It has been demonstrated that cytopiloyne (CP), a bioactive polyacetylenic glucoside purified from B. pilosa, increases the percentage of macrophages in the spleen but the specific effects on macrophages remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CP on macrophage activity and host defense in BALB/c mice with Candida parapsilosis infection and investigate the likely mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RAW264.7 cells, a mouse macrophage cell line, were used to assess the effects of CP on macrophage activity by phagocytosis assay, colony forming assay and acridine orange/crystal violet stain. To evaluate the activity of CP against C. parapsilosis, BALB/c mouse infection models were treated with/without CP and histopathological examination was performed. The role of macrophages in the infection model was clarified by treatment with carrageenan, a selective macrophage-toxic agent. RAW264.7 macrophage activities influenced by CP were further investigated by lysosome staining, phagosomal acidification assay, lysosome enzyme activity and PKC inhibitor GF109203X.

RESULTS

The results showed that CP in vitro enhances the ability of RAW264.7 macrophages to engulf and clear C. parapsilosis. In the mouse model, CP treatment improved the survival rate of Candida-infected mice and lowered the severity of microscopic lesions in livers and spleens via a macrophage-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, with CP treatment, the fusion and acidification of phagolysosomes were accelerated and the lysosome enzyme activity of RAW264.7 macrophages was elevated. PKC inhibitor GF109203X reversed the increase in phagocytic activity by CP demonstrating that the PKC pathway is involved in the macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of C. parapsilosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that CP, as an immunomodulator, enhances macrophage activity against C. parapsilosis infections.

Chemistry and pharmacology of Bidens pilosa: an overview

Bidens pilosa L. is an edible herb and has been traditionally used for a wide range of ailments in many countries. The aim of this review is to present comprehensive information of the chemical constituents, nutraceutical and ethnomedical uses as well as the biological and pharmacological effects and toxicity of this plant based on 218 literary sources reported over 40 years. Major chemical constituents (including 301 compounds) belonging to polyacetylenes, polyacetylene glycosides, flavonoids, flavone glycosides, aurones, chalcones, okanin glycosides, phenolic acids, terpenes, pheophytins, fatty acids and phytosterols have been identified or isolated from the different parts of this plant. Many of them have been considered as the bioactive compounds which are potentially responsible for the pharmacological actions. Various types of preparations, extracts and individual compounds derived from this plant have been found to possess biological and pharmacological activities such as anti-malarial, anti-allergy, anti-hypertensive and smooth muscle relaxant, anti-cancerogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant. The results of data analysis on the chemicals, pharmacological and toxicological characteristics of B. pilosa validate the view of its folk worldwide-medicinal uses. This herb has a great beneficial therapeutic property and is possibly used for complement or alternative to pharmaceutical drugs in some specific cases. However, this herb is known as hyperaccumulator and as-excluder; therefore, harvesting the herb for medicinal uses should be judiciously cautioned.

Medicinal Plants from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Used as Immunostimulants

A literature review was undertaken by analyzing distinguished books, undergraduate and postgraduate theses, and peer-reviewed scientific articles and by consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases, such as SCOPUS, Web of Science, SCIELO, Medline, and Google Scholar. Medicinal plants used as immunostimulants were classified into two categories: (1) plants with pharmacological studies and (2) plants without pharmacological research. Medicinal plants with pharmacological studies of their immunostimulatory properties were subclassified into four groups as follows: (a) plant extracts evaluated for in vitro effects, (b) plant extracts with documented in vivo effects, (c) active compounds tested on in vitro studies, and (d) active compounds assayed in animal models. Pharmacological studies have been conducted on 29 of the plants, including extracts and compounds, whereas 75 plants lack pharmacological studies regarding their immunostimulatory activity. Medicinal plants were experimentally studied in vitro (19 plants) and in vivo (8 plants). A total of 12 compounds isolated from medicinal plants used as immunostimulants have been tested using in vitro (11 compounds) and in vivo (2 compounds) assays. This review clearly indicates the need to perform scientific studies with medicinal flora from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, to obtain new immunostimulatory agents.

Total flavonoids of Bidens bipinnata L. ameliorate experimental adjuvant-induced arthritis through induction of synovial apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Bidens bipinnata are widely distributed in China, which have been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of total flavonoids of Bidens pilosa L. (TFB) on adjuvant arthritis (AA) and its possible mechanisms.

METHODS

The macroscopic scoring of paw edema, secondary paw swelling, and polyarthritis index were measured. Histological examination of the joints and the serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha were examined. Apoptosis in synovial tissue was detected. The expression of Caspase 3 cleavage, serves as a marker undergoing apoptosis, was confirmed by Western blot.

RESULTS

TFB attenuated the severity of arthritis on paw edema, hind paw volume, and polyarthritis index of AA rats, improved the histological status in AA rats as well. TFB can inhibit the production of IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha from serum. Clear DNA ladder formation was observed in DNA extraction of synovium from TFB treated AA rats. The number of apoptosis was increased with TFB treatment in TUNEL assay. TFB treatment on AA rats significantly increased the expression of Caspase 3 in synovium.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that TFB has a significant anti-arthritic effect in AA through the induction of apoptosis in synovial.

Computational fishing of new DNA methyltransferase inhibitors from natural products

DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) have become an alternative for cancer therapies. However, only two DNMTis have been approved as anticancer drugs, although with some restrictions. Natural products (NPs) are a promising source of drugs. In order to find NPs with novel chemotypes as DNMTis, 47 compounds with known activity against these enzymes were used to build a LDA-based QSAR model for active/inactive molecules (93% accuracy) based on molecular descriptors. This classifier was employed to identify potential DNMTis on 800 NPs from NatProd Collection. 447 selected compounds were docked on two human DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) structures (PDB codes: 3SWR and 2QRV) using AutoDock Vina and Surflex-Dock, prioritizing according to their score values, contact patterns at 4 Å and molecular diversity. Six consensus NPs were identified as virtual hits against DNMTs, including 9,10-dihydro-12-hydroxygambogic, phloridzin, 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone 4'-glucoside, daunorubicin, pyrromycin and centaurein. This method is an innovative computational strategy for identifying DNMTis, useful in the identification of potent and selective anticancer drugs.

Flavanone glycosides from Bidens gardneri Bak. (Asteraceae)

LC-DAD-MS/MS analysis of the Brazilian medicinal plant Bidens gardneri Bak. (Asteraceae) results in identification of eleven phenolic compounds. HRESIMS, MS/MS and UV data analyses, with phytochemicals isolation guided by MS data, results in flavanones-(-)-4'-methoxy-7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-8,3'-dihydroxyflavanone; (-)-7-O-(6″-E-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-8,3',4'-trihydroxyflavanone; and (-)-4'-methoxy-7-O-(6″-acetyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-8,3'-dihydroxyflavanone being identified-together with four known compounds. The absolute configurations of two of the flavanones were determined as 2S via circular dichroism.

Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae): Botanical Properties, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

There are 230 to 240 known Bidens species. Among them, Bidens pilosa is a representative perennial herb, globally distributed across temperate and tropical regions. B. pilosa has been traditionally used in foods and medicines without obvious adverse effects. Despite significant progress in phytochemical and biological analyses of B. pilosa over the past few years, comprehensive and critical reviews of this plant are anachronistic or relatively limited in scope. The present review aims to summarize up-to-date information on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of B. pilosa from the literature. In addition to botanical studies and records of the traditional use of B. pilosa in over 40 diseases, scientific studies investigating the potential medicinal uses of this species and its constituent phytochemicals for a variety of disorders are presented and discussed. The structure, bioactivity, and likely mechanisms of action of B. pilosa and its phytochemicals are emphasized. Although some progress has been made, further rigorous efforts are required to investigate the individual compounds isolated from B. pilosa to understand and validate its traditional uses and develop clinical applications. The present review provides preliminary information and gives guidance for further basic and clinical research into this plant.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of a hypoglycemic fraction from Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mice

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by oxidative stress and a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, which also play roles in the pathogenesis of this disease and the accompanying vascular complications by increasing the production of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché (C. ficifolia) is an edible Mexican plant whose hypoglycemic activity has been demonstrated in several experimental and clinical conditions. Recently, D-chiro-inositol has been proposed as the compound responsible for the hypoglycemic effects; however, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of this plant has not yet been explored. The aim of this research is to study the influence of a hypoglycemic, D-chiro-inositol-containing fraction from the C. ficifolia fruit (AP-Fraction) on biomarkers of oxidative stress, as well as on the inflammatory cytokines in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The AP-Fraction obtained from the mature fruit of C. ficifolia contained 3.31 mg of D-chiro-inositol/g of AP-Fraction. The AP-Fraction was administrated daily by gavage to normal mice for 15 days as a preventive treatment. Then these animals were given streptozotocin, and the treatments were continued for an additional 33 days. Pioglitazone was used as a hypoglycemic drug for comparison. Administration of the AP-Fraction significantly increased glutathione (GSH) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver without significantly affecting the levels in other tissues. The AP-Fraction reduced TNF-α and increased IL-6 and IFN-γ in serum. Interestingly, the AP-Fraction also increased IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. These results suggest that C. ficifolia might be used as an alternative medication for the control of diabetes mellitus and that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its hypoglycemic activity.

Efficacy of Bidens pilosa Extract against Herpes Simplex Virus Infection In Vitro and In Vivo

The development of strains of herpes simplex virus (HSV) resistant to drugs has been reported among the immunocompromised patients. Thus, there is a need to develop new therapeutic agents for HSV infections. We evaluated the anti-HSV activity of Bidens pilosa (B. pilosa), a tropical weed, in tissue culture cells and a mouse model. B. pilosa extract showed potent virucidal activity. It inhibited plaque formation and suppressed virus yield in Vero and RAW 264.7 cells infected with HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both the binding of virus to host cells and penetration of virus into cells were also blocked by B. pilosa. Furthermore, B. pilosa was effective against thymidine kinase-deficient and phosphonoacetate-resistant HSV-1 strains. B. pilosa treatment increased the survival rate of HSV-infected mice and limited the development of skin lesions. Our results indicate that B. pilosa has anti-HSV activity and is thus a potentially useful medical plant for treatment of HSV infection.

Ethnobotany of the Monpa ethnic group at Arunachal Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND

The present paper documents the uses of plants in traditional herbal medicine for human and veterinary ailments, and those used for dietary supplements, religious purpose, local beverage, and plants used to poison fish and wild animals. Traditional botanical medicine is the primary mode of healthcare for most of the rural population in Arunachal Pradesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Field research was conducted between April 2006 and March 2009 with randomly selected 124 key informants using semi-structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed through informant consensus factor (FIC) to determine the homogeneity of informant's knowledge on medicinal plants.

RESULTS

We documented 50 plants species belonging to 29 families used for treating 22 human and 4 veterinary ailments. Of the medicinal plants reported, the most common growth form was herbs (40%) followed by shrubs, trees, and climbers. Leaves were most frequently used plant parts. The consensus analysis revealed that the dermatological ailments have the highest FIC (0.56) and the gastro-intestinal diseases have FIC (0.43). FIC values indicated that there was high agreement in the use of plants in dermatological and gastro-intestinal ailments category among the users. Gymnocladus assamicus is a critically rare and endangered species used as disinfectant for cleaning wounds and parasites like leeches and lice on livestocks. Two plant species (Illicium griffithii and Rubia cordifolia) are commonly used for traditional dyeing of clothes and food items. Some of the edible plants recorded in this study were known for their treatment against high blood pressure (Clerodendron colebrookianum), diabetes mellitus (Momordica charantia), and intestinal parasitic worms like round and tape worms (Lindera neesiana, Solanum etiopicum, and Solanum indicum). The Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh have traditionally been using Daphne papyracea for preparing hand-made paper for painting and writing religious scripts in Buddhist monasteries. Three plant species (Derris scandens, Aesculus assamica, and Polygonum hydropiper) were frequently used to poison fish during the month of June-July every year and the underground tuber of Aconitum ferrox is widely used in arrow poisoning to kill ferocious animals like bear, wild pigs, gaur and deer. The most frequently cited plant species; Buddleja asiatica and Hedyotis scandens were used as common growth supplements during the preparation of fermentation starter cultures.

CONCLUSION

The traditional pharmacopoeia of the Monpa ethnic group incorporates a myriad of diverse botanical flora. Traditional knowledge of the remedies is passed down through oral traditions without any written document. This traditional knowledge is however, currently threatened mainly due to acculturation and deforestation due to continuing traditional shifting cultivation. This study reveals that the rural populations in Arunachal Pradesh have a rich knowledge of forest-based natural resources and consumption of wild edible plants is still an integral part of their socio-cultural life. Findings of this documentation study can be used as an ethnopharmacological basis for selecting plants for future phytochemical and pharmaceutical studies.

Mitchellenes A-E, cyclic sesquiterpenes from the Australian plant Eremophila mitchellii

Chemical investigations of the Australian plant Eremophila mitchellii resulted in the isolation of the novel tetracyclic sesquiterpene lactones mitchellenes A-C (1-3), the new sesquiterpene acids mitchellenes D and E (4 and 5), and the previously reported natural products 14-hydroxy-6,12-muuroloadien-15-oic acid (6), casticin, and centaureidin. The chemical structures of all compounds were determined by extensive 1D/2D NMR and MS data analysis. Mitchellenes A-C are the first tetracyclic sesquiterpene lactones to be reported; a biosynthetic pathway is proposed for these unique secondary metabolites.

Effects of flavonoids and other polyphenols on inflammation

Flavonoids are a family of polyphenolic compounds which are widespread in nature (vegetables) and are consumed as part of the human diet in significant amounts. There are other types of polyphenols, including, for example, tannins and resveratrol. Flavonoids and related polyphenolic compounds have significant antiinflammatory activity, among others. This short review summarizes the current knowledge on the effects of flavonoids and related polyphenolic compounds on inflammation, with a focus on structural requirements, the mechanisms involved, and pharmacokinetic considerations. Different molecular (cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase) and cellular targets (macrophages, lymphocytes, epithelial cells, endothelium) have been identified. In addition, many flavonoids display significant antioxidant/radical scavenging properties. There is substantial structural variation in these compounds, which is bound to have an impact on their biological profile, and specifically on their effects on inflammatory conditions. However, in general terms there is substantial consistency in the effects of these compounds despite considerable structural variations. The mechanisms have been studied mainly in myeloid cells, where the predominant effect is an inhibition of NF-κB signaling and the downregulation of the expression of proinflammatory markers. At present there is a gap in knowledge of in vitro and in vivo effects, although the pharmacokinetics of flavonoids has advanced considerably in the last decade. Many flavonoids have been studied for their intestinal antiinflammatory activity which is only logical, since the gastrointestinal tract is naturally exposed to them. However, their potential therapeutic application in inflammation is not restricted to this organ and extends to other sites and conditions, including arthritis, asthma, encephalomyelitis, and atherosclerosis, among others.

Cocoa-enriched diets modulate intestinal and systemic humoral immune response in young adult rats

SCOPE

Previous studies have shown that a highly enriched cocoa diet affects both intestinal and systemic immune function in young rats. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether diets containing lower amounts of cocoa could also influence the systemic and intestinal humoral immune response.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fecal and serum samples were collected during the study and, at the end, intestinal washes were obtained and mesenteric lymph nodes and small-intestine walls were excised for gene expression assessment. IgA, IgM, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG2c concentrations were quantified in serum whereas S-IgA and S-IgM were determined in feces and intestinal washes. Animals receiving 5 and 10% cocoa for 3 wk showed no age-related increase in serum IgG1 and IgG2a concentrations, and IgG2a values were significantly lower than those in reference animals. Serum IgM was also decreased by the 10% cocoa diet. The 5 and 10% cocoa diets dramatically reduced intestinal S-IgA concentration and modified the expression of several genes involved in IgA synthesis. A diet containing 2% cocoa had no effect on most of the studied variables.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate the downregulatory effect of a 5% or higher cocoa diet on the systemic and intestinal humoral immune response in adult rats.

Compilation of secondary metabolites from Bidens pilosa L

Bidens pilosa L. is a cosmopolitan annual herb, known for its traditional use in treating various diseases and thus much studied for the biological activity of its extracts, fractions and isolated compounds. Polyacetylenes and flavonoids, typical metabolite classes in the Bidens genus, predominate in the phytochemistry of B. pilosa. These classes of compounds have great taxonomic significance. In the Asteraceae family, the acetylene moiety is widely distributed in the Heliantheae tribe and some representatives, such as 1-phenylhepta-1,3,5-triyne, are noted for their biological activity and strong long-wave UV radiation absorbance. The flavonoids, specifically aurones and chalcones, have been reported as good sub-tribal level markers. Natural products from several other classes have also been isolated from different parts of B. pilosa. This review summarizes the available information on the 198 natural products isolated to date from B. pilosa.

Anti-inflammatory properties of phenolic compounds and crude extract from Porphyra dentata

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Porphyra dentata, a red edible seaweed, has long been used worldwide in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as hypersensitivity, lymphadenitis, bronchitis.

AIMS OF STUDY

To clarify the anti-inflammatory role of Porphyra dentata crude extract and its identified phenolic compounds by investigating their effect on the nitric oxide (NO)/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) transcription pathway in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Porphyra dentata crude extract was prepared with methanol. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) hyphenated to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and UV detection were utilized to analyze the extract fingerprints. Nitrite measurement, iNOS promoter activity and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) enhancer activity were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenged mouse RAW 264.7 cell line.

RESULTS

Phenolic compounds (catechol, rutin and hesperidin) were identified in the crude extract of Porphyra dentata. The crude extract and the phenolic compounds inhibited the production of NO in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Catechol was a more potent suppressor of the up-regulation of iNOS promoter and NF-kappaB enhancer than rutin and yet, hesperidin alone failed to inhibit either activity.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that catechol and rutin, but not hesperidin, are primary bioactive phenolic compounds in the crude extract to suppress NO production in LPS-stimulated macrophages via NF-kappaB-dependent iNOS gene transcription. The data also explain the anti-inflammatory use and possible mechanism of Porphyra dentata in iNOS implicated diseases.

Aqueous extracts from dietary supplements influence the production of inflammatory cytokines in immortalized and primary T lymphocytes

BACKGROUND

Congaplex and Immuplex are dietary supplements that have been traditionally used to support immune system function. The purpose of these experiments was to determine whether Congaplex and Immuplex affect immune function using primary and immortalized T lymphocytes.

METHODS

Immortalized CEM and Jurkat T lymphocytes and primary peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) were treated with the aqueous extracts from Congaplex and Immuplex to determine the effects of these products on cytokine production in activated T lymphocytes.

RESULTS

Congaplex enhanced phytohemagglutinin/phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PHA/PMA) stimulation of both CEM and Jurkat cells as measured by the production of cytokines, while Immuplex suppressed PHA/PMA-induced production of cytokines, with the exception of interleukin (IL)-8 which was enhanced by Immuplex. In vitro treatment of PBMCs from 10 healthy donors with Congaplex or Immuplex decreased PHA-stimulated production of interferon (IFN)-gamma but increased the production of IL-13.

CONCLUSIONS

While the effects of Congaplex and Immuplex differed in these two models, these data demonstrate that the aqueous extracts from these two dietary supplements can affect the inflammatory response of T lymphocytes.

An ethnobotanical study of traditional anti-inflammatory plants used by the Lohit community of Arunachal Pradesh, India

AIM OF THE STUDY

Most people especially in rural areas depend on herbal medicines to treat many diseases including inflammation-related ailments such as rheumatism, muscle swelling, cut wound, accidental bone fracture, insect bites, pains and burn by fire and hot water. The objectives of this study were: to catalog ethno-medicinal plants of Lohit community, ecological status, indigenous folk medicinal uses, morphological parts used and to determine their reported pharmacological studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethnobotanical information on traditional medicinal plants exclusively used for management of inflammation-related ailments by the Khampti community of Arunachal Pradesh, India was based on first-hand field survey work through semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

A total of 34 species in 32 genera and 22 families were encountered during the field survey. Botanical families such as Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Zingiberaceae and Lamiaceae were represented by the highest numbers of species reported in this study. Thirteen plant species, namely: Bombax ceiba, Canarium strictum, Chloranthus erectus, Xanthium indicum, Lycopodium clavatum, Coleus blumei, Batrachospermum atrum, Chlorella vulgaris, Marchantia palmata, Marchantia polymorpha, Eria pannea, Sterculia villosa and Alpinia galanga are reported for the first time for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

Influence of a cocoa-enriched diet on specific immune response in ovalbumin-sensitized rats

Previous studies in young rats have reported the impact of 3 weeks of high cocoa intake on healthy immune status. The present article describes the effects of a longer-term cocoa-enriched diet (9 weeks) on the specific immune response to ovalbumin (OVA) in adult Wistar rats. At 4 weeks after immunization, control rats produced anti-OVA antibodies, which, according their amount and isotype, were arranged as follows: IgG1 > IgG2a > IgM > IgG2b > IgG2c. Both cocoa diets studied (4% and 10%) down-modulated OVA-specific antibody levels of IgG1 (main subclass associated with the Th2 immune response in rats), IgG2a, IgG2c and IgM isotypes. Conversely, cocoa-fed rats presented equal or higher levels of anti-OVA IgG2b antibodies (subclass linked to the Th1 response). Spleen and lymph node cells from OVA-immunized control and cocoa-fed animals proliferated similarly under OVA stimulation. However, spleen cells from cocoa-fed animals showed decreased interleukin-4 secretion (main Th2 cytokine), and lymph node cells from the same rats displayed higher interferon-gamma secretion (main Th1 cytokine). These changes were accompanied by a reduction in the number of anti-OVA IgG-secreting cells in spleen. In conclusion, cocoa diets induced attenuation of antibody synthesis that may be attributable to specific down-regulation of the Th2 immune response.

The production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in peritoneal macrophages is inhibited by Andrographis paniculata, Angelica sinensis and Morus alba ethyl acetate fractions

AIM OF THE STUDY

Traditional Chinese medicine herbs (TCMHs) are used in medicines as well as in daily dietary supplements in Asia. In this study, we employed pNF-kappaB-Luc or pIFN-gamma-Luc and BALB/c mice peritoneal macrophages or splenocytes to investigate both the immune and inflammatory effects of six selected plant species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specifically, we used ethyl acetate fractions of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge var. mongholicus (Bunge) Hsiao (Fabaceae) (AM), Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) (AP), Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Apiaceae) (AS), Eucommia ulmodes Oliv. (Eucommiaceae) leaves (EU leaves), Isatis indigotica Fort. (Brassicaceae) (II) and Morus alba L. (Moraceae) (MA).

RESULTS

We found that ethyl acetate fractions of AP, AS and MA significantly decreased NF-kappaB luciferase activity and also the secretion of NO and PGE(2) in LPS/IFN-gamma stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages (p<0.05). In contrast, they did not affect IFN-gamma luciferase activity or IFN-gamma production in concanavalin A (Con A)-activated mouse splenocytes. Our results indicated that the anti-inflammatory properties of these plant extracts might be resulted from the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., NO and PGE(2)), at least in part via suppression of a signaling pathway such as NF-kappaB.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, we have found that three potent bioactive TCMH species exerted significant NF-kappaB inhibitory activity and acted in a cell type dependent fashion.