Russelioside B; A pregnane glycoside for treatment of gastric ulcer via modulation of heat shock protein-70 and vascular endothelial growth factor

Enhanced wound healing potential of arabincoside B isolated from Caralluma Arabica in rat model; a possible dressing in veterinary practice

BACKGROUND

Wound management is a critical procedure in veterinary practice. A wound is an injury that requires the body's cells' alignment to break down due to external assault, such as trauma, burns, accidents, and diseases. Re-epithelization, extracellular matrix deposition, especially collagen, inflammatory cell infiltration, and development of new blood capillaries are the four features that are used to evaluate the healing process. Using a natural extract for wound management is preferred to avoid the side effects of synthetic drugs. The current study aimed to assess the effect of major pregnane glycoside arabincoside B (AR-B) isolated from Caralluma arabica (C. arabica) for the wound healing process.

METHOD

AR-B was loaded on a gel for wound application. Rats were randomly distributed into six groups: normal, positive control (PC), MEBO®, AR-B 0.5%, AR-B 1%, and AR-B 1.5%, to be 6 animals in each group. Wounds were initiated under anesthesia with a 1 cm diameter tissue needle, and treatments were applied daily for 14 days. The collected samples were tested for SOD, NO, and MDA. Gene expression of VEGF and Caspase-3. Histopathological evaluation was performed at two-time intervals (7 and 14 days), and immunohistochemistry was done to evaluate α -SMA, TGF-β, and TNF-α.

RESULT

It was found that AR-B treatment enhanced the wound healing process. AR-B treated groups showed reduced MDA and NO in tissue, and SOD activity was increased. Re-epithelization and extracellular matrix deposition were significantly improved, which was confirmed by the increase in TGF-β and α -SMA as well as increased collagen deposition. TNF-α was reduced, which indicated the subsiding of inflammation. VEGF and Caspase-3 expression were reduced.

CONCLUSION

Our findings confirmed the efficiency of AR-B in enhancing the process of wound healing and its potential use as a topical wound dressing in veterinary practice.

From lab to nature: Recent advancements in the journey of gastroprotective agents from medicinal chemistry to phytotherapy

Peptic ulcer, affecting 10 % of the global population, results from imbalances in gastric juice pH and diminished mucosal defences. Key underlying factors are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori infection, undermining mucosal resistance. Traditional treatments like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists exhibit drawbacks such as adverse effects, relapses, and drug interactions. This review extensively explores the ethnomedicinal, synthetic and pharmacological facets of various potential peptic ulcer treatments. Rigorous methodologies involving electronic databases, and chemical structure verification via 'PubChem' and 'SciFinder' enhance the review's credibility. The provided information, spanning medicinal insights to intricate pharmacological mechanisms, establishes a robust groundwork for future research and the development of plant-derived or synthetic molecules for peptic ulcers, offering a promising alternative to conventional therapies.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using ethanolic extract of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) kunth. Ex. Walp., stem: Characterizations and their gastroprotective effect on ethanol-induced gastritis in rats

The study presents a significant advancement in drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy through the successful synthesis of Gliricidia sepium(Jacq.) Kunth. ex. Walp., stem zinc oxide nanoparticles(GSS ZnONPs). The phenolic compounds present in Gliricidia sepium stem (GSS) particularly vanillic acid, apegnin-7-O-glucoside, syringic acid, and p-coumaric acid which were identified by HPLC. These compounds shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. GSS ZnONPs demonstrate pronounced gastroprotective effects against ethanol-induced gastritis, evidenced by the reduction in gastric lesions and mucosal injury upon its treatment. Histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemical analysis of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression further validate these results, revealing the amelioration of ethanol-induced gastritis and improved gastric tissue condition due to their treatment. Noteworthy is the dose-dependent response of GSS ZnONPs, showcasing their efficacy even at lower doses against ethanol-induced gastritis which is confirmed by different biomarkers. These findings have substantial implications for mitigating dosage-related adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits, offering a more favorable treatment approach. This study aims to investigate the potential gastroprotective activity of GSS ZnONPs against gastritis.

In Silico and In Vitro Screening of Some Pregnane Glycosides Isolated from Certain Caralluma Species as SARS-COV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors

SARS-CoV-2 caused pandemic represented a major risk for the worldwide human health, animal health and economy, forcing extraordinary efforts to discover drugs for its prevention and cure. Considering the extensive interest in the pregnane glycosides because of their diverse structures and excellent biological activities, we investigated them as antiviral agents against SARS-COV-2. We selected 21 pregnane glycosides previously isolated from the genus Caralluma from Asclepiadaceae family to be tested through virtual screening molecular docking simulations for their potential inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Almost all target compounds showed a more or equally negative docking energy score relative to the co-crystallized inhibitor X77 (S=-12.53 kcal/mol) with docking score range of (-12.55 to -19.76 kcal/mol) and so with a potent predicted binding affinity to the target enzyme. The activity of the most promising candidates was validated by in vitro testing. Arabincoside C showed the highest activity (IC50=35.42 μg/ml) and the highest selectivity index (SI=9.9) followed by Russelioside B (IC50=50.80 μg/ml), and Arabincoside B (IC50=53.31 μg/ml).

Protective role of fruits of Rosa odorata var. gigantea against WIRS-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats by modulating pathway related to inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis

Objective

Rosa odorata var. gigantea is a popular medicinal plant. Some studies have demonstrated that ethanolic extract of the fruits of R. odorata var. gigantea (FOE) has gastroprotective properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the gastroprotective activity of FOE on water immersion restrained stress (WIRS)-induced gastric mucosal injury in a rat model and elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms involved.

Methods

A rat stress ulcer model was established in this study using WIRS. After rats were treated with FOE orally for 7 d, the effect of FOE treatment was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the changes of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress factors, and gastric-specific regulatory factors and pepsin in the blood and gastric tissues of rats were examined by ELISA assay. Molecular mechanism of FOE was investigated by immunohistochemical assay and Western blot.

Results

Compared with the WIRS group, FOE could diminish both the macroscopic and microscopic pathological morphology of gastric mucosa. FOE significantly preserved the antioxidants glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) contents; anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels as well as regulatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TGF-α) and somatostatin (SS) contents, while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), gastrin (GAS) and endothelin (ET) levels. Moreover, FOE distinctly upregulated the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, Bcl2 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). In addition, FOE activated the expression of p-EGFR and downregulated the expression of NF-κB, Bax, Cleaved-caspase-3, Cyto-C and Cleaved-PARP1, thus promoting gastric mucosal cell survival.

Conclusion

The current work demonstrated that FOE exerted a gastroprotective activity against gastric mucosal injury induced by WIRS. The underlying mechanism might be associated with the improvement of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis systems.

Natural products for gastric carcinoma prevention and treatment: Focus on their antioxidant stress actions in the Correa's cascade

BACKGROUND

Correa's cascade is a pathological process beginning from gastritis to gastric precancerous lesions, and finally to gastric carcinoma (GC). While the pathogenesis of GC remains unclear, oxidative stress plays a prominent role throughout the entire Correa's cascade process. Studies have shown that some natural products (NPs) could halt and even reverse the development of the Correa's cascade by targeting oxidative stress.

METHODS

To review the effects and mechanism by which NPs inhibit the Correa's cascade through targeting oxidative stress, data were collected from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from initial establishment to April 2023. NPs were classified and summarized by their mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

NPs, such as terpenoid, polyphenols and alkaloids, exert multistep antioxidant stress effects on the Correa's cascade. These effects include preventing gastric mucosal inflammation (stage 1), reversing gastric precancerous lesions (stage 2), and inhibiting gastric carcinoma (stage 3). NPs can directly impact the conversion of gastritis to GC by targeting oxidative stress and modulating signaling pathways involving IL-8, Nrf2, TNF-α, NF-κB, and ROS/MAPK. Among which polyphenols have been studied more and are of high research value.

CONCLUSIONS

NPs display a beneficial multi-step action on the Correa's cascade, and have potential value for clinical application in the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer by regulating the level of oxidative stress.

Therapeutic effects of Stemmoside C against Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium infected BALB/c mice

Salmonella is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes gastrointestinal diseases in 20 to 40 million people globally. Stemmoside C is a steroidal glycoside isolated from Argel, although its antibacterial and antibiofilm properties have not been studied. The antibacterial activity of Stemmoside C against Salmonella enterica was revealed, where MIC of the compound was 16 μg/mL (0.15 µM). Biofilm-associated Stemmoside C treatment destroyed S. typhi cells and reduced viable S. typhi numbers below detectable levels. When compared to Stemmoside C or Ciprofluxacin-treated mice, infected BALB/c mice had a greater death rate and a larger bacterial blood burden. The protective effects of orally administered Stemmoside C at dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg b.wt. against bacterial infection was associated with reduction in the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, Il-1β, IL-2, IL-6, MPO, and TNF-α) and elevation of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10 and IL-12) in serum. Where, Stemmoside C at dose of 50 mg/kg b.wt. regulated the levels almost as normal control group and demonstrated apparently normal intestinal sections. It also resulted in a decrease in the number of viable S. typhi retrieved from feces. Stemmoside C is a promising drug for the treatment or prevention of S. typhimurium infection.

Anti-ulcer effect of Ranunculus millefoliatus on absolute alcohol-induced stomach ulceration

Ranunculus millefoliatus (RM) has been reported to have a numeral of biological properties. Though, the influence of this plant extract on stomach ulceration is yet stated. Thirty rats arbitrarily alienated 5 groups: the normal group, the ulcerated control group, the omeprazole group, and 2 investigational groups. Normal and ulcerated control groups were gavage by mouth 10% Tween 20. Omeprazole group fed orally 20 mg/kg omeprazole. Investigational group's gavage of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg ethanol extracted RM 10% Tween 20, correspondingly. Later another hour, the normal group gavage 10% Tween 20, and groups 2-5 gavage absolute ethanol. Afterward additional hours altogether rats were sacrificed. The ulcerated control group displayed extensive apparent stomach epithelial damage escorted by reduced stomachs mucus excretion and pH stomach contented. RM extract meaningfully condensed ethanol-induced gastric lacerations, for example, demonstrated via augmented gastric mucus and pH stomach contents, condensed ulceration expanse, decreased or lack of edema, and leucocyte penetration hypodermic coat. In stomach epithelial homogenate, RM extract revealed important upsurge superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) actions, expressively diminished malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Furthermore, RM extract augmented strength periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain stomach mucosa, besides formed up-regulation heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) proteins down-regulation the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) protein gastric mucosal. RM extract lessened the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and improved the quantity of interleukin-10 (IL-10). Acute toxicity greater dosage of 500 mg/kg RM extract organized not obvious at all toxicology symbols might improve self-protective tools against stomach epithelial abrasions. RM extract presented gastroprotective effects that could be due to capability upsurge pH then mucus discharge, rise SOD and CAT, decrease MDA quantity, up-regulating HSP 70 proteins, down-regulating Bax protein, and moderate provocative cytokines.

Regulation of PKC/TLR-4/NF-kB signaling by sulbutiamine improves diabetic nephropathy in rats

One of the serious complications of diabetes mellitus is diabetic nephropathy (DN) which may finally lead to renal failure. The current study aimed to explore the effect of sulbutiamine, a synthetic derivative of vitamin B1, in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN and related pathways. Experimental DN was successfully induced 8 weeks after a single low dose of STZ (45 mg/kg, I.P.). Four groups of rats were used in this study and divided randomly into: control group, diabetic group, sulbutiamine control (control + sulbutiamine) group, and sulbutiamine-treated (60 mg/kg) (diabetic + sulbutiamine) group. The fasting blood glucose level (BGL) and the levels of kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1), urea, creatinine in serum, and the renal content of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein kinase C (PKC), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were determined. Additionally, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) contents were evaluated immunohistochemically. Sulbutiamine treatment decreased fasting BGL and improved the kidney function tests compared to diabetic rats. Moreover, TLR-4, NF-κB, MDA and PKC contents were substantially reduced following sulbutiamine treatment compared to the diabetic group. Sulbutiamine managed to obstruct the production of the pro-inflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β and suppressed TGF-β1 level, in addition to attenuating the histopathological changes associated with DN. This study revealed, for the first time, the ability of sulbutiamine to ameliorate STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. This nephroprotective outcome of sulbutiamine against DN may be attributed to glycemic control in addition to its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects.

Quadrangulosides A-F: new pregnane glycosides from Caralluma quadrangula

The phytochemical investigation of Caralluma quadrangula aerial parts yielded six new pregnane glycosides, quadrangulosides A-F (1-6), in addition to nine known pregnane glycosides and three known flavone glycosides. Structures of isolated phyto-constituents were elucidated via spectroscopic 1D-, 2D-NMR and spectrometric ESI-MS spectra.

Nine geranylgeranylated derivatives isolated from the roots of Rhus chinensis Mill

Nine undescribed geranylgeranylated derivatives (chinensens A-G), including malic acid derivative (A) and phenolic derivatives (B-E), as well as two pairs of enantiomers, [(R), (S)]-chinensens F and [(R), (S)]-chinensens G, were isolated from the roots of Rhus chinensis Mill. Their structures were elucidated by UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra, as well as optical rotations. The 95% EtOH extract (95% EXT, 500 mg/kg, p. o.) of the roots of Rhus chinensis and the 95% EtOH fraction (95% FRA, 500 mg/kg, p. o.) from the microporous resin column significantly alleviated indomethacin-induced or water immersion-restraint stress-induced damage in rat gastric mucosa with inhibitory rates from 53% to 89%. The racemic mixture (chinensen G) and its enantiomers [(R), (S)]-chinensens G showed weak activities against H⁺,K⁺-ATPase (20%-24%) at a concentration of 0.1 mM, respectively.

Russelioside A, a Pregnane Glycoside from Caralluma tuberculate, Inhibits Cell-Intrinsic NF-κB Activity and Metastatic Ability of Breast Cancer Cells

Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is a potential target for inflammatory-breast cancer treatment as it participates in its pathogenesis, such as tumor initiation, progression, survival, metastasis, and recurrence. In this study, we aimed to discover a novel anti-cancer treatment from natural products by targeting NF-κB activity. Using the 4T1-NFκB-luciferase reporter cell line, we tested three pregnane glycosides extracted from the herb Caralluma tuberculata and discovered that Russelioside A markedly suppressed NF-κB activity in breast cancer. Russelioside A inhibited NF-κB (p65) transcriptional activity and its phosphorylation. Following NF-κB inhibition, Russelioside A exerted anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects in breast cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, it inhibited the NF-κB constitutive expression of downstream pathways, such as VEGF-b, MMP-9, and IL-6 in 4T1 cells. In addition, it reduced the metastatic capacity in a 4T1 breast cancer model in vivo. Collectively, our conclusions reveal that Russelioside A is an attractive natural compound for treating triple-negative breast cancer growth and metastasis through regulating NF-κB activation.

Gastroprophylactic Effects of p-Cymene in Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

The prevalence of gastric ulcers has increased in recent years, mainly because of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug utilization. Therefore, the current study investigates the gastroprotective effect of p-Cymene on absolute ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal hemorrhagic lesions in rats. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly separated into five groups: normal control, ulcer control, reference, and two experimental groups. The normal and ulcer control groups were orally fed with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The reference group was fed orally with 20 mg/kg omeprazole. The experimental groups were fed with 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg p-Cymene, respectively. After one hour, the normal group was fed with 0.5% CMC, and groups 2–5 were given absolute alcohol. After another hour all rats were sacrificed. The ulcer control group showed severe superficial hemorrhagic gastric mucosal lesions with decreased gastric mucus secretion and pH of gastric content. p-Cymene significantly reduced ethanol-induced gastric lesions, as evidenced by increased mucus and pH of gastric content, decreased ulcer area, reduced or absence of edema, and leucocyte infiltration of the subcutaneous layer. In gastric mucosal homogenate, p-Cymene displayed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level. In addition, p-Cymene increased the intensity of periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain of the gastric epithelium, and produced up-regulation of the HSP 70 protein and down-regulation of the Bax protein of the stomach epithelium, as well as a reduction in the levels of tumor necrotic factor-alpha and interleukin-6, while the level of interleukin-10 was increased. p-Cymene decreased the level of TNF-a and IL-6, and increased the level of IL-10. Acute toxicity with a higher dose of 500 mg/kg p-Cymene did not manifest any toxicological signs in rats and could enhance defensive mechanisms against gastric mucosal lesions. p-Cymene showed gastroprotective effects that could be attributed to its antioxidant nature, or its ability to increase mucus secretion, increase endogenous enzymes (SOD, CAT, PGE2), reduce MDA level, up-regulate HSP 70 protein, down-regulate Bax protein, and modulate inflammatory cytokines.

Russelioside B: a Pregnane Glycoside with Pharmacological Potential

Pregnanes and pregnane glycosides or their esters are well-studied secondary metabolites, many of them exhibit immunomodulator, anticancer, antidiabetic, antarthritic, antiulcer, anti-nociceptive, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Pregnane glycosides are widely distributed in the families Apocyanaceae and Asclepiadaceae. Plant members of the genus Caralluma R.Br., Apocynaceae, are among the most studied species because of uses in traditional medicine or as food. They are a rich source of pregnane glycosides, as russelioside B. However, the bioactivity profile of this pregnane glycoside has not been reviewed until now. The present review aims to summarize the most important pharmacological and therapeutic applications of russelioside B with specific emphasis on the mechanism of actions associated with its administration in preclinical models. Russelioside B has many pharmacological effects including antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-nociceptive, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis effects, and antibiofilm, and wound healing activities. Despite its outstanding pharmacotherapeutic potential, russelioside B has never been tested in clinical trials. This review indicates that russelioside B is a potentially promising bioactive candidate, but further deeper mechanistic studies and clinical trials are needed in the future to elucidate its interaction with receptors of specific genes.

Cytotoxic polyhydroxylated pregnane glycosides from Cissampelos pareira var. hirsuta

Fourteen new polyhydroxylated pregnane glycosides, cissasteroid A–N (1–14), and five known analogues (15–19), were isolated from the dried whole plant of Cissampelos pareira var. hirsuta. Their structures and stereochemistry were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data, chemical hydrolysis, and ECD measurements. All the compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines, and inhibitory activity against NO release in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Compared with cisplatin, compound 7 showed more potent cytotoxicities against the HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW480 cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 2.19, 14.38, 2.00, 7.58, and 7.44 μM, respectively. The preliminary study of structure–activity relationship indicated that benzoic acid esterification at C-20 may have a negative effect on the cytotoxic activity of polyhydroxylated pregnane derivatives in these five human cancer cell lines. These results revealed the potential of compound 7 as an ideal antitumor lead compound.

Fourteen new polyhydroxylated pregnane glycosides, cissasteroid A–N (1–14), and five known analogues (15–19), were isolated from the dried whole plant of Cissampelos pareira var. hirsuta.

Aspirin-Based Organoiron Dendrimers as Promising Anti-Inflammatory, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Drugs

Designing nanocarriers with actions directed at a specific organ or tissue is a very promising strategy since it can significantly reduce the toxicity of a bioactive drug. In this study, an organometallic dendrimer was used to synthesize a biocompatible drug delivery system by attaching aspirin to the periphery of the dendrimer. Our goal is to enhance the bioavailability and anticancer activity of aspirin and reduce its toxicity through successive generations of organoiron dendrimers. The biological activity of aspirin-based dendrimer complexes was evaluated. The result of antimicrobial activity of the synthesized dendrimers also demonstrated an increase in their antimicrobial activity with increased generation of the dendrimers for most types of microorganisms. This study reveals for the first time that organoiron dendrimers linked with aspirin exhibit an excellent Gram-negative activity comparable to the reference drug Gentamicin. All synthesized dendrimers were tested for their anticancer activity against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7), hepatocellular cell lines (Hep-G2), and a non-cancer cell line, Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293), using the MTT cell viability assay and compared against a standard anticancer drug, Doxorubicin. Compounds G3-D9-Asp and G4-D12-Asp exhibited noticeable activity against both cell lines, both of which were more effective than aspirin itself. In addition, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and histopathology of swollen paws showed that the designed aspirin-based dendrimers displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity; however, G2-D6-Asp showed the best anti-inflammatory activity, which was more potent than the reference drug aspirin during the same period. Moreover, the coupling of aspirin to the periphery of organoiron dendrimers showed a significant reduction in the toxicity of aspirin on the stomach.

Effectiveness of the polyphenols-rich Sedum dendroideum infusion on gastric ulcer healing in rats: Roles of protective endogenous factors and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Peptic ulcer is an inflammatory disease that therapeutic options are mainly focused in antisecretory drugs. Sedum dendroideum Moc & Sessé ex DC (Crassulaceae) is employed in folk medicine for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Recently, our group demonstrated that Sedum dendroideum infusion (SDI) is rich in polyphenols (flavonol glycosides, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol) and promoted gastroprotection against acute ulcer models, without changes gastric acid secretion.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Here, we follow the investigation of the healing effects of SDI (ED₅₀ = 191 mg/kg) in the chronic gastric ulcer model induced by 80% acetic acid in rats, elucidating underlying mechanisms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Rats were orally treated with vehicle (water, 1 mL/kg), SDI (191 mg/kg), omeprazole (40 mg/kg) or sucralfate (100 mg/kg) twice daily for 5 days after ulcer induction. Following treatments, toxicological effects, macroscopic ulcer appearance, microscopic histological (HE, mucin PAS-staining) and immunohistochemical (PCNA and HSP70) analysis, inflammatory (MPO and NAG activity, cytokine levels measurements) and antioxidant (SOD and CAT) parameters were investigated in gastric ulcer tissues.

RESULTS

Oral treatment with SDI accelerated gastric ulcer healing, maintained mucin content and promoted epithelial cell proliferation. SDI also reduced neutrophil and mononuclear leukocyte infiltration, TNF-α and IL-1β levels and the oxidative stress, restoring SOD and CAT activities in the ulcer tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

The gastric healing effect of SDI was mediated through endogenous protective events as well as due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Our observations support and reinforce the traditional utilize of Sedum dendroideum as a natural nontoxic therapeutic alternative for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Bioguided Isolation of Antibiofilm and Antibacterial Pregnane Glycosides from Caralluma quadrangula: Disarming Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) present a serious challenge because of their capability to cause biofilm resistance to commonly used antibiotics producing chronic infections and hindering the process of wound healing. In the current study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of Caralluma quadrangula extracts (MeOH, and its fractions CH₂Cl₂ and n-butanol) against multidrug-resistant MRSA USA300 and A. baumannii AB5057. In vitro, the MeOH extract and both fractions of C. quadrangula significantly inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted previously established biofilm by MRSA and MDRAB at all the tested concentrations (0.625, 0.313, and 0.156 mg/mL). In vivo, C. quadrangula extracts successfully decreased bacterial loads in MRSA-infected skin lesions in mice. Four pregnane glycosides and one flavone glycoside were isolated from the bioactive n-butanol fraction. The isolated compounds (Rus A–E) were tested for their biofilm inhibition and biofilm detachment activities. The results revealed that Rus C was the most active compound (IC₅₀ = 0.139 mmole), while Rus E was the least active (IC₅₀ = 0.818 mmole). These results support the potential use of C. quadrangula extracts or their isolated compounds for hindering the biofilm attachment and the virulence of MRSA and MDRAB and their application as a topical antimicrobial preparation for MRSA skin infections.