Genus Psoralea: A review of the traditional and modern uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

In Vitro Anti-Rotaviral Activity of Bavachin Isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae)

Rotavirus is the main causative agent of viral gastroenteritis among young animals worldwide. Currently, no clinically approved or effective antiviral drugs are available to combat rotavirus infections. Herein, we evaluated the anti-rotaviral activities of extracts and bavachin isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae) (P. corylifolia) against the bovine rotavirus G8P[7] and porcine rotavirus G5P[7] in vitro. Two assay strategies were performed: (1) a virucidal assay to reduce viral infectivity by virus neutralization and (2) a post-treatment assay to assess viral replication suppression. The results from the virucidal assay showed that the extracts and bavachin did not exert anti-rotaviral activities. In the follow-up analysis after treatment, bavachin exhibited robust antiviral efficacy, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of 10.6 μM (selectivity index [SI] = 2.38) against bovine rotavirus G8P[7] and 13.0 μM (SI = 1.94) against porcine rotavirus G5P[7]. Bavachin strongly suppressed viral RNA synthesis in the early (6 h) and late stages (18 h) after rotaviral infection. These findings strongly suggest that bavachin may have hindered the virions by effectively inhibiting the early stages of the virus replication cycle after rotaviral infection. Furthermore, confocal imaging showed that bavachin suppressed viral protein synthesis, notably that of the rotaviral protein (VP6). These results suggest that bavachin has strong antiviral activity against rotaviruses, inhibits viral replication, and is a candidate natural therapeutic drug targeting rotaviral infection. The utilization of bavachin isolated from P. corylifolia may contribute to decreased mortality rates, lower medication expenses, and enhanced economic viability in domestic farms.

Melanogrit potentiates melanogenesis by escalating cellular tyrosinase activity and MITF levels via pERK inhibition

Vitiligo is characterized by the development of white patches on the skin either due to the loss of functional melanocytes or perturbations in the melanogenesis pathway. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of herbo-mineral formulation, Melanogrit in neutralizing the white patches in the skin. The study utilized UPLC/MS-QToF technique to determine the diversified phytochemical profile in Melanogrit. The murine B16F10 cells when treated with Melanogrit underwent morphological changes, including increased angularity, enlarged cell size, and greater dendritic protrusions. To establish an equivalent model to study melanogenesis, we carefully optimized the dosage of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) in B16F10 cells as an alternative to using melanocyte-keratinocyte cocultures. The study determined a sub-optimal dose of αMSH (0.2 nM) in B16F10 cells that does not manifest any measurable effects on melanogenesis. In contrast, Melanogrit when used in conjunction with 0.2 nM αMSH, induced a dose-dependent increase in extracellular and intracellular melanin levels. Melanogrit transcriptionally up-regulated the decisive genes of the melanogenesis pathway, MITF, TYR, and TRP1, which was evident from the increased cellular tyrosine activity. Our findings also demonstrated that Melanogrit ameliorated the MITF protein levels by inhibiting pERK; notably without involving GSK3β in the process. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that Melanogrit has the potential to stimulate melanogenesis, making it a promising candidate for clinical applications in the treatment of white skin patches that develop in vitiligo patients.

Macro- and trace elements in plants from Mauritania and risk assessment

This study aimed to determine the content of elemental levels of eight plants species originating from Mauritania and used as medicinal plant and to assess their risk for human health. The range of elemental content in the studied plant parts of these plant species were 0.51-16.1 mg/g for Ca, 2.63-6.49 mg/g for Mg, 11.2-201 μg/g for Al, 6.5-28.2 μg/g for Zn, 5.6-453 μg/g for Fe, 1.1-6.4 μg/g for Ni, 11.0-302 μg/g for Mn and 0.7-9.0 μg/g for Cu. The Cr, Pb, Cd and Co levels were below the limits of detection in all samples. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) were calculated. Except for Al the THQ values were below 1, so it could be concluded that these plant species have low probability of causing non-cancer health problems for the consumer.

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects of Psoralen - A Bioactive Furanocoumarin from Psoralea corylifolia Linn

Since long ago, medicinal plants have played a vital role in drug discovery. Being blessed and rich in chemovars with diverse scaffolds, they have unique characteristics of evolving based on the need. The World Health Organization also mentions that medicinal plants remain at the center for meeting primary healthcare needs as the population relies on them. The plant-derived natural products have remained an attractive choice for drug development owing to their specific biological functions relevant to human health and also the high degree of potency and specificity they offer. In this context, one such esteemed phytoconstituent with inexplicable biological potential is psoralen, a furanocoumarin. Psoralen was the first constituent isolated from the plant Psoralea corylifolia, commonly known as Bauchi. Despite being a life-saver for psoriasis, vitiligo, and leukoderma, it also showed immense anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoporotic potential. This review brings attention to the possible application of psoralen as an attractive target for rational drug design and medicinal chemistry. It discusses the various methods for the total synthesis of psoralen, its extraction, the pharmacological spectrum of psoralen, and the derivatization done on psoralen.

Corylifol A ameliorates muscle atrophy by inhibiting TAOK1/p38-MAPK/FoxO3 pathway in cancer cachexia

BACKGROUND

Corylifol A (CYA) is one of the main active components of Psoralea corylifolia L. CYA had been reported to have ameliorating effects on dexamethasone-induced atrophy of C2C12 mouse skeletal myotubes, but its effects on cancer cachexia were unclear. Here, we checked the influence of CYA on muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia mice and tried to clarify its mechanisms.

METHODS

C26 tumour-bearing mice were applied as the animal model to examine the effects of CYA in attenuating cachexia symptoms. The in vitro cell models of TNF-α-induced C2C12 myotubes or ad-mRFP-GFP-LC3B-transfected C2C12 myotubes were used to check the influence of CYA on myotube atrophy based on both ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy-lysosome system. The possible direct targets of CYA were searched using the biotin-streptavidin pull-down assay and then confirmed using the Microscale thermophoresis binding assay. The levels of related signal proteins in both in vitro and in vivo experiments were examined using western blotting and immunocytochemical assay.

RESULTS

The administration of CYA prevented body weight loss and muscle wasting in C26 tumour-bearing mice without affecting tumour growth. At the end of the experiment, the body weight of mice treated with 30 mg/kg of CYA (23.59 ± 0.94 g) was significantly higher than that of the C26 model group (21.66 ± 0.56 g) with P < 0.05. The values of gastrocnemius muscle weight/body weight of mice treated with 15 or 30 mg/kg CYA (0.53 ± 0.02% and 0.54 ± 0.01%, respectively) were both significantly higher than that of the C26 model group (0.45 ± 0.01%) with P < 0.01. CYA decreased both UPS-mediated protein degradation and autophagy in muscle tissues of C26 tumour-bearing mice as well as in C2C12 myotubes treated with TNF-α. The thousand-and-one amino acid kinase 1 (TAOK1) was found to be the direct binding target of CYA. CYA inhibited the activation of TAOK1 and its downstream p38-MAPK pathway thus decreased the level and nuclear location of FoxO3. siRNA knockdown of TAOK1 or regulation of the p38-MAPK pathway using activator or inhibitor could affect the ameliorating effects of CYA on myotube atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

CYA ameliorates cancer cachexia muscle atrophy by decreasing both UPS degradation and autophagy. The ameliorating effects of CYA on muscle atrophy might be based on its binding with TAOK1 and inhibiting the TAOK1/p38-MAPK/FoxO3 pathway.

Network pharmacology-based identification of bioavailable anti-inflammatory agents from Psoralea corylifolia L. in an experimental colitis model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional oriental medicine, the dried seeds of Psoralea corylifolia L. (PC) have been used to treat various diseases, including gastrointestinal, urinary, orthopedic, diarrheal, ulcer, and inflammatory disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Although its various biological properties are well-known, there is no information on the therapeutic effects and bioavailable components of PC against inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, we focused on the relationship between hydroethanolic extract of PC (EPC) that ameliorates colitis in mice and bioactive constituents of EPC that suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the therapeutic effects of EPC in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mouse model and identified the orally absorbed components of EPC using UPLC-MS/MS analysis. In addition, we evaluated and validated the mechanism of action of the bioavailable constituents of EPC using network pharmacology analysis. The effects on nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines were measured by Griess reagent and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages.

RESULTS

In experimental colitis, EPC improved body weight loss, colon length shortening, and disease activity index. Moreover, EPC reduced the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and histopathological damage to the colon. Network pharmacological analysis identified 13 phytochemicals that were bioavailable following oral administration of EPC, as well as their potential anti-inflammatory effects. 11 identified EPC constituents markedly reduced the overproduction of NO, tumor necrosis factor-α, and/or interleukin-6 in macrophages induced by LPS. The LPS-induced expression of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells reporter gene was reduced by the 4 EPC constituents.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the protective activity of EPC against colitis is a result of the additive effects of each constituent on the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, it suggests that 11 bioavailable phytochemicals of EPC could aid in the management of intestinal inflammation, and also provides useful insights into the clinical application of PC for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Bioactivity of Wild and Cultivated Legumes: Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Properties

The global demand for increased meat production has brought to the surface several obstacles concerning environmental impacts, animals’ welfare, and quality features, revealing the need to produce safe foodstuffs with an environmentally acceptable procedure. In this regard, the incorporation of legumes into animal diets constitutes a sustainable way out that prevents these apprehensions. Legumes are plant crops belonging to the Fabaceae family and are known for their rich content of secondary metabolites., displaying significant antioxidant properties and a series of health and environmental benefits. The study herein aims to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of indigenous and cultivated legume plants used for food and feed. The respective results indicate that the methanolic extract of Lathyrus laxiflorus (Desf.) Kuntze displayed the highest phenolic (64.8 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and tannin (419.6 mg catechin equivalents/g extract) content, while the dichloromethane extract of Astragalus glycyphyllos L., Trifolium physodes Steven ex M.Bieb. and Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C.H.Stirt. plant samples exhibited the richest content in carotenoids lutein (0.0431 mg/g A. glycyphyllos extract and 0.0546 mg/g B. bituminosa extract), α-carotene (0.0431 mg/g T. physodes extract) and β-carotene (0.090 mg/g T. physodes extract and 0.3705 mg/g B. bituminosa extract) establishing their potential role as vitamin A precursor sources. Results presented herein verify the great potential of Fabaceae family plants for utilization as pasture plants and/or dietary ingredients, since their cultivation has a positive impact on the environment, and they were found to contain essential nutrients capable to improve health, welfare, and safety.

Bavachin alleviates diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice by inhibition of oxidative stress and improvement of mitochondria function

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Psoralea corylifolia L. seed (PCS) is a traditional medicine effective against various diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of bavachin, the major active component of PCS, on DN in db/db mice. Bavachin (10 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to 12-week-old male db/db mice for 6 wk. For in vitro experiments, SV40 MES13 cells were treated with bavachin in the presence of 25 mM glucose. Food and water intake and urine mass were significantly increased in db/db mice compared to wild-type CON mice, but bavachin administration significantly reduced these increases. Urinary microalbumin, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine clearance which were significantly increased in db/db mice, were also decreased by bavachin administration. Glomerular area and collagen deposition in the kidney were significantly decreased in db/db mice following bavachin administration. Increased renal levels of fibrotic factors, fibronectin, COL1A1, and α-SMA, were reduced following bavachin administration. Protein expressions of antioxidant enzymes, namely SOD2, catalase, and HO-1, and mitochondrial function-related factors, namely SIRT1, PGC1α, Nrf1, and mtTFA, were reduced in the kidney tissues of db/db mice compared to wild-type CON mice, and bavachin administration upregulated these protein expressions. In vitro studies also showed that bavachin decreases mitochondria ROS production, increases the expression of PGC-1α and SIRT1, and decreases the expression of α-SMA in high glucose-treated SV40 MES13 cells. Based on these results, bavachin improved DN by inhibiting oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function.

An accurate and reliable analytical strategy for simultaneous determination of target furanocoumarins and flavonoids in cosmetic and pharmaceutical samples by ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography

Furanocoumarins and flavonoids have various important biological activities and wide application. In the present study, a rapid and reliable supercritical fluid chromatography method was proposed for the separation of 10 target components including 8 furanocoumarins and 2 flavonoids. After detailed condition optimization, the 10 target compounds can be baseline separated on a Trefoil CEL1 (3.0 mm × 150 mm, 2.5 µm) column using gradient elution. A 0.07% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid in ethanol was determined to be the most proper mobile phase for the separation of target compounds. The column temperature, back pressure, flow rate were set at 36 ℃, 2000 psi, 1.0 mL min^-1 to 1.4 mL min^-1, respectively. The ten target compounds were analyzed within 24 min using the optimized conditions. Under the optimized conditions, all the target compounds showed good linearity with linear correlation coefficients higher than 0.995, and satisfactory recovery in the range of 83.52-112.92%. All these results showed that the developed ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography method was reliable and effective. Finally, the application of the developed method to cosmetic, Psoraleae fructus and Angelicae dahuricae radix samples were presented. The results highlight the applicability of the ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography method to the analysis of interested compounds in pharmaceutical and cosmetic samples.

Bavachin and Corylifol A Improve Muscle Atrophy by Enhancing Mitochondria Quality Control in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Type 2 diabetes reduces muscle mass and function. Chronic inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction play critical roles in muscle atrophy pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the effects of bavachin and corylifol A from Psoralea corylifolia L. seeds on muscle atrophy in dexamethasone-treated mice and in db/db mice. Bavachin and corylifol A enhanced muscle strength and muscle mass in dexamethasone-treated mice. In diabetic mice, they enhanced muscle strength and cross-sectional areas. Bavachin and corylifol A suppressed inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) expression levels by downregulating nuclear factor-κB phosphorylation. They decreased the muscle atrophic factor (myostatin, atrogin-1, and muscle RING finger-1) expression levels. They activated the AKT synthetic signaling pathway and induced a switch from fast-type glycolytic fibers (type 2B) to slow-type oxidative fibers (types I and 2A). They increased mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamic factor (optic atrophy-1, mitofusin-1/2, fission, mitochondrial 1, and dynamin 1-like) expression levels via the AMP-activated protein kinase-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha signaling pathway. They also improved mitochondrial quality by upregulating the mitophagy factor (p62, parkin, PTEN-induced kinase-1, and BCL2-interacting protein-3) expression levels. Therefore, bavachin and corylifol A exert potential therapeutic effects on muscle atrophy by suppressing inflammation and improving mitochondrial function.

Transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal the role of CYP1A2 in psoralen/isopsoralen-induced metabolic activation and hepatotoxicity

Psoralen and isopsoralen are the pharmacologically important but hepatotoxic components in Psoraleae Fructus. The purpose of this study was to reveal the underlying mechanism of psoralen/isopsoralen-induced hepatotoxicity. Initially, we applied integrated analyses of transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles in mice treated with psoralen and isopsoralen, highlighting the xenobiotic metabolism by cytochromes P450 as a potential pathway. Then, with verifications of expression levels by qRT-PCR and western blot, affinities by molecular docking, and metabolic contributions by recombinant human CYP450 and mouse liver microsomes, CYP1A2 was screened out as the key metabolic enzyme. Afterwards, CYP1A2 induction and inhibition models in HepG2 cells and mice were established to verify the role of CYP1A2, demonstrating that induction of CYP1A2 aggravated the hepatotoxicity, and conversely inhibition alleviated the hepatotoxic effects. Additionally, we detected glutathione adducts with reactive intermediates of psoralen and isopsoralen generated by CYP1A2 metabolism in biosystems of recombinant human CYP1A2 and mouse liver microsomes, CYP1A2-overexpressed HepG2 cells, mice livers and the chemical reaction system using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Ultimately, the high-content screening presented the cellular oxidative stress and relevant hepatotoxicity due to glutathione depletion by reactive intermediates. In brief, our findings illustrated that CYP1A2-mediated metabolic activation is responsible for the psoralen/isopsoralen-induced hepatotoxicity.

The changes of hepatic bile acid synthesis and transport and bile acids profiles in isopsoralen-induced liver injury C57BL/6J mice

CONTEST

Isopsoralen, one of the main active and quality-control compounds in Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae), has antitumor and oestrogen-like effects. Previous studies demonstrated that isopsoralen induced hepatotoxicity and its long-term exposure led to cholestatic liver injury.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the effect of three- or seven-day exposure of low dose isopsoralen (80 mg/kg) on bile acid homeostasis in C57BL/6J mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control, three- and seven-day groups (n = 14 per group, half female and half male). Isopsoralen suspension was administrated intragastrically at 80 mg/kg once a day. Blood and liver samples were collected to measure biochemical indices and transport of BAs. The histopathology of the liver was also observed. HPLC-MS/MS was also used to measure the BAs profiles and transport activity.

RESULTS

In the study, isopsoralen increased the levels of serum AST, ALT in three- and seven-day groups, and caused vacuolar degeneration and swelling in the liver. Canalicular efflux transporters BSEP, OSTα, MRP2, MRP3, and basolateral uptake transporters NTCP, OATP4 were inhibited after seven-day-administration. Moreover, amino acid binding enzymes (BAAT and BACS) were also inhibited after seven-day-administration. The composition of BAs changed greatly and the concentration of some unconjugated-BAs which have stronger hydrophobicity, such as CA, CDCA, was significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Isopsoralen (80 mg/kg) caused hepatotoxicity after short-term exposure by inhibiting the expression of efflux transporters, amino acid binding enzymes, and disrupting BAs spectrum.

Study on the processing chemistry of Fructus Psoraleae by a combination of untargeted and targeted metabolomics

Fructus Psoralea is widely used to treat osteoporosis and skin inflammatory diseases. Because of the side effects on the liver, renal and cardiovascular systems, it is processed to salt-processed Fructus Psoraleae to meet the requirements of clinical use. However, the mechanisms involved in the transformation of the chemical components are unclear. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to analyze the chemical profiles of this herbal medicine and the chemical transformation mechanism involved during the salt processing was studied. A total of 83 compounds were identified. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis were used to observe the distribution trend of all samples and visualize the difference. Raw and processed Fructus Psoraleae were clearly clustered into two groups. Furthermore, 17 marker compounds were identified as primary contributors to their differences based on t-test analysis (p < 0.01) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis (variable importance for the projection > 1). Finally, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the quality of Fructus Psoraleae by simultaneous analysis of 13 components highly related to efficacy. There were variations in the contents of 13 chemicals of Fructus Psoraleae and salt-processed products. The results of untargeted and targeted metabolomics revealed that salt processing affected the chemical composition of Fructus Psoraleae.

Psoralen and isopsoralen from Psoraleae Fructus aroused hepatotoxicity via induction of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated CYP1A2 expression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Psoraleae Fructus (PF), a traditional Chinese medicine, has long been used to treat diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis and leukoderma. Psoralen and isopsoralen are main bioactive ingredients of PF with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, estrogen-like neuroprotection, etc., meanwhile they are also representative hepatotoxic components of PF. Hepatic CYP1A2 has been reported to be the important metabolic enzymes involved in psoralen and isopsoralen-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the relationship between the hepatotoxicity and CYP1A2 expression, and the underlying mechanism of regulating CYP1A2 expression remain unclear.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of this study was to explore the associated mechanism between psoralen or isopsoralen induced hepatotoxicity and activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated transcriptional induction of CYP1A2 in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Psoralen and isopsoralen at different doses were treated on HepG2 cells (10, 25, 50, 100, 200 μM for 2, 12, 24, 36, 48 h) and mice (20, 80, 160 mg/kg for 3, 7, 14 days) for different time, to assess the correlation of induced hepatotoxicity and CYP1A2 mRNA and protein expression in vivo and in vitro, as well as the effect on CYP1A2 enzyme activity evaluated by phenacetin metabolism. In addition, the potential mechanism of the regulation of CYP1A2 expression mediated by AhR was explored through nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, immunofluorescence, cellular thermal shift assay and molecular docking, etc. RESULTS: Psoralen and isopsoralen induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, and hepatomegaly, biochemicals disorder and tissue pathological impairment in mice, respectively in dose- and time-dependent manners. Simultaneously accompanied with elevated levels of CYP1A2 mRNA and protein in the same trend, and the CYP1A2 activity was remarkably inhibited in vitro but significantly elevated overall in vivo. Besides, psoralen and isopsoralen bound to AhR and activated translocation of AhR from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, leading to the transcriptional induction of target gene CYP1A2.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatotoxicities in HepG2 cells and mice aroused by psoralen and isopsoralen were related to the induction of CYP1A2 expression and activity, whose underlying mechanism might be psoralen or isopsoralen activated AhR translocation and induced increase of CYP1A2 transcriptional expression. Hopefully, these finding are conductive to propose an alert about the combined usage of psoralen or isopsoralen and AhR ligands or CYP1A2 substrates in clinical practice.

Constituents promoting osteogenesis from the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia and their structure-activity relationship study

The mature fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L. is a common traditional Chinese medicine used to tonify the kidney and yang, and as well as to treat osteoporosis. Systematic phytochemical investigations have established the most comprehensive constituent library to date, covering over 180 compounds. In this study, 109 chemical constituents containing 37 undescribed compounds were reported and incorrect structures of four known coumarins were corrected. The structures of these undescribed compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Rh₂(OCOCF₃)₄ and Mo₂(OAc)₄-induced circular dichroism spectra. To identify potentially active compounds and investigate their structure-activity relationship (SAR), 89 constituents in the library were evaluated for their osteogenic differentiation and mineralisation activities in MC3T3-E1 cells. We found that coumarins, isoflavones, flavonones, and meroterpenoids were the material basis for Psoralea corylifolia-based treatment of osteoporosis, with some compounds exhibiting excellent activities. These compounds function via the estrogen receptor (ER) pathway and were natural phytoestrogen. Further SAR analysis showed that compounds with an intact isopentenyl replacement possessed superior activities, which was explained by their improved affinity with the ER.

Plants in Anticancer Drug Discovery: From Molecular Mechanism to Chemoprevention

Cancer is one of the primary causes of mortality globally, and the discovery of new anticancer drugs is the most important need in recent times. Natural products have been recognized as effective in fight against various diseases including cancer for over 50 years. Plants and microbes are the primary and potential sources of natural compounds to fight against cancer. Moreover, researches in the field of plant-based natural compounds have moved towards advanced and molecular level understandings from the last few decades, leading to the development of potent anticancer agents. Also, plants have been accepted as abundant and prosperous sources for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the management and prevention of different cancer types. The high toxicity of some cancer chemotherapy drugs, as well as their unfavorable side effects and drugs resistance, drives up the demand for natural compounds as new anticancer drugs. In this detailed evidence-based mechanistic review, facts and information about various medicinal plants, their bioactive compounds with their potent anticancer activities against different cancers have been gathered, with further approach to represent the molecular mechanism behind the anticancer activity of these plants. This review will be beneficial for investigators/scientists globally involved in the development of natural, safe, effective, and economical therapeutic agents/drugs against various cancers. This might be an important contribution in the field of drug discovery, where drugs can be used alone or in combination to increase the efficacy of newly synthesized drugs.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Potential of Taif’s Rose (Rosa damascena Mill var. trigintipetala) for Possible Recycling of Pruning Wastes

This study investigated the phytochemical contents of Taif’s rose pruning wastes and their potential application as phytomedicine, thereby practicing a waste-recycling perspective. In the Al-Shafa highland, four Taif rose farms of various ages were chosen for gathering the pruning wastes (leaves and stems) for phytochemical and pharmacological studies. The leaves and stems included significant amounts of carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds. The cardiac glycoside and flavonoid contents were higher in Taif rose stems, while the phenolic and alkaloid contents were higher in the plant leaves. Cardiovascular glycosides (2.98–5.69 mg g⁻¹), phenolics (3.14–12.41 mg GAE g⁻¹), flavonoids (5.09–9.33 mg RUE g ⁻¹), and alkaloids (3.22–10.96 mg AE g⁻¹) were among the phytoconstituents found in rose tissues. According to the HPLC analysis of the phenolic compounds, Taif’s rose contains flavonoid components such as luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, and chrysoeriol; phenolics such as ellagic acid, catechol, resorcinol, gallic acid, and phloroglucinol; alkaloids such as berbamine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, reticuline, isocorydine, and boldine. Warm water extract was highly effective against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris, whereas methanol and cold water extracts were moderately effective against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. The study’s findings suggested that Taif’s rose wastes could be used for varied medical purposes.

Ancestral Food Sources Rich in Polyphenols, Their Metabolism, and the Potential Influence of Gut Microbiota in the Management of Depression and Anxiety

The relationship between a population's diet and the risk of suffering from mental disorders has gained importance in recent years, becoming exacerbated due to the COVID-19 lockdown. This review concentrates relevant literature from Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar analyzed with the aim of rescuing knowledge that promotes mental health. In this context, it is important to highlight those flowers, seeds, herbaceous plants, fungi, leaves, and tree barks, among other ancestral matrices, that have been historically part of the eating habits of human beings and have also been a consequence of the adaptation of collectors, consuming the ethnoflora present in different ecosystems. Likewise, it is important to note that this knowledge has been progressively lost in the new generations. Therefore, this review concentrates an important number of matrices used particularly for food and medicinal purposes, recognized for their anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, establishing the importance of metabolism and biotransformation mainly of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols by the action of the gut microbiota.

Identification and pharmacokinetics of bioavailable anti-resorptive phytochemicals after oral administration of Psoralea corylifolia L

Osteoporosis and resulting bone fractures are the major health issues associated with morbidity in the aging population; however, there is no effective treatment that does not cause severe side effects. In East Asia, dried seeds of Psoralea corylifolia L. (PC) have traditionally been used as an herbal medicine to manage urinary tract, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as bone health. However, the mechanism of action and active biocomponents of PC are unclear. Here, we adopted a pharmacokinetic (PK) study aiming to identify the bioavailable phytochemicals in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of PC (APC) and (EPC), respectively. In addition, we aimed to determine anti-resorptive constituents of PC, which accounted for its beneficial effects on bone health. To this end, we used ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). A rapid, sensitive, and reliable UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and determined the 17 PC ingredients. In the PK study, nine components (two chalcones, two coumarins, one coumestan, two flavonoids, and two isoflavonoids) were observed between 36 and 48 h after oral administration of APC or EPC. Among the bioavailable ingredients, four PC constituents (psoralidin, isobavachin, corylifol A, and neobavaisoflavone) inhibited M-CSF-and RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow-derived macrophages. In addition, two chalcones and two isoflavonoids markedly inhibited cathepsin K activity, and their binding modes to cathepsin K were determined by molecular docking. In summary, our data suggest that bioavailable multicomponents of PC could contribute to the management of bone health.

Review on the genus Brugmansia: Traditional usage, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Brugmansia belongs to the Solanaceae family and contains approximately 7-8 species distributed in America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The genus Brugmansia plants are used in the traditional medicine of different parts of the world for the treatment of inflammations, rheumatic arthritis, wounds, skin infections, headache, asthma, colic, aches, and so on.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review study that focuses on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and traditional uses of Brugmansia species in order to understand the link between the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and modern therapeutic uses, and provide a scientific fundamental for further research in the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of their species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information reported in this study was retrieved from the scientific database such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Springer, CNKI, Wiley, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar, up until May 2020. The key search word was "Brugmansia." Additionally, information was derived by search on the reference lists of included articles and Ph.D. dissertations.

RESULTS

As traditional uses, Brugmansia species are used against a wide range of diseases such as body pain, inflammatory conditions, skin infection, wound, and other diseases. Also, these species are used as a hallucinogen, protection from evil, and magical rituals. Phytochemical investigations have led to reporting approximately 189 chemical compounds in this genus. Among these components, tropane alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids are the most representative components of Brugmansia species. The plant extracts and chemical constituents of Brugmansia species exhibit a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-asthmatic, antinociceptive, antiprotozoal activities, and so on.

CONCLUSION

This review summarized and analyzed the information of traditional uses, phytochemical, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of the genus Brugmansia plants, which show their species have interesting chemical constituents with different biological activities. The traditional uses of some species from this genus have been estimated by pharmacological activities, such as the anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiasthma, antinociceptive, anti-addictive, and antiprotozoal activity. However, the traditional uses of many species have not been confirmed, also the secondary metabolites of the many species have not yet been determined and have never been pharmacologically estimated. Considerably more research is needed to assert the ethnopharmacological uses, determine the chemical constituents, toxicity, and pharmacological activities of the genus Brugmansia species. The present review will be helpful for further research in the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Brugmansia species.

In search of drugs to alleviate suppression of the host's innate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 using a molecular modeling approach

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and the novel SARS-CoV-2 evade the host innate immunity, and subsequently the adaptive immune response, employing one protease called Papain-like protease (PLpro). The PLpro and the 3CL main protease are responsible for the cleavage of the polyproteins encoded by the + sense RNA genome of the virus to produce several non-structured proteins (NSPs). However, the PLpro also performs deubiquitination and deISGylation of host proteins and signaling molecules, and thus antagonize the host innate immune response, since ubiquitination and ISGylation are critical processes which invoke host's antiviral immune responses. Thus, to maintain host antiviral defense, inhibition of the PLpro is the primary therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, inhibition of the enzyme prevents replication of the virus. The present study employs molecular modeling approaches to determine potential of different approved and repurposed drugs and other compounds as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 PLpro. The results of the study demonstrated that drugs like Stallimycin, and known protease inhibitors including Telaprevir, Grazoprevir and Boceprevir, were highly potent in inhibiting the enzyme. In addition, several plant-derived polyphenols, including Corylifol A and Kazinol J, were found to be potent inhibitors. Based on the findings, we suggest that clinical trials be initiated with these inhibitors. So far, PLpro inhibition has been given less attention as a strategy to contain COVID-19 pandemic, and thus the present study is of high significance and has therapeutic implications in containing the pandemic.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-021-00085-y.

Increased Stress Resistance and Lifespan in Chaenorhabditis elegans Wildtype and Knockout Mutants-Implications for Depression Treatment by Medicinal Herbs

Depression and anxiety disorders are widespread diseases, and they belong to the leading causes of disability and greatest burdens on healthcare systems worldwide. It is expected that the numbers will dramatically rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Established medications are not sufficient to adequately treat depression and are not available for everyone. Plants from traditional medicine may be promising alternatives to treat depressive symptoms. The model organism Chaenorhabditis elegans was used to assess the stress reducing effects of methanol/dichlormethane extracts from plants used in traditional medicine. After initial screening for antioxidant activity, nine extracts were selected for in vivo testing in oxidative stress, heat stress, and osmotic stress assays. Additionally, anti-aging properties were evaluated in lifespan assay. The extracts from Acanthopanax senticosus, Campsis grandiflora, Centella asiatica, Corydalis yanhusuo, Dan Zhi, Houttuynia cordata, Psoralea corylifolia, Valeriana officinalis, and Withaniasomnifera showed antioxidant activity of more than 15 Trolox equivalents per mg extract. The extracts significantly lowered ROS in mutants, increased resistance to heat stress and osmotic stress, and the extended lifespan of the nematodes. The plant extracts tested showed promising results in increasing stress resistance in the nematode model. Further analyses are needed, in order to unravel underlying mechanisms and transfer results to humans.

Bone anti-resorptive effects of coumarins on RANKL downstream cellular signaling: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Members of the botanical families Apiaceae/Umbelliferae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae/Leguminosae, and Thymelaeaceae are rich in coumarins and have traditionally been used as ethnomedicines in many regions including Europe, Asia, and South America. Coumarins are a class of secondary metabolites that are widely present in plants, fungi, and bacteria and exhibit several pharmacological, biochemical, and therapeutic effects. Recently, many plants rich in coumarins and their derivatives were found to affect bone metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

To review scientific literature describing the mechanisms of action of coumarins in osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this systematic review, the PubMed, Scopus, and Periodical Capes databases and portals were searched. We included in vitro research articles published between 2010 and 2020 that evaluated coumarins using osteoclastogenic markers.

RESULTS

Coumarins have been reported to downregulate RANKL-RANK signaling and various downstream signaling pathways required for osteoclast development, such as NF-κB, MAPK, Akt, and Ca²⁺ signaling, as well as pathways downstream of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc1), including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K (CTSK), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9).

CONCLUSIONS

Coumarins primarily inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activation by modulating different intracellular signaling pathways; therefore, they could serve as potential candidates for controlled randomized clinical trials aimed at improving human bone health.

Cytotoxic heterodimers of meroterpene phenol from the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia

Seventeen undescribed heterodimers of meroterpene phenol, psocorylins A-Q, were isolated from the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia. Their another monomeric unit derived from flavonone, chalcone, coumarin and isoflavone, respectively. Psocorylins A-E were rare natural spiroketals with the skeleton of 1,4,8-trioxaspiro[4.5]decane deriving from flavonone, and their plausible biosynthetic pathways were proposed. These structures were established by spectroscopic methods. Their absolute configurations were assigned via single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and Rh₂(OCOCF₃)₄-induced ECD spectra. Psocorylins B-E, F, M and Q exhibited potent cytotoxic activities against different kinds of tumor cells with IC₅₀ values less than 10 μM.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) hepatotoxicity increases in the presence of an added herbal compound

Hepatotoxicity from paracetamol/acetaminophen has occasionally been reported at lower than expected doses. As herbal preparations may interact with pharmaceutical drugs the following in vitro study was undertaken to determine whether the toxic effects of paracetamol on liver cell growth in culture would be exacerbated by the addition of psoralen, a furanocoumarin compound that is present in Psoralea corylifolia, a common Chinese herb. The following study utilising a liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2) showed that Psoralea corylifolia was significantly toxic from 0.3 mg/ml to 5 mg/ml (p < 0.05), whereas paracetamol was not toxic below 50 mM (p = 0.0026). Interactions between previously non-toxic levels of 0.1 mg/ml of Psoralea corylifolia and increasing concentrations of paracetamol (0-50 mM), however, were observed, with a significant increase in toxicity compared to paracetamol alone (30% cell death vs. 72% cell death with Psoralea corylifolia). A significant synergistic interaction was observed at 40 mM paracetamol with 0.1 mg/ml of Psoralea (p = 0.038). This study has, therefore, shown significantly increased hepatotoxicity in cell cultures exposed to paracetamol when herbal compounds containing furanocoumarins were added. Fulminant acute liver failure occurring after the ingestion of low doses of paracetamol may not, therefore, always be due to an occult idiosyncratic response to paracetamol, but instead possibly to the combined effects of paracetamol and herbal preparations. Given the widespread use of both paracetamol and herbal preparations this possibility should be considered in cases of unexplained hepatic necrosis and liver failure that present for medicolegal investigation.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Medicinal Plants used for Vitiligo in Traditional Persian Medicine

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a hypopigmentation disorder that affects 1% of the world's population. Vitiligo causes white spots on the skin, mucous membranes, or white hair by destroying skin melanocytes. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is unknown but autoimmune, autocytotoxic, and neural mechanisms are suggested. According to the autoimmune theory, in people with vitiligo, immune cells invade and damage melanocytes. T cells are more commonly present in vitiligo patients' skin and remain in the lesion site, which is composed of CD8 and CD4 T cells. Many studies have been conducted on the presence and role of cytokines such as interleukins and interferongamma (IFN-γ) in the vitiligo process.

AIM

This study aimed to introduce herbs effective against vitiligo from the perspective of Persian medicine and to investigate their possible therapeutic mechanisms with the possible effects of herbs on autoimmune mechanisms.

METHODS

For this purpose, keywords were used to extract data from Persian medicine textbooks, and then relevant scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were examined.

RESULTS

It was found that Persian medicine scholars used 50 different medicinal plants to treat and reduce the complications of vitiligo, and recent scientific studies have proven immune-regulating properties and reducing the effect of many of them on cytokines.

CONCLUSION

According to scientific evidence on immunomodulatory effects, new research into the effects of these plants on vitiligo can lead to the discovery of new drugs and approaches for treating this disease.

Furanocoumarins in anticancer therapy - For and against

Furanocoumarins are a class of natural compounds produced by several plants, including those consumed by humans. They have been used medicinally in eastern countries for ages. Given the growing body of evidence about their anticancer potential and observations that naturally occurring compounds potentiate the antitumor activity of chemotherapeutics, more attention is paid to elucidation of the nature of furanocoumarins and the possibility of using thereof in practice. The general mechanism by which furanocoumarins eliminate cancer cells is based on cell cycle blockage and initiation of programmed death like apoptosis or autophagy. The precise molecular mechanism of such an action depends on the chemical structure of furanocoumarins, which is based on the furan ring attached to the coumarin backbone in a linear or angular form as well as the type, location, and number of the substituents attached. The review summarizes the current evidence of the antitumor properties of linear and angular furanocoumarins with special emphasis on the molecular mechanism of elimination of cancer cells via apoptosis and autophagy. Negative aspects of the use of coumarins in anticancer therapy will be also discussed especially in the context of their phototoxicity and potential cancerogenic effect.

Psoralen inhibits malignant proliferation and induces apoptosis through triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress in human SMMC7721 hepatoma cells

BACKGROUND

Psoralen is a coumarin-like and coumarin-related benzofuran glycoside, which is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine to treat patients with kidney and spleen-yang deficiency symptom. Psoralen has been reported to show estrogen-like activity, antioxidant activity, osteoblastic proliferation accelerating activity, antitumor effects and antibacterial activity. However, the antitumor mechanism of psoralen is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of psoralen in human hepatoma cell line SMMC7721 and the mechanism of antitumor effects.

RESULTS

Psoralen inhibited proliferation of SMMC7721 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and promoted apoptosis. Further, psoralen activated the ER stress signal pathway, including the expansion of endoplasmic reticulum, increasing the mRNA levels of GRP78, DDIT3, ATF4, XBP1, GADD34 and the protein levels of GDF15, GRP78, IRE1α, XBP-1s in a time-dependent manner. Psoralen induces cell cycle arrest at G1 phase by enhancing CyclinD1 and reducing CyclinE1 expression. Moreover, TUDC couldn't inhibit the psoralen-induced ER stress in SMMC7721 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Psoralen can inhibit the proliferation of SMMC7721 cells and induce ER stress response to induce cell apoptosis, suggesting that psoralen may represent a novel therapeutic option for the prevention and treatment hepatocellular carcinoma.