Antinociceptive and Anxiolytic and Sedative Effects of Methanol Extract of Anisomeles indica: An Experimental Assessment in Mice and Computer Aided Models

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry-characterized extract of Aerides odorata Lour alleviates paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in animal model evidenced by biochemical, molecular, and computational studies

BACKGROUND

Many kinds of orchids have significant health benefits although adequate research on their biological functions is yet to be carried out. This study investigated the paracetamol-induced liver damage-protecting effect of epiphytic Aerides odorata methanol extract (AODE).

METHODS

The protective effects of AODE were studied by analyzing its effect on liver function parameters, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, and tissue histopathological architecture. The results were confirmed by ligand-receptor interaction of molecular docking and multitarget interaction of network pharmacological analyses.

RESULTS

AODE significantly (p < 0.05) minimized the dose-dependent increase in acid phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total bilirubin compared to the reference drug silymarin. Malondialdehyde level decreased, and the antioxidant genes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), β-actin, paraoxonase-1 (PON1), and phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) were upregulated in AODE-treated paracetamol-intoxicated rats. A total of 376 compounds comprising phenols and flavonoids were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-qTOF-MS). The online toxicity assessment using SwissADME and admetSAR exhibited drug-like, nontoxic, and potential pharmacological properties. Additionally, in silico analysis showed that isoacteoside, one of the identified compounds, exhibited the best docking score (-11.42) with the liver protein human pituitary adenylate cyclase-1 (Protein Data Bank ID: 3N94). Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis identified the top 10 hub genes, namely AKT1 (protein kinase B), CTNNB1 (catenin beta-1), SRC (proto-oncogene c-Src), TNF (tumor necrosis factor), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), HSP90AA1 (heat shock protein 90α), MAPK3 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 3), STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), CASP3 (caspase protein), and ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1), which are responsible for hepatoprotective activity.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate that AODE could be a novel hepatoprotective target in drug-induced liver damage with a further single compound-based animal study.

Experimental and pharmacoinformatic approaches unveil the neuropharmacological and analgesic potential of chloroform fraction of Roktoshirinchi (Achyranthes ferruginea Roxb.)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Achyranthes ferruginea (A. ferruginea) Roxb. is a common plant used in traditional medicine in Asia and Africa. It has a variety of local names, including "Gulmanci" in Nigeria, "Dangar" in Pakistan, "Thola" in Ethiopia, and "Roktoshirinchi" in Bangladesh. It is edible and has several ethnomedical uses for a wide range of illnesses, including hysteria, dropsy, constipation, piles, boils, asthma, and shigellosis. However, the neuropharmacological and analgesic potential of A. ferruginea remains uninvestigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the neuropharmacological and analgesic potential of A. ferruginea through a multifaceted approach encompassing both experimental and computational models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanol was used to extract the leaves of A. ferruginea. It was then fractionated with low to high polar solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water) to get different fractions, including chloroform fraction (CLF). The study selected CLF at different doses and conducted advanced chemical element and proximate analyses, as well as phytochemical profiling using GC-MS. Toxicological studies were done at 300 μg per rat per day for 14 days. Cholinesterase inhibitory potential was checked using an in-vitro colorimetric assay. Acetic acid-induced writhing (AAWT) and formalin-induced licking tests (FILT) were used to assess anti-nociceptive effects. The forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus maze (EPM), hole board test (HBT), and light and dark box test (LDB) were among the behavioral tests used to assess depression and anxiolytic activity. Network pharmacology-based analysis was performed on selected compounds using the search tool for interacting chemicals-5 (STITCH 5), Swiss target prediction tool, and search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes and proteins (STRING) database to link their role with genes involved in neurological disorders through gene ontology and reactome analysis.

RESULTS

Qualitative chemical element analysis revealed the presence of 15 elements, including Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, and Zn. The moisture content, ash value, and organic matter were found to be 11.12, 11.03, and 88.97%, respectively. GC-MS data revealed that the CLF possesses 25 phytoconstituents. Toxicological studies suggested the CLF has no effects on normal growth, hematological and biochemical parameters, or cellular organs after 14 days at 300 μg per rat. The CLF markedly reduced the activity of both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50: 56.22 and 13.22 μg/mL, respectively). Promising dose-dependent analgesic activity (p < 0.05) was observed in chemically-induced pain models. The TST and FST showed a dose-dependent substantial reduction in immobility time due to the CLF. Treatment with CLF notably increased the number of open arm entries and time spent in the EPM test at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. The CLF showed significant anxiolytic activity at 200 mg/kg b.w. in the HBT test, whereas a similar activity was observed at 400 mg/kg b.w. in the EPM test. A notable increase in the amount of time spent in the light compartment was observed in the LDB test by mice treated with CLF, suggesting an anxiolytic effect. A network pharmacology study demonstrated the relationship between the phytochemicals and a number of targets, such as PPARA, PPARG, CHRM1, and HTR2, which are connected to the shown bioactivities.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the safety of A. ferruginea and its efficacy in attenuating cholinesterase inhibitory activity, central and peripheral pain, anxiety, and depression, warranting further exploration of its therapeutic potential.

Exploring antioxidative, cytotoxic and neuropharmacological insights into Bixa orellana leaves: Experimental and in silico approaches

Background Study

The aim of this research was to examine possible antioxidant, cytotoxic and neurological activity of methanol and n-hexane extracts of Bixa orellana leaves. Additionally, we aimed to identify potential lead compounds through in-silico analysis.

Methods

In-vitro antioxidative properties were investigated through different assays, including: total phenolic content assay (TPC), total flavonoid content assay (TFC), DPPH free radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay. Also, the cytotoxic effect of the samples was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality test. In addition, anxiolytic, locomotor, and CNS depressant activities were assessed utilizing various established methods. Moreover, reported compounds were used in the in silico study to explore the best-fit phytoconstituents against gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor.

Results

MBOL displayed substantial antioxidative activities in various established assays compared to NBOL. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, both MBOL and NBOL revealed cytotoxic activity in a concentration-dependent approach. Again, in Elevated Plus Maze test, 200 and 400 mg/kg of NBOL and MBOL demonstrated significant anxiolytic activities evident from time spent in open arms. In addition, maximum number of head dipping was demonstrated by MBOL at 400 mg/kg (53.90 ± 1.16) in Hole Board test. NBOL and MBOL at both doses significantly diminished the magnitude of movements from the 2nd to 5th observation periods in Open Field test. Furthermore, in Hole Cross test, MBOL remarkably dwindled the locomotor activity at 120 min and 180 min (3.60 ± 0.40 and 2.40 ± 0.51) at 400 mg/kg. Finally, in silico analysis revealed 13 compounds as promising leads with strong binding affinity to GABAA receptor along with good pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles.

Conclusion

Therefore, the present study's findings advocate the traditional usage of this plant and recommend both MBOL and NBOL as as a potential source of therapeutic candidate for the management of neurological disorders.

Apoptosis-inducing anti-proliferative and quantitative phytochemical profiling with in silico study of antioxidant-rich Leea aequata L. leaves

Natural products have been important parts of traditional medicine since ancient times, with various promising health effects. Leea aequata (L. aequata), a natural product, has been widely used for treating several diseases due to its promising pharmacological activities. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the phytochemical profiling and molecular docking of the antioxidant-rich part of L. aequata leaves and its antiproliferative activity. L. aequata leaves were extracted with methanol, followed by fractionation with the respective solvents to obtain the petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by spectrophotometric methods. The cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities were detected using MTT colorimetric and confocal microscopy methods, respectively. Phytochemical compositions were analyzed using gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry analysis. Computer aided (molecular docking SwissADME, AdmetSAR and pass prediction) analyses were undertaken to sort out the best-fit phytochemicals present in the plant responsible for antioxidant and anticancer effects. Among the fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction was the most abundant polyphenol-rich fraction and showed the highest antioxidant, reducing power, and free radical scavenging activities. Compared to untreated MCF-7 cells, ethyl acetate fraction-treated MCF-7 cells showed an increase in apoptotic characteristics, such as membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and nuclear fragmentation, causing apoptosis and decreased proliferation of HeLa and MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, gas chromatography mass spectrometry data revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction contained 16 compounds, including methyl esters of long-chain fatty acids, which are the major chemical constituents. Moreover, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester; 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester; 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (Z, Z) and phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) are known to have antioxidant and cytotoxic activity, as confirmed by computer-aided models. A strong correlation was observed between the antioxidant and polyphenolic contents and the anticancer activity. In conclusion, we explored the possibility that L. aequata could be a promising source of antioxidants and anticancer agents with a high phytochemical profile.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of edible vegetables, fruits, and spices against cancer in various cell lines

Cancer is rapidly becoming the leading cause of death globally. This study aimed to identify edible foods with cytotoxic and/or antioxidant activities that can prevent cancer when consumed in a regular diet. Sixty-eight edible foods were purchased from the local market, and the materials were extracted with 80% methanol. The cytotoxic activity of the extracts was evaluated using MTT on HeLa, H2228, HEK293, and H3122 cell lines. To study apoptosis, triple fluorescence labeling with DAPI, Annexin V, and propidium iodide was used. The phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and free radical scavenging capabilities were studied using conventional spectrophotometric techniques. Among the edible foods, carrot, pointed gourd, wax gourd, ficus, apple, lemon, cumin seed, and white peppercorn showed moderate cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. The growth of HeLa cells was significantly inhibited dose-dependently by tomato, banana, Indian spinach, guava, lemon peel, and coriander (IC50, 24.54, 17.89, 13.18, 9.33, 1.23, and 2.96 µg/mL, respectively). Tomato, Indian spinach, lemon peel, and coriander exerted significant dose-dependent inhibition of H2228, HEK293, and H3122 cell proliferation. The tomato, Indian spinach, lemon peel, and coriander extracts induced HeLa cell apoptosis. White peppercorn, amaranth, apple, wax gourd, cumin seed, taro, and lemon peel contained significant amounts of polyphenols and showed high antioxidant activity. White peppercorn, apple, coriander, lemon peel, and ficus significantly scavenged DPPH free radicals (IC50 values of 10.23, 12.02, 13.49, 13.8, and 14.0 µg/mL, respectively). The overall results suggest that the daily intake of these antioxidant-rich cytotoxic foods can prevent or reduce the risk of cancer.

Lasia spinosa (L.) thw. attenuates chemically induced behavioral disorders in experimental and computational models

Lasia spinosa (L.) Thw. (L. spinosa) is widely used as a folk remedy for different physical ailments, and its neurological effects have yet to be assessed. Phytochemicals status of L. spinosa was evaluated by GC-MS analysis. Membrane stabilization test, elevated plus maze (EPM) tests and hole board tests (HBT), tail suspension tests (TST) and thiopental sodium-induced sleeping tests (TISTT) were used to assess anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity. Fourteen compounds have been recorded from GC-MS analysis. The LSCTF showed 68.66 ± 2.46% hemolysis protections (p < 0.05) at 500 μg/mL, whereas LSCHF and LSNHF demonstrated efficiency rates of 68.6 ± 1.46% and 52.46 ± 5.28%, respectively. During EPM tests, LSNHF and LSCTF significantly (p < 0.001) increased the time spent in the open arm (59.88 ± 0.65 s and 50.77 ± 0.67 s, respectively) at the dosages of 400 mg/kg. In HBT, samples exhibited dose-dependent anxiolytic activity. LSNHF and LSCTF showed a significant (p < 0.001) hole poking tendency and a high number of head dips (78.66 ± 1.05 and 65.17 ± 0.96, respectively) at the higher dose. In TST, at 400 mg/kg dose demonstrated significantly (p < 0.001) smaller amounts of time immobile, at 81.33 ± 1.67 s and 83.50 ± 1.90 s, respectively, compared to the control group. A consistent finding was also observed in TISTT. The computer-assisted studies on the identified compounds strongly support the aforementioned biological activities, indicating that L. spinosa has potential as a source of medication for treating neuropsychiatric and inflammatory diseases.

Pharmacological insights into Chukrasia velutina bark: Experimental and computer-aided approaches

BACKGROUND

Chukrasia velutina is an enthnomedicinally used plant reported to have significant medicinal values. The present study aimed to explore the pharmacological activities of bark methanol extract using in vitro, in vivo and in silico models.

METHODS

The study was designed to investigate the pharmacological effects of methanol extract of Chukrasia velutina bark (MECVB) through in vitro, in vivo and in silico assays. Analgesic activity was tested using formalin-induced nociception and acetic acid-induced writhing assays while the antipyretic effect was tested using yeast-induced hyperthermia in mice model. The antioxidant effect was tested using the DPPH and reducing power assay and the cytotoxic screening was tested using the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. In addition, in silico studies were conducted using computer aided methods.

RESULTS

In the acetic acid-induced writhing assay, the extract showed 28.36% and 56.16% inhibition of writhing for doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, a dose-dependent formalin-induced licking response was observed in both early and late phase. In yeast-induced pyrexia, the MECVB exhibited (p < 0.05) antipyretic effect. The extract demonstrated an IC₅₀ value of 78.86 μg/ml compared with ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ 23.53 μg/ml) in the DPPH scavenging assay. The compounds sitosterol, 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin and scopoletin were seen be effective in molecular docking scores against COX-I (2OYE), COX-II (6COX) and human peroxiredoxin 5 (1HD2). In ADME/T analysis, 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin and scopoletin satisfied Lipinski's rule of five and thus are potential drug candidates.

CONCLUSION

The bark of Chukrasia velutina showed significant analgesic and antipyretic properties and is a potential source of natural anti-oxidative agents.

HPLC and GC-MS based metabolic profiles and in vivo anticonvulsant, sedative, and antinociceptive potentials of truffles Tirmania nivea and Tirmania pinoyi hydromethanolic extracts in mice

GC-MS and HPLC analyses of the hydromethanolic extracts of the truffles Tirmania nivea (TN) and Tirmania pinoyi (TP) revealed the presence of 18 metabolites and 11 polyphenols, respectively. In vivo, TP extract protected against subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) and maximal electric shock (MES)-induced convulsions faster than TN. TP (100 and 300 mg/kg) showed 100% protection and longer duration than TN in the scPTZ test. Similarly, at 300 mg/kg, TP demonstrated a quicker start (75%) and longer duration of action (100%) than TN in MES test. In scPTZ test, ED₅₀ of TP demonstrated greater anticonvulsant efficacy than TN. In mice given TP and TN treatments, the brain GABA levels were noticeably increased. TP (100 and 300mg/kg) produced a notable sedative effect in open field test, whereas TN (100 or 300 mg/kg) and TP (300 mg/kg) reduced sleep latency by 79, 52, and 45%, respectively. In writhing test, TN (100 or 300mg/kg) significantly enhanced analgesic efficacy by 50 and 87%, respectively. Comparatively, in formalin test, TP and TN at a dosage of 300 mg/kg decreased the length of the licking by 34 and 59%, respectively. For the first time, this study explains the anticonvulsant, sedative, central, and peripheral analgesic activities of truffle extracts.

Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant Activity, and In Silico Analyses of Sterculia villosa and Vernonia patula

Our study aims to evaluate the chemical profiles and antioxidant activities of a methanolic extract of Sterculia villosa bark (MESV) and a methanolic extract of the Vernonia patula whole plant (MEVP). The chemical profiling of MESV and MEVP was performed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified 52 and 33 chemical compounds, respectively. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay indicated that both MESV and MEVP displayed concentration-dependent scavenging activities, and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for MEVP, MESV, and ascorbic acid were 305.30, 555.44, and 36.32 μg/mL, respectively. The total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of MESV were 81.44 ± 2.70 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry extract and 62.58 ± 1.93 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract, whereas these values for MEVP were 291.31 ± 6.61 mg QE/g dry extract and 58.99 ± 3.16 mg GAE/g dry extract, respectively. Molecular docking studies were also evaluated, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and toxicological properties were assessed. Therefore, these two plants, S. villosa and V. patula, showed potential options for further advanced studies into oxidative stress.

Traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and phytochemical constituents of the genus Syzygium: A review

The genus Syzygium comprises 1200–1800 species that belong to the family of Myrtaceae. Moreover, plants that are belonged to this genus are being used in the traditional system of medicine in Asian countries, especially in China, India, and Bangladesh. The aim of this review is to describe the scientific works and to provide organized information on the available traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of mostly available species of the genus Syzygium in Bangladesh. The information related to genus Syzygium was analytically composed from the scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Springer, Research Gate link, published books, and conference proceedings. Bioactive compounds such as flavanone derivatives, ellagic acid derivatives and other polyphenolics, and terpenoids are reported from several species of the genus Syzygium. However, many members of the species of the genus Syzygium need further comprehensive studies regarding phytochemical constituents and mechanism‐based pharmacological activities.

Neuropharmacological and Antidiarrheal Potentials of Duabanga grandiflora (DC.) Walp. Stem Bark and Prospective Ligand–Receptor Interactions of Its Bioactive Lead Molecules

Duabanga grandiflora (DC.) Walp. is an ethnomedicinally significant plant used to treat various illnesses, but there is little scientific evidence to support its use. This study explored the pharmacological activities of methanol extract of D. grandiflora stem barks (MEDG) through in vivo approaches in Swiss albino mice and a computer-aided molecular approach. The forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus maze (EPM), and hole board test (HBT) were used to determine anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity in experimental mice. In addition, anti-diarrheal studies were performed using castor oil-induced diarrhea, castor oil-induced enter pooling, and the charcoal-induced gastrointestinal motility test. MEDG showed substantial depletions in the immobility times in both FST and TST after treatment with the MEDG extract, whereas moderate anxiolytic activity was manifested at a higher dose (400 mg/kg) compared with the control. Correspondingly, MEDG extract revealed a significant reduction in wet feces and decreased the small intestinal transit of charcoal meal in castor oil-induced diarrhea and charcoal-induced gastrointestinal motility test. In the computer-aided molecular approaches, vanillin displayed a promising binding score for both anxiolytic and anti-diarrheal activities, while duabanganal C showed a promising score for the anti-depressant activity. The present experimental findings along with a computer-aided model conclude that MEDG could be a possible Phyto therapeutic agent with potential anti-depressant, anxiolytic and anti-diarrheal activity.

Chemical profiles and pharmacological insights of Anisomeles indica Kuntze: An experimental chemico-biological interaction

Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze is an ethnomedicinally important plant that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including dyspepsia, abdominal pain, colic, allergies, inflammation, and rheumatic arthritis. However, the scientific framework underlying these medicinal properties is not well known. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressive, antidiarrheal, thrombolytic, and anti-inflammatory potential of a methanol extract of A. indica (MeOH-AI). The potential bioactive compounds in the MeOH-AI were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and antidepressant activities were evaluated using the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). Antidiarrheal effects were also assayed in castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility studies. The anti-inflammatory activities were explored by examining the effects on protein inhibition and denaturation in heat- and hypotonic solution-induced hemolysis assays. The thrombolytic activity was evaluated using the clot lysis test in human blood. BIOVIA and Schrödinger Maestro (v11.1) were applied for docking analysis to determine binding interactions, and the absorption, distribution, metabolisms, excretion/toxicity (ADME/T) properties of bioactive compounds were explored using a web-based method. The GC-MS analysis of MeOH-AI revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds. MeOH-AI administration resulted in significant (p < 0.01) reductions in the immobility times for both the FST and TST compared with those in the control group. MeOH-AI also induced significant (p < 0.01) reductions in castor oil-induced diarrhea severity and gastrointestinal motility in a mouse model. In addition, the in vitro anti-inflammatory and thrombolytic activity studies produced remarkable responses. The binding assay showed that 4-dehydroxy-N-(4,5-methylenedioxy-2-nitrobenzylidene) tyramine interacts favorably with monoamine oxidase and serotonin and M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, displaying good pharmacokinetic properties, which may mediate the effects of MeOH-AI on depression and diarrhea. Overall, the research findings indicated that MeOH-AI has significant antidepressant, antidiarrheal, and anti-inflammatory effects and may represent an alternative source of novel therapeutic factors.

In Vivo Bioactivities of Hoya parasitica (Wall.) and In Silico Study against Cyclooxygenase Enzymes

Hoya parasitica (Wall.) is extensively used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases including rheumatism, kidney problems, jaundice, urinary tract disorders, fever, and pain. The present study was designed to explore new lead compound(s) to alleviate pain, pyresis, and diarrhea from methanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts of H. parasitica (Wall.) leaves (MHP, EAHP, and NHP, respectively). Analgesic activity of the extracts was assessed through acetic acid induced writhing, tail immersion, and hot plate tests while brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia test was employed for the assessment of antipyretic activity. Besides, castor oil and magnesium sulfate induced diarrheal tests were utilized for the evaluation of antidiarrheal properties. Moreover, in silico study of the isolated compounds was undertaken to seek out best-fit phytoconstituent(s) against cyclooxygenase enzymes. MHP revealed substantial antioxidant activities in different in vitro assays compared to EAHP and NHP. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, among the extracts, MHP (400 mg/kg) revealed maximum 74.15 ± 1% inhibition of writhing comparable to that of standard (85.77 ± 1.39%). Again, in tail immersion and hot plate tests, higher doses of all the test samples exhibited a significant increase of latent period in a time-dependent manner. In brewer yeast-induced pyrexia test, at 3rd and 4th hour of treatment, significant (P < 0.05) antipyretic action was found in the test samples. In both castor oil and magnesium induced diarrheal tests, MHP at 400 mg/kg showed the highest percent inhibition of diarrhea (68.62 ± 4.74 and 64.99 ± 2.90, respectively). Moreover, molecular docking analysis corroborated the results of the present study. The findings of the present study supported the traditional uses of this plant for the alleviation of pain and fever. Furthermore, hoyasterone was found to be the most effective lead compound as cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitor.

Globularia alypum L. and Related Species: LC-MS Profiles and Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial and Anticancer Potential

Species from the genus Globularia L. have been used as healing agents for various ailments, with utilization of Globularia alypum L. being most frequently reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer potential of G. alypum and three related species, G. punctata Lapeyr., G. cordifolia L. and G. meridionalis (Podp.) O.Schwarz, in relation to their phytochemical compositions. Globularin and verbascoside were identified using LC-PDA-ESI-MSⁿ as the major metabolites of G. alypum with known biological activities. G. alypum demonstrated the greatest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 17.25 μg/mL), while its anti-inflammatory activity was not significantly different from those of related species. All investigated species showed considerable antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the broth microdilution method (MIC = 1.42–3.79 mg/mL). G. punctata also showed antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli (MIC = 1.42 mg/mL), Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 1.89 mg/mL), B. cereus (MIC = 2.84 mg/mL) and Enterococcus faecalis (MBC = 5.68 mg/mL). G. punctata, G. cordifolia and G. meridionalis showed greater anticancer potential than G. alypum. Obtained results indicate investigated Globularia species could serve as sources of diverse bioactive molecules, with G. punctata having the greatest antibacterial potential.

Medicinal Plants for Glioblastoma Treatment

Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, demonstrates the least life expectancy among all brain cancers. Because of the regulation of diverse signaling pathways in cancers, the chemotherapeutic approaches used to suppress their multiplication and spreading are restricted. Sensitivity towards chemotherapeutic agents has developed because of the pathological and drug-evading abilities of these diverse mechanisms. As a result, the identification and exploration of strategies or treatments, which can overcome such refractory obstacles to improve glioblastoma response to treatment as well as recovery, is essential. Medicinal herbs contain a wide variety of bioactive compounds, which could trigger aggressive brain cancers, regulate their anti-cancer mechanisms and immune responses to assist in cancer elimination, and cause cell death. Numerous tumor-causing proteins, which facilitate invasion as well as metastasis of cancer, tolerance of chemotherapies, and angiogenesis, are also inhibited by these phytochemicals. Such herbs remain valuable for glioblastoma prevention and its incidence by effectively being used as anti-glioma therapies. This review thus presents the latest findings on medicinal plants using which the extracts or bioactive components are being used against glioblastoma, their mechanism of functioning, pharmacological description as well as recent clinical studies conducted on them.

Epiphytic Acampe ochracea orchid relieves paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and upregulating antioxidant genes in in vivo and virtual screening

Orchids are basically ornamental, and biological functions are seldom evaluated. This research investigated the effects of Acampe ochracea methanol extract (AOME) in ameliorating the paracetamol (PCM) induced liver injury in Wistar albino rats, evaluating its phytochemical status through UPLC-qTOF-MS analysis. With molecular docking and network pharmacology, virtual screening verified the inevitable interactions between the UPLC-qTOF-MS-characterized compounds and hepatoprotective drug receptors. The AOME has explicit a dose-dependent decrease of liver enzymes acid phosphatase (ACP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin, as well as an increase of serum total protein and antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH) with a virtual normalization (p < 0.05-p < 0.001) and the values were almost equivalent to the reference drug silymarin. After pretreatment with AOME, PCM-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were considerably decreased (p < 0.001). Histopathological examinations corroborated the functional and biochemical findings. The AOME upregulated the genes involved in antioxidative (CAT, SOD, β-actin, PON1, and PFK1) and hepatoprotective mechanisms in PCM intoxicated rats. An array of 103 compounds has been identified from AOME through UPLC-qTOF-MS analysis. The detected compounds were substantially related to the targets of several liver proteins and antioxidative enzymes, according to an in silico study. Virtual prediction by SwissADME and admetSAR showed that AOME has drug-like, non-toxic, and potential pharmacological activities in hepatic damage. Furthermore, VEGFA, CYP19A1, MAPK14, ESR1, and PPARG genes interact with target compounds impacting the significant biological actions to recover PCM-induced liver damage.

Unfolding the apoptotic mechanism of antioxidant enriched-leaves of Tabebuia pallida (lindl.) miers in EAC cells and mouse model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tabebuia pallida (Lindl.) Miers (T. pallida) is a well-known native Caribbean medicinal plant. The leaves and barks of T. pallida are used as traditional medicine in the form of herbal or medicinal tea to manage cancer, fever, and pain. Moreover, extracts from the leaves of T. pallida showed anticancer activity. However, the chemical profile and mechanism of anticancer activity of T. pallida leaves (TPL), stem bark (TPSB), root bark (TPRB) and flowers (TPF) remain unexplored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to explore the regulation of apoptosis by T. pallida using Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cultured cells and an EAC mouse model. LC-ESI-MS/MS was used for compositional analysis of T. pallida extracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dried and powdered TPL, TPSB, TPRB and TPF were extracted with 80% methanol. Using cultured EAC cells and EAC-bearing mice with and without these extracts, anticancer activities were studied by assessing cytotoxicity and tumor cell growth inhibition, changes in life span of mice, and hematological and biochemical parameters. Apoptosis was analyzed by microscopy and expression of selected apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, NFκ-B, PARP-1, p53, Bax, caspase-3 and -8) using RT-PCR. LC-ESI-MS analysis was performed to identify the major compounds from active extracts. Computer aided analyses was undertaken to sort out the best-fit phytoconstituent of total ten isolated compounds of this plant for antioxidant and anticancer activity.

RESULTS

In EAC mice compared with untreated controls, the TPL extract exhibited the highest cancer cell toxicity with significant tumor cell growth inhibition (p < 0.001), reduced ascites by body weight (p < 0.01), increased the life span (p < 0.001), normalized blood parameters (RBC/WBC counts), and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. TPL-treated EAC cells showed increased apoptotic characteristics of membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation, and caspase-3 activation, compared with untreated EAC cells. Moreover, annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide signals were greatly enhanced in response to TPL treatment, indicating apoptosis induction. Pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling after TPL treatment demonstrated up-regulated p53, Bax and PARP-1, and down-regulated NFκ-B, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression, suggesting that TPL shifts the balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes towards cell death. LC-ESI-MS data of TPL showed a mixture of glycosides, lapachol, and quercetin antioxidant and its derivatives that were significantly linked to cancer cell targets. The compound, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside was found to be most effective in computer aided models.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the TPL extract of T. pallida possesses significant anticancer activity. The tumor suppressive mechanism is due to apoptosis induced by activation of antioxidant enzymes and caspases and mediated by a change in the balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes that promotes cell death.

Analgesic Effect of Ziziphus abyssinica Involves Inhibition of Inflammatory Mediators and Modulation of KATP Channels, Opioidergic and Nitrergic Pathways

The diversity offered by natural products has timelessly positioned them as a good source for novel therapeutics for the management of diverse medical conditions, including pain. This study evaluated hydro-ethanolic root bark extract of Ziziphus abyssinica (ZAE) as well as β-amyrin and polpunonic acid isolated from the plant for analgesic property. The study also investigated the mechanism responsible for this action in the extract. The antinociceptive potential of ZAE (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p. o.) was assessed using the tail-immersion test (TIT), acetic acid-induced writhing test (AAT), and formalin test (FT). The extract’s effect on acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain was also assessed by administering carrageenan unilaterally into the rat gastrocnemius muscles and measuring pain at 12 h and 10 days for acute and chronic pain respectively. The involvement of pro-inflammatory mediators (prostaglandin E₂, bradykinin, TNF-α, and IL-1β) was assessed. The possible pathways mediating the observed analgesic effect of ZAE were further assessed using the antagonists: naloxone, glibenclamide, N^G-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), atropine, nifedipine, and yohimbine in the FT. Also the analgesic effect of two triterpenoid compounds, β-amyrin and polpunonic acid, previously isolated from the plant was assessed using the TIT. The anti-nociceptive activity of ZAE was demonstrated in the TIT by the significant (p < 0.05) increase in tail withdrawal threshold in ZAE-treated mice. ZAE also markedly reduced writhing and paw licking responses in both AAT and FT and significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. ZAE also significantly reversed hyperalgesia induced by intraplantar injection of PGE₂, bradykinin, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Furthermore, data revealed the involvement of opioidergic, ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels and NO-cGMP pathways in the analgesic effect of ZAE. Both β-amyrin and polpunonic acid exhibited analgesic activity in the tail suspension test. Our study demonstrates ZAE as an important source of new therapeutic agents for pain management.

In Silico Prediction and In Vitro Assessment of Multifunctional Properties of Postbiotics Obtained From Two Probiotic Bacteria

In this study, a global metabolite profile using Raman spectroscopy analysis was obtained in order to predict, by an in silico prediction of activity spectra for substance approach, the bioactivities of the intracellular content (IC) and cell wall (CW) fractions obtained from Lactobacillus casei CRL 431 and Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 strains. Additionally, multifunctional in vitro bioactivity of IC and CW fractions was also assessed. The metabolite profile revealed a variety of compounds (fatty acids, amino acids, coenzyme, protein, amino sugars), with significant probable activities (Pa > 0.7) as immune-stimulant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiproliferative, immunomodulator, and antineoplastic, among others. Moreover, in vitro assays exhibited that both IC and CW fractions presented angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory (> 90%), chelating (> 79%), and antioxidant (ca. 22-57 cellular antioxidant activity units) activities. Our findings based on in silico and in vitro analyses suggest that L. casei CRL 431 and B. coagulans GBI-30 strains appear to be promising sources of postbiotics and may impart health benefits by their multifunctional properties.

Antiproliferative and antioxidant potentials of bioactive edible vegetable fraction of Achyranthes ferruginea Roxb. in cancer cell line

In the present study, the aerial parts of Achyranthes ferruginea underwent investigation of their in vitro antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities in cell-free conditions, their phytoconstituents using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their cytotoxic activity in HeLa cells. A. ferruginea was extracted with 80% methanol and successively fractionated with solvents to yield petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF), and aqueous (AQF) fractions. GC-MS analysis revealed that CHF contained ten phytoconstituents, including different forms of octadecanoic acid methyl esters. The total antioxidant and ferric-reducing antioxidant capacities of the extracts and the standard catechin (CA) were as follows: CA >CHF >PEF >CME (crude methanolic extract) >EAF >AQF, and CA >CHF >EAF >PEF >AQF >CME, respectively. CHF showed the highest DPPH-free radical-scavenging activity, with a median inhibitory concentration of 10.5 ± 0.28 µg/ml, which was slightly higher than that of the standard butylated hydroxytoluene (12.0 ± 0.09 µg/ml). In the hydroxyl radical-scavenging assay, CHF showed identical scavenging activity (9.25 ± 0.73 µg/ml) when compared to CA (10.50 ± 1.06 µg/ml). Moreover, CHF showed strong cytotoxic activity (19.95 ± 1.18 µg/ml) in HeLa cells, which was alike to that of the standards vincristine sulfate and 5-fluorouracil (15.84 ± 1.64 µg/ml and 12.59 ± 1.75 µg/ml, respectively). The in silico study revealed that identified compounds were significantly linked to the targets of various cancer cells and oxidative enzymes. However, online prediction by SwissADME, admetSAR, and PASS showed that it has drug-like, nontoxic, and potential pharmacological actions.

Therapeutic Potentials of Syzygium fruticosum Fruit (Seed) Reflected into an Array of Pharmacological Assays and Prospective Receptors-Mediated Pathways

Syzygium fruticosum (SF), a valuable Bangladeshi fruit, is considered an alternative therapeutic agent. Mainly, seeds are used as nutritional phytotherapy to ease physical and mental status by preventing chronic diseases. Here, we scrutinized the S. fruticosum seed's fundamental importance in traditional medicine by following an integrated approach combining in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies. The SF was fractionated with different solvents, and the ethyl acetate fraction of SF (EaF-SF) was further studied. Mice treated with EaF-SF (200 and 400 mg/kg) manifested anxiolysis evidenced by higher exploration in elevated plus maze and hole board tests. Similarly, a dose-dependent drop of immobility time in a forced swimming test ensured significant anti-depressant activity. Moreover, higher dose treatment exposed reduced exploratory behaviour resembling decreased movement and prolonged sleeping latency with a quick onset of sleep during the open field and thiopental-induced sleeping tests, respectively. In parallel, EaF-SF significantly (p < 0.001) and dose-dependently suppressed acetic acid and formalin-induced pain in mice. Also, a noteworthy anti-inflammatory activity and a substantial (p < 0.01) clot lysis activity (thrombolytic) was observed. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis resulted in 49 bioactive compounds. Among them, 12 bioactive compounds with Lipinski's rule and safety confirmation showed strong binding affinity (molecular docking) against the receptors of each model used. To conclude, the S. fruticosum seed is a prospective source of health-promoting effects that can be an excellent candidate for preventing degenerative diseases.

Pharmacological insights into Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f.) Hallier f. leaf for its antioxidant, thrombolytic, anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive potential

Merremia vitifolia (Burm.f.) Hallier f., an ethnomedicinally important plant, used in the tribal areas to treat various ailments including fever, headache, eye inflammation, rheumatism, dysentery, jaundice and urinary diseases. The present study explored the biological efficacy of the aqueous fraction of M. vitifolia leaves (AFMV) through in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The thrombolytic and anti-arthritic effects of AFMV were evaluated by using the clot lysis technique and inhibition of protein denaturation technique, respectively. The anti-nociceptive activity of AFMV was investigated in Swiss Albino mice by acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin-induced paw licking test. The antioxidant activities of AFMV, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and total reducing power, were also tested. The qualitative phytochemical assays exhibited AFMV contains secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, carbohydrate, flavonoid, tannin, triterpenoids and phenols. In addition, AFMV showed strong antioxidant effects with the highest scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 146.61 µg/mL) and reducing power was increased with a dose-dependent manner. AFMV also revealed notable clot lysis effect and substantial anti-arthritic activity at higher doses (500 µg/mL) as compared with the control. The results demonstrated a promising reduction of the number of writhing and duration of paw licking in acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin-induced paw licking test in a dose-dependent manner, respectively. In conclusion, AFMV provides the scientific basis of its folkloric usage, suggesting it as the vital source of dietary supplement.

Methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts of Tragia involucrata L. leaves exhibit anxiolytic, sedative and analgesic activity in Swiss albino mice

INTRODUCTION

Tragia involucrata L. have been utilized as traditional medicine in Indian subcontinent for the treatment of numerous illnesses such as inflammation, pain and skin infection. In this current study we sought to assess the anxiolytic, sedative and analgesic activity of Tragia involucrata L. leaves extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We first performed a phytochemical screening test of the leaves extracts following standard phytochemical screening protocols. We next examined the anxiolytic and sedative activity of crude methanol (TIME), ethyl acetate (TIEAE) and n-Hexane (TIHE) extract of Tragia involucrata L. leaves using mouse behavioral models such as elevated plus-maze test and pentobarbital-induced sleeping time test, respectively. Likewise, we evaluated the analgesic activity using acetic acid induced writhing test and formalin induced paw licking test. Additionally, we performed a quantitative analysis of heavy metals content of Tragia involucrata L. leaves by overnight digestion in concentrated nitric acid (HNO3).

RESULTS

Phytochemical screening demonstrated that TIME, TIEAE and TIHE contain flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids and sterols. Administration of these extracts resulted in higher number of open arm entry, lower number of close arm entry and higher time spent in open arm compared to control treatment (p < 0.05). Moreover, these treatments decreased the onset of sleep time and increased the duration of sleep compared to control treated mice (all p < 0.05). Likewise, extracts treated mice exhibited decreased number of writhing as well as lower acute phase and late phase duration compared to control treatment (all p < 0.05). The average level of As and Fe in Tragia involucrata L. leaves was 5.16 ± 0.012 ppm and 2.76 ± 0.015 ppm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Results from this study support that Tragia involucrata L. leaves extracts exhibit an anxiolytic, sedative and analgesic activity in mice.

Attenuation of Anxiety-Like Behavior by Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench Methanolic Extract through Up-Regulation of ERK Signaling Pathways in Noradrenergic Neurons

The long-term use of anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs can cause a plethora of side effects and the use of complementary and alternative medicine, which is generally considered safer than conventional medicine, is consistently increasing. Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench methanolic extract (HSE) has shown MAO-A inhibitory properties in previous studies. With the aim of obtaining innovative and safer therapies for mood disorders, this study investigated the potential activity of HSE in the management of anxiety- and depression-related symptoms. HSE showed dose-dependent (30-100 mg/kg p.o.) anxiolytic-like activity in the light dark box and marble burying tests, without any antidepressant-like activity, as shown by the results of the tail suspension test. Additionally, HSE did not have any effect on the modulation of pain, which highlights its selectivity in the control of anxiety-related behavior. At active doses, HSE did not produce any sedative effect or result in impaired motor coordination and memory functions. Western blotting experiments showed the ability of HSE to counteract the reduction in the phosphorylation of ERK44/42, to restore brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and to return cyclic AMP response element binding (CREB) levels to basal levels in noradrenergic hippocampal neurons of mice exposed to an anxiety-related environment, which indicates a protective role against anxiety behavior. These results suggest that oral administration of HSE might represent an interesting opportunity for the management of anxiety disorders.

Possible neuropharmacological effects of Adenia trilobata (Roxb.) in the Swiss albino mice model

Background

Known colloquially as akandaphal in Bangladesh, Adenia trilobata has some traditional uses. Its leaves and stems are extracted with pure methanol (MEATL, MEATS) and fractioned by n-hexane (NFATL, NFATS). The in vivo anxiolytic activity was evaluated by elevated plus maze (EPM) testing and hole-board test (HBT), whilst the locomotor activity was examined using the open-field test (OFT) and hole-cross test (HCT) and the antidepressant activity was assessed with the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST).

Results

Regarding the anxiolytic activity, the 400-mg/kg doses of MEATL, NFATL, MEATS and NFATS exhibited maximum percentages of entry into the open arm of 33.85%, 32.23%, 30.06% and 41.84%, respectively, compare with the diazepam (69.33%). During HBT, MEATL (400 mg/kg) and NFATL (400 mg/kg) demonstrated 51.67 ± 0.88 and 57.67 ± 3.18 instances of head-dipping relative to diazepam (64.33 ± 3.16), whilst the locomotor activity showed a dose-dependent reduction in square movements and number of hole crossings. During FST and TST, the NFATL (400 mg/kg) exhibited rates of 43.32% and 57.71% time spent immobile, whilst fluoxetine experienced rates of 54.79% and 55.74%.

Conclusion

Adenia trilobata could be a potential component for the treatment of neuropharmacological defects. Further study is required.

Deciphering the Pharmacological Properties of Methanol Extract of Psychotria calocarpa Leaves by In Vivo, In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

The present study explores the neuropharmacological, antinociceptive, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, thrombolytic and cytotoxic activity of methanol extract of Psychotria calocarpa leaves (MEPC). In anxiolytic activity testing of MEPC by elevated plus maze test, hole-board test and light-dark test, the extract exhibited a dose-dependent reduction of anxiety while the open field test observed a decreased locomotion. The administration of MEPC revealed a significant dose-dependent reduction of depressant behavior in forced swimming and tail suspension test. Additionally, the antinociceptive and antidiarrheal activity exposed a significant reduction of nociception and diarrheal behavior at the highest dose. In addition, a strong antioxidant activity was observed in DPPH-free radical-scavenging assay (IC50 = 461.05 μg/mL), total phenol content (118.31 ± 1.12 mg) and total flavonoid content (100.85 ± 0.97 mg). The significant clot-lysis activity was also observed with moderate toxicity (LC50 = 247.92 μg/mL) level in the lethality assay of brine shrimp. Moreover, in silico molecular docking study showed that the compound Psychotriasine could offer promising active site interactions for binding proteins. Furthermore, ADME/T and toxicological properties of the compound satisfied the Lipinski's rule of five and Veber rules for drug-like potential and toxicity level. Overall, MEPC had a potential neuropharmacological, antinociceptive, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activity that warranted further investigation.

GC-MS Phytochemical Profiling, Pharmacological Properties, and In Silico Studies of Chukrasia velutina Leaves: A Novel Source for Bioactive Agents

Chukrasia velutina is a local medicinal plant commonly known as chikrassy in Bangladesh, India, China, and other South Asian countries. The leaves, bark, and seeds are vastly used as herbal medicine for fever and diarrhea, and its leaves essential oils are used for antimicrobial purposes. In this study, we discuss the neuropsychiatric properties of C. velutina leaves through several animal models, quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analysis, and computational approaches. Neuropsychiatric effects were performed in rodents on the methanolic extract of C. velutina leaves (MECVL). Antidepressant, anxiolytic, and sedative effects experimented through these rodent models were used such as the force swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), hole board test (HBT), elevated plus maze test (EPMT), light/dark box test (LDBT), open field test (OFT), and hole cross test (HCT). In these rodent models, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses were used which exhibited a significant result in the force swimming and tail suspension test (p < 0.001) for the antidepressant effect. In the anxiolytic study, the results were significant in the hole board, elevated plus maze, and light/dark box test (p < 0.001) for doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. The result was also significant in the open field and hole cross test (p < 0.001) for sedative action in the sake of similar doses. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative studies were also performed through phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis, and fifty-seven phytochemical compounds were found. These compounds were analyzed for pharmacokinetics properties using the SwissADME tool and from them, thirty-five compounds were considered for the molecular docking analysis. These phytoconstituents were docking against the human serotonin receptor, potassium channel receptor, and crystal structure of human beta-receptor, where eight of the compounds showed a good binding affinity towards the respective receptors considered to the reference standard drugs. After all of these analyses, it can be said that the secondary metabolite of C. velutina leaves (MECVL) could be a good source for inhibiting the neuropsychiatric disorders which were found on animal models as well as in computational studies.

Curculigo recurvata W.T.Aiton exhibits anti-nociceptive and anti-diarrheal effects in Albino mice and an in silico model

BACKGROUND

Curculigo recurvata (C. recurvata) is an enthnomedicinally important herb reported to have significant medicinal values. The present study aimed to explore the in vivo and in silico anti-nociceptive and anti-diarrheal effects of a C. recurvate rhizome methanol extract (Me-RCR).

METHODS

The analgesic effects of Me-RCR were assessed using acetic acid-induced writhing and the formalin-induced flicking test. The drugs were administered intraperitoneally (IP) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw). Anti-diarrheal activity was evaluated by assessing intestinal motility, hypersecretion, and fecal score in mice at oral doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg·bw. Computer facilitated analyses for anti-nociceptive and anti-diarrheal activities of three isolated compounds from C. recurvata were undertaken to identify the best-fit phytoconstituents.

RESULTS

The Me-RCR showed significant (P < .05) peripheral anti-nociception at the highest dose. The extract inhibited both early and late phases of nociception in the formalin-induced writhing test. In the castor oil-induced diarrhoea model, the extract significantly (P < .05) prolonged the onset time of diarrhoea, inhibited percentage of diarrhoea, and decreased both the volume and weight of intestinal contents. Rates of intestinal fluid accumulation inhibition were (33.61 ± 1.00)% and (46.44 ± 0.89)% at Me-RCR doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg·bw, respectively. Moreover, a significant (P < .05) reduction in gastrointestinal motility was observed. An absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and/or toxicity (ADME/T) test showed that the selected compounds yielded promising results, satisfying Lipinski's rule of five for predicting drug-like potential. Notably, of the three phytoconstituents curculigine and isocurculigine possessed the highest affinity for the COX-1 and COX-2. Isocurculigine was also identified as the most effective anti-diarrheal compound in the computer-facilitated model.

CONCLUSION

An extract of the plant C. recurvata showed potential analgesic and anti-diarrheal activity due to the presence of one or more active secondary metabolite(s).

Chemical profiles, pharmacological properties, and in silico studies provide new insights on Cycas pectinata

The current study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the phytochemical components of Cycas pectinata methanol extract (MECP), along with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, locomotor, anxiolytic, analgesic, and antidiarrheal activities. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay and the total phenol and total flavonoid contents, while the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by a protein denaturation assay. The in vivo locomotor effects were examined using the open field test and hole-cross test. The anxiolytic effect was examined using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, hole-board test (HBT), and light-dark test (LDT), while the analgesic activity was investigated using the acetic acid-induced writhing test. The antidiarrheal effect was evaluated by castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility. Ten bioactive compounds were selected on the basis of their biological activities and further investigated using in silico molecular docking simulation to correlate with the identified pharmacological properties. Additionally, the ADME properties of the compounds were evaluated according to their drug-likeness profile. MECP had a maximum total phenol content of 209.85 ± 3.40 gallic acid equivalents/g extract and a total flavonoid content of 105.17 ± 3.45 quercetin equivalents/g extract, with an IC50 value of 631.44 μg/mL. MECP (62.5-500 μg/mL) elicited 20.96-38.12% decreased protein denaturation compared to diclofenac sodium (65.40-83.50%), while a 35.72% (P < 0.001) clot lysis activity was observed for the 10 mg/mL concentration. MECP induced a dose-dependent reduction in locomotor activity, with a significant anxiolytic effect. In the analgesic test, MECP (200, 400 mg/kg) showed a 45.12% and 58.82% inhibition in analgesia, and the 400 mg/kg dose elicited a 27.5% inhibition in intestinal motility. These findings suggest that MECP might be effective in treating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuropharmacological defects, but this requires further study.

Members of the family <i>Lamiaceae</i> Lindl. as sources of medicinal plant raw materials to obtain neurotropic drugs

The aim of this work is to review and analyze the data published in the modern scientific literature obtained in pharmacological, pharmacognostic and pharmacotechnological studies of various types of raw materials obtained from members of the family Lamiaceae L., which were sources of biologically active substances, pharmaceutical substances, total extracts and the drugs – with a neurotropic activity.

Materials and methods. For the review, we used the information of scientific literature from open and accessible sources of the last twenty years, located in the scientific and technical libraries of institutions, as well as in electronic databases: Elibrary, PubMed, Scopus, Cyberleninka, GoogleAcademy, J-Stage. The search inquiries were: the species of the family Lamiaceae (Russian and Latin), the samples of medicinal plant materials based on them as well as the names of the drugs and biologically active substances obtained from these raw materials.

Results. When working with the sources of scientific information, the main attention was paid to pharmacologic tests performed during the studies on laboratory animals and proving the presence of neurotropic activity in the studied objects – essential oils and extracts from plant raw materials: aqueous, aqueous alcoholic, and methanol ones. It has been established that the potential of the therapeutic and preventive application of pharmaceutical substances and drugs based on the medicinal plant materials obtained from 30 genera members of the Lamiaceae family, remains unrealized despite the close attention of various researchers.

Conclusion. This review comprised 71 species from 30 genera. Despite the significant level of the previous study presented in the analysis of this publication, an enormous potential of this family’s species remains unexplored. In the future, they can be of both – pharmacognostic and practical interest, in particular, in creation of new medicinal preparations of the neurotropic action based on them.

Xanthones protects lead-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) via activating Nrf-2 and modulating NF-kB, MAPK pathway

Xanthones from a tropical fruit of Garcinia mangostana L. is known to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. The current study aimed to assess the possible protective effects of xanthones against lead acetate (PbAc)-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD). To accomplish, in vitro antioxidant assays of xanthones, in vivo oxidative stress parameters, histopathology, inflammatory parameters were evaluated using PbAc-induced IRC male mice. The study was supported by in silico molecular docking of respective organ receptor protein-ligand interaction. Results revealed that xanthones potentially scavenged the DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide radicals. Oxidative stress, kidney dysfunction, inflammatory markers, and kidney apoptosis increased by PbAc were attenuated with the co-treatment of xanthones. The treatment remarkably improved the tissue architecture. Of note, in silico prediction of activity study showed that protective role of xanthones could be due to its efficacy to activate the Nrf-2, regulate the intracellular [Ca2+], as well as downregulate the NF-kB, MAPK pathway. In a nutshell, xanthones could be a potential candidate for the management of PbAc-induced kidney damage.