Pedunculagin isolated from Plinia cauliflora seeds exhibits genotoxic, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic effects in bacteria and human lymphocytes

A Comprehensive Review of Pedunculagin: Sources, Chemistry, Biological and Pharmacological Insights

Pedunculagin is a widely abundant ellagitannin found in the plant kingdom, with a chemical structure featuring two hexahydroxydiphenoyl units linked to a glucose core. It has demonstrated various biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects. This review aims to summarize the bioactivities, chemistry, and health-promoting properties of pedunculagin and plant preparations containing it. It is the first comprehensive summary covering pedunculagin's chemistry, sources, metabolism, and other relevant research. The search databases were Google Scholar, EBSCO Discovery Service, REAXYS Database, SCILIT, SCOPUS, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Science Direct/ELSEVIER, WordCat, and Taylor and Francis Online. All the databases were methodically searched for data published from 1911 until 2024. Various biological effects were proven in vitro for pedunculagin; however, due to the limited availability of the isolated compound, they have not been so far directly confirmed on more advanced in vivo and clinical models. However, its bioactivity can be deduced from studies conducted for plant preparations containing this ellagitannin as a dominant constituent, consequently indicating beneficial health effects. Further studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanism of action following topical application as well as the contribution of gut microbiota postbiotic metabolites- urolithins-being formed following the oral ingestion of preparations containing pedunculagin.

Evaluation of infliximab-induced genotoxicity and possible action on BCL-2 and P53 genes

Although the last pandemic created an urgency for development of vaccines, there was a continuous and concerted effort to search for therapeutic medications among existing drugs with different indications. One of the medications of interest that underwent this change was infliximab (IFM). This drug is used as an anti-inflammatory, predominantly in patients with Crohn 's disease, colitis ulcerative, and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to these patients, individuals infected with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) were administered this chimeric monoclonal antibody (IMF) to act as an immunomodulator for patients in the absence of comprehensive research. Consequently, the present study aimed to examine the genotoxic effects attributed to IFM treatment employing different assays in vivo using mouse Mus musculus. Therefore, IFM was found to induce genotoxic effects as evidenced by the comet assay but did not demonstrate genotoxic potential utilizing mouse bone marrow MN test. The results of evaluating the expression of the P53 and BCL-2 genes using RT-qPCR showed stimulation of expression of these genes at 24 hr followed by a decline at 48 hr. Although the comet assay provided positive results, it is noteworthy that based upon negative findings in the micronucleus test, the data did not demonstrate significant changes in the genetic material that might affect the therapeutic use of IFM. The stimulation of expression of P53 and BCL-2 genes at 24 hr followed by a decline at 48 hr suggest a transient, if any, effect on genetic material. However, there is still a need for more research to more comprehensively understand the genotoxic profile of this medication.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Diversity, Structure, Biosynthesis and Extraction of Biologically Active Tannins from Various Plant-Based Materials Using Deep Eutectic Solvents

This paper explores the emerging subject of extracting tannins from various plant sources using deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Tannins are widely used in the food and feed industries as they have outstanding antioxidant qualities and greatly enhance the flavor and nutritional content of a wide range of food products. Organic solvents are frequently used in traditional extraction techniques, which raises questions about their safety for human health and the environment. DESs present a prospective substitute because of their low toxicity, adaptability, and environmental friendliness. The fundamental ideas supporting the application of DESs in the extraction of tannins from a range of plant-based materials frequently used in daily life are all well covered in this paper. Furthermore, this paper covers the impact of extraction parameters on the yield of extracted tannins, as well as possible obstacles and directions for future research in this emerging subject. This includes challenges such as high viscosity, intricated recovery of compounds, thermal degradation, and the occurrence of esterification. An extensive summary of the diversity, structure, biosynthesis, distribution, and roles of tannins in plants is given in this paper. Additionally, this paper thoroughly examines various bioactivities of tannins and their metabolites.

Marketable 1,3-dimethylamylamine and caffeine-based thermogenic supplements: Regulatory genotoxicity assessment through in vitro and in silico approaches

The consumption of dietary supplements to enhance physical performance has increased significantly in the last century, especially thermogenic pre-workout supplements. Nevertheless, this industry has faced criticism for inadequate safety measures surveillance in regulatory issues regarding their products. The aims of our study were to investigate two pre-workout supplements with respect to (1) mutagenicity utilizing Salmonella/microsome assay; (2) genotoxicity employing cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay protocols; and (3) hepatocytoxicity using WST cell proliferation, activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase using human liver carcinoma (HepG2) and mouse fibroblast (F C3H) cells. Oxidative stress was determined through glutathione (GSH) measurement and in silico for predictions of pharmacokinetics and toxicity for the most abundant isolated substances present in these supplements. Both supplements induced mutagenicity in all examined bacterial strains, especially in the presence of exogenous metabolism. Further, tested supplements significantly elevated the formation of micronuclei (MN) as well as other cellular phenomena. Concentration- and time-dependent curves were observed for hepatotoxicity in both studied cell lines. In addition, both supplements decreased levels of intracellular and extracellular GSH. In silico predictions showed that the isolated individual compounds failed to induce the observed outcomes. Our findings provide contributions to the molecular mechanisms underlying two pre-workout supplement-induced toxicity and the need for surveillance.

Tellimagrandin-I and camptothin a exhibit chemopreventive effects in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains and human lymphocytes

Tellimagrandin-I (TL) and camptothin A (CA) are ellagitannins widely found in diverse plant species. Numerous studies demonstrated their significant biological activities, which include antitumor, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. Despite this protective profile, the effects of TL and CA on DNA have not been comprehensively investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the mutagenic and antimutagenic effects attributed to TL and CA exposure on Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains using the Ames test. In addition, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were examined on human lymphocytes, employing both trypan blue exclusion and CometChip assay. The antigenotoxic effect was determined following TL and CA exposure in the presence of co-treatment with doxorubicin (DXR). Our results from the Ames test indicated that TL or CA did not display marked mutagenic activity. However, TL or CA demonstrated an ability to protect DNA against the damaging effects of the mutagens 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide and sodium azide, thereby exhibiting antimutagenic properties. In relation to human lymphocytes, TL or CA did not induce significant cytotoxic or genotoxic actions on these cells. Further, these ellagitannins exhibited an ability to protect DNA from damage induced by DOX during co-treatment, indicating their potential beneficial usefulness as antigenotoxic agents. In conclusion, the protective effects of TL or CA against mutagens, coupled with their absence of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on human lymphocytes, emphasize their potential therapeutic value in chemopreventive strategies.

Pedunculagin and tellimagrandin-I stimulate inflammation and angiogenesis and upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in vivo

Pedunculagin (PD) and tellimagrandin-I (TL), isolated from Myrciaria cauliflora seeds and Eucaliptus microcorys leaves, respectively, have attracted great attention owing to their relevant biological activities, such as antitumor, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities. This study investigated the angiogenic potential of PD and TL using a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Using the CAM assay, our results showed that both PD and TL promoted a significant increase in the number and caliber of blood vessels, the thickness of the CAM, and the presence of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. Moreover, an increase of tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor was observed in the CAM treated with PD and TL, indicating the induction of angiogenic factors. Thus, the remarkable profile of PD and TL in inducing angiogenesis opens up new perspectives for their potential utilization in different therapeutic approaches involving neovascularization.

Chemopreventive effect and induction of DNA repair by oenothein B ellagitannin isolated from leaves of Eugenia uniflora in Swiss Webster treated mice

Oenothein B (OeB) is a dimeric ellagitannin with potent antioxidative, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite the promising activities of OeB, studies examining the genotoxic or protective effects of this ellagitannin on DNA are scarce. Therefore, to further comprehensively elucidate the chemopreventive profile of OeB, the aim of this study was to evaluate the mutagenic and antimutagenic actions of OeB using Salmonella typhimurium strains with the Ames test. The micronucleus (MN) test and comet assay were used to assess the anticytotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of OeB on mouse bone marrow cells following differing treatments (pre-, co-, and post-treatment) in response to cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced DNA damage. In addition, histopathological analyses were performed to assess liver and kidney tissues of Swiss Webster treated mice. Our results did not detect mutagenic or antimutagenic activity attributed to OeB at any concentration in the Ames test. Regarding the MN test, data showed that this ellagitannin exerted antigenotoxic and anticytotoxic effects against CPA-induced DNA damage under all treatment conditions. However, no anticytotoxic action was observed in MN test after pre-treatment with the highest doses of OeB. In addition, OeB demonstrated antigenotoxic effects in the comet assay for all treatments. Histopathological analyses indicated that OeB attenuated the toxic effects of CPA in mouse liver and kidneys. These findings suggest that OeB exerted a chemoprotective effect following pre- and co-treatments and a DNA repair action in post-treatment experiments. Our findings indicate that OeB protects DNA against CPA-induced damaging agents and induces post-damage DNA repair.

New Megastigmane and Polyphenolic Components of Henna Leaves and Their Tumor-Specific Cytotoxicity on Human Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cell Lines

Polyphenols have a variety of phenolic hydroxyl and carbonyl functionalities that enable them to scavenge many oxidants, thereby preserving the human redox balance and preventing a number of oxidative stress-related chronic degenerative diseases. In our ongoing investigation of polyphenol-rich plants in search of novel molecules, we resumed the investigation of Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae) or henna, a popular ancient plant with aesthetic and therapeutic benefits. The leaves' 70% aq acetone extract was fractionated on a Diaion HP-20 column with different ratios of H2O/an organic solvent. Multistep gel chromatographic fractionation and HPLC purification of the Diaion 75% aq MeOH and MeOH fractions led to a new compound (1) along with tannin-related metabolites, benzoic acid (2), benzyl 6'-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), and ellagic acid (4), which are first isolated from henna. Repeating the procedures on the Diaion 50% aq MeOH eluate led to the first-time isolation of two O-glucosidic ellagitannins, heterophylliin A (5), and gemin D (6), in addition to four known C-glycosidic ellagitannins, lythracin D (7), pedunculagin (8), flosin B (9), and lagerstroemin (10). The compound structures were determined through intensive spectroscopic investigations, including HRESIMS, 1D (1H and 13C) and 2D (1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) NMR, UV, [α]D, and CD experiments. The new structure of 1 was determined to be a megastigmane glucoside gallate; its biosynthesis from gallic acid and a β-ionone, a degradative product of the common metabolite β-carotin, was highlighted. Cytotoxicity investigations of the abundant ellagitannins revealed that lythracin D2 (7) and pedunculagin (8) are obviously more cytotoxic (tumor specificity = 2.3 and 2.8, respectively) toward oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (HSC-2, HSC-4, and Ca9-22) than normal human oral cells (HGF, HPC, and HPLF). In summary, Lawsonia inermis is a rich source of anti-oral cancer ellagitannins. Also, the several discovered polyphenolics highlighted here emphasize the numerous biological benefits of henna and encourage further clinical studies to profit from their antioxidant properties against oxidative stress-related disorders.

Phytochemical and biological characterization of aqueous extract of Vassobia breviflora on proliferation and viability of melanoma cells: involvement of purinergic pathway

Vassobia breviflora belongs to the Solanaceae family, possessing biological activity against tumor cells and is a promising alternative for therapy. The aim of this investigation was to determine the phytochemical properties V. breviflora using ESI-ToF-MS. The cytotoxic effects of this extract were examined in B16-F10 melanoma cells and the relationship if any to purinergic signaling was involved. The antioxidant activity of total phenols, (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) was analyzed, as well as production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) was determined. Genotoxicity was assessed by DNA damage assay. Subsequently, the structural bioactive compounds were docked against purinoceptors P2X7 and P2Y1 receptors. The bioactive compounds found in V. breviflora were N-methyl-(2S,4 R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, calystegine B, 12-O-benzoyl- tenacigenin A and bungoside B. In vitro cytotoxicity was demonstrated at concentration ranges of 0.1-10 mg/ml, and plasmid DNA breaks only at the concentration of 10 mg/ml. V. breviflora extracts affected hydrolysis by ectoenzymes, such as ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) and ectoadenosine deaminase (E-ADA) which control levels of degradation and formation of nucleosides and nucleotides. In the presence of substrates ATP, ADP, AMP and adenosine, the activities of E-NTPDase, 5´-NT or E-ADA were significantly modulated by V. breviflora. N-methyl-(2S,4 R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline presented higher binding affinity (according to receptor-ligand complex estimated binding affinity as evidenced by ∆G values) to bind to both P2X7 and P2Y1purinergic receptors.Our results suggest a putative interaction of V. breviflora bioactive compounds with growth inhibitory potential in B16-F10 melanoma and suggest that may be considered as promising compounds in melanoma and cancer treatment.

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of crude extracts of Anisomeles malabarica and Coldenia procumbens

The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of crude aqueous leaf extracts of Anisomeles malabarica and Coldenia procumbens. The predominant components present in these crude extracts of test plants identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis in both plant extracts were phytochemicals including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenols. The antibacterial activity of crude extracts of these plants against bacterial pathogens including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Shigella sp., Salmonella paratyphi A and B, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas sp. Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus were examined. Data demonstrated that the extracts of A. malabarica and C. procumbens exhibited significant antibacterial activity against B.subtilis and P.vulgaris at the concentration of 50 mg/ml. A. malabarica aqueous extract displayed significant antioxidant activity on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazl (DPPH), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) free radicals at the concentration of 90 mg/ml. The antioxidant activity was significantly higher with A. malabarica than extract of C. procumbens. Evidence indicates that both plant extracts may possess significant pharmaceutical potential as antibacterial and antioxidant agents.

Cistus albidus L.-Review of a Traditional Mediterranean Medicinal Plant with Pharmacological Potential

Cistus albidus L. (Cistaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been used therapeutically since ancient times in the Mediterranean basin for its important pharmacological properties. The ability of C. albidus to produce large quantities of a wide range of natural metabolites makes it an attractive source of raw material. The main constituents with bioactive functions that exert pharmacological effects are terpenes and polyphenols, with more than 200 identified compounds. The purpose of this review is to offer a detailed account of the botanical, ethnological, phytochemical, and pharmacological characteristics of C. albidus with the aim of encouraging additional pharmaceutical investigations into the potential therapeutic benefits of this medicinal plant. This review was carried out using organized searches of the available literature up to July 2023. A detailed analysis of C. albidus confirms its traditional use as a medicinal plant. The outcome of several studies suggests a deeper involvement of certain polyphenols and terpenes in multiple mechanisms such as inflammation and pain, with a potential application focus on neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. Other diseases such as prostate cancer and leukemia have already been researched with promising results for this plant, for which no intoxication has been reported in humans.

Cytogenotoxic evaluations of leaves and stems extracts of Rubus rosifolius in primary metabolically noncompetent cells

Plants with medicinal potential may also produce adverse effects in humans. This seems to be the case for the species Rubus rosifolius, where preliminary studies demonstrated genotoxic effects attributed to extracts obtained from leaves and stems of this plant using on HepG2/C3A human hepatoma cells as a model. Considering the beneficial properties of this plant as an antidiarrheal, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antihypertensive and its effects in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, the present study was developed with the aim of determining the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of extracts of leaves and stems of R. rosifolius in primary without metabolic competence in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Cell viability analyses at concentrations of between 0.01 and 100 µg/ml of both extracts did not markedly affect cell viability. In contrast, assessment of the genotoxic potential using the comet assay demonstrated significant damage to DNA within PBMC from a concentration of 10 µg/ml in the stem extract, and a clastogenic/aneugenic response without cytokinesis-block proliferation index (CBPI) alterations at concentrations of 10, 20, or 100 µg/ml for both extracts. Under our experimental conditions, the data obtained demonstrated genotoxic and mutagenic effects attributed to extracts from leaves and stems of R. rosifolius in cells in the absence of hepatic metabolism.

Methanolic fraction of Cassia fistula L. bark exhibits potential to combat oxidative stress and possess antiproliferative activity

Cassia fistula L. is well known for its traditional medicinal properties as an anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antifungal, antibacterial, antimutagenic, and wound healing agent. The aim of the present study was to determine antioxidant, genoprotective, and cytotoxic potential of different fractions of C. fistula bark including hexane (CaMH), chloroform (CaMC), ethyl acetate (CaME), and methanol (CaMM). Among all the fractions studied, CaMM exhibited maximal radical scavenging activity in antioxidant DPPH assay, Superoxide anion radical scavenging assay and nitric oxide radical scavenging assay displayed an IC₅₀ value of 18.95, 29.41, and 13.38 µg/ml, respectively. CaMM fraction possessed the highest phenolic (130.37 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight of extract) and flavonoid (36.96 mg rutin equivalent/g dry weight of fraction) content. Data demonstrated significant positive correlation between polyphenol levels and radical scavenging activity. Single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) exhibited genoprotective potential of C. fistula bark fractions against DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in human lymphocytes. CaMM fraction displayed highest protective ability against H₂O₂ induced-toxicity as evidenced by significant decrease in % tail DNA content from 30 to 7% at highest concentration (200 µg/ml). CaMM was found to be rich in catechin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol. The phenolic content and antioxidant ability of the fractions was markedly negatively correlated with H₂O₂- induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes. Cytotoxic potential was evaluated against dermal epidermoid carcinoma (A431), pancreatic (MIA PaCa-2) and brain glioblastoma (LN-18) cancer cell lines using MTT assay. Results showed that C. fistula bark fractions possessed highest toxicity against the skin carcinoma cells. CaMM fraction reduced over 50% cell growth at the concentration of 76.72 µg/ml in A431 cells. These findings suggest that fractions of C. fistula bark exhibit potential to be considered as therapeutic agents in various carcinomas.

Detection of new phytochemical compounds from Vassobia breviflora (Sendtn.) Hunz: antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activity of the hexane extract

Vassobia breviflora (Sendtn.) Hunz is a plant of the Solanaceae family from South America and there are no apparent studies reported on the biological activity of the hexane extract. The aim of this investigation was to conduct phytochemical analyses using ESI-TOF-MS, while antioxidant activities were evaluated by the following methods 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) 2,2"-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical capture (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS). Antimicrobial activities were performed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiofilm formed. Cytotoxicity was measured by MTT and dsDNA PicoGreen tests, beyond the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) determined by Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). The hexane extract showed the presence of 5 (choline, pantothenic acid, calystegine B, lanciphodylactone I, and 15"-cis-zeaxanthin) compounds detected. V. breviflora extract demonstrated reliable results utilizing different antioxidant methods. In antibacterial activity, V. breviflora extract exhibited inhibitory, bactericidal, and antibiofilm action in biofilm-forming bacteria. The hexane extract exhibited cytotoxicity against melanoma, lung cancer, glioblastoma, leukemia, uterine colon, and hepatocarcinoma tumor cells. In addition, all tested strains resulted in increased production of ROS. This plant extract may be considered in future as an alternative for development of new therapeutic options aimed at the treatment of diverse pathologies.

Identification of bioactive compounds and cytogenotoxicity of the essential oil from the leaves of Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth

Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth, popularly known as "quince" and "velame," contains a high concentration of volatile oils in the leaves, and widely used in folk medicine as an antiseptic, analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and local anesthetic. The objectives of this investigation were to (1) identify the phytochemical compounds and (2) assess the cytogenotoxicity of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of C. heliotropiifolius Kunth. The oil was extracted utilizing hydrodistillation and phytochemical profile determined using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS). In the toxicogenetics analysis, Allium cepa roots were exposed to 1% dimethylsulfoxide or methylmethanesulfonate (MMS, 10 µg/ml) negative and positive controls, respectively, and to C. heliotropiifolius oil at 6 concentrations (0.32; 1.6; 8; 40; 200 or 1000 µg/ml). The phytochemical profile exhibited 40 chromatographic bands, and 33 compounds identified. α-pinene (16.7%) and 1,8-cineole (13.81%) were identified as the major compounds. Some of these identified secondary metabolites displayed biological and pharmacological activities previously reported including antiseptic, analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory as well insecticidal, antiviral, anti-fungal actions. In the A. cepa test, C. heliotropiifolius leaves oil induced cytotoxicity at concentrations of 0.32, 1.6 or 200 µg/ml and genotoxicity at 200 or 1000 µg/ml as evidenced by increased presence of micronuclei and significant chromosomal losses. Based upon our observations data demonstrated that the essential oil of C. heliotropiifolius leaves contain monoterpene hydrocarbons, and oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes which are associated with cytotoxic and genotoxic responses noted in on A. cepa cells.

Insights of ethyl acetate fraction from Vassobia breviflora in multidrug-resistant bacteria and cancer cells: from biological to therapeutic

Cancer and infectious diseases are among the leading causes of death in the world. Despite the diverse array of treatments available, challenges posed by resistance, side effects, high costs, and inaccessibility persist. In the Solanaceae plant family, few studies with Vassobia breviflora species relating to biological activity are known, but promising results have emerged. The phytochemicals present in the ethyl acetate fraction were obtained using ESI-MS-QTOF, and the antioxidants assays 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical capture (ABTS), plasma ferric reduction capacity (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by MTT, Neutral Red, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released. The production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and purinergic enzymes was also investigated. Antibacterial activity was measured through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiofilm activity, in addition to genotoxicity in plasmid DNA. Five major masses were identified D-glucopyranose II, allyl disulfide, γ-lactones, pharbilignoside, and one mass was not identified. V. breviflora exhibited relevant antioxidant and cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cell line and enhanced expression effect in modulation of purinergic signaling. Antibacterial activities in the assays in 7 ATCC strains and 8 multidrug-resistant clinical isolates were found. V. breviflora blocked biofilm formation in producing bacteria at the highest concentrations tested. However, there was no plasmid DNA cleavage at the concentrations tested. Data demonstrated that V. breviflora exhibited an antioxidant effect through several methods and proved to be a promising therapeutic alternative for use against tumor cells via purinergic signaling and multidrug-resistant microorganisms, presenting an anti-biofilm effect.

Protective effects and DNA repair induction of a coumarin-chalcone hybrid against genotoxicity induced by mutagens

Coumarins and chalcones are compounds widely found in plants or obtained by synthetic methods which possess several biological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. A series of coumarin-chalcone hybrids were synthesized to improve their biological actions and reduce potential adverse effects. Considering the applications of these molecules, a coumarin-chalcone hybrid [7-methoxy-3-(E)-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) acryloyl-2 H-chromen-2-one] (4-MET) was synthesized and the genotoxic, cytotoxic, and protective effects assessed against damage induced by different mutagens. First, in silico tools were used to predict biological activity of 4-MET which indicated a chemopreventive potential. Subsequently, the genotoxic/antigenotoxic activities of 4-MET were determined both in vitro (Ames test) and in vivo (micronucleus (MN) test and comet assay). In addition, molecular docking simulations were performed between 4-MET and glutathione reductase, an important cellular detoxifying enzyme. Our results indicated that 4-MET was not mutagenic in the Ames test; however, when co-treated with sodium azide or 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO), 4-MET significantly reduced the harmful actions of these mutagens. Except for a cytotoxic effect after 120 hr treatment, 4-MET alone did not produce cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in the MN test and comet assay. Nonetheless, all treatments of 4-MET with cyclophosphamide (CPA) showed a chemoprotective effect against DNA damage induced by CPA. Further, molecular docking analysis indicated a strong interaction between 4-MET and the catalytic site of glutathione reductase. These effects may be related to (1) damage prevention, (2) interaction with detoxifying enzymes, and (3) DNA-repair induction. Therefore, data demonstrated that 4-MET presents a favorable profile to be used in chemopreventive therapies.

Phytotoxic, cytogenotoxic, and insecticidal activities of compounds from extracts of freshwater Lyngbya sp

The development of agroecology has promoted the discovery of new bioactive compounds that might act as biocides to control infections and microbial contamination. Algae belonging to Lyngbya genus produce several allelochemicals, which are compounds with crop protection potential. The present study aimed to examine primary and secondary compounds derived from Lyngbya sp. extracts (aqueous and hydroethanolic) on phytotoxic, cytogenotoxic, and insecticidal activities. Determination of compounds indicated the presence predominantly of proteins and flavonoids. The extracts presented physicochemical characteristics that produced (1) 89% germination inhibition using hydroethanolic extract and (2) diminished development of seedlings of L. sativa by hydroethanolic extract as evidenced by reduced radicles length in 83.54%. Aqueous and hydroethanolic Lyngbya sp. extracts significantly interfered with meristematic cells of A. cepa, as evidenced by chromosomal alterations and aberrant mitotic phases in cells. Extracts also exhibited pro-oxidative activity and a potent insecticidal potential on S. zeamais, indicating that the hydroethanolic extract produced 100% insect mortality at 75 mg/ml after 48 hr while the aqueous extract initiated 90% mortality at the same concentration after 82 hr. Therefore, data demonstrate that Lyngbya genus provides basic information for new environmental and ecotoxicological studies to seek a possible source of proteins and flavonoids to be used in agroecological management.

In Silico and In Vitro Studies of Alchemilla viridiflora Rothm-Polyphenols' Potential for Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Internalization

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been obvious that virus infection poses a serious threat to human health on a global scale. Certain plants, particularly those rich in polyphenols, have been found to be effective antiviral agents. The effectiveness of Alchemilla viridiflora Rothm. (Rosaceae) methanol extract to prevent contact between virus spike (S)-glycoprotein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP1) receptors was investigated. In vitro results revealed that the tested samples inhibited 50% of virus-receptor binding interactions in doses of 0.18 and 0.22 mg/mL for NRP1 and ACE2, respectively. Molecular docking studies revealed that the compounds from A. viridiflora ellagitannins class had a higher affinity for binding with S-glycoprotein whilst flavonoid compounds more significantly interacted with the NRP1 receptor. Quercetin 3-(6″-ferulylglucoside) and pentagalloylglucose were two compounds with the highest exhibited interfering potential for selected target receptors, with binding energies of −8.035 (S-glycoprotein) and −7.685 kcal/mol (NRP1), respectively. Furthermore, computational studies on other SARS-CoV-2 strains resulting from mutations in the original wild strain (V483A, N501Y-K417N-E484K, N501Y, N439K, L452R-T478K, K417N, G476S, F456L, E484K) revealed that virus internalization activity was maintained, but with different single compound contributions.