Gastroprotective Effect of Serjania erecta Radlk (Sapindaceae): Involvement of Sensory Neurons, Endogenous Nonprotein Sulfhydryls, and Nitric Oxide

Low microbial diversity, yeast prevalence, and nematode-trapping fungal presence in fungal colonization and leaf microbiome of Serjania erecta

Medicinal plant microbiomes undergo selection due to secondary metabolite presence. Resident endophytic/epiphytic microorganisms directly influence plant's bioactive compound synthesis. Hypothesizing low microbial diversity in Serjania erecta leaves, we assessed leaf colonization by epiphytic and endophytic fungi. Given its traditional medicinal importance, we estimated diversity in the endophytic fungal microbiome. Analyses included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), isolation of cultivable species, and metagenomics. Epiphytic fungi interacted with S. erecta leaf tissues, horizontally transmitted via stomata/trichome bases, expressing traits for nematode trapping. Cultivable endophytic fungi, known for phytopathogenic habits, didn't induce dysbiosis symptoms. This study confirms low leaf microbiome diversity in S. erecta, with a tendency towards more fungal species, likely due to antibacterial secondary metabolite selection. The classification of Halicephalobus sp. sequence corroborated the presence of nematode eggs on the epidermal surface of S. erecta by SEM. In addition, we confirmed the presence of methanogenic archaea and a considerable number of methanotrophs of the genus Methylobacterium. The metagenomic study of endophytic fungi highlighted plant growth-promoting yeasts, mainly Malassezia, Leucosporidium, Meyerozyma, and Hannaella. Studying endophytic fungi and S. erecta microbiomes can elucidate their impact on beneficial bioactive compound production, on the other hand, it is possible that the bioactive compounds produced by this plant can recruit specific microorganisms, impacting the biological system.

Chloroplast genome assembly of Serjania erecta Raldk: comparative analysis reveals gene number variation and selection in protein-coding plastid genes of Sapindaceae

Serjania erecta Raldk is an essential genetic resource due to its anti-inflammatory, gastric protection, and anti-Alzheimer properties. However, the genetic and evolutionary aspects of the species remain poorly known. Here, we sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast genome of S. erecta and used it in a comparative analysis within the Sapindaceae family. S. erecta has a chloroplast genome (cpDNA) of 159,297 bp, divided into a Large Single Copy region (LSC) of 84,556 bp and a Small Single Copy region (SSC) of 18,057 bp that are surrounded by two Inverted Repeat regions (IRa and IRb) of 28,342 bp. Among the 12 species used in the comparative analysis, S. erecta has the fewest long and microsatellite repeats. The genome structure of Sapindaceae species is relatively conserved; the number of genes varies from 128 to 132 genes, and this variation is associated with three main factors: (1) Expansion and retraction events in the size of the IRs, resulting in variations in the number of rpl22, rps19, and rps3 genes; (2) Pseudogenization of the rps2 gene; and (3) Loss or duplication of genes encoding tRNAs, associated with the duplication of trnH-GUG in X. sorbifolium and the absence of trnT-CGU in the Dodonaeoideae subfamily. We identified 10 and 11 mutational hotspots for Sapindaceae and Sapindoideae, respectively, and identified six highly diverse regions (tRNA-Lys - rps16, ndhC - tRNA-Val, petA - psbJ, ndhF, rpl32 - ccsA, and ycf1) are found in both groups, which show potential for the development of DNA barcode markers for molecular taxonomic identification of Serjania. We identified that the psaI gene evolves under neutrality in Sapindaceae, while all other chloroplast genes are under strong negative selection. However, local positive selection exists in the ndhF, rpoC2, ycf1, and ycf2 genes. The genes ndhF and ycf1 also present high nucleotide diversity and local positive selection, demonstrating significant potential as markers. Our findings include providing the first chloroplast genome of a member of the Paullinieae tribe. Furthermore, we identified patterns in variations in the number of genes and selection in genes possibly associated with the family's evolutionary history.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of ethanolic extract from Serjania erecta leaves

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The infusion of Serjania erecta Radlk (Sapindaceae) (popular name "cipó-cinco-folhas") leaves is used in popular medicine to treat back pain. The anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperalgesic and anti-nociceptive properties of the ethanolic extract from S. erecta leaves (EESE) has not been yet completely clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study investigated the anti-hyperalgesic, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of EESE in experimental models in mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

EESE was fractionated by chromatographic techniques and the compound was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR) spectrum, ultraviolet (UV) methods. Mice received a single dose of EESE by oral route (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) and were submitted to nociception induced by formalin, pleurisy induced by carrageenan and peritonitis induced by zymosan models. Mice also received EESE (30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 22 days in Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) model and another group received EESE for 7 days (30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) in pleurisy induced by Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The cytotoxicity (MTT), phagocytic and chemotactic inhibitory activities of EESE were performed in in vitro assays.

RESULTS

The fractionation of EESE led to the identification of kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside. The oral administration of all doses of EESE decreased the nociceptive response induced by formalin. EESE significantly inhibited leukocyte migration in carrageenan-induced pleurisy and zymosan peritonitis models. The daily administration of EESE during for 7 days inhibited the leukocyte migration and the mycobacteria growth of pleural material obtained from animals which received BCG. EESE significantly reduced edema, cold allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia responses induced by CFA. EESE did not induce cytotoxicity, and also decreased the leukocyte phagocytic activity, as well as, neutrophil chemotaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

EESE showed analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in acute and persistent experimental models in mice. EESE also reduced in vitro leukocyte chemotaxis and phagocytic activity without inducing cytotoxicity. The continuous oral treatment with EESE was effective against hyperalgesia and inflammation and these results could explain the popular use of S. erecta as an analgesic natural agent.

Ecological roles of secondary metabolites of Saposhnikovia divaricata in adaptation to drought stress

Saposhnikovia divaricata is a traditional Chinese herb that mainly grows in arid grasslands and strongly adapts to various stresses. Drought is not only a major abiotic stress factor but also a typical feature conducive to producing high-quality medicinal material. The present study investigated by treating S. divaricata plants with polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) identified 146 compounds from the roots of S. divaricata, among which seven primary metabolites and 28 secondary metabolites showed significant changes after drought treatment. UV-Vis spectrophotometer detected the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of superoxide anion (O2 -.) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The differential primary metabolites revealed that drought promotes glycolysis, reducing primary metabolism and enhancing secondary metabolism. Meanwhile, the differential secondary metabolites showed an increase in the content of compounds upstream of the secondary metabolic pathway, and other glycosides and increased that of the corresponding aglycones. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and the content of O2 -. and MDA shown different changes duing the drought treatment. These observations indicate that drought promotes the biosynthesis and transformation of the secondary metabolites and activity of antioxidant enzymes, improving plant adaptability. The present study also analyzed a few primary and secondary metabolites of S. divaricata under different degrees and durations of drought and speculated on the metabolic pathways in an arid environment. The findings indicate the biological nature, diversity, and complexity of secondary metabolites and the mechanisms of plant adaptation to ecological stress.

Combined Effect of Shegandilong Granule and Doxycycline on Immune Responses and Protection Against Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Broilers

Infectious bronchitis (IB) causes significant economic losses to commercial chicken farms due to the failures of vaccine immunization or incomplete protection. In this study, we evaluated the combination effect of Shegandilong (SGDL) granule (a traditional Chinese veterinary medicine) and doxycycline on the prevention of IBV infection and injury in the respiratory tract in broilers. A total of 126, 7-day-old broilers were randomly divided into four groups after vaccination. Group I served as a control. Broilers in Group II were given doxycycline, and Group III was given SGDL granule through drinking water. Broilers in Group IV were given SGDL granule and doxycycline by drinking water. Broilers in all groups were challenged with IBV through intraocular and intranasal routes at day 28. Results showed that the anti-IBV antibody level was higher in group IV compared with the level in other groups. Immunohistochemistry and ELISA results showed that an increase of immunoglobulin A (IgA) was observed in the trachea with the maximum level observed at day 14. In addition, SGDL granule + doxycycline effectively inhibited IBV replication and stopped IBV propagation from the trachea to the lung; modulated the mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ; and extenuated the histopathology lesions in trachea and lung. These data imply that a combination of SGDL granule and doxycycline is effective in preventing IBV infection and respiratory tract injury in broilers.

Toxicological, biochemical and morphophysiological effects of Serjania erecta leaf aqueous extract on Piaractus mesopotamicus

This study was carried out to determine the toxicity and biochemical and morphophysiological changes caused by Serjania erecta leaf aqueous extract in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). For acute toxicity testing (CL50-4h), pacu juveniles were exposed during 4 h to Serjania erecta aqueous extract concentrations of 2.5, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 150 µg mL-1, which were added directly to the water in the tanks. In the control group, the animals were kept in water free from aqueous extract. CL50-4 h was estimated at 57.43 µg mL-1. After exposure to the aqueous extract, the highest (P<0.05) glucose concentration and the lowest (P<0.05) plasma sodium level were when the fish were exposed to the S. erecta concentration of 50 µg mL-1. Mortality occurred at S. erecta extract levels higher than 50 μg mL-1, and all fish died at concentrations greater than 100 μg mL-1. In addition, exposure to this extract caused severe histological changes in the gills and liver with higher prevalence of necrosis (30.2%), and fatty degeneration (77.4%) respectively. At the concentrations tested here, S. erecta aqueous extract causes morphofunctional alterations in this fish species.

Selective anticancer effects of Serjania marginata Casar. extract in gastric cells are mediated by antioxidant response

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide. Serjania marginata Casar. (SM) displays anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In the current study, we examined whether the hydroethanolic extract of SM leaves exerted cytotoxic, mutagenic, and protective effects in non-tumor gastric epithelium cells (MNP01) and gastric adenocarcinoma cells (ACP02) in vitro and analyzed whether its action was selective. Initially, cell viability (MTT assay), cell cycle kinetics (flow cytometry), and cell proliferation (total protein content) were analyzed. In addition, genomic instability (cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay), anti/pro-oxidant status (CM-H₂ DCFDA probe), and transcriptional expression (RT-qPCR) of genes related to cell cycle, cell death, and antioxidant defense were also evaluated. The SM extract was cytotoxic toward MNP01 and ACP02 cells at concentrations greater than 300 and 100 μg·ml^-1 , respectively, and decreased protein content only toward ACP02 cells at 200 μg ml^-1 . In ACP02 cells, the SM extract at 100 μg·ml^-1 associated with doxorubicin (DXR; 0.2 μg ml^-1 ) clearly promoted cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. The extract alone was not mutagenic to either cell type and reversed DXR-induced DNA damage and H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative stress in MNP01 cells. The gene expression experiments showed that SM hydroethanolic extract exerts an antioxidant response via NFE2L2 activation in non-tumor gastric cells, and cell cycle arrest (G2/M) in ACP02 gastric cancer cells via the TP53 pathway. The selective action of SM indicates that it is a promising therapeutic agent to treat gastric diseases and merits further studies.

UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS and NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach to Access the Seasonality of Byrsonima intermedia and Serjania marginata From Brazilian Cerrado Flora Diversity

Seasonality is one of the major environmental factors that exert influence over the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The application of the metabolomics approach for quality control of plant extracts is essentially important because it helps one to establish a standard metabolite profile and to analyze factors that affect the effectiveness of the medicinal plants. The Brazilian Cerrado flora is characterized by a rich diversity of native plant species, and a number of these plant species have been found to have suitable medicinal properties. Some of these plant species include Byrsonima intermedia and Serjania marginata. To better understand the chemical composition of these plant species, we conducted a study using the state-of-the-art techniques including the HPLC system coupled to an Exactive-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization interface UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS and by NMR being performed 2D J-resolved and proton NMR spectroscopy. For the analysis, samples were harvested bimonthly during two consecutive years. UHPLC-(ESI)-HRMS data were preprocessed and the output data uploaded into an in-house Excel macro for peak dereplication. MS and NMR data were concatenated using the data fusion method and submitted to multivariate statistical analysis. The dereplication of LC-HRMS data helped in the annotation of the major compounds present in the extracts of the three plant species investigated allowing the annotation of 68 compounds in the extracts of B. intermedia (cinnamic acids, phenolic acids derived from galloyl quinic and shikimic acid, proanthocyanidins, glycosylated flavonoids, triterpenes and other phenols) and 81 compounds in the extracts of S. marginata (phenolic acids, saponins, proanthocyanidins, glycosylated flavonoids among other compounds). For a better assessment of the great number of responses, the significance of the chemical variables for the differentiation and correlation of the seasons was determined using the variable importance on projection (VIP) technique and through the application of the false discovery rate (FDR) estimation. The statistical data obtained showed that seasonal factors played an important role on the production of metabolites in each plant species. Temperature conditions, drought and solar radiation were found to be the main factors that affected the variability of phenolic compounds in each species.

Using the plants of Brazilian Cerrado for wound healing: From traditional use to scientific approach

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Brazilian Cerrado is a biome with a remarkable diversity of plant species, many of which are used mainly by local communities as a source of treatment to several pathologic processes, especially for the treatment of wounds. However, no systematic review exists focusing on the plants used in this respect and on the appropriate pharmacological investigations that substantiate the actions that are reported. This study revisits the traditional use of medicinal plants from the Brazilian Cerrado in the treatment of wounds and the pharmacological characteristics of the reported plant species.

METHOD

ology: For the present article, previous studies on plants of the Brazilian Cerrado used for wound healing carried out between 1996 and 2018 were researched on various academic databases (PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, Lilacs, Google Escolar, and Scielo).

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies were carried out on 29 plant species distributed into 18 families, mainly Fabaceae or Leguminosae (9), Bignoniaceae (2), Asteraceae (2), Euphorbiaceae (2). Considering the great diversity of Cerrado plants, only a small number of wound healing studies were carried out between 1996 and 2018. It was observed that there is a large gap between experimentation assay and traditional use. There are only few connections between the form of use by the population and the experiments conducted in the laboratory. We found that only about 12% of these studies considered to use the methodologies, or at least in parts, to obtain extracts such as those used in folk medicine. Approximately 37% of the experiments were performed using the bark as well as the same ratio for leaves, 6% using the fruits, and 9% using the seeds, roots or flowers. In several studies, there are reports of chemical constituents such as flavonoids and tannins, followed by steroid terpenes, saponins, and fatty acids, and alkaloids. However, approximately 35% of the studies did not supply information about compounds present in the preparation or the effect which could be attributed to these agents in respect to wound healing. Regarding treatment, most of the studies employed a topical treatment, though intraperitoneal and oral treatment were also described using either topical, oil-based formulations, but also gel- or saline-based formulations.

CONCLUSIONS

Although, there has been an increase in knowledge about the biological actions of plants from Cerrado biome, the scientific basis for the traditional use of these local medicinal plants in wound healing does not provide sufficient information on the efficacy of the treatment, the molecular mechanisms, or, in particular, the effective doses used and the drug interactions. Thus, focused research investigating these hypotheses from traditional knowledge is necessary to prove the evidence of the potential pharmacological action.

Profiling of Flavonoid and Antioxidant Activity of Fruit Tissues from 27 Chinese Local Citrus Cultivars

Flavonoid profile and antioxidant activity of citrus peels, pulps, and juices from 27 local citrus cultivars in China were investigated. Flavonoid composition and content were determined using UPLC-PDA. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured using a Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and Al(NO3)-NaNO2 complexometry, respectively. The antioxidant capacities of the extracts were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP method, respectively. Citrus peel not only exhibited better antioxidant potential, but also presented more composition diversity and contained higher concentrations of flavonoids than pulp and juice. Different citrus species were characterized by their individual predominant flavonoids, contributing largely to the antioxidant activity, such as mandarin was characterized by hesperidin, nobiletin and tangeretin, while pummelo and papeda were characterized by naringin. The peel of Guihuadinanfeng (Citrus reticulata) had the highest TPC of 23.46 mg equivalent gallic acid/g DW (dry weight) and TFC of 21.37 mg equivalent rutin/g DW. Shiyueju (C. reticulata) peel showed the highest antioxidant capacity based on the antioxidant potency composite (APC) analysis. Overall, mandarin (C. reticulata) fruits peel contained more TPC and TFC, exhibiting higher antioxidant capacities than other species, and were good natural sources of flavonoids and antioxidants.

Hepatic and gastroprotective activity of Serjania marginata leaf aqueous extract in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The aim of this study was to assess the leaf aqueous extract composition of Serjania marginata and the effects of its inclusion on the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with respect to the activity of digestive enzymes and enzymes associated with the metabolism of the liver and intestine and liver histopathology. Fish (initial mean weight, 54.36 ± 17.04 g) were divided into groups: fasting (without feeding), control (commercial feed), and treatment (commercial feed with leaf aqueous extract of Serjania marginata), and in each aquarium, there were five individuals and the fish fed ad libitum for 15 days. Treatment fish had ingested on average 224.3 mg of extract/kg of fish/day. In the extract analysis by mass spectrometry, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, A-type proanthocyanidin trimer, and quinic acid were identified. In the enzymatic activity, fish from the treatment group showed higher level of alkaline phosphatase, while the hepatotoxic markers (AST and ALT) and levels of lipase, amylase, and nonspecific protease did not differ (p > 0.05). In liver histopathological analysis, it was observed that fish from the treatment showed normal structure, while abnormalities were associated with control (fibrosis, loss of cordonal architecture, vacuolated hepatocytes with nucleus displaced to the periphery) and fasting (reduction in hepatocyte size and sinusoidal space). The intestine histopathology evidenced that the extract favored the development of goblet cells and intestinal fold height. The results indicated that the leaf aqueous extract of S. marginata assists in the structural maintenance of the liver and intestine and stimulates intestinal alkaline phosphatase production in Nile tilapia, suggesting that the identified compounds act on the liver and intestine, showing hepatoprotective effects and stimulating intestinal digestion.

Toxicological safety evaluation in acute and 28-day studies of aqueous extract from Serjania marginata Casar. (Sapindaceae) leaves in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Serjania marginata Casar. (Sapindaceae) is a species traditionally known to be used for the treatment of gastric pain and inflammatory symptoms.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

Due to the therapeutic importance of this species, this study investigated the toxicological effects of S. marginata leaves (AESM), after a single and a repeated exposure in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the acute toxicity test, 2000 mg/kg of AESM was administered to male and female rats by gavage, whereas for subacute toxicity test, 30, 150, or 750 mg/kg of AESM were used.

RESULTS

No evidence of toxicity was observed in the animals acutely exposed to the extract, indicating that the LD₅₀ is higher than 2000 mg/kg. After the repeated administration of AESM the hematological and biochemical parameters were unaltered, except the erythrocytes number and albumin levels in the exposed animals. Moreover, daily administration of this extract caused alteration on kidney histology. AESM also induced an increase of abnormal sperm, however the other reproductive parameters analyzed, in both sexes, were not altered by the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Although AESM was not toxic after a single exposure, its use after prolonged periods affected some analyzed parameters, indicating that precautions should be taken when it is given over longer periods.

The Preventive Effect on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Lesions of the Medicinal Plant Plumeria rubra: Involvement of the Latex Proteins in the NO/cGMP/K ATP Signaling Pathway

Plumeria rubra (Apocynaceae) is frequently used in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, hepatitis, and tracheitis, among other infirmities. The aim of this study was to investigate the gastroprotective potential of a protein fraction isolated from the latex of Plumeria rubra (PrLP) against ethanol-induced gastric lesions and describe the underlying mechanisms. In a dose-dependent manner, the pretreatment with PrLP prevented ethanol-induced gastric lesions in mice after single intravenous administration. The gastroprotective mechanism of PrLP was associated with the involvement of prostaglandins and balance of oxidant/antioxidant factors. Secondarily, the NO/cGMP/K_ATP pathway and activation of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferents were also demonstrated as part of the mechanism. This study shows that proteins extracted from the latex of P. rubra prevent gastric lesions induced in experimental animals. Also, the results support the use of the plant in folk medicine.

Bio-guided Isolation of a New Sesterterpene from Serjania goniocarpa

Serjania goniocarpa is a plant used in Mayan traditional medicine as a remedy for the treatment of cancer-like symptoms. Bio-guided fractionation of the methanol extract of the leaves led to the isolation of an α- and β-amyrin mixture, palmitic acid, phytol and the new sesterterpene goniocarpic acid whose structure was elucidated by IR, GC-MS, and NMR spectroscopic analyses. Goniocarpic acid exhibited cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity against several cancer cell lines.

Does the gastroprotective action of a medicinal plant ensure healing effects? An integrative study of the biological effects of Serjania marginata Casar. (Sapindaceae) in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Serjania marginata (Sapindaceae), a medicinal plant commonly found in the Brazilian Cerrado, Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina, is also known as "cipó-uva" or "cipó-timbó". Ethnopharmacological studies indicate that the leaves from this medicinal plant are used in folk medicine to treat gastric pain. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective and healing effect of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from S. marginata (HESM) leaves using rodent experimental models. As part of the integrative study of this medicinal plant, we also evaluated the acute toxicity, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, (anti)mutagenic, and hemodynamic effects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a pharmacological study to test the acute toxicity and antimutagenic effect (Ames assay) of the HESM. The HESM was tested against different necrosis-promoting agents and experimental manipulations, such as absolute ethanol, cysteamine, pyloric ligature, and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The gastroprotective effect of the HESM was assessed by analyzing the gastric juice (volume, pH, total acidity) and the mucus in the gastric mucosa from rats. We assessed the levels of NO, sulfhydryl compounds, PGE2, vanilloid receptor, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The gastric healing effects of the HESM were evaluated during 7 or 14 days of treatment. The intestinal motility, antidiarrheal action, and antibacterial effects (microdilution methods) of the HESM were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The phytochemical analysis of the HESM revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoid glycosides, and tannins. The extract exhibited no sign of acute toxicity or mutagenic effect in vitro. In contrast, this extract exhibited a protective effect against the mutagenic action of direct- and indirect-acting mutagens. Only the oral administration of HESM (250mg/kg) significantly decreased the severity of gastric damage induced by ethanol (60.13%) and I/R (58.31%). The HESM exerts its gastroprotective effects by decreasing the MPO and MDA activities in the gastric tissue and by increasing the amount of adherent mucus covering the gastric mucosa. In vitro, the extract also displayed evident antimicrobial effects against Helicobacter pylori. However, the preventive effect of the HESM was not accompanied by an ulcer-healing effect. The treatment with HESM (14 days) significantly increased gastric lesions in 99% of the tested animals compared with the control group. This result represents a highly relevant piece of evidence that should resonate as an alert against the chronic use of this medicinal plant as an antiulcer in folk medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the anti-H. pylori and gastroprotective actions of S. marginata in experimental models, the gastric injuries aggravation induced after chronic treatment with the HESM argues against the use of this plant species in folk medicine.

Unusual C,O-Fused Glycosylapigenins from Serjania marginata Leaves

A phytochemical study of a Serjania marginata leaf extract with antiulcer activity afforded 15 compounds, including the new 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl(1→3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→4)]-α-l-arabinopyranosyloleanolic acid (1) and 7,5″-anhydroapigenin 8-C-α-(2,6-dideoxy-5-hydroxy-ribo-hexopyranosyl)-4'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4). The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques, mass spectrometry, and chemical methods. Compound 4 is a C-hexopyranosylapigenin with an unusual cyclic ether linkage between C-5″ and C-7 of apigenin. The isolated proanthocyanidins have high antioxidant activities, and these compounds are probably responsible for the gastroprotective effect of the extract.