Antioxidant and anticholinesterase properties of Echinometra mathaei and Ophiocoma erinaceus venoms from the Persian Gulf

Introduction: The Persian Gulf is home to a diverse range of marine life, including various species of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms. This study investigates the potential therapeutic properties of venoms from echinoderms in the Persian Gulf, specifically their ability to inhibit cholinesterases (Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) and act as antioxidants. Methods: Four venoms from two echinoderm species, including the spine, gonad, and coelomic fluids of sea urchins, as well as brittle star venoms, were analyzed using various methods, including LD50 determination, protein analysis, antioxidant assays, GC-MS for secondary metabolite identification, and molecular docking simulations. Results and discussion: The study's results revealed the LD50 of the samples as follows: 2.231 ± 0.09, 1.03 ± 0.05, 1.12 ± 0.13, and 6.04 ± 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the protein levels were 44.037 ± 0.002, 74.223 ± 0.025, 469.97 ± 0.02, and 104.407 ± 0.025 μg/mL, respectively. SDS-PAGE and total protein studies indicated that at least part of the venom was proteinaceous. Furthermore, the study found that the brittle star samples exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to other samples, including the standard ascorbic acid, at all tested concentrations. GC-MS analysis identified 12, 23, 21, and 25 compounds in the samples, respectively. These compounds had distinct chemical and bioactive structures, including alkaloids, terpenes, and steroids. Conclusion: These venoms displayed strong cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities, likely attributed to their protein content and the presence of alkaloids, terpenes, and steroids. Notably, the alkaloid compound C 7 was identified as a promising candidate for further research in Alzheimer's disease therapy. In conclusion, echinoderms in the Persian Gulf may hold significant potential for discovering novel therapeutic agents.

In Vitro Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Activities of Dichloromethane Extract of Xerophyta spekei

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder which has greatly led to an increase in morbidity and mortality globally. Although Xerophyta spekei is widely used for the management of diabetes among the Embu and Mbeere communities in Kenya, it has never been empirically evaluated for its hypoglycemic activity. This study was carried out to verify the hypoglycemic activity of dichloromethane (DCM) extract of Xerophyta spekei as well as its antioxidant activity using various in vitro techniques. Phytochemicals associated with its antioxidant activity were identified through GC-MS. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (X̄ ± SEM). Comparison between various variables was performed by using unpaired Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. The confidence interval was set at 95%. The obtained results were presented in tables and graphs. Results showed that there was no difference in α-amylase inhibition activity between the plant extract and the standard (IC50 525.9 ± 12.34 and 475.1 ± 9.115, respectively; p  >  0.05). Besides, the glucose adsorption activity of the extract increased with an increase in glucose concentration (from 5.89 to 32.64 mg/dl at 5 mmol and 30 mmol of glucose, respectively; p  <  0.05). The extract also limited the diffusion of glucose more than the negative control (7.49 and 17.63 mg/dl, respectively; p  <  0.05). It also enhanced glucose uptake by yeast cells. In addition, the studied plant extract showed notable antioxidant activities. The therapeutic effects exhibited by this plant in managing diabetes mellitus and other ailments could be due to its antioxidant as well as its hypoglycemic activity. The study recommends the evaluation of X. spekei for in vivo hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities. Besides, the isolation of bioactive phytochemicals from the plant may lead to the development of new hypoglycaemic agents.