The genusPerovskiaKar.: ethnobotany, chemotaxonomy and phytochemistry: a review

Comparative transcriptomics of two Salvia subg. Perovskia species contribute towards molecular background of abietane-type diterpenoid biosynthesis

Tanshinones, are a group of diterpenoid red pigments present in Danshen - an important herbal drug of Traditional Chinese Medicine which is a dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Some of the tanshinones are sought after as pharmacologically active natural products. To date, the biosynthetic pathway of tanshinones has been only partially elucidated. These compounds are also present in some of the other Salvia species, i.a. from subgenus Perovskia, such as S. abrotanoides (Kar.) Sytsma and S. yangii B.T. Drew. Despite of the close genetic relationship between these species, significant qualitative differences in their diterpenoid profile have been discovered. In this work, we have used the Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis to follow the content of diterpenoids during the vegetation season, which confirmed our previous observations of a diverse diterpenoid profile. As metabolic differences are reflected in different transcript profile of a species or tissues, we used metabolomics-guided transcriptomic approach to select candidate genes, which expression possibly led to observed chemical differences. Using an RNA-sequencing technology we have sequenced and de novo assembled transcriptomes of leaves and roots of S. abrotanoides and S. yangii. As a result, 134,443 transcripts were annotated by UniProt and 56,693 of them were assigned as Viridiplantae. In order to seek for differences, the differential expression analysis was performed, which revealed that 463, 362, 922 and 835 genes indicated changes in expression in four comparisons. GO enrichment analysis and KEGG functional analysis of selected DEGs were performed. The homology and expression of two gene families, associated with downstream steps of tanshinone and carnosic acid biosynthesis were studied, namely: cytochromes P-450 and 2-oxoglutarate-dependend dioxygenases. Additionally, BLAST analysis revealed existence of 39 different transcripts related to abietane diterpenoid biosynthesis in transcriptomes of S. abrotanoides and S. yangii. We have used quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis of selected candidate genes, to follow their expression levels over the vegetative season. A hypothesis of an existence of a multifunctional CYP76AH89 in transcriptomes of S. abrotanoides and S. yangii is discussed and potential roles of other CYP450 homologs are speculated. By using the comparative transcriptomic approach, we have generated a dataset of candidate genes which provides a valuable resource for further elucidation of tanshinone biosynthesis. In a long run, our investigation may lead to optimization of diterpenoid profile in S. abrotanoides and S. yangii, which may become an alternative source of tanshinones for further research on their bioactivity and pharmacological therapy.

Genus Monanthotaxis: a review on distribution, ethnomedicinal uses and phytochemistry

This article reviews the geographical distribution, ethnomedicinal applications, and phytochemistry of the genus Monanthotaxis Baill, tribe Uvariae of the family Annonaceae. The reviewed works of literature were collected from various electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, The International Plant Names Index (IPNI), and Research Gate. During this review, ninety-eight species of the genus Monanthotaxis were found to be widely distributed in tropical Africa. Some of those species are used in folkloric medicine by various communities to manage diseases and disease conditions such as fever, vomiting, headache, stomach-ache, malaria, helminthiasis, and hysteria. In the past 44 years (1979 to 2023), one hundred and nineteen secondary metabolites with different biomedical potentials have been reported from this genus. The reported compounds are categorised into flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, polyoxygenated cyclohexane, and cyclohexene derivatives, benzyl derivatives, cinnamic acid derivatives, and stilbenoids. Most of the reported compounds showed an array of bioactivities corroborating the use of some members of the genus in folkloric medicine.

Exploring the known chemical space of the plant kingdom: insights into taxonomic patterns, knowledge gaps, and bioactive regions

Plants are one of the primary sources of natural products for drug development. However, despite centuries of research, only a limited region of the phytochemical space has been studied. To understand the scope of what is explored versus unexplored in the phytochemical space, we begin by reconstructing the known chemical space of the plant kingdom, mapping the distribution of secondary metabolites, chemical classes, and plants traditionally used for medicinal purposes (i.e., medicinal plants) across various levels of the taxonomy. We identify hotspot taxonomic clades occupied by a large proportion of medicinal plants and characterized secondary metabolites, as well as clades requiring further characterization with regard to their chemical composition. In a complementary analysis, we build a chemotaxonomy which has a high level of concordance with the taxonomy at the genus level, highlighting the close relationship between chemical profiles and evolutionary relationships within the plant kingdom. Next, we delve into regions of the phytochemical space with known bioactivity that have been used in modern drug discovery. While we find that the vast majority of approved drugs from phytochemicals are derived from known medicinal plants, we also show that medicinal and non-medicinal plants do not occupy distinct regions of the known phytochemical landscape and their phytochemicals exhibit properties similar to bioactive compounds. Moreover, we also reveal that only a few thousand phytochemicals have been screened for bioactivity and that there are hundreds of known bioactive compounds present in both medicinal and non-medicinal plants, suggesting that non-medicinal plants also have potential therapeutic applications. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that there are many plants with medicinal properties awaiting discovery.

Screening of the compositions of essential oils and volatiles of Perovskia abrotanoides Karel. along with antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic impacts of its methanol extract

In the present report, a combination of classical and advanced methods, namely classical hydrodistillation (HD) and solvent free microwave extraction (SFME) have been used for the extraction of essential oils from flowers, leaves and stems of Perovskia abrotanoides Karel. as an endemic plant to Golestan Province, Iran. The volatile fractions from the same plant organs have been separated using a solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibre and characterised using a GC/MS apparatus. Moreover, oxygenated monoterpenes, for example, 1,8-cineole and borneol were found as the most constituent components of the majority of the characterised profiles. Accordingly, for flowers, leaves and stems of P. abrotanoides Karel., the relevant quantities were HD: 12.0 and 12.4, 24.0 and 17.9, 12.9 and 16.8%; SFME: 15.6 and 15.2, 20.5 and 16.2, 13.5 and 14.7%; SPME: 20.9 and 5.2, 25.5 and 9.9, 26.4 and 8.5%, respectively. Total phenolic content (TPC: 52.02 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids content (TFC: 98.46 mg QE/g) as well as antioxidant and antibacterial effects of the extract from the aerial parts of this species have been also evaluated. The cytotoxicity of Perovskia abrotanoides Karel. MeOH extract has been tested against HUVECs cell line. Moreover, our study on the in vitro anti-bladder carcinoma demonstrated that the plant extract reduced the viability of malignant bladder cell line, in a dose dependent way.

Bioassay-guided isolation in Salvia abrotanoides Karel. stem based on its anti-fungal and anti-trichomonas activity

Background and purpose

Salvia abrotanoides is considered a medicinal plant and has a broad distribution in Iran. In Iran's traditional medicine, it is also used to treat leishmaniasis, malaria, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and as a disinfectant. This research aimed to determine the anti-Candida component from S. abratonoides and anti-Trichomonas natural compounds from the stems of this plant.

Experimental approach

The plant shoots were collected, dried, and after removing the leaves, grounded. Dried plant material was extracted in a maceration tank, concentrated by a Rotavap, degreased, and fractionated by normal column chromatography. Based on anti-fungal screening against Candida species, Fr. 4, with more anti-fungal activity, was selected for phytochemical analysis, by different chromatographic methods on the silica gel column and Sephadex LH-20. Isolated compounds were elucidated by NMR analysis, mass spectrum, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Anti-fungal effects were investigated using the fungal suspension, incubation, and parasite-counting methods on purified compounds. Antibacterial effects were assessed using the Broth dilution test and reported according to the MIC parameter.

Findings/Results

Two diterpenoid compounds named carnosol (compound 1), 11-hydroxy-12-methoxy-20-norabiata-8, 11, 13-trien (compound 2), and a flavonoid: 6,7-dimethoxy-5, 4'-dihydroxyflavone (compound 3) were isolated and identified. Compound 1 had selective anti-fungal effects against C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis, but weak toxicity against Trichomonas vaginalis with IC50 of 675.8 μg/mL, less than metronidazole with an IC50 of 13.2 μg/mL.

Conclusion and implications

Carnosol as the main component was assayed against Candida, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, and Trichomanas species. The results confirmed its effect on Candida compared to standard drugs.

Orofacial Pain Management: An Overview of the Potential Benefits of Palmitoylethanolamide and Other Natural Agents

Pain is the most common symptom that dentists are confronted with, whether acute (pulpitis, acute periodontitis, post-surgery, etc.) or chronic diseases, such as periodontitis, muscle pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, burning mouth syndrome (BMS), oral lichen planus (OLP) and others. The success of therapy depends on the reduction in and management of pain through specific drugs, hence the need to analyze new pain medications with specific activity, which are suitable for long-term use, with a low risk of side effects and interactions with other drugs, and capable of leading to a reduction in orofacial pain. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a bioactive lipid mediator, which is synthesized in all tissues of the body as a protective pro-homeostatic response to tissue damage and has aroused considerable interest in the dental field due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiepileptic, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective activities. It has been observed that PEA could play a role in the management of the pain of orofacial origin, including BMS, OLP, periodontal disease, tongue a la carte and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), as well as in the treatment of postoperative pain. However, actual clinical data on the use of PEA in the clinical management of patients with orofacial pain are still lacking. Therefore, the main objective of the present study is to provide an overview of orofacial pain in its many manifestations and an updated analysis of the molecular pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of PEA to understand its beneficial effects in the management of patients with orofacial pain, both neuropathic and nociceptive in nature. The aim is also to direct research toward the testing and use of other natural agents that have already been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving actions and could offer important support in the treatment of orofacial pain.

The Influence of Methyl Jasmonate on Expression Patterns of Rosmarinic Acid Biosynthesis Genes, and Phenolic Compounds in Different Species of Salvia subg. Perovskia Kar L

Salvia yangii B.T. Drew and Salvia abrotanoides Kar are two important fragrant and medicinal plants that belong to the subgenus Perovskia. These plants have therapeutic benefits due to their high rosmarinic acid (RA) content. However, the molecular mechanisms behind RA generation in two species of Salvia plants are still poorly understood. As a first report, the objectives of the present research were to determine the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the rosmarinic acid (RA), total flavonoid and phenolic contents (TFC and TPC), and changes in the expression of key genes involved in their biosynthesis (phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL), and rosmarinic acid synthase (RAS)). The results of High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicated that MeJA significantly increased RA content in S. yungii and S. abrotanoides species (to 82 and 67 mg/g DW, respectively) by 1.66- and 1.54-fold compared with untreated plants. After 24 h, leaves of Salvia yangii and Salvia abrotanoides species treated with 150 M MeJA had the greatest TPC and TFC (80 and 42 mg TAE/g DW, and 28.11 and 15.14 mg QUE/g DW, respectively), which was in line with the patterns of gene expression investigated. Our findings showed that MeJA dosages considerably enhanced the RA, TPC, and TFC contents in both species compared with the control treatment. Since increased numbers of transcripts for PAL, 4CL, and RAS were also detected, the effects of MeJA are probably caused by the activation of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway.

Exploring the Chemistry of Ocimum Species under Specific Extractions and Chromatographic Methods: A Systematic Review

Ocimum is considered the largest genus in the Lamiacea family. The genus includes basil, a group of aromatic plants with a wide range of culinary uses that nowadays draws attention for its medicinal and pharmaceutical potential. This systematic review intends to explore the chemical composition of nonessential oils and their variation across different Ocimum species. Moreover, we aimed to identify the state of knowledge regarding the molecular space in this genus as well as the different methods of extraction/identification and geographical location. Seventy-nine eligible articles were selected for the final analysis, from which we extracted more than 300 molecules. We found that the countries with the highest number of studies into Ocimum species are India, Nigeria, Brazil, and Egypt. However, from all known species of Ocimum, only 12 were found to have an extensive chemical characterization, particularly Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum tenuiflorum. Our study focused especially on alcoholic, hydroalcoholic, and water extracts, in which the main techniques for compound identifications are GC-MS, LC-MS, and LC-UV. Across the compiled molecules, we found a wide variety of compounds, especially flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, suggesting that this genus could be a very useful source of possible bioactive compounds. The information collected in this review also emphasizes the huge gap between the vast number of Ocimum species discovered and the number of studies in each of them that determined the chemical characterization.

Chemical Composition, Enantiomeric Distribution and Biological Activity of Essential Oil from Morella pubescens (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Wilbur

The species Morella pubescens, commonly known as wax laurel, is a tree belonging to the Myricaceae family that can be found from Costa Rica to Bolivia. In this study, the chemical composition, enantiomeric distribution, and biological activity of essential oil isolated from the leaves of this species was determined. Hydrodistillation was used to isolate the essential oil (EO). Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to determine the qualitative composition, gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector was used to determine quantitative composition, and gas chromatography on an enantioselective column was used to determine enantiomeric distribution. The broth microdilution method was employed to assess the antibacterial capacity of the essential oil against seven opportunistic microorganisms, including three Gram-positive cocci bacteria, a Gram-positive bacilli bacterium and three Gram-negative bacilli bacteria. 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical cation and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydryl free radical were used as reagents to determine the antioxidant activity of essential oil. The spectrophotometric method was used to analyze the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect of the essential oil. The extraction method afforded a low yield of around 0.076 ± 0.008% (v/w). Fifty-eight chemical compounds, which represent 97.9% of the total composition, were identified in the essential oil. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the most representative group with 24 compounds (67.8%). The principal constituents were (E)-caryophyllene (27.5 ± 1.3%), limonene (11.8 ± 0.6%), δ-selinene (9.1 ± 0.2%), β-selinene (8.0 ± 0.2%), selina-3,7(11)-diene (5.3 ± 0.2%) and germacrene B (5.0 ± 0.5%). Three pairs of enantiomers were identified in the essential oil of Morella pubescens. Essential oil presented strong activity against the bacterium Enterococcus faecium (ATCC 27270) with an MIC of 250 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity of essential oil was very strong in the ABTS method with an SC₅₀ of 46.4 ± 1.0 µg/mL and was strong in the DPPH method with an SC₅₀ of 237.1 ± 1.8 µg/mL. Additionally, the essential oil reported strong anticholinesterase activity with an IC₅₀ of 133.5 ± 1.06 µg/mL.

Mycorrhizal Colonization Modulates the Essential Oil Profile and Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants to Mitigate the Adverse Effects of Water Deficit in Salvia subg. Perovskia

Among traditional Iranian herbs, Perovskia species (a subgenus of Salvia), while being valued ornamentals, are also studied for numerous potential pharmacological and therapeutic aspects. The current study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of two species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus intraradices, separately and in combination, in terms of the essential oil content and compositions along with the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in Salvia abrotanoides and S. yangii in response to three levels of irrigation, including 100% FC as well-watered, 75% FC (moderate irrigation deficit), and 50% FC (severe irrigation deficit). In both species, essential oil content, enzyme antioxidant activities, total phenolics, and flavonoids were increased significantly with the severity of stress; this increase was more pronounced in mycorrhizal inoculated herbs. Furthermore, leaf phosphorus concentration, relative water content, chlorophylls a and b, and total carotenoids decreased in parallel with reducing soil moisture; albeit, AMF inoculation improved the stress symptoms under increasing severity of water restriction compared with their control conditions. In addition, the percentage of root colonization was positively correlated with the relative water content (RWC) and leaf phosphorus concentration. Taking into account the essential oil groups, AMF colonization elevated some essential oil components, such as oxygenated monoterpenes, 1,8-cineol, camphor, and borneol, whereas the main sesquiterpenes, including E-β-caryophyllene and α-humulene, remarkably decreased. Taken together, these findings highlighted the role of symbiosis with AMFs in increasing the tolerance of water deficit stress in S. abrotanoides and S. yangii and improving their essential oil composition.

A REVIEW ON ANOMALIN: A NATURAL BIOACTIVE PYRANOCOUMARIN FROM THE PAST TO THE FUTURE

Anomalin is a seselin-type pyranocoumarin isolated for the first time from Angelica anomala Avé-Lal, but is also found in several other plant species, especially in Apiaceae. This lipophilic molecule possesses pharmacologically beneficial activities for human health. The major scientific databases Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed up to the end of 2021 and the combining terms anomalin, praeruptorin, isolation, structure elucidation, and biological activity were used in the research of this review. This review focuses on the sources, structural properties, and biological functions of anomalin and provides future trends in the investigation of anomalin, particularly in therapies for many common diseases such as anti-inflammatory and neurodegenerative illnesses. As a potential bioactive molecule, prospective studies on anomalin should be done through supported clinical trials. At the end, this review confirms the significant pharmacological potential of anomalin.

Evaluation of Volatile Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Fermented Green Tea Infusion With Pleurotus sajor-caju (Oyster Mushroom)

Green tea has distinct astringency, bitter taste, and typical green flavor because of its post-harvest treatment without withering and enzymatic oxidation. Microbial fermentation has been identified as a promising strategy that could give green tea infusion a special taste flavor. This might be linked to the metabolic transformation ability of microorganisms. In this study, starter culture of edible mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju (oyster mushroom) was used for submerged fermentation of green tea infusion in order to improve its flavor and taste quality. The volatile profile determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction, coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry, showed that the contents of (Z)-2-penten-1-ol and methyl heptadienone in green tea infusion were decreased significantly by the fermentation with the basidiomycete P. sajor-caju (p < 0.01), which would alleviate the herbal and grass flavor of green tea infusion to a certain extent. Meanwhile, the contents of linalool and geraniol were increased 9.3 and 11.3 times, respectively, whereas methyl salicylate was newly produced after fermentation by P. sajor-caju, endowing the fermented tea infusion with a pleasant flower and fruit aroma. In addition, the polyphenol profile was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with ion trap mass spectrometry, and the results indicated that the contents of most polyphenols in green tea infusion decreased significantly after fermentation by P. sajor-caju. The reduction of catechins and anthocyanins in fermented green tea infusion alleviated the astringency and bitterness. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of fermented green tea infusion was obviously decreased, especially the DPPH-free radical-scavenging ability and the ferric-reducing power. However, it is noteworthy that the ABTS-free radical scavenging ability was improved compared with the unfermented one, indicating that the increased tea pigments and volatile metabolites (such as linalool and geraniol) after fermentation with P. sajor-caju may also contribute to the antioxidant capacity of fermented green tea infusion. Overall, the innovative approach driven by P. sajor-caju fermentation has achieved promising potential to manipulate the green tea flavor.

Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle: A critically endangered medicinal herb with rich potential for use in medicine

Aconitum heterophyllum (Patrees) is a critically endangered medicinal herb of the northwestern Himalayas and has enormous pharmacological potential. It is the only nonpoisonous member of the genus Aconitum, and has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. A. heterophyllum is an important ingredient in many traditional systems of medicine. Mostly, it is harvested for its roots, and its medicinal properties are due to the presence of diverse bioactive secondary metabolites, commonly known as aconites. Our understanding of the pharmacological properties of this intriguing genus is continuously growing due to its broad chemical diversity. The therapeutic uses identified by traditional medicinal practice are receiving extensive study. Multiple in vitro experimental investigations of A. heterophyllum have reported the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiarrhythmic, antiparasitic and anticancer properties, as well as its effects on the central nervous system. In this review, we highlight the classification, distribution, commerce, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and conservation measures relevant to this species. Additionally, this review includes the biosynthetic pathways of A. heterophyllum's key constituents, which could be targeted to enhance the expression levels of desired metabolites via genetic interventions. Studying the genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomic aspects of this species would be helpful in developing highly designed genotypes and chemotypes of this species to be used in commercial production.

A study on the nutritional characteristics of some plants and their effects on ruminal microbial fermentation and protozoa population

We designed this project to determine the nutritional potential and ruminal microbial fermentation properties of eight rangeland plants (Dracocephalum moldavica L., Melissa officinalis L., Ruta graveolens L., Perovskia abrotanoides Kar., Cichorium intybus L., Borago officinalis L., Peganum harmala L., and Teucrium polium L.) collected from the semi-arid region of Iran at two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) for ruminant diets. Medicago sativa as a common forage was also considered as control. We determined the chemical-mineral composition, buffering capacity, in vitro gas yield, ruminal fermentation, and protozoa population in a culture medium with the standard laboratory methods. A significant difference in chemical-mineral compounds was observed among the studied plants (p < 0.05). A lower crude protein range (6.28% for Cichorium intybus L. to 18.4% for Melissa officinalis L.) was observed rather than Medicago sativa (20.3%). The amount of calcium was highest in Peganum harmala L. (23.5–24.2 g/kg DM) and lowest in Ruta graveolens L. (1.15–1.25 g/kg DM). Dracocephalum moldavica L. exhibited the highest acid–base buffering capacity (235–242 mEq×10⁻³) among other plants. The highest decrease in total protozoa and other protozoan populations was observed when Perovskia abrotanoides Kar. was added to the culture medium. Teucrium Polium L. had the greatest potential gas yield and its total volatile fatty acid was comparable with Medicago sativa. It seems that eight plants are nutritionally suitable for partial replacement of the conventional plants such as Medicago sativa in diets of small ruminants, however dietary supplementation of Peganum harmala L. due to its alkaloids content should be done with caution.

In vivo assessment of reversing Cisplatin-Induced nephrotoxicity using Jatropha mollissima crude extract and its potential cytotoxicity

Jatropha mollissima is one of the ancient plants that known in Africa, Asia and Latin America for its high medicinal value. Previously we showed that the ethanolic leaves extract of J. mollissima was able to reverse the aminoglycoside antibiotics induced nephrotoxicity in only two weeks of administration. Here, we evaluated the phytochemicals, antioxidant and in vivo cytotoxicity of the ethanolic leaves extract in addition to the ability of reversing Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in wistar albino rats. The results of phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins and saponins, with significantly high antioxidant activity. The treated rats did not show any cytotoxic signs; no anatomical, physiological and/or histopathological changes compared with the control group. Kidney, spleen and liver tissues appeared normal after two weeks administration of the maximum dose, with a possible alteration in distal tubules, proximal tubules and glomerulus of the kidney tissues. The results of nephrotoxicity and kidney function suggest promising potential for J. mollissima in kidney damage treatment.

A Systematic Review on Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany and Biological Activities of the Genus Bunium L

The aim of this review article is to present, for the first time, an appraisal of the phytochemical, ethnobotanical and pharmacological data on Bunium species. The literature search was conducted using the Scopus, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The genus Bunium has been found to produce both essential oil (EO), mainly comprising monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, and non-volatile components mainly coumarins and flavonoids. There are several pharmacological activities associated with the Bunium species, especially antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. The chemotaxonomic appraisal of the phytochemical pattern of the genus is in sink with the current classification of the family. Moreover, this review confirms the significant ethnobotanical and pharmacological potential of different Bunium species.

Determination of monosaccharides in Lycium barbarum fruit polysaccharide by an efficient UHPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS method

INTRODUCTION

Pre-column derivatisation using 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) is a common method for monosaccharide determination. Herein, a specific ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole trap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS) method was developed and used for the determination of monosaccharide composition of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP).

OBJECTIVE

Exploration of a new efficient method for monosaccharide determination.

METHODS

In our study, hydrochloric acid was used to hydrolyse the polysaccharide obtained from L. barbarum fruits. Principal component analysis (PCA) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) analysis were used for comprehensive evaluation of the samples. The results showed that LBP was composed of seven monosaccharides: galactose, arabinose, mannose, rhamnose, xylose, ribose, and glucose. The linear relationship of the seven monosaccharides was optimum within a certain concentration range. Quantitative recoveries of the seven monosaccharides from the samples ranged from 94.76% to 102.11%.

RESULTS

A rapid quantitative detection method was established, in which the hydrolysis time was reduced from 12 h to 2 h. By using LBP as one of the indexes to evaluate the quality of L. barbarum, L. barbarum from Zhongning County, Ningxia Province, was identified as having the best quality among the varieties tested.

CONCLUSION

The UHPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS pre-column derivatisation method used in this study was simple, accurate, and sensitive, with good repeatability, and can be used for quality evaluation and origin distinction of L. barbarum and other medicinal plants.

Plant species of the genus Uvaria: ethnobotanical uses, biological activities and phytochemistry

The genus Uvaria (Annonaceae) comprises of climbing or trailing shrubs and rarely trees. Its plant species are widely distributed across tropical Africa, Asia and Australia. The genus Uvaria is known for various ethnobotanical uses including the treatment of tumours and the control of fever. Some of plant species in this genus have been studied for their ethnobotanical uses, biological activities and phytochemistry. The aim of the present study is to give a comprehensive review of plant species from the genus Uvaria in terms of their ethnobotanical uses, biological activities and phytochemistry. This review is expected to lay a foundation for further studies of this genus in terms of ethnobotanical applicability, biological activities and phytochemistry. Since many compounds currently known from the genus Uvaria have not yet been investigated for their biological activities, this review will be useful for future studies in the phytochemical investigations of lead compounds from this genus.

Seasonal Variations of Rosmarinic Acid and Its Glucoside and Expression of Genes Related to Their Biosynthesis in Two Medicinal and Aromatic Species of Salvia subg. Perovskia

Simple Summary

Here, we studied two closely related medicinal and aromatic plants from Asia, called Russian sage or from their previously used Latin name–Perovskia. These plants contain various specialized metabolites called phenylpropanoids that contribute to their medicinal uses. In our experiments, several different specialized phytochemicals were traced down in the roots and leaves with the major metabolite called rosmarinic acid, known for health beneficial properties. In order to check if the composition of these plants is regulated by specific genes encoding proteins that assemble these phytochemicals, we analyzed their expression during the growth season (spring, summer and fall). Despite being the closest kin, the two species of Russian sage displayed different seasonal changes in the composition of bioactive metabolites and the activity of genes responsible for their production. The genes’ activity was correlated with rosmarinic acid content in the roots but not in the green parts of the plants. Two genes pointed out were linked to the regulation of rosmarinic acid biosynthesis, called RAS (for Rosmarinic Acid-Synthase) and a newly reported version of an oxidizing enzyme called Cyp98A14. These discoveries broaden our understanding of relationships between the genes’ activity and production of bioactive constituents in herbs such as the two studied species of Russian sages.

Abstract

Salvia abrotanoides Kar. and Salvia yangii B.T. Drew are medicinal and aromatic plants belonging to the subgenus Perovskia and used as herbal medicines in Asia. Derivatives of caffeic acid, mainly rosmarinic acid (RA), are the major phenolic compounds identified in these plants. Understanding the factors and molecular mechanisms regulating the accumulation of pharmacologically and ecologically relevant phenolic metabolites is essential for future biotechnological and medical applications. Up to date, no studies of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway at the transcriptional level has been performed in the Perovskia subgenus. Using a combined qRT-PCR transcriptional activity analysis with LC-MS based metabolic profiling of roots and leaves at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of vegetation season, we have identified the following gene candidates with properties correlating to phenolic acid biosynthesis in S. abrotanoides and S. yangii: PAL, C4H, 4CL, TAT, HPPR, RAS1, RAS2 and Cyp98A14. A comparison of phenolic acid profiles with gene transcript levels revealed the transcriptional regulation of RA biosynthesis in the roots but not the leaves of the studied species. Additionally, RAS1 and Cyp98A14 were identified as rate-limiting steps regulating phenylpropanoid biosynthesis on a transcription level. In the future, this will facilitate the gene-based metabolic enhancement of phenolic compounds production in these promising medicinal herbs.

Profiling of the essential oil compositions from the flowers and leaves of Tanacetum fisherae Aitch. & Hemsl., an endemic plant in Kerman province, Iran

Tanacetum fisherae Aitch. & Hemsl. is an endemic plant growing wild in some brackish regions of Iran. Since there are not enough reports concerning the quantitative and qualitative analyses of its essential oil, it was decided to characterise the respective water-distilled oils obtained from the flowers and leaves of this medicinal plant. Characterisation of the corresponding essential oil profiles revealed that in both of the analysed oils, oxygenated monoterpenes constituted most of the chemical profiles. In this sense, the most prevailing natural compounds in the flower oils were cis-p-2-menthen-1-ol (11.2%), trans-p-2-menthen-1-ol (10.7%), trans-piperitol (7.8%), 1,8-cineole (6.1%), cis-piperitol (3.8%), α-terpineol (3.7%) and terpinene-4-ol (2.1%), whereas the main constituent components of the leaves oils were, respectively, 1,8-cineole (16.7%), cis-p-2-menthen-1-ol (14.6%), trans-p-2-menthen-1-ol (10.4%), trans-piperitol (12.8%), α-terpineol (5.4%), cis-piperitol (2.9%), borneol (2.7%), and terpinene-4-ol (2.1%). In addition, the second rank of natural compound constituting groups was due to oxygenated sesquiterpenes, as well.

Antidiabetic effect of Sophora pachycarpa seeds extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice: a statistical evaluation

Undoubtedly, identification of the chemical composition of organic extracts or secondary metabolites of plant materials and evaluation of their potential bioactivity are among the main objectives of natural products-based investigations. In the present study, we report the chemical composition and antidiabetic activity of Sophora pachycarpa (Family Fabaceae) seeds extract (SPE) for the first time. First, the plant seeds were macerated in ethanol. The extract was subjected to analysis on a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system to identify the chemical composition. In vivo assay was run to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of the extract. Forty mice were divided into four groups, namely healthy mice, untreated diabetic mice, diabetic mice treated with metformin and diabetic mice treated with SPE. The antidiabetic activity of SPE was analyzed using three statistical methods, namely analysis of variance, K-means, and principal component analysis. According to GC-MS analysis, alkaloids of sophoridine, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and n-hexadecanoic acid were among the most abundant constituent components of SPE. The extract also exhibited a notable antidiabetic activity and remarkably decreased the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) enzymes. The statistical analyses revealed there are no significant differences between the ability of SPE and metformin in the regulation of fasting blood sugar level and liver enzymes (ALP, SGPT, and SGOT). A quinolizidine alkaloid, namely sophoridine, along with fatty acids, viz oleic, linoleic, and n-hexadecanoic acid, were characterized as the major compounds in S. tachycardia seeds extract. The plant extract was also found as a potent agent to reduce blood glucose and liver enzymes.

An overview of the genus Aloysia Paláu (Verbenaceae): Essential oil composition, ethnobotany and biological activities

Aloysia Paláu is an important herbal genus from the Verbenaceae family and possesses numerous remedial properties in the folk medicine of Asian, European, and, in particular, South American countries. Only a few reports have discussed some phytochemical characteristics associated with Aloysia species. Right the lack of an exhaustive report prompted us to organize this review article. Accordingly, besides the ethnobotanical knowledge of Aloysia species, their essential oil profiles, phytochemistry of the polar isolated fractions, and the relevant biological activities are discussed in detail.

Metabolic Profile, Bioactivities, and Variations in the Chemical Constituents of Essential Oils of the Ferula Genus (Apiaceae)

The genus Ferula is the third largest and a well-known genus of the Apiaceae family. It is categorized in the Peucedaneae tribe and Ferulinae subtribe of the Apiaceae family. At present, about 180 Ferula species have been reported. The genus is mainly distributed throughout central and South-West Asia (especially Iran and Afghanistan), the far-East, North India, and the Mediterranean. The genus Ferula is characterized by the presence of oleo-gum-resins (asafoetida, sagapenum, galbanum, and ammoniacum) and their use in natural and conventional pharmaceuticals. The main phytochemicals present in the genus Ferula are as follows: coumarin, coumarin esters, sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene lactones, monoterpene, monoterpene coumarins, prenylated coumarins, sulfur-containing compounds, phytoestrogen, flavonoids and carbohydrates. This genus is considered to be a valuable group of medicinal plants due to its many different biological and pharmacological uses as volatile oils (essential oils). Numerous biological activities are shown by the chemical components of the essential oils obtained from different Ferula species. Because this genus includes many bioactivities such as antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, cytotoxic, etc., researchers are now focusing on this genus. Several reviews are already available on this particular genus, including information about the importance and the uses of all the phytochemicals found in the species of Ferula. Despite this, no review that specifically provides information about the biological activities of Ferula-derived essential oils, has been published yet. Therefore, the present review has been conducted to provide important information about the chemical profile, factors affecting the chemical composition, and biological activities of essential oils of the Ferula species.

Metabolomics and DNA-Based Authentication of Two Traditional Asian Medicinal and Aromatic Species of Salvia subg. Perovskia

Subgenus Perovskia of the extended genus of Salvia comprises several Central Asian medicinal and aromatic species, of which S. yangii and S. abrotanoides are the most widespread. These plants are cultivated in Europe as robust ornamentals, and several cultivars are available. However, their medicinal potential remains underutilized because of limited information about their phytochemical and genetic diversity. Thus, we combined an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) based metabolomics with DNA barcoding approach based on trnH-psbA and ITS2 barcodes to clarify the relationships between these two taxa. Metabolomic analysis demonstrated that aerial parts are more similar than roots and none of the major compounds stand out as distinct. Sugiol in S. yangii leaves and carnosic acid quinone in S. abrotanoides were mostly responsible for their chemical differentiation, whereas in roots the distinction was supported by the presence of five norditerpenoids in S. yangii and two flavonoids and one norditerpenoid in S. abrotanoides. To verify the metabolomics-based differentiation, we performed DNA authentication that revealed S. yangii and S. abrotanoides to be very closely related but separate species. We demonstrated that DNA barcoding coupled with parallel LC-MS profiling constitutes a powerful tool in identification of taxonomically close Salvia species.

Phytochemical analysis of Viburnum davidii Franch. and cholinesterase inhibitory activity of its dihydrochalcones

One flavonoid (quercetin, 1) and three dihydrochalcones (6''-O-p-hydroxybenzoyl-davidioside, 2, 4'-O-methyl-davidioside, 3, and davidioside, 4) were isolated from the leaves and young branches of Viburnum davidii Franch. All the structures were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data (NMR and MS) with those present in literature. In addition, compounds 2-4 were evaluated for their cholinesterase inhibitory (ChEI) activity, for the first time. Accordingly, compounds 2 and 4 showed significant inhibition of both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) with IC₅₀ values equal to 36.883 and 39.274 µM, respectively for the former and 39.504 and 43.101 µM, respectively for the latter.

Insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Perovskia artemisioides Boiss

This work reports the phytochemical profile and insecticidal properties of Perovskia artemisioides Boiss essential oil (PAEO) collected in Baluchestan, Iran. Totally, twenty-six substances were identified with 1,8-cineole (25.81%), geranyl acetate (13.00%) and linalool (10.21%) as dominant chemical metabolites by GC-MS analysis. PAEO possessed fumigant toxicity against various growth stages of Phthorimaea operculella. P. operculella adults showed considerable sensitivity (LC₅₀ = 0.58 µL/L air) in comparison to eggs (LC₅₀ = 5.87 µL/L air) and neonate larvae (LC₅₀ = 1.23 µL/L air). Finally, molecular docking of major components of PAEO was performed against detoxification enzymes, including cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase activities. Humulene, β-caryophyllene, and α-cadinol exhibited the most interactions with the P450 and GST. It can be concluded that PAEO has the potential for development into natural insecticides for the control of storage pests.