A new aldehyde compound from the fruit ofPandanus tectoriusParkinson ex Du Roi

Medicinal plants of Southeast Asia with anti-α-glucosidase activity as potential source for type-2 diabetes mellitus treatment

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus, a widespread chronic illness, affects millions worldwide, and its incidence is increasing alarmingly, especially in developing nations. Current pharmacological treatments can be costly and have undesirable side effects. To address this, medicinal plants with antidiabetic effects, particularly targeting α-glucosidase for controlling hyperglycaemia in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hold promise for drug development with reduced toxicity and adverse reactions.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This review aims to succinctly collect information about medicinal plant extracts that exhibit antidiabetic potential through α-glucosidase inhibition using acarbose as a standard reference in Southeast Asia. The characteristics of this inhibition are based on in vitro studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant information on medicinal plants in Southeast Asia, along with α-glucosidase inhibition studies using acarbose as a positive control, was gathered from various scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

About 49 papers were found from specific counties in Southeast Asia demonstrated notable α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of their medicinal plants, with several plant extracts showcasing activity comparable to or surpassing that of acarbose. Notably, 19 active constituents were identified for their α-glucosidase inhibitory effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings underscore the antidiabetic potential of the tested medicinal plant extracts, indicating their promise as alternative treatments for T2DM. This review can aid in the development of potent therapeutic medicines with increased effectiveness and safety for the treatment of T2DM.

Pandatonkinosides A and B: two new phenolic glycosides from the roots of Pandanus tonkinensis and their nitric oxide production inhibitory activities

Two new phenolic glycosides, 4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2,6-dimethoxyphenol β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), trans-cinnamyl alcohol 9-O-(6'-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), together with nine known phenolic glycosides (3-11) were isolated from the roots of Pandanus tonkinensis. Their structures were determined by extensive analysis of HRESIMS and NMR spectral data, as well as by comparison of their spectral data (including CD spectra) with those reported in the literature. Compounds 1-4 and 6-11 inhibited NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values in the range from 0.80 ± 0.06 µM to 43.38 ± 3.92 µM, whereas compound 5 was inactive. The NO production inhibitory activities of compounds 1, 4, 8, and 10 with IC50 values of 10.16 ± 1.05, 0.80 ± 0.06, 1.10 ± 0.13, and 2.79 ± 0.21 µM, respectively, are as potent as that of the positive control of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA) with an IC50 value of 9.80 ± 0.78 µM.

A new lignan from Pandanus tectorius

A new lignan, named (8S, 8'S)-2,2',3,3'-tetramethoxy-4'-hydroxy-epoxylignan-4-O-β-D-glucoside (1), together with eight known compounds (2-9), was isolated from the leaves of P. tectorius. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral characteristics and comparison with the data of literatures. Besides, the absolute configuration of 1 was established by using ECD calculations. The cytotoxicity of 1 in vitro against three selected tumor cell lines (A549, HeLa and MCF-7) was evaluated by MTT assay. The results showed that compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cell with IC₅₀ value of 19.30 ± 4.46 μM.

Evaluation of extracts prepared from 16 plants used in Yao ethnomedicine as potential anticancer agents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicines of the Yao ethnic group in China are a special branch of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and are well documented for use in disease prevention. According to an ethnopharmacological survey, there are 1392 species of medicinal plants that have been documented as Yao ethnomedicines and 104 of these species are used routinely. This study evaluated a partial collection of these 104 core plant species for their potential as anticancer agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature study of scientific journals and books in the local language was conducted. Based on an ethnopharmacological survey, 16 plant species widely used in Yao ethnomedicine were collected and 64 plant extracts were prepared from these plants. in vitro cytotoxicity screening was conducted with a panel of four human cancer cell lines, lung cancer A549, breast cancer BT20 and MCF-7, bone cancer U2OS. The potential toxicity of the extracts was evaluated using two normal human cell lines, human peripheral lung epithelial cells (HPL1A) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Additionally, the 10 extracts that demonstrated cytotoxicity in cancer cells with an IC₅₀ of less than 25.0µg/mL were examined for the ability to induce apoptosis in U2OS cells.

RESULTS

The up-to-date information regarding the traditional uses, pharmacological and biological activities, as well as the chemical constituents of the 16 plants are presented. Extracts from all 16 plants showed cytotoxicity against one to four of the human cancer cell lines and the cytotoxic effects of extracts from Melaleuca leucadendra, Stephania longa, Microsorium fortune and Bidens biternata were demonstrated for the first time. The highest anticancer potential was observed for extracts prepared from Melaleuca leucadendra Linn against all tested cancer cells (BT20, A549, U2OS, and MCF7) with an IC₅₀ range of 3.1-32.7µg/mL. The selectivity index of the active samples varied from 0.1 to 25, and five extracts from Bidens biternata, Wedelia calendulacea, Stephania longa and Achras zapota showed significant selectivity against cancer cell lines versus normal cell lines. All tested extracts induced apoptosis in U2OS cells, and for the first time extracts from Melaleuca leucadendra and Microsorium fortune were shown to induce apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated the in vitro anticancer efficacy and safety of 16 medicinal plants that have been historically used in Yao ethnomedicine. This study provides evidence to assist the clinical practice of Yao ethnomedicine and the development of chemotherapeutic agents from extracts prepared from these plants.