Inhibitory effects of sesquiterpenes from bay leaf on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages: structure requirement and role of heat shock protein induction

Essential Oils of Laurus nobilis L.: From Chemical Analysis to In Silico Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity by Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH) Inhibition

Laurus nobilis L. is commonly used in folk medicine in the form of infusion or decoction to treat gastrointestinal diseases and flatulence as a carminative, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, the essential oil (EO) composition of wild-grown L. nobilis L. leaves collected from seven different altitudinal locations in the Molise region and adjacent regions (Abruzzo and Campania) was investigated. EOs from the leaves were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS, and 78 compounds were identified. The major oil components were 1,8-cineol (43.52-31.31%), methyl-eugenol (14.96-4.07%), α-terpinyl acetate (13.00-8.51%), linalool (11.72-1.08%), sabinene (10.57-4.85%), α-pinene (7.41-3.61%), eugenol (4.12-1.97%), and terpinen-4-ol (2.33-1.25%). Chemometric techniques have been applied to compare the chemical composition. To shed light on the nutraceutical properties of the main hydrophobic secondary metabolites (≥1.0%) of laurel EOs, we assessed the in vitro antioxidant activities based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging activity and the reducing antioxidant power by using a ferric reducing power (FRAP) assay. Furthermore, we highlighted the anti-inflammatory effects of seven EOs able to interfere with the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), a key enzyme in the arachidonic acid cascade, in concentrations ranging from 16.5 ± 4.3 to 8062.3 ± 580.9 mg/mL. Thanks to in silico studies, we investigated and rationalized the observed anti-inflammatory properties, ascribing the inhibitory activity toward the disclosed target to the most abundant volatile phytochemicals (≥1.0%) of seven EOs.

Combined Effects of Zein Nanofiber Coating Containing Laurel (Laurus nobilis) and Air Fryer Cooking on Quality Properties of Fish Fillets during Cold Storage

In this study, the effects of zein nanofibers (Zn) containing ground laurel leaves (GLL) and air fry cooking on the quality characteristics of Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. The zein nanofibers possessing 335.8 ± 43.6 nm average diameters were fabricated containing GLL. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results of the zein, Zn, GLL, and zein nanofibers containing GLL (LZn) confirmed the electrospinning encapsulation of GLL into Zn and their interactions. The effects of the combination of LZn coating and air fryer cooking of fish fillets on the quality characteristics during storage at 4 °C for 10 days were monitored in terms of oxidative and microbiological stability, color, and sensory parameters. As compared to the control, the combination of LZn coating and air fryer cooking provided a microbial limitation of up to 45.21% during the analysis (p < 0.05). The changes in ΔE values between the control and the LZn-coated samples were obtained as ≤7.56 during 6 days, but then a dramatic color difference was observed. Besides overall sensory acceptability, particularly the odor parameter in the cooked fish samples coated with LZn was significantly preferred (p < 0.05). The combination of LZn coating and air fryer cooking delayed the thiobarbituric acid increase in the fish meat samples (3.51 to 2.57 mg malondialdehyde (MDA)/kg) up to the third day of storage. This study showed that LZn coating is a very functional layer on the fish meat and could be applied for not only fresh fish meat but also other fresh meat products.

Efficient treatment of oily wastewater, antibacterial activity, and photodegradation of organic dyes using biosynthesized Ag@Fe3O4 nanocomposite

A significant waste (e.g., high oil content and pollutants such as heavy metals, dyes, and microbial contaminants) in water is generated during crude oil extraction and industrial processes, which poses environmental challenges. This study explores the potential of Ag@Fe3O4 nanocomposite (NC) biosynthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Laurus nobilis for the treatment of oily wastewater. The NC was characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopies. The crystalline structure of the NC was determined to be face-centered cubic with an average size of 42 nm. Ag@Fe3O4 NC exhibited significant degradation (96.8%, 90.1%, and 93.8%) of Rose Bengal (RB), Methylene Blue (MB), and Toluidine Blue (TB), respectively, through a reduction reaction lasting 120 min at a dye concentration of 10 mg/L. The observed reaction kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order model, with rate constants (k-values) of 0.0284 min-1, 0.0189 min-1, and 0.0212 min-1 for RB, MB, and TB, respectively. The fast degradation rate can be attributed to the low band gap (1.9 eV) of Ag@Fe3O4 NC. The NC elicited an impressive effectiveness (99-100%, 98.0%, and 91.8% within 30 min) in removing, under sunlight irradiation, several heavy metals, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and total suspended solids (TSS) from the oily water samples. Furthermore, Ag@Fe3O4 NC displayed potent antibacterial properties and a good biocompatibility. These findings contribute to the development of efficient and cost-effective methods for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

The Effects of 1-O-Acetylbritannilactone Isolated from Inula britannica Flowers on Human Neutrophil Elastase and Inflammation of RAW 264.7 Cells and Zebrafish Larvae

During a search for natural inflammatory inhibitors, 1-O-acetylbritannilactone (ABL), a sesquiterpene lactone, was isolated from the flowers of Inula britannica. ABL significantly inhibited human neutrophil elastase (HNE) with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 3.2 ± 0.3 µM, thus did so more effectively than the positive control material (epigallocatechin gallate) (IC₅₀ 7.2 ± 0.5 µM). An enzyme kinetic study was performed. ABL noncompetitively inhibited HNE with an inhibition constant K_i of 2.4 µM. ABL inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide and prostaglandin E₂ production by RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, as well as the protein-level expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. The anti-inflammatory effect of ABL was confirmed using a transgenic Tg(mpx:EGFP) zebrafish larval model. The exposure of the larvae to ABL inhibited neutrophil recruitment to the site of injury after tail fin amputation.

Evaluation of the phytotoxic and antifungal activity of C17 -sesquiterpenoids as potential biopesticides

BACKGROUND

Natural products are a promising source for the development of new pesticides with alternative mechanisms of action. In this study, we evaluated the phytotoxic and antifungal activity of a novel family of natural C₁₇ -sesquiterpenoids and performed a study of the effect caused by the elimination of the α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone system and its importance to their biological activity.

RESULTS

Many tested compounds exhibited a strong phytotoxic activity. Lappalone and pertyolide B were the most potent molecules from the tested group. Lappalone displayed a strong inhibition profile against selected weed species, reaching a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀ ) value of 5.0 μm against Echinochloa crus-galli L. shoot and 5.7 μm against the germination rate of Amaranthus viridis L., as well as a good stimulation of the germination of Phelipanche ramosa L. Pertyolide B demonstrated excellent inhibition against Amaranthus viridis L. (IC₅₀ : 56.7, 70.3 and 24.0 μm against the root and shoot growth, and germination rate, respectively) and Allium cepa L. (representative of the Liliaceae family, with IC₅₀ values of 25.3 and 64.4 μm against root and shoot growth). Regarding the antifungal activity, pertyolide B presented significant activity against Colletotrichum fragareae and Fusarium oxysporum with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 6.6 μg μL^-1 .

CONCLUSION

The bioassays revealed that frequently the presence of the α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone system is not essential for the bioactivities of sesquiterpene lactones, and suggest that C₁₇ -sesquiterpenoids may function through a different mechanism of action not related to the widely assumed Michael addition. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Laurus azorica: Valorization through Its Phytochemical Study and Biological Activities

Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco is an endemic species from the Azores, traditionally used in all the islands as a seasoning in cooking. The studies carried out with this species refer mainly to its essential oils. The study that was developed here allowed, for the first time, to determine the chemical composition and biological activities of the ethanol extract, fractions, and pure compounds from L. azorica. The hexane fraction was analyzed by GC–MS and revealed the presence of 48 compounds, comprising mainly fatty acids, fatty alcohols and terpenes, the family of fatty alcohols identified here for the first time in the genus Laurus. Three sesquiterpene lactones—costunolide, 11,13-dehydrosantonin and reynosin—were isolated for the first time in L. azorica from the same fraction, and structurally characterized using spectroscopic techniques. The compounds identified belong to families known to have relevant medicinal and nutritional properties. Regarding antioxidant activities, the results obtained showed a moderate radical scavenging effect of extracts and fractions, while in the β-carotene bleaching assay, costunolide was shown to be the most active (IC50 = 4.08 ± 0.76 μg/mL), about 3.6 times more active than the standard, gallic acid, which presented IC50 = 14.56 ± 0.13 μg/mL. Although the inhibition of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes was not detected, the ethanol extract showed good inhibitory activity of tyrosinase, with an IC50 of 12.04 ± 0.23 μg/mL, only 6.6-fold lower than the control kojic acid. The results presented deepen the knowledge about a little studied species, opening new perspectives for the development of value-added applications in the food and cosmeceutical fields.

Isolation of Laurus nobilis Leaf Polyphenols: A Review on Current Techniques and Future Perspectives

In recent years, the market demand for products enhanced with ingredients derived from natural products, such as polyphenols, is rapidly increasing. Laurus nobilis L., known as bay, sweet bay, bay laurel, Roman laurel or daphne is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub whose leaves have traditionally been used in cuisines and folk medicine due to their beneficial health effects, which can nowadays be scientifically explained by various biological activities of the leaf extracts. Many of these activities can be attributed to phenolic compounds present in L. nobilis leaves which include flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins (proanthocyanidins) and lignans. In order to enable efficient industrial utilization of these valuable compounds, it is crucial to establish optimal extraction procedures resulting in the highest yields and quality of the extracts. This paper offers the first systematic review of current literature on the influence of conventional and advanced extraction techniques, including microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, enzyme-assisted, supercritical-CO2 and mechanochemical-assisted extraction on the phenolic content of L. nobilis leaf extracts, allowing more efficient planning of further research and simplifying the steps towards industrial utilization of this plant.

Polyphenolic Characterization and Antioxidant Capacity of Laurus nobilis L. Leaf Extracts Obtained by Green and Conventional Extraction Techniques

Laurus nobilis L. is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub whose leaves have been known for various health-promoting effects mainly attributed to polyphenols. Microwave- (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) are green extraction techniques that enable effective isolation of polyphenols from plant material. Therefore, the aim of this research was to optimize the extraction conditions of MAE (ethanol percentage, temperature, extraction time, microwave power) and UAE (ethanol percentage, extraction time, amplitude) of polyphenols from Laurus nobilis L. leaves and to assess their polyphenolic profile by ultra performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and antioxidant capacity by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Optimal MAE conditions were 50% ethanol, 80 °C, 10 min and 400 W. Optimal UAE conditions were 70% ethanol, 10 min and 50% amplitude. Spectrophotometric analysis showed the highest total phenolic content in the extracts was obtained by MAE, compared to conventional heat-reflux extraction (CRE) and UAE. The polyphenolic profile of all obtained extracts included 29 compounds, with kaempferol and quercetin glycosides being the most abundant. UPLC-MS/MS showed the highest total phenolic content in the extracts obtained by CRE. ORAC assay showed the highest antioxidant capacity in extracts obtained by CRE, which is in agreement with the polyphenolic profile determined by UPLC-MS/MS.

Synthesis of Pertyolides A, B, and C: A Synthetic Procedure to C17-Sesquiterpenoids and a Study of Their Phytotoxic Activity

C₁₇-sesquiterpenoids are a group of natural products that have been recently discovered. These compounds have the peculiarity of lacking the α,β-methylene butyrolactone system, which is known to be quite relevant for many of the biological activities reported for sesquiterpene lactones. Unfortunately, the biological interest of C₁₇-sesquiterpenoids has not been studied in-depth, mainly due to the poor isolation yields in which they can be obtained from natural sources. Therefore, in order to allow a deeper study of these novel molecules, we have worked out a synthetic pathway that provides C₁₇-sesquiterpenoids in enough quantities from easily accessible sesquiterpene lactones to enable a more thorough investigation of their bioactivities. With this synthesis method, we have successfully synthesized, for the first time, three natural C₁₇-sesquiterpenoids, pertyolides A, B, and C, with good overall yields. Furthermore, we have also evaluated their phytotoxicity against etiolated wheat coleoptiles and corroborated that pertyolides B and C present strong phytotoxic activity.

Synthesis and anti-fibrotic effects of santamarin derivatives as cytotoxic agents against hepatic stellate cell line LX2

Liver fibrosis is a final result of extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and starts with the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Our previous study showed that eudesmane sesquiterpenoid santamarin had cytotoxicity against hepatic stellate cell line LX2 (HSC-LX2) with IC₅₀ values of 16.5 ± 0.7 μM. To explore the structure-activity relationships, twenty-six derivatives were synthesized by modifying the hydroxyl group, double-bond and unsaturated lactone. Cytotoxicity evaluation suggested that eight derivatives (6, 9, 13, 17, 20 and 25-27) increased activity against HSC-LX2. Especially, derivatives 17, 20 and 25 displayed obvious cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values of 6.4 ± 0.4, 4.6 ± 0.1, and 3.5 ± 0.1 μM, which were 3 to 5-fold higher than santamarin. Preliminary mechanisms study revealed that the active compound 20 exhibited more than 8-fold and 6-fold enhancement of inhibitory effect on the deposition of human hyaluronic acid (HA) and human laminin (HL) with IC₅₀ values of 7.6 ± 0.6 and 3.3 ± 1.2 μM.

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Aucklandia lappa Root Extracts on Acetic Acid-Induced Writhing in Mice and Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related joint disease and one of the most common degenerative bone diseases among elderly people. The currently used therapeutic strategies relying on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids for OA are often associated with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and kidney disorders, despite being proven effective. Aucklandia lappa is a well-known traditional medicine. The root of A. lappa root has several bioactive compounds and has been in use as a natural remedy for bone diseases and other health conditions. We evaluated the A. lappa root extracts on OA progression as a natural therapeutic agent. A. lappa substantially reduced writhing numbers in mice induced with acetic acid. Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) was injected into the rats through their knee joints of rats to induce experimental OA, which shows similar pathological characteristics to OA in human. A. lappa substantially reduced the MIA-induced weight-bearing of hind limb and reversed the cartilage erosion in MIA rats. IL-1β, a representative inflammatory mediator in OA, was also markedly decreased by A. lappa in the serum of MIA rats. In vitro, A. lappa lowered the secretion of NO and suppressed the IL-1β, COX-2, IL-6, and iNOS production in RAW264.7 macrophages activated with LPS. Based on its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, A. lappa could be a potential remedial agent against OA.

Phytotherapy Perspectives for Treating Fungal Infections, Migraine, Sebhorreic Dermatitis and Hyperpigmentations with the Plants of the Centaureinae Subtribe (Asteraceae)

Sesquiterpene lactones, coumarins, phytoecdysones and phenolic compounds are characteristic of the species from the subtribe Centaureinae (Asteraceae). Many of the compounds isolated from plants of the Centaureinae subtribe have strong pharmacological properties. It may be suggested that these compounds' chemical structure might be an indicator of these pharmacological properties. The aim of the study was to describe recent studies in the field of phytotherapy, focusing on compounds isolated from chosen plants of Centaureinae and the possibilities of using them to treat antifungal infections, inhibit serotonin and ease symptoms of seborrhea dermatitis and hyperpigmentation. The results of these biological studies have shown that in the future, extracts from the above-mentioned plant material may be used as active substances in new safe and effective drugs.

Evaluation of Daily Laurus nobilis Tea Consumption on Lipid Profile Biomarkers in Healthy Volunteers

Introduction: Laurus nobilis is known in the field of herbal medicine and in vitro studies that it has beneficial effects such as antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetes, and anti-inflammatory properties.Objective: We investigated whether L. nobilis tea consumption affects the plasma levels of lipid biomarkers in healthy volunteers.Methods: Thirty healthy Tunisian volunteers aged between 20 and 57 years old consumed L. nobilis infusion, prepared from 5 g of dried L. nobilis leaves in 100 ml boiled water, once a day during 10 days. Plasma concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol were measured by Beckman Coulter D × 600 analyzer before L. nobilis consumption and at the end of the experiment.Results: L. nobilis tea consumption significantly increased the concentration of HDL cholesterol ([HDL cholesterol] D₀ = 1.34 ± 0.25 pg/mL, D₁₁=1.42 ± 0.29, p = 0.01). However, a slight decrease that was statistically non-significant in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels was observed (p < 0.05).Conclusions: These findings highlight the improving blood lipidic profiles, which means a possible positive effect on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease of L. nobilis tea consumption in healthy volunteers. However, more powerful studies with an extended treatment period are required.

Antitumor activity and mechanism of costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone: Two natural sesquiterpene lactones from the Asteraceae family

Costunolide (COS) and dehydrocostus lactone (DEH) are two natural sesquiterpene lactones with potential antitcancer activity against a range of cancer cell types both in vitro and in vivo, particularly for breast cancer and leukemia. There are many researches that have been taken to characterize these pathways and to reveal their anticancer mechanisms of action of COS and DEH. However, while there is a great deal of evidence detailing the effects of COS and DEH on considerable signaling pathways and cellular functions, a global view of their mechanism of action remains elusive. This review systematically summarizes the antitumor activity and mechanism of COS and DEH in the recent reports, and discusses the effect of the key active part (α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone) of COS and DEH against cancer. Moreover, we also discuss the antineoplastic activity of COS and DEH derivatives to improve the cytotoxicity and safety index. We believe this review can provide a systemic reference to develop COS and DEH as anticancer agents.

Zaluzanin C Inhibits Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes into Mature Adipocytes

Background

An excess storage of body fat causes obesity. Since obesity increases risk of chronic diseases, it is important to inhibit excessive storage of fat. Zaluzanin C is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Ainsliaea acerifolia. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of zaluzanin C on differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes.

Methods

The cytotoxicity of zaluzanin C and its effect on cell proliferation was determined. For the induction of adipocyte differentiation, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with differentiating medium containing 10 μg/mL insulin, 115 μg/mL methylisobutylxanthine, and 1 μM dexamethasone. Differentiated 3T3-L1 cells were subjected to Oil red O solution or used for Western blot analysis. Zaluzanin C was added to the cell culture medium at concentrations of 0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 μM.

Results

Zaluzanin C did not inhibit cell proliferation and showed no cytotoxicity at 10 μM concentration in 3T3-L1 cells. Therefore, concentration range of 0–10 μM zaluzanin C was used for subsequent experiments. Zaluzanin C inhibited accumulation of lipid droplets in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. To understand the underlying mechanism of zaluzanin C, expression of adipogenesis regulators was determined by Western blot analysis. Zaluzanin C suppressed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression, an adipogenesis related transcription factor, and inhibited aP2/fatty acid-binding protein-4 expression, a target gene of PPARγ. However, it did not affect expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha related with acquisition of insulin sensitivity.

Conclusion

These data suggest that inhibitory effect of zaluzanin C on adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes could be partially caused by suppressing PPARγ.

Application of sesquiterpene lactone: A new promising way for cancer therapy based on anticancer activity

Cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases that are rapidly increasing globally. After heart disease, it is the second leading cause of death, accounting for seven million deaths each year. Chemotherapy is the use of cytotoxic drugs on cancer cells. But the use of common chemotherapy drugs poses a problem due their high side effects and low efficacy. As a result, efforts are on to find new potent compounds with low side effects. The compounds extracted from plants have been studied in this regard due to their prevalence. Sesquiterpene lactones are a group of natural compounds that were first detected in Asteraceae dark plants. These compounds exercise their effects by reacting with functional groups available on proteins and enzymes, especially the thiol group. Owing to the high side effects as an antitumor synthetic drugs, efforts are being made to find drugs with high efficiency and low side effects. Their high structural ranges have attracted the attention of many researchers as a potential source of new anticancer drugs.

Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Laurel Tree (Laurus nobilis)

This review summarizes the chemical composition reported up to date on Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae), an evergreen shrub or tree cultivated for its aromatic leaves and ornamental interest. It has been focused on non-volatile phytochemicals such as sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, among others. Moreover, biological activities of laurel extracts and pure compounds have also been reviewed.

The Health Benefits of Selected Culinary Herbs and Spices Found in the Traditional Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. This is often attributed to low saturated fat consumption, moderate wine consumption, and high vegetable consumption. However, herbs and spices associated with these diets may also play an important role in the quality of this diet. This review summarizes the most recent research regarding the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypertensive properties of this collection of culinary species. Additionally, this review briefly summarizes studies performed on lesser known herbs from around the world, with the goal of identifying new culinary species that may be useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases.

Laurus nobilis leaf extract mediated green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles: Characterization and biomedical applications

The present study reports the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the aqueous leaf extract of Laurus nobilis (Ln-ZnO NPs) by co-precipitation method. The synthesized Ln-ZnO NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM and EDX. Ln-ZnO NPs were crystalline in nature, flower like and have hexagonal wurtzite structure with a mean particle size of 47.27nm. The antibacterial activity of Ln-ZnO NPs was greater against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria than Gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. The zone of inhibition against S. aureus was 11.4, 12.6 and 14.2mm at 25, 50 and 75μgmL^-1. The zone of inhibition against P. aeruginosa was 9.8, 10.2 and 11.3mm at 25, 50 and 75μgmL^-1. The light and confocal laser scanning microscopic images evidenced that Ln-ZnO NPs effectively inhibited the biofilm growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa at 75μgmL^-1. The cytotoxicity studies revealed that Ln-ZnO NPs showed no effect on normal murine RAW264.7 macrophage cells. On the other hand, Ln-ZnO NPs were effective in inhibiting the viability of human A549 lung cancer cells at higher concentrations of 80μgmL^-1. The morphological changes in the Ln-ZnO NPs treated A549 lung cancer cells were observed under phase contrast microscope.

Reparative activity of costunolide and dehydrocostus in a mouse model of 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effects of costunolide (Co) and dehydrocostus (De) in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis (IM) as well as the potential mechanisms involved.

Inhibition of neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunctions by carbenoxolone in the rotenone model of Parkinson's disease

α-Synuclein aggregation contributes to the Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology in multiple ways-the two most important being the activation of neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of a heat shock protein (HSP) inducer, carbenoxolone (Cbx), in reducing the aggregation of α-synuclein in a rotenone-based rat model of PD. The present study was designed to explore its ability to attenuate the α-synuclein-mediated alterations in neuroinflammation and mitochondrial functions. The PD model was generated by the rotenone administration (2 mg/kg b.wt.) to the male SD rats for a period of 5 weeks. Cbx (20 mg/kg b.wt.) co-administration was seen to reduce the activation of astrocytes incited by rotenone. Subsequently, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β was inhibited. Further, the expression level of various inflammatory mediators such as COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB was also reduced following Cbx co-treatment. Cbx was also shown to reduce the rotenone-induced decline in activity of mitochondrial complexes-I, -II, and -IV. Protection of mitochondrial functions and reduction in neuroinflammation lead to the lesser production of ROS and subsequently reduced oxidative stress. This was reflected by the increase in both the cytosolic and mitochondrial GSH levels as well as SOD activity during Cbx co-treatment. Thus, Cbx reduces the inflammatory response and improves the mitochondrial dysfunctions by reducing α-synuclein aggregation. In addition, it also reduces the associated oxidative stress. Due to its ability to target the multiple pathways implicated in the PD, Cbx can serve as a highly beneficial prophylactic agent.

Sesquiterpenoids in subtribe Centaureinae (Cass.) Dumort (tribe Cardueae, Asteraceae): distribution, (13)C NMR spectral data and biological properties

Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl is one of the biggest and most economically important plant families. The taxonomy and phylogeny of Asteraceae is rather complex and according to the latest and most reliable taxonomic classification of Panero & Funk, based on the analysis of nine chloroplast regions, the family is divided into 12 subfamilies and 35 tribes. One of the largest tribes of Asteraceae is Cardueae Cass. with four subtribes (Carlininae, Echinopinae, Carduinae and Centaureinae) and more than 2500 species. Susanna & Garcia-Jacas have organized the genera of Centaureinae (about 800 species) into seven informal groups, which recent molecular studies have confirmed: 1. Basal genera; 2. Volutaria group; 3. Rhaponticum group; 4. Serratula group; 5. Carthamus group; 6. Crocodylium group; 7. Centaurea group. This review summarizes reports on sesquiterpenoids from the Centaureinae subtribe of the Asteraceae family, as well as the (13)C NMR spectral data described in the literature. It further reviews studies concerning the biological activities of these metabolites. For this work, literature data on sesquiterpenes from the Centaureinae subtribe were retrieved with the help of the SciFinder database and other similar data banks. All entries from 1958 until the end of 2011 were considered. This review is addressed to scientists working in the metabolomics field such as chemists, botanists, etc., the spectroscopic data reported make this work a good tool for structural elucidation, the biological section gives useful information to those who wish to study the structure activity relationships.

Apolar Laurus nobilis leaf extracts induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis towards three nervous system cell lines

In the course of a bioactivity screening of Mediterranean plants, the assessment of neuroprotective properties of Laurus nobilis L. was of interest. Dried leaves were extracted by sonication using CHCl3 as solvent. The CHCl3 parental extract (CHCl3-pe) was fractionated to yield CHCl3 (LnC-1), EtOAc (LnC-2), MeOH (LnC-3) fractions. Each fraction underwent an extensive screening towards human neuroblastoma (SK-N-BE(2)-C, and SH-SY5Y) and rat glioma (C6) cell lines. MTT and SRB cytotoxicity tests were performed. The effect on the plasma membrane integrity was evaluated by assessment of LDH release. The caspase-3 activation enzyme and DNA fragmentation were also evaluated. The oxidant/antioxidant ability of all the extracts were evaluated using different methods. Furthermore, a metabolite profiling of the investigated extracts was carried out by GC-EI-MS. CHCl3-pe contained terpenes, allylphenols, and α-tocopherol. Dehydrocostus lactone was the main constituent. As result of the fractionation technique, the LnC-1 extract was mainly composed of α-tocopherol, whereas the LnC-2 fraction was enriched in guaiane and eudesmane terpenes. The most cytotoxic LnC-2 fraction induced apoptosis; it was ineffective in preventing in vitro free radicals production. Overall, the experimental results support a possible role of LnC-2 preparation as a chemopreventive agent for neuronal cells or other cells of the CNS.

Dehydrocostus lactone is exuded from sunflower roots and stimulates germination of the root parasite Orobanche cumana

The germination of the obligate root parasites of the Orobanchaceae depends on the perception of chemical stimuli from host roots. Several compounds, collectively termed strigolactones, stimulate the germination of the various Orobanche species, but do not significantly elicit germination of Orobanche cumana, a specific parasite of sunflower. Phosphate starvation markedly decreased the stimulatory activity of sunflower root exudates toward O. cumana, and fluridone - an inhibitor of the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway - did not inhibit the production of the germination stimulant in both shoots and roots of young sunflower plants, indicating that the stimulant is not a strigolactone. We identified the natural germination stimulant from sunflower root exudates by bioassay-driven purification. Its chemical structure was elucidated as the guaianolide sesquiterpene lactone dehydrocostus lactone (DCL). Low DCL concentrations effectively stimulate the germination of O. cumana seeds but not of Phelipanche aegyptiaca (syn. Orobanche aegyptiaca). DCL and other sesquiterpene lactones were found in various plant organs, but were previously not known to be exuded to the rhizosphere where they can interact with other organisms.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Penstemon gentianoides and Penstemon campanulatus

CONTEXT

Penstemon gentianoides (Kunth) Poir. and Penstemon campanulatus (Cav.) Willd. (Plantaginaceae) are important medicinal plants in Mexico used by indigenous people for their anti-inflammatory effects and to also reduce rheumatic pains.

OBJECTIVE

In addition to radical scavenging activity, the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts, fractions and compounds of these plants were investigated and reported here for the first time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-inflammatory activities of MeOH, CH(2)Cl(2), and ethyl acetate extracts and iridoid, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids from Penstemon gentianoides and P. campanulatus were studied in the TPA-induced mouse ear edema model. In addition, antioxidant activity against DPPH, crocin and β-carotene were investigated.

RESULTS

All extracts were tested and a selection of known compounds significantly (p <0.05) inhibited mouse ear edema. The results showed that CH(2)Cl(2) extracts of roots and stems from P. gentianoides and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves from P. gentianoides and P. campanulatus, as well as luteolin, diosmetin, penstemide and verbascoside produced the most positive results. Of all substances tested, the CH(2)Cl(2) extract of P. gentianoides roots was the most powerful inhibitor (ED(50)=0.07 mg/ear), with activity comparable to that of indomethacin. These extracts, compounds purified, as well as known compounds, inhibited oxidation of β-carotene and crocin.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These findings showed that the iridoid monoterpenes, flavonoids and phenylpropanoids present in these plants species may all contribute to the observed anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the observed antioxidant activity is correlated with the anti-inflammatory activity of these plants and the phytochemicals derived from them.

Inhibition of nuclear factor kappaB activation and cyclooxygenase-2 expression by aqueous extracts of Hispanic medicinal herbs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a primary choice of therapy for diseases with a chronic inflammatory component. Unfortunately, long-term NSAID therapy is often accompanied by severe side effects, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications. Because of this, there is critical need for identification of new and safer treatments for chronic inflammation to circumvent these side effects. Inflammatory diseases have been successfully remedied with natural herbs by many cultures. To better understand the potential of natural herbs in treating chronic inflammation and to identify their mechanism of action, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory activities of 20 medicinal herbs commonly used in the Hispanic culture. We have established a standardized method for preparing aqueous extracts (teas) from the selected medicinal herbs and screened for inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced activation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), which is the central signaling pathway of the inflammatory response. A number of herbal teas were identified that exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. In particular, tea from the herb commonly called laurel was found to be an especially potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB-dependent cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression and prostaglandin E(2) production in cultured murine macrophages. These findings indicate that laurel tea extract contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds that function by inhibiting the major signal transduction pathway responsible for inducing an inflammatory event. Based on these results, laurel may represent a new, safe therapeutic agent for managing chronic inflammation.

In vitro and in vivo effects of Laurus nobilis L. leaf extracts

The in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of different extracts of laurel leaves were studied. Free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) was evaluated measuring the scavenging activity on the DPPH, NO, O₂^•− and OH radicals. The effects on lipid peroxidation (LP) were also evaluated. Experimental results indicate that ethyl acetate extract of leaves has exhibited the largest RSC capacity in neutralization of DPPH, NO, O₂^•− and OH radicals. The same result was obtained in investigation of extracts impact on LP. The in vivo effects were evaluated on some antioxidant systems (activities of GSHPx, LPx, Px, CAT and XOD, and GSH content) in the mice liver and blood-hemolysate after treatment with the examined laurel extracts, or in combination with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). On the basis of the results obtained it can be concluded that the examined extracts exhibited a certain protective effect, which is more pronounced on the liver than on blood-hemolysate parameters. The results obtained indicate toxicity of CCl₄, probably due to the radicals involved in its metabolism. Combined treatments with CCl₄ and the examined extracts showed both positive and negative synergism. Based on the experimental results, the strongest protective effect was shown by the EtOAc extract.

Absolute stereostructures of olibanumols A, B, C, H, I, and J from olibanum, gum-resin of Boswellia carterii, and inhibitors of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages

Three new monoterpenes, olibanumols A (1), B (2), and C (3), and three new triterpenes, olibanumols H (4), I (5), and J (6), were isolated from olibanum, the exuded gum-resin from Boswellia carterii BIRDW. Their structures including the absolute configuration were determined by chemical and physicochemical evidence. Among the constituents, olibanumols A (1), H (4), and I (5), and isofouquierol (12) exhibited nitric oxide production inhibitory activity in lipopolysaccharide-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Aminoparthenolides as novel anti-leukemic agents: Discovery of the NF-kappaB inhibitor, DMAPT (LC-1)

A series of aminoparthenolide analogs (6-37) were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-leukemic activity. Eight compounds exhibited good anti-leukemic activity with LD(50)'s in the low microM range (1.5-3.0microM). Compounds 16, 24 and 30 were the most potent compounds in the series, causing greater than 90% cell death at 10microM concentration against primary AML cells in culture, with LD(50) values of 1.7, 1.8 and 1.6microM.