Antiparasitic compounds from Cornus florida L. with activities against Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania tarentolae

Therapeutic Potential of Cornus Genus: Navigating Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Clinical Studies, and Advanced Delivery Approaches

The genus Cornus (Cornaceae) plants are widely distributed in Europe, southwest Asia, North America, and the mountains of Central America, South America, and East Africa. Cornus plants exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidative, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities. These plants are exploited to possess various phytoconstituents such as triterpenoids, iridoids, anthocyanins, tannins and flavonoids. Pharmacological research and clinical investigations on various Cornus species have advanced significantly in recent years. Over the past few decades, a significant amount of focus has also been made into developing new delivery systems for Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis. This review focuses on the morphological traits, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and clinical studies on extracts and active constituents from plants of Cornus genus. The review also highlights recent novel delivery systems for Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis extracts to promote sustained and targeted delivery in diverse disorders. The overwhelming body of research supports the idea that plants from the genus Cornus have therapeutic potential and can be investigated in the future for treatingseveral ailments.

Unveiling the pharmacological potential of plant triterpenoids in breast cancer management: an updated review

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer, the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women globally. Recent research has provided increasing support for the significance of phytochemicals, both dietary and non-dietary, particularly triterpenoids, in the mitigation and management of breast cancer. Recent studies showed that triterpenoids are promising agents in the treatment and inhibition of breast cancer achieved through the implementation of several molecular modes of action on breast cancer cells. This review discusses recent innovations in plant triterpenoids and their underlying mechanisms of action in combating breast cancer within the timeframe spanning from 2017 to 2023. The present work is an overview of different plant triterpenoids with significant inhibition on proliferation, migration, apoptosis resistance, tumor angiogenesis, or metastasis in various breast cancer cells. The anticancer impact of triterpenoids may be attributed to their antiproliferative activity interfering with angiogenesis and differentiation, regulation of apoptosis, DNA polymerase inhibition, change in signal transductions, and impeding metastasis. The present review focuses on several targets, mechanisms, and pathways associated with pentacyclic triterpenoids, which are responsible for their anticancer effects. We could conclude that natural triterpenoids are considered promising agents to conquer breast cancer.

Endophytic Fungi Residing within Cornus florida L. in Mid-Tennessee: Phylogenetic Diversity, Enzymatic Properties, and Potential Role in Plant Health

Endophytic fungi that reside internally in healthy, asymptomatic plants often benefit their hosts by promoting plant growth and/or providing plant protection against abiotic and biotic stresses. However, only a small fraction of the estimated 1.5 million fungal endophytes have been identified. In this study, a total of 369 isolates of fungal endophytes in 59 distinct taxa were isolated from stem samples of Cornus florida (flowering dogwood). All isolates belonged to species of phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota distributed across five orders and 11 genera. Isolates belonging to the same family clustered together in a phylogenetic tree generated from a cluster analysis using MEGA 7 software. Diversity indices of the fungi revealed a rich and diverse community that included several species associated with leaf spots, blight, cankers, and/or dieback diseases. Pathogenicity tests confirmed 16 fungal endophytes as C. florida pathogens, including some well-known destructive pathogens Botryosphaera dothidea, Colletotrichum acutatum, and C. gleosporoides. Isolates of the fungal endophytes possess the capacity to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes (cellulase, amylase, pectinase, laccase, chitinase, and protease) that are known to function in tissue penetration, plant colonization, nutrient acquisition, and disease suppression in both plant pathogens and endophytes These results support the interchangeable pathogenic-endophytic roles for some taxa.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Antimalarial and Antidengue Plants: A Mechanistic Perspective

Malaria, a highly perilous infectious disease, impacted approximately 230 million individuals globally in 2019. Mosquitoes, vectors of over 10% of worldwide diseases, pose a significant public health menace. The pressing need for novel antimalarial drugs arises due to the imminent threat faced by nearly 40% of the global population and the escalating resistance of parasites to current treatments. This study comprehensively addresses prevalent parasitic and viral illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to the annual symptomatic infections of 400 million individuals, placing 100 million at constant risk of contracting these diseases. Extensive investigations underscore the pivotal role of traditional plants as rich sources for pioneering pharmaceuticals. The latter half of this century witnessed the ascent of bioactive compounds within traditional medicine, laying the foundation for modern therapeutic breakthroughs. Herbal medicine, notably influential in underdeveloped or developing nations, remains an essential healthcare resource. Traditional Indian medical systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, with a history of successful outcomes, highlight the potential of these methodologies. Current scrutiny of Indian medicinal herbs reveals their promise as cutting-edge drug reservoirs. The propensity of plant-derived compounds to interact with biological receptors positions them as prime candidates for drug development. Yet, a comprehensive perspective is crucial. While this study underscores the promise of plant-based compounds as therapeutic agents against malaria and dengue fever, acknowledging the intricate complexities of drug development and the challenges therein are imperative. The journey from traditional remedies to contemporary medical applications is multifaceted and warrants prudent consideration. This research aspires to offer invaluable insights into the management of malaria and dengue fever. By unveiling plant-based compounds with potential antimalarial and antiviral properties, this study aims to contribute to disease control. In pursuit of this goal, a thorough understanding of the mechanistic foundations of traditional antimalarial and antidengue plants opens doors to novel therapeutic avenues.

Triterpenoids from the barks of Juglans hopeiensis

Nine undescribed triterpenoids (jughopenoids A-I), including seven nortriterpenoids and two normal triterpenoids, together with fourteen known analogues, were isolated from the barks of Juglans hopeiensis Hu. The structures of the undescribed triterpenoids were established by integrated spectroscopic analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Jughopenoid A represented an unprecedented lupane-type nortriterpenoid with a five-membered lactone ring A. Selected isolates were tested for their cytotoxic effects against human HT-29 colon carcinoma, human HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma, and human PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. Their immunosuppressive activities against ConA-induced T cell proliferation and LPS-induced B cell proliferation were also evaluated.

Evaluating of Induction of Apoptosis by Cornus mass L. Extract in the Gastric Carcinoma Cell Line (AGS)

Aim and objectives: Natural products and derivatives of medicinal vegetation can play an important role to the cure tumor. The Present study was focused to determine the effect of Cornus mass L. extract on the induction of apoptosis in AGS gastric carcinoma cell line in compared to L929 cells. Methods: In this experimental study, AGS and L929 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations (0–10 mg/ml) of Cornus mass L. extract for 48 and 72 hours. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. The optical density of the colored solution was quantified at 570 nm wavelengths by an ELISA Reader. Making use of the apoptosis detection kit of Annexin V-FITC, PI and double staining with Annexin V-FITC were carried out for flow cytometry investigations. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Variations with a P-value less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: shows a noticeable deviation among various concentrations of extract when cells were treated for 48, 72 h declined cell viability in AGS cell line in comparison L929 cell lines in a dose and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). This extract also displayed approximately several-fold increased anti-cancer potency in AGS compared to L929 cells. The IC50 value in AGS cells (evaluated after 48,72h) of the extract against AGS cells was 5/44, 2/44 mg/ml (p≤0.05). The analysis results of flow cytometry indicated that apoptosis was induced by the extract in AGS cells treated, compared with L929 cells. Conclusion: Each of our results implicates the reality that Cornus mass L. extract acts as a novel, potent inhibitor of cancer proliferation in in vitro. This may result in developing a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of indole-sensitive cancers.

Medicinal fungi: a source of antiparasitic secondary metabolites

Regions with a tropical climate are frequently affected by endemic diseases caused by pathogenic parasites. More than one billion people worldwide are exposed directly to tropical parasites. The literature cites several antiparasitic metabolites obtained from medicinal plants or via synthetic pathways. However, fungi produce a diversity of metabolites that play important biological roles in human well-being. Thus, they are considered a potential source of novel natural agents for exploitation in the pharmaceutical industry. In this brief review article, we will provide an overview of the current situation regarding antiparasitic molecules derived from filamentous fungi, in particular, those which are effective against protozoan parasites, such as Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania, vectors of some neglected tropical diseases. Diseases and parasitic agents are described and classified, and the antiparasitic properties of natural compounds produced by the fungi of the phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota are reviewed herein, in order to explore a topic only sparsely addressed in the scientific literature.

Antimalarial Activity of Plant Metabolites

Malaria, as a major global health problem, continues to affect a large number of people each year, especially those in developing countries. Effective drug discovery is still one of the main efforts to control malaria. As natural products are still considered as a key source for discovery and development of therapeutic agents, we have evaluated more than 2000 plant extracts against Plasmodium falciparum. As a result, we discovered dozens of plant leads that displayed antimalarial activity. Our phytochemical study of some of these plant extracts led to the identification of several potent antimalarial compounds. The prior comprehensive review article entitled “Antimalarial activity of plant metabolites” by Schwikkard and Van Heerden (2002) reported structures of plant-derived compounds with antiplasmodial activity and covered literature up to the year 2000. As a continuation of this effort, the present review covers the antimalarial compounds isolated from plants, including marine plants, reported in the literature from 2001 to the end of 2017. During the span of the last 17 years, 175 antiplasmodial compounds were discovered from plants. These active compounds are organized in our review article according to their plant families. In addition, we also include ethnobotanical information of the antimalarial plants discussed.

Betulinic acid induces cell death by necrosis in Trypanosoma cruzi

Chagas' disease is a neglected disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and constitutes a serious health problem worldwide. The treatment is limited, with variable efficacy of benznidazole and nifurtimox. Betulinic Acid (BA), a triterpene, can be found in medicinal herbs and has a wide variety of biological and pharmacological activities. The objective was to evaluate betulinic acid effects on the cell death mechanism in Trypanosoma cruzi strain Y. BA inhibited the growth of epimastigotes in periods of 24h (IC₅₀=73.43μM), 48h (IC₅₀=119.8μM) and 72h (IC₅₀=212.2μM) of incubation; of trypomastigotes (IC₅₀=51.88μM) in periods of 24h and intracellular amastigotes (IC₅₀=25.94μM) in periods of 24 and 48h of incubation, no toxicity on LLC-MK₂ cells at the concentrations used. Analysis of the possible mechanism of parasite cell death showed alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential, alterations in cell membrane integrity, an increase in the formation of reactive oxygen species and increase swelling of the reservosomes. In conclusion, betulinic acid was be able to inhibition all developmental forms of Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain with necrotic mechanism and involvement of mitochondrial membrane potential alteration and increase in reactive oxygen species.

Effects of astaxanthin in mice acutely infected with Trypanosoma cruzi

During Trypanosoma cruzi infection, oxidative stress is considered a contributing factor for dilated cardiomyopathy development. In this study, the effects of astaxanthin (ASTX) were evaluated as an alternative drug treatment for Chagas disease in a mouse model during the acute infection phase, given its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and anti-oxidative properties. ASTX was tested in vitro in parasites grown axenically and in co-culture with Vero cells. In vivo tests were performed in BALB/c mice (4-6 weeks old) infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and supplemented with ASTX (10 mg/kg/day) and/or nifurtimox (NFMX; 100 mg/kg/day). Results show that ASTX has some detrimental effects on axenically cultured parasites, but not when cultured with mammalian cell monolayers. In vivo, ASTX did not have any therapeutic value against acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection, used either alone or in combination with NFMX. Infected animals treated with NFMX or ASTX/NFMX survived the experimental period (60 days), while infected animals treated only with ASTX died before day 30 post-infection. ASTX did not show any effect on the control of parasitemia; however, it was associated with an increment in focal heart lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, a reduced number of amastigote nests in cardiac tissue, and less hyperplasic spleen follicles when compared to control groups. Unexpectedly, ASTX showed a negative effect in infected animals co-treated with NFMX. An increment in parasitemia duration was observed, possibly due to ASTX blocking of free radicals, an anti-parasitic mechanism of NFMX. In conclusion, astaxanthin is not recommended during the acute phase of Chagas disease, either alone or in combination with nifurtimox.

A systematic review of pentacyclic triterpenes and their derivatives as chemotherapeutic agents against tropical parasitic diseases

Parasitic infections are among the leading global public health problems with very high economic and mortality burdens. Unfortunately, the available treatment drugs are beset with side effects and continuous parasite drug resistance is being reported. However, new findings reveal more promising compounds especially of plant origin. Among the promising leads are the pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) made up of the oleanane, ursane, taraxastane, lupane and hopane types. This paper reviews the literature published from 1985 to date on the in vitro and in vivo anti-parasitic potency of this class of phytochemicals. Of the 191 natural and synthetic PT reported, 85 have shown high anti-parasitic activity against various species belonging to the genera of Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, as well as various genera of Nematoda. Moreover, structural modification especially at carbon 3 (C3) and C27 of the parent backbone of PT has led to improved anti-parasitic activity in some cases and loss of activity in others. The potential of this group of compounds as future alternatives in the treatment of parasitic diseases is discussed. It is hoped that the information presented herein will contribute to the full exploration of this promising group of compounds as possible drugs for parasitic diseases.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Leaf Infusions of Selected Cornaceae Species on Human Leukocytes

Particular Cornus species are known for their edible fruits and their leaves are used as a tea in some countries. In the present study, the immunomodulatory activity of water infusions of leaves of Cornus mas (CM), C. kousa (CK), C. alba (CA), C. flaviramea (CF), C. coreana (CC) and C. amomum (CU) was tested on human leukocytes. Phagocytic and antimicrobial activity was determined for concentrations of 0.17 and 0.25 mg.mL−1. All samples significantly enhanced the phagocytic activity of cells. Samples at the concentration of 0.17 mg.mL−1 were in all cases, except CK, slightly more effective than those at 0.25 mg.mL−1. The strongest bactericidal ( E. coli) and also candidacidal ( C. albicans) activity was exerted by CM at 0.25 mg.mL−1. The most potent samples at the lower concentration were CF (for E. coli) and CK (for C. albicans). CC and CU were antimicrobially non-effective.

Antiproliferative Activities of Water Infusions from Leaves of Five Cornus L. Species

Cornaceae plants are known for their edible berries, and their leaves are used as tea. In the present study aqueous leaf extracts from Cornus mas (CM), C. alba (CA), C. flaviramea (CF), C. kousa (CK), and C. officinalis (CO) were tested for their antiproliferative activity in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Dose- (50–750 µg/mL) and time (24, 48, 72 h)-dependent antiproliferative effects were measured by WST-1, and correlated with the content of flavonoids (FL), total hydroxycinnamic derivatives (THD), total polyphenols (TP) and tannins (T). Extracts induced time dependent decreases in cell survival; CA, CO and CM were the most effective (11.2%, 10.3% and 11.1%, after 72 h). The ED₅₀ (effective dose) values were similar for all extracts and times tested. The THD and TP were identical in all samples, while a two-fold higher T content was present in CK and CO, and of FL in CF. The maximal effects (% of surviving cells) negatively correlated with the T and TP levels, and positively with FL and THD. The results demonstrate the significant antiproliferative effects of the tested water extracts in MCF-7 cells, in which CA, CO and CM are the most effective; and the effectiveness is related to the T and TP contents.

Inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity by gnaphalium affine extract

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the inhibitory effect of Gnaphalium affine extracts on xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in vitro and to analyze the mechanism of this effect.

METHODS

In this in vitro study, Kinetic measurements were performed in 4 different inhibitor concentrations and 5 different xanthine concentrations (60, 100, 200, 300, 400 Μmol/L). Dixon and Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis were used to determine Ki values and the inhibition mode for the compounds isolated from Gnaphalium affine extract.

RESULTS

Four potent xanthine oxidase inhibitors were found in 95% ethanolic (v/v) Gnaphalium affine extract. Among them, the flavone Eupatilin exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on XO with a inhibition constant (Ki) of 0.37 Μmol/L, lower than the Ki of allopurinol (4.56 mol/L), a known synthetic XO inhibitor. Apigenin (Ki of 0.56 Μmol/L, a proportion of 0.0053‰ in Gnaphalium affine), luteolin (Ki of 2.63 Μmol/L, 0.0032‰ in Gnaphalium affine) and 5-hydroxy-6,7,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone (Ki of 3.15 Μmol/L, 0.0043‰ in Gnaphalium affine) also contributed to the inhibitory effect of Gnaphalium affine extract on XO activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the use of Gnaphalium affine in the treatment of gout could be attributed to its inhibitory effect on XO. This study provides a rational basis for the traditional use of Gnaphalium affine against gout.

An iridoid glucoside and the related aglycones from Cornus florida

A new iridoid glucoside, cornusoside A (1), and four new natural product iridoid aglycones, cornolactones A-D (2-5), together with 10 known compounds were isolated from the leaves of Cornus florida. The structures of compounds 1-5 were established by interpretation of their spectroscopic data. Cornolactone B (3) is the first natural cis-fused tricyclic dilactone iridoid containing both a five- and a six-membered lactone ring. A biosynthesis pathway is proposed for cornolactones C (4) and D (5), the C-6 epimers of compounds 1-3.

Synthesis and studies of anticancer properties of lupane-type triterpenoid derivatives containing a cisplatin fragment

Both betulinic acid 1 and cisplatin are promising antitumor agents, which induce apoptotic cell death of cancer cells. In the present investigation a new series of betulinic acid-cisplatin conjugates were synthesized and cytotoxicity and selectivity were assessed against five different tumor cell lines. The aim was to combine two structural units, both related with apoptosis induction. The derivatives exerted a dose-dependent antiproliferative action at micromolar concentrations and the effect of these structural variations on anticancer activity was studied and discussed. Several compounds revealed significant antitumor activity, as the most active substance 3-O-acetylbetulinic (2-(2-aminoethyl)aminoethyl)amide (IC50=1.30-2.24 μM). Interestingly, Betulinic acid-cisplatin conjugates were less cytotoxic than the precursors.

Antiplasmodial activity of cucurbitacin glycosides from Datisca glomerata (C. Presl) Baill

The traditionally used antimalarial plant, Datisca glomerata (C. Presl) Baill, was subjected to antiplasmodial assay guided fractionation. This led to the isolation of seven cucurbitacin glycosides, datiscosides I-O, along with two known compounds, datiscoside and datiscoside B, from the aerial parts of D. glomerata. Their structures and relative stereochemistry were determined on the basis of mass spectrometry, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Antiplasmodial IC(50) values were determined for all isolated compounds against a chloroquine sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum (D10), which were also evaluated in vitro for their antileishmanial activity against Leishmania tarentolae. Cytotoxicity was evaluated against rat skeletal muscle cells (L6) and Chinese ovarian hamster cells (CHO). The antiplasmodial activity of the compounds was moderate and ranged from 7.7 to 33.3 μM. None of the compounds showed appreciable antileishmanial activity. The compounds displayed cytotoxicity against L6 but not CHO mammalian cells.

Fast separation of triterpenoids by supercritical fluid chromatography/evaporative light scattering detector

The screening of plant material, the chemical composition, the abundance and the biological activity of triterpenoids are of a major economical importance. The classical analytical methods, such as TLC, GC, and HPLC are either little resolutive, or require derivatization steps, or fail in sensitivity. The supercritical fluid chromatography/evaporative light scattering detector (SFC/ELSD) coupling provides high resolution, fast analysis and higher responses for the analysis of triterpenoids. After the initial screening of seven stationary phases to select the well suited one, analytical conditions (modifier percentage, from 10 to 3%; backpressure (from 12 to 18 MPa) and temperature (from 15 to 25 °C) were studied to improve the separation, and ELSD detection of a standard mixture composed of 8 triterpenoids (oleanolic acid, erythrodiol, β-amyrin, ursolic acid, uvaol, betulinic acid, betulin, lupeol). Applied to apple pomace extracts, this method allows the separation of about 15 triterpenoid compounds, in less than 20 min, with isocratic conditions. Moreover, the ELSD response is dramatically higher than the one provided by UV detection, and avoids derivatization steps. An attempt to identify some compounds was done by collecting chromatographic peaks and further analyzing them with mass spectrometry. Complete identification or molecular formula could be proposed for 11 compounds. However, due to the presence of position and orientation isomers the absolute identification remains difficult, despite some retention rules deduced from the standard analysis.

Antiplasmodial Activity of the Ethnobotanical Plant Cassia fistula

In our ongoing investigation of new compounds with activity against malaria parasites, we tested the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of fractions and purified compounds from Cassia fistula L., a plant traditionally used by native populations of Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Brazil to treat malaria or symptoms associated with this disease. Crude extracts from leaves, bark and fruits were tested for their antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum(D10), where leaf extracts showed the highest activity. The chloroform extract of the leaves was further bioassay-guided fractionated using a combination of centrifugal partition chromatography and flash column chromatography. Three main antiplasmodial principles, phytol (1) (IC50 18.9 ± 0.60 μM), lutein (2) (IC50 12.5 ± 0.35 μM), and di-lineolylgalactopyranosyl-glycerol (DLGG) (IC50 5.8 ± 0.27 μM) (3), were isolated and identified using spectroscopic methods. When the three active principles were tested for their cytotoxicity using a Chinese Hamster Ovarian (CHO) cell line, compound 3 showed very weak toxicity (IC50 75.9 ± 0.28 μM), while the other two compounds were nontoxic, even at the highest concentration tested. The study provides evidence to support the use of Cassia fistula as an antimalarial remedy and describes the antiplasmodial constituents from the leaves.