Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic and antitumor activities of isolated coumarins from Salvadora indica

Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Metabolic Profiling of Ammi majus Roots as Waste Product with Isolation and Assessment of Oral Mucosal Toxicity of Its Psoralen Component Xanthotoxin

Ammi majus, a well-established member of the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family, is endogenous to Egypt. The main parts of this plant that are used are the fruits, which contain coumarins and flavonoids as major active constituents. The roots are usually considered by-products that are discarded and not fed to cattle because of coumarins' potential toxicity. The goal of this study was to ensure the sustainability of the plant, investigate the active metabolites present in the roots using UPLC/MS-MS, isolate and elucidate the major coumarin Xanthotoxin, and predict its oral bioavailability and its potential biological impact on tongue papillae. The results revealed coumarins as the dominant chemical class in a positive acquisition mode, with bergaptol-O-hexoside 5%, Xanthotoxin 5.5%, and isoarnoittinin 6% being the major compounds. However, phenolics ruled in the negative mode, with p-coumaroyl tartaric acid 7%, 3,7-dimethyl quercetin 6%, and hesperidin 5% being the most prominent metabolites. Fractionation and purification of the chloroform fraction yielded Xanthotoxin as one of the main compounds, which appeared as white needle crystals (20 mg). ADME studies for oral bioavailability were performed to predict the potential properties of the compound if used orally. It was noted that it followed Lipinski's rule of five, had just one parameter outside of the pink area in the radar plot, and was detected inside the threshold area using the boiled egg approach. In vivo, histopathological studies performed on rats showed a notable decrease in the tongue's keratin thickness from an average of 51.1 µm to 9.1 µm and an average of 51.8 µm to 9.8 µm in fungiform and filiform cells, respectively. The results indicated that although Xanthotoxin is a well-known medical agent with several potential therapeutic activities in oral therapy, it may cause a destructive effect on the structure of the specialized mucosa of the tongue.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of dehydroabietic acid derivative as potent vasodilatory agents

Using dehydroabietic acid as the lead compound for structural modification, 25 dehydroabietic acid derivatives were synthesized. Among them, compound D1 not only showed the strongest relaxation effect on the aortic vascular ring in vitro (Emax = 99.5 ± 2.1%, EC50 = 3.03 ± 0.96 µM), but also significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in rats at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg in vivo. Next, the vascular protective effect of the best active D1 and its molecular mechanism were further investigated by HUVECs. The results showed that D1 induced endothelium-dependent diastole in the rat thoracic aorta in a concentration-dependent manner. Endothelium removal or aortic ring pretreatment with NG-nitro-l-arginine methylester (l-NAME), 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), and tetraethylammonium (TEA) significantly inhibited D1-induced relaxation. In addition, wortmannin, KT5823, triciribine, diltiazem, BaCl2, 4-aminopyridine, indomethacin, propranolol, and atropine attenuated D1-induced vasorelaxation. D1 increased the phosphorylation of eNOS in HUVECs Furthermore, D1 attenuated the expression of TNF-α-induced cell adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. However, this effect was attenuated by the eNOS inhibitors l-NAME and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). The findings suggest that D1-induced vasorelaxation through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS/NO/cGMP/PKG pathway by activating the KCa, Kir and KV channels or muscarinic and β-adrenergic receptors, and inhibiting the l-type Ca2+ channels, which is closely related to the hypotensive action of the agent. Furthermore, D1 exhibits an inhibitory effect on vascular inflammation, which is associated with the observed vascular protective effects.

Investigation of the Chemical Composition, Antihyperglycemic and Antilipidemic Effects of Bassia eriophora and Its Derived Constituent, Umbelliferone on High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

This study was designed to investigate the chemical profile, antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic effect of total methanolic extract (TME) of Bassia eriophora and isolated pure compound umbelliferone (UFN) in high-fat diet (HFD)- and streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. TME was subjected to various techniques of chromatography to yield UFN. Diabetes was induced after eight weeks of HFD by administration of STZ (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, and experimental subjects were divided into five groups. The diabetic control showed an increase in levels of blood glucose throughout the experiment. Treatments were initiated in the other four groups with glibenclamide (GLB) (6 mg/kg), TME (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) and isolated UFN (50 mg/kg) orally. The effect on blood glucose, lipid profile and histology of the pancreatic and adipose tissues was assessed. Both 200 and 400 mg/kg of TME produced a comparably significant decrease in blood glucose levels and an increase in insulin levels with GLB. UFN began to show a better blood sugar-lowering effect after 14 days of treatment, comparatively. However, both 400 mg/kg TME and UFN significantly returned blood glucose levels in diabetic rats compared to normal rats. Analysis of the lipid profile showed that while HFD + STZ increased all lipid profile parameters, TME administration produced a significant decrease in their levels. Histopathological examinations showed that treatment with TME and UFN revealed an improved cellular architecture, with the healthy islets of Langerhans and compact glandular cells for pancreatic cells distinct from damaged cells in non-treated groups. Conversely, the adipose tissue displayed apparently normal polygonal fat cells. Therefore, these results suggest that TME has the potential to ameliorate hyperglycemia conditions and control lipid profiles in HFD + STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen): A review of its chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity

Xanthotoxin (XAT) is a natural furanocoumarins, a bioactive psoralen isolated from the fruit of the Rutaceae plant Pepper, which has received increasing attention in recent years due to its wide source and low cost. By collecting and compiling literature on XAT, the results show that XAT exhibits significant activity in the treatment of various diseases, including neuroprotection, skin repair, osteoprotection, organ protection, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidative stress and antibacterial. In this paper, we review the pharmacological activity and potential molecular mechanisms of XAT for the treatment of related diseases. The data suggest that XAT can mechanistically induce ROS production and promote apoptosis through mitochondrial or endoplasmic reticulum pathways, regulate NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, Nrf2/HO-1, MAPK, AKT/mTOR, and ERK1/2 signaling pathways to exert pharmacological effects. In addition, the pharmacokinetics properties and toxicity of XAT are discussed in this paper, further elucidating the relationship between structure and efficacy. It is worth noting that data from clinical studies of XAT are still scarce, limiting the use of XAT in the clinic, and in the future, more in-depth studies are needed to determine the clinical efficacy of XAT.

Pretreatment with Salvadora persica L. (Miswak) aqueous extract alleviates paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hematological toxicity in male mice

Background and Aim:

Paracetamol (PCM) ingestion is one of the most frequent global causes of toxicity. Salvadora persica L. is a plant that among many other effects exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. In this study, we investigated the possible protective effect of S. persica aqueous extract in the PCM overdose-induced liver and kidney injury and hematological changes in a mice model.

Materials and Methods:

Mice were given PCM with and without S. persica pretreatment. Blood cell counts and liver and kidney function biomarkers were measured. Liver and kidney samples were histologically examined.

Results:

A single overdose of PCM caused significant elevations of alanine and aspartate transaminases, alkaline phosphate, bilirubin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine compared with the control group. In addition, PCM toxicity significantly lowered red blood cell count but insignificantly increased both white blood cell and platelet counts in comparison to the control mice. Pretreatment with S. persica significantly prevented PCM-induced changes in hepatic and renal biomarkers. S. persica also caused marked reversal of hematological changes. Histologically, the liver and kidney showed inflammation and necrosis after PCM treatment, which were significantly reduced in mice pretreated with S. persica.

Conclusion:

Taken together, S. persica significantly inhibited PCM-induced renal, hepatic, and hematological toxicity, pointing to its possible use in the treatment of liver and renal disorders.

Vascular Protective Effects of Xanthotoxin and Its Action Mechanism in Rat Aorta and Human Vascular Endothelial Cells

OBJECTIVE

Xanthotoxin (XAT) is a linear furanocoumarin mainly extracted from the plants Ammi majus L. XAT has been reported the apoptosis of tumor cells, anti-convulsant, neuroprotective effect, antioxidative activity, and vasorelaxant effects. This study aimed to investigate the vascular protective effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of XAT.

METHODS

XAT's activity was studied in rat thoracic aortas, isolated with aortic rings, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

RESULTS

XAT induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in a concentration-dependent manner in the isolated rat thoracic aortas. Removal of endothelium or pretreatment of aortic rings with L-NAME, 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]-quinoxalin-1-one, and wortmannin significantly inhibited XAT-induced relaxation. In addition, treatment with thapsigargin, 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate, Gd3+, and 4-aminopyridine markedly attenuated the XAT-induced vasorelaxation. XAT increased nitric oxide production and Akt- endothelial NOS (eNOS) phosphorylation in HUVECs. Moreover, XAT attenuated the expression of TNF-α-induced cell adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin. However, this effect was attenuated by the eNOS inhibitors L-NAME and asymmetric dimethylarginine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that XAT induces vasorelaxation through the Akt-eNOS-cGMP pathway by activating the KV channel and inhibiting the L-type Ca2+ channel. Furthermore, XAT exerts an inhibitory effect on vascular inflammation, which is correlated with the observed vascular protective effects.

Middle Eastern Plant Extracts: An Alternative to Modern Medicine Problems

Middle Eastern countries are primarily known for their dry sand deserts; however, they have a wider physiographic range which includes upland plateau and mountain ranges. The Middle East is home to various types of plants, such as Phoenix dactylifera (date palm tree), Scrophularia striata (herbaceous plants), and Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus). These plants have been found to have various types of bioactivities, such as antimicrobial activities against both bacteria and fungi, in addition to exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects and anti-cancer characteristics which can be utilized in the clinical setting for treatment. Due to limited reviews focusing on plant extracts from the Middle East, we aim to provide a discourse on plants from this region which have various bioactivities and to provide information on the compounds that can be identified from these plants. This is to enhance our understanding to improve modern medicine problems such as antimicrobial resistance and to find an alternative cure for cancer. It is hoped that the collation of information from this review will enable an assessment of the direct role of Middle Eastern plants in providing therapeutic options to address the predicaments in the medical field.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Heterocyclic Imines Linked Coumarin- Thiazole Hybrids as Anticancer Agents

Background:

Human Galectin-1, a protein of lectin family showing affinity towards β-galactosides has emerged as a critical regulator of tumor progression and metastasis, by modulating diverse biological events including homotypic cell aggregation, migration, apoptosis, angiogenesis and immune escape. Therefore, galectin-1 inhibitors might represent novel therapeutic agents for cancer.

Methods:

A new series of heterocyclic imines linked coumarin-thiazole hybrids (6a-6r) was synthesized and evaluated for its cytotoxic potential against a panel of six human cancer cell lines namely, lung (A549), prostate (DU-145), breast (MCF-7 & MDA-MB-231), colon (HCT-15 & HT-29) using MTT assay. Characteristic apoptotic assays like DAPI staining, cell cycle, annexin V and Mitochondrial membrane potential studies were performed for the most active compound. Furthermore, Gal-1 inhibition was confirmed by ELISA and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Results:

Among all, compound 6g 3-(2-(2-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene) hydrazineyl) thiazol-4-yl)-2H-chromen-2- one exhibited promising growth inhibition against HCT-15 colorectal cancer cells with an IC50 value of 1.28 ± 0.14 µM. The characteristic apoptotic morphological features like chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing and apoptotic body formation were clearly observed with compound 6g on HCT-15 cells using DAPI staining studies. Further, annexin V-FITC/PI assay confirmed effective early apoptosis induction by treatment with compound 6g. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced ROS generation were confirmed with JC-1 and DCFDA staining method, respectively by treatment with compound 6g, suggesting a possible mechanism for inducing apoptosis. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis revealed that compound 6g blocked G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle in a dose-dependent manner. Compound 6g effectively reduced the levels of Gal-1 protein in a dose-dependent manner. The binding constant (Ka) of 6g with Gal-1 was calculated from the intercept value which was observed as 1.9 x 107 M-1 by Fluorescence spectroscopy. Molecular docking studies showed strong interactions of compound 6g with Gal-1 protein.

Conclusion:

Our studies demonstrate the anticancer potential and Gal-1 inhibition of heterocyclic imines linked coumarin-thiazole hybrids.

Design, synthesis and antifungal activities of novel pyrrole- and pyrazole-substituted coumarin derivatives

We synthesized a series of novel pyrrole- and pyrazole-substituted coumarin derivatives and evaluated their antifungal activity against six phytopathogenic fungi in vitro. The primary assay results demonstrated that some designed compounds displayed potent activities. Among them, compounds 5g, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6h exhibited more effective control than Osthole against Cucumber anthrax and Alternaria leaf spot. Furthermore, compound 5g displayed stronger antifungal activity against Rhizoctorzia solani (EC₅₀ = 15.4 µg/mL) than positive control Osthole (EC₅₀ = 67.2 µg/mL).

Progress in the Chemistry of Naturally Occurring Coumarins

Coumarins are the largest group of 1-benzopyran derivatives found in plants. The initial member of this group of compounds, coumarin (2H-1-benzopyran-2-one), a fragrant colorless compound, was first isolated from the Tonka bean (Dipteryx odorata, family Fabaceae) in 1820. The name coumarin comes from a French term for the tonka bean, coumarou. Since the discovery of coumarin, several of its derivatives, with umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin) being the most common one, have been reported from various natural sources. The families Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Rutaceae are the three major plant sources of coumarins.Generally, these plant secondary metabolites may be classified into simple, simple prenylated, simple geranylated, furano, pyrano, sesquiterpenyl and oligomeric coumarins. Using this standard classification, this chapter aims to present an account on the advances of the chemistry of naturally occurring coumarins, as reported in the literature during the period 2013-2015.In Sect. 1, the coumarins are introduced and their generic biosynthetic route discussed briefly. In Sect. 2, the largest of the three sections, various classes of natural coumarins are detailed, with their relevant structures and the citation of appropriate references. In a concluding section, it is highlighted that during the last 3 years, more than 400 coumarins have been reported in the literature. Many of these coumarins have been re-isolations of known compounds from known or new sources, most often associated with various biological activities. However, a substantial number of coumarins bearing new skeletons, especially dimers, prenylated furanocoumarins, sesquiterpenyl, and some unusual coumarins were also reported during the period of 2013-2015.Coumarin chemistry remains one of the major interest areas of phytochemists, especially because of their structural diversity and medicinal properties, along with the wide-ranging bioactivities of these compounds, inclusive of analgesic, anticoagulant anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Despite significant advancements in the extraction, isolation, structure elucidation and bioactivity testing of naturally occurring coumarins, only a marginal advancement has been observed recently in relation to the study of their biosynthesis.

Antiulcer Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Salvadora indica (W.) Leaves on Albino Rats

BACKGROUND

Ulcer can be developed inside the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Both the ulcers are also cumulatively referred as peptic ulcers. It affects nearly 10% of world population.

AIM

To investigate the antiulcer activity of ethanolic extract of Salvadora indica W. leaves (ESIL) on albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was carried by pylorus ligation, ethanol and cysteamine induced ulcer models in albino rats. The antiulcer activity of ESIL (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg p.o. for 7 days) was compared with standard drugs (Ranitidine). In pyloric ligation induced ulcer model, the studied parameters were gastric volume, pH, total acidity, free acidity, and ulcer index whereas in ethanol and cysteamine induced ulcer model, the ulcer index was determined for severity of ulcers. The parameters studied were ulcer index, gastric juice volume, pH, free acidity and total acidity.

RESULTS

In pyloric ligation model; the volume of gastric content, total/free acidity and pepsin activity was significantly decreased at p<0.05 and p<0.01 and pH of the gastric juice was significantly increased at p<0.05 and p<0.01 in ESIL treated groups as compared to control group. All the doses of ESIL showed dose dependent antiulcer effect as well as significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) reduction in the ulcer index as compared to control group in all the experimental models.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study indicate that the ESIL have better potential against ulcer which supports the traditional claims in folklore medicine.

Metabolite profiling of the leaf extract reveals the antioxidant and nutraceuticals potential of the halophyte Salvadora persica

Metabolite profiling and antioxidant properties of the halophyteSalvadora persicareveal this plant as a source of non-conventional food.

Preliminary in vitro and in vivo evaluation of antidiabetic activity of Ducrosia anethifolia Boiss. and its linear furanocoumarins

Aim. Ducrosia anethifolia is used as flavoring additive. There have been little detailed phytochemical reports on this genus and the antidiabetic activity of this plant is not yet evaluated. Method. Structure of compounds was deduced by spectroscopic analyses. Preliminary in vitro evaluation of the antidiabetic activity of crude extract and its furanocoumarins was carried out (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and β-galactosidase). The in vivo activity was investigated by measuring some oxidative stress markers. Biomarkers of liver injury and kidney were also determined. Results. Eight linear furanocoumarins, psoralen, 5-methoxypsoralen, 8-methoxypsoralen, imperatorin, isooxypeucedanin, pabulenol, oxypeucedanin methanolate, oxypeucedanin hydrate, and 3-O-glucopyranosyl-β-sitosterol, were isolated. All compounds were reported for the first time from the genus Ducrosia except pabulenol. The blood glucose level, liver function enzymes, total protein, lipid, and cholesterol levels were significantly normalized by extract treatment. The antioxidant markers, glucolytic, and gluconeogenic enzymes were significantly ameliorated and the elevated level of kidney biomarkers in the diabetic groups was restored. The compounds showed inhibitory activity in a concentration dependant manner. Imperatorin and 5-methoxypsoralen showed the most potent inhibiting power. Conclusion. D. anethifolia extract showed hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effect as well as ameliorating kidney function. This extract and some linear furanocoumarins exhibited carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes inhibitory effect.