Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory phenylbutenoids from the rhizomes of Zingiber cassumunar

NMR-based stability evaluation of (E)-1-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (DMPBD) from Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. rhizome

INTRODUCTION

The active compound (E)-1-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (DMPBD) isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. has potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Although DMPBD is one of the promising drug candidates for phytomedicine, its limited stability impedes its widespread use. For the development of new drugs, the assessment of their chemical stability is essential, ensuring they maintain their properties within specified limits throughout the period from production until use.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the stability of DMPBD under various conditions, including different solvents, temperatures, and lighting conditions, to identify the factors affecting stability and optimize the storage and handling conditions.

METHODOLOGY

DMPBD samples subjected to the different conditions tested were monitored by quantitative 1H NMR (qHNMR), using an internal standard for the determination of the absolute quantity of DMPBD as a function of time and the changes thereof within 1 month.

RESULTS

Significant decomposition of DMPBD was observed in chloroform-d1, whereas its content remained constant in methanol-d4. The content of DMPBD was maintained upon storage at temperatures below 4°C, both as methanolic solution and in the crude extract. Exposure to light had a slight negative impact on its contents. Some degradation products could be identified as resulting from O2-induced cleavage of the diene moiety.

CONCLUSIONS

For pharmacological/therapeutic applications, DMPBD should be stored in the form of the crude extract or as a purified material in methanolic solution. Ideally, the storage temperature should be below 4°C and O2 should be excluded.

Mass spectral analysis of secondary metabolites from Zingiber montanum rhizome extract using UHPLC-HR-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS

INTRODUCTION

Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. is a popular medicinal plant in Thailand. Its rhizomes have been used as an ingredient in various Thai traditional medicine formulas. While many reports have focused on the chemical constituents and biological activities of this plant, a comprehensive study on secondary metabolite profiling using tandem mass spectrometry has, to this point, never been documented.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the chemical constituents in Z. montanum rhizomes using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultra-high-resolution electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HR-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) analyses and to utilize the characteristic fragmentation patterns of these compounds to facilitate their identification.

METHODOLOGY

UHPLC-HR-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS in positive ion mode was used for chemical identification of secondary metabolites from the ethanolic extract of the plant material. MS/MS data of some known reference compounds, together with detailed fragmentation pattern information of several compounds obtained from the crude extract, were used to elucidate their chemical structures.

RESULTS

In this work, one benzaldehyde, ten phenylbutenoid monomers, six curcuminoids, and nine phenylbutenoid dimers were assigned based on their characteristic fragment ions. Among these compounds, 2-(3,4-dimethoxystyryl)oxirane was tentatively suggested as a potential new compound. Several characteristic fragment ions from these compounds were assigned and the relative ion abundance of these was also used to differentiate the chemical structures of compounds having the same molecular mass.

CONCLUSIONS

The results will benefit future high-throughput screening of bioactive compounds and method development for the quality control of raw materials and herbal drugs derived from Z. montanum rhizome extracts.

Bioactive Compounds from Zingiber montanum and Their Pharmacological Activities with Focus on Zerumbone

The genus Zingiber consists of about 85 species and many of these species are used as food, spices, and medicines. One of the species, Zingiber montanum (J. Koenig) Link ex A. Dietr. is native to Southeast Asia and has been extensively used as traditional medicines and food. The aim of this review was to collect and critically analyze the scientific information about the bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities of Z. montanum with focus on one of the main components, zerumbone (ZER). Various studies have reported the analysis of volatile constituents of the essential oils from Z. montanum. Similarly, many phenylbutanoids, flavonoids and terpenes were also isolated from rhizomes. These essential oils, extracts and compounds showed potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities among others. Zerumbone has been studied widely for its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological activities. Future studies should focus on the exploration of various pharmacological activities of other compounds including phenylbutanoids and flavonoids. Bioassay guided isolation may result in the separation of other active components from the extracts. Z. montanum could be a promising source for the development of pharmaceutical products and functional foods.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Zingiber montanum Oil in HepG2 Cells and Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages

Improvement of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions is believed to be an effective strategy for protection against various diseases such as cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative disease. This study focused on investigating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities of Zingiber montanum oil (ZMO) extracted by the supercritical CO₂ fluid system in HepG2 cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Ten predominant constituents of ZMO were identified, in which triquinacene, 1,4-bis (methoxy), terpinen-4-ol, triquinacene, 1,4,7-tris (methoxy), α-terpinene, sabinene hydrate, and (E and Z)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene account for 86.47%. ZMO exhibited anti-inflammatory capacity by inhibiting the formation of pro-inflammatory markers such as nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in LPS-treated macrophages. The LPS-induced stimulation of nuclear factor-kappa B, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways as evident from increased phosphorylation of IKKα/β, IκBα, p65, Stat3, ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK was also suppressed by ZMO pretreatment. Further, ZMO enhanced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and concurrently, reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, ZMO treatment markedly upregulated the expression of Nrf2 as well as its target genes, HO-1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 in HepG2 cells. These data propose that ZMO may be a potent candidate for prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory and oxidative conditions.

Phytochemicals and Bioactivities of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb

Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (Zingiberaceae), is an important medicinal plant known as “Plai (Phlai)” in Thailand, “Bangle” in Indonesia, and “Bulei” in China. Traditionally, this plant has been used to treat inflammation, pain, and respiratory problems. The rhizomes are the primary part of the plant that has been used for medicinal purposes due to their constituents with therapeutic properties, including phenylbutenoids, curcuminoids, and essential oils. Since the 1970s, many studies have been conducted on the phytochemicals and bioactivities of Z. cassumunar to establish fundamental scientific evidence that supports its use in traditional medicine. The accumulated biological studies on the extracts, solvent fractions, and constituents of Z. cassumunar have described their diverse medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective/neurotrophic, cosmeceutical, and antifungal/antimicrobial bioactivities. In this review, we summarize information on the phytochemicals of Z. cassumunar and the bioactivities of its extracts and constituents.

Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. extract increase the reactive oxidant level and interleukins expression in vitro

Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (bangle) has a variety of active compounds, including curcumin and phenylbutenoid. Bangle rhizoma reported exhibiting immunomodulatory activities. This research aims to determine the mechanism of bangle extract as an immunomodulator by the secretion of Reactive Oxygen Intermediate (ROI), Nitric Oxide (NO), and interleukin (IL-10 and IL-14) expression level. Bangle extract (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) was made by the maceration method using 96% ethanol solvent. This research was administered in vitro using macrophage cells from male mice with Balb/C strain divided into 2 groups: normal control and treatment group (receiving 25, 50, and 100 ppm of extract). The administration of bangle extract can function as an immunomodulator by an increase of ROI in 25 and 50 ppm of the extract significantly than the control group (p <0.05), the treatment groups decrease NO level (p <0.05), it also was found to increase expression of IL-10 and IL-14 expression levels (p <0.05). Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. extract was potentially to be developed as an immunomodulator.

Effectiveness of hot herbal compress versus topical diclofenac in treating patients with myofascial pain syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain disorder which causes musculoskeletal pain and inflammation in the body's soft tissues. Thai Traditional Medicine uses hot herbal compresses as analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment. There are no scientifically validated follow-up studies after treatment using hot herbal compresses. Effects of hot herbal compresses as an alternative treatment for MPS in the upper trapezius muscle compared with the standard treatment (diclofenac) were examined. Sixty patients with myofascial pain syndrome in the upper trapezius muscle were randomly divided into two groups and assigned to receive either hot herbal compress or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac) treatment for 2 weeks. Clinical assessments included visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain score, cervical range of motion (CROM) for the neck and pressure pain threshold (PPT) tolerability before and after treatment. Within the groups, all treatments caused significant improvement in VAS and marginally increased effectiveness in PPT; however, only hot herbal compress treatment improved CROM. Hot herbal compress was more effective than diclofenac in all tests. Results provided comparable clinical efficacy between hot herbal compress and diclofenac after 2 weeks of treatment. Hot herbal compress proved to be an effective complementary or alternative treatment for MPS in the upper trapezius muscle.

Safety Assessment of Bangle (Zingiber purpureum Rosc.) Rhizome Extract: Acute and Chronic Studies in Rats and Clinical Studies in Human

Bangle (Zingiber purpureum Rosc.) rhizome extract (BRE) contains phenylbutenoid dimers (banglenes), which exert neurotrophic effects and possess the potential capability to regenerate hippocampal neurons in mice. The acute and chronic oral toxicities of BRE powder were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats. A dose of BRE powder was estimated to be higher than 2000 mg/kg containing BRE 534 mg/kg as minimum lethal dose in a single-dose oral toxicity study. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level for the BRE powder was 1000 mg/kg/day (BRE 267 mg/kg) in the 90 day oral toxicity study. Four week clinical studies of BRE tablets in humans suggested that the ingestion of BRE tablets within 850 mg/man/day (BRE 227 mg/man/day) was safe for at least 1 month and in a usual manner. The C _max, t _max, and AUC of cis- and trans-(E)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-enes (c- and t-banglenes) were calculated after the ingestion of BRE tablets (BRE 227 mg) and were 17.73 and 22.61 ng/mL, 1.8 and 1.8 h, and 71.47 and 95.53 ng/mL/h, respectively.

Raging the War Against Inflammation With Natural Products

Over the last few decade Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are the drugs of choice for treating numerous inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. The NSAIDs produces anti-inflammatory activity via inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzyme, responsible for the conversation of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Likewise, cyclooxegenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2) selectively inhibit the COX-2 enzyme and produces significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-pyretic activity without producing COX-1 associated gastrointestinal and renal side effects. In last two decades numerous selective COX-2 inhibitors (COXIBs) have been developed and approved for various inflammatory conditions. However, data from clinical trials have suggested that the prolong use of COX-2 inhibitors are also associated with life threatening cardiovascular side effects including ischemic heart failure and myocardial infection. In these scenario secondary metabolites from natural product offers a great hope for the development of novel anti-inflammatory compounds. Although majority of the natural product based compounds exhibit more selectively toward COX-1. However, the data suggest that slight structural modification can be helpful in developing COX-2 selective secondary metabolites with comparative efficacy and limited side effects. This review is an effort to highlight the secondary metabolites from terrestrial and marine source with significant COX-2 and COX-2 mediated PGE2 inhibitory activity, since it is anticipated that isolates with ability to inhibit COX-2 mediated PGE2 production would be useful in suppressing the inflammation and its classical sign and symptoms. Moreover, this review has highlighted the potential lead compounds including berberine, kaurenoic acid, α-cyperone, curcumin, and zedoarondiol for further development with the help of structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and their current status.

Clinical effects of Zingiber cassumunar (Plai): A systematic review

Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. known locally as "Plai" in Thai, has been used for treating bruise, sprain and musculoskeletal pain. Several pre-clinical studies demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of Plai. However, current evidence of clinical effects of Plai is still unclear. This study aimed to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of Plai among all identified indications. Of the 808 articles identified by a systematic review, six studies were included. Four studies were randomized controlled trials, while two studies were quasi-experimental studies involving 178 patients in intervention group and 177 patients in control group. Duration of treatment ranged from 7days to 2 months. Our findings showed that 14% Plai cream had a strong trend of benefits in pain reduction for muscle pain and ankle sprain. However, evidence supporting the effects of Plai on acne vulgaris treatment and anti-histamine effect are still unclear.

Formulation of Polyherbal Patches Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol and Hydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose: Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation

The purpose of this research was to prepare and characterize polyherbal patches made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) with glycerine as a plasticizer. Polyherbal extracts were Luk-Pra-Kob recipes extracted with 95% ethanol. They were prepared by mixing the polymer solutions and glycerine in a beaker; subsequently, the polyherbal extracts were homogeneously mixed. Then, they were transferred into a Petri dish and dried in a hot-air oven at 70 ± 2°C for 5 h. The dry polyherbal patches were evaluated for physicochemical properties by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and a scanning electron microscope. They were studied for in vitro release and skin permeation of the marker active compound (E)-4-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-l-ol (compound D) using a modified Franz-type diffusion cell. The polyherbal patches made from PVA as a matrix layer were homogeneous, smooth, and compact relative to HPMC-containing polyherbal patches. The selected polyherbal patches made from PVA produced a release profile with an initial burst effect in which compound D release was 74.21 ± 6.13% within 8 h, but compound D could permeate the pig skin only 37.28 ± 5.52% and was highly accumulated in newborn pig skin at 35.90 ± 6.72%. The in vitro release and skin permeation kinetics of compound D were fitted to the Higuchi model. The polyherbal patches made from PVA could be suitably used for herbal medicine application.

Anti-inflammatory activity of niosomes entrapped with Plai oil (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) by therapeutic ultrasound in a rat model

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Plai oil-encapsulated niosomes (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) on inflamed subcutaneous Wistar rat skin by therapeutic ultrasound.

METHODS

Pure oil from Plai rhizomes was extracted by steam distillation, and antioxidant activities were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. Bioactive compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Niosome particles containing Plai oil were prepared by chloroform film method with sonication before testing for anti-inflammatory activity on locally inflamed subcutaneous rat skin after inducement from lipopolysaccharide with ultrasound once a day for 3 days. Skin temperatures and blood flow were evaluated.

RESULTS

Plai oil presented antioxidant activity that inhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals. Four active compounds found in the essential oil were sabinene, γ-terpinene, terpinene-4-ol, and (E)-1-(3,4-dimethyoxy phenyl) butadiene. Application of ultrasound (0.2 W/cm2, 20%, 3 min) with gel containing Plai oil-encapsulated niosomes decreased skin temperature and blood flow to the lowest level compared to the application of neurofen drug or gel-based control.

CONCLUSION

Plai oil, which consists of four main bioactive compounds and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, can be applied against local subcutaneous inflammation when used with therapeutic ultrasound via entrapped niosomes.

Topical Niosome Gel of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. Extract for Anti-inflammatory Activity Enhanced Skin Permeation and Stability of Compound D

An extract of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. (ZC) was encapsulated in niosomes of which a topical gel was formed. (E)-4-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-ol or compound D detected by a gradient HPLC was employed as the marker and its degradation determined to follow zero-order kinetics. Niosomes significantly retarded thermal-accelerated decomposition of compound D in the gel (p < 0.05) but did not change the activation energy of compound D. Niosomes enhanced in vitro permeation rate of compound D from the gel. Topical applications of ZC noisome gel gave a faster change in tail flick latency than piroxicam gel and hydrocortisone cream (p < 0.05) while there were insignificant differences in anti-inflammatory activity up to 6 h using croton oil-induced ear edema model in mice (p > 0.05). Thus, encapsulation of ZC extract in niosomes enhanced chemical stability and skin permeation with comparable topical anti-inflammatory effects to steroid and NSAID.

(E)-4-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-ol Enhances Melanogenesis through Increasing Upstream Stimulating Factor-1-Mediated Tyrosinase Expression

We investigated the potential melanogenic effect of compounds from Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. Our data revealed that chloroform-soluble extract of Z. cassumunar enhanced melanin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. Among the components of the chloroform extract, (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-ol (DMPB) increased melanogenesis in both B16F10 cells and human primary melanocytes. In B16F10 cells, DMPB enhanced the activation of ERK and p38, and the level of tyrosinase. Although the level of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor was unchanged in DMPB-treated B16F10 cells, DMPB increased levels and nuclear localization of upstream stimulating factor-1 (USF1). Consistently, DMPB-mediated melanin synthesis was diminished in USF1-knockdown cells. Furthermore, DMPB induced hyperpigmentation in brown guinea pigs in vivo. Together, these data suggest that DMPB may promote melanin synthesis via USF1 dependent fashion and could be used as a clinical therapeutic agent against hypopigmentation-associated diseases.

Formulation, physicochemical characterization, and in vitro study of chitosan/HPMC blends-based herbal blended patches

The current work prepared chitosan/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) blends and studied the possibility of chitosan/HPMC blended patches for Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. The blended patches without/with crude Z. cassumunar oil were prepared by homogeneously mixing the 3.5% w/v of chitosan solution and 20% w/v of HPMC solution, and glycerine was used as plasticizer. Then, they were poured into Petri dish and produced the blended patches in hot air oven at 70 ± 2°C. The blended patches were tested and evaluated by the physicochemical properties: moisture uptake, swelling ratio, erosion, porosity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction, and photographed the surface and cross-section morphology under SEM technique. Herbal blended patches were studied by the in vitro release and skin permeation of active compound D. The blended patches could absorb the moisture and became hydrated patches that occurred during the swelling of blended patches. They were eroded and increased by the number of porous channels to pass through out for active compound D. In addition, the blended patches indicated the compatibility of the blended ingredients and homogeneous smooth and compact. The blended patches made from chitosan/HPMC blends provide a controlled release and skin permeation behavior of compound D. Thus, the blended patches could be suitably used for herbal medicine application.

Compounds from Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott with cytotoxic activity

One new coumarin, dryofracoumarin A (1), and eight known compounds 2-9 were isolated from Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data analyses and comparison with reported spectroscopic data. The new compound 1 was determined to be 8-hydroxyl-4-isopropyl-7-methyl-6-methyl-2H-benzopyran-2-one. Two dimers, trans- and cis-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphen-yl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (compounds 8 and 9), were isolated from the Dryopteris genus for the first time. The other six were esculetin (2), isoscopoletin (3), methylphlorbutyrophenone (4), aspidinol (5), albicanol (6) and (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphen-yl)but-3-en-1-ol (7). All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects by the MTT assay. Compounds 2, 3, 8 and 9 showed significantly cytotoxic effects against three cell lines (A549, MCF7 and HepG2), 1 and 5 against two cell lines (A549 and MCF7), and 6 against one cell line (MCF7). Their IC₅₀ values ranged between 2.73 ± 0.86 μM and 24.14 ± 3.12 μM. These active compounds might be promising lead compounds for the treatment of cancer.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of phenylbutenoid dimers as inhibitors of P-glycoprotein

The expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-dependent efflux transporter, is closely associated with the failure of chemotherapy and drug absorption. Two synthesized optically active phenylbutenoid dimers, 3S-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4R-{(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl}cyclohex-1-ene (1) and 3R-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4S-{(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl}cyclohex-1-ene (2), were tested for their P-gp inhibitory effects by measuring cellular accumulation and efflux of daunomycin in P-gp-overexpressed human breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADR). Compound 2 significantly increased the accumulation of daunomycin (539%) and decreased the efflux of this compound (55.4%), and similar results were observed for 1. ATPase assays and Western blot analysis were performed to identify the mechanisms by which compounds 1 and 2 inhibit P-gp. In addition, changes in the pharmacokinetic profile of paclitaxel coadministered with 2 in rats were evaluated. Paclitaxel (25 mg/kg) when orally administered with 2 (5 mg/kg) improved its relative bioavailability by 185%. Compound 2 effectively improved cellular accumulation by reducing the efflux of daunomycin and significantly enhanced oral exposure to paclitaxel. Therefore, compound 2 may be useful for improving oral exposure and cellular availability of drugs that are also substrates of P-gp.

Inhibitory effect of Zingiber cassumunar extracts on lipopolysaccharide-induced cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase expression in human gingival fibroblasts

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induce the production of proinflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Zingiber cassumunar is a medicinal plant that possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the Z. cassumunar extract on the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2 and MMP-2 in HGFs challenged with LPS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

HGFs were treated with LPS in the presence or absence of Z. cassumunar extracts. The levels of expression of COX-1, COX-2 and MMP-2 mRNAs and of COX-1, COX-2 and MMP-2 proteins were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. MMP-2 activities in cell-culture supernatants were determined using gelatin zymography. MAPK activation was evaluated by western blotting.

RESULTS

LPS treatment of HGFs resulted in the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK. Z. cassumunar extracts significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK in HGFs stimulated with LPS. A lesser inhibitory effect was observed for the phosphorylation of p38. RT-PCR and western blot analyses showed that Z. cassumunar extracts inhibited the LPS-induced expression of COX-2 mRNA and COX-2 protein, respectively, but not of COX-1 mRNA or COX-1 protein. Pretreatment of HGFs with Z. cassumunar also attenuated the induction of MMP-2 with LPS.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that Z. cassumunar extracts inhibit COX-2 and MMP-2 production by LPS-activated human gingival fibroblasts through blocking the proinflammatory signaling pathway involving ERK1/2, JNK and p38.

Inhibitory effect of phenylbutanoid-rich Zingiber cassumunar extracts on nitric oxide production by murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells

Four phenylbutanoids, (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-l-ol (I), (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-l-yl acetate (II), (E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)butadiene (III) and (E)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (IV), isolated from Zingiber cassumunar, were used as standard markers for quantitative determination and preparation of phenylbutanoid-enriched Z. cassumunar extracts (PZEs). A reversed-phase HPLC method was established for the simultaneous determination of the phenylbutanoids in Z. cassumunar extracts. Systematic extraction studies to maximize phenylbutanoid content revealed that hexane was the most appropriate solvent for extraction. A one-step purification of the hexane crude extract of Z. cassumunar, using silica gel vacuum chromatography, provided the PZEs. The content of phenylbutanoids in the PZEs was up to 48.3% w/w dry weight. The anti-inflammatory activity of PZEs via inhibition of nitric oxide production by murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells was stronger than those of the four individual phenylbutanoids, the crude hexane extract and the essential oil of Z. cassumunar.

Synthesis and biological activity of optically active phenylbutenoid dimers

The total synthesis of optically active phenylbutenoid dimers 1, 3, and ent-3 is described. The key step to access optically active cyclohexene rings was achieved by Diels-Alder reaction of chiral acryloyloxazolinone 9 and phenylbetadiene 10.

Systematic review of herbals as potential anti-inflammatory agents: Recent advances, current clinical status and future perspectives

Many synthetic drugs reported to be used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders are of least interest now a days due to their potential side effects and serious adverse effects and as they are found to be highly unsafe for human assistance. Since the last few decades, herbal drugs have regained their popularity in treatment against several human ailments. Herbals containing anti-inflammatory activity (AIA) are topics of immense interest due to the absence of several problems in them, which are associated with synthetic preparations. The primary objective of this review is to provide a deep overview of the recently explored anti-inflammatory agents belonging to various classes of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, polyphenolic compounds, and also the compounds isolated from plants of marine origin, algae and fungi. Also, it enlists a distended view on potential interactions between herbals and synthetic preparations, related adverse effects and clinical trials done on herbals for exploring their AIA. The basic aim of this review is to give updated knowledge regarding plants which will be valuable for the scientists working in the field of anti-inflammatory natural chemistry.

Predicting cyclooxygenase inhibition by three-dimensional pharmacophoric profiling. Part II: Identification of enzyme inhibitors from Prasaplai, a Thai traditional medicine

Prasaplai is a medicinal plant mixture that is used in Thailand to treat primary dysmenorrhea, which is characterized by painful uterine contractility caused by a significant increase of prostaglandin release. Cyclooxygenase (COX) represents a key enzyme in the formation of prostaglandins. Former studies revealed that extracts of Prasaplai inhibit COX-1 and COX-2. In this study, a comprehensive literature survey for known constituents of Prasaplai was performed. A multiconformational 3D database was created comprising 683 molecules. Virtual parallel screening using six validated pharmacophore models for COX inhibitors was performed resulting in a hit list of 166 compounds. 46 Prasaplai components with already determined COX activity were used for the external validation of this set of COX pharmacophore models. 57% of these components were classified correctly by the pharmacophore models. These findings confirm that the virtual approach provides a helpful tool (i) to unravel which molecular compounds might be responsible for the COX-inhibitory activity of Prasaplai and (ii) for the fast identification of novel COX inhibitors.

A new diarylheptanoid from the rhizomes of Zingiber mekongense

A new diarylheptanoid, (3S,5S)-3,5-diacetoxy-1,7-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)heptane (1), together with the known docosyl trans-ferulate (2), (1S,2S,4S)-p-menthan-1,2,4-triol (3), 5αH-eudesmane-4α,11-diol (4), 5αH-eudesmane-4β,11-diol (5), 4α,10β-dihydroxy-1βH,5αH-guaia-6-ene (guaianediol) (6), (+)-galanolactone (7), (E)-labda-8(17),12(13)-dien-15,16-olide (8), labda-8(17),13(14)-dien-15,16-olide (9), 3,5-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone (10) and 3,5,3'-trihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone (11) were isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber mekongense. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. The stereochemistry of 1 was proved through chemical conversion. Compounds 1, 4-7 and 9-11 exhibited anti-HIV-1 activities in the anti-syncytium assay using (∆Tat/rev)MC99 virus and 1A2 cell line system, while only compounds 7 and 11 were found active in the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase assay.

Characterization of potent anticholinesterase plant oil based microemulsion

In the present study, essential oils of three edible Thai plants, Cymbopogon citratus (Gramineae), Citrus hystrix (Rutaceae) and Zingiber cassumunar (Zingiberaceae) were comparatively tested for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities using Ellman's colorimetric method. C. citratus oil exhibited the highest activity with IC(50) values of 0.34±0.07μl/ml and 2.14±0.18μl/ml against BChE and AChE activity, respectively. It was further investigated whether microemulsions of this oil could be obtained. The effects of type of surfactant and co-surfactant as well as pH and ionic strength on the phase behavior of the oil/water system were investigated. Brij 97, Triton X-114, Tween 20 and Tween 85 were employed as surfactant whereas ethanol and hexanol were used as cosurfactants. The size analysis, electrical conductivity measurements and cholinesterase inhibition assays were done in selected microemulsion. The results revealed that the type and concentration of surfactant and co-surfactant exhibited a distinct influence on the C. citratus oil microemulsions. Moreover, the inhibitory activities of the microemulsion formulation were remarkable.

Structures of new phenylbutanoids and nitric oxide production inhibitors from the rhizomes of Zingiber cassumunar

The methanolic (MeOH) extract from the rhizomes of Zingiber cassumunar showed nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory effects induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mouse peritoneal macrophages. From the MeOH extract, six new phenylbutanoids, phlains I-VI, were isolated together with 16 known constituents. The structures of new phenylbutanoids were determined on the basis of physicochemical and chemical evidence. In addition, the inhibitory effects of the principal constituents on the NO production were examined. Among them, phlain III (IC50=24 microM), (E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)buta-1,3-diene (69 microM), (E)-1-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)buta-1,3-diene (83 microM), and cassumunaquinone 1 (47 microM) were found to show the inhibitory effects.

Development of SCAR (sequence-characterized amplified region) markers as a complementary tool for identification of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) from crude drugs and multicomponent formulations

Zingiber officinale Roscoe (common or culinary ginger) is an official drug in Ayurvedic, Indian herbal, Chinese, Japanese, African and British Pharmacopoeias. The objective of the present study was to develop DNA-based markers that can be applied for the identification and differentiation of the commercially important plant Z. officinale Roscoe from the closely related species Zingiber zerumbet (pinecone, bitter or 'shampoo' ginger) and Zingiber cassumunar [cassumunar or plai (Thai) ginger]. The rhizomes of the other two Zingiber species used in the present study are morphologically similar to that of Z. officinale Roscoe and can be used as its adulterants or contaminants. Various methods, including macroscopy, microscopy and chemoprofiling, have been reported for the quality control of crude ginger and its products. These methods are reported to have limitations in distinguishing Z. officinale from closely related species. Hence, newer complementary methods for correct identification of ginger are useful. In the present study, RAPD (random amplification of polymorphic DNA) analysis was used to identify putative species-specific amplicons for Z. officinale. These were further cloned and sequenced to develop SCAR (sequence-characterized amplified region) markers. The developed SCAR markers were tested in several non-Zingiber species commonly used in ginger-containing formulations. One of the markers, P3, was found to be specific for Z. officinale and was successfully applied for detection of Z. officinale from Trikatu, a multicomponent formulation.