Antihypertensive effects of isoquercitrin and extracts from Tropaeolum majus L.: evidence for the inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme

Rapid and reliable ratiometric fluorescence detection of isoquercitrin based on a high-nuclearity Zn(II)-Nd(III) nanomolecular sensor

Rapid and quantitative detection of isoquercitrin (Isq) has been attracting much attention due to its outstanding pharmacological and physiological activities. Herein, an interesting 48-metal Zn(II)-Nd(III) nanocluster (1, molecular sizes 1.3 × 2.8 × 3.1 nm) with salen-type Schiff base ligand was constructed as molecular sensor for the luminescence detection of Isq. 1 exhibits visible ligand-centered emission and NIR luminescence of Nd(III), and shows ratiometric fluorescence response to Isq with high sensitivity even in the presence of other interferences. The fluorescence sensing behavior can be expressed by a second-order equation I1060nm/I480nm = A*[Isq]2 + B*[Isq] + C, which is used to quantitatively analyze the Isq concentrations in DMF and FCS. The LODs to Isq for the ligand-centered and lanthanide emissions of 1 in DMF are 0.21 μM and 0.11 nM, respectively. The quenching of the ligand-centered emission of 1 caused by Isq is attributed to the competitive absorption of light energy and "inner effect", while, the luminescence enhancement is due to the "antenna effect".

Isoquercitrin alleviates OGD/R-induced oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial biogenesis in SH-SY5Y cells via the NRF1/TFAM pathway

Isoquercitrin (ISO) is a traditional Chinese medicine extract, that has been found to possess potent neuroprotective properties. However, its precise role in the context of ischemic stroke (IS) remains to be fully elucidated. We constructed an in vitro model of IS induced by OGD/R in SH-SY5Y cells. Cell viability, the levels of oxidative stress-related indicators (8-OHDG, MDA, SOD, GSH, and GSH-Px), ROS, and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by using detection kits. The protein levels of GPX1, SOD, Cytc were measured. The mRNA levels of mitochondrial biogenesis-related indicators (Cytb, CO1, ND2, ND5, and ND6), and mtDNA copy number were measured by RT-qPCR. ATP levels were measured. Molecular docking between ISO and NRF1, and Co-IP assay for NRF1 and TFAM interaction were performed. Expression of NRF1 and TFAM was evaluated. ISO treatment reversed the detrimental effects of OGD/R on cell viability, attenuated the elevation of oxidative stress markers, restored antioxidant levels, and alleviated the impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis in SH-SY5Y cells. ISO interacted with NRF1 and increased its expression along with TFAM. Silencing NRF1 reversed the protective effects of ISO, suggesting its involvement in mediating the neuroprotective effects of ISO. ISO alleviates oxidative stress and mitochondrial biogenesis damage induced by OGD/R in SH-SY5Y cells by upregulating the NRF1/TFAM pathway.

Structural Characterization, and Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Phylloxanthobilins in Tropaeolum majus, a Plant with Relevance in Phytomedicine

Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium) is a plant with relevance in phytomedicine, appreciated not only for its pharmaceutical activities, but also for its beautiful leaves and flowers. Here, we investigated the phytochemical composition of senescent nasturtium leaves. Indeed, we identified yellow chlorophyll catabolites, also termed phylloxanthobilins, which we show to contribute to the bright yellow color of the leaves in the autumn season. Moreover, we isolated and characterized the phylloxanthobilins from T. majus, and report the identification of a pyro-phylloxanthobilin, so far only accessible by chemical synthesis. We show that the phylloxanthobilins contribute to bioactivities of T. majus by displaying strong anti-oxidative effects in vitro and in cellulo, and anti-inflammatory effects as assessed by COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibition, similar to other bioactive ingredients of T. majus, isoquercitrin, and chlorogenic acid. Hence, phylloxanthobilins could play a role in the efficacy of T. majus in the treatment of urinary tract infections, an established indication of T. majus. With the results shown in this study, we aid in the completion of the phytochemical profile of T. majus by identifying additional bioactive natural products as relevant components of this medicinal plant.

Antifungal activity of bio-active cell-free culture extracts and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) synthesised by endophytic fungal isolates of Garden Nasturtium

Antimicrobial resistance in fungal pathogens (both human and plant) is increasing alarmingly, leading to massive economic crises. The existing anti-fungal agents are becoming ineffective, and the situation worsens on a logarithmic scale. Novel antifungals from unique natural sources are highly sought to cope sustainably with the situation. Metabolites from endophytic microbes are the best-fitted alternatives in this case. Endophytes are the untapped sources of 'plants' internal microbial population' and are promising sources of effective bio-therapeutic agents. Fungal endophytes were isolated from Tropaeolum majus and checked for antifungal activity against selected plant and human pathogens. Bioactive metabolites were identified through chromatographic techniques. The mode of action of those metabolites was evaluated through various spectroscopic techniques. The production of antifungal metabolite was optimized also. In particular VOCs (volatile organic compounds) of TML9 were tested in vitro for their anti-phytopathogenic activity. Ethyl acetate (EA) extract of cell-free culture components of Colletotrichum aenigma TML3 exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against four species of Candida and the major constituents reported were 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one, 2-Nonanone, 1 propanol 2-amino. The volatile metabolites, trans-ocimene, geraniol, and 4-terpinyl acetate, produced from Curvularia lunata TML9, inhibited the growth of some selected phyto pathogens. EA extract hampered the biofilm formation, minimised the haemolytic effect, and blocked the transformation of Candida albicans (MTCC 4748) from yeast to hyphal form with a Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of 200-600 µg mL-1. Central carbohydrate metabolism, ergosterol synthesis, and membrane permeability were adversely affected and caused the lethal leakage of necessary macromolecules of C. albicans. Volatile metabolites inhibited the growth of phytopathogens i.e., Rhizoctonia solani, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora beticola, Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Ceratocystis ulmi, Pythium ultimum up to 89% with an IC50 value of 21.3-69.6 µL 50 mL-1 and caused leakage of soluble proteins and other intracellular molecules. Citrusy sweet odor volatiles of TML9 cultured in wheat-husk minimised the infections of Penicillium digitatum (green mold), in VOC-exposed sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). Volatile and non-volatile antifungal metabolites of these two T. majus endophytes hold agricultural and pharmaceutical interests. Metabolites of TML3 have strong anti-Candida activity and require further assessment for therapeutic applications. Also, volatile metabolites of TML9 can be further studied as a source of antifungals. The present investigational outcomes bio-prospects the efficacy of fungal endophytes of Garden Nasturtium.

Kaempferol protects against cardiovascular abnormalities induced by nitric oxide deficiency in rats by suppressing the TNF-α pathway

Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid compound that exhibits various pharmacological actions. However, there are few reports regarding the role of kaempferol in cardiovascular abnormalities. This study aimed to assess whether kaempferol could prevent cardiovascular malfunction and hypertrophy provoked by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) formation in rats. Rats (180-200 g) were treated daily with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) (40 mg/kg, in drinking water) for five weeks concomitant with kaempferol (oral administration) at a dose of 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg or lisinopril (5 mg/kg). Kaempferol partially prevented the progression of hypertension provoked by NO inhibition (p < 0.05). Left ventricular malfunction and hypertrophy present in hypertensive rats were alleviated by concurrent administration of kaempferol (p < 0.05). Furthermore, L-NAME rats had increased sympathetic nerve-mediated vasoconstriction and decreased acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation and aortic wall thickening, which were resolved by kaempferol treatment (p < 0.05). Kaempferol restored tissue superoxide formation, malondialdehyde, catalase activity, plasma nitric oxide metabolites, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 in L-NAME rats (p < 0.05). Overexpression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt1) and smad2/3 in heart tissue and upregulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappaB (p-NF-κB) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in vascular tissue were suppressed by kaempferol (p < 0.05). In conclusion, kaempferol exerts antihypertensive, cardioprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in NO-dependent hypertensive rats. The underlying mechanisms of kaempferol in preventing cardiovascular changes induced by L-NAME were due to the suppression of the TNF-α pathway.

Heterologous Expression and Characterization of a Thermostable α-L-Rhamnosidase from Thermoclostridium stercorarium subsp. thermolacticum DSM 2910 and Its Application in the Biotransformation of Rutin

An α-L-rhamnosidase gene from Thermoclostridium. stercorarium subsp. thermolacticum DSM 2910 (TstRhaA) was cloned and expressed. The maximum TstRhaA activity of the protein reached 25.2 U/ml, and the molecular mass was approximately 106.6 kDa. The protein was purified 8.0-fold by Ni-TED affinity with an overall recovery of 16.6% and a specific activity of 187.9 U/mg. TstRhaA activity was the highest at 65°C and pH 6.5. In addition, it exhibited excellent thermal stability, better pH stability, good tolerance to low concentrations of organic reagents, and high catalytic activity for p-nitrophenyl-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (pNPR). Substrate specificity studies showed that TstRhaA exhibited a high specific activity for rutin. At 60°C, pH 6.5, and 0.3 U/ml enzyme dosage, 60 g/l rutin was converted to 45.55 g/l isoquercitrin within 150 min. The molar conversion rate of rutin and the yield of isoquercitrin were 99.8% and 12.22 g/l/h, respectively. The results suggested that TstRhaA could be used for mass production of isoquercitrin.

The Hypotensive and Vasodilatory Effects Observed in Rats Exposed to Chiranthodendron pentadactylon Larreat Flowers Can Be Attributed to Cyanidin 3-O-Glucoside

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon Larreat is a tree native to southeastern Mexico and Guatemala. Its flower is used in Mexican folk medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including conditions of blood pressure. However, scientific information on its usefulness in this pathology is lacking. The present study evaluates the effect of a methanolic extract (ME) from the flower and its active constituents on heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in anesthetized rats (MAPHR). The study also analyzed the effects on rat-isolated aortic rings (RIAR) and the rat mesenteric arterial bed (MABR). Active fractions were chromatographed, which led to the isolation of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G) identified through HPLC. The Chiranthodendron pentadactylon flowers produced hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects associated with C3G. The vasorelaxant effect is a mechanism underlying the synthesis and release of nitric oxide (NO). Neither cholinergic receptors nor prostaglandins are involved. ME and C3G cause cardiovascular depression in anesthetized rats via cholinergic and prostanoid mechanisms. Our research expands the scientific understanding of the flowers on the rat cardiovascular system. This amplifies the appreciation of the flower's ethnomedicine employed to control blood pressure. However, researchers need to conduct toxicity studies to determine the safety of this plant.

The Cardiorenal Effects of Piper amalago Are Mediated by the Nitric Oxide/Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Pathway and the Voltage-Dependent Potassium Channels

Piper amalago L. is used in Brazilian traditional medicine to treat inflammation, chest pain, and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the safety and the renal and cardiovascular effects of the volatile oil (VO) and the aqueous (AE) and hydroalcoholic (HE) extracts from P. amalago. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses identified 47 compounds in the VO, with β-cyclogermacrene, spathulenol, β-phellandrene, and α-pinene standing out. Among the 47 compounds also found in AE and HE by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, glycosylated flavones, organic acids, amino acids, and amides were highlighted. Some examples of these compounds are methoxy-methylenedioxy cis-cinnamoyl pyrrolidine, methoxy-methylenedioxy trans-cinnamoyl pyrrolidine, and cyclobutene-2,4-bis-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-methoxy-6-yl)-1,3-dicarboxapyrrolidide. The acute toxicity experiments were conducted on female rats (n = 5). The cardiorenal assays (n = 8) and evaluations of vasodilatory effects on the mesenteric vascular bed (n = 5) were conducted on male rats. In either extract or VO, there were no mortality or changes in relative weights or histopathological analysis of the organs. Urinary volume and renal electrolyte excretion were elevated significantly during repeated dose 7-day treatment with different preparations from P. amalago. None of the preparations induced hypotension or changes in cardiac electrical activity. Only HE promoted significant vasodilatory effects in rats' isolated mesenteric vascular beds. These effects were completely abolished in the presence of L-NAME plus 4-aminopyridine. Therefore, P. amalago leaves are safe and present diuretic activity after acute and repeated dose administration over 7 days. Moreover, the HE induced significant vasodilator response in rats' mesenteric vascular beds by NO/cGMP pathway and voltage-dependent K+ channels activation.

Exploring the effects of embryonic and neonatal exposure to lipopolysaccharides on oligodendrocyte differentiation in the rat hippocampus and the protective effect of alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin

This study compared the effects of embryonic and neonatal lipopolysaccharides (LPS) exposure (E-LPS and N-LPS) on oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation in the hippocampus of male rats and explored the protective effect of the antioxidant alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ). Using SD rats, LPS exposure occurred either intraperitoneally in dams between gestational days 15 and 16 (50 µg/kg body weight/time) or in male pups on postnatal day (PND) 3 (1 mg/kg body weight). Under both regimens, AGIQ at 0.5% (w/w) was supplemented, to dams from the gestation period (before LPS exposure) until weaning on PND 21 and to male offspring from weaning until PND 77 (adulthood). Compared with a control treatment, E-LPS treatment resulted in fewer NG2+ OL progenitor cells (OPCs) and an upregulation of Tcf4 at PND 6; by PND 21, low NG2+ OPC number persisted, but OLIG2+ OL lineage cells increased, while CNPase+ mature OLs counts were unchanged. By contrast, N-LPS treatment resulted in fewer OLIG2+ cells and an upregulation of Bmp4 at PND 6; by PND 21, NG2+ OPCs decreased, while GFAP+ astrocytes increased at both PND 6 and 21. After N-LPS treatment, Kl and Yy1 were downregulated and there were fewer Klotho+ and CNPase+ cells at PND 21. Results suggest that E-LPS treatment facilitates OPC differentiation into pre- and immature OLs until weaning, while N-LPS treatment suppresses OPC differentiation into mature OLs but facilitates astrocyte generation; however, these changes spontaneously recovered by adulthood under both regimens. AGIQ treatment ameliorated the effects of LPS treatment of both regimens, suggesting that LPS-induced disruption of OPC/OL differentiation occurs via neuroinflammation.

Detection of Various Traditional Chinese Medicinal Metabolites as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: Molecular Docking, Activity Testing, and Surface Plasmon Resonance Approaches

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) is a peptide involved in fluid and blood pressure management. It regulates blood pressure by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which has vasoconstrictive effects. Previous studies have shown that certain compounds of natural origin can inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzymes and exert blood pressure-regulating effects. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensor technology is the industry standard method for observing biomolecule interactions. In our study, we used molecular simulation methods to investigate the docking energies of various herbal metabolites with ACE1 proteins, tested the real-time binding affinities between various herbal metabolites and sACE1 by SPR, and analyzed the relationship between real-time binding affinity and docking energy. In addition, to further explore the connection between inhibitor activity and real-time binding affinity, several herbal metabolites' in vitro inhibitory activities were tested using an ACE1 activity test kit. The molecular docking simulation technique's results and the real-time affinity tested by the SPR technique were found to be negatively correlated, and the virtual docking technique still has some drawbacks as a tool for forecasting proteins' affinities to the metabolites of Chinese herbal metabolites. There may be a positive correlation between the enzyme inhibitory activity and the real-time affinity detected by the SPR technique, and the results from the SPR technique may provide convincing evidence to prove the interaction between herbal metabolites and ACE1 target proteins.

Bioprospecting a Film-Forming System Loaded with Eugenia uniflora L. and Tropaeolum majus L. Leaf Extracts for Topical Application in Treating Skin Lesions

Natural products can be used as complements or as alternatives to synthetic drugs. Eugenia uniflora and Tropaeolum majus are natives of Brazil and have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to develop a film-forming system (FFS) loaded with plant extracts with the potential for treating microbial infections. E. uniflora and T. majus leaf extracts were prepared and characterized, and the individual and combined antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The FFS was developed with different concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The combination of extracts showed a superior antioxidant effect compared to the individual extracts, justifying the use of the blend. FFS prepared with 4.5% PVA, 4.5% PVP, 7.81% E. uniflora extract, and 3.90% T. majus extract was adhesive, lacked scale formation, presented good malleability, and had a suitable pH for topical application. In addition, the viscosity at rest was satisfactory for maintaining stability; water solubility was adequate; skin permeation was low; and the antimicrobial effect was superior to that of the individual extracts. Therefore, the developed FFS is promising for the differentiated treatment of skin lesions through topical application.

Oral chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity study of alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ) in Sprague Dawley rats

alpha-Glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ) is a flavonoid that possesses antioxidant and tumor suppressive capabilities and is marketed as a food additive in Japan. The aim of this study was to assess the potential for oral chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity of AGIQ in male and female Sprague Dawley rats following up to 5.0% dietary exposure. In the chronic toxicity study, rats were exposed to AGIQ or vehicle for one year with a 6-month interim termination point; for the carcinogenicity study, rats were treated for 24 months. No signs of AGIQ-related toxicity clinically or histologically were observed for up to one year except for yellow discoloration of bone. In the carcinogenicity study, a statistically significant increase in the incidence of malignant glioma of the brain or spinal cord was observed in female rats exposed to 5.0% AGIQ compared to those exposed to control feed. A Scientific Advisory Panel of experienced neuropathologists reviewed the gliomas (routine stains and glial cell markers) and concluded that the gliomas were a rare, spontaneous, rat-specific neoplasm: malignant microglial tumor. The lesions could not definitively be attributed to AGIQ exposure and have limited implications with respect to predicting human cancer risk.

Amelioration of lipopolysaccharides-induced impairment of fear memory acquisition by alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin through suppression of neuroinflammation in rats

This study investigated the role of neuroinflammation in a lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced cognitive dysfunction model in rats using an antioxidant, α-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ). Six-week-old rats were dietary treated with 0.5% (w/w) AGIQ for 38 days, and LPS at 1 mg/kg body weight was administered intraperitoneally once daily on Days 8 and 10. On Day 11, LPS alone increased or tended to increase interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Immunohistochemically, LPS alone increased the number of Iba1⁺ and CD68⁺ microglia, and GFAP⁺ astrocytes in the hilus of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). AGIQ treatment decreased or tended to decrease brain proinflammatory cytokine levels and the number of CD68⁺ microglia in the DG hilus. In the contextual fear conditioning test during Day 34 and Day 38, LPS alone impaired fear memory acquisition, and AGIQ tended to recover this impairment. On Day 38, LPS alone decreased the number of DCX⁺ cells in the neurogenic niche, and AGIQ increased the numbers of PCNA⁺ cells in the subgranular zone and CALB2⁺ hilar interneurons. Additionally, LPS alone decreased or tended to decrease the number of synaptic plasticity-related FOS⁺ and COX2⁺ granule cells and AGIQ recovered them. The results suggest that LPS administration induced acute neuroinflammation and subsequent impairment of fear memory acquisition caused by suppressed synaptic plasticity of newborn granule cells following disruptive neurogenesis. In contrast, AGIQ exhibited anti-inflammatory effects and ameliorated LPS-induced adverse effects. These results suggest that neuroinflammation is a key factor in the development of LPS-induced impairment of fear memory acquisition.

Progressive disruption of neurodevelopment by mid-gestation exposure to lipopolysaccharides and the ameliorating effect of continuous alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin treatment

We investigated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced maternal immune activation used as a model for producing neurodevelopmental disorders on hippocampal neurogenesis and behaviors in rat offspring by exploring the antioxidant effects of alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ). Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (50 μg/kg body weight) at gestational days 15 and 16. AGIQ was administered in the diet to dams at 0.5% (w/w) from gestational day 10 until weaning at postnatal day 21 and then to offspring until adulthood at postnatal day 77. During postnatal life, offspring of LPS-injected animals did not show neuroinflammation or oxidative stress in the brain. At weaning, LPS decreased the numbers of type-2b neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and PCNA⁺ proliferating cells in the subgranular zone, FOS-expressing granule cells, and GAD67⁺ hilar interneurons in the dentate gyrus. In adulthood, LPS decreased type-1 neural stem cells, type-2a NPCs, and GAD67⁺ hilar interneurons, and downregulated Dpysl3, Sst, Fos, Mapk1, Mapk3, Grin2a, Grin2b, Bdnf, and Ntrk2. In adults, LPS suppressed locomotor activity in the open field test and suppressed fear memory acquisition and fear extinction learning in the contextual fear conditioning test. These results indicate that mid-gestation LPS injections disrupt programming of normal neurodevelopment resulting in progressive suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity of newborn granule cells by suppressing GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter signals and BDNF/TrkB signaling to result in adult-stage behavioral deficits. AGIQ ameliorated most aberrations in hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, as well as behavioral deficits. Effective amelioration by continuous AGIQ treatment starting before LPS injections may reflect both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects during gestation and neuroprotective effects of continuous exposure through adulthood.

An Insight into Diverse Activities and Targets of Flavonoids

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids belong to the chemical class of polyphenols and are in the category of secondary metabolites imparting a wide protective effect against acute and chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to investigate and summarize the information of various flavonoids extracted, isolated from various sources, and possess different pharmacological properties by acting on multiple targets.

METHODS

This comprehensive review summarizes the research information related to flavonoids and their pharmacological action targets from various sources like PubMed, Google Scholar and Google websites.

RESULTS

Extracted information in the paper discusses various therapeutic effects of flavonoids isolated from medicinal plant sources, which have the property to inhibit several enzymes, which finally results in health benefits like anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-viral effects. This study also showed the different solvents and methods involved in the extraction and characterization of the isolated phytochemical constituents.

CONCLUSION

The findings showed the contribution of several flavonoids in the management and inhibition of various acute and chronic sicknesses by acting on different sites in the body. This study may lead to gaining interest for more research on the bioactives of different medicinal plants for the discovery of new lead compounds or further improvement of the efficacy of the existing compound.

Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. and Tropaeolum majus L.: Phytochemical Profile, In Vitro Anti-Denaturation Effects and Lipase Inhibitory Activity of Two Ornamental Plants Traditionally Used as Herbal Remedies

Ornamental plants often gain relevance not only for their decorative use, but also as a source of phytochemicals with interesting healing properties. Herein, spontaneous Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. and Tropaeolum majus L., mainly used as ornamental species but also traditionally consumed and used in popular medicine, were investigated. The aerial parts were extracted with methanol trough maceration, and resultant crude extracts were partitioned using solvents with increasing polarity. As previous studies mostly dealt with the phenolic content of these species, the phytochemical investigation mainly focused on nonpolar constituents, detected with GC-MS. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was also verified, and HPTLC analyses were performed. In order to explore the potential antiarthritic and anti-obesity properties, extracts and their fractions were evaluated for their anti-denaturation effects, with the use of the BSA assay, and for their ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase. The antioxidant properties and the inhibitory activity on the NO production were verified, as well. Almost all the extracts and fractions demonstrated good inhibitory effects on NO production. The n-hexane and dichloromethane fractions from T. majus, as well as the n-hexane fraction from C. ruber, were effective in protecting the protein from heat-induced denaturation (IC₅₀ = 154.0 ± 1.9, 270.8 ± 2.3 and 450.1 ± 15.5 μg/mL, respectively). The dichloromethane fractions from both raw extracts were also effective in inhibiting pancreatic lipase, with IC₅₀ values equal to 2.23 ± 0.02 mg/mL (for C. ruber sample), and 2.05 ± 0.02 mg/mL (T. majus). Obtained results support the traditional use of these species for their beneficial health properties and suggest that investigated plant species could be potential sources of novel antiarthritic and anti-obesity agents.

Continuous Exposure to Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercitrin from Gestation Ameliorates Disrupted Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Rats Induced by Gestational Injection of Valproic Acid

This study examined the ameliorating effect of alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ), an antioxidant, on disrupted hippocampal neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure. Dams were intraperitoneally injected with 500 mg/kg VPA on gestational day 12. AGIQ was administered in the diet at 0.25 or 0.5% to dams from gestational day 13 until weaning at postnatal day (PND) 21 and then to pups until PND 63. At PND 21, VPA-exposed offspring showed decreased numbers of type-2a and type-3 neural progenitor cells (NPCs) among granule cell lineage subpopulations. AGIQ treatment at both doses rescued the reduction in type-3 NPCs. AGIQ upregulated Reln and Vldlr transcript levels in the DG at 0.5% and ≥ 0.25%, respectively, and increased the number of reelin⁺ interneurons in the DG hilus at 0.5%. AGIQ at 0.25% and/or 0.5% also upregulated Ntrk2, Cntf, Igf1, and Chrnb2. At PND 63, there were no changes in the granule cell lineage subpopulations in response to VPA or AGIQ. AGIQ at 0.25% increased the number of FOS⁺ granule cells, accompanied by Gria2 and Gria3 upregulation and increasing trend in the number of FOS⁺ granule cells at 0.5%. There was no definitive evidence of VPA-induced oxidative stress in the hippocampus throughout postnatal life. These results indicate that AGIQ ameliorates the VPA-induced disruption of hippocampal neurogenesis at weaning involving reelin, BDNF-TrkB, CNTF, and IGF1 signaling, and enhances FOS-mediated synaptic plasticity in adulthood, potentially through AMPA-receptor upregulation. The ameliorating effects of AGIQ may involve direct interactions with neural signaling cascades rather than antioxidant capacity.

Tropaeolum majus R2R3 MYB Transcription Factor TmPAP2 Functions as a Positive Regulator of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis

Anthocyanins are an important group of water-soluble and non-toxic natural pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be found in flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Anthocyanin biosynthesis is regulated by several different types of transcription factors, including the WD40-repeat protein Transparent Testa Glabra 1 (TTG1), the bHLH transcription factor Transparent Testa 8 (TT8), Glabra3 (GL3), Enhancer of GL3 (EGL3), and the R2R3 MYB transcription factor Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1 (PAP1), PAP2, MYB113, and MYB114, which are able to form MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complexes to regulate the expression of late biosynthesis genes (LBGs) in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is an edible flower plant that offers many health benefits, as it contains numerous medicinally important ingredients, including anthocyanins. By a comparative examination of the possible anthocyanin biosynthesis regulator genes in nasturtium varieties with different anthocyanin contents, we found that TmPAP2, an R2R3 MYB transcription factor gene, is highly expressed in "Empress of India", a nasturtium variety with high anthocyanin content, while the expression of TmPAP2 in Arabidopsis led to the overproduction of anthocyanins. Protoplast transfection shows that TmPAP2 functions as a transcription activator; consistent with this finding, some of the biosynthesis genes in the general phenylpropanoid pathway and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway were highly expressed in "Empress of India" and the 35S:TmPAP2 transgenic Arabidopsis plants. However, protoplast transfection indicates that TmPAP2 may not be able to form an MBW complex with TmGL3 and TmTTG1. These results suggest that TmPAP2 may function alone as a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in nasturtiums.

A New Approach for the Development of Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Two Rat Models of Hypertension

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases. There is a lack of valid animal models that mimic associations among multiple cardiovascular risk factors in humans. The present study developed an animal model that uses multiple cardiovascular risk factors—namely, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and a high-fat diet (HFD). Two models of hypertension were used: renovascular hypertension (two-kidney, one clip [2K1C]) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The naive group was composed of normotensive rats. Twelve weeks after surgery to induce renovascular hypertension, rats in the 2K1C and SHR groups underwent thyroidectomy. The HFD was then implemented for 6 weeks. Renal function, serum redox status, biochemical CVD markers, electrocardiographic profile, blood pressure, mesenteric vascular bed reactivity, histopathology, and morphometry were investigated. Both experimental models induced dyslipidemia, renal function impairment, and hepatic steatosis, accompanied by higher levels of different inflammatory markers and serum oxidative stress. These alterations contributed to end-organ damage in all hypertensive rats. Our findings corroborate a viable alternative model that involves multiple cardiovascular risk factors and resembles conditions that are seen in humans. Both models mimicked CVD, but our data show that SHRs exhibit more significant pathophysiological changes.

Vascular Effects of Polyphenols from Agrimonia eupatoria L. and Role of Isoquercitrin in Its Vasorelaxant Potential in Human Arteries

Agrimonia eupatoria L. has been traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases but also as a hypotensive. To our knowledge, only one study has previously suggested an improvement in vascular endothelial function in diabetic conditions, as the underlying mechanisms and responsible compounds are unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess the direct vascular effects of Agrimonia eupatoria L. in human arteries. The infusion elicited a mild increase in basal vascular tone and a significant potentiation of the adrenergic contraction of 49.18% at 0.02 mg/mL, suggesting the presence of compounds with mild vasoconstrictor activity. In contrast, the ethyl acetate fraction inhibited adrenergic contraction by 80.65% at 2 mg/mL and elicited no effect on basal vascular tone. A potent concentration-dependent vasorelaxation was observed for both the infusion and the ethyl acetate fraction (maximal relaxation above 76% and 47%, respectively). Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase elicited significant decreases in the vasorelaxation to the infusion, as, for the ethyl acetate fraction, only the cyclooxygenase pathway appeared to be involved. Isoquercitrin elicited a vasoactivity consistent with the ethyl acetate fraction, suggesting this is a major component responsible for the vasorelaxant properties of A. eupatoria. Further research is warranted to fully evaluate its vasoprotective properties with therapeutic potential in several conditions, e.g., atherosclerosis.

Ameliorating effect of continuous alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin treatment starting from late gestation in a rat autism model induced by postnatal injection of lipopolysaccharides

The present study investigated the role of neuroinflammation and brain oxidative stress induced by neonatal treatment with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behaviors and disruptive hippocampal neurogenesis in rats by exploring the chemopreventive effects of alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ) as an antioxidant. AGIQ was dietary administered to dams at 0.25% or 0.5% (w/w) from gestational day 18 until postnatal day (PND) 21 on weaning and then to pups until the adult stage on PND 77. The pups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (1 mg/kg body weight) on PND 3. At PND 6, LPS alone increased Iba1+ and CD68+ cell numbers without changing the CD163+ cell number and strongly upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression (Il1a, Il1b, Il6, Nfkb1, and Tnf) in the hippocampus, and increased brain malondialdehyde levels. At PND 10, pups decreased ultrasonic vocalization (USV), suggesting the induction of pro-inflammatory responses and oxidative stress to trigger communicative deficits. By contrast, LPS alone upregulated Nfe2l2 expression at PND 6, increased Iba1+, CD68+, and CD163+ cell numbers, and upregulated Tgfb1 at PND 21, suggesting anti-inflammatory responses until the weaning period. However, LPS alone disrupted hippocampal neurogenesis at weaning and suppressed social interaction parameters and rate of freezing time at fear acquisition and extinction during the adolescent stage. On PND 77, neuroinflammatory responses had mostly disappeared; however, disruptive neurogenesis and fear memory deficits were sustained. AGIQ ameliorated most changes on acute pro-inflammatory responses and oxidative stress at PND 6, and the effects on USVs at PND 10 and neurogenesis and behavioral parameters throughout the adult stage. These results suggested that neonatal LPS treatment induced acute but transient neuroinflammation, triggering the progressive disruption of hippocampal neurogenesis leading to abnormal behaviors in later life. AGIQ treatment was effective for ameliorating LPS-induced progressive changes by critically suppressing initial pro-inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.

Five undervalued edible species inherent to autumn-winter season: nutritional composition, bioactive constituents and volatiles profile

Background

Wild edible herbs have historically been used as local nutritional and medicinal sources. These plants grow spontaneously, depending on the season. They adapt well to different edaphoclimatic conditions, generating a diversity constituent beneficial to health. They impart compounds needed in the human diet in regard to macro and micronutrients. When consumed raw, they keep their properties intact and provide health benefits. Five undervalued edible plants: Stellaria media (L.) Vill, Tropaeolum majus L., Sonchus oleraceus L., Chenopodium album L. and Diplotaxis erucoides (L.) DC are characteristic of the autumn-winter season in the Valencian coastal region and could have new sustainable agro-ecological potential for the local commercial sector. However, little information is available from the nutritional quality and bioactive composition viewpoint for these species. Concurrently, the volatiles compounds profiles describing the characteristic flavors are unknown.

Methods

Nutritional characteristics, bioactive compounds, and other chemical components of the fresh leaves were analyzed. In addition, the volatiles composite profile was performed. The analyzed species come from the soil reservoir; their wild growth is adjusted to the autumn season. The proximate analysis was carried out by Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Total antioxidants were measured as 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl hydrate (DPPH) and total polyphenols content via the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure. Volatiles profile was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The vegetative part analyzed was the tender leaves with edible potential.

Results

A high variability has been obtained in the composition of the species studied. The proximate analysis found a considerable content of fiber (1.22-5.4 g·100 g^-1), potassium (157.7-1,250.6 mg·100 g^-1), iron (0.6-2.0 mg·100 g^-1), and a low caloric value (16.1-43.02 kcal·mg·100 g^-1). In bioactive compounds analysis, a high level of antioxidants was highlighted (1,604.3-4,874.6 μmol·100 g^-1), followed by chlorophylls. Volatiles profile revealed that the species were rich in benzenoids (33.8-89.9%) as the majority family. The pyrazines class was characteristic only in D. erucoides L.

Discussion

Fresh edible leaves of the undervalued plants show considerable nutritional potential and a high bioactive components level, which highlight the antioxidant capacity. Leaves of C. album L. stand out due to their higher concentration of nutritional compounds, while D. erucoides L. is noted for its higher antioxidant capacity. Aromatic descriptor of pyrazines detected in the leaves of D. erucoides L. is associated with the slightly spicy flavors that characterize this species. Results suggest that studied species could be of great relevance in introducing these five edible herbs as a source of new grown material, postulating them as healthy food ingredients with attractive flavors for the gourmet cuisine industry.

Cardioprotective effects of Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in hypertensive rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. (Talinaceae) is a medicinal species that is widely distributed throughout Brazil. Popularly known as "major-gomes," the species is used in folk medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effect of an ethanolic extract of T. paniculatum (EETP) in rats with renovascular hypertension and heart failure and determine its chemical composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, EETP was obtained, and its chemical profile was analyzed by LC-DAD-MS. The acute toxicity was evaluated in female Wistar rats. The model of renovascular hypertension was established in male Wistar rats by combining the Goldblatt 2K1C method and intraperitoneal doxorubicin administration for 6 weeks. The animals were then treated daily with EETP (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) or metoprolol (25 mg/kg) by gavage for 28 days. The negative control group was treated with vehicle (filtered water). The sham group consisted of animals that were not subjected to 2K1C or cardiotoxicity and were treated with vehicle. Renal function was evaluated on days 1, 14, and 28. At the end of treatment, the electrocardiographic profile, blood pressure, and mesenteric vascular reactivity were investigated. Serum urea, creatinine, angiotensin converting enzyme, nitrotyrosine, malondialdehyde, nitrite, aldosterone, and sodium and potassium levels were measured. The heart, aorta artery, liver, and right kidney were collected, weighed, and processed for histopathological analysis. Cardiac chambers also underwent morphometric analysis.

RESULTS

No signs of toxicity were observed in female Wistar rats. Thirty-two compounds were annotated from EETP, including flavonoids, chlorogenic acids, and saponins. EETP treatment resulted in a significant cardiorenal-protective response, normalizing electrocardiographic and hemodynamic alterations, and preventing ventricle remodeling. These effects were associated with serum antioxidant activity and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that EETP may exert cardioprotective effects through serum antioxidant activity and ACE inhibition, preventing alterations of hemodynamic and endothelial function, and reducing damage to cardiac structure. Thus, EETP, especially at the 100 and 300 mg/kg doses, may be useful for preventing doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in hypertensive patients.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors from plants: A review of their diversity, modes of action, prospects, and concerns in the management of diabetes-centric complications

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are antihypertensive medications often used in the treatment of diabetes-related complications. Synthetic ACE inhibitors are known to cause serious side effects like hypotension, renal insufficiency, and hyperkalaemia. Therefore, there has been an intensifying search for natural ACE inhibitors. Many plants or plant-based extracts are known to possess ACE-inhibitory activity. In this review, articles focusing on the natural ACE inhibitors extracted from plants were retrieved from databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We have found more than 50 plant species with ACE-inhibitory activity. Among them, Angelica keiskei, Momordica charantia, Muntingia calabura, Prunus domestica, and Peperomia pellucida were the most potent, showing comparatively lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration values. Among the bioactive metabolites, peptides (e.g., Tyr-Glu-Pro, Met-Arg-Trp, and Gln-Phe-Tyr-Ala-Val), phenolics (e.g., cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside and delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside), flavonoids ([-]-epicatechin, astilbin, and eupatorin), terpenoids (ursolic acid and oleanolic acid) and alkaloids (berberine and harmaline) isolated from several plant and fungus species were found to possess significant ACE-inhibitory activity. These were also known to possess promising antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory activities. Considering the minimal side effects and lower toxicity of herbal compounds, development of antihypertensive drugs from these plant extracts or phytocompounds for the treatment of diabetes-associated complications is an important endeavour. This review, therefore, focuses on the ACE inhibitors extracted from different plant sources, their possible mechanisms of action, present status, and any safety concerns.

The antihypertensive potential of flavonoids from Chinese Herbal Medicine: A review

With the coming of the era of the aging population, hypertension has become a global health burden to be dealt with. Although there are multiple drugs and procedures to control the symptoms of hypertension, the management of it is still a long-term process, and the side effects of conventional drugs pose a burden on patients. Flavonoids, common compounds found in fruits and vegetables as secondary metabolites, are active components in Chinese Herbal Medicine. The flavonoids are proved to have cardiovascular benefits based on a plethora of animal experiments over the last decade. Thus, the flavonoids or flavonoid-rich plant extracts endowed with anti-hypertension activities and probable mechanisms were reviewed. It has been found that flavonoids may affect blood pressure in various ways. Moreover, despite the substantial evidence of the potential for flavonoids in the control of hypertension, it is not sufficient to support the clinical application of flavonoids as an adjuvant or core drug. So the synergistic effects of flavonoids with other drugs, pharmacokinetic studies, clinical trials and the safety of flavonoids are also incorporated in the discussion. It is believed that more breakthrough studies are needed. Overall, this review may shed some new light on the explicit recognition of the mechanisms of anti-hypertension actions of flavonoids, pointing out the limitations of relevant research at the current stage and the aspects that should be strengthened in future researches.

Development of reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for determination of selected antihypertensive active flavonoids (rutin, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol) in medicinal plants found in Botswana

The aim of the study was to develop a rapid, efficient, and cheap chromatographic method for determining four selected antihypertensive active flavonoid compounds in medicinal plants in Botswana. The determination of rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol in selected medicinal plants was conducted in less than 6 min using the developed reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with a 2.7 µm Ascentis C18 express column (150 × 4.60 mm i.d) at 340, 360, and 368 nm detection wavelengths and mobile phase of methanol and 0.068% of formic acid solution in isocratic elution. Validation results showed good selectivity, linearity (r 2 > 0.99), high percentage recoveries (90.2–104.7%), and precision (% RSD < 2) for n = 3, confirming suitability of the method for determination of the investigated flavonoids in Zingiber officinale (ginger). Application of the developed RP-HPLC method was performed in selected medicinal plants (Lippia javanica ) (mosukujane), Myrothanmus flabellious (galalatshwene), and Elephantorrhiza elephantina (mositsana) used to manage hypertension by herbalists in Botswana. M. flabellious a very commonly used plant for managing hypertension was found to contain highest amounts of rutin and myricetin, whereas nothing was detected for E. elephantina.

13-Weeks subchronic toxicity of isoquercitrin-γ-cyclodextrin (IQC-γCD) molecular inclusion complex in Sprague-Dawley rats

Flavonoids such as quercetin and its glycoside Isoquercitrin and are abundantly present in the diet and have various pharmacological effects. However, limited data about its potential toxicity is available. In this study, we aim to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of the isoquercitrin-γ-cyclodextrin (IQC-γCD) molecular inclusion complex (SunActive® QCD/EN) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The IQC-γCD was administrated orally to 40 male and 40 female SD rats at dietary doses up to 5.0 % for 13 consecutive weeks. During the experiment periods, the general clinical signs, mortality, hematological, urinalysis values, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were examined. All animals survived until the scheduled necropsy, and no statistically significant or clinical sign of toxicologically relevant differences including pathology parameters, and histopathological endpoints were observed in any of the IQC-γCD treatment groups, compared with the control group. However, certain observations were noted in the male rats treated with the highest concentration (5.0 %), but these were not seen in female rats. A slight inhibition of weight gain was observed, probably linked to a fall in red blood cells, and hematocrit index in female rats. Statistically significant changes were noted in some clinical measures, such as plasma bilirubin level, alkaline phosphatase total bile acid without evidence of systemic clinical toxicity. The results support no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of IQC-γCD of 5.0 % in the diet for males (3338.55 mg/kg/day), and 3.0 % in the diet for females (2177.33 mg/kg/day) SD rats. Therefore, in this 13 weeks repeated-dose SD rat study there were no treatment-related adverse clinical or pathological findings for IQC-γCD of 5.0 % in the diet for males, and 3.0 % in the diet for females SD rats. The results of the present study support the safe use of IQC-γCD as a functional food, food additive, and natural ingredient.

Ethnopharmacological investigations of the leaves of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae): A native Brazilian tree species

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae) is a medicinal plant popularly known as 'embaúba'. In Brazil, the leaves of this species are used for the treatment of various kidney and cardiovascular diseases. However, there are no detailed studies on the renal and cardiovascular activities of this species. No studies on the anatomy or the quality control of this herbal drug is available thus far.

AIM

This study was aimed to investigate the ethnopharmacological properties of the leaves of C. pachystachya.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The leaves of C. pachystachya were analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy for pharmacobotanical and anatomical characterization. The ethanol-soluble fraction of C. pachystachya leaf extract (ESCP) was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatograph equipped with diode array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). The acute oral toxicity of ESCP on female Wistar rats was assessed. The acute and prolonged diuresis and antioxidant effects of ESCP (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) were evaluated in male Wistar rats. In addition, the hypotensive effects of the ESCP as well as the vasodilatory activity in isolated and perfused mesenteric vascular beds were investigated.

RESULTS

The anatomical markers obtained in this study can help in the identification of C. pachystachya, as well as to distinguish it from the other 'embaúbas'. The metabolites found in the ESCP were phenolic compounds, mainly C- and O-glycosylated flavonoids. The ESCP did not exhibit any toxic effects at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Significant diuretic activities were observed at the doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg. In addition, a significant modulating activity of the tissue redox state was observed after prolonged treatment. On the other hand, no hypotensive or vasodilator activity was observed.

CONCLUSION

The key findings of the present study can contribute to the taxonomy, species identification and quality control of C. pachystachya. Chemical studies have shown the presence of glycosylated flavonoids, phenylpropanoid derivative and proanthocyanidins. The pharmacological studies showed significant diuretic and antioxidant effects of C. pachystachya leaf extract, indicating a possible validation of its popular medicinal use.

Plants Used as Antihypertensive

Hypertension is a critical health problem and worse other cardiovascular diseases. It is mainly of two types: Primary or essential hypertension and Secondary hypertension. Hypertension is the primary possibility feature for coronary heart disease, stroke and renal vascular disease. Herbal medicines have been used for millions of years for the management and treatment of hypertension with minimum side effects. Over aim to write this review is to collect information on the anti-hypertensive effects of natural herbs in animal studies and human involvement as well as to recapitulate the underlying mechanisms, from the bottom of cell culture and ex-vivo tissue data. According to WHO, natural herbs/shrubs are widely used in increasing order to treat almost all the ailments of the human body. Plants are the regular industrial units for the invention of chemical constituents, they used as immunity booster to enhance the natural capacity of the body to fight against different health problems as well as herbal medicines and food products also. Eighty percent population of the world (around 5.6 billion people) consume medicines from natural plants for major health concerns. This review provides a bird's eye analysis primarily on the traditional utilization, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological values of medicinal herbs used to normalize hypertension i.e. Hibiscus sabdariffa, Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Apium graveolens, Bidenspilosa, Camellia sinensis, Coptis chinensis, Coriandrum sativum, Crataegus spp., Crocus sativus, Cymbopogon citrates, Nigella sativa, Panax ginseng,Salviaemiltiorrhizae, Zingiber officinale, Tribulus terrestris, Rauwolfiaserpentina, Terminalia arjuna etc.

Atheroprotective Properties of Costus spicatus (Jacq.) Sw. in Female Rats

Background: Costus spicatus (Jacq.) Sw. is a medicinal species frequently prescribed for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effects of this species against the development of atherosclerosis. Methods: First, an anatomical study of the C. spicatus leaves was performed. Then, the extract (ESCS) was obtained and submitted to phytochemical analysis. Female rats were treated with a single dose of ESCS (2000 mg/kg) to assess acute toxicity. Other groups of female rats received an atherogenic diet for 60 days. After 30 days, the animals were treated orally with ESCS (30 and 300 mg/kg), rosuvastatin (5 mg/kg), or vehicle once daily for 30 days. Serum lipids oxidized low-density lipoprotein, soluble adhesion molecules, interleukins 1β and 6, and markers of renal and liver function were measured. Renal function, blood pressure, electrocardiography, and vascular reactivity were also evaluated. Arteries, heart, liver, and kidney were also collected to evaluate the tissue redox state and histopathological analysis. Results: Prolonged treatment with ESCS induces significant hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects, that prevent endothelial dysfunction and modulated the local inflammatory process, reducing the evolution of the atherosclerotic disease. Conclusions: This study provides a scientific basis for the popular use of C. spicatus for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Promising Medicinal Plants with Diuretic Potential Used in Brazil: State of the Art, Challenges, and Prospects

Medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. The knowledge of them is handed down from generation to generation and is described in several pharmacopoeia and in the general literature. The immense biodiversity of the Brazilian flora, covering about 25% of all plant species worldwide, makes Brazil a huge potential source of medicinal plants. Indeed, many of these plant species are already used in the Brazilian ethnopharmacology for their probable effect to induce diuresis, to reduce fluid retention, and to treat cardiovascular and renal disorders. This review article describes and discusses the main native Brazilian medicinal plants (including some of their isolated compounds) used as diuretics. It also gives a comprehensive analysis of the most relevant scientific studies presented to date, as well as addressing a special topic with future prospects for plant species that have not yet been scientifically studied. In brief, several plants can be indicated for more detailed study, with a view to obtain scientific subsidies for a new and effective diuretic medicine in the future. These include Bauhinia forficata, Leandra dasytricha, and Tropaeolum majus. Other species have reputed medicinal properties but lack experimental assays to demonstrate their pharmacological effects (e.g., Mikania hirsutissima, Phyllanthus niruri, and Tagetes minuta). Several active principles are indicated as responsible for the diuretic effects of the plants studied, with emphasis on phenolic compounds as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and xanthones. These results should encourage more detailed preclinical, clinical, and phytochemical investigations on Brazilian plants in the future.

Involvement of Muscarinic Receptors in Hypotensive and Diuretic Effects of Aqueous Soluble Fraction from Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav

Background. Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (Asphodelaceae) is widely used in Pakistan traditional medicine as a hypotensive and diuretic agent. Despite the cardioprotective effects described for A. tenuifolius, the mechanisms involved in its probable hypotensive and diuretic effects have never been evaluated. Firstly, different extracts from A. tenuifolius seeds were obtained, and their antioxidant profiles and chemical constituents by LC-DAD-were determined, including molecular networking by the GNPS platform. Then, to evaluate changes in blood pressure, different groups of anesthetized normotensive rats were intravenously treated with the crude extract (AT-Cr, 1-50 mg/kg), aqueous (AS-AT, 1-25 mg/kg), n-butanol (BS-AT, 1-50 mg/kg), and dichloromethane fraction (DS-AT, 1-80 mg/kg). The diuretic effects of AT-Cr, AS-AT, BS-AT, and DS-AT at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, p.o. doses, were also evaluated in comparison with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 10 mg/kg, p.o). The urinary volume, sodium, potassium, and pH were estimated in the sample collected for 6 h from saline-loaded rats. Using pharmacological antagonists or inhibitors, we determine the involvement of acetylcholine, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide in A. tenuifolius-induced hypotensive and diuresis action. In addition, the activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, and renal Na+/K+/ATPase were evaluated in vitro. Acute treatment with crude extract and fractions of A. tenuifolius exhibited significant hypotensive and diuretic potential in normotensive rats. However, AS-AT produced the most potent and significant dose-dependent hypotension and diuretic effects in normotensive rats. Previous treatment with atropine significantly reduced the hypotensive and diuretic action of AS-AT, but pretreatment with indomethacin or L-NAME did not affect these effects. Moreover, the 7-day treatment with AS-AT did not reduce activities of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, and renal Na+/K+/ATPase. AS-AT showed four major compound node clusters, which included sugars, alkaloids, nucleoside, amino acid, and glycosylated flavonoids. This research supports and extends the traditional use of A. tenuifolius as a hypotensive and diuretic agent. The results showed that AS-AT from A. tenuifolius could present compounds responsible for hypotensive and diuretic activities through the activation of muscarinic receptors.

Continuous exposure to α-glycosyl isoquercitrin from developmental stages to adulthood is necessary for facilitating fear extinction learning in rats

We previously reported that exposure to α-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ) from the fetal stage to adulthood facilitated fear extinction learning in rats. The present study investigated the specific AGIQ exposure period sufficient for inducing this behavioral effect. Rats were dietarily exposed to 0.5% AGIQ from the postweaning stage to adulthood (PW-AGIQ), the fetal stage to postweaning stage (DEV-AGIQ), or the fetal stage to adulthood (WP-AGIQ). Fear memory, anxiety-like behavior, and object recognition memory were assessed during adulthood. Fear extinction learning was exclusively facilitated in the WP-AGIQ rats. Synaptic plasticity-related genes showed a similar pattern of constitutive expression changes in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) between the DEV-AGIQ and WP-AGIQ rats. However, WP-AGIQ rats revealed more genes constitutively upregulated in the infralimbic mPFC and amygdala than DEV-AGIQ rats, as well as FOS-immunoreactive⁽⁺⁾ neurons constitutively increased in the infralimbic cortex. Ninety minutes after the last fear extinction trial, many synaptic plasticity-related genes (encoding Ephs/Ephrins, glutamate receptors/transporters, and immediate-early gene proteins and their regulator, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 [ERK2]) were upregulated in the dentate gyrus and amygdala in WP-AGIQ rats. Additionally, WP-AGIQ rats exhibited increased phosphorylated ERK1/2⁺ neurons in both the prelimbic and infralimbic cortices. These results suggest that AGIQ exposure from the fetal stage to adulthood is necessary for facilitating fear extinction learning. Furthermore, constitutive and learning-dependent upregulation of synaptic plasticity-related genes/molecules may be differentially involved in brain regions that regulate fear memory. Thus, new learning-related neural circuits for facilitating fear extinction can be established in the mPFC.

From general toxicology to DNA disruption: A safety assessment of Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel (Myrtaceae) is popularly known as "jaboticaba" or "jaboticaba". The fruit is appreciated for both fresh consumption and the manufacture of jelly, juice, ice cream, fermented beverages, and liqueurs. The more widespread traditional use of the plant involves the treatment of diarrhea, which utilizes all parts of the plant, including the fruit peels.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We sought to elucidate possible risks of the administration of an ethanol-soluble fraction that was obtained from an infusion of P. cauliflora fruit peels (SEIPC). We performed a series of experiments to evaluate possible toxicity, in which we administered SEIPC orally both acutely and repeatedly for 28 days. We also evaluated possible endocrine-disruptive and genotoxic effects in eukaryotic cells. The possible mutagenic activity of SEIPC was evaluated using reverse mutation (Ames) assays.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SEIPC was produced and chemically characterized by LC-DAD-MS. Acute toxicity and behavioral and physiological alterations were evaluated in the modified Irwin test. Respiratory rate, arterial blood gas, electrocardiography, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure were evaluated, and hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses were performed after 28 days of oral treatment. The comet assay, mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test, uterotrophic test, Hershberger bioassay, and AMES test were performed using appropriate protocols.

RESULTS

From SEIPC, ellagic acid and derivatives, flavonols and anthocyanidins, as well as citric acid and gallic acid, were annotated by LC-DAD-MS. We did not observed any significant toxic effects after acute or prolonged SEIPC treatment. No endocrine-disruptive or mutagenic effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found that SEIPC did not cause any significant alterations of various corporeal systems, including cardiac electrical activity, body temperature, respiratory rate, and arterial pressure. No alterations of biochemical, hematological, or blood gas parameters were observed. SEIPC did not cause any perturbations of the endocrine system or mutagenic, cytotoxic, or genotoxic effects. These findings substantiate the safe clinical use of P. cauliflora.

Anti-Anaphylactic Activity of Isoquercitrin (Quercetin-3-O-β-d-Glucose) in the Cardiovascular System of Animals

Effects of isoquercitrin (IQ) on anaphylactic responses were examined in cardiovascular systems of experimental animals. In pithed rats, IQ at 30 and 100 mg/kg (intravenous) significantly blunted both the initial hypertensive and the ensuing hypotensive responses during anaphylaxis. Death rate and tachycardia were also significantly inhibited after the same IQ doses in these rats. In isolated guinea pig hearts, IQ infusion at 30–100 μg/mL markedly reduced anaphylaxis-related coronary flow decrease, contractile force change, and heart rate responses (both tachycardia and arrhythmia). Cardiac histamine and creatine kinase releases were similarly diminished by IQ during anaphylaxis in the isolated guinea pig hearts. In two different isolated guinea pig vasculatures, the pulmonary artery and mesenteric arterial bed, anaphylactic vasoconstriction was reduced by IQ 30 and 100 μg/mL. It was observed that IQ had a marked inhibitory effect on histamine release from rat mast cells, and this mechanism was suggested as the major anti-anaphylactic mechanism. Direct inhibition of histamine-induced muscle contraction did not seem to be relevant, but IQ treatment successfully repressed intracellular calcium influx/depletion in mast cells. Overall, this study provided evidence for the beneficial effect of IQ on cardiac anaphylaxis, thus suggesting its potential applications in the treatment and prevention of related diseases.

Identification of compound causing yellow bone discoloration following alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin exposure in Sprague-Dawley rats

Previous rat toxicity studies of alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ), a water-soluble flavonol glycoside derived from rutin, revealed systemic yellow bone discoloration. This investigative study was conducted to determine the AGIQ metabolite(s) responsible for the discoloration. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered dietary AGIQ at doses of 0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, or 5.0% (0, 1735.0, 3480.8, and 5873.7 mg/kg/day, respectively) for 14 days, followed by a 14- or 28-day recovery period. Measurements of quercetin in urine and quercetin, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, kaempferol, and 3-o-methylquercetin metabolites of AGIQ in bone (femur), white and brown fat, and cerebrum samples were conducted following the exposure period and each recovery period. Gross examination of the femur revealed yellow discoloration that increased in intensity with dose and was still present in a dose-related manner following both recovery periods. Quercetin, at levels correlating with AGIQ dose, was measured in the urine following the 14-day exposure period and, at lower concentrations, 14 or 28 days following cessation of AGIQ exposure. All four metabolites were present in a dose-dependent manner in the femur following 14 days of dietary exposure; only quercetin, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, and 3-o-methylquercetin were present during the recovery periods. Quercetin, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, and 3-o-methylquercetin were detected in white fat (along with kaempferol), brown fat (excluding quercetin due to analytical interference), and cerebrum samples, indicating systemic availability of the metabolites. Collectively, these data implicate quercetin, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide, or 3-o-methylquercetin (or a combination thereof) as the most likely metabolite of AGIQ causing the yellow discoloration of bone in rats administered dietary AGIQ.

Targeting staphylocoagulase with isoquercitrin protects mice from Staphylococcus aureus-induced pneumonia

Staphylocoagulase (Coa) is a virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) that promotes blood coagulation by activating prothrombin to convert fibrinogen to fibrin. Coa plays a crucial role in disease pathogenesis and is a promising target for the treatment of S. aureus infections. Here, we identified that isoquercitrin, a natural flavonol compound, can markedly reduce the activity of Coa at concentrations that have no effect on bacterial growth. Mechanistic studies employing molecular dynamics simulation revealed that isoquercitrin binds to Coa by interacting with Asp-181 and Tyr-188, thereby affecting the binding of Coa to prothrombin. Importantly, in vivo studies showed that isoquercitrin treatment significantly reduced the bacterial burden, pathological damage, and inflammation of lung tissue and improved the percentage of survival of mice infected with S. aureus Newman strain. These data suggest that isoquercitrin is a promising inhibitor of Coa that can be used for the development of therapeutic drugs to combat S. aureus infections.Key Points• Staphylocoagulase plays a key role in the pathogenesis of S. aureus infection.• We identified that isoquercitrin is a direct inhibitor of staphylocoagulase.• Isoquercitrin treatment can significantly attenuate S. aureus virulence in vivo.

Role of the NO/cGMP pathway and renin-angiotensin system in the hypotensive and diuretic effects of aqueous soluble fraction from Crataegus songarica K. Koch

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fruits of Crataegus songarica K. Koch. (Rosaceae) are commonly used in folk medicine for their diuretic properties to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure. To date, no scientific data has been published to support the diuretic potential.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy and mechanism underlying the hypotensive and diuretic action of C. songarica in normotensive rats and to determine the constituents from the extracts by LC-DAD-MS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, phytochemical profiling and antioxidant potential of C. songarica extracts was determined. Then, to evaluate changes in blood pressure, different groups of anesthetized normotensive rats were intravenously treated with crude extract (CS-Cr, 10-80 mg/kg), aqueous soluble (AS-CS, 0.1-20 mg/kg), and n-butanol soluble fractions of C. songarica (BS-CS, 1-80 mg/kg). The diuretic effects of CS-Cr (100-500 mg/kg, p.o), AS-CS (100-300 mg/kg, p.o) and BS-CS (100-300 mg/kg, p.o) were evaluated in comparison with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 10 mg/kg, p.o). The urinary volume, sodium, potassium and pH were estimated in the sample collected for 6 h from saline-loaded rats. Using pharmacological antagonists or inhibitors, we determine the involvement of acetylcholine, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide in C. songarica induced hypotensive and diuresis action. In addition, the activities of angiotensin converting enzyme, erythrocytary carbonic anhydrase and renal Na+/K+/ATPase were evaluated in vitro.

RESULTS

From the LC-DAD-MS analyses, thirty-nine compounds were detected, showing a complex chemical profile and an expressive antioxidant activity "in vitro". Acute treatment with CS-Cr, AS-CS, and BS-CS exhibited significant hypotensive and diuretic potential in normotensive rats. However, AS-CS produced most potent and significant dose-dependent hypotension in normotensive rats, and also produced highly significant diuretic and saluretic effects. Despite the changes in urinary excretion of electrolytes, the plasmatic levels of sodium and potassium were not changed. Previous treatment with atropine and L-NAME significantly reduced the hypotensive and diuretic action of AS-CS in normotensive rats. Moreover, the 7-day treatment with AS-CS also resulted in significant ACE inhibitory activity.

CONCLUSION

This research supports and extends the ethnomedicinal use of C. songarica as diuretic and hypotensive agent. The results showed that AS-CS from C. songarica could present compounds responsible for hypotensive and diuretic activities with no signs of toxicity, and these effects could involve nitric oxide pathway activated by muscarinic receptors or/and inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme.

Recent Advances in the Knowledge of Naturally-derived Bioactive Compounds as Modulating Agents of the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone System: Therapeutic Benefits in Cardiovascular Diseases

BACKGROUND

One of the biggest challenges to public health worldwide is to reduce the number of events and deaths related to the cardiovascular diseases. Numerous approaches have been applied to reach this goal, and drug treatment intervention has been indispensable along with an effective strategy for reducing both cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade is currently one of the most important targets of cardiovascular drug therapy. Many studies have proven the valuable properties of naturally-derived bioactive compounds to treat cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

The goal of this review, therefore, is to discuss the recent developments related to medicinal properties about natural compounds as modulating agents of the RAAS, which have made them an attractive alternative to be available to supplement the current therapy options.

RESULTS

Data has shown that bioactive compounds isolated from several natural products act either by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme or directly by modulating the AT1 receptors of angiotensin II, which consequently changes the entire classical axis of this system.

CONCLUSION

While there are a few evidence about the positive actions of different classes of secondary metabolites for the treatment of cardiovascular and renal diseases, data is scarce about the clinical assays established to demonstrate their value in humans.

Investigating the Catalytic Activity of Glycosyltransferase on Quercetin from Tripterygium wilfordii

Flavonoid glycosides have shown many pharmacological activities in clinical studies. However, the main way to obtain flavonoid glycosides is to extract and separate them from plants, which wastes both time and resources. Here, we identified the O-glycosyltransferase (UGTs) TwUGT3 from Tripterygium wilfordii and analyzed its bioinformatics. First, the enzyme was found to utilize phloretin and uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG) as substrates to produce an acid-tolerant glucoside. Then, it also can use quercetin and UDPG as substrates to produce the corresponding O-glucoside. In addition, we further explored the substrate specificity of TwUGT3, which suggested that it also accepts luteolin, pinocembrin, and genistein to produce the corresponding O-glucosides. Subsequently, the optimum pH, reaction time, reaction temperature, and enzymatic kinetic parameters of TwUGT3 were determined.

Embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study of alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin administered orally to New Zealand White rabbits

An embryo-fetal survival and development study was conducted to augment the toxicity database for alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin (AGIQ), a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) additive and flavor in food and beverages. In Phase I, 24 naturally mated New Zealand white (NZW) female rabbits per group were administered AGIQ by oral gavage at 0, 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day once daily during gestation days 6–28, followed by necropsy. There was no evidence of maternal or fetal toxicity except for equivocal findings of unilateral absent kidney and ureter in one and two unrelated fetuses at 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively. To more thoroughly assess fetal kidney/ureter development, in Phase II groups of time mated NZW rabbits were administered AGIQ at 0, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day, under the same conditions as Phase I. No occurrences of absent kidney/ureter were noted in the AGIQ-treated Phase II dams or fetuses; although, one control fetus had unilateral missing kidney/ureter. Given the lack of reproducibility following treatment with AGIQ in Phase II using 48 animals per group, the missing kidney/ureter observations in Phase I were considered unrelated to treatment. Since oral gavage administration of AGIQ to pregnant female NZW rabbits at dose levels of 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day was well-tolerated with no adverse treatment-related effects on the maternal animal, pregnancy, or the developing conceptus, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for maternal toxicity and embryo-fetal survival, growth, and development was 1000 mg/kg/day.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure extraction on biological activities of stinging nettle extracts

Ethanolic extracts obtained at 200 MPa presented higher phenolic compound concentration and better results concerning all biological activities and also showed potential for DNA protection with no pro-oxidant activity and no cytotoxicity.

Mitigation of isoquercitrin on β-lactoglobulin glycation: Insight into the mechanisms by mass spectrometry and interaction analysis

Formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on foods imposes threats to human health after intaking. This research firstly evaluated the inhibition of isoquercitrin on β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) glycation, the mechanisms were elucidated by fluorescence spectroscopy, Orbitrap MSⁿ and molecular docking. Fluorescence spectra indicated that isoquercitrin effectively alleviated the formation of AGEs, it could stabilize the conformation structure of glycated β-Lg (G-β-Lg), change the micro-environment in the vicinity of chromophores. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed the suppressed cross-linking of G-β-Lg induced by isoquercitrin. The number of glycation site detected on G-β-Lg was reduced from ten to eight after the addition of isoquercitrin, and the relative glycation degree of substitution of per site (RGDSP) of most glycation sites were also greatly decreased. As indicated by intermolecular interaction, isoquercitrin quenched the fluorescence of β-Lg via a static mechanism, and their combination is an endothermic processing mainly derived by hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals forces. Isoquercitrin interacted with β-Lg to form an equimolar complex, and one hydrogen bond was formed between isoquercitrin and Lys69 (4.96 Å). Above results proved that isoquercitrin can be a promising anti-glycation agent used in food system to prevent the formation of harmful glycation products.

Development of a Predictive Model to Induce Atherogenesis and Hepato-Renal Impairment in Female Rats

Therapeutic approaches for the treatment of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis have radically changed in recent decades. Part of this advance undeniably stems from basic biomedical research that has provided a better understanding and identification of new therapeutic targets. The aim of this work was to develop a model to induce atherogenesis and hepato-renal impairment in female Wistar rats. The following groups received the respective treatments for 60 days: control animals, non-ovariectomized rats that received an atherogenic diet (NEAD), ovariectomized rats that received an atherogenic diet (NOAD), non-ovariectomized rats that received an atherogenic diet and oral Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME; LEAD), and ovariectomized rats that received an atherogenic diet and oral l-NAME (LOAD). Animals in the NEAD, NOAD, LEAD, and LOAD groups also received methimazole and cholecalciferol daily. Urinary, biochemical, hemodynamic, and electrocardiographic parameters and renal function were assessed. Samples of the liver, heart, kidney, and arteries were collected to investigate redox status and perform histopathological analyses. All of the groups developed dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis. Only the NEAD group developed arterial lesions that were compatible with fatty streaks. Renal function was significantly impaired in the LEAD and NOAD groups. These results indicate a viable alternative to induce atherogenesis and hepato-renal impairment in female rats.