Topical application of stem bark ethanol extract of Sonapatha, Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz accelerates healing of deep dermal excision wound in Swiss albino mice

Ethnopharmacologically important highly subsidized Indian medicinal plants: Systematic review on their traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, conservation status and future prospective

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

India has an extensive reservoir of traditional wisdom and a diverse range of medicinal plants that enrich its heritage. Plants have actively been used for healthcare practices globally since the time immemorial. Medicinal uses of plants have been well recognized in India, evident from plant species documented in different traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda (1400-1800 species), Siddha (500-900 species), Unani (400-700 species), Homeopathy (about 372 species), and Sowa-Rigpa (about 250 species), etc. AIM OF THE STUDY: The primary purpose of this review is to provide systematic updated information on thirteen medicinal plants prioritized by the Indian government (providing75 % subsidy on cultivation cost) based on the availability and market demand of these plants. Updated information regarding the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, and conservation status of these plants will help in understanding their pharmacological and commercial importance. This will also help in developing new strategies for their conservation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Online databases such as SciFinder, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Google Scholar were used to collect the electronically available literature on targeted thirteen plants. Also, different Indian government official websites such as AYUSH (https://www.ayush.gov.in); NMPB (National Medicinal Plants Board) (https://nmpb.nic.in); e.charak (https://echarak.in) were used for collecting information related to the amount of subsidy, trade and price related information of these plants.

RESULTS

To promote medicinal plant cultivation, the Indian government provides subsidies for cultivating some traditionally important medicinal plants. These plants are divided into three categories according to the subsidy provided to farmers, i.e., 30%, 50%, and 75% of the cost of cultivation. Thirteen medicinal plants which are provided 75% subsidy are Aconitum ferox Wall., Aconitum heterophyllum Wall., Aquilaria agallocha Roxb., Berberis aristata DC., Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari, Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth. ex Kurz, Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth., Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, Pterocarpus santalinus L.f., Santalum Album L., Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch., and Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) H.Karst. The literature survey reveals the enormous traditional medicinal importance, wide geographical distribution, diverse range of natural products, and broad spectrum of pharmacological activities of these plants.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive literature survey revealed that although remarkable progress has been made in isolation, bioactivity evaluation, quality assessment, and conservation, there is still a lot of scope for further scientific interventions. Scientific validation of traditionally claimed medicinal potential is lacking for various bioactivities. Some of the bioactivities are performed just on extracts/fractions, so there is a need for proper phytochemical studies to identify active constituents responsible for the specific bioactivity. Further, quality assessment methods using both targeted and non-targeted tools are required to evaluate the quality of these highly-priced medicinal plants and their adulterants. Ultimately, to encourage the cultivation of these endangered medicinal plant species, it is imperative to implement proper legislation and employ in-situ and ex-situ conservation tools.

Optimization of Microwave-assisted Extraction Technique for Flavonoids and Phenolics from the Leaves of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurtz Using Taguchi L9 Orthogonal Design

Background

An experimental design to obtain bioactive ingredients from Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurtz was performed applying microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Recently, tremendous research interest and benefits have been observed for extracting active constituents from plant materials using the microwave.

Objectives

This work aimed to develop an optimized, green, efficient, alternative procedure for extracting flavonoid and phenolic (total flavonoid content [TFC] and total phenolic content [TPC]) from leaves of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurtz.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1 g of the powdered sample was extracted using classical Soxhlet apparatus for 48 hr to ensure exhaustive extraction; simultaneously, maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction were also carried out using 1 g of the plant sample for 12 hr and 60 min at 25˚C, respectively. The optimization of MAE was done using Taguchi L9 orthogonal design. The optimum operating conditions were microwave power (160 W), soaking time (4 min), irradiation time (4 min), and temperature (57˚C).

Results

The microwave method has shown 70% higher yield than other conventional techniques in a shorter time, along with increased TFC and TPC.

Conclusion

The TPC, TFC, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values are higher in the extract obtained by MAE extracts in comparison to other techniques. The extraction technique will be an ideal tool to safeguard the thermolabile plant constituents that will be more environmentally friendly.

Ethyl Acetate Extract of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Promotes Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Fungal endophytes are known to be a paragon for producing bioactive compounds with a variety of pharmacological importance. The current study aims to elucidate the molecular alterations induced by the bioactive compounds produced by the fungal endophyte Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in the tumor microenvironment of human breast cancer cells. GC/MS analysis of the ethyl acetate (EA) extract of C. gloeosporioides revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with anticancer activity. The EA extract of C. gloeosporioides exerted potential plasmid DNA protective activity against hydroxyl radicals of Fenton's reagent. The cytotoxic activity further revealed that MDA-MB-231 cells exhibit more sensitivity toward the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides as compared to MCF-7 cells, whereas non-toxic to non-cancerous HEK293T cells. Furthermore, the anticancer activity demonstrated by the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides was studied by assessing nuclear morphometric analysis and induction of apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The EA extract of C. gloeosporioides causes the alteration in cellular and nuclear morphologies, chromatin condensation, long-term colony inhibition, and inhibition of cell migration and proliferation ability of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The study also revealed that the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides treated cells undergoes apoptosis by increased production of reactive oxygen species and significant deficit in mitochondrial membrane potential. Our study also showed that the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides causes upregulation of pro-apoptotic (BAX, PARP, CASPASE-8, and FADD), cell cycle arrest (P21), and tumor suppressor (P53) related genes. Additionally, the downregulation of antiapoptotic genes (BCL-2 and SURVIVIN) and increased Caspase-3 activity suggest the induction of apoptosis in the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides treated MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Overall, our findings suggest that the bioactive compounds present in the EA extract of C. gloeosporioides promotes apoptosis by altering the genes related to the extrinsic as well as the intrinsic pathway. Further in vivo study in breast cancer models is required to validate the in vitro observations.

Hesperidin-Loaded Lipid Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for Topical Delivery of Bioactive Drugs

Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid constituent that among many other biological activities shows significant wound healing properties. However, the bioavailability of hesperidin when applied topically is limited due to its low solubility and systemic absorption, so novel dosage forms are needed to improve its therapeutic efficacy. The objectives of this study were to develop hesperidin-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (HLPHNs) to enhance the delivery of hesperidin to endogenous sites in the wound bed and promote the efficacy of hesperidin. HLPHNs were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) using the Box-Behnken design. HLPHNs were prepared using an emulsion-solvent evaporation method based on a double emulsion of water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) followed by freeze-drying to obtain nanoparticles. The prepared formulations were characterized using various evaluation parameters. In addition, the antioxidant activity of HLPHN 4 was investigated in vitro using the DPPH model. Seventeen different HLPHNs were prepared and the HLPHN4 exhibited the best mean particle size distribution, zeta potential, drug release and entrapment efficiency. The values are 91.43 nm, +23 mV, 79.97% and 92.8%, respectively. Transmission electron microscope showed similar spherical morphology as HLPHN4. Differential scanning calorimetry verified the physical stability of the loaded drug in a hybrid system. In vitro release studies showed uniform release of the drug over 24 h. HLPHN4 showed potent antioxidant activity in vitro in the DPPH model. The results of this study suggest that HLPHNs can achieve sustained release of the drug at the wound site and exhibit potent in vitro antioxidant activity.

Oroxin B Attenuates Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss by Suppressing Osteoclast Formation and Activity

Background

Osteoclasts are the major players in bone resorption and have always been studied in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Previous studies have confirmed that a variety of flavonoids inhibit osteoporosis and improve bone health mainly through inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Oroxin B (OB) is a flavonoid compound extracted from traditional Chinese herbal medicine Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent, exerts potent antitumor and anti-inflammation effect, but its effect on osteoclastogensis remains unknown.

Methods

We comprehensively evaluated the effect of OB on the formation and function of osteoclasts and the underling mechanism by bone marrow-derived macrophage in vitro. In vivo, we used mice ovariectomized model to verify the protective effect of OB.

Results

OB was found to inhibit osteoclast formation and bone resorption function in vitro, in a dose-dependent manner and the increased osteoclastic-related genes induced by RANKL (NFATc1, c-fos, cathepsin K, RANK, MMP9 and TRAP) were also attenuated following OB treatment. Mechanistical investigation showed OB abrogated the increased phosphorylation level of MAPK and NF-κB pathway, and diminished the expression of the vital transcription factors for osteoclastogenesis. OB also prevented ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast formation and activity in mice.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that OB may act as an anti-osteoporosis agent by inhibiting osteoclast maturation and attenuating bone resorption.

Sonapatha (Oroxylum indicum) mediates cytotoxicity in cultured HeLa cells by inducing apoptosis and suppressing NF-κB, COX-2, RASSF7 and NRF2

Oroxylum indicum (Sonapatha) is traditionally used to cure several human ailments. Therefore, the cell killing effect of chloroform, ethanol, and water extracts of Sonapatha was studied in cultured HeLa cells treated with 0-100 µg/mL of these extracts/doxorubicin by MTT assay. Since ethanol extract was most cytotoxic its effect was further investigated by clonogenic, apoptosis, necrosis, and lactate dehydrogenase assays. The mechanism of cytotoxicity of Sonapatha was determined at the molecular level by estimation of caspase 8 and 3 activities and Western blot analysis of NF-κB, COX-2, Nrf2, and RASSF7 which are overexpressed in neoplastic cells. HeLa cells treated with Sonapatha extract exhibited a concentration and time-dependent rise in the cytotoxicity as indicated by the MTT assay. Ethanol extract of Sonapatha (0, 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL) reduced clonogenicity, increased DNA fragmentation, apoptotic and necrotic indices, lactate dehydrogenase release, caspase 8 and 3 activities and inhibited the overexpression of NF-κB, COX-2, Nrf2, and RASSF7 in HeLa cells concentration-dependently.

A Review on the Medicinal and Pharmacological Properties of Traditional Ethnomedicinal Plant Sonapatha, Oroxylum indicum

Oroxylum indicum, Sonapatha is traditionally used to treat asthma, biliousness, bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, fevers, vomiting, inflammation, leukoderma, skin diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, wound injury, and deworm intestine. This review has been written by collecting the relevant information from published material on various ethnomedicinal and pharmacological aspects of Sonapatha by making an internet, PubMed, SciFinder, Science direct, and Google Scholar search. Various experimental studies have shown that Sonapatha scavenges different free radicals and possesses alkaloids, flavonoids, cardio glycosides, tannins, sterols, phenols, saponins, and other phytochemicals. Numerous active principles including oroxylin A, chrysin, scutellarin, baicalein, and many more have been isolated from the different parts of Sonapatha. Sonapatha acts against microbial infection, cancer, hepatic, gastrointestinal, cardiac, and diabetic disorders. It is useful in the treatment of obesity and wound healing in in vitro and in vivo preclinical models. Sonapatha elevates glutathione, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase levels and reduces aspartate transaminase alanine aminotransaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and lipid peroxidation levels in various tissues. Sonapatha activates the expression of p53, pRb, Fas, FasL, IL-12, and caspases and inhibited nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), interleukin (IL6), P38 activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), sterol regulatory element-binding proteins 1c (SREBP-1c), proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2), glucose transporter (GLUT4), leptin, and HPV18 oncoproteins E6 and E7 at the molecular level, which may be responsible for its medicinal properties. The phytoconstituents of Sonapatha including oroxylin A, chrysin, and baicalein inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in in vitro and in vivo experimental models, indicating its potential to contain COVID-19 infection in humans. The experimental studies in various preclinical models validate the use of Sonapatha in ethnomedicine and Ayurveda.

NF-κB and COX-2 repression with topical application of hesperidin and naringin hydrogels augments repair and regeneration of deep dermal wounds

INTRODUCTION

Wound injury is common and causes serious complications if not treated properly. The moist dressing heals wounds faster than other dressings. Therefore, we sought to study the effect of hesperidin/naringin hydrogel wound dressing or their combinations on the deep dermal wounds in mice.

METHODS

A rectangular full thickness skin flap of 2.5 × 1.5 cm was excised from depilated mice dorsum and the wound was fully covered with 5% hesperidin/5% naringin hydrogel or both in the ratio of 1:1, 2:1, or 1:2, respectively once daily until complete healing of the wound. Data were collected on wound contraction, mean wound healing time, collagen, DNA, and nitric oxide syntheses, glutathione concentration, superoxide dismutase activity, and lipid peroxidation throughout healing. Expression of NF-κB and COX-2 were also estimated in the regenerating granulation tissue using Western blot.

FINDINGS

Dressing of wounds with 5% hesperidin hydrogel led to a higher and early wound contraction and significantly reduced mean wound healing time by 5.7 days than 5% naringin or combination of hesperidin and naringin hydrogels in the ratio of 1:1, 2:1, or 1:2. Hesperidin hydrogel wound dressing caused higher collagen and DNA syntheses than other groups at all times after injury. Glutathione concentration and superoxide dismutase activity increased followed by a decline in lipid peroxidation in regenerating wounds after hesperidin/naringin hydrogel application and a maximum effect was observed for hesperidin alone. The hesperidin/naringin hydrogel suppressed NF-κB and COX-2 expression on days 6 and 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of 5% hesperidin hydrogel was more effective than 5% naringin or combination of hesperidin and naringin gels (1:1, 2:1 or 1:2) indicated by a greater wound contraction, reduced mean wound healing time, elevated collagen and DNA syntheses, rise in glutathione concentration, and superoxide dismutase activity followed by reduced lipid peroxidation, and NF-κB, and COX-2 expression.

The Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potentials of Baicalein Extracted from Oroxylum indicum: A Systematic Review

In Southeast Asia, traditional medicine has a longestablished history and plays an important role in the health care system. Various traditional medicinal plants have been used to treat diseases since ancient times and much of this traditional knowledge remains preserved today. Oroxylum indicum (beko plant) is one of the medicinal herb plants that is widely distributed throughout Asia. It is a versatile plant and almost every part of the plant is reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. Many of the important bioactivities of this medicinal plant is related to the most abundant bioactive constituent found in this plant-the baicalein. Nonetheless, there is still no systematic review to report and vindicate the biological activities and therapeutic potential of baicalein extracted from O. indicum to treat human diseases. In this review, we aimed to systematically present in vivo and in vitro studies searched from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar database up to 31 March 2020 based on keywords "Oroxylum indicum" and "baicalein". After an initial screening of titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text analysis and validation, 20 articles that fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. The searched data comprehensively reported the biological activities and therapeutic potential of baicalein originating from the O. indicum plant for anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-hyperglycemia, neurogenesis, cardioprotective, anti-adipogenesis, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. Nonetheless, we noticed that there was a scarcity of evidence on the efficacy of this natural active compound in human clinical studies. In conclusion, this systematic review article provides new insight into O. indicum and its active constituent baicalein as a prospective complementary therapy from the perspective of modern and scientific aspect. We indicate the potential of this natural product to be developed into more conscientious and judicious evidencebased medicine in the future. However, we also recommend more clinical research to confirm the efficacy and safety of baicalein as therapeutic medicine for patients.

Ethnopharmacological Inspections of Organic Extract of Oroxylum indicum in Rat Models: A Promising Natural Gift

The stem bark of Oroxylum indicum (O. indicum) was aimed at testing for anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antihyperglycemic, and antidyslipidemic activities. Liver enzyme concentration (SGPT, SGOT) had also been assessed. After being extracted in organic solvent, 3 distinct doses, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w. (p.o.), were used. For edema formation 0.1 ml carrageenan at a dose of 1% w/v was injected into paw of left hind. It showed a fall of edemas 37.50%, 48.34%, and 55.83% while used doses were 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w. (p.o.) individually. The EtOH extract of O. indicum (50%) and its fractions PET, CLF, EtOAc, and nBUT were studied against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. Only PET and n-BuOH exhibited the highest percentage of protection and were 96% and 99%, respectively, persuaded by ethanol. In OGTT glibenclamide revealed reduction of glucose level to 7.55 ± 0.22 mmol/L from 10.57 ± 0.32 mmol/L after 30 minutes. Antihyperglycemic activities were assessed for 8- and 12-week duration in diabetic rats. Glibenclamide reduced glucose level from 33.50±0.31 to 7.90±0.19 mmol/L in 12 weeks. In 12 and 8 weeks, combination therapy lowered blood glucose level to a normal extent by 79% and 61% individually. In antidyslipidemic activities after 12-week treatment, it revealed simvastatin; MEOI (400 mg/kg b.w.) and combination of both reduced TC level by 44%, 28%, and 48% consequently followed by TG and LDL. In 8-week treatment, HDL levels were increased by 34%, 13%, and 36%, and in 12 weeks increased by 36%, 8%, and 38% consequently. Liver enzyme concentration after 12 weeks of treatment with glibenclamide, 400 mg/kg b.w. (p.o.) of MEOI and combination of both, exhibited the fact that concentration of SGPT showed downturn by 43.23%, 8.01%, and 54.86% and SGOT by 42.40%, 5.31%, and 44.85%. This study remarked that O. indicum has anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antidiabetic, and antidyslipidemic potentials but has no ameliorative effect on liver enzyme.