Steroidal saponins from two species of Dracaena

Polyhydroxylated Spirostanol Saponins from the Rhizomes of Paris dulongensis

Three new polyhydroxylated spirostanol steroidal saponins, dulongenosides B-D (2-4), along with 14 known compounds, dulongenoside A (1), padelaoside B (5), parisyunnanoside G (6), polyphyllin D (7), ophiopogonin C' (8), formosanin C (9), dioscin (10), paris saponin VII (11), paris H (12), parisyunnanoside I (13), protodioscin (14), proprotogracillin (15), crustecdysone (16), and stigmasterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (17), were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris dulongensis (Melanthiaceae). Their chemical structures were elucidated based on extensive analyses of NMR and MS data and acidic hydrolyses. The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity to five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, SW480, MDA-MB-231, A549, and A549/Taxol) and the normal human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B by the MTS test. Compounds 7-12 and 14 showed cytotoxic activity, with IC50 values ranging from 0.20 to 4.35 μM. Proprotogracillin selectively inhibited A549 (IC50=0.58 μM) and A549/Taxol (IC50=0.74 μM) cells, with no significant cytotoxic activity against HL-60, SW480, MDA-MB-231, or BEAS-2B cells, with IC50 values greater than 40 μM.

Medicinal plant resin natural products: structural diversity and biological activities

Covering: up to the mid of 2023Plants secrete defense resins rich in small-molecule natural products under abiotic and biotic stresses. This comprehensive review encompasses the literature published up to mid-2023 on medicinal plant resin natural products from six main contributor genera, featuring 275 citations that refer to 1115 structurally diverse compounds. The scope of this review extends to include essential information such as the racemic nature of metabolites found in different species of plant resins, source of resins, and revised structures. Additionally, we carefully analyze the reported biological activities of resins, organizing them based on the their structures. The findings offer important insights into the relationship between their structure and activity. Furthermore, this detailed examination can be valuable for researchers and scientists in the field of medicinal plant resin natural products and will promote continued exploration and progress in this area.

Aspidiatas C and D, two new spirostanol saponins from Aspidistra triradiata and their cytotoxic activities

Aspidiatas C and D (1 and 2), two new spirostanol saponins, were isolated along with two known compounds, (25 R*)-spirost-5-en-3β-yl α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (25 R*)-spirost-5-en-3β-yl α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranoside (4) from the whole plant of Aspidistra triradiata collected in Vietnam. The chemical structures were determined by HRESIMS, 1D- and 2D-NMR analysis, and comparison with published data. Compound 3 exhibited potent cytotoxicity against MCF7, HepG2, SK-LU-1, and HT-29 human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.19 to 0.65 µM. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 displayed moderate cytotoxic effects with IC50 values ranging from 12.32 to 82.27 µM. Compounds 1-4 were isolated from the genus Aspidistra for the first time.

Yunvjian decoction attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced periodontitis by suppressing NFκB/NLRP3/IL-1β pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yunvjian decoction (YNJ) is a traditional Chinese herbal prescription that has been used in the clinical treatment of periodontitis. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of YNJ in the periodontitis treatment is not well understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of YNJ against periodontitis and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Orthodontic ligation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced periodontitis rat model was established. YNJ groups were gavaged with YNJ decoction (5 g/kg/d or 10 g/kg/d) for four months. The rats in positive control group were gavaged with metronidazole (MDZ, 100 mg/kg/d) for four months. The maxilla was scanned by micro-computed tomography. The chemical compositions of YNJ were identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The molecular mechanism of YNJ were predicted using network pharmacological analysis and validated using immune-staining and Western blot.

RESULTS

YNJ treatment decreased the distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest on the sagittal slide of the periodontitis rats. Western blot showed YNJ downregulated the protein levels of the bone resorption marker (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand), while upregulated the levels of the bone formation markers (bone morphogenetic protein 2, runt-related transcription factor 2, alkaline phosphatase, and osteoprotegerin) in alveolar bone of the periodontitis rats. Hematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blot analysis indicated that YNJ attenuated the inflammation and decreased the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the alveolar bone. In addition, a total of 61 compounds were identified from YNJ. Network pharmacology indicated that the nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor signaling pathway was the main pathway for YNJ in the treatment of periodontitis. The experiments confirmed that YNJ administration inhibited LPS induced-pyroptosis in alveolar bone through suppressing the phosphorylation of nuclear factor κB, reduced expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3, and Caspase-1, subsequently suppressing the interleukin-1β secretion.

CONCLUSION

YNJ is an effective therapeutic strategy for periodontitis and acts by inhibiting pyroptosis and NFκB/NLRP3/IL-1β pathway in alveolar bone.

Phytomedicinal therapeutics for male infertility: critical insights and scientific updates

Infertility is a significant cause of anxiety, depression, and social stigma among couples and families. In such cases, male reproductive factors contribute widely to the extent of 20-70%. Male infertility is a multifactorial disease with several complications contributing to its diagnosis. Although its management encompasses both modern and traditional medicine arenas, the first line of treatment, adopted by most males, focuses on the reasonably successful medicinal plant-based conventional therapies. Phyto-therapeutics, which relies on active ingredients from traditionally known herbs, influences sexual behavior and male fertility factors. The potency of these phyto-actives depends on their preparation methods and forms of consumption, including decoctions, extracts, semi-purified compounds, etc., as inferred from in vitro and in vivo (laboratory animal models and human) studies. The mechanisms of action therein involve the testosterone pathway for stimulation of spermatogenesis, reduction of oxidative stress, inhibition of inflammation, activation of signaling pathways in the testes [extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)/protein kinase B(PKB)/transformation of growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells NF-kB signaling pathways] and mediation of sexual behavior. This review critically focuses on the medicinal plants and their potent actives, along with the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the successful management of male infertility. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on medicinal plants that improve male reproductive health.

In vitro wound healing properties, antioxidant activities, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS profile and phytoconstituents of the stem aqueous methanolic extract of Dracaena reflexa Lam

Column chromatography of the stem aqueous methanolic extract of Dracaena reflexa Lam. (DRSE) led to the isolation of five flavonoids, one phenolic glycoside, one triterpenoid, and two steroidal saponins. Furthermore, forty-four compounds were tentatively identified in the phytoconstituents profile of DRSE using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The antioxidant activity of DRSE was evaluated. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, DRSE exhibited IC₅₀ value 311.6 ± 10.10 μg/mL compared to IC₅₀ value of the standard Trolox (24.42 ± 0.87 μg/mL). The antioxidant activities of DRSE using ABTS assay and FRAP assay were 326.63 μM TE/mg extract and 208.67 μM TE/mg extract, respectively. The wound healing activity of DRSE was studied by the scratch assay using HSF (Human Skin Fibroblast) cells. After 24 hrs. DRSE (at 10 and 20 μg/mL) decreased the wound width to 0.55 ± 0.37 and 0.47 ± 0.55 mm, respectively, compared to the wound width in the control cells (0.77 ± 0.17 mm). This result suggested that DRSE improved the wound healing process by inducing the migration of fibroblasts. Moreover, a docking study was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of the identified phytoconstituents toward GSK-3β relative to the co-crystalized inhibitor and curcumin with the possible involvement of this pathway in the wound healing activity of the extract.

Transcriptome profiling reveals candidate flavonoid-related genes during formation of dragon's blood from Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C.Chen under conditions of wounding stress

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dragon's Blood (Resina Draconis) is a red resin that has been used in traditional medicine to promote blood circulation, regenerate muscles, reduce swelling and pain, stop bleeding, etc., and its main chemical constituents are flavonoids. Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S.C.Chen is the only plant defined by the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China as a source of dragon's blood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to reveal genes involved in the biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonoids of D. cochinchinensis which is under wounding stress by performing a de novo transcriptome analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

D. cochinchinensis samples were collected for transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis at 0 days (0 d), 3 days (3 d), 6 days (6 d), and 10 days (10 d) after induction wounding stress, and tissues were microscopically observed after wounding stress.

RESULTS

A total of 63,244 unigenes were obtained through bioinformatics analysis, and genes associated with the biosynthesis of flavonoids were identified. Through the analysis of DEGs after wounding stress in D. cochinchinensis, based on gene expression consistent with flavonoid accumulation levels, 20 genes in connection with the flavonoid synthesis pathway and 56 genes that may be responsible for flavonoid modification and transport, and also revealed TFs (MYB, bHLH) that may be responsible for flavonoid biosynthesis. Analysis of DEGs between the four periods revealed that after wounding stress, the greatest number of significant DEGs were enriched during the first 3 days, while fewer DEGs were enriched after day 3, which corresponding to only about 1/10 (353/3883) the number of DEGs during the first 3 days. In addition, putative unigenes involved in lignin biosynthesis, such as CSE, HCT, CCR, F5H, and CAD, were significantly down-regulation after D. cochinchinensis wounding stress, but the putative unigenes responsible for flavonoid biosynthesis, such as CHS, CHI, DFR, F3'5'H, F3H, ANR, FLS, and ANS were significantly up-regulation.

CONCLUSION

We performed de novo transcriptome analysis of D.cochinchinensis under wounding stress, candidate genes and TFs involved in the biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonoids were identified, which is the first report on the transcript variants in flavonoid form accumulation in D. cochinchinensis under wounding stress. According to the results of DEGs analysis, wounding stress attenuated lignin biosynthesis meanwhile promoted flavonoid biosynthesis. In addition, we also compared the transcriptomics of the two different original plants (D.cochinchinensis and D.cambodiana) that form dragon's blood in order to provide further understanding of the formation of dragon's blood.

Structures and Bioactivities of Steroidal Saponins Isolated from the Genera Dracaena and Sansevieria

The species Dracaena and Sansevieria, that are well-known for different uses in traditional medicines and as indoor ornamental plants with air purifying property, are rich sources of bioactive secondary metabolites. In fact, a wide variety of phytochemical constituents have been isolated so far from about seventeen species. This paper has reviewed the literature of about 180 steroidal saponins, isolated from Dracaena and Sansevieria species, as a basis for further studies. Saponins are among the most characteristic metabolites isolated from the two genera. They show a great variety in structural motifs and a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-proliferative effects and, in most case, remarkable cytotoxic properties.

Dragon’s Blood from Dracaena cambodiana in China: Applied History and Induction Techniques toward Formation Mechanism

Dragon’s blood that is extracted from Dracaena plants has been widely used as traditional medicine in various ancient cultures. The application of dragon’s blood has a cherished history in China, even though the original plants were not discovered for some period. Dracaena cochinchinensis and Dracaena cambodiana were successively discovered in southern China during the 1970s–1980s. In the last half of the century, Chinese scientists have extensively investigated the production of dragon’s blood from these two Dracaena species, whereas these results have not been previously systematically summarized, as in the present paper. Herein, we present the applied history in ancient China and artificially induced technologies for dragon’s blood development based on these two Dracaena species, in particular, using tissue cultures seedlings and tender plants of D. cambodiana. Big data research, including transcriptomic and genomic studies, has suggested that dragon’s blood might be a defense substance that is secreted by Dracaena plants in response to (a)biotic stimuli. This review represents an effort to highlight the progress and achievements from applied history as well as induction techniques that are used for the formation of dragon’s blood that have taken place in China. Such knowledge might aid in the global conservation of wild Dracaena species and contribute to understanding dragon blood formation mechanisms, eventually assisting in the efficient utilization of limited Dracaena plant resources for the sustainable production of dragon’s blood.

Species Identification of Dracaena Using the Complete Chloroplast Genome as a Super-Barcode

The taxonomy and nomenclature of Dracaena plants are much disputed, particularly for several Dracaena species in Asia. However, neither morphological features nor common DNA regions are ideal for identification of Dracaena spp. Meanwhile, although multiple Dracaena spp. are sources of the rare traditional medicine dragon's blood, the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China has defined Dracaena cochinchinensis as the only source plant. The inaccurate identification of Dracaena spp. will inevitably affect the clinical efficacy of dragon's blood. It is therefore important to find a better method to distinguish these species. Here, we report the complete chloroplast (CP) genomes of six Dracaena spp., D. cochinchinensis, D. cambodiana, D. angustifolia, D. terniflora, D. hokouensis, and D. elliptica, obtained through high-throughput Illumina sequencing. These CP genomes exhibited typical circular tetramerous structure, and their sizes ranged from 155,055 (D. elliptica) to 155,449 bp (D. cochinchinensis). The GC content of each CP genome was 37.5%. Furthermore, each CP genome contained 130 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. There were no potential coding or non-coding regions to distinguish these six species, but the maximum likelihood tree of the six Dracaena spp. and other related species revealed that the whole CP genome can be used as a super-barcode to identify these Dracaena spp. This study provides not only invaluable data for species identification and safe medical application of Dracaena but also an important reference and foundation for species identification and phylogeny of Liliaceae plants.

Genome survey sequencing for the characterization of genetic background of Dracaena cambodiana and its defense response during dragon's blood formation

Dragon's blood collected from the genus Dracaena is used as a renowned traditional medicine in various cultures worldwide. However, the genetics of the genus Dracaena and the formation mechanism of dragon's blood remain poorly understood. Here, we generate the first draft genome reference assembly of an elite Chinese Dracaena species, Dracaena cambodiana, from next-generation sequencing data with 89.46× coverage. The reads were assembled into 2,640,704 contigs with an N50 length of 1.87 kb, and a 1.05 Gb assembly was finally assembled with 2,379,659 scaffolds. Furthermore, 97.75% of the 267,243 simple sequence repeats identified from these scaffolds were mononucleotide, dinucleotide, and trinucleotide repeats. Among all 53,700 predicted genes, 158 genes involved in cell wall and plant hormone synthesis and reactive oxygen species scavenging showed altered regulation during the formation of dragon's blood. This study provides a genomic characterization of D. cambodiana and improves understanding of the molecular mechanism of dragon's blood formation. This report represents the first genome-wide characterization of a Dracaena species in the Asparagaceae.

Recent advances in steroidal saponins biosynthesis and in vitro production

Steroidal saponins exhibited numerous pharmacological activities due to the modification of their backbone by different cytochrome P450s (P450) and UDP glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Plant-derived steroidal saponins are not sufficient for utilizing them for commercial purpose so in vitro production of saponin by tissue culture, root culture, embryo culture, etc, is necessary for its large-scale production. Saponin glycosides are the important class of plant secondary metabolites, which consists of either steroidal or terpenoidal backbone. Due to the existence of a wide range of medicinal properties, saponin glycosides are pharmacologically very important. This review is focused on important medicinal properties of steroidal saponin, its occurrence, and biosynthesis. In addition to this, some recently identified plants containing steroidal saponins in different parts were summarized. The high throughput transcriptome sequencing approach elaborates our understanding related to the secondary metabolic pathway and its regulation even in the absence of adequate genomic information of non-model plants. The aim of this review is to encapsulate the information related to applications of steroidal saponin and its biosynthetic enzymes specially P450s and UGTs that are involved at later stage modifications of saponin backbone. Lastly, we discussed the in vitro production of steroidal saponin as the plant-based production of saponin is time-consuming and yield a limited amount of saponins. A large amount of plant material has been used to increase the production of steroidal saponin by employing in vitro culture technique, which has received a lot of attention in past two decades and provides a way to conserve medicinal plants as well as to escape them for being endangered.

TTB2 induces apoptosis in Ewing sarcoma cells

A steroidal saponin named pennogenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2) [α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)]-β-D-glucoyranoside(TTB2) has been successfully separated from the n-BuOH extracts of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim and is able to induce cytotoxicity to some types cancer cells. The present study aimed to investigate how this novel saponinin duces cytotoxicity in malignant sarcoma cells and to clarify its molecular mechanisms of action. It was determined this steroidal saponin induced the apoptosis in Rh1 cells and activated caspase-3 and caspase-9. Additionally, it disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential and altered the expression of bax and bcl-2. Thus, the results of present study identified that an anticancer saponin isolated from Trillium tschonoskii Maxim may be developed as a potential novel therapeutic strategy to treat certain types of cancer, including lung cancer and lung sarcoma.

Identification, characterization and expression analysis of genes involved in steroidal saponin biosynthesis in Dracaena cambodiana

Dracaena cambodiana is a traditional medicinal plant used for producing dragon's blood. The plants and dragon's blood of D. cambodiana contain a rich variety of steroidal saponins. However, little is known about steroidal saponin biosynthesis and its regulation in D. cambodiana. Here, 122 genes encoding enzymes involved in steroidal saponin biosynthesis were identified based on transcriptome data, with 29 of them containing complete open reading frames (ORF). Transcript expression analysis revealed that several genes related to steroidal saponin biosynthesis showed distinct tissue-specific expression patterns; the expression levels of genes encoding the key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and early modification of steroidal saponins were significantly down-regulated in the stems in response to the inducer of dragon's blood, exhibiting positive correlations with the content of steroidal saponins. These results provide insights on the steroidal saponins biosynthetic pathway and mechanisms underlying induced formation of dragon's blood in D. cambodiana.

A dihydrochalcone derivative and further steroidal saponins from Sansevieria trifasciata Prain

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Sansevieria trifasciata, one of the most common Dracaenaceae plants, has resulted in the isolation of a new dihydrochalcone derivative named trifasciatine C (1), four previously unreported steroidal saponins as two pairs of inseparable regioisomers: trifasciatosides K/L (2/3), M/N (4/5), together with the known 1,2-(dipalmitoyl)-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosylglycerol (6), aconitic acid (7), and 1-methyl aconitic acid (8). Their structures were elucidated mainly by extensive spectroscopic analysis (1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance) and high-resolution electronspray ionization-mass spectrometry, as well as chemical methods and comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds. Compounds 2/3 and 4/5 were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity on Hela cells, and no significant effect was observed.

Self-medication by orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus) using bioactive properties of Dracaena cantleyi

Animals self-medicate using a variety of plant and arthropod secondary metabolites by either ingesting them or anointing them to their fur or skin apparently to repel ectoparasites and treat skin diseases. In this respect, much attention has been focused on primates. Direct evidence for self-medication among the great apes has been limited to Africa. Here we document self-medication in the only Asian great ape, orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus), and for the first time, to our knowledge, the external application of an anti-inflammatory agent in animals. The use of leaf extracts from Dracaena cantleyi by orang-utan has been observed on several occasions; rubbing a foamy mixture of saliva and leaf onto specific parts of the body. Interestingly, the local indigenous human population also use a poultice of these leaves for the relief of body pains. We present pharmacological analyses of the leaf extracts from this species, showing that they inhibit TNFα-induced inflammatory cytokine production (E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and IL-6). This validates the topical anti-inflammatory properties of this plant and provides a possible function for its use by orang-utans. This is the first evidence for the deliberate external application of substances with demonstrated bioactive potential for self-medication in great apes.

Cytotoxicity of the saponin TTB2 on Ewing sarcoma cells

The steroidal saponin TTB2 can be isolated from the n-BuOH extracts of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. The aim of the present study was to observe whether this saponin exerted any cytotoxic effects on malignant sarcoma cells, and to further investigate the possible underlying molecular mechanisms. The cell viability, cell cycle arrest and phosphorylation of certain important signal molecules in the sarcoma cell line were investigated. It was found that TTB2 inhibited the growth of the Ewing sarcoma cell line and arrested cells in the G₂/M and S phases of the cell cycle in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase was inhibited by TTB2. In conclusion, the results showed that the saponin TTB2 isolated from T. tschonoskii Maxim exerts anticancer effects and may be a potential candidate for the development of anticancer drugs for use in the treatment of cancer.

Spirostane-type Saponins from Dracaena fragrans « Yellow Coast »

Three steroidal glycosides were isolated from the bark of Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl. « Yellow Coast », and a fourth from the roots and the leaves. Their structures were characterized on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments and mass spectrometry, and by comparison with NMR data of the literature. These saponins have the spirostane-type skeleton and are reported in this species for the first time.

A new steroidal saponin from dragon's blood of Dracaena cambodiana

Phytochemical study on dragon's blood of Dracaena cambodiana led to a new steroidal saponin, cambodianoside G(1), and six known ones (2-7). The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis. Evaluation of antibacterial activities showed that compound 7 exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Steroidal sapogenins and glycosides from the fibrous roots of Polygonatum odoratum with inhibitory effect on tissue factor (TF) procoagulant activity

Six new spirostane glycosides (1-6), named polygodosides A-F, one new furostanol glycoside, polygodoside G (7), one new cholestane glycoside, polygodoside H (8), and one new steroidal sapogenin, polygodosin A (9), together with thirteen known compounds (10-22) were isolated from a 90% MeOH extract of the fibrous roots of Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses and mass spectrometry. The effects on TF procoagulant activity in THP-1 cells were tested for most of the compounds.

Steroidal saponins from dragon's blood of Dracaena cambodiana

Six new steroidal saponins, cambodianosides A-F (1-6), together with seven known ones, were isolated from the dragon's blood of Dracaena cambodiana. The structures of 1-6 were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques and chemical methods. The cytotoxicities of all the isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro against three human cancer cell lines, and compounds 7, 8, and 11 showed significant inhibitory activities.

Two anti-inflammatory steroidal saponins from Dracaena angustifolia Roxb

Two new steroidal saponins, named drangustosides A–B (1–2), together with eight known compounds 3–10 were isolated and characterized from the MeOH extract of Dracaena angustifolia Roxb. The structures of compounds were assigned based on 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses, including HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY. Compounds 1 and 2 showed anti-inflammatory activity by superoxide generation and elastase release by human neutrophils in response to fMLP/CB.

Dracaena arborea alleviates ultra-structural spermatogenic alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background

Infertility is a common complication in diabetic men and experimental animals, mainly due to loss of germ cells by apoptotic cell death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dracaena arborea in streptozotocin-induced ultra-structural spermatogenic alterations in Wistar rats.

Methods

Diabetic animals were orally treated with Millipore water (10 ml/kg), sildenafil citrate (1.44 mg/kg) or Dracaena arborea aqueous (500 mg/kg) and ethanol (100 mg/kg) extracts for three weeks. A group of non diabetic rats received Millipore water (10 ml/kg) and served as healthy control group. Blood glucose was monitored at the beginning and the end of the study. One day after the last treatment, animals were sacrificed and the testes immediately removed were morphologically observed and prepared for electron microscopy analysis of spermatogenesis.

Results

Our results showed that Dracaena arborea was devoid of any anti-hyperglycemic activity. In the untreated diabetic rats, hyperglycemia severely damaged the testes morphology as well as the spermatogenic process as evidenced by the: thickness of basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule; mitochondria alteration; abnormal spermatocyte cells displaying polymorphous nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis; and disorganization and degeneration of sperm germ cells. Administration of sildenafil citrate and Dracaena arborea extracts to the diabetic rats improved testes morphology and reversed, although not completely, the impairment of spermatogenesis; this alleviating effect was more pronounced in animals treated with the aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) of Dracaena arborea.

Conclusion

Dracaena arborea improves testes morphology and restores spermatogenesis in type 1 diabetic rats, without having major anti-hyperglycemic properties. These effects could be attributed to saponins, flavonoids, phenols and sterols revealed in this plant, which could be a useful component in the treatment of diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction.

Polyhydroxylated steroidal glycosides from Paris polyphylla

Three new steroidal saponins, parisyunnanosides G-I (1-3), one new C(21) steroidal glycoside, parisyunnanoside J (4), and three known compounds, padelaoside B (5), pinnatasterone (6), and 20-hydroxyecdyson (7), were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis. Compounds 1 and 3 have unique trisdesmoside structures that include a C-21 β-d-galactopyranose moiety. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against human CCRF leukemia cells.

Revisit to 25R/25S Stereochemical Analysis of Spirostane-type Steroidal Sapogenins and Steroidal Saponins via 1H NMR Chemical Shift Data

An approach based on the difference (Δab = δa – δb) between 1H NMR chemical shifts (δa, δb) of the geminal protons of oxymethylene (H2-26) (Δab = <0.2 for 25 R; Δab = >0.5 for 25 S) is proposed for ascertaining 25 R/25 S orientation of the 27-methyl group for (22 R)-spirostane-type steroidal sapogenins and steroidal saponins. These studies suggested the 25 R-orientation of the 27-Me group for the steroidal saponins isolated by Temraz et al. from Tribulus alatus.

Flavonoid oligomers from Chinese dragon’s blood, the red resins of Dracaena cochinchinensis

A detailed chemical investigation of the red resins from Dracaena cochinchinensis (Chinese dragon’s blood) yielded five new flavonoid oligomers, named cochinchinenins D-H (1–5), together with a known biflavonoid, cinnabarone (6), and a mixture of two known biflavonoids, socotrin-4′-ol (7) and homoisosocotrin-4′-ol (8). Of these new compounds, 1–3 were biflavonoids and 4 and 5 were triflavonoids. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The isolated compounds were tested for cytotoxicity (Cdc25), antibacterial (PEPT) and antifungal (YNG) activities.

Antiproliferative steroidal glycosides from Digitalis ciliata

Two new compounds, a furostanol glycoside (1) and a pregnane glycoside (4), along with eight known compounds, belonging to the classes of spirostane (2,3), pregnane (5-7) and cardenolide (8-10) glycosides, were isolated from the seeds of Digitalis ciliata. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D-NMR experiments as well as ESI-MS analysis. For the first time pregnane glycosides of the diginigenin series have been isolated from D. ciliata. The cytotoxic effects of compounds 1-10 on cell viability of several cancer cell lines, namely human breast cancer (MCF-7), human glioblastoma (T98G), human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), human colon carcinoma (HT-29), and human prostate cancer (PC-3) cell lines were evaluated. Compounds 1, 4, 7 and 8 showed antiproliferative effects against MCF-7, HT-29 and A549 cancer cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 8.3 to 20 μM. The effects of compounds 1-10 on cell proliferation were evaluated on these three cancer cell lines by cell cycle analysis of DNA content using flow cytometry. Compounds 7, 8 and 10 induced significant changes in G₂/M cell cycle phase of all analyzed cells. The obtained results indicate that compounds 7, 8 and 10 are cytostatic compounds effective in reducing cell proliferation by inducing accumulation of the cells in the G₂/M phase of the cell cycle.