Anti-infective and cytotoxic properties of Bupleurum marginatum

Two new triterpenoid saponins from Bupleurum marginatum Wall. ex DC

Two new triterpenoid saponins (1 and 2), together with two known saponins (3 and 4) were isolated from Bupleurum marginatum Wall. ex DC. Their structures were elucidated by the comprehensive spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 represented the rare example of an oleanane-type triterpenoid with two sugar moieties at C-3 and C-28. The cytotoxic activity of four compounds was evaluated against normal heptocell BRL-3A in vitro.

A comprehensive review on traditional and modern research of the genus Bupleurum (Bupleurum L., Apiaceae) in recent 10 years

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Bupleurum (family Apiaceae), comprising approximately 248 accepted species, is widely distributed and used in China, Japan, India, Central Asia, North Africa and some European countries as traditional herbal medicines. Certain species have been reported to have significant therapeutic effects in fever, inflammatory disorders, cancer, gastric ulcer, virus infection and other diseases.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

we performed a comprehensive review of the ten-year research progress in phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, along with bibliometrics research of the genus Bupleurum, aiming to identify knowledge gaps for future research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All the literatures are retrieved from library and electronic sources including Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, CNKI and Baidu Scholar. These papers cover studies of the traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of the genus Bupleurum.

RESULTS

There is a long history of using the genus Bupleurum in traditional herbal medicine that dated back to over 2000 years ago. Twenty-five species and 8 varieties with 3 variants within this genus have been reported to be effective to treat fever, pain, liver disease, inflammation, thoracolumbar pain, irregular menstruation and rectal prolapse. The main phytochemicals found in these plants are triterpene saponins, volatile oil, flavonoid, lignans, and polysaccharides. Many of these compounds have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, immunoregulation, neuroregulation, hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activities. Meanwhile, improper usage of Bupleurum may induce cytotoxic effects, and polyacetylenes may be the main poisonous compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

This article summarized recent findings about Bupleurum research from many different aspects. While a small number of Bupleurum species have been investigated through modern pharmacology methods, there are still major knowledge gaps due to inadequate studies and ambiguous findings. Future research could focus on more specific phytochemistry studies combined with mechanistic analysis to provide better guidance to utilize Bupleurum as medicinal resources.

Cytotoxic Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Mediated by Euphorbia Retusa

Background: Cancer is a dangerous threat that creates extremely high rates of death and morbidity in various regions of the world. Finding suitable therapeutics to improve cancer therapy while avoiding side effects is critical. The most appropriate innovative therapeutics, which combine natural ingredients and nanomaterials, can improve the biological activity of cancer chemotherapeutics. Methods: Phenolic profiling using high-resolution mass spectrometry and the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles was achieved through the reaction of zinc acetate with Euphorbia retusa extract. The characterization of ZnONPs was performed by UV, IR, Zeta potential, XRD, SEM, and TEM. The cytotoxic activity of the ZnONPs was evaluated using a SRB assay against lung, liver, and breast cancer cell lines. Moreover, the mechanism of cytotoxic activity was evaluated in the form of caspase-8 promoters and anti-inflammatory mechanisms using the Western blot method. Results: The high-resolution LC/MS/MS of the E. retusa led to the identification of 22 compounds in the plant for the first time. The Er-ZnONPs had hexagonal shapes, were approximately 100 nm in size, and consisted of aggregated particles of about 10 nm. The E. retusa ZnONPs exhibited cytotoxic activity against HA-549 (IC50 = 22.3 µg/mL), HepG2 (IC50 = 25.6), Huh-7 (IC50 = 25.7), MCF-7 (IC50 = 37.7), and MDA-MB-231 (IC50 = 37). Conclusions: E. retusa are rich in phenolics that are capable of synthesizing ZnONPs, which possess cytotoxic activity, via caspase-8 promotion and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Celastrol Modulates Multiple Signaling Pathways to Inhibit Proliferation of Pancreatic Cancer via DDIT3 and ATF3 Up-Regulation and RRM2 and MCM4 Down-Regulation

Background

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious and lethal human cancers with a snowballing incidence around the world. The natural product celastrol has also been widely documented as a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-oxidant.

Purpose

To elucidate the antitumor effect of celastrol on pancreatic cancer cells and its modulatory role on whole genome expression.

Methods

The antitumor activity of celastrol on a panel of pancreatic cancer cells has been evaluated by Sulforhodamine B assay. Caspase 3/7 and histone-associated DNA fragments assays were done for apoptosis measurement. Additionally, prostaglandin (PGE2) inhibition was evaluated. Moreover, a microarray gene expression profiling was carried out to detect possible key players that modulate the antitumor effects of celastrol on cells of pancreatic cancer.

Results

Our findings indicated that celastrol suppresses the cellular growth of pancreatic cancer cells, induces apoptosis, and inhibits PGE2 production. Celastrol modulated many signaling genes and its cytotoxic effect was mainly mediated via over-expression of ATF3 and DDIT3, and down-expression of RRM2 and MCM4.

Conclusion

The current study aims to be a starting point to generate a hypothesis on the most significant regulatory genes and for a full dissection of the celastrol possible effects on each single gene to prevent the pancreatic cancer growth.

Phytoconstituents, In Vitro Anti-Infective Activity of Buddleja indica Lam., and In Silico Evaluation of its SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitory Potential

Phytochemical investigation of Buddleja indica Lam. leaves methanol extract (BIT) resulted in the isolation of six known compounds for the first time from the plant, namely, p-hydroxybenzoic acid 1), caffeic acid 2), quercetin 3-O-β-D glucoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnoside 3), kaempferol 3-O-β-D glucoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnoside 4), quercetin 7-O-β-D glucoside 5) and kaempferol 6). BIT extract showed potent antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging between 0.48 and 1.95 μg/ml with Bacillus subtilis was the most susceptible to the BIT effect. It showed a notable antimycobacterial and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with MIC values of 100 and 80 μg/ml, respectively. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was more sensitive to the antiviral activity of BIT comparable to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), showing 48.38 and 41.85% inhibition of the viral replication at a dose of 50 μg/ml for VSV and HSV-1, respectively. In silico molecular docking of the isolated compounds revealed that caffeic acid 2) showed the highest fitting within the active sites of DNA-gyrase, topoisomerase IV, and SARS-CoV-2 M^Pro. Quercetin 7-O-β-D glucoside 5) revealed the best fitting in dihydrofolate reductase active site with ∆ G value equals -36.53 Kcal/mol. Kaempferol 6) exhibited the highest fitting towards β-lactamase, SARS-CoV-2PL^pro, and SARS-CoV-2 3CL^pro active sites. Thus, B. indica Lam. can be considered as a future source of cheap, substantially safe, and credible antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral candidate of natural origin that could effectively participate in solving the problem of COVID-19 pandemic. These findings provide a scientific consolidation for the ethnomedicinal uses of Buddleja indica Lam. as a topical antiseptic.

Lipoxygenase Inhibition by Plant Extracts

Lipoxygenases are widespread enzymes that catalyze oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acid) to produce hydroperoxides. Lipoxygenase reactions can be desirable, but also lipoxygenases can react in undesirable ways. Most of the products of lipoxygenase reactions are aromatic compounds that can affect food properties, especially during long-term storage. Lipoxygenase action on unsaturated fatty acids could result in off-flavor/off-odor development, causing food spoilage. In addition, lipoxygenases are present in the human body and play an important role in stimulation of inflammatory reactions. Inflammation is linked to many diseases, such as cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarized recent research on plant families and species that can inhibit lipoxygenase activity.

Antioxidant Activity of an Aqueous Leaf Extract from Uncaria tomentosa and Its Major Alkaloids Mitraphylline and Isomitraphylline in Caenorhabditis elegans

Uncaria tomentosa (Rubiaceae) has a recognized therapeutic potential against various diseases associated with oxidative stress. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of an aqueous leaf extract (ALE) from U. tomentosa, and its major alkaloids mitraphylline and isomitraphylline. The antioxidant activity of ALE was investigated in vitro using standard assays (DPPH, ABTS and  FRAP), while the in vivo activity and mode of action were studied using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. The purified alkaloids did not exhibit antioxidant effects in vivo. ALE reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in wild-type worms, and was able to rescue the worms from a lethal dose of the pro-oxidant juglone. The ALE treatment led to a decreased expression of the oxidative stress response related genes sod-3, gst-4, and hsp-16.2. The treatment of mutant worms lacking the DAF-16 transcription factor with ALE resulted in a significant reduction of ROS levels. Contrarily, the extract had a pro-oxidant effect in the worms lacking the SKN-1 transcription factor. Our results suggest that the antioxidant activity of ALE in C. elegans is independent of its alkaloid content, and that SKN-1 is required for ALE-mediated stress resistance.

Bark Extract of the Amazonian Tree Endopleura uchi (Humiriaceae) Extends Lifespan and Enhances Stress Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

Endopleura uchi (Huber) Cuatrec (Humiriaceae), known as uxi or uxi-amarelo in Brazil, is an endemic tree of the Amazon forest. In traditional medicine, its stem bark is used to treat a variety of health disorders, including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, uterine inflammation, and gynecological infections. According to HPLC analysis, the main constituent of the bark extract is the polyphenol bergenin. In the current study, we demonstrate by in vitro and in vivo experiments the antioxidant potential of a water extract from the stem bark of E. uchi. When tested in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the extract enhanced stress resistance via the DAF-16/FOXO pathway. Additionally, the extract promoted an increase in the lifespan of the worms independent from caloric restriction. It also attenuated the age-related muscle function decline and formation of polyQ40 plaques, as a model for Huntington's disease. Thus, these data support anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties of E. uchi, which has not yet been described. More studies are needed to assess the real benefits of E. uchi bark for human health and its toxicological profile.

Resveratrol mediated cancer cell apoptosis, and modulation of multidrug resistance proteins and metabolic enzymes

BACKGROUND

The degree of intracellular drug accumulation by specific membrane transporters, i.e., MDR1, BCRP, and MRP, and the degree of detoxification by intracellular metabolic enzymes, i.e., CYP3A4 and GST, provide control for cancer chemotherapy through diminishing the propensity of cancer cells to undergo apoptosis which in turn modulates the unresolved and complex phenomenon of multidrug resistance (MDR) for the cancer cells.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

This study dwells into the interaction details involving ABC-transporters, CYP3A4, GST and cytotoxic effects of resveratrol on different cell lines.

METHODS

Resveratrol was evaluated for its ability modulating the expression and efflux functions of P-gp /MDR1, MRP1, and BCRP in the multidrug-resistant human colon carcinoma cell line, Caco-2, and CEM/ADR5000 cells through flow cytometry and RTPCR technique.

RESULTS

The resveratrol influenced P-gp and MRP1 efflux functions whereby it increased rhodamine 123 with calcein accumulation in concentration-dependent manner (1 - 500 µM) in the Caco-2 cell lines and inhibited the effluxes of both the substrates also as concentration-dependent phenomenon (10 - 100 µM) in the p-gp overexpressing CEM/ADR5000 cells through FACS (full form). The treatment of drug-resistant Caco-2, and CEM/ADR5000 cells with doxorubicin (DOX) along with 20 µM of resveratrol in the mixture. It increased the cell sensitivity DOX towards the DOX and enhanced the cytotoxicity. The resveratrol inhibited both CYP3A4 and GST enzymatic activity in a concentration-dependent way and induced apoptosis in the resistance cell lines because of increased levels of caspase-3, -8,-6/9 and incremental phosphatidyl serine (PS) exposure as detected by flow cytometry. The treatment of Caco-2 cells with resveratrol showed significantly lower p-gp, MRP1, BCRP, CYP3A4, GST, and hPXR mRNA levels in a 48 h observation.

CONCLUSION

The result confirmed resveratrol mediated inhibition of ABC-transporters' overall efflux functions, and its expression, and apoptosis as well as metabolic enzymes GST and CYP3A4 activity.

Bupleurum marginatum Wall.ex DC in Liver Fibrosis: Pharmacological Evaluation, Differential Proteomics, and Network Pharmacology

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological feature of many chronic liver diseases. Bupleurum marginatum Wall.ex DC (ZYCH) is a promising therapeutic for liver fibrosis. In this study, 25 compounds were isolated from ZYCH, and the effects of ZYCH on DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats were evaluated. The optimal effect group (H-ZYCH group) was selected for further proteomic analysis, and 282 proteins were altered in comparison to the DMN model group (FC > 1.2 or < 0.83, p < 0.05). Based on GO annotation analysis, clusters of drug metabolism, oxidative stress, biomolecular synthesis and metabolism, positive regulation of cell growth, extracellular matrix deposition, and focal adhesion were significantly regulated. Then networks of the altered proteins and compounds was generated by Cytoscape. Importantly, triterpenoid saponins and lignans had possessed high libdock scores, numerous targets, important network positions, and strong inhibitory activity. These findings may suggest that triterpenoid saponins and lignans are important active compounds of ZYCH in liver fibrosis and targeted by proteins involved in liver fibrosis. The combination of network pharmacology with proteomic analysis may provide a forceful tool for exploring the effect mechanism of TCM and identifying bioactive ingredients and their targets.

Evidence for the anti-inflammatory activity of Bupleurum marginatum (Apiaceae) extracts using in vitro and in vivo experiments supported by virtual screening

OBJECTIVES

To explore the potential anti-inflammatory activity of Bupleurum marginatum extracts using in vitro and in vivo studies supported by virtual screening.

METHODS

Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH˙ and inhibition of 2-deoxyribose degradation assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined in vitro by measuring the suppression of prostaglandin E₂ release (PGE₂ ) in pancreatic cancer cells (MIA-PaCa-2) and the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase whereas the rat paw oedema was used in vivo. The major constituents were docked in 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-II active sites.

KEY FINDINGS

Methanol and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts showed IC₅₀ of 46.99 and 162.99 μg/ml in the DPPH˙, 1.52 and 2.12 μg/ml in inhibition of 2-deoxyribose degradation assays, respectively. They reduced PGE₂ release by 41.33 and 52.85% at 25 μg/ml and inhibited 5-lipoxygenase with IC₅₀ of 45.28 and 25.92 μg/ml, respectively. 50 and 70% reduction in the diameter of the carrageenan-induced rat paws with methanol and DCM extracts, respectively, with a marked decline in the inflammation score was observed. Rutin, a predominating compound, showed a strong interaction with the key amino acids in 5-LOX active site with interaction energy of -74.59 kcal/mol.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidence for an interesting anti-inflammatory activity of B. marginatum aerial parts offering a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.), the Amazonian "Tree of Youth" Prolongs Longevity and Enhances Stress Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

The tree popularly known in Brazil as mulateiro or pau-mulato (Calycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.) K. Schum.) is deeply embedded in the herbal medicine of the Amazon region. Different preparations of the bark are claimed to have anti-aging, antioxidant, antimicrobial, emollient, wound healing, hemostatic, contraceptive, stimulant, and anti-diabetic properties. The current study aims to provide the first step towards a science-based evidence of the beneficial effects of C. spruceanum in the promotion of longevity and in the modulation of age-related markers. For this investigation, we used the model system Caenorhabditis elegans to evaluate in vivo antioxidant and anti-aging activity of a water extract from C. spruceanum. To chemically characterize the extract, HPLC MS (High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry)/MS analyses were performed. Five secondary metabolites were identified in the extract, namely gardenoside, 5-hydroxymorin, cyanidin, taxifolin, and 5-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin-7-glucoside. C. spruceanum extract was able to enhance stress resistance and to extend lifespan along with attenuation of aging-associated markers in C. elegans. The demonstrated bioactivities apparently depend on the DAF-16/FOXO pathway. The data might support the popular claims of mulateiro as the “tree of youth”, however more studies are needed to clarify its putative benefits to human health.

A systematic review of the active saikosaponins and extracts isolated from Radix Bupleuri and their applications

CONTEXT

Radix Bupleuri has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years with functions of relieving exterior syndrome, clearing heat, regulating liver-qi, and lifting yang-qi. More natural active compounds, especially saikosaponins, have been isolated from Radix Bupleuri, which possess various valuable pharmacological activities.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current knowledge on pharmacological activities, mechanisms and applications of extracts and saikosaponins isolated from Radix Bupleuri, and obtain new insights for further research and development of Radix Bupleuri.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Research Gate, Academic Journals and Google Scholar were used as information sources through the inclusion of the search terms 'Radix Bupleuri', 'Bupleurum', 'saikosaponins', 'Radix Bupleuri preparation', and their combinations, mainly from the year 2008 to 2016 without language restriction. Clinical preparations containing Radix Bupleuri were collected from official website of China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

296 papers were searched and 128 papers were reviewed. A broad spectrum of in vitro and in vivo research has proved that Radix Bupleuri extracts, saikosaponin a, saikosaponin d, saikosaponin c, and saikosaponin b₂, exhibit evident anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, anti-allergic, immunoregulation, and neuroregulation activities mainly through NF-κB, MAPK or other pathways. 15 clinical preparations approved by CFDA remarkably broaden the application of Radix Bupleuri. The main side effect of Radix Bupleuri is liver damage when the dosage is excess, which indicates that the maximum tolerated dose is critical for clinical use of Radix Bupleuri extract and purified compounds.

Bioactivities of Achillea phrygia and Bupleurum croceum based on the composition of phenolic compounds: In vitro and in silico approaches

This study presents the effects of the Achillea phrygia Boiss. et Bal. and Bupleurum croceum Fenzl. extracts obtained by different solvents (ethyl acetate, methanol and water) on selected enzyme inhibitory effects and antioxidant ability with screening bioactive compounds. Total and individual bioactive compounds were detected by spectrophotometric and HPLC-DAD techniques. Antioxidant abilities were evaluated by different methods including free radical scavenging (ABTS and DPPH), reducing power (CUPRAC and FRAP), phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating. Enzyme inhibitory effects were tested against cholinesterases, tyrosinase, amylase, glucosidase and lipase. Total phenolic contents were ranged from 20.52 mgGAE/g extract (B. croceum methanol extract) to 41.13 mgGAE/g extract (A. phrygia methanol extract). Generally, methanol and water extracts showed the strongest antioxidant abilities, while the ethyl acetate extracts had the most promising enzyme inhibitory effects. HPLC analysis revealed the abundance of some phenolics including rutin, quercetin, sinapic acid and chlorogenic acid, respectively. These components were also assessed using molecular modelling with the aim to study their docking properties on a set of six enzymes used in this study. Overall, these species could be suggested as valuable sources of natural-bioactive agents for developing new functional, pharmacological and health-promoting ingredients.

Chemical Profiling of the Essential Oils of Syzygium aqueum, Syzygium samarangense and Eugenia uniflora and Their Discrimination Using Chemometric Analysis

The essential oil compositions of the leaves of three related Myrtaceae species, namely Syzygium aqueum, Syzygium samarangense and Eugenia uniflora, were investigated using GLC/MS and GLC/FID. Altogether, 125 compounds were identified: α-Selinene (13.85%), β-caryophyllene (12.72%) and β-selinene constitute the most abundant constituents in S. aqueum. Germacrene D (21.62%) represents the major compound in S. samarangense whereas in E. uniflora, spathulenol (15.80%) represents the predominant component. Multivariate chemometric analyses were used to discriminate the essential oils using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) based on the chromatographic results. The antimicrobial activity of the popularly used E. uniflora essential oil was assessed using broth microdilution method against six Gram-positive, three Gram-negative bacteria and two fungi. The oil showed moderate antimicrobial activity against Bacillus licheniformis exhibiting MIC and MMC of 0.63 mg/ml. The cytotoxic activity of E. uniflora essential oil was investigated against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (T. b. brucei) and MCF-7 cancer cell line using MTT assay. It showed moderate activity against MCF-7 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 76.40 μg/ml. On the other hand, T. brucei was highly susceptible to E. uniflora essential oil with IC₅₀ of 11.20 μg/ml, and a selectivity index of 6.82.

Akacid medical formulation induces apoptosis in myeloid and lymphatic leukemic cell lines in vitro and in vivo

Akacid medical formulation (AMF) is an oligoguanidine that exerts biocidal activity against airborne and surface microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and molds, while showing relatively low toxicity to humans. We have previously shown that AMF exerts antiproliferative effects on a variety of solid tumor cell lines. In this study we raised the question whether AMF could also substantially inhibit cell growth or induce apoptosis in cell lines derived from hematologic malignancies such as leukemia or lymphoma. We found that AMF has antiproliferative effects on various hematologic cell lines derived from human leukemia and lymphoma. Additionally, we show that AMF induces apoptosis in leukemia cell lines not only via the extrinsic and intrinsic pathway, but also in a caspase-independent manner. This effect was found also in G0-arrested cells. Finally, in our animal experiments utilizing male nu/nu Balb/c mice we found a significant growth retardation, which was immunohistochemically associated with a significantly lower number of KI67-positive cells and caspase-3 induction in AMF-treated mice.

Traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of liver diseases: progress, challenges and opportunities

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is commonly used in treating liver diseases worldwide, especially in China. The advantages of using TCM for treatment of liver diseases include: protecting hepatocytes, inhibiting hepatic inflammation and antifibrosis in the liver. In this article, we introduce TCM herbal preparations from the Chinese materia medica (such as Fuzheng Huayu) that are typically used for the treatment of liver diseases. Literature surrounding the mechanisms of TCM therapy for treatment of liver diseases is presented and discussed. We propose that side effects of herbal compounds are often under-appreciated, and that more care should be taken in the prescription of potentially hepatotoxic medicines. Further, to deepen the understanding of TCM mechanisms, new techniques and methodologies must be developed. Future studies will lead to the enhancement of clinical outcomes of TCM. As complementary and alternative therapies, TCMs will play an expanding role in the future of liver disease treatment.