In vitro cytotoxicity of Aspilia pluriseta Schweinf. extract fractions

Genetic Characterization and Chemical Identification of Moroccan Cannabis sativa (L.) Seeds: Extraction, and In Vitro and In Silico Biological Evaluation

This study investigated the molecular, phytochemical, and biological aspects of ten local Moroccan traditional landrace Cannabis seeds. Genetic polymorphisms were analyzed using DNA barcode determination, revealing two distinct molecular profiles: "Cannabis, species sativa, subspecies indica" and "Cannabis, species sativa, subspecies sativa". Furthermore, a new sequence was identified by sequencing of the THCA synthase coding gene. Chemical profiling via HPLC-ESI-FULL-MS and GC-MS-MS of AMSD1 maceration extracts revealed 13 non-volatile chemicals, including 3 inactive cannabinoids and 3 polyphenols, and 24 intriguing volatile compounds, including 7 previously unreported in Cannabis seed extracts. Moreover, the in vitro/in silico analysis provision of biological activities through their antioxidant power, antimicrobial effect, and cytotoxicity potency, as well as antiviral activity, were realized. These results contribute to a thorough comprehension of Moroccan Cannabis seeds, illuminating their molecular, phytochemical, and biological features. Furthermore, they highlight the seeds as a potential source of nutritious components with antioxidant properties, offering valuable insights for future research.

Phytochemical analysis, in-vitro and in-silico study of antiproliferative activity of ethyl acetate fraction of Launaea cornuta (Hochst. ex Oliv. & Hiern) C. Jeffrey against human cervical cancer cell line

Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women globally due to the limitation of current treatment methods and their associated adverse side effects. Launaea cornuta is used as traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of diseases including cancer. However, there is no scientific validation on the antiproliferative activity of L. cornuta against cervical cancer. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the selective antiproliferative, cytotoxic and antimigratory effects of L. cornuta and to explore its therapeutical mechanisms in human cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa-229) through a network analysis approach. Materials and methods: The cytotoxic effect of L. cornuta ethyl acetate fraction on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) bioassay and the antimigratory effect was assessed by wound healing assays. Compounds were analysed using the qualitative colour method and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Subsequently, bioinformatic analyses, including the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, were performed to screen for potential anticervical cancer therapeutic target genes of L. cornuta. Molecular docking (MD) was performed to predict and understand the molecular interactions of the ligands against cervical cancer. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to validate the network analysis results. Results: L. cornuta ethyl acetate fraction exhibited a remarkable cytotoxic effect on HeLa-229 proliferation (IC50 of 20.56 ± 2.83 μg/mL) with a selectivity index (SI) of 2.36 with minimal cytotoxicity on non-cancerous cells (Vero-CCL 81 (IC50 of 48.83 ± 23.02). The preliminary screening revealed the presence of glycosides, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, quinones, and tannins. Thirteen compounds were also identified by GC-MS analysis. 124 potential target genes associated with the effect of L. cornuta ethyl acetate fraction on human cervical cancer were obtained, including AKT1, MDM2, CDK2, MCL1 and MTOR were identified among the top hub genes and PI3K/Akt1, Ras/MAPK, FoxO and EGFR signalling pathways were identified as the significantly enriched pathways. Molecular docking results showed that stigmasteryl methyl ether had a good binding affinity against CDK2, ATK1, BCL2, MDM2, and Casp9, with binding energy ranging from -7.0 to -12.6 kcal/mol. Tremulone showed a good binding affinity against TP53 and P21 with -7.0 and -8.0 kcal/mol, respectively. This suggests a stable molecular interaction of the ethyl acetate fraction of L. cornuta compounds with the selected target genes for cervical cancer. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis revealed that CDK2, MDM2 and BCL2 were downregulated, and Casp9 and P21 were upregulated in HeLa-229 cells treated with L. cornuta compared to the negative control (DMSO 0.2%). Conclusion: The findings indicate that L. cornuta ethyl acetate fraction phytochemicals modulates various molecular targets and pathways to exhibit selective antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects against HeLa-229 cells. This study lays a foundation for further research to develop innovative clinical anticervical cancer agents.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the people of Mosop, Nandi County in Kenya

Background: Throughout the history, nature has provided mankind with most of their basic needs, which include food, shelter, medicine, clothes, flavours, scents as well as raw materials. Given that they are an integral part of cultural heritage, medicinal plants have played a significant role in human healthcare systems around the world. Investigating various biological resources for use as medicines requires ethnomedicinal studies. Methods: Data on utilization of ethnomedicinal plants from local healers in Kenya's Mosop Sub-County in Nandi County was documented through open-ended, semi-structured questionnaires. A number of quantitative indices, such as the Use Citation (UC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), Frequency of Citation (FoC) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were used to convey the potential medical benefits, vitality and variety of the ethnomedicine. Results: 102 informants provided information on 253 ethnomedicinal plant species, classified into 74 families. There were 249 native plant species identified, along with few exotic species: Senegalia senegal (L.) Britton, Persea americana Mill, Carica papaya L. and Solanum betaceum Cav. Of all recorded species, 32% and 27% were herbs and trees, respectively. Among plant parts, leaves were most frequently utilized (27%) and roots (26%), while decoctions (21%) were the most widely used formulations. The dominant family was Asteraceae, with 28 species, followed by Lamiaceae, with 19 species. The highest ICF value was 0.778 for a number of parasitic and infectious illnesses, including ringworms, athlete's foot rot, tetanus, typhoid, intestinal parasites, abscesses, malaria, and amoebiasis. The study's data validates the region's widespread use of traditional medicinal plant remedies. Conclusion: The current study will lay a foundation of knowledge for future research investigations. The abundance of knowledge regarding ethnomedicinal species and their medicinal applications will stimulate further phytochemical and pharmacological research, which could lead to the discovery of potentially significant pharmaceuticals.

Phytochemical Profiles and Anticancer Effects of Calophyllum inophyllum L. Extract Relating to Reactive Oxygen Species Modulation on Patient-Derived Cells from Breast and Lung Cancers

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to cancer growth and metastasis. Using antioxidants to modulate cellular ROS levels is a promisingstrategy for cancer prevention and treatment. Calophyllum inophyllum L., or tamanu, is a medicinal plant renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties in traditional medicine systems. However, the anticancer effects of C. inophyllum extract on cellular ROS remain unexplored. This study represents the first report on such effects and provides the potential mechanisms underlying the anticancer properties of C. inophyllum extract. The branches of C. inophyllum were extracted, and the extract was comprehensively analyzed for phytochemical constituents, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content. Subsequently, the extract's potential anticancer properties were evaluated using patient-derived cells from breast and lung cancer. The results revealed that the C. inophyllum extract possesses notable antioxidant activity and demonstrated no cytotoxicity within the initial 24 h of treatment. However, after 72 h, it exhibited significant antiproliferative effects. Moreover, the extract exhibited inhibitory properties against migration and invasion at concentrations below the IC₅₀, which corresponded to the expression of related genes. Notably, these effects correlated with the reduction of intracellular ROS levels. Overall, our findings highlight the anticancer potential of C. inophyllum extract, emphasize its ability to modulate cellular ROS levels and target key molecular pathways involved in cancer progression. This study sheds light on the promising therapeutic implications of C. inophyllum extract as a novel agent for cancer treatment, which is safe for normal cells.

Phytochemical Content, Antibacterial Activity, and Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Effects of Traditional Medicinal Plants against Respiratory Tract Bacterial Pathogens

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are frequent ailments among humans and are a high burden on public health. This study aimed to determine the in vitro antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects of indigenous medicinal plants used in the treatment of RTIs, namely, Senna petersiana, Gardenia volkensii, Acacia senegal, and Clerodendrum glabrum. Dried leaves were extracted using various organic solvents. Antibacterial activity was quantified using the microbroth dilution assay. Protein denaturation assays were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. The cytotoxicity of the extracts towards THP-1 macrophages was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Antioxidant activity was determined using free radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing power. Total polyphenolics were quantified. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the acetone plant extracts. Nonpolar extracts had noteworthy antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium smegmatis where MIC values ranged between 0.16 and 0.63 mg/mL. At 100 μg/mL, A. senegal, G. volkensii, and S. petersiana had a nonsignificant effect on the viability of the THP-1 macrophages. The LC-MS analysis of the leaf extracts of S. petersiana detected Columnidin, Hercynine, L-Lysine citrate, and Gamma-Linolenate. A pentacyclic triterpenoid, cochalate, was detected in G. volkensii. Two flavonoids 7-hydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-chroman-5-olate and (3R)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-hydroxy-4-oxo-chroman-5-olate were detected in the C. glabrum extract. The findings from this study indicated that the leaves of the selected plant extracts possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activity. Therefore, they may serve as good candidates for further pharmaceutical investigations.

Senna occidentalis (L.) Link root extract inhibits Plasmodium growth in vitro and in mice

BACKGROUND

Senna occidentalis (L.) Link has been used worldwide in traditional treatment of many diseases and conditions including snakebite. In Kenya, a decoction from the plant roots taken orally, is used as a cure for malaria. Several studies have demonstrated that extracts from the plant possess antiplasmodial activity, in vitro. However, the safety and curative potency of the plant root against established malaria infection is yet to be scientifically validated, in vivo. On the other hand, there are reports on variation in bioactivity of extracts obtained from this plant species, depending on the plant part used and place of origin among other factors. In this study, we demonstrated the antiplasmodial activity of Senna occidentalis roots extract in vitro, and in mice.

METHODS

Methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane and water extracts of S. occidentalis root were tested for in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum, strain 3D7. Cytotoxicity of the most active solvent extracts was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the curative potency in Plasmodium berghei infected mice evaluated by Rane's test.

RESULTS

All of the solvent extracts tested in this study inhibited the propagation of P. falciparum, strain 3D7, in vitro, with polar extracts being more active than non-polar ones. Methanolic extracts had the highest activity (IC50 = 1.76) while hexane extract displayed the lowest activity (IC50 = 18.47). At the tested concentrations, methanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited high selectivity index against P. falciparum strain 3D7 (SI > 10) in the cytotoxicity assay. Further, the extracts significantly suppressed the propagation of P. berghei parasites (P < 0.05) in vivo and increased the survival time of the infected mice (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Senna occidentalis (L.) Link root extract inhibits the propagation of malaria parasites in vitro and in BALB/c mice.

A systematic review of antibacterial activity of polyphenolic extract from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) kernel

Background: Emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria makes exploration of natural antibacterial products imperative. Like other fruit processing industry by-products, date kernels, a waste from date processing industry is rich in its extractable polyphenols. The rich polyphenolic content suggests that date kernel extracts (DKE) can be a cost-effective source of antimicrobial agents, however, their antibacterial activity is poorly understood. Hence, a systematic review of available literature to establish DKE's antibacterial activity is warranted. Methods: A systematic PRISMA approach was employed, and relevant studies were identified using defined keywords from Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The search results were screened based on predefined eligibility criteria and data extraction, organization, pooling, and descriptive statistical analyses of original research records conducted. Results: A total of 888 published records were retrieved from databases. Preliminary screening by applying specific eligibility criteria reduced records to 96 which after full text screening further decreased to 14 records. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most studied organisms. Results indicate moderate to highly active effect shown by the less polar solvent based DKE's against Gram-positive and by the aqueous based DKE's against Gram-negative bacteria. The review confirms antibacterial activity of DKE against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Heterogeneity in reported polyphenolic content and antibacterial activity are due to differences in cultivars, extraction methods, test methods, model organisms, etc. Use of standardized protocols for isolation, characterization, testing of DKE's active polyphenols to elucidate its antibacterial activity is recommended to establish the clinical efficacy of natural antibacterial compounds from DKE. Conclusion: This review outlines the current knowledge regarding antibacterial activity of polyphenolic DKE, identifying gaps in information and provides key recommendations for future research directions.

Cytotoxic effects of extracts obtained from plants of the Oleaceae family: bio-guided isolation and molecular docking of new secoiridoids from Jasminum humile

CONTEXT

Traditionally, Oleaceae plants are used to treat many diseases, such as rheumatism, hypercholesterolaemia, or ulcers.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the cytotoxic potential of Jasminum humile L., Jasminum grandiflorum L., and Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae) extracts against selected human cancer cells lines, followed by a phytochemical investigation of the most potent one.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 95% ethanol extracts of aerial parts of three oleaceous plants were examined for their cytotoxicity against HepG-2, MCF-7, and THP-1 cell lines using MTT assay and doxorubicin (positive control). J. humile was bio-selected and submitted to bio-guided fractionation. Chromatographic workup of ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions afforded two new compounds; 1-methoxyjasmigenin (1) and 1-methyl-9-aldojasmigenin (2), along with five known ones (3-7). Structures were unambiguously elucidated using 1D/2D NMR and ESI-HRMS. Isolated compounds were assessed for their anti-proliferative potential, and both selectivity index and statistical significance were determined. Molecular docking was conducted against the Mcl-1 receptor using (AZD5991) as a standard.

RESULTS

Jasmoside (5) was the most potent anticancer compound showing IC₅₀ values of 66.47, 41.32, and 27.59 µg/mL against HepG-2, MCF-7, and THP-1 cell lines, respectively. Moreover, isojasminin (4) exhibited IC₅₀ values of 33.49, 43.12, and 51.07 µg/mL against the same cell lines, respectively. Interestingly, 5 exhibited the highest selectivity index towards MCF-7 and THP-1, even greater than doxorubicin. Molecular docking results were in full agreement with the MTT assay and the proposed SAR.

CONCLUSION

In this study, two new compounds were purified. The biological activity highlighted jasmoside (5) as a lead anticancer drug for further future investigation.

Knema retusa is antibacterial and antibiofilm against antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus and S. haemolyticus isolated in bovine mastitis

This study aimed to assess antibacterial activity of Knema retusa wood extract (KRe) against antibiotic resistant staphylococci which are causative agents of bovine mastitis. From 75 cases of intramammary infections in dairy cows, 66 staphylococcal isolates were collected, including 11 Staphylococcus aureus isolates (17%) and 55 coagulase-negative staphylococci (83%). Sixty isolates (91%) formed strong biofilms. KRe had minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) against the isolates ranging 32-256 ug/mL and 64-512 ug/mL, respectively. Two-hour KRe exposures at 4×MIC, viabilities of S. aureus and S. haemolyticus decreased by 3 log₁₀ compared to the control. Scanning EM (SEM) showed that KRe disrupted the bacterial cells of both species. KRe at 1/16×MIC significantly inhibited biofilm formation (P < 0.05) in both S. aureus and S. haemolyticus. At 1/2×MIC, S. aureus and S. haemolyticus biofilm inhibition ranged from 75 to 99%. Cells within established biofilms were disrupted 66-83% by KRe at 32×MIC. Moreover, 1/2×MIC KRe reduced bacterial adhesion to glass surfaces observed by SEM. According to GC-MS analysis, the major compound in KRe was endo-2-hydroxy-9,9-(ethylenedioxy)-1-carbethoxy bicyclo [3.3.1] nonane (E2N). Molecular docking analysis of E2N has a high affinity for staphylococcal accessory regulator A (SarA), binding free-energy - 6.40kcal/mol. The results suggested that KRe may have medicinal benefits by inhibiting the growth, biofilm, and adhesion of antibiotic resistant staphylococci isolated from bovine mastitis.

The Effect of Adding Spices to Green Walnut Tinctures on Their Polyphenolic Profile, Antioxidant Capacity and Action on Renal Cells

Green walnuts—unripe fruits of Juglans regia L. are known for their many biological activities and therapeutic potential. Tinctures based on unripe walnuts (samples 1 and 2) and tinctures with the addition of spices (ginger, cloves, bay leaves, juniper fruit: samples 3–6) were tested for polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity. The effect on a normal monkey kidney epithelial cell line (VERO) was evaluated. For monitoring the changes in cell proliferation, real-time cell analysis (xCELLigence system) was employed and cell viability was measured by the MTS test. All tinctures showed the presence of polyphenols, mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and naphthoquinones, and in the sample with cloves, eugenol was found. Addition of spices increased the antioxidant capacity. Tinctures show a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. The lowest concentrations (125 µg mL−1) of both tinctures without additives (1 and 2) and with bay leaves (4) did not adversely affect (p > 0.05) and even supported cell proliferation (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control cells without treatment. Viability was lower in all cells except for the cells treated with tincture with cloves addition (p > 0.05). It indicates the beneficial effect of cloves enrichment and supports the assumption that the appropriate dosage of tinctures is necessary to be safe for the consumers.