CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIFUNGAL, ANTIMYCOBACTERIAL, AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF Talinum paniculatum

The allelopathic effects of aqueous Talinum triangulare (jacq.) willd extracts on the development of Lactuca sativa L. seedlings

Plants that produce allelopathic compounds against weeds have emerged as a potential solution for the development of ecologically correct bioherbicides. Talinum triangulare is noteworthy in this regard, as its phytochemical composition encompasses flavonoids, alkaloids and other metabolites that can be used to develop inhibitory weed growth solutions. Lactuca sativa (lettuce) has been widely applied as a bioindicator species for bioherbicides and several chemicals, animal waste, water and soil quality, and atmospheric contamination, among others. In this context, this study aimed to assess the potential allelopathic effect of aqueous T. triangulare extracts on the development of L. sativa seedlings. A completely randomized design employing a 2x4 factorial scheme (shoot and root extracts) x the concentration of each extract (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5%) was applied, comprising four replications. Lactuca sativa seeds were sown on germitest papers soaked with the extracts in a germination chamber at 20°C. Physiological seed evaluations comprising the germination test, where normal and abnormal seedlings are counted on the seventh day after sowing, first normal seedling counts on the fourth day after sowing, and seedling and root length measurements. At the end of the germination test, L. sativa seedlings were separated for morphoanatomical characterizations and chlorophyll a fluorescence analyses. The T. triangulare extracts significantly influenced L. sativa root growth, with shoot extract exposure leading to more abnormal plants and lower root lengths at increasing concentrations and compared to the root extract. Root extract exposure led to evident cellular changes and lower non-photochemical quenching and unregulated dissipation quantum yields at a 5% exposure dose compared to shoot extract exposure. These findings suggest that both aqueous T. triangulare root and shoot extracts from 5% exposure doses exhibit high potential as bioherbicides, acting directly on plant structure, anatomy, quality, size and physiology.

Phytochemical profiling, in vitro biological activities, and in silico (molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) studies of Polygonum cognatum Meissn

Polygonum cognatum Meissn, a perennial herbaceous belonging to the Polygonaceae family, is an aromatic plant. High-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector method was developed and validated for the phytochemical analysis of the plant. Also, various methods were used to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of the methanolic extracts. Antioxidant activities were researched by 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity methods. Among the tested standard microbial strains, Candida albicans was found to be more sensitive with a 24.60 ± 0.55 mm inhibition zone according to the diffusion tests. In the microdilution tests, the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration values were 4.75 and ≥ 4.75 mg/mL, respectively, for all tested pathogens. Human colon carcinoma cells were used to investigate cytotoxicity by using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide analysis (IC50  = 2891 μg/mL for Plant A, IC50  = 3291 μg/mL for Plant B). Molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity analysis were used to explain inhibition mechanisms of major phenolic compounds of plants against Tankyrase 1, Tankyrase 2 enzymes, and deoxyribonucleic acid gyrase subunit B and found compatible with experimental results.

A newly identified β-amyrin synthase gene hypothetically involved in oleanane-saponin biosynthesis from Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn

Talinum paniculatum or Javanese ginseng in Indonesia is a plant widely used as a traditional medicine. The genus Talinum produces oleanane-type saponins, such as talinumoside I. The first aim of this study was to isolate the probable gene encoding β-amyrin synthase (bAS), a key enzyme involved in the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene producing the backbone of the oleanane-type saponin β-amyrin and characterize the gene sequence and the predicted protein sequence using in silico approach. The second aim was to analyze the correlation between the TpbAS gene expression level and saponin production in various plant organs. Thus, TpbAS was isolated using degenerate primers and PCR 5'/3'-Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE), then the gene sequence and the predicted protein were in silico analyzed using various programs. TpbAS expression level was analyzed using reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), and saponin content was measured using a spectrophotometer. The results showed that the full-length TpbAS gene consists of 2298 base pairs encoding for a 765-amino acid protein. From in silico study, the (GA)n sequence was identified in the 5'-untranslated regions and predicted to be a candidate of the gene expression modulator. In addition, functional RNA motifs and sites analysis predicted the presence of exon splicing enhancers and silencers within the coding sequence and miRNA target sites candidate. Amino acid sequence analysis showed DCTAE, QW, and WCYCR motifs that were conserved in all classes of oxidosqualene cyclase enzymes. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that TpbAS is closely related to other plant oxidosqualene cyclase groups. Analysis of TpbAS expression and saponin content indicated that saponin is mainly synthesized and accumulated in the leaves. Taken together, these findings will assist in increasing the saponin content through a metabolic engineering approach.

Cardioprotective effects of Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in hypertensive rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. (Talinaceae) is a medicinal species that is widely distributed throughout Brazil. Popularly known as "major-gomes," the species is used in folk medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effect of an ethanolic extract of T. paniculatum (EETP) in rats with renovascular hypertension and heart failure and determine its chemical composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, EETP was obtained, and its chemical profile was analyzed by LC-DAD-MS. The acute toxicity was evaluated in female Wistar rats. The model of renovascular hypertension was established in male Wistar rats by combining the Goldblatt 2K1C method and intraperitoneal doxorubicin administration for 6 weeks. The animals were then treated daily with EETP (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) or metoprolol (25 mg/kg) by gavage for 28 days. The negative control group was treated with vehicle (filtered water). The sham group consisted of animals that were not subjected to 2K1C or cardiotoxicity and were treated with vehicle. Renal function was evaluated on days 1, 14, and 28. At the end of treatment, the electrocardiographic profile, blood pressure, and mesenteric vascular reactivity were investigated. Serum urea, creatinine, angiotensin converting enzyme, nitrotyrosine, malondialdehyde, nitrite, aldosterone, and sodium and potassium levels were measured. The heart, aorta artery, liver, and right kidney were collected, weighed, and processed for histopathological analysis. Cardiac chambers also underwent morphometric analysis.

RESULTS

No signs of toxicity were observed in female Wistar rats. Thirty-two compounds were annotated from EETP, including flavonoids, chlorogenic acids, and saponins. EETP treatment resulted in a significant cardiorenal-protective response, normalizing electrocardiographic and hemodynamic alterations, and preventing ventricle remodeling. These effects were associated with serum antioxidant activity and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that EETP may exert cardioprotective effects through serum antioxidant activity and ACE inhibition, preventing alterations of hemodynamic and endothelial function, and reducing damage to cardiac structure. Thus, EETP, especially at the 100 and 300 mg/kg doses, may be useful for preventing doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in hypertensive patients.

Antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles and extracts of Syzygium cumini flowers and seeds: Periodontal, cariogenic and opportunistic pathogens

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the antimicrobial effects of lyophilized hydroalcoholic extract (HEScSeed and HEScFlower) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-HEScSeed and AgNPs-HEScFlower) of S. cumini seed and flower, and to characterize some compounds of these extracts and their NPs.

DESIGN

Phytochemical screening was performed by GC-MS. Nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission gun (FEG), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential (ZP). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were analyzed by broth microdilution and agar diffusion methods.

RESULTS

HEScSeed and HEScFlower showed 7 and 17 phytochemical compounds, respectively. AgNPs-plant extracts were reported as stable and with variable shapes and sizes. All studied species (A. naeslundii, C. albicans, F. nucleatum, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. mutans, S. oralis and V. dispar) were susceptible to extracts and AgNPs-plant extracts, with varying degrees of antimicrobial activities (extract: 648.4-5,187.5 μg/mL; AgNPs-plant: 31.2-2,000 μg/mL).

CONCLUSION

The extracts of S. cumini seed and flower have antimicrobial action against pathogens of medical and dental interest, whose MIC and MMC are species-dependent. The AgNPs-HEScSeed and AgNPs-HEScFlower have different shapes, sizes, organic compounds, stability and electronegativity (capping), characteristics that contribute to their bacteriostatic and fungistatic effects, but at significantly lower concentrations than plant extracts.

Effects of Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. leaf extract on general toxicity and pubertal development of rats

Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. (Talinaceae), popularly known as "major gomes," is a Brazilian Cerrado plant used in traditional medicine and as a food source. Recent studies have demonstrated its diuretic effects. However, no studies have been performed on its effects on the reproductive system. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of the ethanol-soluble fraction of T. paniculatum leaves (ESTP) on general toxicity and on the pubertal development of male and female Wistar rats. For this purpose, the uterotrophic and the pubertal assays were performed. In the uterotrophic test, female immature rats were treated for three consecutive days with 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg of ESTP. Uterus without luminal fluid was weighed and the relative weight calculated. For the pubertal assay, male and female immature rats were submitted to 30-day treatment with 30 or 300 mg/kg of ESTP. Clinical signs of toxicity, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. ESTP treatment did not promote estrogenic effects in female rats. In the pubertal test, no daily signs of toxicity or weight loss were observed. Moreover, ESTP did not affect the onset of vaginal opening and preputial separation and did not cause significant changes in biochemical parameters as well as in organ weight and histopathological analyses of animals.

Ethnopharmacological approaches to Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. - Exploring cardiorenal effects from the Brazilian Cerrado

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. (Talinaceae), popularly known as "major gomes" and "erva gorda", is a non-conventional food plant extensively distributed throughout the Brazilian territory. In Brazilian folk medicine, this species is used as aphrodisiac, to treat gastrointestinal problems, and as a cardioprotective agent. However, there are no reports in the literature proving its cardiovascular effects.

AIM

To perform a whole-ethnopharmacological investigation of the cardiorenal properties of the ethanol soluble fraction from T. paniculatum (ESTP) in Wistar rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

First, plant samples were collected, properly identified and a morpho-anatomical characterization was carried out to provide quality control parameters. Then, ESTP was obtained and its chemical profile was determined by LC-DAD-MS. In addition, an acute toxicity assay was conducted in female Wistar rats in order to observe any toxic effects after one single administration. Finally, the diuretic and hypotensive potential of ESTP (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) were investigated in male rats followed by the evaluation of its possible effects on peripheral vascular resistance.

RESULTS

Chemical compounds identified from ESTP were chlorogenic acids, amino acids, nucleosides, O-glycosylated flavones and organic acids. No signs of toxicity as well as no changes in urine volume or electrolyte elimination were observed after ESTP acute treatment. On the other hand, prolonged treatment with all doses of ESTP significantly increased urine volume and electrolyte excretion (Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl^-) without affecting blood pressure or heart rate. Apparently, these effects are involved with the activation of the small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels contributing to the increase of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate.

CONCLUSION

Data presented show important information about the ethnomedicinal properties of T. paniculatum. In addition, the study presents the ESTP as a possible herbal medicine, especially when a sustained diuretic effect is required.

A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide

Modern studies have shown that adaptogens can non-specifically enhance the resistance of human body under a wide range of external stress conditions with a multi-targeted and multi-channel network-like manner, especially by affect the immune-neuro-endocrine system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. This review article draws the attention to the relationships of adaptogens, tonics from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and ginseng-like herbs worldwide, which all have similar plant sources and clinical applications. To clarify the sources and pharmacological mechanisms of these plant-originated adaptogens, which will provide useful information for the utilization of adaptogens to improve the human health. Meanwhile, the TCMs and the world-wide ginseng-like herbs from each region’s ethnopharmacology will be beneficial modernization and globalization.

Chloroplast Genome of the Folk Medicine and Vegetable Plant Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn.: Gene Organization, Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis

The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Talinum paniculatum (Caryophyllale), a source of pharmaceutical efficacy similar to ginseng, and a widely distributed and planted edible vegetable, were sequenced and analyzed. The cp genome size of T. paniculatum is 156,929 bp, with a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 25,751 bp separated by a large single copy (LSC) region of 86,898 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,529 bp. The genome contains 83 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and four pseudogenes. Fifty one (51) repeat units and ninety two (92) simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were found in the genome. The pseudogene rpl23 (Ribosomal protein L23) was insert AATT than other Caryophyllale species by sequence alignment, which located in IRs region. The gene of trnK-UUU (tRNA-Lys) and rpl16 (Ribosomal protein L16) have larger introns in T. paniculatum, and the existence of matK (maturase K) genes, which usually located in the introns of trnK-UUU, rich sequence divergence in Caryophyllale. Complete cp genome comparison with other eight Caryophyllales species indicated that the differences between T. paniculatum and P. oleracea were very slight, and the most highly divergent regions occurred in intergenic spacers. Comparisons of IR boundaries among nine Caryophyllales species showed that T. paniculatum have larger IRs region and the contraction is relatively slight. The phylogenetic analysis among 35 Caryophyllales species and two outgroup species revealed that T. paniculatum and P. oleracea do not belong to the same family. All these results give good opportunities for future identification, barcoding of Talinum species, understanding the evolutionary mode of Caryophyllale cp genome and molecular breeding of T. paniculatum with high pharmaceutical efficacy.