Traditonal Uses, Pharmacological, and Phytochemical Studies of Euphorbia: a Review

Lathyrane diterpenoids from Euphorbia lathyris induce cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in human hypertrophic scar cells

One new lathyrane-type diterpenoid, euphlathin A (1), and 11 known analogues (2-12), were isolated from the fruits of Euphorbia lathyris. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of 1 were established by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. All diterpenoids (1-12) were evaluated for antiproliferative activity against the human hypertrophic scar (HTS) cells. Compound 1 exhibited significantly against HTS cells growth with an IC50 value of 6.33 μM. Morphological features of apoptosis were evaluated in 1-treated HTS cells. Wound healing assays indicated that 1 significantly inhibited the migration of HTS at 24 h and 48 h. Compound 1 effectively induced apoptosis of HTS, which was associated with G2/M or S phase cell cycle arrest. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the treatment by 1 significantly induced HTS cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, euphlathin A (1) has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for the treatment of hyperplastic scar therapy.

Antibacterial potential of Euphorbia canariensis against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria causing respiratory tract infections

The widespread dissemination of bacterial resistance has led to great attention being paid to finding substitutes for traditionally used antibiotics. Plants are rich in various phytochemicals that could be used as antibacterial therapies. Here, we elucidate the phytochemical profile of Euphorbia canariensis ethanol extract (EMEE) and then elucidate the antibacterial potential of ECEE against Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. ECEE showed minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 128 to 512 µg/mL. The impact of ECEE on the biofilm-forming ability of the tested isolates was elucidated using crystal violet assay and qRT-PCR to study its effect on the gene expression level. ECEE exhibited antibiofilm potential, which resulted in a downregulation of the expression of the biofilm genes (algD, pelF, and pslD) in 39.13% of the tested isolates. The antibacterial potential of ECEE was studied in vivo using a lung infection model in mice. A remarkable improvement was observed in the ECEE-treated group, as revealed by the histological and immunohistochemical studies. Also, ELISA showed a noticeable decrease in the oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide and malondialdehyde). The gene expression of the proinflammatory marker (interleukin-6) was downregulated, while the anti-inflammatory biomarker was upregulated (interleukin-10). Thus, clinical trials should be performed soon to explore the potential antibacterial activity of ECEE, which could help in our battle against resistant pathogenic bacteria.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Euphorbia paralias (L.): a bioprospecting study with phytoconstituents analysis

Objectives

The phytochemicals in the aerial parts of Euphorbia paralias (also known as Sea Spurge) and their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were investigated.

Methods

The methanolic extract was characterized using GC-MS and HPLC techniques. The anti-inflammatory feature was estimated through a Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization technique, while the antimicrobial feature was evaluated by the disc diffusion agar technique, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) via micro-broth dilution method.

Results

The GC/MS results demonstrated the existence of various phytochemicals, such as n-hexadecenoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid, and methyl stearate, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial features. The similarity of the phytochemical composition with other Euphorbia species emphasizes the genus-wide similarity. The anti-inflammatory activity exhibited a noteworthy inhibitory effect comparable to the reference drug indomethacin. The extract's antimicrobial potential was tested against a range of microorganisms, demonstrating significant action against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. The quantification of total phenolics and flavonoids further supported the therapeutic potential of the extract.

Conclusion

The methanolic extract from E. paralias emerges as a successful natural source of important active constituents with potential applications as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents. This research provides a first step to valorize Euphorbia paralias insights as a source of worthwhile phytochemicals that have potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Euphorbia grantii Oliv. standardized extract and its fraction ameliorate doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in Ehrlich carcinoma bearing mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Euphorbia plants have long been used as traditional medicine in China, Europe, America, Turkey, India, Africa, Iran, and Pakistan because of its high medicinal value and health advantages especially as a remedy for several types of cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in cancer chemotherapy, with dose-limiting cardiotoxicity. The development of medicinal approaches to attenuate drug's toxicity represents an area of great concern in cancer research. Because research on this topic is still disputed and limited, we aim to investigate the potential of supplementation with Euphorbia grantii Oliv. on DOX-induced cardiomyopathy in Ehrlich carcinoma bearing mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of total methanolic extract (TE), and its bioactive dichloromethane fraction (DCMF) was applied for the determination of friedelin. Male BALB/c mice were used to keep the Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The experiment was performed for a 2-weeks period.

RESULTS

A good linearity relationship was found to be with correlation coefficient (r2) value of 0.9924 for the isolated friedelin. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) was found to be 0.00179, and 0.000537 ng/band respectively for friedelin. The amount of friedelin in the TE and DCMF were determined by using calibration curve of standard as 106.32 ± 5.69 μg, and 159.2 ± 4.24 μg friedelin/mg extract, respectively. DOX-induced cardiomyopathy by decreasing the ejection fraction (EF) compared to the Ehrlich and negative control groups. It resulted in a decrease in the EF by 30 and 39% compared to the other groups. High and low doses of the TE and DCMF did not result in significantly different ejection fractions compared to the Ehrlich group. Co-administration of DCMF with DOX ameliorated the alteration in the serum CKMB and LDH levels. As revealed from histopathological study, DOX impairs viability of cardiac myocytes and DCMF could effectively and extensively counteract this action of DOX and potentially protect the heart from severe toxicity of DOX.

CONCLUSIONS

Finally, our results indicated that Euphorbia grantii Oliv. would be the best option to reduce DOX adverse effects.

Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Compounds Isolated from Plants of Euphorbia Genus

Euphorbia is a large genus of the Euphorbiaceae family. Around 250 species of the Euphorbia genus have been studied chemically and pharmacologically; different compounds have been isolated from these species, especially diterpenes and triterpenes. Several reports show that several species have anti-inflammatory activity, which can be attributed to the presence of diterpenes, such as abietanes, ingenanes, and lathyranes. In addition, it was found that some diterpenes isolated from different Euphorbia species have anti-cancer activity. In this review, we included compounds isolated from species of the Euphorbia genus with anti-inflammatory or cytotoxic effects published from 2018 to September 2023. The databases used for this review were Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Springer, and Google Scholar, using the keywords Euphorbia with anti-inflammatory or cytotoxic activity. In this review, 68 studies were collected and analyzed regarding the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of 264 compounds obtained from 36 species of the Euphorbia genus. The compounds included in this review are terpenes (95%), of which 68% are diterpenes, especially of the types ingenanes, abietanes, and triterpenes (approximately 15%).

Mentha Pulegium: A Plant with Several Medicinal Properties

The species Mentha Pulegium L. (M. pulegium L.) belongs to the family Lamiaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and the genus Mentha. It has been traditionally used in food, cosmetics, and medicines. It is a perennial, fragrant, well-liked, herbaceous plant that can grow up to half a meter tall. It is extensively used as a food flavoring, particularly for Moroccan traditional drinks. Chewing mint and M. pulegium, a relaxing and refreshing plant, can be used to treat hiccups and act as an anticonvulsant and nerve relaxant. Pennyroyal leaves that have been crushed have a pungent, spearmint-like scent. Pennyroyal is used to make herbal teas, which, while not proven to be harmful to healthy adults in small doses, are not recommended due to their liver toxicity. Infants and children can die if they consume it. Pennyroyal leaves, both fresh and dried, are particularly effective at repelling insects. Pennyroyal essential oil should never be taken internally because it is highly toxic, even in small doses, it can be fatal. This plant is used in traditional Moroccan medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including influenza, rheumatism, migraine, infertility, ulcer, pain, gastrointestinal problems, fever, diabetes, obesity, mental and cardiac disorders, constipation, respiratory ailments, and cough. M. pulegium is a great candidate for contemporary therapeutic usage since it contains a wide variety of biologically active compounds, including terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins in all its parts. Among the different parts used are the whole plant, the aerial part, the stem, and the leaves. More interestingly, the entire plant contains a variety of compounds including Pulegone, Isomenthone, Carvone, Menthofuran, Menthol, 1,8-Cineole, Piperitone, Piperitenone, Neomenthol, -humulene, and 3-octanol. Eriocitrin, Hesperidin, Narirutin, Luteolin, Isorhoifolin, Galic acid, and Rosmarinic acid are found in the leaves. p-hydroxybenzoic acid, Ferulic acid, Caffeic acid, Vanillic acid, Syringic acid, Protocatechuic acid, Cinnamic acid, Phloretic acid, o-coumaric acid, p-coumaric acid, Catechin, Epicatechin, Chrysin, Quercetin, Naringenin, Carvacrol are all found in the areal part. Alterporriol G, Atropisomer, Alterporriol H, Altersolanol K, Altersolanol L, Stemphypyrone, 6-O-methylalaternin, Macrosporin, Altersolanol A, Alterporriol E, Alterporriol D, Alterporriol A, Alterporriol B, and Altersolanol J are also found in the stem of fungus. Pulegone, Piperitone, p-Menthane-1,2,3- triol, β-elemenene, guanine (cis-), Carvacrol acetate, and Phenyl ethyl alcohol are all components of this plant's essential oils. Moreover, the study also sought to investigate and document all currently available evidence and information on the nutritional composition and therapeutic uses of this plant ornamental. Its pharmacological applications include antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antifungal, anticancer, burn wound healing, antispasmodic, and hepatotoxicity. Finally, toxicological studies have revealed that while low doses of extracts of the plant M. pulegium are not toxic, however, its essential oils of it are extremely toxic. In order to evaluate future research needs and investigate its pharmacological applications through clinical trials, the current assessment focuses on the distribution, chemical composition, biological activities, and primary uses of the plant.

Euphorbia factor L1 inhibited transport channel and energy metabolism in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2

Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1) is a kind of lathyrane-type diterpenoid and is isolated from the medical herb Euphorbia lathyris L. (Euphorbiaceae); it has been reported with the toxicity that causes intestinal irritation, but the underlying mechanisms are still obscure. The objective of this study was to assess the EFL1-induced intestinal cytotoxicity in human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells. The Caco-2 cells were treated with EFL1, and the intracellular calcium ion concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) content, ATPase activities, TGF-β1 concentration, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were detected. The interaction between EFL1 and the tight junction proteins Occludin, Claudin-4, Tricellulin, ZO-1, JAM-1, and E-cadherin was simulated by molecular docking. The expression of proteins involved in the energy metabolism, the ion transporters and aquaporins, the tight junction, and the F-actin cytoskeleton were detected by Western blotting and cell immunofluorescence. As a result, EFL1 decreased the intracellular Ca2+, MMP, mPTP, ATP content, and ATPase activities in the Caco-2 cells. The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, which regulates the energy metabolism, was inhibited. The ion transporters NEH and CFTR, as well as the aquaporins in the Caco-2 cells, were decreased. The tight junction proteins were down-regulated, and the integrity of the intestinal barrier was injured; TGF-β1 was compensatively increased; so, the intestinal permeability was increased and was characterized by decreased TEER. The morphology of the F-actin cytoskeleton was destroyed. These findings indicated that EFL1 caused cytotoxicity in the human intestinal Caco-2 cells through mitochondrial damage, inhibition of the energy metabolism, and suppression of the ion and water molecule transporters, as well as the down-regulation tight junction and cytoskeleton protiens.

Mechanistic insights of Euphorbia milii des moul mediated biocompatible and non-cytotoxic, antimicrobial nanoparticles: an answer to multidrug resistant bacteria

The emergence of drug-resistant microbial pathogens is a matter of global concern and become more serious if they linked with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). As per World Health Organization statistics, multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens account for between 7 and 12% of the worldwide burden of HAIs. The need for an effective and environmentally sustainable response to this situation is urgent. The primary goal of this study was to create copper nanoparticles that are biocompatible and non-toxic by using an extract of Euphorbia des moul, and then to test these nanoparticles' bactericidal efficacy against MDR strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the biogenic G-CuNPs. It was found that G-CuNPs were spherical in shape, with an average diameter of ~ 40 nm and a charge density of - 21.52 mV. The G-CuNPs fully eradicated the MDR strains at a dosage of 2 mg/ml with 3 h of incubation time. Mechanistic analysis showed that the G-CuNPs efficiently disrupted the cell membrane and damaged the DNA and by generating more reactive oxygen species. Moreover, cytotoxic examination revealed that G-CuNPs displayed < 5% toxicity at 2 mg/ml concentration on human RBCs, PBMCs, and A549 cell lines, suggesting that they are biocompatible. This nano-bioagent is an eco-friendly, non-cytotoxic, non-hemolytic organometallic copper nanoparticles (G-CuNPs) with a high therapeutic index for possible use in the prevention of biomedical device-borne infections by preparing an antibacterial layer on indwelling medical devices. However, its potential clinical use has to be further studied through in vivo testing with an animal model.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of the preferred fractions and compounds from Euphorbia humifusa (herba euphorbiae humifusae) against Staphylococcus aureus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Euphorbia humifusa Willd., known as Di-Jin-Cao in Chinese, has long been utilized as a traditional herb for the treatment of furuncles and carbuncles mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection. Despite extensive chemical and pharmacological studies reported previously for E. humifusa, the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against S. aureus as well as the related mechanism of action (MoA) remain largely obscure.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the preferred fractions and compounds from E. humifusa against S. aureus and assess the associated MoA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The bioactive fractions and compounds were obtained from the 75% ethanol extract of E. humifusa (75%-EEEH) with the assistance of the related antibacterial and antibiofilm screening. Their antibacterial activities were determined using the broth microdilution method, whilst the inhibition of biofilm formation and the disruption of preformed biofilm were assessed by crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). To achieve more effective therapies, the combinatory effects of different components were also studied. The biofilm metabolic activities of isolated compounds were evaluated by 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) reduction assay. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were employed to explore the antibiofilm mechanism.

RESULTS

Fractions DJC06 and DJC07 collected from the ethyl acetate extract of the 75%-EEEH exhibited antibacterial activity (MIC = 256 μg/mL) against S. aureus and further separation of these two fractions led to the isolation and characterization of 22 compounds. Among the isolates, luteolin (LU), quercetin (QU), and kaempferol (KA) are the verified components associated with the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities by displaying individual or combinational MIC values of 8-128 μg/mL and 70.9-99.7% inhibition for biofilm formation. Importantly, QU and KA can work in synergy with LU to significantly enhance the efficacy via destroying cell integrity, increasing membrane permeability, and down-regulating the biofilm-related gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The preferred fractions and compounds from E. humifusa exerted desired antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy against S. aureus via a MoA involving cell morphology disruption and altered genes expression. The findings herein not only support its traditional use in the treatment of furuncles and carbuncles, but reveal E. humifusa is a potential source for producing promising antibiofilm alternatives against S. aureus and highlight the isolated components (LU, QU, KA) that can potentiate the efficacy when used in synergy.

Revisiting the Flora of Saudi Arabia: Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of the Endangered Plant Species Euphorbia saudiarabica

Euphorbia plants have a significant place in traditional medicine due to their numerous therapeutic properties, including their anti-tumor effects, which have been observed in several species. In the current study, a phytochemical investigation of Euphorbia saudiarabica methanolic extract led to the isolation and characterization of four secondary metabolites from the chloroform (CHCl₃) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions, which are reported for the first time in this species. One of the constituents, saudiarabicain F (2), is a rare C-19 oxidized ingol-type diterpenoid that has not been previously reported. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic (HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR) analyses. The anticancer properties of the E. saudiarabica crude extract, its fractions and its isolated compounds were examined against several cancer cells. The active fractions were evaluated for their effects on cell-cycle progression and apoptosis induction using flow cytometry. Furthermore, RT-PCR was employed to estimate the gene-expression levels of the apoptosis-related genes. It was demonstrated that the E. saudiarabica CHCl₃ and EtOAc fractions suppressed the proliferation of the cancer cells. The MCF-7 cells were the most sensitive to both fractions, with IC₅₀ values of 22.6 and 23.2 µg/mL, respectively. Notably, both fractions caused cell-cycle arrest in the G2/M phase of the treated MCF-7 cells. The inhibition of the MCF-7 cells' proliferation was also linked with apoptosis induction by flow-cytometry analysis. Additionally, the activation of apoptosis by both fractions was demonstrated by an increase in the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2, with an increase in the expression of caspase-7. Among the isolated compounds, glutinol (1) showed potent activity against the MCF-7 cell line, with an IC₅₀ value of 9.83 µg/mL. Our findings suggest that E. saudiarabica has apoptosis-inducing effects and shows promise as a potential source of new chemotherapeutic drugs.

An overview of the traditional use, phytochemistry, and biological activity of the genus Homalanthus

Homalanthus species are native to tropical Asia and the Pacific region. This genus, comprising 23 accepted species, received less scientific attention compared to other genera of the Euphorbiaceae family. Seven Homalanthus species, such as H. giganteus, H. macradenius, H. nutans, H. nervosus, N. novoguineensis, H. populneus, and H. populifolius, have been reported to treat various health problems in traditional medicine. Only a few Homalanthus species have been investigated for their biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-HIV, anti-protozoal, estrogenic, and wound-healing activities. From a phytochemical point of view ent-atisane, ent-kaurane, and tigliane diterpenoids, triterpenoids, coumarins, and flavonol glycosides were found to be characteristic metabolites of the genus. The most promising compound is prostratin, isolated from H. nutans, with anti-HIV activity and the ability to eradicate the HIV reservoir in infected patients by mechanism of protein kinase C (PKC) agonist. This review provides information on traditional usage, phytochemistry, and biological activity of the genus Homalanthus with the aim to delineate future research directions.

Screening of Active Ingredients from Wendan Decoction in Alleviating Palmitic Acid-Induced Endothelial Cell Injury

(1) Objective: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the treatment of numerous illnesses. As a classic Chinese medicine, Wendan Decoction (WDD) encompasses a marvelous impact on the remedy of hyperlipidemia. It is known that hyperlipidemia leads to cardiovascular injury, therefore anti-vascular endothelial cell injury (AVECI) may be an underlying molecular mechanism of WDD in the cure of hyperlipidemia. However, there is no relevant research on the effect of WDD on vascular endothelial cells and its pharmacodynamic substances. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of WDD on vascular endothelial cells. (2) Methods: The chemical constituents of WDD were determined by LC-MS/MS technology. The protective effects of 16 batches of WDD on samples from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated. Finally, gray relation analysis (GRA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were used to analyze the potential correlation between chemical ingredients and AVECI. (3) Results: The results indicated that WDD had apparent protective effect on endothelial cells, and pharmacological properties in 16 batches of WDD tests were apparently discrepant. The GRA and PLSR showed that trigonelline, liquiritin, hesperidin, hesperetin, scopoletin, morin, quercetin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin and formononetin may be the active ingredients of AVECI in WDD. (4) Conclusions: WDD has a protective effect on endothelial cell injury induced by palmitic acid, which may be related to its component content. This method was suitable for the search of active components in classical TCM.