Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory evaluation of compounds from an aqueous extract of Croton cajucara Benth

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Cordiera myrciifolia leaves against pathogenic bacteria and fungi: Drug potentiation ability and inhibition of virulence

Cordiera myrciifolia is an abundant species in Northeast Brazil that presents metabolites of biological/therapeutic interest. From this perspective, the present study aimed to investigate the chemical constituents and evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of hexane (HECM) and ethanolic (EECM) extracts of C. myrciifolia leaves. The extracts were analyzed by chromatographic techniques (GC and UPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts and the extracts combined with conventional drugs was evaluated by microdilution. The in vitro effect of the treatments on Candida's morphological transition was verified through cultivation in humid chambers. In HECM, 11 constituents including fatty acids, and triterpenes, including phytosterols, alkanes, tocols, and primary alcohols were identified. Triterpenes represented >40% of the identified constituents, with Lupeol being the most representative. In EECM, 13 constituents were identified, of which eight belonged to the class of flavonoids. High antibacterial activity of HECM was detected against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of 8 and 16 μg/mL, respectively. The combined activity was more effective when combined with Norfloxacin and Imipenem. In anti-Candida activity, the IC50 of the extracts ranged from 36.6 to 129.1 μg/mL. There was potentiating effect when associated with Fluconazole. Both extracts inhibited the filamentous growth of C. tropicalis at a concentration of 512 μg/mL. C. myrciifolia extracts prove to be candidates for the development of new therapeutic formulations to treat bacterial and fungal infections.

Synthesized nanoliposome-encapsulated kaempferol attenuates liver health parameters and gene expression in mice challenged by cadmium-induced toxicity

In the present research, we encapsulated a flavonoid called kaempferol into nanoliposomal structures and the health-promoting effects of synthesized nanoliposome-loaded kaempferol (NLK) were evaluated in mice challenged by cadmium-induced . The NLK characteristics, such as size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index, were 218.4 nm, -28.55 mV, and 0.29, respectively. The in vivo experiment revealed that the mice receiving water containing cadmium (2 mg/kg body weight/day) showed significant (p < 0.05) weight loss, an increase in liver enzyme activities, and hepatic oxidative stress. Dietary supplementation with NLK at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg mice body weight notably (p < 0.05) improved the body weight, liver enzyme activities, hepatic oxidative stress, and antioxidant potential of the liver. Our findings elucidated that NLK could alleviate the toxicity of cadmium in mice challenged by cadmium-induced toxicity.

Screening and Identification of Croton Fruit Poisoning in Food Using GC-MS and HPLC-MS/MS

Croton fruit poisoning was successfully identified through a series of chromatographic technologies. A suspected compound named 2-methyl-butenoic acid was screened out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the hydrolysate of isoguanosine in soup sample was further detected by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The identification of croton fruit poisoning was confirmed basing on these laboratory tests together with the clinical symptoms of the patients. Especially, the false-negative result and the interferences were successfully excluded through simulation test, spectral analysis and chromatographic separation technique. Such study is significant for croton poisoning identification and provides beneficial references for disposing untargeted food poisoning incident.

Phytochemical Evaluation and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana Extracts

The plant Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana has been popularly used in Brazil to treat chronic inflammatory disturbances, such as osteoarthritis. This disease affects 250 million people worldwide, and is associated with intense pain and loss of articular function. There is a lack of information about the phytochemistry and bioactivity of M. albicans. Therefore, this study determined the chemical composition of some extracts and evaluated their cytotoxicity, along with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, activities using in vitro models. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared. Afterwards, a liquid–liquid partition was developed using chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The extracts were characterized by LC–MS, and their biological activities were evaluated on epithelial cells (Vero), tumoral hepatic cells (Hep-G2), and THP-1 macrophages. LC–MS analyses identified several flavonoids in all fractions, such as quercetin, myricetin, and their glycosides. The crude extracts and n-butanol fractions did not present cytotoxicity to the cells. The non-toxic fractions presented significant antioxidant activity when evaluated in terms of DPPH scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation, and ROS inhibition. THP-1 macrophages treated with the n-butanol fraction (250 µg/mL) released fewer pro-inflammatory cytokines, even in the presence of LPS. In the future, it will be necessary to identify the phytochemicals that are responsible for anti-inflammatory effects for the discovery of new drugs. In vivo studies on M. albicans extracts are still required to confirm their possible mechanisms of action.

Croton urucurana Baill. Ameliorates Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Rats

Background: Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects a quarter of the worldwide population, but no drug therapies have yet been developed. Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) is a medicinal species, that is, widely distributed in Brazil. It is used in popular medicine to treat gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine system diseases. However, its hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects have not yet been scientifically investigated.

Aim of the study: The present study investigated the effects of an extract of C. urucurana in a rat model of MAFLD that was associated with multiple risk factors, including hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia.

Material and Methods: The phytochemical composition of C. urucurana was evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Spontaneously hypertensive rats received a 0.5% cholesterol-enriched diet and were exposed to cigarette smoke (9 cigarettes/day for 10 weeks). During the last 5 weeks, the animals were orally treated with vehicle (negative control [C-] group), C. urucurana extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or simvastatin + enalapril (two standard reference drugs that are commonly used to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension, respectively). One group of rats that were not exposed to these risk factors was also evaluated (basal group). Blood was collected for the analysis of cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The liver and feces were collected for lipid quantification. The liver was also processed for antioxidant and histopathological analysis.

Results: The main constituents of the C. urucurana extract were flavonoids, glycosides, and alkaloids. The model successfully induced MAFLD, reflected by increases in AST and ALT levels, and induced oxidative stress in the C- group. Treatment with the C. urucurana extract (300 mg/kg) and simvastatin + enalapril decreased plasma and hepatic lipid levels. In contrast to simvastatin + enalapril treatment, C. urucurana reduced AST and ALT levels. Massive lesions were observed in the liver in the C- group, which were reversed by treatment with the C. urucurana extract (300 mg/kg).

Conclusion:C. urucurana extract exerted promising hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects in a preclinical rat model of MAFLD.

Exploring the resources of the genus Viscum for potential therapeutic applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Viscum comprises approximately 100 species that are mainly distributed across Africa, Asia and Europe. The extracts and preparations of Viscum species are widely used as common complementary and alternative medicines in the treatment of rheumatism and cancer.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to explore the medicinal properties of twelve species belonging to the genus Viscum for potential therapeutic applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected online information (including PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) from January 1915 to April 2021 and knowledge from classical books on Chinese herbal medicines available for 12 species of the genus Viscum, including Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai, Viscum album L., Viscum articulatum Burm. f., Viscum liquidambaricola Hayata, Viscum ovalifolium DC., Viscum capitellatum Sm., Viscum cruciatum Sieber ex Boiss., Viscum nudum Danser, Viscum angulatum B.Heyne ex DC., Viscum tuberculatum A.Rich., Viscum multinerve Hayata, and Viscum diospyrosicola Hayata.

RESULTS

At least 250 different compounds have been reported across twelve Viscum species, including amino acid and peptides, alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, lipids, and other types of compounds. In particular, for Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai and Viscum album L., the plants, preparations, and bioactive components have been thoroughly reviewed. This has allowed to elucidate the role of active components, including lectins, viscotoxins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, in multiple bioactivities, such as anti-cancer, anti-rheumatism arthralgia, anti-inflammation, anti-cardiovascular diseases, enhancing immunity, and anti-chemotherapy side effects. We also evaluated quality control methods based on active compounds, in vivo exposure compounds, and discriminated chemical markers.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report to systematically review the pharmaceutical development history, chemical composition, clinical evidence, pharmacological activity, discriminated chemical markers, in vivo exposure, and quality control on twelve distinct species of Viscum plants with medicinal properties. The significant safety and efficacy, along with the minor side effects are constantly confirmed in clinics. The genus Viscum is thus an important medicinal resource that is worth exploring and developing in future pharmacological and chemical studies.

Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth

Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth (Euphorbiaceae), whose occurrence has already been registered in the most varied Brazilian biomes, is commonly found in the Chapada do Araripe, Ceará. The species is traditionally used to treat fungal, parasitic, and degenerative diseases. This study investigated the chemical composition and pharmacological potential (antioxidant, antifungal, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic) of an aqueous extract obtained from the roots of C. heliotropiifolius. Following a qualitative phytochemical screening, the chemical constituents were identified by ultra-efficiency liquid chromatography coupled witha quadrupole/time-of-flight system (UPLC-QTOF). The antioxidant potential was verified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The direct and combined antifungal activity of the extract against opportunistic Candida strains was investigated using the microdilution method. The minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) was determined by subculture, while the modulation of the morphological transition (fungal virulence) was evaluated by light microscopy. The in vitro antiparasitic activity was analyzed using epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi and promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum, while cytotoxicity was determined in cultures of mouse fibroblasts. The phytochemical analysis identified the presence of acids, terpenes, flavonoids, lignans, and alkaloids. Among these constituents, the presence of polar and non-polar phenolic compounds with known antioxidant action was highlighted. While the extract showed clinically ineffective antifungal effects, it could enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole, in addition to inhibiting the morphological transition associated with increased virulence in Candida strains. Although the extract showed low cytotoxicity against fibroblasts, it also had weak antiparasitic effects. In conclusion, Croton heliotropiifolius is a source of natural products with antifungal and antioxidant potential.

Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological Perspectives of Ehretia laevis

Ehretia laevis Roxb. (Boraginaceae) has been extensively used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of a diverse range of ailments related to the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract, the reproductive system, and against several infections. This review critically assesses and documents, for the first time, the fragmented information on E. laevis, including its botanical description, folklore uses, bioactive phyto metabolites and pharmacological activities. The goal is to explore this plant therapeutically. Ethnomedicinal surveys reveal that E. laevis has been used by tribal communities in Asian countries for the treatment of various disorders. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical investigations of E. laevis showed the presence of important phytoconstituents such as pentacyclic triterpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty acids, steroids, alkaloids, aliphatic alcohols, hydrocarbons, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Fresh plant parts, crude extracts, fractions and isolated compounds have been reported to exhibit broad spectrum of therapeutic activities viz., antioxidant, antiarthritic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antidiarrheal, antidysenteric, wound healing and anti-infective activities. E. laevis is shown to be an excellent potential source of drugs for the mitigation of jaundice, asthma, dysentery, ulcers, diarrhea, ringworm, eczema, diabetes, fissure, syphilis, cuts and wounds, inflammation, liver problems, venereal and infectious disorders. Although few investigations authenticated its traditional uses but employed uncharacterized crude extracts of the plant, the major concerns raised are reproducibility of therapeutic efficacy and safety of plant material. The outcomes of limited pharmacological screening and reported bioactive compounds of E. laevis suggest that there is an urgent need for in-depth pharmacological investigations of the plant.

Automatic Identification of Players in the Flavonoid Biosynthesis with Application on the Biomedicinal Plant Croton tiglium

The flavonoid biosynthesis is a well-characterised model system for specialised metabolism and transcriptional regulation in plants. Flavonoids have numerous biological functions such as UV protection and pollinator attraction, but also biotechnological potential. Here, we present Knowledge-based Identification of Pathway Enzymes (KIPEs) as an automatic approach for the identification of players in the flavonoid biosynthesis. KIPEs combines comprehensive sequence similarity analyses with the inspection of functionally relevant amino acid residues and domains in subjected peptide sequences. Comprehensive sequence sets of flavonoid biosynthesis enzymes and knowledge about functionally relevant amino acids were collected. As a proof of concept, KIPEs was applied to investigate the flavonoid biosynthesis of the medicinal plant Croton tiglium on the basis of a transcriptome assembly. Enzyme candidates for all steps in the biosynthesis network were identified and matched to previous reports of corresponding metabolites in Croton species.

Therapeutic potential of IKK-β inhibitors from natural phenolics for inflammation in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) is a chronic disease with the highest morbidity and mortality in the world. Previous studies have suggested that preventing inflammation serves an efficient role in protection against cardiovascular diseases. Modulation of IKK-β activity can be used to treat and control CVDs associated with chronic inflammation, which targets the phosphorylation of IκB following the release of the RelA complex, and then translocates to the nucleus, eventually triggering the transcription of several genes that induce chemokines, cytokines, and adhesion molecules. Most importantly, the IκB kinase (IKK) complex is involved in transcriptional activation by phosphorylating the inhibitory molecule IkBα, enabling activation of NF-κB. Phenolic compounds possess cardioprotective potential that may be related to modulating inflammatory responses involved in CVDs. The SystemsDock analysis was used to explore whether 38 active compounds inhibit IKK-β activity based on literature. Docking results showed that the top docking score of three chemical compounds were icariin, salvianolic acid B, and plantainoside D in all compounds. Icariin, salvianolic acid B, and plantainoside D are the most promising IKKβ inhibitors. These phytochemicals could be helpful to find the lead compounds on designing and developing novel cardioprotective agents.

Antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of kaempferol and its corresponding glycosides and the enzymatic preparation of kaempferol

Kaempferol (kae) and its glycosides are widely distributed in nature and show multiple bioactivities, yet few reports have compared them. In this paper, we report the antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity differences of kae, kae-7-O-glucoside (kae-7-O-glu), kae-3-O-rhamnoside (kae-3-O-rha) and kae-3-O-rutinoside (kae-3-O-rut). Kae showed the highest antiproliferation effect on the human hepatoma cell line HepG2, mouse colon cancer cell line CT26 and mouse melanoma cell line B16F1. Kae also significantly inhibited AKT phosphorylation and cleaved caspase-9, caspase-7, caspase-3 and PARP in HepG2 cells. A kae-induced increase in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, inhibition of concanavalin A (Con A)-induced activation of T cell proliferation and NO or ROS production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were also seen. Kae glycosides were used to produce kae via environment-friendly enzymatic hydrolysis. Kae-7-O-glu and kae-3-O-rut were hydrolyzed to kae by β-glucosidase and/or α-L-rhamnosidase. This paper demonstrates the application of enzymatic catalysis to obtain highly biologically active kae. This work provides a novel and efficient preparation of high-value flavone-related products.

A comprehensive LC-MS/MS method validation for the quantitative investigation of 37 fingerprint phytochemicals in Achillea species: A detailed examination of A. coarctata and A. monocephala

The current study aims to optimize and validate a comprehensive LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of 37 phytochemicals (15 phenolic acids, 17 flavonoids, 3 non-phenolic organic acids, 1 phenolic aldehyde and 1 benzopyrene) in Achillea species. Though Achillea species were chosen as real life samples, the current method is applicable to a wide range of plant species. The developed method was fully validated in terms of linearity, accuracy (recovery), inter-day and intra-day precision (repeatability), limits of detection and quantification (LOD/LOQ) and relative standard uncertainty (U% at 95% confidence level (k = 2)). Reversed-phase ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography was optimized to achive optimum separation for 37 phytochemical compounds and to overcome the suppression effects. MS detection was performed using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer and negative or positive ionization modes were optimized for each analyte. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used to quantify the analytes, related molecular ions and transition ions were optimized. Phytochemical screening of ethanol and methanol-chloroform extracts of root and aerial parts of A. coarctata and A. monocephala were performed by using the developed and validated LC-MS/MS method. Root and aerial parts of both species have considerable amounts of certain phenolic-nonphenolic acids (quinic, malic, fumaric, chlorogenic and vanillic acids) and flavonoids (rutin, hesperidin, isoquercitrin, apigetrin, luteolin, apigenin). Additionally, total phenolic and flavonoid amounts, antioxidant (DPPH free radical scavenging assay, ABTS radical cation decolorization assay, β-carotene lipid peroxidation test system and CUPRAC cupper reduction capacity methods), anticholinesterase, tyrosinase, urease inhibition and cytotoxic activities (on HeLa (Human Cervical Carcinoma Cell Line) of A. coarctata and A. monocephala were also investigated. It has been determined that the studied Achillea species, that are rich in total phenolic-flavonoid and chlorogenic acid contents, have high antioxidant and cytotoxic potential at the same time. According to the results of LC-MS/MS, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity studies, after detailed chemical investigation and toxicity studies on these species, A. coarctata and A. monocephala may be promoted as promising sources of natural agents and used for the development of nutraceuticals or functional food ingredients in future.