GC–MS analysis of bioactive constituents of Peristrophe bicalyculata (Retz.) Nees. (Acanthaceae)

DNA barcoding, micromorphology and metabolic traits of selected Ficus L. (Moraceae) species from Egypt

The genus Ficus of the family Moraceae, is one of the largest genera of angiosperms, with diverse pharmaceutical applications and biological activities. The traditional approaches based on the morphological traits have been frequently implemented for taxonomical identification of the different taxa of Ficus, however, encompassing these features are quite laborious, due to the dependence of these phenotypic traits on the environmental conditions. So, authenticating the taxonomical identity of the Ficus taxa with molecular barcoding and metabolic profiling, as relatively stable traits, could be a relevant approach for confirming the traditional phenotypic traits of this genus. Nine species of the genus Ficus namely F. amplissima Sm., F. benjamina L. F. binnendijkii, F. drupacea var. pubescens, F. elastica Roxb., F. microcarpa L., F. religiosa L., F. tinctoria subsp. gibbosa and F. virens var. sublancelata in Egypt, were selected for this study. From the anatomical features, three species of subsection Urostigma, F. religiosa, F. virens var. sublanceolata have cystoliths on the abaxial layer, whereas in F. amplissima it was on the adaxial layer. The UPGMA dendrogram of the studied Ficus taxa has been generated from the 21 anatomical characters, categorized the studied taxa into two clusters (I and II) of average distance ~ 3.5, each cluster has been further divided into subclusters I and II. The sub-cluster I includes F. religiosa, F. virens var. sublanceolata and F. tinctoria subsp. gibbosa were grouped together to subsection Urostigma, while the sub-cluster II of the cluster I includes F. benjamina and F. amplissima. From the DNA barcoding analysis, three clusters I, II and III were emerged, the cluster I includes F. benjamina, F. binnendjikee, and F. amplissima. The cluster II, F. virens var. sublanceolata and F. religiosa that belong to subsection Urostigma, while, the cluster III includes F. elastica and F. drupacea var. pubescens, F. microcarpa that belongs to subsection Conosycea. From the metabolic profiling of Ficus species, the major compounds; H-cycloprop-azulen-7-ol, 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, 2-(9-octadecenyloxy), pentadecanoic acid, phytol, sitosterol and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid were the common among the taxa, with an obvious fluctuation, that could be a chemotaxonomic markers for these species of Ficus. Based on the metabolic profiling, two distinct clusters I and II were evolved, the cluster I involve F. elastica, F. benjamina, F. drupacea var. pubescens, F. amplissima, while, the cluster II had F. tinctoria subsp. gibbosa and F. religiosa. The fluctuation on the metabolites of the tested Ficus species could be a metabolic fingerprint for each species. So, the delamination of the tested plants based on their anatomical traits was typically matched to the separation based on the ITS sequence analysis.

Diuretic activity evaluation and chemical composition analysis of Hedyotis scandens extract from Mizoram, India, in rat models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diuretics play a crucial role in addressing various medical conditions such as hypertension and edema. Across numerous communities, plants have served as diuretic agents, leveraging their abundant phytochemical composition. In certain instances, plant-based remedies have gained preference over synthetic drugs due to their affordability and ready availability. Hedyotis scandens Roxb., commonly recognized as Laikingtuibur/Kelhnamtur in Mizoram, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant has been harnessed worldwide within diverse societies as a medicinal resource to combat a spectrum of ailments. Notably, in Mizoram, the leaves are employed in creating a decoction with diuretic properties. The ethnopharmacological exploration of plant diuretics not only preserves cultural traditions but also contribute to the potential discovery of novel therapeutic agents.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our study endeavours to explore the traditional employment of this plant as a diuretic in Mizoram. Furthermore, we seek to elucidate the plant's chemical composition through the utilization of GC-MS analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this investigation, we conducted plant extraction using methanol and distilled water as solvents within a soxhlet apparatus. Prior to commencing the main experiment, we conducted an acute toxicity test to ensure the safety of the plant extract. For the assessment of diuretic activity, we adopted the methodology outlined by Lipschitz et al. (1943). All in vivo experiments were conducted in strict accordance with the guidelines set forth by the OECD. Based on the outcomes of the acute toxicity evaluation, we opted for three dosage levels: a high dose (1000 mg/kg), a medium dose (500 mg/kg), and a low dose (250 mg/kg). Furosemide, recognized as a loop diuretic, was employed as the standard reference, while the control group received distilled water.

RESULTS

Our investigation unveiled the presence of several uncharacterized bioactive compounds within the plant. Of particular interest, the GC-MS analysis identified a specific compound named 'phytol,' which has previously been associated with diuretic properties. Notably, the acute toxicity assessment demonstrated the plant extract's safety even at a high dose of 5000 mg/kg, as no toxic effects were observed. The diuretic evaluation of the H. scandens extract exhibited a dose-dependent increase in diuresis, with the methanolic extract yielding notably superior outcomes compared to the aqueous extract. Moreover, the treated animals displayed an elevated output of electrolytes and an enhanced glomerular filtration rate in comparison to the control group. Notably, the histological examination of the kidneys from the treated animals depicted a normal structural configuration, devoid of any cellular-level modifications attributed to the plant extract across all tested doses.

CONCLUSION

The Hedyotis scandens extract demonstrated a pronounced diuretic effect in contrast to the control group. As such, our study substantiates the traditional employment of this plant as a diuretic within the Mizoram region.

Distinguishing features of Lycium L. species (family Solanaceae) distributed in Egypt based on their anatomical, metabolic, molecular, and ecological characteristics

Among the 70-80 species of the genus Lycium (family Solanaceae) disjunctly distributed around the world, only three are frequently distributed in different locations in Egypt. Due to the morphological similarities between these three species, there is a need for alternative tools to distinguish them. Thus, the objective of this study was to revise the taxonomic features of Lycium europaeum L., Lycium shawii Roem. & Schult., and Lycium schweinfurthii var. aschersonii (Dammer) Feinbrun in consideration of their anatomical, metabolic, molecular, and ecological characteristics. In addition to analysis of their anatomical and ecological features, DNA barcoding was performed for molecular characterization through internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing and start codon targeted (SCoT) markers. Furthermore, metabolic profiling of the studied species was conducted based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The observed anatomical features of the adaxial and abaxial epidermal layers, type of mesophyll, crystals, number of palisade and spongy layers, and the vascular system showed variations between the studied species. Beyond this, the anatomy of the leaves showed an isobilateral structure in the studied species, without distinct differences. Species were molecularly identified in terms of ITS sequences and SCoT markers. The ITS sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers ON149839.1, OP597546.1, and ON521125.1 for L. europaeum L., L. shawii, and L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii, respectively. The sequences showed variations in GC content between the studied species; this was 63.6% in L. europaeum, 61.53% in L. shawii, and 63.55% in L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii. A total of 62 amplified fragments, including 44 polymorphic fragments with a ratio of 70.97%, were obtained in the SCoT analysis, as well as unique amplicons in L. europaeum L., shawii, and L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii of 5, 11, and 4 fragments, respectively. Through GC-MS profiling, 38 compounds were identified with clear fluctuations in the extracts of each species. Of these, 23 were distinguishing chemicals that could help in chemical identification of the extracts of the studied species. The present study succeeds in identifying alternative clear and diverse characteristics that can be used to distinguish between L. europaeum, L. shawii, and L. schweinfurthii var. aschersonii.

Endophytic bacteria of Fagonia indica Burm. f revealed to harbour rich secondary antibacterial metabolites

Endophytic bacteria are the source of novel bioactive compounds, used as therapeutic agent. Molecular docking is a computational technique use frequently, to find novel drugs targets and drugs-receptors interactions. The current study was designed to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Further, to characterized extracts and to explore compounds interactions with bacterial cell wall and outer membrane synthesizing proteins. Endophytes were identified using 16s rRNA amplification technique. For bioactive compounds, solvent extraction method was followed and characterized further through GC-MS analysis. To find targets and drugs-receptors interactions, molecular docking studies and biological assays were performed. The isolated endophytes belong to five different genera namely Enterobacter, Bacillus, Erwinia, Stenotrophomonas and Pantoea. In case of antibacterial assay Stenotrophomonas maltophilia extract showed significant inhibitory zones (15.11±0.11mm and 11.3±0.16) against Staphylococcus caseolyticus and Acinetobacter baumanni, with MIC 33.3 and 50μg/mL respectively. Among the characterized fifty compounds, from endophytic bacteria "antibacterial compound" N-(5-benzyl-10b-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,6-dioxooctahydro-8H-oxazolo[3,2-α] pyrrolo[2,1c] pyrazin-2-yl)-7-methyl2,3,3a,3a1,6,6a,7,8,9,10,10a,10b-dodecahydro-1H-4λ2-indolo[4,3-fg]quinoline-9-carboxamide of bacteria Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were an excellent binder with MurF ligase active site, with binding energy of -10.2 kcal/mol. Extracts of endophytic bacteria composed of various pharmacologically active ingredients such as antibacterial compounds. Molecular docking studies provide important information regarding drug-receptor interaction, thus can be used in novel drug discovery.

Phytochemical Profiling in Conjunction with In Vitro and In Silico Studies to Identify Human α-Amylase Inhibitors in Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Bioactive constituents from natural sources are of great interest as alternatives to synthetic compounds for the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes mellitus. In the present study, phytochemicals present in Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit leaves were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and further examined by qualitative and quantitative methods. α-Amylase enzyme activity assays were performed and revealed that L. leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit leaf extract inhibited enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner, with efficacy similar to that of the standard α-amylase inhibitor acarbose. To determine which phytochemicals were involved in α-amylase enzyme inhibition, in silico virtual screening of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity properties was performed and pharmacophore dynamics were assessed. We identified hexadecenoic acid and oleic acid ((Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid) as α-amylase inhibitors. The binding stability of α-amylase to those two fatty acids was confirmed in silico by molecular docking and a molecular dynamics simulation performed for 100 ns. Together, our findings indicate that L. leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit-derived hexadecanoic acid and oleic acid are natural product-based antidiabetic compounds that can potentially be used to manage diabetes mellitus.

Chemical Composition and Evaluation of Methanol Leaf Extract of <i>Combretum dolichopetalum</i> on Body Weights and Haematological Indices of Phenylhydrazine Induced-anaemic Rats

Anaemia is a serious health challenge in developing countries. This study evaluated the chemical composition of Combretum dolichopetalum (CD) leaves, the effect of its methanol extract on the body weights and haematological indices of phenylhydrazine induced-anaemic rats. Fresh matured leaves of CD were collected, identified and authenticated. Phytochemicals, proximate compositions, mineral elements, anti-nutritional factors and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were determined. A total number of twenty (20) mature inbred apparently healthy male albino rats of the Wistar strain (100-150 g) were used for this study. Anaemia was induced by administering phenylhydrazine to rats in Groups 2, 3 and 4 comprising of five rats per group. Group 1 (non-anaemic control) (n = 5) and Group 2 (anaemic control) received distilled water respectively while Groups 3 and 4 were administered 200 and 400 mg/kg of CD leaf extract orally using oropharyngeal cannula once per day for 28 days. Blood samples were obtained for haematological analysis using standard methods. The result showed a significant increase in Red Blood Cell (RBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration in Groups 3 and 4 compared with the anaemic group. Chemical analysis showed the presence of some phytochemicals, proximate compositions, mineral elements and anti-nutritional factors. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of nine (9) compounds. This study indicates that CD is nutritionally rich and contains some important bioactive principles that support its anti-anaemic properties.

Bioactive potential of endophytic fungus Chaetomium globosum and GC-MS analysis of its responsible components

The recent exploration of various medicinal plants for bioactive potential has led to the growing interest to explore their endophytes for such bioactive potential which may turn out to be better option than the plants. In the present study, Chaetomium globosum, an endophytic fungus isolated from Moringa oleifera Lam has been explored for its various biological activities. The chloroformic extract of C. globosum showed good antimutagenicity against the reactive carcinogenic mutagen, 2-aminofluorene (2-AF) in Ames test. The antiproliferative activity against various cell lines such as HCT-15, HeLa and U87-MG was found to be dose dependent and the viability reduced to 9.26%, 15.7% and 16.3%, respectively. Further, the chloroformic fungal extract was investigated for free radical scavenging activity using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethyl-benzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) assay which showed the IC₅₀ value of 45.16 µg/ml and 50.55 µg/ml, respectively. The fungal extract also showed good ferric reducing power. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was found to be in linear relationship with the antioxidant potential of the fungal extract. High performance liquid chromatography showed the presence of phenolics which may help to combat the free radicals. The presence of various bioactive compounds was analysed by GC–MS which endorsed Chaetomium globosum to be a promising candidate for drug development.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanocomposites of Nigella sativa Seeds Extract for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background:

Silver nanoparticles play a significant role in bioavailability and refining the compatibility of natural drugs in the treatment of various chronic diseases including different types of cancer.

Objective:

Green synthesis of silver nanocomposites of Nigella sativa seeds extract to evaluate the anticancer effects against hepatocellular carcinoma using HepG2 cell lines.

Methods:

The AgNCs were developed by treating aqueous extract of N. sativa seeds treated with silver nitrate (1mM) solution and were used to test its efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma using HepG2 cell lines.

Results and Discussion:

The Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of prepared AgNCs showed a peak at 432 nm via UV spectroscopy. The selected N. sativa AgNCs were characterized for polydispersity, surface charge and size and the results showed 0.215±0.093 polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential 18.8±0.372 mV and size range 10-20 nm, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) also showed various peak of functional groups that are possibly involved in the reduction of silver ion and synthesized the N. sativa silver nanocomposites, respectively. N. sativa AgNCs showed 89.954% drug release while in the case of extract release, it was only 33.821% in 24 hrs. Further, in vitro studies of N. sativa AgNCs against hepatocellular carcinoma showed good cytotoxic effect p<0.05 with 7.16 µg/ml IC50 value.

Conclusion:

Thus, the present results revealed that green synthesis of N. sativa AgNCs can be an alternative tool for clinical application in cancer therapy; however, there is a need to find the mechanism and role of AgNCs inside the individual.

Development and evaluation of doxorubicin self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system with Nigella Sativa oil against human hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The development of self nano emulsifying co-delivery system of doxorubicin and Nigella sativa oil for potentiating the anticancer effects against HepG2 cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SNEDDS were formulated by using Labrafil and N. sativa oil (3:2% w/w), Kolliphor RH40 (15% w/w), glycerol (5% w/w) as oil phase, surfactant and co-surfactant while deionized water (75% v/v) used as an aqueous phase. Optimized SNEDDS was evaluated for drug release and in vitro anticancer efficacy in liver cancer (HepG2) cell line.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The selected formulation (F6) has a mean particle size of 79.7 nm with PDI 0.098 and the minimum viscosity of 16.42 cps with % transmittance of 1.332 with maximum drug release of 96.968% in 32 h as compared to DOX alone. Stability data showed stable emulsion in both 25⁰C and -4⁰C. F6 showed improved efficacy in HepG2 cells by cytotoxicity, showed significant results p<.05 with 2.5 μg/ml of (inhibitory concentration) IC50.

CONCLUSION

The overall study displayed that co-delivery of DOX and Nigella sativa oil in the form of SNEDDS may be an efficient carrier for further in vivo studies using oral delivery in human hepatocellular carcinoma in mammals.

Chemical profiling of Elaeocarpus serratus L. by GC-MS

OBJECTIVE

To determine the possible bioactive components of the ethanolic extract of leaves of Elaeocarpus serratus (E. serratus).

METHODS

The present research was carried out by using GC-MS analysis, while mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract was matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Wiley library.

RESULTS

Thirty components from leaves of the above said plant were identified. The active principles with their retention time, molecular formula, molecular weight and concentration (%) in the ethanol extracts of leaf of E. serratus are obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of documentation of active constituents from leaves of E. serratus. The research reveals the potential of E. serratus leaves as a good source of bioactive compounds such as fatty acid esters, alcohols, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alkenes, fatty acids and amides that justify the use of this plant for its various ailments by traditional practitioners.