Diterpenes from the berries of Juniperus excelsa

A natural approach to breast cancer treatment: investigation of chemical features of aerial parts of endemic Onosma sintenisii Hausskn. ex Bornm and its antioxidant properties, in vitro cytotoxic and apoptosis induction on MCF-7 cells

Onosma sintenisii Hausskn. ex Bornm. (O. sintenisii) belongs to the Boraginaceae family and it is an endemic species from Irano-turanian phytogeographical region (central and eastern Anatolia) that distributes in steppe areas. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, in vitro cytotoxic and apoptosis induction of methanol extract of aerial parts of O. sintenisii. As a result of GC/MS analysis, 14 components were identified, and the major compounds of the extracts are retronecine (13.94%), α.-D-Glucopyranosiduronic acid (10.86%), melaniline (7.5%) and 1,2-Butanediol (4.02%), respectively. Antioxidant properties of O. sintenisii were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and superoxide radical scavenging activity methods. While the DPPH free radical scavenging activity results of O. sintenisii extract varied between 62.49% and 32.27%, reducing power activity and superoxide radical scavenging activity were found to be low. The result of the MTT assay revealed strong anticancer activity of O. sintenisii extract. The most significant cytotoxic effect was noted at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL after 48 hours. These findings together with flow cytometry analysis suggest that apoptosis can be the main mechanism underlying cell death after O. sintenisii extract treatment.

LC-ESI-MS/MS-Based Comparative Metabolomic Study, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Three Lobelia Species: Molecular Modeling and ADMET Study

The hydroethanol (70%) extracts of three Lobelia species (L. nicotianifolia, L. sessilifolia, and L. chinensis) were analyzed using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Forty-five metabolites were identified, including different flavonoids, coumarin, polyacetylenes, and alkaloids, which were the most abundant class. By applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) based on LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, the three species were completely segregated from each other. In addition, the three Lobelia extracts were tested for their antioxidant activities using a DPPH assay and as antidiabetic agents against α-glycosidase and α-amylase enzymes. L. chinensis extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 1.111 mg/mL, while L. nicotianifolia showed mild suppressing activity on the α-glycosidase activity with an IC50 value of 270.8 μg/mL. A molecular simulation study was performed on the main compounds to predict their potential antidiabetic activity and pharmacokinetic properties. The molecular docking results confirmed the α-glycosidase inhibitory activity of the tested compounds, as seen in their binding mode to the key amino acid residues at the binding site compared to that of the standard drug acarbose. Furthermore, the predictive ADMET results revealed good pharmacokinetic properties of almost all of the tested compounds. The biological evaluation results demonstrated the promising activity of the tested compounds, aligned with the in silico results.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry profile and antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and enzyme activities of Thymus pectinatus and Thymus convolutus: in vitro and in silico approach

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to investigate the antiproliferative, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme activity capacities and phytochemical compositions of Thymus pectinatus (TP), Thymus convolutus (TC), which are endemic to Türkiye. Quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in the extracts was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, targeting 53 phenolic compounds.

RESULTS

Rosmarinic acid, quinic acid, and cynaroside were identified as the major compounds, exhibiting quantitative variation in both extracts. The extracts had a high total phenolic content, with 113.57 ± 0.58 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract for TP and 130.52 ± 1.05 mg GAE/g extract for TC. Furthermore, although both extracts exhibited high total flavonoid content; the TP extract (75.12 ± 1.65 mg quercitin equivalents (QE)/g extract) displayed a higher flavonoid content than the TC extract (30.24 ± 0.74 mg QE/g extract) did. The extracts had a promising antiproliferative effect on C6, HeLa, and HT29 cancer cell lines with a less cytotoxic effect (10.5-14.2%) against normal cells. Both extracts exhibited very potent inhibitory activity against the xanthine oxidase enzyme, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of respectively 2.07 ± 0.03 μg mL-1 and 2.76 ± 0.06 μg mL-1 and moderate activity against tyrosinase and α-glucosidase. Docking simulations proved that rosmarinic acid and cynaroside, the major components of the extracts, were the most potent inhibitors of xanthine oxidase. According to antimicrobial activity results, the TC extract exhibited moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and the TP extract had strong activity against both Enterococcus faecium and S. aureus.

CONCLUSION

These findings emphasize the beneficial effects of the two endemic Thymus species on human health and suggest their potential use as plant-derived bioactive agents. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Volatiles of All Native Juniperus Species Growing in Greece-Antimicrobial Properties

Juniper (Juniperus L., Cupressaceae Bartlett) trees are of high commercial value, as their essential oils are widely applied in the food and cosmetic industries due to their bioactivities. The genus Juniperus comprises eight species in Greece, and in the current work, we report the chemical analyses of their volatiles (GC-MS) obtained from the leaves and cones of all indigenous species found in the country, as well as their antimicrobial properties. The studied species were J. oxycedrus L., J. excelsa M. Bieb., J. foetidissima Willd., J. communis L., J. macrocarpa Sibth. & Sm., J. turbinata Guss., J. sabina L. and J. drupacea Labill., and a total of 164 constituents were identified. Monoterpenes, followed by sesquiterpenes, appeared as the dominant compounds in all investigated species. Most of the studied essential oils belonged to the α-pinene chemotype, with amounts of α-cedrol, sabinene, limonene and myrcene among the abundant metabolites, except for J. sabina, which belonged to the sabinene chemotype. Through antimicrobial tests, it was observed that the essential oils of most of the cones showed better activity compared with the respective leaves. The essential oils of the cones of J. foetidissima, J. communis and J. turbinata showed the strongest activity against the tested microorganisms. Additionally, in these three species, the content of thujone, which is a toxic metabolite found in essential oils of many Juniperus species, was considerably low. Taking into consideration the chemical profile, safety and antimicrobial activity, these three Greek Juniperus species seemed to provide the most promising essential oils for further exploitation in the food and cosmetics industries.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Stachys spectabilis: Identification, catalytic degradation, and antioxidant activity

Nanotechnology has become the focus of scientific research due to its widespread and effective use. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced utilizing Stachys spectabilis, and their antioxidant effect and catalytic degradation of methylene blue were investigated. The structure of ss-AgNPs was clarified by spectroscopy. FTIR demonstrated the possible functional group responsible for reducing agents. The absorption at 498 nm in the UV-Vis measurement verified the nanoparticle structure. XRD measurement demonstrated the nanoparticles to be face-centered cubic crystalline structures. TEM image proved the nanoparticles as spherical, and the size was determined as 10.8 nm. The intense signals at 2.8-3.5 keV in EDX confirmed desired product. The observation of zeta potential at -12.8 mV indicated the stability of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can degrade the methylene blue with 54% at 40 h. The antioxidant effect of extract and nanoparticles was performed by ABTS radical cation, DPPH free radical scavenging, and FRAP assay. Nanoparticles revealed excellent ABTS activity (4.42 ± 0.10) in comparison to the standard BHT (7.12 ± 0.10). ss-AgNPs may be a promising agent for the pharmacy.

Potential Anticancer Activity of Juniperus procera and Molecular Docking Models of Active Proteins in Cancer Cells

Medicinal plants provide a wide range of active compounds that can be exploited to create novel medicines with minimal side effects. The current study aimed to identify the anticancer properties of Juniperus procera (J. procera) leaves. Here, we demonstrate that J. procera leaves' methanolic extract suppresses cancer cells in colon (HCT₁₁₆), liver (HepG2), breast (MCF-7), and erythroid (JK-1) cell lines. By applying GC/MS, we were able to determine the components of the J. procera extract that might contribute to cytotoxicity. Molecular docking modules were created that used active components against cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) in colon cancer, aromatase cytochrome P450 in the breast cancer receptor protein, the -N terminal domain in the erythroid cancer receptor of the erythroid spectrin, and topoisomerase in liver cancer. The results demonstrate that, out of the 12 bioactive compounds generated by GC/MS analysis, the active ingredient 2-imino-6-nitro-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carbothiamide proved to be the best-docked chemical with the chosen proteins impacted by DNA conformational changes, cell membrane integrity, and proliferation in molecular docking studies. Notably, we uncovered the capacity of J. procera to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell growth in the HCT₁₁₆ cell line. Collectively, our data propose that J. procera leaves' methanolic extract has an anticancer role with the potential to guide future mechanistic studies.

The curative effect of some natural active compounds for liver cancer

Cancer is a disease that has become widespread recently and has been studied extensively. It is of great importance to find an active and effective treatment quickly due to the emergence of the disease and its spread to many tissues in the organism by metastasis. In this study, it is aimed to detect active and active substances that are highly effective on cancer cells in a short time by using docking scores, the accuracy of which has been proven by many studies. Today, many medicinal plants are being studied for therapeutic purposes. In this study, the activities of the prominent active substances in these medicinal plants were compared with the docking scores and the molecules with the highest inhibition effect on liver cancer receptors were determined. The data obtained in this study are of great importance in terms of guiding experimental studies by detecting active substances effective on liver cancer by preventing time and material loss. Considering the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that Cucurbitacin I and Cucurbitacin E, Thymol, Piperine, and Carvacrol are very effective for the inhibition of liver cancer cell receptors.

Catechin, rutin and quercetin in Quercus mongolica Fisch leaves exert inhibitory effects on multiple cancer cells

We aimed to identify anti-tumor agents in Quercus mongolica Fisch (QMF). Bioactive compounds in QMF leaves, which were extracted using ethanol as a co-solvent. Five point zero six grams of flavonoids were obtained from 100 g of QMF leaves. Catechin (18.4%), rutin (6.3%), ellagic acid (34.9%), quercetin (5.1%) and kaempferol (20.6%) are the main ingredients of the extracts and were further purified by HPLC. CCK-8 cell proliferation assay showed that catechin and ellagic acid exerted strong inhibitory effects on the proliferation of all cancer cells with lower IC₅₀ values against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines, SMMC-7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, HeLa human cervical carcinoma cell lines and SKOV3 human ovarian carcinoma cell lines (p < .05). Catechin, rutin and quercetin induced a higher rate of apoptosis and inhibited all cancer cell proliferation by inducing the G0/G1 phase and G2/M phase arrest (p < .05). However, ellagic acid induced tumor cell death, not through apoptosis and there may be other molecular mechanisms. High levels of catechin and ellagic acid in QMF can be developed as potential drugs to treat different types of cancer cells. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Quercus species have been widely studied because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-tumor properties. Bioactive compounds in the leaves of Quercus mongolica Fisch have high levels of catechin and ellagic acid, which exert significant inhibitory properties on the proliferation of various types of cancer cells. Therefore, the bioactive compounds may be potential natural drugs in the prevention of cancer development and progression.

Antiproliferation effects of nanophytosome-loaded phenolic compounds from fruit of Juniperus polycarpos against breast cancer in mice model: synthesis, characterization and therapeutic effects

Background

This research was performed to synthesize nanophytosome-loaded high phenolic fraction (HPF) from Juniperus polycarpos fruit extract and investigate its antiproliferation effects against breast cancer in mice model.

Results

The nanophytosome-loaded HPF from Juniperus polycarpos fruit extract was synthesized. The mice trial was conducted to determine the possible toxic effects of the synthesized nanophytosomes. The anticancer, pro-apoptotic, and antioxidative activities of the nanophytosomes were determined. The nanophytosome-loaded HPF had a spherical structure with a size of 176 nm and a polydispersity index coefficient of 0.24. The in vivo study manifested that nanophytosome-loaded HPF significantly improved weight gain and food intake compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05). The nanophytosome-loaded HPF significantly enhanced the expression of bax (3.4-fold) and caspase-3 (2.7-fold) genes, but reduced bcl2 (3.6-fold) gene expression in tumor cells. The average tumor size was significantly decreased in mice treated with nanophytosome-loaded HPF (p < 0.05). The expression of GPX (2.3-fold) and SOD (2.7-fold) antioxidants in the liver of mice supplemented with nanophytosome-loaded HPF was significantly developed compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). The nanophytosome-loaded HPF did not show toxicity on normal cells.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that nanophytosome-loaded HPF might be a potential anticancer agent for the breast cancer treatment.

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of bioactive compounds isolated from Onosma bourgaei

Onosma species have been used commonly for traditional medicine for years due to their bioactive compounds content. Onosma bourgaei aerial part was extracted with hexane and methanol successively. The methanol extract was subjected to chromatographic techniques to isolate allantoin (1), 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (2), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (3), apigenin-7-O-β-glucoside (4), diosmetin-7-O-β-glucoside (5), rosmarinic acid (6), and globoidnan A (7). The structure of isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic techniques such as 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, FTIR, and LC-TOF/MS/MS. Antiproliferative activity of extract and natural compounds were carried out using HeLa (human epithelial cervix adenocarcinoma, ATCC® CCL-2™), HT29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma, ATCC® HTB38™), MCF7 (human mammary gland adenocarcinoma, ATCC® HTB22™), and A549 (human lung carcinoma, ATCC® CCL185™) cancerous cells and normal cells, FL (human epithelial amnion cell, ATCC® CCL62™). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was performed for cytotoxicity. The compounds, 4, 6, and 7 displayed the strong antiproliferative activity against corresponding cell lines. Apigenin-7-O-β-glucoside (4) revealed the excellent activity on HeLa, HT29, A549, and MCF6 cancer cell lines with the values of (IC_50, µM) 167.3, 196.8 181.1, and 203.5, respectively, compared standard compound, cisplatin.

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using curcumin: cytotoxic, apoptotic, and necrotic effects on various cell lines

Nanostructures have distinctive chemical and physical features owing to their surface area and nanoscale size. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using curcumin, a medicinally valuable natural product. The structure of curcumin-mediated silver nanoparticles (c-AgNPs) was identified by extensive spectroscopic techniques. The maximum absorption was observed at 430 nm in UV-Vis spectrum. The crystal structure of c-AgNPs was identified by XRD. The morphology of the structure was determined by SEM image. The particle size was found as 51.13 nm. The functional groups of curcumin and c-AgNPs were established by FTIR spectroscopy. Cytotoxic activity of c-AgNPs was carried out using A549, DLD-1, and L929 with MTT assay. c-AgNPs revealed excellent activity on DLD-1 cell lines and A549 cell lines at 1.0 mg/mL concentration with the lethal effect of 80%. However, nanoparticles did not show the considerable effect on L929. Moreover, they induced apoptosis. Consequently, c-AgNPs are a promising material for anticancer drugs candidate.

Antitubercular and antibacterial activities of isoxazolines derived from natural products: Isoxazolines as inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis InhA

Isoxazoline derivatives of the natural products eugenol, 1’- S-acetoxychavicol acetate and sclareol are prepared through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions in an aqueous buffered system. The compounds are evaluated for their antitubercular and antibacterial activities. Compounds 2, 2a and 3f display strong antitubercular activity with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 26.68, 17.89 and 14.58 µM, respectively. Furthermore, derivative 3f exhibits antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus (minimum inhibitory concentration value of 29.16 µM). Isoxazoline derivatives of 1’- S-acetoxychavicol acetate demonstrate improvements in cytotoxicity, and derivative 3f of sclareol demonstrates improved antitubercular and antibacterial activities. Isoxazolines derived from natural products exhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) inhibitory activity, and molecular modelling predicts that they form hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with NADH and with the key residues of the InhA binding site.

Isolation, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of communic acid from Juniperus phoenicea

OBJECTIVES

A mixture of Z and E communic acid is isolated for the first time from the cones of Juniperus phoenicea. Its biological activity was studied.

METHODS

The plant material was extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus with n-hexane, the resulting extract was subjected to column chromatography (CC) on silica gel. The structure elucidation of the constituents of the isolated fraction was identified by comparison of its spectroscopic properties ¹H and ¹³C NMR data with those reported in the literature. The antimicrobial assay of hexanic extract and isolated compounds was carried out by the disc diffusion and micro-dilution methods.

RESULTS

A mixture of two diterpene acids isomers was isolated, with a high yield (68%). Their chemical structures were confirmed after comparing their spectral data with published reports. These natural products exhibited a significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against the tested strains. Indeed, for Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the inhibition zone diameters (36-37 mm) was better than penicillin, novobiocin, and amoxicillin. For Candida albicans activity, it show that the mixture possess an activity similar to that of Metrazol. Against Escherichia coli, the inhibitory activity was found less than Amoxicillin. This is the first report of isolation of communic acid from J. phoenicea.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that the cones of J. phoenicea were an important source of communic acid, and its hexanic extract had the greatest potential antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans.

Essential Oil Composition and Bioactivity of Two Juniper Species from Bulgaria and Slovakia

Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb and J. sabina L. contain essential oil (EO), while J. sabina also contains podophyllotoxin, which is used as a precursor for anti-cancer drugs. Two studies were conducted. The first assessed the variability in the EO profile and podophyllotoxin concentration of the two junipers, depending on the location and tree gender. The main EO constituents of J. excelsa were α-cedrol, α-limonene and α-pinene, while the constituents in J. sabina were sabinene, terpinen-4-ol, myrtenyl acetate and α-cadinol. The podophyllotoxin yield of 18 J. sabina accessions was 0.07–0.32% (w/w), but this was not found in any of the J. excelsa accessions. The second study assessed the effect of hydrodistillation (Clevenger apparatus) and steam distillation (in a semi-commercial apparatus) on the EO profile and bioactivity. The extraction type did not significantly alter the EO composition. The EO profiles of the two junipers and their accessions were different and may be of interest to the industry utilizing juniper leaf EO. Breeding and selection programs could be developed with the two junipers (protected species) in order to identify chemotypes with (1) a high EO content and desirable composition, and (2) a high concentration of podophyllotoxin in J. sabina. Such chemotypes could be established as agricultural crops for the commercial production of podophyllotoxin and EO.

Effects of Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa) extract on immune responses and disease resistance against Yersinia ruckeri in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study investigated the effects of Greek juniper extract on immune responses of rainbow trout. In this experiment, 4 doses [0 (Control), 1 (J1), 4 (J4) and 8 (J8) mg/kg] of the extract were administered orally using an oral gavage twice a day for 14 days. Immune responses were measured on 7th and 14th days. On 14th day, Yersinia ruckeri was injected intraperitoneally to all fish of all groups. On 14th day, ORP in fish of J1 group increased significantly. Lysozyme activity (LA) was increased in J8 group on 7th day (p < .05). On 14th day, a significant decrease was determined in J1 and J4 treatments in LA. Myeloperoxidase activity was significantly decreased in all groups irrespective of sampling times (p < .05). Interleukin (IL)-1β was significantly elevated in fish of J8 group on 7th day. IL-8 increased in fish of J8 and J4 groups on 7th day of the study. IL-12 gene expression was significantly up-regulated in J8 fish group on 7th day, and in J4 fish group on 14th day. Survival rate was higher in J8 treatment compared to the control and other treatments (p < .05). The results suggest that Juniperus excelsa provides protection against Y. ruckeri in rainbow trout.

A Review of Conifers in Iran: Chemistry, Biology and their Importance in Traditional and Modern Medicine

Cupressus sempervirens, Platycladus orientalis, Juniperus communis, J. excelsa, J. foetidissima, J. polycarpos var. turcomanica, J. sabina, and Taxus baccata are conifers in Iran. These plants have a long reputation in different systems of traditional medicines for a variety of diseases. This review aims to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information about the ethnopharmacological uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacology of these conifers. Furthermore this study comprises a bibliographical survey of major Islamic Traditional Medicine (ITM) books regarding different medical aspects of these species. A literature search was conducted on the applications of these conifers both in traditional and modern medicines by referencing traditional textbooks and scientific databases. Ethnobotanical literature review indicates that various parts of the plants including cones, berries, leaves, bark, wood, and resin have been used for a broad spectrum of applications. In Iran, C. sempervirens, J. sabina, J. communis, and T. baccata have been used traditionally for the treatment of urinary, digestive, nervous, respiratory, and integumentary systems-related problems. The phytochemical constituents of these plants can be divided into two main categories: volatile and non-volatile components, all dominated by terpenes. Considering the pharmacological and clinical evidence, while some of the traditional applications of these plants are supported by modern medicine, implying the value of the traditional and folklore knowledge for finding new lead compounds in drug discovery, some have remained unexamined showing the need for much more studies in this regard.

A Review on Recent Trends in Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles for Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease that has affected mankind. The anti-TB treatment has been used from ancient times to control symptoms of this disease but these medications produced some serious side effects. Herbal products have been successfully used for the treatment of TB. Gold is the most biocompatible metal among all available for biomedical purposes so Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have sought attention as an attractive biosynthesized drug to be studied in recent years for bioscience research. GNPs are used as better catalysts and due to unique small size, physical resemblance to physiological molecules, biocompatibility and non-cytotoxicity extensively used for various applications including drug and gene delivery. Greenly synthesized GNPs have much more potential in different fields because phytoconstituents used in GNP synthesis itself act as reducing and capping agents and produced more stabilized GNPs. This review is devoted to a discussion on GNPs synthesis with herbs for TB. The main focus is on the role of the natural plant bio-molecules involved in the bioreduction of metal salts during the GNPs synthesis with phytoconstituents used as antitubercular agents.

Diterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids from the stem bark of Metasequoia glyptostroboides

A phytochemical study on the stem bark of Metasequoia glyptostroboides led to the isolation of sixty-one diterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, including seventeen previously undescribed compounds, metaglyptins A-Q. Their structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data (IR, UV, HRESIMS, and ¹H, ¹³C and 2D NMR). The absolute configurations of metaglyptins I, J, and O were determined by the ECD data and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The undescribed compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HeLa, AGS, and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. The results revealed that metaglyptin A exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cell line with IC₅₀ value of 20.02 μM.

Cellular proliferation/cytotoxicity and antimicrobial potentials of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Juniperus procera

Juniperus spp. are used as medicinal plants in many countries like Bosnia, Lebanon, and Turkey. In folk medicines, these plants have been used for treating skin and respiratory tract diseases, urinary problems, rheumatism and gall bladder stones. The objectives of this work were to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a coniferous tree, Juniperus procera leaf extract and testing the synthesized AgNPs for its antimicrobial potentials, hemolytic activity, toxicity and the proliferative effects against normal and activated rat splenic cells. Leaf extract was prepared using acetone and ethanol as solvents. AgNPs were prepared using the acetone extract. AgNPs were validated using UV–Vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Functional groups in the extract were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. SEM images of AgNPs showed spherical and cubic shapes with a uniform size distribution with an average size of 30–90 nm. FT-IR spectroscopy showed the presence of many functional groups in the plant extract. AgNPs showed promising antimicrobial activity against tested bacteria and fungus. AgNPs also expressed a stimulating activity towards the rat splenic cells in a dose dependent manner. Acetone as solvent was safer on cells than ethanol. Green synthesized AgNPs using J. procera might be used as a broad-spectrum therapeutic agent against microorganisms and as an immunostimulant agent.

Diterpenes as lead molecules against neglected tropical diseases

Nowadays, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are reported to be present everywhere. Poor and developing areas in the world have received great attention to NTDs. Drug resistance, safety profile, and various challenges stimulate the search for alternative medications. Plant-based drugs are viewed with great interest, as they are believed to be devoid of side effects. Diterpenes, a family of essential oils, have showed attractive biological effects. A systematic review of the literature was carried out to summarize available evidences of diterpenes against NTDs. For this, databases were searched using specific search terms. Among the 2338 collected reports, a total of 181 articles were included in this review. Of them, 148 dealt with investigations using single organisms, and 33 used multiple organisms. No mechanisms of action were reported in the case of 164 reports. A total of 93.92% were related to nonclinical studies, and 4.42% and 1.66% dealt with preclinical and clinical studies, respectively. The review displays that many diterpenes are effective upon Chagas disease, chikungunya, echinococcosis, dengue, leishmaniasis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, schistosomiasis, and tuberculosis. Indeed, diterpenes are amazing drug candidates against NTDs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of Olea oleaster and Juniperus procera leaves extracts on thioacetamide induced hepatic cirrhosis in male albino mice

The effect of Olea oleaster and Juniperus procera leaves extracts and their combination on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic cirrhosis were investigated in male albino mice. One hundred sixty mice were used in this study and were randomly distributed into eight groups of 20 each. Mice of group 1 served as controls. Mice of group 2 were treated with TAA. Mice of group 3 were exposed to TAA and supplemented with O. oleaster leaves extracts. Mice of group 4 were treated with TAA and supplemented with J. procera leaves extracts. Mice of group 5 were subjected to TAA and supplemented with O. oleaster and J. procera leaves extracts. Mice of groups 6, 7 and 8 were supplemented with O. oleaster, J. procera, and O. oleaster and J. procera leaves extracts respectively. Administration of TAA for six and twelve weeks resulted in a decline in body weight gain and increased the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. Histopathological evaluations of hepatic sections from mice treated with TAA showed severe alterations including increase of fibrogenesis processes with structural damage. Treatment of mice with these extracts showed a pronounced attenuation in TAA induced hepatic cirrhosis associated with physiological and histopathological alterations. Finally, this study suggests that the supplementation of these extracts may act as antioxidant agents and could be an excellent adjuvant support in the therapy of hepatic cirrhosis.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Juniperus excelsa M.Bieb. growing wild in Lebanon

The essential oils (EOs) isolated from the leaves and twigs of Juniperus excelsa M.Bieb. growing wild in Lebanon were characterized, and their antimicrobial activity and antiradical capacity were evaluated. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and characterized by GC and GC/MS analyses. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by determining minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against a Gram-positive and a Gram-negative bacterium, a yeast, and a dermatophyte with the broth microdilution technique. A total of 28 constituents was identified and accounted for 90.1 and 95.6% of the twig and leaf EO composition, respectively. Both EOs were essentially composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons (46.7 and 59.6% for twig and leaf EOs, resp.) and sesquiterpenes (39.4 and 32.1%, resp.). The main components were α-pinene, α-cedrol, and δ-car-3-ene. The J. excelsa EOs did not show any antiradical potential, but revealed interesting in vitro antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Trichophyton rubrum (MICs of 64 and 128 μg/ml, resp.). The three major compounds were tested separately and in combination according to their respective amounts in the oil. δ-Car-3-ene was the most active component and is undoubtedly one of the constituents driving the antifungal activity of J. excelsa essential oil, even though synergies are probably involved.

Communic acids: occurrence, properties and use as chirons for the synthesis of bioactive compounds

Communic acids are diterpenes with labdane skeletons found in many plant species, mainly conifers, predominating in the genus Juniperus (fam. Cupresaceae). In this review we briefly describe their distribution and different biological activities (anti- bacterial, antitumoral, hypolipidemic, relaxing smooth muscle, etc.). This paper also includes a detailed explanation of their use as chiral building blocks for the synthesis of bioactive natural products. Among other uses, communic acids have proven useful as chirons for the synthesis of quassinoids (formal), abietane antioxidants, ambrox and other perfume fixatives, podolactone herbicides, etc., featuring shorter and more efficient processes.

Analysis of antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of Juniperus excelsa M. B subsp. Polycarpos (K. Koch) Takhtajan essential oil

Juniperus excelsa M.B subsp. Polycarpos (K.Koch), collected from south of Iran, was subjected to hydrodistillation using clevenger apparatus to obtain essential oil. The essential was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and studied for antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant activities. The results indicated α-pinene (67.71%) as the major compound and α-cedral (11.5%), δ3-carene (5.19%) and limonene (4.41%) in moderate amounts. Antimicrobial tests were carried out using disk diffusion method, followed by the measurement of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). All the Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria were susceptible to essential oil. The oil showed radical scavenging and antioxidant effects.

A therapeutic approach for wound healing by using essential oils of cupressus and juniperus species growing in Turkey

Juniperus and Cupressus genera are mainly used as diuretic, stimulant, and antiseptic, for common cold and wound healing in Turkish folk medicine. In the present study, essential oils obtained from cones of Cupressus and berries of Juniperus were evaluated for their wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. In vivo wound healing activity was evaluated by linear incision and circular excision experimental wound models, assessment of hydroxyproline content, and subsequently histopathological analysis. The healing potential was comparatively assessed with a reference ointment Madecassol. Additionally acetic-acid-induced capillary permeability test was used for the oils' anti-inflammatory activity. The essential oils of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus and J. phoenicea demonstrated the highest activities, while the rest of the species did not show any significant wound healing effect. The experimental study revealed that J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus and J. phoenicea display remarkable wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities, which support the folkloric use of the plants.

Evaluation of fruit extracts of six Turkish Juniperus species for their antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antimicrobial activities

BACKGROUND

Juniperus L. (Cupressaceae) species are mostly spread out in the Northern Hemisphere of the world, and some of them are used as folkloric medicines. The fruits of some species are eaten. Since oxidative stress is one of the reasons for neurodegeneration and is associated with the Alzheimer's disease (AD), the extracts prepared from the fruits of six Juniperus species were screened for their antioxidant activity. Therefore, the extracts were also evaluated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), which are chief enzymes in the pathogenesis of AD. In addition, antimicrobial activity was also evaluated.

RESULTS

In the β-carotene-linoleic acid assay, acetone extracts of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, J. sabina and J. excelsa, and methanol extracts of J. phoenicea and J. sabina, effectively inhibited oxidation of linoleic acid. The hexane extracts of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, J. foetidissima and J. phoenicea showed remarkable inhibitory effect against AChE and BChE.

CONCLUSION

Because of their high antioxidant activity, J. excelsa, J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, J. sabina and J. phoenicia might be used in the food industry as preservative agents or extension of the shelf-life of raw and processed foods. Since the hexane extracts of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus and J. foetidissima demonstrated significant anticholinesterase activity they should be considered as a potential source for anticholinesterase agents.

Diterpenoids from Pinus massoniana resin and their cytotoxicity against A431 and A549 cells

Five diterpenoids and 14 known diterpenoids were isolated from the petroleum ether extract of Pinus massoniana resin. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated using the MTT method. The results showed that three of the less polar diterpenoids had strong cytotoxicity against A431 and A549 cancer cells, whereas those of high polarity had none.

Antimycobacterial terpenoids from Juniperus communis L. (Cuppressaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Juniperus communis is a plant which has been reported as a traditional cure for tuberculosis (TB) and other respiratory diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the constituents responsible for the activity of the n-hexane extract of Juniperus communis roots against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv and Juniperus communis aerial parts against Mycobacterium aurum. Subsequently, it was to evaluate the activity of the pure isolated compounds against (i) drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis variants, (ii) non-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis and (iii) a range of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antimycobacterial activity of Juniperus communis extracts, fractions and constituents was determined against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv, and against rifampicin-, isoniazid-, streptomycin- and moxifloxacin-resistant variants, using the microplate broth Alamar Blue assay (MABA) method. Isolated constituents were tested against non-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv, using the low oxygen recovery assay (LORA), and against NTM (Mycobacterium aurum, Mycobacterium phlei, Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium smegmatis), using a broth microdilution method. Cytotoxicity studies were performed using mammalian Vero cells.

RESULTS

The antimycobacterial activity of Juniperus communis was attributed to a sesquiterpene identified as longifolene (1) and two diterpenes, characterised as totarol (2) and trans-communic acid (3). All compounds were identified following analysis of their spectroscopic data (1D- and 2D-NMR, MS) and by comparison with the literature and commercial authentic standards when available. Revised assignments for 3 are reported. Totarol showed the best activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv (MIC of 73.7 microM). It was also most active against the isoniazid-, streptomycin-, and moxifloxacin-resistant variants (MIC of 38.4, 83.4 and 60 microM, respectively). Longifolene and totarol were most active against the rifampicin-resistant variant (MICs of 24 and 20.2 microM, respectively). Totarol showed the best activity in the LORA assay (MIC of 81.3 microM) and against all NTM species (MICs in the range of 7-14 microM). Trans-communic acid showed good activity against Mycobacterium aurum (MIC of 13.2 microM). The low selectivity indices (SI) obtained following cytotoxicity studies indicated that the isolated terpenoids were relatively toxic towards mammalian cells. This is the first report of the isolation of (1) and (2) from Juniperus communis roots, and of (3) from the aerial parts. The antimycobacterial activity of (1) and (3), and the activity of (2) against Mycobacterium aurum, Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium phlei, is reported for the first time. The effect of totarol on drug-resistant variants and non-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis has never been published.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of antimycobacterial terpenoids in Juniperus communis aerial parts and roots justifies, to some extent, the ethnomedicinal use of this species as a traditional anti-TB remedy.

Assessment of some diterpenoids in commercial distilled gin

In the present study the qualitative and quantitative determination of diterpenoids in commercial distilled gin was carried out. This widely consumed juniper-based spirit is aromatized using Juniper (Juniperus communis) berries. Although juniper reportedly contains several diterpenic compounds, no studies have addressed the diterpenic composition of juniper-based spirits or beverages. With this objective, here we followed a multilevel factorial experimental design to optimize a direct immersion-solid phase microextraction (DI-SPME) method coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and analyzed eight commercial brands of gin. With total concentrations ranging from 10 to 190 microg L(-1), manool, manoyl oxide and trans-totarol were the most abundant diterpenoids of the 10 identified or tentatively identified at variable but not negligible concentrations in the distilled gin samples. The diterpenic composition allowed the brands to be differentiated. This indicates that these compounds contribute to the sensory characteristics of the distinct commercial brands, thus guaranteeing the authenticity and consequently the quality of the product.

Diterpenes drive Th1 polarization depending on IL-12

Sandaracopimaric acid and Sandaracopimaradiene-3beta-ol are diterpenes isolated from the heatwood of Cryptomeria japonica and are pharmacologically active substances. Dendritic cells (DC) are key antigen presenting cells (APC), which link innate and adaptive immunity, ultimately activating antigen-specific T cells. We demonstrate that Sandaracopimaric acid and Sandaracopimaradiene-3beta-ol activate humans DC as documented by phenotypic and functional maturation and altered cytokine production. The expression of the co-stimulatory molecules such as CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR on Sandaracopimaric acid- and Sandaracopimaradiene-3beta-ol-primed DC was enhanced. Sandaracopimaric acid- and Sandaracopimaradiene-3beta-ol-primed DC also enhanced the T cell stimulatory capacity in an allo MLR. Naive T cells co-cultured with Sandaracopimaric acid- or Sandaracopimaradiene-3beta-ol-primed DC turned into typical Th1 cells, which produced large quantities of IFN-gamma and released small amounts of IL-4 depending on IL-12 secretion. Sandaracopimaric acid- or Sandaracopimaradiene-3beta-ol-primed DC had a high migration to macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3beta. These results suggest that some diterpenes modulate human DC function in a fashion that favors Th1 cell polarization and may be used on DC-based vaccines for cancer immunotherapy.

Indian medicinal plants as a source of antimycobacterial agents

It is estimated that one-third of the world's population is infected with tubercle bacillus and the problem of tuberculosis (TB) has been intensified due to HIV pandemic providing a large reservoir of highly susceptible individuals. Since no anti-TB drugs have been introduced in past 30 years, there is an urgent need to search for and develop new, effective and affordable anti-TB drugs. In this scenario, the plant kingdom with enormous chemical diversity may be looked as an important source of new anti-TB agents. Of 17,500 higher plant species occurring in India only about 365 species have been evaluated so far for antimycobacterial activity. The present review article describes the 255 (70% of 365) plant species from a wide range of families that have shown antimycobacterial activity. The species are enumerated in table format describing plant species and family, plant part used, type of extract and in vitro activity (MIC value), information on active compounds, if any, and uses in the ethnomedicine and Ayurveda. Interestingly, most of the plant species have shown strong positive ethnopharmacological correlation with the traditional knowledge. In addition, the recent in vitro screening methods for antimycobacterial activity are also described in brief. An attempt has been made to highlight the promising plant species for further investigation as leads for drug development.

Anticandidal low molecular compounds from higher plants with special reference to compounds from essential oils

The most active low molecular weight compounds from higher plants against Candida species are compiled from a database of antimicrobials (Amicbase) to find out new hints on their mechanism of action. The selected compounds possess strong inhibitory activities in vitro against Candida species either in the agar diffusion test, bioautography, agar dilution test, serial dilution test, or activity in the vapour phase. The test conditions are listed thoroughly and aspects of the different methods and recent developments in the testing of anticandidal drugs are discussed. The anticandidal spectra of drugs, antiseptics, and disinfectants licensed on the major markets are given for comparison of activities with compounds from natural sources. So far known mechanisms of action are described and some new structure-activity relationships are deduced from relationships between biological activities and chemical and physical parameters. Main specific targets of natural anticandidals are the ergosterol pathway, respiratory chain, and chitin biosynthesis.

Macrophage immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides isolated from Juniperus scopolorum

Extracts of cones and leaves of different species of the genus Juniperus have been used for centuries to treat a variety of medical problems; however, little is known about the active components conferring therapeutic properties to these extracts. To address this issue, we extracted water-soluble polysaccharides from Juniperus scopolorum cones and used ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography to separate them into five fractions, with estimated Mr of 30, 60, 100, 200, and 680 kDa, respectively. All fractions contained type II arabinogalactan in their structure, as determined by reaction with Yariv reagent and structural analysis by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, but lacked complement fixing activity. Analysis of the effects of Juniper polysaccharides on murine peritoneal macrophages, cultured J774.A1 macrophages, and human mononuclear phagocytes demonstrated that the high molecular weight polysaccharide fractions (200 and 680 kDa) had potent immunomodulatory activity. These polysaccharide fractions primed macrophages for an enhanced respiratory burst, directly stimulated NO production via induction of nitric oxide synthase, and induced macrophages to secrete both inflammatory (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-12) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines. These data suggest that at least part of the beneficial therapeutic effects reported for extracts of juniper cones are due to modulation of monocyte/macrophage immune functions.

Distribution of (−)-yatein in cupressaceae family analysed by high performance liquid chromatography

The method for the chiral analysis of (-)-yatein was developed and the distribution of this component in the plants of three genera like Juniperus, Thuja and Chamaecyparis belonging to Cupressaceae family was examined. The chiral analysis of (-)-yatein from the plants was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography on (R,R)-Whelk-O1 column using 81 v/v% methanol as mobile phase. The yatein content in the leaves of Juniperus was the highest in compare with that of the other two genera, providing the possibility of the chemical discrimination of the plants in Juniperus from the other plants in the Cupressaceae family. In general, the yatein content in the leaves was much higher than that in the twigs. This method could be applied for the quality control of (-)-yatein in the plants belonging to Cupressaceae family.

Activity against multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mexican plants used to treat respiratory diseases

The increase of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) demands the search for alternative antimycobacterial drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate plants used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat respiratory diseases for activity against MDR-TB. A group of 22 plants was screened for activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and Mycobacterium avium at concentrations from 50 to 200 microg/mL. The antimycobacterial effect was determined by a microcolorimetric assay with Alamar blue dye. None of the aqueous extracts had antimycobacterial activity. Hexane extracts from Artemisia ludoviciana, Chamaedora tepejilote, Lantana hispida, Juniperus communis and Malva parviflora, and methanol extracts from Artemisia ludoviciana and Juniperus communis inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium avium was inhibited by Juniperus communis hexane extract and by Malva parviflora methanol extract. The active extracts were tested against monoresistant variants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (isoniazid, rifampin, streptomycin and ethambutol resistant) and the hexane extract of Lantana hispida showed the best activity. Lantana hispida hexane extract was also active against a group of MDR-TB clinical isolates. In contrast, it did not inhibit the growth of non-tuberculous mycobacteria. The hexane extract of Lantana hispida was fractionated by column chromatography and one of its fractions (FVI) inhibited the growth of all the MDR-TB clinical isolates at concentrations up to 25 microg/mL. This study supports the fact that selecting plants by ethnobotanical criteria enhances the probability of finding species with activity against mycobacteria, and our results point to Lantana hispida as an important source of potential compounds against MDR-TB.