The pharmacology of the genus Sophora (Fabaceae): An updated review

Decoding the biochemical dialogue: metabolomic insights into soybean defense strategies against diverse pathogens

Soybean, a crucial global leguminous crop, confronts persistent threats from diverse pathogens, exerting a profound impact on global yields. While genetic dimensions of soybean-pathogen interactions have garnered attention, the intricate biochemical responses remain poorly elucidated. In this study, we applied targeted and untargeted liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolite profiling to dissect the complex interplay between soybeans and five distinct pathogens. Our analysis uncovered 627 idMS/MS spectra, leading to the identification of four main modules, encompassing flavonoids, isoflavonoids, triterpenoids, and amino acids and peptides, alongside other compounds such as phenolics. Profound shifts were observed in both primary and secondary metabolism in response to pathogenic infections. Particularly notable were the bidirectional changes in total flavonoids across diverse pathogenic inoculations, while triterpenoids exhibited a general declining trend. Noteworthy among the highly inducible total flavonoids were known representative anti-pathogen compounds (glyceollin I), backbone forms of isoflavonoids (daidzein, genistein, glycitein, formononetin), and newly purified compounds in this study (prunin). Subsequently, we delved into the biological roles of these five compounds, validating their diverse functions against pathogens: prunin significantly inhibited the vegetative growth and virulence of Phytophthora sojae; genistein exhibited a pronounced inhibitory effect on the vegetative growth and virulence of Phomopsis longicolla; daidzein and formononetin displayed significant repressive effects on the virulence of P. longicolla. This study underscores the potent utility of metabolomic tools, providing in-depth insights into plant-pathogen interactions from a biochemical perspective. The findings not only contribute to plant pathology but also offer strategic pathways for bolstering plant resistance against diseases on a broader scale.

Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Sophora flavescens Aiton and Protective Effects against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury and Oxidative Stress in Mice

In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective effects of an ethanol extract of Sophora flavescens Aiton (ESF) on an alcohol-induced liver disease mouse model. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) was caused by the administration of ethanol to male C57/BL6 mice who were given a Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet, including ethanol. The alcoholic fatty liver disease mice were orally administered ESF (100 and 200 mg/kg bw/day) or silymarin (50 mg/kg bw/day), which served as a positive control every day for 16 days. The findings suggest that ESF enhances hepatoprotective benefits by significantly decreasing serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), markers for liver injury. Furthermore, ESF alleviated the accumulation of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), increased serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and improved serum alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity in the alcoholic fatty liver disease mice model. Cells and organisms rely on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1- Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) system as a critical defensive mechanism in response to oxidative stress. Therefore, Nrf2 plays an important role in ALD antioxidant responses, and its level is decreased by increased reactive oxidation stress (ROS) in the liver. ESF increased Nrf2, which was decreased in ethanol-damaged livers. Additionally, four polyphenol compounds were identified through a qualitative analysis of the ESF using LC-MS/MS. This study confirmed ESF's antioxidative and hangover-elimination effects and suggested the possibility of using Sophora flavescens Aiton (SF) to treat ALD.

Electrospun Tamarindus indica-loaded antimicrobial PMMA/cellulose acetate/PEO nanofibrous scaffolds for accelerated wound healing: In-vitro and in-vivo assessments

In this work, Tamarindus indica (T. indica)-loaded crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/cellulose acetate (CA)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) electrospun nanofibers were designed and fabricated for wound healing applications. T. indica is a plant extract that possesses antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimalarial and wound healing properties. T. indica leaves extract of different concentrations were blended with a tuned composition of a matrix comprised of PMMA (10 %), CA (2 %) and PEO (1.5 %), and were electrospun to form smooth, dense and continuous nanofibers as illustrated by SEM investigation. In vitro evaluation of T. indica-loaded nanofibers on normal human skin fibroblasts (HBF4) revealed a high compatibility and low cytotoxicity. T. indica-loaded nanofibers significantly increased the healing activity of scratched HBF4 cells, as compared to the free plant extract, and the healing activity was significantly enhanced upon increasing the plant extract concentration. Moreover, T. indica-loaded nanofibers demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity in vitro against the tested microbes. In vivo, nanofibers resulted in a superior wound healing efficiency compared to the control untreated animals. Hence, engineered nanofibers loaded with potent phytochemicals could be exploited as an effective biocompatible and eco-friendly antimicrobial biomaterials and wound healing composites.

Biochar and organic fertilizer drive the bacterial community to improve the productivity and quality of Sophora tonkinensis in cadmium-contaminated soil

Excessive Cd accumulation in soil reduces the production of numerous plants, such as Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep., which is an important and widely cultivated medicinal plant whose roots and rhizomes are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Applying a mixture of biochar and organic fertilizers improved the overall health of the Cd-contaminated soil and increased the yield and quality of Sophora. However, the underlying mechanism between this mixed fertilization and the improvement of the yield and quality of Sophora remains uncovered. This study investigated the effect of biochar and organic fertilizer application (BO, biochar to organic fertilizer ratio of 1:2) on the growth of Sophora cultivated in Cd-contaminated soil. BO significantly reduced the total Cd content (TCd) in the Sophora rhizosphere soil and increased the soil water content, overall soil nutrient levels, and enzyme activities in the soil. Additionally, the α diversity of the soil bacterial community had been significantly improved after BO treatment. Soil pH, total Cd content, total carbon content, and dissolved organic carbon were the main reasons for the fluctuation of the bacterial dominant species. Further investigation demonstrated that the abundance of variable microorganisms, including Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, Patescibacteria, Armatimonadetes, Subgroups_ 6, Bacillus and Bacillus_ Acidiceler, was also significantly changed in Cd-contaminated soil. All these alterations could contribute to the reduction of the Cd content and, thus, the increase of the biomass and the content of the main secondary metabolites (matrine and oxymatrine) in Sophora. Our research demonstrated that the co-application of biochar and organic fertilizer has the potential to enhance soil health and increase the productivity and quality of plants by regulating the microorganisms in Cd-contaminated soil.

Suppression of inflammation-induced lung cancer cells proliferation and metastasis by exiguaflavanone A and exiguaflavanone B from Sophora exigua root extract through NLRP3 inflammasome pathway inhibition

Objective: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is recognized for its aggressive nature and propensity for high rates of metastasis. The NLRP3 inflammasome pathway plays a vital role in the progression of NSCLC. This study aimed to investigate the effects of S. exigua extract and its active compounds on NLRP3 regulation in NSCLC using an in vitro model. Methods: S. exigua was extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol to obtain S. exigua hexane fraction (SE-Hex), S. exigua ethyl acetate fraction (SE-EA), and S. exigua ethanol fraction (SE-EtOH) respectively. The active compounds were identified using column chromatography and NMR analysis. A549 cells were primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for activated NLRP3 inflammasome. The anti-inflammatory properties were determined using ELISA assay. The anti-proliferation and anti-metastasis properties against LPS-ATP-induced A549 cells were determined by colony formation, cell cycle, wound healing, and trans-well migration and invasion assays. The inflammatory gene expressions and molecular mechanism were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results: SE-EA exhibited the greatest anti-inflammation properties compared with other two fractions as evidenced by the significant inhibition of IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-6, cytokine productions from LPS-ATP-induced A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The analysis of active compounds revealed exiguaflavanone A (EGF-A) and exiguaflavanone B (EGF-B) as the major compounds present in SE-EA. Then, SE-EA and its major compound were investigated for the anti-proliferation and anti-metastasis properties. It was found that SE-EA, EGF-A, and EGF-B could inhibit the proliferation of LPS-ATP-induced A549 cells through cell cycle arrest induction at the G0/G1 phase and reducing the expression of cell cycle regulator proteins. Furthermore, SE-EA and its major compounds dose-dependently suppressed migration and invasion of LPS-ATP-induced A549 cells. At the molecular level, SE-EA, EGF-A, and EGF-B significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and NLRP3 in LPS-ATP-induced A549 cells. Regarding the mechanistic study, SE-EA, EGF-A, and EGF-B inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation through suppressing NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1(p50 form), and cleaved-caspase-1(p20 form) expressions. Conclusion: Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome pathway holds promise as a therapeutic approach to counteract pro-tumorigenic inflammation and develop novel treatments for NSCLC.

Chromosomal level genome assembly of medicinal plant Sophora flavescens

Sophora flavescens is a medicinal plant in the genus Sophora of the Fabaceae family. The root of S. flavescens is known in China as Kushen and has a long history of wide use in multiple formulations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In this study, we used third-generation Nanopore long-read sequencing technology combined with Hi-C scaffolding technology to de novo assemble the S. flavescens genome. We obtained a chromosomal level high-quality S. flavescens draft genome. The draft genome size is approximately 2.08 Gb, with more than 80% annotated as Transposable Elements (TEs), which have recently and rapidly proliferated. This genome size is ~5x larger than its closest sequenced relative Lupinus albus L. . We annotated 60,485 genes and examined their expression profiles in leaf, stem and root tissues, and also characterised the genes and pathways involved in the biosynthesis of major bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids and isoflavonoids. The assembled genome highlights the very different evolutionary trajectories that have occurred in recently diverged Fabaceae, leading to smaller duplicated genomes.

Synergistic antiviral activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Glycyrrhiza glabra against Herpes Simplex-1 Virus (HSV-1) and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV): experimental and In Silico insights

BACKGROUND

The emergence of different viral infections calls for the development of new, effective, and safe antiviral drugs. Glycyrrhiza glabra is a well-known herbal remedy possessing antiviral properties.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed combination of the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and G. glabra root extract against two viral models, namely the DNA virus Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and the RNA virus Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), with regards to their antiviral properties.

METHODOLOGY

To examine the antiviral impacts of various treatments, we employed the MTT assay and real-time PCR methodology.

RESULTS

The findings of our study indicate that the co-administration of L. acidophilus and G. glabra resulted in a significant improvement in the survival rate of Vero cells, while also leading to a reduction in the titers of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in comparison to cells that were not treated. Additionally, an investigation was conducted on glycyrrhizin, the primary constituent of G. glabra extract, utilizing molecular docking techniques. The results indicated that glycyrrhizin exhibited a greater binding energy score for HSV-1 polymerase (- 22.45 kcal/mol) and VSV nucleocapsid (- 19.77 kcal/mol) in comparison to the cocrystallized ligand (- 13.31 and - 11.44 kcal/mol, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of L. acidophilus and G. glabra extract can be used to develop a new, natural antiviral agent that is safe and effective.

Evaluation of potential inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase, pancreatic lipase, and cancer cell lines using raw leaves extracts of three fabaceae species

The present study examined the biological potential and phytochemicals of Sophora mollis, Mucuna pruriens, and Indigofera atropurpurea methanolic leaf extracts. In vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-lipase assays were performed using different concentrations of plant extracts, and the IC₅₀ values were determined. The cytotoxic potential of the selected plant extracts was assessed against HeLa, PC3, and 3T3 cell lines using an MTT assay. S. mollis leaf extract displayed the highest inhibition percentage (114.60% ± 19.95 at 1000 μg/mL) for the anti-acetylcholinesterase activity with a prominent IC₅₀ value of 75.9 μg/mL. The anti-lipase potential was highest with the M. pruriens leaf extract (355.5 μg/mL IC₅₀), followed by the S. mollis extract (862.7 μg/mL IC₅₀). Among the cell lines tested, the cytotoxic potential of the I. atropurpurea extract (91.1 ppm IC₅₀) against the PC3 cell line was promising. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, rutin trihydrate, and quercetin dihydrate in varying concentrations in all plant species. The concentration of chlorogenic acid (69.09 ppm) was highest in M. pruriens, and the caffeic acid concentration (45.20 ppm) was higher in S. mollis. This paper reports the presence of bioactive therapeutic compounds in selected species of the Fabaceae family that could be micro-propagated, isolated, and utilized in pharmaceutical industries.

Synergistic Effect of Sophora japonica and Glycyrrhiza glabra Flavonoid-Rich Fractions on Wound Healing: In Vivo and Molecular Docking Studies

Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sophora japonica (Fabaceae) are well-known medicinal plants with valuable secondary metabolites and pharmacological properties. The flavonoid-rich fractions of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves were prepared using Diaion column chromatography, and the confirmation of flavonoid richness was confirmed using UPLC-ESI-MS profiling and total phenolics and flavonoids assays. UPLC-ESI-MS profiling of the flavonoid-rich fraction of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves resulted in the tentative identification of 32 and 23 compounds, respectively. Additionally, the wound healing potential of topical preparations of each fraction, individually and in combination (1:1) ointment and gel preparations, were investigated in vivo, supported by histopathological examinations and biomarker evaluations, as well as molecular docking studies for the major constituents. The topical application of G. glabra ointment and gel, S. japonica ointment and gel and combination preparations significantly increase the wound healing rate and the reduction of oxidative stress in the wound area via MDA reduction and the elevation of reduced GSH and SOD levels as compared to the wound and Nolaver®-treated groups. The molecular docking study revealed that that major compounds in G. glabra and S. japonica can efficiently bind to the active sites of three proteins related to wound healing: glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-β), matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Consequently, G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves may be a rich source of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.

Comparative Metabolic Study of Tamarindus indica L.'s Various Organs Based on GC/MS Analysis, In Silico and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Activities

The chemical composition of the n-hexane extract of Tamarindus indica's various organs-bark, leaves, seeds, and fruits (TIB, TIL, TIS, TIF)-was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. A total of 113 metabolites were identified, accounting for 93.07, 83.17, 84.05, and 85.08 % of the total identified components in TIB, TIL, TIS, and TIF, respectively. Lupeol was the most predominant component in TIB and TIL, accounting for 23.61 and 22.78%, respectively. However, n-Docosanoic acid (10.49%) and methyl tricosanoate (7.09%) were present in a high percentage in TIS. However, α-terpinyl acetate (7.36%) and α-muurolene (7.52%) were the major components of TIF n-hexane extract. By applying a principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA) to GC/MS-based metabolites, a clear differentiation of Tamarindus indica organs was achieved. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, the wound healing potential for the n-hexane extract of various plant organs was assessed using the in-vitro wound scratch assay using Human Skin Fibroblast cells. The tested extracts showed considerable anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activities. At a concentration of 10 µg/mL, TIL showed the highest nitric oxide (NO) inhibition by 53.97 ± 5.89%. Regarding the wound healing potential, after 24 h, TIB, TIL, TIS, and TIF n-hexane extracts at 10 g/mL reduced the wound width to 1.09 ± 0.04, 1.12 ± 0.18, 1.09 ± 0.28, and 1.41 ± 0.35 mm, respectively, as compared to the control cells (1.37 ± 0.15 mm). These findings showed that the n-hexane extract of T. indica enhanced wound healing by promoting fibroblast migration. Additionally, a docking study was conducted to assess the major identified phytoconstituents' affinity for binding to glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-β), matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8), and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Lupeol showed the most favourable binding affinity to GSK3-β and iNOS, equal to -12.5 and -13.7 Kcal/mol, respectively, while methyl tricosanoate showed the highest binding affinity with MMP-8 equal to -13.1 Kcal/mol. Accordingly, the n-hexane extract of T. indica's various organs can be considered a good candidate for the management of wound healing and inflammatory conditions.

Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities Supported by In-Silico Study of n-Hexane Extract and Essential Oil of Guava Leaves

Psidium guajava (Guava tree) is one of the most widely known species in the family Myrtaceae. The Guava tree has been reported for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. In the current study, the chemical compositions of the n-hexane extract and the essential oil of P. guajava were investigated using the GC/MS analysis, along with an evaluation of their antioxidant potential, and an investigation into the enzyme inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BchE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Moreover, molecular docking of the major identified active sites of the target enzymes were investigated. The chemical characterization of the n-hexane extract and essential oil revealed that squalene (9.76%), α-tocopherol (8.53%), and γ-sitosterol (3.90%) are the major compounds in the n-hexane extract. In contrast, the major constituents of the essential oil are D-limonene (36.68%) and viridiflorol (9.68%). The n-hexane extract showed more antioxidant potential in the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), the ferric reducing power (FRAP), and the metal chelating ability (MCA) assays, equivalent to 70.80 ± 1.46 mg TE/g, 26.01 ± 0.97 mg TE/g, and 24.83 ± 0.35 mg EDTAE/g, respectively. In the phosphomolybdenum (PM) assay, the essential oil showed more antioxidant activity equivalent to 2.58 ± 0.14 mmol TE/g. The essential oil demonstrated a potent BChE and tyrosinase inhibitory ability at 6.85 ± 0.03 mg GALAE/g and 61.70 ± 3.21 mg KAE/g, respectively. The α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the n-hexane extract and the essential oil varied from 0.52 to 1.49 mmol ACAE/g. Additionally, the molecular docking study revealed that the major compounds achieved acceptable binding scores upon docking with the tested enzymes. Consequently, the P. guajava n-hexane extract and oil can be used as a promising candidate for the development of novel treatment strategies for oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and diabetes mellitus diseases.

Total Synthesis of Matrine Alkaloids

The total synthesis of three diastereomeric matrine natural products is reported. The 8-step synthesis commences with simple acyclic precursors, forms all 4 rings of the tetracyclic natural product framework, and forges 10 of the 20 covalent bonds of the target structure. A cross-conjugated triene is positioned at the core of an acyclic branched structure. This precursor collapses to the tetracyclic natural product framework through an orchestrated sequence of two separate intramolecular cycloadditions. A subsequent, late-stage hydrogenation is accompanied by strain-release redox epimerizations to deliver the three natural products. An unprecedented carba-analogue is prepared in the same way. Semisynthetic manipulations of matrine provide access to 10 additional natural products.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Combination of Chinese Herbal Fumigation Sitz-Bath and Red Ointment in Managing Postoperative Wound Healing and Pain Control in Anal Fistula Patients

Objective

To explore the efficacy of Chinese herbal fumigation and sitz-bath combined with red ointment in the treatment of postoperative wound healing and pain control in anal fistula patients.

Methods

A total of 118 anal fistula patients were selected as the study population, randomly divided into two groups, i.e., the research group (n = 60) and the control group (n = 60). The control group was treated with red ointment therapy for postoperative wound healing and pain while the research group was treated with a combination of ointment and traditional Chinese medicine fumigation sitz-bath, Postoperative wound healing, pain control, and safety evaluation were compared between the two groups. Results. The total effective rate in the research group was 96.67%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (93.10%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The VAS scores and postoperative wound healing times in the research group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). A day after postoperative treatment, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in TNF-α and IL-6 levels between the two study groups; however, from day 3 to day 14 the levels were statistically different. TNF-α and IL-6 levels in research group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the research group at 6.67% was statistically significant (P < 0.05), significantly lower than 13.79% in the control group. Conclusion. Postoperative intervention with Chinese herbal fumigation and sitz-bath combined with red ointment can effectively reduce the wound healing duration and lower the degree of pain experienced by anal fistula patients, thereby improving their quality of life.

Composite Sophora Colon-Soluble Capsule Ameliorates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice via Gut Microbiota-Derived Butyric Acid and NCR+ ILC3

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of composite Sophora colon-soluble Capsule (CSCC) on gut microbiota-mediated short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production and downstream group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice model.

METHODS

The main components of CSCC were analyzed by hybrid ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography ion mobility spectromety quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-IM-QTOF/MS). Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6) by using a computer algorithm-generated random digital, including control, DSS model, mesalazine, and CSCC groups. A DSS-induced colitis mice model was established to determine the effects of CSCC by recording colonic weight, colonic length, index of colonic weight, and histological colonic score. The variations in ILC3s were assessed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The results of gut microbiota and SCFAs were acquired by 16s rDNA and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The expression levels of NCR⁺ ILC3^-, CCR6⁺ Nkp46^- (Lti) ILC3^-, and ILCreg-specific markers were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

The main components of CSCC were matrine, ammothamnine, Sophora flavescens neoalcohol J, and Sophora oxytol U. After 7 days of treatment, CSCC significantly alleviated colitis by promoting the reproduction of intestinal probiotics manifested as upregulation of the abundance of Bacteroidetes species and specifically the Bacteroidales_S24-7 genus (P<0.05). Among the SCFAs, the content of butyric acid increased the most after CSCC treatment. Meanwhile, compared with the model group, Lti ILC3s and its biomarkers were significantly downregulated and NCR⁺ ILC3s were significantly elevated in the CSCC group (P<0.01). Further experiments revealed that ILC3s were differentiated from Lti ILC3s to NCR⁺ ILC3s, resulting in interleukin-22 production which regulates gut epithelial barrier function.

CONCLUSION

CSCC may exert a therapeutic effect on UC by improving the gut microbiota, promoting metabolite butyric acid production, and managing the ratio between NCR⁺ ILC3s and Lti ILC3s.

Protective effect of Sophora pachycarpa seed extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of the Sophora pachycarpa (S. pachycarpa) seed extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity on body organs, blood, and biochemical factors. In this investigation, 40 male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were randomly divided into 5 groups: group I was used as control, group II received carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) (IP, 1 mL/kg) on day 21, group III and group IV received S. pachycarpa seed extract at doses of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively for 21 days by oral gavage and CCl₄ on day 21, group V received silymarin (300 mg/kg) for 21 days by oral gavage and CCl₄ on day 21. CCl₄ showed an increase of serum renal and hepatic markers creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Also, it significantly increased MDA level, and decreased CAT, FRAP, GSH, and SOD in the liver and kidney tissues. These changes and also hematological and histopathological alterations were significantly ameliorated by S. pachycarpa seed extract before CCl₄ administration. In conclusion, the data obtained in our investigation confirm the protective effect of S. pachycarpa against acute exposure to CCl₄-induced organ toxicity in rats.

A review of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from plants as potential candidates for the treatment of type-2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial global health disorder that is rising at an alarming rate. Cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage and neuropathy are the main cause of high mortality rates among individuals with diabetes. One effective therapeutic approach for controlling hyperglycemia associated with type-2 diabetes is to target alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, enzymes that catalyzes starch hydrolysis in the intestine. At present, approved inhibitors for these enzymes are restricted to acarbose, miglitol and voglibose. Although these inhibitors retard glucose absorption, undesirable gastrointestinal side effects impede their application. Therefore, research efforts continue to seek novel inhibitors with improved efficacy and minimal side effects. Natural products of plant origin have been a valuable source of therapeutic agents with lesser toxicity and side effects. The anti-diabetic potential through alpha-glucosidase inhibition of plant-derived molecules are summarized in this review. Eight molecules (Taxumariene F, Akebonoic acid, Morusin, Rhaponticin, Procyanidin A2, Alaternin, Mulberrofuran K and Psoralidin) were selected as promising drug candidates and their pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity were discussed where available.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11101-021-09773-1.

Genus Sophora: a comprehensive review on secondary chemical metabolites and their biological aspects from past achievements to future perspectives

Sophora is deemed as one of the most remarkable genera of Fabaceae, and the third largest family of flowering plants. The genus Sophora comprises approximately 52 species, 19 varieties, and 7 forms that are widely distributed in Asia and mildly in Africa. Sophora species are recognized to be substantial sources of broad spectrum biopertinent secondary metabolites namely flavonoids, isoflavonoids, chalcones, chromones, pterocarpans, coumarins, benzofuran derivatives, sterols, saponins (mainly triterpene glycosides), oligostilbenes, and mainly alkaloids. Meanwhile, extracts and isolated compounds from Sophora have been identified to possess several health-promising effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiplatelets, antipyretic, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-osteoporosis, anti-ulcerative colitis, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antidiarrheal, and insecticidal activities. Herein, the present review aims to provide comprehensive details about the phytochemicals and biological effects of Sophora species. The review spotlighted on the promising phytonutrients extracted from Sophora and their plethora of bioactivities. The review also clarifies the remaining gaps and thus qualifies and supplies a platform for further investigations of these compounds.

Do Uncommon Plant Phenolic Compounds Have Uncommon Properties? A Mini Review on Novel Flavonoids

Unique plants and their properties, once considered synonymous to medicine, remain a potent source for new compounds in modern science. Plant polyphenols and natural products continue to be investigated for effective treatments for the most persistent of human ailments. In this review, fifty novel plant phenolic compounds have been compiled and briefly described from the previous five years. Select compounds and notable plant species from genus Morinda and Sophora are further expanded on. Traditional medicine plants often contain rich and diverse mixtures of flavonoids, from which rare compounds should receive attention. The bioactivity of crude plant extracts, purified compounds and mixtures can differ greatly, requiring that these interactions and mechanisms of action be investigated in greater detail. Novel applications of uncommon natural products, namely mimosine and juglone, are explored within this review. The 2019 coronavirus pandemic has resulted in abrupt spike of related scientific publications: speculation is made regarding plant natural products and future of antiviral drug discovery.

Sophoridine Derivatives Induce Apoptosis and Autophagy to Suppress the Growth of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer through Inhibition of mTOR Signaling

In order to improve the antitumor potency and therapeutic margins of natural product sophoridine, its novel nitrogen mustard carbamate derivatives were designed and synthesized. In screening their in vitro activity, we found all the tested compounds were more potent against the highly aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Cellular functional assays showed that representative compounds could induce G1-phase arrest and trigger apoptosis, evidenced by the alteration of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and PARP levels. Furthermore, these compounds significantly enhanced the autophagic flux with increased expression of LC3-II and Beclin-1, as well as decreased level of p62, which may attribute to simultaneously inhibition of the phosphorylation of p70S6K, 4E-BP1 and AKT, the key substrates of the mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo, two compounds revealed potent antitumor activity in mice bearing MDA-MB-231. Altogether, our work describes novel leads to yield more potent chemotherapeutics against triple-negative breast cancers, possibly mesenchymal stem-like subtype.

Biological Activity of Naturally Derived Naphthyridines

Marine and terrestrial environments are rich sources of various bioactive substances, which have been used by humans since prehistoric times. Nowadays, due to advances in chemical sciences, new substances are still discovered, and their chemical structures and biological properties are constantly explored. Drugs obtained from natural sources are used commonly in medicine, particularly in cancer and infectious diseases treatment. Naphthyridines, isolated mainly from marine organisms and terrestrial plants, represent prominent examples of naturally derived agents. They are a class of heterocyclic compounds containing a fused system of two pyridine rings, possessing six isomers depending on the nitrogen atom's location. In this review, biological activity of naphthyridines obtained from various natural sources was summarized. According to previous studies, the naphthyridine alkaloids displayed multiple activities, i.a., antiinfectious, anticancer, neurological, psychotropic, affecting cardiovascular system, and immune response. Their wide range of activity makes them a fascinating object of research with prospects for use in therapeutic purposes.

New quinolizidine alkaloid and insecticidal activity of Sophora secundiflora and Sophora tomentosa against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

Phytochemical investigation of Sophora secundiflora alkaloid fraction led to isolation of one new quinolizidine alkaloid (1) 13-methoxyanagyrine together with six known ones (2-7). The insecticidal activity of 70% methanol extract of leaves of S. secundiflora, S. tomentosa and the isolated alkaloids were assessed against 3^rd instar larvae of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) using different concentrations and mortality rate was recorded. Sophora tomentosa extract showed highest mortality rate with median lethal concentration LC₅₀ 3.11 ppm after 24 h and 0.66 ppm after 48 h and anagyrine (6) exhibited remarkably insecticidal activity with LC₅₀ value of 3.42 ppm after 24 h of exposure. Additionally, cytotoxic activity of alkaloid fraction of S. secundiflora, S. tomentosa and isolated alkaloids was also studied using crystal violet assay against MCF-7 and HEPG-2 cell lines. Anagyrine (6) exhibited IC₅₀ values of 27.3 ± 0.7 and 30.2 ± 0.9 µg/mL against MCF-7 and HEPG-2 cancer cells, respectively.

Antidiabetic effect of Sophora pachycarpa seeds extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice: a statistical evaluation

Undoubtedly, identification of the chemical composition of organic extracts or secondary metabolites of plant materials and evaluation of their potential bioactivity are among the main objectives of natural products-based investigations. In the present study, we report the chemical composition and antidiabetic activity of Sophora pachycarpa (Family Fabaceae) seeds extract (SPE) for the first time. First, the plant seeds were macerated in ethanol. The extract was subjected to analysis on a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system to identify the chemical composition. In vivo assay was run to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the extract. Forty mice were divided into four groups, namely healthy mice, untreated diabetic mice, diabetic mice treated with metformin and diabetic mice treated with SPE. The antidiabetic activity of SPE was analyzed using three statistical methods, namely analysis of variance, K-means, and principal component analysis. According to GC-MS analysis, alkaloids of sophoridine, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and n-hexadecanoic acid were among the most abundant constituent components of SPE. The extract also exhibited a notable antidiabetic activity and remarkably decreased the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) enzymes. The statistical analyses revealed there are no significant differences between the ability of SPE and metformin in the regulation of fasting blood sugar level and liver enzymes (ALP, SGPT, and SGOT). A quinolizidine alkaloid, namely sophoridine, along with fatty acids, viz oleic, linoleic, and n-hexadecanoic acid, were characterized as the major compounds in S. tachycardia seeds extract. The plant extract was also found as a potent agent to reduce blood glucose and liver enzymes.

A Review on Recent Advances in Aloperine Research: Pharmacological Activities and Underlying Biological Mechanisms

Aloperine, a quinolizidine-type alkaloid, was first isolated from the seeds and leaves of herbal plant, Sophora alopecuroides L. Empirically, Sophora alopecuroides L. is appreciated for its anti-dysentry effect, a property that is commonly observed in other Sophora Genus phytomedicines. Following the rationale of reductionism, subsequent biochemical analyses attribute such anti-dysentry effect to the bactericidal activity of aloperine. From then on, the multiple roles of aloperine are gradually revealed. Accumulating evidence suggests that aloperine possesses multiple pharmacological activities and holds a promising potential in clinical conditions including skin hyper-sensitivity, tumor and inflammatory disorders etc.; however, the current knowledge on aloperine is interspersed and needs to be summarized. To facilitate further investigation, herein, we conclude the key pharmacological functions of aloperine, and most importantly, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are clarified in detail to explain the functional mode of aloperine.

Neuroprotective effects of Sophora secundiflora, Sophora tomentosa leaves and formononetin on scopolamine-induced dementia

Five flavonoids were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of leaves of Sophora secundiflora; formononetin (1), 5-hydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone (2), genistein (3), 5-hydroxy-8-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-furo-[2, 3-h]-chromen-4-one (4) and ononin (5). Additionally, LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction of S. secundiflora leaves had led to tentative identification of eighteen compounds. Formononetin, S. tomentosa and S. secundiflora leaves methanolic extract were evaluated in vivo for their neuroprotective activity where formononetin and S. tomentosa showed promising neuroprotective activity with reduction in acetylcholine esterase (AchE) enzyme activity and elevation of acetylcholine (Ach) and glutathione(GSH) brain levels and attenuation of dopamine (DA), nor-adrenaline (NA) and malonedialdehyde (MDA) brain level significantly, However S. secundiflora leaves methanolic extract didn't attenuate the AchE enzyme activity, DA and NA brain levels.[Formula: see text].

Alopecines A-E, five chloro-containing matrine-type alkaloids with immunosuppressive activities from the seeds of Sophora alopecuroides

Alopecines A-E (1-5), five unusual matrine-type alkaloids featuring with an additional dichlorocyclopropane (1-3) or a di/tri-chloromethyl (4/5) attached on the D ring, were isolated from the seeds of Sophora alopecuroides. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic techniques, and X-ray diffraction analyses or time-dependent density functional theory-based electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT-ECD) calculations. Alkaloid 4 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on the proliferation of ConA-induced T lymphocytes or LPS-induced B cells with IC₅₀ value of 3.98 or 3.74 μM, respectively.