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Ali T, Jan I, Bashir R, Mir SA, Ali S, Bader GN. Attenuation of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Ajuga bracteosa extract treated mice. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33998. [PMID: 39055821 PMCID: PMC11269879 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ajuga bracteosa (Ab) has tremendous medicinal value with long-established disease curing potential. The present study aimed to assess the hepatoprotective potential of Ab extracts in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Group I (normal control) were treated with saline 1 ml/kg BW orally for 7 days while Group II (toxicant control) received saline 1 ml/kg BW for 6 days and Paracetamol (1000 mg/kg BW) on day7of the treatment. Group III received Standard drug silymarin (100 mg/kg BW) for 6 days and Paracetamol (1000 mg/kg BW) on day 7of treatment. Groups IV andV were administered with methanol extract (ME) 200 mg/kg BW and aqueous extract (AE) 1000 mg/kg BW for 6 days and Paracetamol (1000 mg/kg BW) on day 7th of the study. Both extracts showed hepatoprotective potential against the toxic effects of paracetamol, evidenced by serum analysis of biomarkers involved in liver injury and histopathological findings. Hepatotoxic mice pretreated with Ab plant extract or silymarin exhibited significant decrease in ALP, AST, and ALT enzyme level while GSH levels were markedly increased. According to histological observations, groups treated with PCM (toxicant control) showed significant necrosis and lymphocyte infiltration, while groups treated with silymarin and Ajuga bracteosa plant extract showed preservation of the normal liver structural features. The phytochemical analysis of ME and AE of Ab showed the presence of glycosides, phenolic compounds, tannins, fats, saponins, flavonoids, terpenes, oils, and fats. The antioxidant activity of these two extracts was determined by nitric oxide assay, DPPH assay, and ferric reducing power assay. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant potential (78.09 ± 0.0806). The antioxidant potential of aqueous extract was 73.08 ± 0.248. The reducing power for methanolic extract and ascorbic acid (standard) 500 μg/ml was 0.933 and 0.987 respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of both extracts was demonstrated by in vitro methods, namely albumin denaturation, proteinase inhibition, and membrane stabilization assays. The study suggests that Ab extracts have competence for attenuating inflammation, oxidants, and hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabasum Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Applied Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ifat Jan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Applied Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rabiah Bashir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Applied Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Suhail Ahmad Mir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Applied Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Shafat Ali
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre for Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ghulam Nabi Bader
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Applied Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Harahap U, Syahputra RA, Ahmed A, Nasution A, Wisely W, Sirait ML, Dalimunthe A, Zainalabidin S, Taslim NA, Nurkolis F, Kim B. Current insights and future perspectives of flavonoids: A promising antihypertensive approach. Phytother Res 2024; 38:3146-3168. [PMID: 38616386 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Hypertension, or high blood pressure (BP), is a complex disease influenced by various risk factors. It is characterized by persistent elevation of BP levels, typically exceeding 140/90 mmHg. Endothelial dysfunction and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability play crucial roles in hypertension development. L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an analog of L-arginine, inhibits endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) enzymes, leading to decreased NO production and increased BP. Animal models exposed to L-NAME manifest hypertension, making it a useful design for studying the hypertension condition. Natural products have gained interest as alternative approaches for managing hypertension. Flavonoids, abundant in fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources, have potential cardiovascular benefits, including antihypertensive effects. Flavonoids have been extensively studied in cell cultures, animal models, and, to lesser extent, in human trials to evaluate their effectiveness against L-NAME-induced hypertension. This comprehensive review summarizes the antihypertensive activity of specific flavonoids, including quercetin, luteolin, rutin, troxerutin, apigenin, and chrysin, in L-NAME-induced hypertension models. Flavonoids possess antioxidant properties that mitigate oxidative stress, a major contributor to endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. They enhance endothelial function by promoting NO bioavailability, vasodilation, and the preservation of vascular homeostasis. Flavonoids also modulate vasoactive factors involved in BP regulation, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and endothelin-1. Moreover, they exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, attenuating inflammation-mediated hypertension. This review provides compelling evidence for the antihypertensive potential of flavonoids against L-NAME-induced hypertension. Their multifaceted mechanisms of action suggest their ability to target multiple pathways involved in hypertension development. Nonetheless, the reviewed studies contribute to the evidence supporting the useful of flavonoids for hypertension prevention and treatment. In conclusion, flavonoids represent a promising class of natural compounds for combating hypertension. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource summarizing the current knowledge on the antihypertensive effects of specific flavonoids, facilitating further investigation and guiding the development of novel therapeutic strategies for hypertension management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urip Harahap
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Rony Abdi Syahputra
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Amer Ahmed
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Azhari Nasution
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Wenny Wisely
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Maureen Lazurit Sirait
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Aminah Dalimunthe
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Satirah Zainalabidin
- Biomedical Science, Centre of Toxicology and Health Risk Study, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nurpudji Astuti Taslim
- Division of Clinical Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Fahrul Nurkolis
- Department of Biological Sciences, State Islamic University of Sunan Kalijaga (UIN Sunan Kalijaga), Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Shen X, Chen C, Wen C, Yu S, Liu H, Gao X, Chen L. A newly developed UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantitative analysis of ajuforrestin A, ajuforrestin B, ajugamacrin and 8-O-acetylharpagide derived from Ajuga plants in mice blood and the in vivo pharmacokinetics. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2024; 50:354-362. [PMID: 38456836 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2024.2328731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a sensitive and fast detection method via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to assess the concentration of ajuforrestin A, ajuforrestin B, ajugamacrin and 8-O-Acetylharpagide primarily derived from Ajuga plants in mice blood and their pharmacokinetics. METHODS Single protein precipitation with high-proportioned acetonitrile is chosen for sample clean-up. The UPLC HSS T3 (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 µm) column with a mobile phase in gradient elution mode at the flow rate of 0.4 mL/min was used for sample separation. Acetonitrile was selected as the organic phase solution and water containing 0.1% formic acid was chosen as the aqueous solution. A tandem mass spectrometer containing an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in the positive ionization mode was used to detect four compounds via multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). RESULTS The calibration curves (5-1000 ng/mL) of four compounds were linear with correlation coefficients > 0.997. The matrix effects, accuracy, precision, and recovery were all within permissible scope. CONCLUSIONS In this approach, the corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters were successfully clarified in mouse for the first time, which provided a theoretical basis for the improvement of the standard of Ajuga plants and the safety of clinical medication. Furthermore, this method may provide the UPLC-MS/MS evidence for the differentiation of the main close relative varieties of genus Ajuga according to these plants contain different mixtures of the four marker compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwei Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Congcong Wen
- Laboratory Animal Center, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shuaishuai Yu
- Department of Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huamin Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Gao
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lianguo Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Wasti Y, Muntaqua D, Majid M, Naz I, Zafar A, Khan SU, Kazmi STB, Rehman TU, Irshad N, Fatima H. Characterization and comparative evaluation of wound healing potential of Ajugarin I and Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth. Front Chem 2024; 11:1325578. [PMID: 38362004 PMCID: PMC10867974 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1325578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Ajuga bracteosa (family: Lamiaceae), commonly known as kauri booti, is an important ethnomedicinal plant. The current research was conducted to appraise and compare the in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial profiles as well as in vivo wound healing potentials of Ajugarin I and A. bracteosa extract. Ajugarin I and polyphenols in A. bracteosa were enumerated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography analysis that confirmed significant amounts of Ajugarin I (2.2 ± 0.02 μg/mg DW) and other phenolic compounds (14 out of 17 standards). A. bracteosa (374.4 ± 0.20 µg AAE/mg of DW, 201.9 ± 0.20 µg AAE/mg of DW, 87 ± 0.30%) showed a higher antioxidant profile compared to Ajugarin I (221.8 ± 0.50 µg AAE/mg of DW, 51.8 ± 0.40 µg AAE/mg of DW, 27.65 ± 0.80%) with 1.86-, 3.89-, and 3.15-fold greater activity in ferric reducing antioxidant power, total antioxidant capacity, and free radical scavenging assays, respectively. Likewise, A. bracteosa showed antibacterial activity against 3/5 strains (MIC 25-200 μg/ml) than Ajugarin I (2/5 strains; MIC 50-200 μg/ml). Hemolytic (<2% hemolysis) and dermal toxicity tests rendered both samples non-toxic. Additionally, A. bracteosa (100 ± 2.34% at day 12; 9.33 ± 0.47 days) demonstrated 1.11- and 1.24-fold higher percent wound contraction and epithelization time, respectively, than Ajugarin I (95.6 ± 1.52% at day 12; 11.6 ± 0.47 days) as assessed by an excision wound model in mice. Histopathological examination further reinforced the better wound healing potential of A. bracteosa with good epithelization, collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, and revascularization. Briefly, we endorse the significant comparative antioxidant, antibacterial, and wound healing activities of A. bracteosa and Ajugarin I and present these as prospective candidates for wound healing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusra Wasti
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Durdana Muntaqua
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Majid
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Iffat Naz
- Department of Biology, Science Unit, Deanship of Educational Services, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aroosa Zafar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Safir Ullah Khan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | | | - Tofeeq Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nadeem Irshad
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Humaira Fatima
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Ao X, Luo C, Zhang M, Liu L, Peng S. The efficacy of natural products for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14411. [PMID: 38073436 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating in the nasopharyngeal epithelium with a high incidence in southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. The current treatment methods are mainly radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, they often have side effects and are not suitable for long-term exposure. Natural products have received more and more attention in cancer prevention and treatment because of their its high efficiency, low toxic side effects, and low toxicity. Natural products can serve as a viable alternative, and this study aimed to review the efficacy and mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of NPC by examining previous literature. Most natural products act by inhibiting cell proliferation, metastasis, inducing cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Although further research is needed to verify their effectiveness and safety, natural products can significantly improve the treatment of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Ao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Luo
- Medical Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengni Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lisha Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shunlin Peng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Efosa JO, Omage K, Azeke MA. Drying temperature affects the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antihypertensive potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx in rats induced with L-NAME. Toxicol Rep 2023; 11:177-188. [PMID: 37719201 PMCID: PMC10504460 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of different drying temperatures on the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antihypertensive potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx was evaluated. The calyx were dried under different temperature conditions (- 58 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C, and 50 °C), and extracted with a solvent mixture of ethanol and water (1:4 % w/v). To induce hypertension, the rats were administered with 40 mg/kg body weight dose of N-nitro L-arginine methyl-ester (L-NAME), via the intra-gastric route. H. sabdariffa extract was administered orally, at varying doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) to the rats. Afterwards, the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antihypertensive potentials of the extracts were evaluated using standard validated methods. Induction with L-NAME significantly (p < 0.05) increased the total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels, significantly decreased the HDL levels; significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of LPO/MDA, H2O2, and decreased GPx, and SOD activities; significantly (p < 0.05) increased the pressures (diastolic and systolic); significantly (p < 0.05) increased ACE and arginase activities, glucose level, and significantly decreased nitric oxide activity. Treatment with H. sabdariffa extract significantly (p < 0.05) reversed these trends in the hypertensive experimental rats. The hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antihypertensive properties of the extract from the calyx of H. sabdariffa, which varies with the drying temperatures of the calyx, portends its potential as a curative agent in the treatment of hypertensive conditions, and other cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Osarenren Efosa
- Department of Physical Laboratory Technology, School of Applied Sciences and Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley Omage
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Nigeria
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Marshall Arebojie Azeke
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Edo State, Nigeria
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Ludidi A, Siboto A, Nkosi A, Xulu ND, Khathi A, Sibiya NH, Ngubane PS. High-fat, high-carbohydrate diet-induced prediabetes preconception in Sprague-Dawley rats as a risk factor for the development of preeclampsia: assessing changes in placental metabolic insults. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1241785. [PMID: 37937252 PMCID: PMC10626547 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1241785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hyperglycemia preconception deranges the establishment of a functional placenta; however, the risk of developing preeclampsia (PE) in prediabetic patients remains obscure. The aim was to assess abnormal placental changes as a risk factor for the development of PE in high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet-induced prediabetic (PD) rats. Methods HFHC diet-induced female prediabetic Sprague-Dawley rats were mated, and blood glucose concentrations, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and body weights were monitored on gestational days (GNDs) 0, 9, and 18. On GND 18, animals were euthanized. Blood and placentas were collected for biochemical analysis. Results Prediabetic rats showed significantly increased blood glucose concentration, proinflammatory cytokines, MAP, placental weight, and fetoplacental ratio compared with non-prediabetic (NPD) rats. Prediabetic rats showed significantly decreased placental vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and placental growth factor (PLGF) and plasma nitric oxide (NO) compared with NPD. Discussion Prediabetes may have promoted endothelial dysfunction in the placenta and hypoxia, thus reducing PLGF and VEGFR1, which may have promoted proinflammation, endothelial dysfunction associated with NO decline, and hypertension, which is also observed in preeclamptic patients. Prediabetes may have promoted lipogenesis in placentas and fetuses that may have induced macrosomia and IUGR, also observed in preeclamptic patients. The findings from this study highlight the need for screening and monitoring of prediabetes during pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asiphaphola Ludidi
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anelisiwe Siboto
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ayanda Nkosi
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nombuso Duduzile Xulu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Khathi
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Phikelelani Siphosethu Ngubane
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Sustainable Production of Ajuga Bioactive Metabolites Using Cell Culture Technologies: A Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051246. [PMID: 36904246 PMCID: PMC10005297 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Ajuga (Lamiaceae) is rich in medicinally important species with biological activities ranging from anti-inflammatory, antitumor, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic to antibacterial, antiviral, cytotoxic, and insecticidal effects. Every species contains a unique and complex mixture of bioactive metabolites-phytoecdysteroids (PEs), iridoid glycosides, withanolides, neo-clerodane terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, and other chemicals with high therapeutic potential. Phytoecdysteroids, the main compounds of interest, are natural anabolic and adaptogenic agents that are widely used as components of dietary supplements. Wild plants remain the main source of Ajuga bioactive metabolites, particularly PEs, which leads to frequent overexploitation of their natural resources. Cell culture biotechnologies offer a sustainable approach to the production of vegetative biomass and individual phytochemicals specific for Ajuga genus. Cell cultures developed from eight Ajuga taxa were capable of producing PEs, a variety of phenolics and flavonoids, anthocyanins, volatile compounds, phenyletanoid glycosides, iridoids, and fatty acids, and demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. The most abundant PEs in the cell cultures was 20-hydroxyecdysone, followed by turkesterone and cyasterone. The PE content in the cell cultures was comparable or higher than in wild or greenhouse plants, in vitro-grown shoots, and root cultures. Elicitation with methyl jasmonate (50-125 µM) or mevalonate and induced mutagenesis were the most effective strategies that stimulated cell culture biosynthetic capacity. This review summarizes the current progress in cell culture application for the production of pharmacologically important Ajuga metabolites, discusses various approaches to improve the compound yield, and highlights the potential directions for future interventions.
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