A saponin with anti-ulcerogenic effect from the flowers of Spartium junceum

Potential Antiulcer Agents From Plants: A Comprehensive Review

Background:

Peptic ulcer is a deep gastrointestinal erosion disorder that involves the entire mucosal thickness and can even penetrate the muscular mucosa. Nowadays, several plants and compounds derived from it have been screened for their antiulcer activity. In the last few years, there has been an exponential growth in the field of herbal medicine. This field has gained popularity in both developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and less side effects.

Objective:

This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of currently available knowledge of medicinal plants and phytoconstituents reported for their anti-ulcer properties.

Methods:

The worldwide accepted database like SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, NISCAIR, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Web of Science, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar were used to retrieve available published literature.

Results:

A comprehensive review of the present paper is an attempt to list the plants with antiulcer activity. The review narrates the dire need to explore potential chemical moieties that exert an antiulcer effect, from unexploited traditional plants. Furthermore, the present study reveals the intense requirement to exploit the exact mechanism through which either the plant extracts or their active constituents exhibit their antiulcer properties.

Conclusion:

This article is the compilation of the plants and its constituents reported for the treatment of peptic ulcers. The Comprehensive data will surely attract the number of investigators to initiate further research that might lead to the drugs for the treatment of ulcers. As sufficient scientific data is not available on plants, most of the herbals cannot be recommended for the treatment of diseases. This can be achieved by research on pure chemical structures derived from plants or to prepare new lead compounds with proven beneficial preclinical in vitro and in vivo effects. However, a lot remains to be done in further investigations for the better status of medicinal plants.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Spartium junceum L. flowers inhibits growth and melanogenesis in B16-F10 cells by inducing senescence

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet light exposure generates, in human tissues, radical species, which represent the main cause of photo-aging, DNA damage and skin cancer onset. On the other hand, Mediterranean plants, being continuously subjected to high solar radiation levels, are naturally adapted to take on this type of abiotic stress, thanks to the production of antioxidant secondary metabolites. For these reasons, several plant extracts were documented to be excellent antineoplastic drugs.

PURPOSE

We investigated the potential antitumor activity of the flower extract obtained by Spartium junceum L., a Mediterranean shrub, correlating it with the plant metabolic profile.

STUDY DESIGN

After selecting the best extraction method to obtain as more secondary metabolites as possible from S. junceum flowers, we characterized the extract metabolic content. Then, by in vitro analyses, the antioxidant profile and the antineoplastic activity on B16-F10 murine melanoma cell of our extract were investigated.

METHODS

Spectrophotometric assays, HPLC-DAD and GC-MS analyses provided us information about flower extract composition and antioxidant activity. MTT assay and Trypan Blue exclusion test were performed to assess the extract toxicity and the viability, after treatments, of B16-F10 cancer cells and of C2C12 murine myoblasts. In vitro experiments (i.e. cytofluorimetry, protein analysis and qPCR) allowed us to analyze the effect of the plant extract on B16-F10 cell redox state, melanogenesis and cell cycle. Senescence induction was investigated by using a specific kit.

RESULTS

We observed that the hydroalcoholic extract of S. junceum flowers (HFE) strongly inhibited B16-F10 murine melanoma cell proliferation, while just a feeble effect was observed on C2C12 murine myoblasts. Moreover, we found that HFE exerted a pro-oxidant activity on melanoma cells, inhibited melanogenesis and caused cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, inducing senescence. These anti-cancer properties of HFE could be related to the rich metabolic profile of the extract that we characterized by HPLC-DAD and GC-MS analyses.

CONCLUSION

This evidence suggests that S. junceum phytocomplex can be used as a selective, nontoxic, economic and easily available anticancer drug.

Chromatographic Profiling of Ellagic Acid in Woodfordia fruticosa Flowers and their Gastroprotective Potential in Ethanol-induced Ulcers in Rats

BACKGROUND

Woodfordia fruticosa, a plant of Indian origin, is extensively used in folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to standardize the flowers of W. fruticosa, Kurz (Lythraceae), an important plant of Indian origin and explore the chemical constituents contributing to its anti-ulcer activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profiling of the three samples of W. fruticosa flowers purchased from three different markets was done using ellagic acid as the biomarker. Two doses of the aqueous extract of the W. fruticosa (AEWF) flowers were evaluated for anti-ulcer activity by ethanol-induced ulcer model in Wistar albino rats. Omeprazole was used as the positive control. The parameters used for the assessment of the anti-ulcer potential were total titratable acidity (TTA), ulcer index, and percentage protection.

RESULTS

The HPTLC and HPLC studies confirmed the presence of ellagic acid in all the three drug samples. The AEWF showed significant reduction in terms of TTA at both doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. The gastroprotection indicated by a lower ulcer index and higher percentage protection was significant for 200 mg/kg dose of AEWF, better than the protection afforded by omeprazole (10 mg/kg).

CONCLUSION

The chromatographic profiling and the anti-ulcer studies served as an efficient tool in the characterization of ellagic acid as an important biomarker for the flowers of W. fruticosa and a probable contributor to the gastroprotective capacity of the drug. The bioactivity studies further supported the traditional use of W. fruticosa in the treatment of ulcers.

SUMMARY

HPTLC & HPLC fingerprinting of W. fruticosa using ellagic acid as a biomarker.Evaluation of W. fruticosa for gastroprotection potential in ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rats model.Aqueous extract of the drug showed better gastroprotection than the standard drug omeprazole at a dose of 200 mg/kg.

Protective effect of centella triterpene saponins against cyclophosphamide-induced immune and hepatic system dysfunction in rats: its possible mechanisms of action

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of the centella triterpene saponins (EXT) on cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced hepatotoxicity and immunosuppression in rats. The phytochemical profile of EXT was analyzed for centella saponins by using high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC). Therapeutic efficacy of EXT (250 mg/kg/day p.o) on hematological profile of blood, liver function markers, and cytokine profiles in CYP (10 mg/kg/day p.o)-treated rats. In addition, weights of immune organs (spleen and thymus) and histopathological changes in the liver, intestine, and spleen were also evaluated. The active principles in EXT were identified as madecassoside, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid by HPLC analysis. Upon administration of EXT, enhanced levels of glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lipid peroxidation were found reduced while the levels of reduced glutathione and hematological parameters and relative weights of immune organs were restored to normal in CYP-treated rats. The hepatic mRNA level of TNF-α, which was increased during CYP administration, was significantly decreased by the EXT treatment. The decreased levels of mRNA expression of other cytokines like IFN-γ, IL-2, GM-CSF, after CYP treatment, were also found elevated upon administration of the EXT. Histopathological examination of the intestine, liver, and spleen indicated that the extract could attenuate the CYP-induced hepatic and immune organ damage. These results indicated that EXT modulated the immune and hepatic system function of rats against CYP-induced immunosuppression and hepatotoxicity by restoring the cytokine production, antioxidant system, and multiorgan injury. Thus, triterpene saponins may provide protective and/or therapeutic alternative against the immune-mediated liver diseases.

Effect of methanol extract of Dicranopteris linearis against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in rats

Background

Dicranopteris linearis (family Gleicheniaceae) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities but no attempt has been made to study its hepatoprotective potential. The aim of the present study was to determine the hepatoprotective effect of methanol extracts of D. linearis (MEDL) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury in rats.

Methods

6 groups (n = 6) of rats received oral test solutions: 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 200 mg/kg silymarin, or MEDL (50, 250, and 500 mg/kg), once daily for 7 consecutive days, followed by hepatotoxicity induction with CCl₄. Blood and liver were collected for biochemical and microscopic analysis. The extract was also subjected to antioxidant studies (e.g. 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)- and superoxide anion-radical scavenging assays, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) test and total phenolic content (TPC) determination), phytochemical screening and HPLC analysis.

Results

Pretreatment with MEDL and silymarin significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the serum levels of AST, ALT and ALP, which were increased significantly (P < 0.05) in DMSO-pretreated group following treatment with CCl₄. Histological analysis of liver tissues in groups pretreated with MEDL and silymarin showed mild necrosis and inflammation of the hepatocytes compared to the DMSO-pretreated group (negative control group). The MEDL showed higher DPPH- and superoxide anion-radical scavenging activity as well as high TPC and ORAC values indicating high antioxidant activity.

Conclusions

MEDL exerts hepatoprotective activity that could be partly contributed by its antioxidant activity and high phenolic content, and hence demands further investigation.

Antiulcer activity of methanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum leaves in rats

OBJECTIVE

To determine the potential antiulcer activity of methanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum leaves (MEMM) using various established rat models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten groups of rats were used and orally administered 10% DMSO (negative control), 100 mg/kg ranitidine (positive control) or MEMM (50, 250 and 500 mg/kg) followed by gastric ulcer induction either using ethanol or indomethacin. The stomachs were collected and subjected to macroscopic and microscopic analyses.

RESULTS

MEMM exhibited significant (p < 0.05) antiulcer activity in the ethanol, but not in the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model. The percentage of antiulcer activity for 50-500 mg/kg MEMM ranged between 3 and 75%, respectively. The gross observations were supported by histological findings. MEMM also aggravated the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer, leading to an increase in ulcer area formation and ulcer score.

CONCLUSION

The M. malabathricum leaves showed antiulcer activity, which could be attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This requires further in-depth studies.

Spartium Junceum Aromatic Water: Chemical Composition and Antitumor Activity

The purpose of this study was to analyse the chemical composition of Spartium junceum L. (also known as Spanish Broom) aromatic water and to evaluate its cytotoxic activity against a series of human cancer cell lines (melanoma: RPMI 7932; leukemia: K562; breast cancer cell: MCF7-Bart and MCF7-ICLC, colon adenocarcinoma: SW480). The results show that the aromatic water was cytotoxic toward the tumor cell lines analyzed (RPMI 7932, K562, MCF7-Bart, MCF7-ICLC, SW480), while it did not appreciably alter the viability of normal keratinocytes (NCTC 2544) suggesting its potential use as an antitumor agent for cancer treatment and/or prevention.

In vivo antiulcer activity of the aqueous extract of Bauhinia purpurea leaf

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bauhinia purpurea (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat various ailments, including ulcers. In order to establish pharmacological properties of the leaf of Bauhinia purpurea, studies were performed on antiulcer activity of the plant's aqueous extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Bauhinia purpurea aqueous extract (BPAE) was prepared in the doses of 100, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg. Antiulcer activity of BPAE was evaluated by absolute ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer, and pyloric ligation models. Acute toxicity was also carried out.

RESULTS

BPAE, at the dose of 5,000 mg/kg, did not cause any signs of toxicity to rats when given orally. Oral administration of BPAE exhibited antiulcer activity (p<0.05) in all models used. However, the dose-dependent activity was observed only in the absolute ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Histological studies supported the observed antiulcer activity of BPAE. In pyloric ligation assay, BPAE increased the gastric wall mucus secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

The BPAE exhibits antiulcer activity, which could be due to the presence of saponins or sugar-free polyphenols, and, thus, confirmed the traditional uses of Bauhinia purpurea in the treatment of ulcers.

Protective effects of Punica granatum in experimentally-induced gastric ulcers

In the present investigation standardized aqueous methanolic extract of Punica (AMP) was used for its possible ulcer protective activity in wistar rats against different experimental models. Preliminary phytochemical screening of AMP reveals the presence of saponin, tannins, and flavonoids, which may be responsible for its activity. HPTLC finger prints of AMP showed the presence of 12 spots at different (retention factor) rf values. Oral administration of AMP (490 and 980 mg/kg bw) significantly reduced the ulcer lesion index produced by alcohol, indomethacin, and aspirin, at both doses in rats. Further, in pylorus-ligated rats AMP significantly reduces the ulcer lesions, gastric volume, and total acidity. It prevents the ulceration by increasing the pH and mucus secretion in pylorus ligated rats. The present study shows the anti-ulcer activity of AMP in experimentally-induced gastric ulcers.

Analgesic and Anti-Gastropathic Effects of Salidroside Isolated from Acer tegmentosum Heartwood

The heartwood of Acer tegmentosum(Acereaceae) has been used as a Korean traditional medicinal drug against alcohol poisoning and hepatitis. To find the biologically active substance in A. tegmentosum heartwood, we investigated the protective effects of the heartwood extract and its constituents on pain and gastropathy in mouse. In these experiments, salidroside, a major compound, significantly reduced gastric lesion and pain in mice. Oral administration of salidroside at the 10 and 20 mg/kg doses greatly reduced the gastric lesion induced by HCl/ethanol (inhibitory effect, 51.5 and 68.8%, respectively) and by indomethacin/bethanechol (inhibitory effect, 31.3 and 38.8%, respectively). Salidroside also stabilized pH of gastric juice and the increase of gastric juice secretion and total acid output. Taken together, these results demonstrated that salidroside is the main ingredient of A. tegmentosum heartwood to prevent gastric lesion and pain that can be caused by drinking alcohol.

Evaluation of the antiulcerogenic and analgesic activities of Cordia verbenacea DC. (Boraginaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cordia verbenacea is a medicinal plant popularly used in Brazil as anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and anti-rheumatic agent without detailed pharmacological and toxicological studies.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study was aimed to investigate the effects of Cordia verbenacea in antiulcer, analgesic and antioxidant assays, as well as to evaluate its toxic effects and phytochemical profile.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Antiulcer activity of plant extract was evaluated using ethanol/HCl, ethanol and piroxican-induced gastric lesions methods. The pH, volume and total acid of gastric juice were determined by pylorus-ligated assay. Analgesic activity was evaluated by writhing, tail-flick and hot-plate tests. Antioxidant activity was determined by in vitro lipoperoxidation assay. Acute toxicity and number of deaths were evaluated by Hippocratic screening.

RESULTS

The ethanol leaf extract shows a potent antiulcer activity in the ethanol/HCl and absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesions. The IC(50) value of plant extract on the lipid peroxidation was 76.11mug/ml. Preliminary phytochemical tests were positive for flavonoids, steroids, saponins, fixed acids, alkaloids and phenols. In the analgesic models the extract did not present any activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Cordial verbenaceae showed a potent antiulcer activity at the dose of 125mg/kg and this effect may be associated with an improvement in stomach antioxidant mechanisms.

Antiulcerogenic effect and acute toxicity of a hydroethanolic extract from the cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) leaves

The antiulcerogenic effect of a hydroethanolic extract of Anacardium occidentale L. leaves was investigated. The extract inhibited gastric lesions induced by HCl/ethanol in female rats. A dose-response effect study showed that the ED50 was 150 mg/kgb.w. Extract doses higher than 100 mg/kgb.w. were more effective than 30 mg/kg of lansoprazol in inhibiting gastric lesions. A methanolic fraction (257.12 mg/kg) which reduced gastric lesion at 88.20% is likely to contain the active principle of the antiulcer effect. No signs of acute toxicity were observed when mice were treated with extract dose up to 2000 mg/kgb.w. A chemical analysis of the extract allowed the identification of phenolic compounds as the major components. Glycosylated quercetin, amentoflavone derivate and a tetramer of proanthocyanidin were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The level of total phenolics in the extract was evaluated at 35.5% and flavonoid content was 2.58%.

Oleanane saponins from Stylosanthes erecta

Five new oleanane saponins (1-5) together with four know flavonol glycosides were isolated from the aerial parts of Stylosanthes erecta. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR experiments including 1D-TOCSY, DQF-COSY, ROESY, HSQC, and HMBC spectroscopy, as well as ESIMS analysis. The aglycone moieties of 1-4 were assigned as new oleanane derivatives.

Saponins, classification and occurrence in the plant kingdom

Saponins are a structurally diverse class of compounds occurring in many plant species, which are characterized by a skeleton derived of the 30-carbon precursor oxidosqualene to which glycosyl residues are attached. Traditionally, they are subdivided into triterpenoid and steroid glycosides, or into triterpenoid, spirostanol, and furostanol saponins. In this study, the structures of saponins are reviewed and classified based on their carbon skeletons, the formation of which follows the main pathways for the biosynthesis of triterpenes and steroids. In this way, 11 main classes of saponins were distinguished: dammaranes, tirucallanes, lupanes, hopanes, oleananes, taraxasteranes, ursanes, cycloartanes, lanostanes, cucurbitanes, and steroids. The dammaranes, lupanes, hopanes, oleananes, ursanes, and steroids are further divided into 16 subclasses, because their carbon skeletons are subjected to fragmentation, homologation, and degradation reactions. With this systematic classification, the relationship between the type of skeleton and the plant origin was investigated. Up to five main classes of skeletons could exist within one plant order, but the distribution of skeletons in the plant kingdom did not seem to be order- or subclass-specific. The oleanane skeleton was the most common skeleton and is present in most orders of the plant kingdom. For oleanane type saponins, the kind of substituents (e.g. -OH, =O, monosaccharide residues, etc.) and their position of attachment to the skeleton were reviewed. Carbohydrate chains of 18 monosaccharide residues can be attached to the oleanane skeleton, most commonly at the C3 and/or C17 atom. The kind and positions of the substituents did not seem to be plant order-specific.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Spartium junceum L. flower extracts: a preliminary study

Our objective was to study the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of extract of Spartium junceum L. flowers. Samples of flowers were collected from wild plants, dried, powdered, and extracted with hexane and methanol. The extracts were evaporated to dryness and then suspended in suitable solvent. They were then tested for anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenin rat paw edema test and for analgesic activity in the Randall and Selitto mechanical pressure test and in the tail-flick test. Twenty-four hours after treatment, the gastric mucosa of each rat was observed macroscopically. Based on these results the hexane extract was fractioned by column chromatography, and the fractions obtained were tested in the same way. The results showed good anti-inflammatory activity only for a single fraction of the hexane extract, while all the extracts and all the other hexane fractions showed both peripheral and central analgesic activity. In rats treated with the tested compounds hyperemia and ulcers were absent. The data from this preliminary study reveal interesting pharmacological properties of S. junceum L. flowers extract related to the marked analgesic activity and the absence of gastric ulcerogenic activity.

Biological activities and distribution of plant saponins

Plant saponins are widely distributed amongst plants and have a wide range of biological properties. The more recent investigations and findings into their biological activities were summarized. Isolation studies of saponins were examined to determine which are the more commonly studied plant families and in which families saponins have been identified.

Effects of oleanane-type triterpenoids from fabaceous plants on the expression of ICAM-1

We examined the inhibitory effects of oleanane-type triterpenoids from fabaceous plants on the TNF-alpha-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules on THP-1 human monocytic leukemia cells and compared them with a glucocorticoid dexamethasone. In a cell-based ELISA, abrisapogenol E, soyasapogenols B and C, soyasapogenol B, kuzusapogenol B-methyl ester, and oleanolic acid significantly inhibited intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) expression. Moreover, these triterpenoids showed the same activity as dexamethasone. On the other hand, the absence of hydroxyl group at C-24 position of sapogenin rather to increase ICAM-1 expression compared with the untreated control. We concluded that the activity of oleanane saponins and sapogenins against ICAM-1 expression are dependent upon the position of the hydroxyl group, and in particular upon the status of the C-21 and C-24 positions and of the glycosyl group at C-3 position.

Isolation and characterization of free radical scavenging flavonoid glycosides from the flowers of Spartium junceum by activity-guided fractionation

Spartium junceum L. (Fabaceae) flowers are used for the treatment of peptic ulcers in Turkish folk medicine. The possible superoxide dismutase-like activity of the extracts, fractions and constituents obtained through activity-guided fractionation were studied by using in vitro electron spin resonance spectrometry, in order to explain the role of antioxidant principles in the potent antiulcerogenic activity of the extract. Despite the fact that the triterpene, spartitrioside, which was previously reported as the active antiulcerogenic constituent of the flowers was found almost inactive, the flavonoid-rich fractions showed potent antioxidant activity. Five flavonoid glycosides bearing catechol structure in ring B were isolated from the butanol extract and their structures were elucidated using 1H- and 13C-NMR techniques as isoquercitrin (quercetin 3beta-glucoside) (1,); luteolin 4'beta-glucoside (2); quercetin 3, 4'-diglucoside (3); azaleatin 3beta-glucoside (quercetin 5-methylether 3beta-glucoside) (4), quercetin 4'beta-glucoside (5). Flavonoids (2) and (4) showed the highest in vitro antioxidant activity with 22.59 and 19.08 U/ml, respectively.

The plant kingdom as a source of anti-ulcer remedies

Phytogenic agents have traditionally been used by herbalists and indigenous healers for the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcer. This article reviews the anti-acid/anti-peptic, gastro-protective and/or anti-ulcer properties of the most commonly employed herbal medicines and their identified active constituents. Botanical compounds with anti-ulcer activity include flavonoids (i.e. quercetin, naringin, silymarin, anthocyanosides, sophoradin derivatives) saponins (i.e. from Panax japonicus and Kochia scoparia), tannins (i.e. from Linderae umbellatae), gums and mucilages (i.e. gum guar and myrrh). Among herbal drugs, liquorice, aloe gel and capsicum (chilli) have been used extensively and their clinical efficacy documented. Also, ethnomedical systems employ several plant extracts for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Despite progress in conventional chemistry and pharmacology in producing effective drugs, the plant kingdom might provide a useful source of new anti-ulcer compounds for development as pharmaceutical entities or, alternatively, as simple dietary adjuncts to existing therapies.

Anti-ulcerogenic effects of Spartium junceum flowers on in vivo test models in rats

Flowers of Spartium junceum L. (Fabaceae) are used for the treatment of gastric ulcers in Turkish folk medicine. Through bioassay-guided fractionation using chemical and chromatographical means and water immersion and restraint-induced stress ulcer model in rats, a saponin fraction was determined as the potent anti-ulcerogenic ingredient. The active fraction was also highly effective in preventing ethanol- and pyloric ligation-induced gastric lesions as well as inhibiting gastric secretion volume, gastric pH and titratable acidity, but did not affect the hexosamine content of the gastric mucosa. A novel oleanen-type triterpenic saponin, named as spartitrioside, was isolated as the active principle by using chromatographical separation techniques.