Antifungal activity of phenyl derivative of pyranocoumarin from Psoralea corylifolia L. seeds by inhibition of acetylation activity of trichothecene 3-o-acetyltransferase (Tri101)

A Role in 15-Deacetylcalonectrin Acetylation in the Non-Enzymatic Cyclization of an Earlier Bicyclic Intermediate in Fusarium Trichothecene Biosynthesis

The trichothecene biosynthesis in Fusarium begins with the cyclization of farnesyl pyrophosphate to trichodiene, followed by subsequent oxygenation to isotrichotriol. This initial bicyclic intermediate is further cyclized to isotrichodermol (ITDmol), a tricyclic precursor with a toxic trichothecene skeleton. Although the first cyclization and subsequent oxygenation are catalyzed by enzymes encoded by Tri5 and Tri4, the second cyclization occurs non-enzymatically. Following ITDmol formation, the enzymes encoded by Tri101, Tri11, Tri3, and Tri1 catalyze 3-O-acetylation, 15-hydroxylation, 15-O-acetylation, and A-ring oxygenation, respectively. In this study, we extensively analyzed the metabolites of the corresponding pathway-blocked mutants of Fusarium graminearum. The disruption of these Tri genes, except Tri3, led to the accumulation of tricyclic trichothecenes as the main products: ITDmol due to Tri101 disruption; a mixture of isotrichodermin (ITD), 7-hydroxyisotrichodermin (7-HIT), and 8-hydroxyisotrichodermin (8-HIT) due to Tri11 disruption; and a mixture of calonectrin and 3-deacetylcalonectrin due to Tri1 disruption. However, the ΔFgtri3 mutant accumulated substantial amounts of bicyclic metabolites, isotrichotriol and trichotriol, in addition to tricyclic 15-deacetylcalonectrin (15-deCAL). The ΔFgtri5ΔFgtri3 double gene disruptant transformed ITD into 7-HIT, 8-HIT, and 15-deCAL. The deletion of FgTri3 and overexpression of Tri6 and Tri10 trichothecene regulatory genes did not result in the accumulation of 15-deCAL in the transgenic strain. Thus, the absence of Tri3p and/or the presence of a small amount of 15-deCAL adversely affected the non-enzymatic second cyclization and C-15 hydroxylation steps.

Psoralea corylifolia L.: a comprehensive review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, quality control and pharmacokinetics

Psoralea corylifolia L. (PCL), referred to as "Bu-gu-zhi" in Chinese, has great medicinal values since ancient times. PCL is the dried ripe fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L., which has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of kidney-yang deficiency, enuresis and urinary frequency, chills and pain of the waist and knees, dawn diarrhea and vitiligo. In this paper, a systematic of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, quality control and pharmacokinetics of PCL was presented, along with future research directions. According to the results, PCL contains approximately 163 chemical components, including coumarins, flavonoids, monoterpene phenols, benzofurans, glycosides, lipids, fatty acids, and volatile oils. PCL and its active ingredients have a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antitumor, antiosteoporosis, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory. Further study of quality control standards and potential mechanisms of PCL is also needed. In addition, more toxicological studies will also contribute to the progress of clinical trials.

Plant Pyranocoumarins: Description, Biosynthesis, Application

This overview article contains information about pyranocoumarins over the last 55 years. The article is based on the authors' phytochemical and physiological studies in vivo and in vitro as well as search and analysis of data in literature available on Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect before January 2022. Pyranocoumarins are synthesized in plants of the Apiaceae, Rutaceae families, and one species in each of the Cornaceae, Calophyllaceae, and Fabaceae families can synthesize this class of compounds. The physiological role of these compounds in plants is not clear. It has been proven that these substances have a wide range of biological activities: anti-cancer, anti-spasmatic, and anticoagulant, and they also inhibit erythrocyte lysis and accumulation of triacylglycerides. The overview generalizes the modern understanding of the classification, structure, and biological activity of natural pyranocoumarins, and summarizes dispersed data into a unified scheme of biosynthesis. The review analyzes data on the localization and productivity of these substances in individual organs and the whole plant. It discusses a link between the unique structure of these substances and their biological activity, as well as new opportunities for pyranocoumarins in pharmacology. The article evaluates the potential of different plant species as producers of pyranocoumarins and considers the possibilities of cell cultures to obtain the end product.

Bioprospecting Phenols as Inhibitors of Trichothecene-Producing Fusarium: Sustainable Approaches to the Management of Wheat Pathogens

Fusarium spp. are ubiquitous fungi able to cause Fusarium head blight and Fusarium foot and root rot on wheat. Among relevant pathogenic species, Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum cause significant yield and quality loss and result in contamination of the grain with mycotoxins, mainly type B trichothecenes, which are a major health concern for humans and animals. Phenolic compounds of natural origin are being increasingly explored as fungicides on those pathogens. This review summarizes recent research activities related to the antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic activity of natural phenolic compounds against Fusarium, including studies into the mechanisms of action of major exogenous phenolic inhibitors, their structure-activity interaction, and the combined effect of these compounds with other natural products or with conventional fungicides in mycotoxin modulation. The role of high-throughput analysis tools to decipher key signaling molecules able to modulate the production of mycotoxins and the development of sustainable formulations enhancing potential inhibitors’ efficacy are also discussed.

Coumarin-based Scaffold as α-glucosidase Inhibitory Activity: Implication for the Development of Potent Antidiabetic Agents

BACKGROUND

Delaying the absorption of glucose through α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition is one of the therapeutic approaches in the management of Type 2 diabetes, which can reduce the incidence of postprandial hyperglycemia. The existence of chronic postprandial hyperglycemia impaired the endogenous antioxidant defense by inducing oxidative stress-induced pancreatic β-cell destruction through uncontrolled generation of free radicals such as ROS, which in turn, leads to various macrovascular and microvascular complications. The currently available α -glucosidase inhibitors, for instance, acarbose, have some side effects such as hypoglycemia at higher doses, liver problems, meteorism, diarrhea, and lactic acidosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover and develop potential α-glucosidase inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE

Based on suchmotifs, researchers are intrigued to search for the best scaffold that displays various biological activities. Among them, coumarin scaffold has attracted great attention. The compound and its derivatives can be isolated from various natural products and/or synthesized for the development of novel α-glucosidase inhibitors.

RESULTS

This study focused on coumarin and its derivatives as well as on their application as potent antidiabetic agents and has also concentrated on the structure-activity relationship.

CONCLUSION

This review describes the applications of coumarin-containing derivatives as α - glucosidase inhibitors based on published reports which will be useful for innovative approaches in the search for novel coumarin-based antidiabetic drugs with less toxicity and more potency.

In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Biogenically Synthesized Palladium and Platinum Nanoparticles Using Botryococcus braunii

OBJECTIVES

The spread of infectious diseases and the increase in drug resistance among microbes has forced researchers to synthesize biologically active nanoparticles. Ecofriendly procedures for the synthesis of nanoparticles are improving day by day in the field of nanobiotechnology. In the present study we used extract of the green alga Botryococcus braunii for the synthesis of palladium and platinum nanoparticles and evaluated their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Green alga was collected from Udaisagar Lake, Udaipur (Rajasthan, India) and isolated by serial dilution method and grown on Chu-13 nutrient medium. The characterization of alga synthesized palladium and platinum nanoparticles was carried out using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron spectroscopy. The zone of inhibition was measured by agar well plate method and minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by agar dilution assay for antimicrobial activity. The antioxidant activity of the nanoparticles was also studied by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method.

RESULTS

Stable palladium and platinum nanoparticles were successfully produced using green alga. The XRD pattern revealed the crystalline nature and scanning electron micrographs showed the morphology of biogenically synthesized metal nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared measurements showed all functional groups having control over stabilization and reduction of the nanoparticles. The green synthesized nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, antifungal activity against a fungus, and antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSION

The biogenic synthesis of metal nanoparticles can be a promising process for the production of other transition metal nanoparticles and new nanocatalysts will revolutionize the synthesis of organic heterocycles.

Genus Psoralea: A review of the traditional and modern uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Psoralea (Fabaceae) harbours 105 accepted species that are extensively used by local peoples and medicinal practitioners of China, India, and other countries for treatment of tooth decay, psoriasis, leucoderma, leprosy, kidney problems, tuberculosis, indigestion, constipation and impotence. Presently, pharmacological research reports are available on only few species namely Bituminaria bituminosa (Syn: P. bituminosa), P. canescens, P. corylifolia, P. esculenta, P. plicata and P. glandulosa which are valued for their chemical constituents and traditional uses.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review article provides explicit information on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of selected Psoralea species. The possible trends and perspectives for future research on these plants are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive and systematic review of the extant literature was carried out, and the data under various sections were identified using a computerized bibliographic search via the PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, EMBASE, INMEDPLAN, NATTS as well as several websites.

KEY FINDINGS

A total of 291 bioactive compounds from 06 species of genus Psoralea have been isolated and characterized. However, P. bituminosa alone possess nearly 150 compounds. These bioactive compounds belong to different chemical classes, including flavonoids, coumarins, furanocoumarins, chalcones, quinines, terpenoids and some others due to which these species exhibit significant anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-helmintic, anti-diabetic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer and anti-tumor activities. P. corylifolia L. (Babchi), a Chinese traditional medicinal plant has been used in traditional medicine for many decades for its healing properties against numerous skin diseases such as leprosy, psoriasis and leucoderma.

CONCLUSIONS

The in vitro studies and in vivo models have provided a simple bio-scientific justification for various ethnopharmacological uses of Psoralea species. From the toxicological perspective, the root, leaf, and seed extracts and their preparations have been proven to be safe when consumed in the recommended doses. But, meticulous studies on the pharmaceutical standardization, mode of action of the active constituents, and sustainable conservation of Psoralea species are needed, to meet the growing demands of the pharmaceutical industries, and to fully exploit their preventive and therapeutic potentials.

A novel protocol for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-h]coumarins in the presence of Fe3O4@SiO2@(CH2)3OCO2Na as a magnetically heterogeneous catalyst

In this study, sodium carbonate functionalized silica coated-iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@(CH₂)₃OCO₂Na) were synthesized, characterized and applied as a heterogeneous basic nanocatalyst for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-h]coumarins.

Psoralea corylifolia L: Ethnobotanical, biological, and chemical aspects: A review

Psoralea corylifolia L. (Leguminosae) is a well-known traditional medicinal plant used from ancient times for treatment of various ailments. It is widely distributed and an important part of therapeutics in Ayurveda and in Chinese medicines. The aim of this review is to present comprehensive and most up to date report on its ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, clinical, phytochemical, and side effects. Studies on the ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, clinical, phytochemical, and side effects of P. corylifolia were published until year 2017 and were searched using various scientific databases. The scientific literature searched revealed that these plant species has been extensively investigated in vivo and in vitro for various biological and phytochemical studies. It has cardiotonic, vasodilator, pigmentor, antitumor, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-helminthic properties and locally used for alopecia, inflammation, leukoderma, leprosy, psoriasis, and eczema. So far, about a hundred bioactive compounds have been isolated from seeds and fruits, and most important compounds identified belongs to coumarins, flavonoids, and meroterpenes groups. This review article summarized the most updated scientific literature on bioactive phytochemical and biological activities of P. corylifolia. This article will be a useful addition to providing information for future research, and more standard clinical trials are needed for the plant to be used as therapeutic agent.

Modulation of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in LPS-Stimulated BV-2 Microglia by Prenylated Chalcones from Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. through Inhibition of I-κBα Degradation

The overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) by microglia may cause neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. From the activity-guided purification of Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. (syn. Psoralea corylifolia L.), three prenylated chalcones were identified: isobavachalcone (1), bavachromene (2), and kanzonol B (3). These prenylated chalcones showed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on NO and PGE₂ production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia. Western blotting and RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that these prenylchalcones reduced the expression of protein and mRNA of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-activated microglia. Furthermore, three prenylated chalcones blocked the inhibitory-κBα (I-κBα) degradation and down-regulated nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) level of nucleus in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Therefore, these prenylated chalcones from Psoralea corylifolia may be beneficial for the treatment of neuro-inflammatory diseases by modulating iNOS and COX-2 expressions in activated microglial cells.

The Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of Psoralea corylifolia Linn.: A Review

Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (P. corylifolia) is an important medicinal plant with thousands of years of clinical application. It has been widely used in many traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of various diseases such as leucoderma and other skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases, nephritis, osteoporosis, and cancer. Phytochemical studies indicated that coumarins, flavonoids, and meroterpenes are the main components of P. corylifolia, and most of these components are present in the seeds or fruits. The extracts and active components of P. corylifolia demonstrated multiple biological activities, including estrogenic, antitumor, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, osteoblastic, and hepatoprotective activities. This paper systematically summarized literatures on the chemical constituents and biological activities of P. corylifolia, which provided useful information for the further research and development toward this potent medicinal plant.

Antifungal and antioxidant activities of organic and aqueous extracts of Annona squamosa Linn. leaves

An increasing demand for natural additives has shifted the attention from synthetic to natural antioxidants and antifungal agents. This study was carried out to evaluate the antifungal and antioxidant activities of methanol, chloroform, and aqueous extracts of Annona squamosa Linn. leaves. The antifungal activities of all extracts of A. squamosa leaves against five different strains of fungi (Alternaria alternata, Candida albicans, Fusarium solani, Microsporum canis, and Aspergillus niger) were evaluated by the agar well diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration of each extract was assessed by antifungal susceptibility using the broth microdilution method. The antioxidant potential of each extract was determined by free radicals (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide) scavenging activity and reducing power property of A. squamosa leaves. Both organic and aqueous extracts were found to express dose-dependent inhibition against all tested fungi strains in both agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods. The free radical scavenging activity and reducing power property of all extracts were found to be concentration dependent, with the methanol extract exhibiting higher antioxidant activity than the chloroform extract, which was more effective than the aqueous extract of A. squamosa leaves. Results of phytochemical analysis of extracts showed the presence of glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, etc. The results obtained from in vitro studies of antifungal and antioxidant activities clearly suggest that the methanol, chloroform, and aqueous extracts of A. squamosa leaves possess antifungal and antioxidant activity.

Biotic elicitor enhanced production of psoralen in suspension cultures of Psoralea corylifolia L

Cell cultures of Psoralea corylifolia L. were established from the leaf disk derived callus. The effect of different biotic elicitors prepared from the fungal extract (Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum), yeast extract and chitosan with different concentrations was studied. The increased synthesis of psoralen in 16-day old cell cultures under 16 h of light and 8 h of dark period was studied. Elicitation of psoralen in A. niger elicitor treated cells was found 9-fold higher over control cells. Treating the cells with P. notatum, yeast extract and chitosan elicitors lead to four to seven-fold higher psoralen accumulation over control cells. The extract of A. niger at 1.0% v/v increased the significant accumulation of psoralen (9850 μg/g DCW) in the cultured cells. Our study clearly shows that all the elicitors had the potential to increase the accumulation of psoralen but the A. niger elicitor at 1.0% v/v induced maximum accumulation.

Antiprotozoal screening of traditional medicinal plants: evaluation of crude extract of Psoralea corylifolia against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in goldfish

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (also called "ich") is an external protozoan parasite that may infest almost all freshwater fish species and caused significant economic damage to the aquaculture industry. Since the use of malachite green was banned, there have been relatively few effective alternative strategies for controlling I. multifiliis infections. The present study was designed to screen potential antiparasitic medicinal plants based on our previous studies, and comprehensively evaluate in vitro and in vivo anti-ich activity of selected plant extracts. The screening results showed that the methanol extract of Psoralea corylifolia had the highest activity against I. multifiliis theronts. In vivo theront trials demonstrated that 1.25 mg/L or more concentrations of P. corylifolia methanol extract caused 100 % mortality during the 4-h exposure period, and the subsequent in vitro trials indicated that the minimum concentration of P. corylifolia methanol extract that prevented the initial infestation was 2.50 mg/L. Protomonts and encysted tomonts surviving trials suggested that encysted tomonts were less susceptible to P. corylifolia methanol extract than protomonts, and the methanol extract of P. corylifolia at a concentration of 5.00 mg/L could kill 100 % of protomonts and 88.89 % of encysted tomonts. It was also observed that after 12-h exposure of protomonts or encysted tomonts to 2.50 mg/L of P. corylifolia methanol extract, the theronts emerged from encysted tomonts led to more infection level than the ones in the other groups. The results suggested that whether the protomonts finish encystment is crucial to the survival, reproduction, and theronts infectivity. In addition, our results showed that long duration (24 h) and high concentration (5.00 mg/L) significantly reduced the survival and reproduction of I. multifiliis tomont exited from the fish after in-bath treatment, and it is indicated that P. corylifolia methanol extract had a potential detrimental effect on I. multifiliis trophont in situ.