Identification of non-alkaloid natural compounds of Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gilli. (Apiaceae) with cholinesterase and carbonic anhydrase inhibition potential

Angelica sylvestris L. (Apiaceae) of the Isle of Skye (Scotland): chemical composition of essential oil from the aerial flowering parts

Angelica is a large genus of plants belonging to the Apiaceae family that includes about 100 species of biennial or perennial herbs. Several species of this genus are extensively used in various traditional medicines and, despite their content in toxic furanocoumarins, also as food. In this study, the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) from aerial flowering parts of Angelica sylvestris L., a plant distributed in Europe, North and Central Asia, collected in the Isle of Skey (Scotland), was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. No one report has been previously published on this accession. The result showed the presence of a large quantity of monoterpene hydrocarbons with limonene (51.89%), by far, as the most abundant component. Other metabolites present in lesser quantity were β-pinene (4.61%), α-pinene (3.54%), and thymol (3.33%). Considerations with respect to all the other EOs of A. sylvestris taxa, studied so far, were carried out.

Analysis of the anti-Alzheimer potential of bioactive compounds from Citrus hystrix DC. peel, leaf, and essential oil by network pharmacology

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most known neurodegenerative disease, and its prevalence is predicted to increase significantly. Discovering novel drugs and treatments for AD is urgently needed. Drugs from natural products have been preferred lately due to their high potential and low toxicity. Citrus hystrix DC. (kaffir lime; KL) is one such herbal plant that is found abundantly in Southeast Asia with many biological activities. In this study, the potential of bioactive compounds from KL peel, leaf, and essential oil as anti-AD agents was explored using network pharmacology. First, the compounds were identified with KNApSAcK database and related literature. Subsequently, the targets of each corresponding compound were determined with SEA Search Server and Swiss Target Prediction, while the proteins associated with AD were identified using OMIM, GenCLiP3, and DisGeNET. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction network and a compound-target interaction network were constructed to identify the most crucial proteins and compounds in the network by employing Cytoscape v3.9.1. The study continued with pathway enrichment analysis using STRING v1.7.1, molecular docking with PyRx and SwissDock, and molecular dynamics simulation with YASARA for further confirmation. Our results showed that almost all the secondary metabolites of KL targeted AD-associated genes, with oxypeucedanin and citrusoside A showing the highest anti-AD potential and targeting essential genes, EGFR and MAPK14, respectively. These targets were associated with inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, indicating the potential mechanism of KL in attenuating AD clinical manifestation.

Exploring Astrodaucus orientalis (L.) Drude: Phytochemical Analysis and its Biological Potential Against Alzheimer's and Diabetes

In current study antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, and human carbonic anhydrase I, and II (hCA I and II) isoenzymes inhibition activities of Astrodaucus orientalis different parts were investigated. Achetylcholinesterse (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterse (BChE) inhibitory activities of octyl acetate were determined via molecular docking. Quantitative assessment of specific secondary metabolites was conducted using LC-MS/MS. An examination of chemical composition of essential oils was carried out by GC-MS/MS. A thorough exploration of plant's anatomical characteristics was undertaken. The highest phenolics level and DPPH antioxidant capacity were seen in root and fruit. Fruit essential oil demonstrated the highest AChE inhibition (44.13±3.61 %), while root dichloromethane sub-extract had the best inhibition towards BChE (86.13±2.58 %). Cytosolic hCA I, and II isoenzymes were influentially inhibited by root oil with 1.974 and 2.207 μM IC50 values, respectively. The most effective extracts were found to be root all extract/sub-extracts (except water) against C. tropicalis and C. krusei strains with MIC value 160>μg/mL. Sabinene (29.4 %), α-pinene (20.2 %); octyl acetate (54.3 %); myrcene (28.0 %); octyl octanoate (71.3 %) were found principal components of aerial parts, roots, flowers, and fruits, respectively. Flower essential oil, fruit dicloromethane and ethyl acetate exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with 900, 40, and 937 μg/mL IC50 values, respectively.

Isolation, characterization and evaluation of oxypeucedanin and osthol from local endemic Prangos aricakensis Behçet and Yapar root as antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, antibacterial and DNA protection: molecular docking and DFT approaches

Prangos species were previously used against many disorders due to their chemical component. Prangos aricakensis Behçet & Yapar is a newly discovered local endemic species in Turkey's eastern region, and there is no research on P. aricakensis in the literature. In this work, oxypeucedanin and osthol molecules have been isolated from the root part of P. aricakensis for the first time. Oxypeucedanin and osthol structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR analysis. For the bioactivities determination, antioxidant (DPPH· and ABTS·+ scavenging), enzyme inhibition (AChE, BChE, tyrosinase, and urease), antibacterial and DNA protection activity studies were applied for both molecules and compared with standard drug molecules, after applying enzyme kinetic assays and in silico approaches to clarify the mechanism of action for both molecules with enzymes, using molecular docking and density functional theory (DFT). Oxypeucedanin (2.19 ± 0.38 µg/mL) and osthol (4.57 ± 1.28 µg/mL) exhibited better activity than standards in DPPH∙ scavenging activity. Osthol (11.76 ± 0.59 µg/mL) showed a better tyrosinase inhibition effect than kojic acid (12.82 ± 0.91 µg/mL), and oxypeucedanin (3.03 ± 0.01 µg/mL) showed better urease inhibition effect than thiourea (5.37 ± 1.86 µg/mL). Our results showed that the osthol molecule was an excellent skin protective agent while the oxypeucedanin molecule could be a remarkable antiulcer agent. Therefore, although this study is the first in its field, it remained in the in vitro and in silico stages and is thought to pave the way for in vivo studies in the future.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Anatomical, Morphological, and Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Gagea taurica Steven (Liliaceae): A New Record for the Turkish Flora

Gagea genus, which is native to the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, has attracted significant attention due to its biodiversity and potential health benefits. In this study, the biochemical composition and biological activities of methanol extracts from various parts of G. taurica were investigated, along with their anatomical and morphological characteristics. The best antimicrobial activity was found to be MeOH extracts of corm and leaf against several Candida strains with MIC=640 μg/mL. The highest level of phenolics together with significant results of antioxidant activities were observed in flowers extracts. The α-amylase inhibition assay results showed that the highest inhibition percentage was observed with acarbose (59 %), followed by leaf extract (43 %). Leaf exhibited the most effective inhibitory activity in AChE inhibition assay, whereas flower demonstrated the most significant inhibitory activity in BChE inhibition assay. Hesperidin was found as 1621.0001 ng/ml value in flower extract and 283.9339 ng/ml value leaf.

Screening of Antiglaucoma, Antidiabetic, Anti-Alzheimer, and Antioxidant Activities of Astragalus alopecurus Pall-Analysis of Phenolics Profiles by LC-MS/MS

Astragalus species are traditionally used for diabetes, ulcers, leukemia, wounds, stomachaches, sore throats, abdominal pain, and toothaches. Although the preventive effects of Astragalus species against diseases are known, there is no record of the therapeutic effects of Astragalus alopecurus. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiglaucoma, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and antioxidant activities of the methanolic (MEAA) and water (WEAA) extracts of the aerial part of A. alopecurus. Additionally, its phenolic compound profiles were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MEAA and WEAA were evaluated for their inhibition ability on α-glycosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzymes. The phenolic compounds of MEAA were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. In this context, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylene diamine (DMPD), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric ions (Cu²⁺) reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric ions (Fe³⁺) reducing, and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) chelating methods. MEAA and WEAA had IC₅₀ values of 9.07 and 2.24 μg/mL for α-glycosidase, 693.15 and 346.58 μg/mL for α-amylase, 1.99 and 2.45 μg/mL for AChE, and 147.7 and 171.7 μg/mL for hCA II. While the total phenolic amounts in MEAA and WEAA were 16.00 and 18.50 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mg extract, the total flavonoid contents in both extracts were calculated as 66.23 and 33.115 μg quercetin equivalent (QE)/mg, respectively. MEAA and WEAA showed, respectively, variable activities on DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 99.02 and 115.53 μg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 32.21 and 30.22 µg/mL), DMPD radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 231.05 and 65.22 μg/mL), and Fe²⁺ chelating (IC₅₀: 46.21 and 33.01 μg/mL). MEAA and WEAA reducing abilities were, respectively, Fe³⁺ reducing (λ₇₀₀: 0.308 and 0.284), FRAP (λ₅₉₃: 0.284 and 0.284), and CUPRAC (λ₄₅₀: 0.163 and 0.137). A total of 35 phenolics were scanned, and 10 phenolic compounds were determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. LC-MS/MS revealed that MEAA mainly contained isorhamnetin, fumaric acid, and rosmarinic acid derivatives. This is the first report indicating that MEAA and WEAA have α-glycosidase, α-amylase, AChE, hCA II inhibition abilities, and antioxidant activities. These results demonstrate the potential of Astragalus species through antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitor ability traditionally used in medicine. This work provides the foundation for further research into the establishment of novel therapeutics for diabetes, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's disease.

Determination of Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, Antidiabetic, Antiglaucoma and Antimicrobial Effects of Zivzik Pomegran-ate (Punica granatum)—A Chemical Profiling by LC-MS/MS)

Zivzik pomegranate (Punica granatum) has recently sparked considerable interest due to its nutritional and antioxidant properties. To evaluate the antioxidant capacities of P. granatum juice, ethanol (EEZP), and water (WEZP) extracts from peel and seed, the antioxidant methods of 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical (ABTS•+) scavenging, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH•) scavenging, Fe3+-2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-S-triazine (TPTZ) reducing, Fe3+ reducing, and Cu2+ reducing methods were used. The antioxidant capacities of samples were compared with the most commonly used synthetic antioxidants, i.e., BHA, BHT, α-tocopherol, and Trolox. In terms of setting an example, the IC50 values of EEZP for ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activities were found to be lower than standards, at 5.9 and 16.1 μg/mL, respectively. The phenolic and flavonoid contents in EEZP peel were 59.7 mg GAE/g and 88.0 mg QE/g, respectively. Inhibition of α-glycosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzymes was also investigated. EEZP demonstrated IC50 values of 7.3 μg/mL against α-glycosidase, 317.7 μg/mL against α-amylase, 19.7 μg/mL against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and 106.3 μg/mL against CA II enzymes. A total of 53 phenolic compounds were scanned, and 30 compounds were determined using LC-MS/MS. E. coli and S. aureus bacteria were resistant to all four antibiotics used as standards in hospitals.

The anatomical, morphological features, and biological activity of Scilla siberica subsp. armena (Grossh.) Mordak (Asparagaceae)

Scilla siberica subsp. armena is known as Siberian Squill which is naturally distributed in Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, and Turkey. It is a perennial bulbous plant with a short vegetation period from March to May. In this study, the antimicrobial, antioxidant, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of corm, leaf, and flower methanolic extracts were examined. The anatomy and morphology of the plant organs were investigated by light and electron microscopes. The anatomy of S. siberica subsp. armena was investigated for the first time by electron microscopy in this study. The corm, leaf, and flower methanolic extracts were assessed against E. coli ATCC 8739, S. aureus ATCC 6538, B. subtilis ATCC 19,659, C. albicans ATCC 10,231, C. krusei ATCC 14,243, and C. tropicalis ATCC 750. Among the extracts, that obtained from the blue pollen showed the best antimicrobial activity against C. tropicalis ATCC 750 strain with a MIC value of 312.5 µg/mL. The highest phenolic content was determined in leaf extract with 53.59211 µg GAE/mg extract value. The extract showed the best anti-lipid peroxidation activity with 376.69 µg/mL value. Using DPPH^· and ABTS^·+ tests, it was determined that the flower and leaf extracts have the best activity (IC₅₀ = 756.13 μg/mL and IC₅₀ = 94.07 μg/mL, respectively). The flower extract exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with the IC₅₀ value of 5239 µg/mL. Based on the presented results of the in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of the S. siberica subsp. armena, we suggest that natural compounds from S. siberica subsp. armena are of potential use for the improvement of an antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agent.

Bioassay Analysis and Molecular Docking Study Revealed the Potential Medicinal Activities of Active Compounds Polygonumins B, C and D from Polygonum minus (Persicaria minor)

Polygonumins B, C and D, derivative compounds of polygonumins A, were isolated from the stem of Polygonum minus. Based on NMR results, the structure of polygonumins derivatives is comprised of four phenylpropanoid units and a sucrose unit, with a similar structure to polygonumins A. However, the structural differences between polygonumins B (1), C (2) and D (3) can be distinguished based on the existence of methoxy, ethanoyl and hydroxyl groups and protons which bind to C-4, C-4′ and C-3″. Interestingly, these bioactive compounds showed various medicinal properties based on our investigation on antioxidant, anticholinesterase and anti-HIV-1 protease activities. The IC50 value of DPPH and ABTS (antioxidant activities) was in the following descending order: polygonumins B > polygonumins C > polygonumins A > polygonumins D. In addition, almost similar pattern of antioxidant activity was observed for anti-acetylcholinesterase activity based on its IC50 value in descending order: polygonumins B > polygonumins C > polygonumins D > polygonumins A. On the other hand, polygonumins C and D showed inhibition of HIV-1 protease activity more than the positive control, pepstatin A. Finally, molecular docking studies on AChE and BChE proteins were carried out in order to gain insight into the mode of interactions between these compounds and the active residues for both enzymes. These remarkable findings indicate that these compounds have potential to be developed as targeted drugs for Alzheimer’s disease or as anti-HIV drugs.

Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Angelica sylvestris L. var. stenoptera Avé-Lall ex Boiss.: An Endangered Medicinal Plant of Northeast Turkey

Angelica sylvestris L. var. stenoptera Avé-Lall ex Boiss. (ASS) is an endangered endemic plant to Turkey. The objective of the study was to determine antioxidant activities, total phenolics, and phytochemical properties of methanolic extracts (MEs) and essential oil (EO) from ASS for the first time with the methods of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH⋅) radical scavenging activities, 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS⋅+ ), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the Folin-Ciocalteu, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The leaf extract of ASS was found to be the richest in phenolic content (543.91±6.33 GAE, μg/mL) and showed the highest DPPH⋅ and FRAP activities (IC50 : 0.1140±0.0011 mg/mL, 675.62±15.01 μM TEAC). EO of ASS root showed DPPH⋅ and FRAP activities (IC50 : 1.3248±0.0572 mg/mL, 346.67±12.75 μM TEAC). 19 phenolics were detected in MEs of different parts of ASS by LC/MS/MS. In the chemical composition of ASS root EO by GC/MS, globulol (70.70 %) was found to be the major compound. Our results indicate that ASS can be used a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants for conservation and sustainability of endangered plants.

Essential Oil from Hibiscus Flowers through Advanced Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation and Conventional Hydrodistillation

Due to the increased demand and importance of essential oils in medicinal applications, advanced essential oil extraction techniques have been employed. Both conventional hydrodistillation (HD) and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) were employed to extract the essential oils from the hibiscus flower. Extraction time and solvent polarity were the most critical factors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the surface morphologies of raw powdered hibiscus flowers (not exposed to any pretreatment) and pretreated powdered hibiscus flowers (exposed to methanol absorption for 60 minutes prior to extraction). Extractive chemistry analysis utilizing Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed on the volatile oil obtained by MAHD. Different peaks in the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis indicated the presence of thirty-seven different compositions. MAHD was more energy efficient, had higher yield production, and was environmentally friendly, reducing HD’s overall carbon footprint by 40%. Oxygenated monoterpene, sesquiterpene, and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were found in the hibiscus flower’s crude extract. Moreover, the methanolic extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has potent antioxidant properties. A hibiscus flower extract had scavenging activities of 51.2% at 0.2 mg/mL, 0.3% at 0.6 mg/mL, 0.8% at 1.0 mg/mL, and 68.5% at 1.2 mg/mL against DPPH free radicals. Therefore, the MAHD method is well-suited to extracting essential oils from hibiscus flowers, and the resulting oil has the potential to provide significant therapeutic advantages.

Determination of Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Activity of Selected Plant Ingredients

Neurodegenerative diseases, among which one of the more common is Alzheimer’s disease, are the one of the biggest global public health challenges facing our generation because of the increasing elderly population in most countries. With the growing burden of these diseases, it is essential to discover and develop new treatment options capable of preventing and treating them. Neurodegenerative diseases, among which one of the most common is Alzheimer’s disease, are a multifactorial disease and therefore demand multiple therapeutic approaches. One of the most important therapeutic strategies is controlling the level of acetylcholine—a neurotransmitter in cholinergic synapses—by blocking the degradation of acetylcholine using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as tacrine, galantamine, donepezil and rivastigmine. However, these drugs can cause some adverse side effects, such as hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal disorder. Thus, the search for new, more effective drugs is very important. In the last few years, different active constituents from plants have been tested as potential drugs in neurodegenerative disease therapy. The availability, lower price and less toxic effects of herbal medicines compared with synthetic agents make them a simple and excellent choice in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The empirical approach to discovering new drugs from the systematic screening of plant extracts or plant-derived compounds is still an important strategy when it comes to finding new biologically active substances. The aim of this review is to identify new, safe and effective compounds that are potential candidates for further in vivo and clinical tests from which more effective drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease could be selected. We reviewed the methods used to determine anti-Alzheimer’s disease activity. Here, we have discussed the relevance of plant-derived compounds with in vitro activity. Various plants and phytochemical compounds have shown different activity that could be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disorders. Most often, medicinal plants and their active components have been investigated as acetylcholinesterase and/or butyrylcholinesterase activity inhibitors, modifiers of β-amyloid processing and antioxidant agents. This study also aims to highlight species with assessed efficacy, usable plant parts and the most active plant components in order to identify species and compounds of interest for further study. Future research directions are suggested and recommendations made to expand the use of medicinal plants, their formulations and plant-derived active compounds to prevent, mitigate and treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Determination of amino acids of plants from Angelica L. genus by HPLC method

One of the tasks of pharmaceutical science is to find new sources of effective drugs. Such sources include plants such as Angelica archangelica L. and Angelica sylvestris L., which have been used for many years to treat various diseases in folk medicine. Because the chemical composition of these plants is poorly understood, the aim of our study was to investigate the amino acid composition of the leaves of A. archangelica L. and A. sylvestris L. The amino acids of the leaves of the study species of the genus Angelica L. were determined by the HPLC method. Eighteen free and nineteen bound amino acids were identified in the leaves of A. archangelica L. The A. sylvestris L. leaves contained nineteen free and the same amount of bound amino acids. High concentrations of free and bound amino acids such as L-glutamic acid and L-aspartic acid predominate in A. archangelica L. and A. sylvestris L. This allowed these amino acids to be considered distinguishing markers of the study plants. Character metabolic processes in which these amino acids take part may be associated with the medicinal properties of these plants pursuant to their use in medicine and, therefore, may contribute to the insight of their therapeutic properties.

Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gilli. Essential Oil Improved Brain Function via Cholinergic Modulation and Antioxidant Effects in the Scopolamine-Induced Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model

Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gilli. is a medicinal plant that displays antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and neuroprotective properties. The effect of A. purpurascens essential oil (APO) on memory impairments and brain oxidative stress in zebrafish (Danio rerio) treated with scopolamine (Sco), as well as the underlying mechanism involved, were investigated in this study. Exposure to Sco (100 μM) resulted in anxiety in zebrafish, as assessed by the novel tank diving test (NTT), whereas spatial memory and novelty response dysfunctions, as evidenced by the Y-maze test and novel object recognition test (NOR), were noticed. When zebrafish were given Sco and simultaneously given APO (25 and 150 μL/L, once daily for 13 days), the deficits were averted. An increase in brain antioxidant enzymes, a reduction of lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation were linked to this impact. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was significantly reduced in the brains of APO-treated zebrafish. The main detected components in the APO composition were β-phellandrene (33.80%), sabinene (6.80%), α-pinene (5.30%), germacrene-D (4.50%), α-phellandrene (4.20%), and p-cymene (3.80%) based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) investigations. Our findings show that APO's beneficial effect in a zebrafish model of Sco-induced memory impairment is mediated through multiple mechanisms, including the restoration of cholinergic system function and the improvement of the brain antioxidant state. As a result, APO could be employed as a potential source of bioactive molecules with useful biological properties and medicinal uses.

Variations in Total Phenolic, Total Flavonoid Contents, and Free Radicals' Scavenging Potential of Onion Varieties Planted under Diverse Environmental Conditions

Genetic diversity and Agro-climatic conditions contribute significantly to the agronomic and morphological features of the food plant species, and their nutraceutical potential. The present study was intended to evaluate the impact of growing conditions on total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, and in vitro antioxidant potential in the bulbs and leaves of onion varieties planted under diverse environmental conditions. Standard analytical methods were used to quantify total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and free radicals’ scavenging/antioxidant capacity. The impact of climatic and soil conditions was assessed using statistical tools. In general, onion varieties cultivated at three different locations viz. Kalar Kahar, Lahore and Swabi exhibited significant variations in TPC and TFC, and antioxidant activities. The bulbs and leaves of Mustang (V1) variety planted at Lahore and Swabi had significantly (p < 0.05), high levels of TPC (659.5 ± 6.59, and 631.1 ± 8.58 mg GAE/100 g, respectively). However, leaves of Red Orb (V2) and bulbs of Mustang (V1), and Golden Orb (V6), harvested from Kalar Kahar depicted the highest concentration of TFC (432.5 ± 10.3, 303.0 ± 6.67, and 303.0 ± 2.52 mg QE/100 g DW, respectively). Likewise, bulbs of V1 planted at Kalar Kahar, Lahore and Swabi exhibited maximum inhibition of DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 radicals (79.01 ± 1.49, 65.38 ± 0.99, and 59.76 ± 0.90%, respectively). Golden Orb (V6) harvested from Lahore had the highest scavenging of OH radical (67.40 ± 0.09%). Likewise, bulbs of V1 variety planted at KalarKahar and Swabi had significant capacity to scavenge ferric ions (415.1 ± 10.6 mg GAE/100 g DW), and molybdate ions (213.7 ± 0.00 mg AAE/100 g DW). Conversely, leaves of Amazon (V8), planted at Lahore and Swabi depicted significant levels of DPPH, ABTS, H2O2 radical scavenging (90.69 ± 0.26, 63.55 ± 1.06, 51.86 ± 0.43%, respectively), and reduction of ferric ions (184.2 ± 6.75 mg GAE/100 g DW). V6 leaves harvested from Lahore and that of Super Sarhad (V3) from Swabi showed the highest inhibition of OH radical (61.21 ± 0.79%), and molybdate ions (623.6 ± 0.12 mg AAE/100 g DW), respectively. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis revealed strong relationships of climatic conditions, soil properties and elevation with TPC, TFC and free radicals’ scavenging potential in the bulbs and leaves of onion varieties. The variations in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant potential of different varieties, and their associations with climatic and soil factors revealed the complexity of the growing conditions and genetic makeup that imposed significant impacts on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and nutraceutical potential of food and medicinal plant species.

New Carbonic Anhydrase-II Inhibitors from Marine Macro Brown Alga Dictyopteris hoytii Supported by In Silico Studies

In continuation of phytochemical investigations of the methanolic extract of Dictyopteris hoytii, we have obtained twelve compounds (1-12) through column chromatography. Herein, three compounds, namely, dimethyl 2-bromoterepthalate (3), dimethyl 2,6-dibromoterepthalate (4), and (E)-3-(4-(dimethoxymethyl)phenyl) acrylic acid (5) are isolated for the first time as a natural product, while the rest of the compounds (1, 2, 6-12) are known and isolated for the first time from this source. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by advanced spectroscopic 1D and 2D NMR techniques including 1H, 13C, DEPT, HSQC, HMBC, COSY, NEOSY, and HR-MS and comparison with the reported literature. Furthermore, eight compounds (13-20) previously isolated by our group from the same source along with the currently isolated compounds (1-12) were screened against the CA-II enzyme. All compounds, except 6, 8, 14, and 17, were evaluated for in vitro bovine carbonic anhydrase-II (CA-II) inhibitory activity. Eventually, eleven compounds (1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 18, and 19) exhibited significant inhibitory activity against CA-II with IC50 values ranging from 13.4 to 71.6 μM. Additionally, the active molecules were subjected to molecular docking studies to predict the binding behavior of those compounds. It was observed that the compounds exhibit the inhibitory potential by specifically interacting with the ZN ion present in the active site of CA-II. In addition to ZN ion, two residues (His94 and Thr199) play an important role in binding with the compounds that possess a carboxylate group in their structure.

Non-Alkaloid Cholinesterase Inhibitory Compounds from Natural Sources

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder of different brain regions accompanied by distresses and affecting more than 25 million people in the world. This progressive brain deterioration affects the central nervous system and has negative impacts on a patient's daily activities such as memory impairment. The most important challenge concerning AD is the development of new drugs for long-term treatment or prevention, with lesser side effects and greater efficiency as cholinesterases inhibitors and the ability to remove amyloid-beta(Aβ) deposits and other related AD neuropathologies. Natural sources provide promising alternatives to synthetic cholinesterase inhibitors and many have been reported for alkaloids while neglecting other classes with potential cholinesterase inhibition. This review summarizes information about the therapeutic potential of small natural molecules from medicinal herbs, belonging to terpenoids, coumarins, and phenolic compounds, and others, which have gained special attention due to their specific modes of action and their advantages of low toxicity and high efficiency in the treatment of AD. Some show superior drug-like features in comparison to synthetic cholinesterase inhibitors. We expect that the listed phytoconstituents in this review will serve as promising tools and chemical scaffolds for the discovery of new potent therapeutic leads for the amelioration and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Oleuropein and Verbascoside - Their Inhibition Effects on Carbonic Anhydrase and Molecular Docking Studies

Recently, carbonic anhydrase (CA, E.C.4.2.1.1) inhibitors from natural product have paved the way for novel drug design in the treatment and prevention of some global diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes, and cancer. For this purpose, the inhibition effects of oleuropein and verbascoside from olive (Olea europaea L.) oil on human carbonic anhydrase I, and II (hCA I, and II) isoenzymes were evaluated in the current study. The inhibition effects of both natural compounds were determined by the esterase activity (in vitro). IC₅₀ value of oleuropein and verbascoside was calculated as 1.57 and 1.73 µM for hCA I isoenzyme, respectively. At the same manner, K _i values were determined as 1.25 ± 0.42 and 2.00 ± 0.42 µM, respectively. Then, IC₅₀ value of each compound for hCA II isoenzyme was calculated as 2.23 and 1.90 µM, respectively. Similarly, K _i values were determined as 2.37 ± 0.87 µM and 1.49 ± 0.33 µM, respectively. Also, the inhibitory effects and potent binding mechanisms of oleuropein and verbascoside on hCA I, and II isoenzymes were realized by molecular docking studies. Consequently, both natural phenolic compounds demonstrated the potent inhibition profiles against the both isoenzymes. Therefore, we believe that these results may break new ground in the drug development for the treatment of some global disorders.

Cholinesterases, carbonic anhydrase inhibitory properties and in silico studies of novel substituted benzylamines derived from dihydrochalcones

A series of novel urea, sulfamide and N,N-dipropargyl substituted benzylamines were synthesized from dihydrochalcones. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cholinesterases and carbonic anhydrase inhibitory actions. The known dihydrochalcones were converted into four new benzylamines via reductive amination. N,N-Dipropargylamines, ureas and sulfamides were synthesized following the reactions of benzylamines with propargyl bromide, N,N-dimethyl sulfamoyl chloride and N,N-dimethyl carbamoyl chloride. The novel substituted benzylamines derived from dihydrochalcones were evaluated against some enzymes such as human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I and hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The novel substituted benzylamines derived from dihydrochalcones exhibited K_i values in the range of 0.121-1.007 nM on hCA I, and 0.077-0.487 nM on hCA II closely related to several pathological processes. On the other hand, K_i values were found in the range of 0.112-0.558 nM on AChE, 0.061-0.388 nM on BChE. As a result, novel substituted benzylamines derived from dihydrochalcones showed potent inhibitory profiles against indicated metabolic enzymes. In addition, Induced-Fit Docking (IFD) simulations and ADME prediction studies have also been carried out to elucidate the inhibition mechanisms and drug-likeness of the synthesized compounds. Therefore, these results can make significant contributions to the treatment of some global diseases, especially Alzheimer's diseases and glaucoma, and the development of new drugs.

Bergapten: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity

Bergapten is a natural furocoumarin, also known as 5-methoxypsoralen, and its medicinal value has been paid more and more attention. By sorting out the pharmacological literature of bergapten, we found that bergapten has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, organ protection, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetes effects. However，bergapten has complex impacts on the hepatic metabolic enzyme. Moreover, pharmacokinetic studies showed that bergapten has higher absolute bioavailability and can cross the blood-brain barrier and has a great potential for treating brain disease, but the mechanism needs further clarification to make greater use of its ability to treat brain diseases. Furthermore, the phototoxicity of bergapten combined with ultraviolet light has always been mentioned. In view of its wide range of pharmacological activities, bergapten is expected to be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of diabetes and diabetes-induced osteoporosis, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and cancer. However, further studies are needed to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and targets. The phototoxicity of bergapten as a side effect should be further avoided. On the other hand, the photoactivation of bergapten in the anticancer aspect can be better utilized.

Oxypeucedanin: Chemotaxonomy, Isolation, and Bioactivities

The present review comprehensively gathered phytochemical, bioactivity, and pharmacokinetic reports on a linear furanocoumarin, namely oxypeucedanin. Oxypeucedanin (OP), which structurally contains an epoxide ring, has been majorly isolated from ethyl acetate-soluble partitions of several genera, particularly Angelica, Ferulago, and Prangos of the Apiaceae family; and Citrus, belonging to the Rutaceae family. The methanolic extract of Angelica dahurica roots has been analytically characterized as the richest natural OP source. This naturally occurring secondary metabolite has been described to possess potent antiproliferative, cytotoxic, anti-influenza, and antiallergic activities, as assessed in preclinical studies. In order to explore potential drug candidates, oxypeucedanin, its derivatives, and semi-synthetically optimized analogues can be considered for the complementary assessments of biological assays.

Phenolic compounds, essential oil composition, and antioxidant activity of Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gill

In this study, methanol extracts (MEs) and essential oil (EO) of Angelica purpurascens (Avé-Lall.) Gill obtained from different parts (root, stem, leaf, and seed) were evaluated in terms of antioxidant activity, total phenolics, compositions of phenolic compound, and essential oil with the methods of 2,2-azino-bis(3ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•⁺), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH•) radical scavenging activities, and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the Folin-Ciocalteu, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The root extract of A. purpurascens exhibited the highest ABTS•⁺, DPPH•, and FRAP activities (IC₅₀: 0.05 ± 0.0001 mg/mL, IC₅₀: 0.06 ± 0.002 mg/mL, 821.04 ± 15.96 µM TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), respectively). Moreover, EO of A. purpurascens root displayed DPPH• scavenging activity (IC₅₀: 2.95 ± 0.084 mg/mL). The root extract had the highest total phenolic content (438.75 ± 16.39 GAE (gallic acid equivalent), µg/mL)). Twenty compounds were identified by LC-MS/MS. The most abundant phenolics were ferulic acid (244.39 ± 15.64 μg/g extract), benzoic acid (138.18 ± 8.84 μg/g extract), oleuropein (78.04 ± 4.99 μg/g extract), and rutin (31.21 ± 2.00 μg/g extract) in seed, stem, root, and leaf extracts, respectively. According to the GC-MS analysis, the major components were determined as α-bisabolol (22.93%), cubebol (14.39%), α-pinene (11.63%), and α-limonene (9.41%) among 29 compounds. Consequently, the MEs and EO of A. purpurascens can be used as a natural antioxidant source.

Homotherapy for heteropathy active components and mechanisms of Qiang-Huo-Sheng-Shi decoction for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Qiang-Huo-Sheng-Shi decoction (QHSSD), a classic traditional Chinese herbal formula, which has been reported to be effective in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, the concurrent targeting mechanism of how the aforementioned formula is valid in the two distinct diseases OA and RA, which represents the homotherapy-for-heteropathy principle in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have not yet been clarified. In the present study, network pharmacology was adopted to analyze the potential molecular mechanism, and therapeutic effective components of QHSSD on both OA and RA. A total of 153 active ingredients in QHSSD were identified, 142 of which associated with 59 potential targets for the two diseases were identified. By constructing the protein-protein interaction network and the compound-target-disease network, 72 compounds and 10 proteins were obtained as the hub targets of QHSSD against OA and RA. The hub genes of ESR1, PTGS2, PPARG, IL1B, TNF, MMP2, IL6, CYP3A4, MAPK8, and ALB were mainly involved in osteoclast differentiation, the NF-κB and TNF signaling pathways. Moreover, molecular docking results showed that the screened active compounds had a high affinity for the hub genes. This study provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms behind how QHSSD presents homotherapy-for-heteropathy therapeutic efficacy in both OA and RA. For the first time, a two-disease model was linked with a TCM formula using network pharmacology to identify the key active components and understand the common mechanisms of its multi-pathway regulation. This study will inspire more innovative and important studies on the modern research of TCM formulas.

In Silico ADMET Evaluation of Natural DPP-IV Inhibitors for Rational Drug Design against Diabetes

BACKGROUND

As a metabolic and lifestyle disorder, diabetes mellitus poses a prodigious health risk. Out of the many key targets, DPP-IV is one of the very imperative therapeutic targets for the treatment of diabetic patients.

METHODS

In our current study, we have done the in silico simulations of ADME-T properties for naturally originated potent DPP-IV inhibitors like quinovic acid, stigmasterol, quinovic acid-3-beta-D-glycopyranoside, zygophyloside E, and lupeol. Structural topographies associated with different pharmacokinetic properties have been systematically assessed.

RESULTS

Glycosylation on quinovic acid is found to be noteworthy for the improvement of pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties, which leads to the prediction that zygophyloside E can be further tailored down to get the lead DPP-IV inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

This assessment provides useful insight into the future development of novel drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Synthesis of nitrogen, phosphorus, selenium and sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds - Determination of their carbonic anhydrase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and α-glycosidase inhibition properties

Sulfur-containing pyrroles (1-3), tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine(selenide) sulfide (4-5) and 4-benzyl-6-(thiophen-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (6) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectra. In this study, the synthesized compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, selenium and sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds (1-6) were evaluated against the human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I, and II isoenzymes, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glycosidase enzymes. The synthesized heterocyclic compounds showed IC₅₀ values in range of 33.32-60.79 nM against hCA I, and 37.05-66.64 nM against hCA II closely associated with various physiological and pathological processes. On the other hand, IC₅₀ values were found in range of 13.13-22.21 nM against AChE, 0.54-31.22 nM against BChE, and 13.51-26.55 nM against α-glycosidase as a hydrolytic enzyme. As a result, nitrogen, phosphorus, selenium and sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds (1-6) demonstrated potent inhibition profiles against indicated metabolic enzymes. Therefore, we believe that these results may contribute to the development of new drugs particularly in the treatment of some global disorders including glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

Synthesis and antioxidant activities of phenol derivatives from 1,6-bis(dimethoxyphenyl)hexane-1,6-dione

Starting from the compound (3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)(2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)cyclopent-1-en-1-yl)methanone (4), two diols and three tetrol derivatives were synthesised. Morover, from the reactions of 1,3-dimethoxybenzene and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene with adipoyl chloride, fifteen new along with nine known compounds were obtained. For the characterizations of compounds, spectroscopic methods such as NMR including DEPT, COSY, HMQC and HMBC experiments and X-ray diffraction were used. The antioxidant activities of novel synthesized seventeen molecules were investigated by analytical methods like ABTS^•+ and DPPH^• scavenging. Also, reducing power these molecules were investigated by Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, and [Fe³⁺-(TPTZ)₂]³⁺. Some of the molecules record powerful antioxidant profile when compared to putative standards. The inhibition effects of the phenols compounds against AChE and BChE activities were analysed. Also, these phenols were found as effective inhibitors for AChE, hCA I, hCA II, and BChE with K_is in the range of 122.95 ± 18.41-351.31 ± 69.12 nM for hCA I, 62.35 ± 9.03-363.17 ± 180.1 nM for hCA II, 134.57 ± 3.99-457.43 ± 220.10 nM for AChE, and 27.06 ± 9.12-72.98 ± 9.53 nM for BChE, respectively.