Ginkgols and bilobols in Ginkgo biloba L. A review of their extraction and bioactivities

Ginkgo biloba (GB) has enormous bioactives with anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and immune-stimulating properties, with global sales exceeding $10 billion. The terpene trilactones (ginkgolides A, B, and C) and flavonoids (mostly quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol) have received the most significant focus in GB research to date, whereas other bioactive compounds such as ginkgols and bilobols with various bioactivities such as anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor actions have received less attention. Therefore, for the first time, this review focused on GB ginkgols, bilobols extraction, and bioactivities. This review showed that petroleum ether and acetone extraction had successfully extracted ginkgols and bilobols. Furthermore, bioactivities such as anti-tumor activity and so on have been demonstrated for ginkgols, and bilobols, providing theoretical justification for ginkgols and bilobol as raw material for nutraceuticals, functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. Future research could look into other biological applications (such as anti-oxidant, antitoxins, anti-radiation, anti-microbial, and antiparasite) and their applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries. Besides, the primary research should be on developing green and effective methods for preparing ginkgols and bilobols and fully utilizing their pharmacological activity. This will also provide a new avenue for efficiently utilizing these bioactive compounds.

Long-term sevoflurane exposure reduces the differentiation potential and hypoxia tolerance potential of neural stem cells

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of prolonged sevoflurane (SEV) exposure on differentiation potential and hypoxia tolerance of neural stem cells (NSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NSCs were extracted from 15-day fetal mice. After sub-culture, SEV exposure treatment was performed. Cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect the expression and spatial distribution of Nestin, NSE, GFAP, Oct4, and SOX2; CCK-8 detected cell viability. Cell growth morphology was observed under a microscope. TUNEL detected cell apoptosis; the concentration of extracel-lular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the proportion of NSCs in the G2/M phase increased in the SEV exposure group; our results also suggested the sphere-formation rate decreased significantly, increased apoptosis and decreased cell viability. Besides, the level of LDH release increased.

CONCLUSION

Long-term exposure to SEV (>8 h) promoted the premature differentiation of NSCs and reduced their pluripotency, reserves, and hypoxia tolerance. This study reveals the reasons underlying damage to the nervous system of young children induced by long-term exposure to SEV from the perspective of CNS reserve cells.

2-Allylphenol Reduces IL-1β and TNF-α, Promoting Antinociception through Adenosinergic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Mechanisms

2-Allylphenol (2-AP) is a synthetic phenylpropanoid, structurally related to cardanol, thymol, and ortho-eugenol. Phenylpropanoids are described in the literature as being capable of promoting biological activity. Due to the similarity between 2-AP and other bioactive phenylpropanoids, the present research aims at evaluating the antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory potential of 2-AP in silico, in vitro, and in vivo. At 30 min prior to the start of in vivo pharmacological testing, administration of 2-AP (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg i.p.), morphine (6 mg/kg i.p.), dexamethasone (2 mg/kg s.c.), or vehicle alone was performed. In the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing tests, pretreatment with 2-AP significantly reduced the number of abdominal writhes, as well as decreased licking times in the glutamate and formalin tests. Investigation of the mechanism of action using the formalin model led to the conclusion that the opioid system does not participate in its activity. However, the adenosinergic system is involved. In the peritonitis tests, 2-AP inhibited leukocyte migration and reduced releases of proinflammatory mediators TNF-α and IL-1β. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated that 2-AP presents significant ability to sequester superoxide radicals. In silico docking studies confirmed interaction between 2-AP and the adenosine A2a receptor through hydrogen bonds with the critical asparagine 253 residues present in the active site. Investigation of 2-AP demonstrated its nociception inhibition and ability to reduce reactive oxygen species. Its interaction with A2a receptors may well be related to proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β reduction activity, corroborating its antinociceptive effect.