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Neacșu SM, Mititelu M, Ozon EA, Musuc AM, Iuga IDM, Manolescu BN, Petrescu S, Pandele Cusu J, Rusu A, Surdu VA, Oprea E, Lupuliasa D, Popescu IA. Comprehensive Analysis of Novel Synergistic Antioxidant Formulations: Insights into Pharmacotechnical, Physical, Chemical, and Antioxidant Properties. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:690. [PMID: 38931357 PMCID: PMC11206646 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, highlighting the pressing need for effective antioxidant interventions. (2) Methods: In this study, we aimed to develop and characterise two novel antioxidant formulations, F3 and F4, as therapeutic interventions for oxidative stress-related conditions. (3) Results: The physicochemical characterisation, preformulation analysis, formulation, preparation of filling powders for capsules, capsule content evaluation, and antioxidant activity assessment of the two novel antioxidant formulations were assessed. These formulations comprise a combination of well-established antioxidants like quercetin, biotin, coenzyme Q10, and resveratrol. Through comprehensive testing, the formulations' antioxidant efficacy, stability, and potential synergistic interactions were evaluated. (4) Conclusions: The findings underscore the promising potential of these formulations as therapeutic interventions for oxidative stress-related disorders and highlight the significance of antioxidant interventions in mitigating their progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorinel Marius Neacșu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.N.); (D.L.); (I.A.P.)
| | - Magdalena Mititelu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (I.D.M.I.)
| | - Emma Adriana Ozon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.N.); (D.L.); (I.A.P.)
| | - Adina Magdalena Musuc
- Institute of Physical Chemistry—Ilie Murgulescu, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (S.P.); (J.P.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Izabela Dana Maria Iuga
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (I.D.M.I.)
| | - Bogdan Nicolae Manolescu
- “C. Nenitescu” Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Science of Materials, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Simona Petrescu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry—Ilie Murgulescu, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (S.P.); (J.P.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Jeanina Pandele Cusu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry—Ilie Murgulescu, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (S.P.); (J.P.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Adriana Rusu
- Institute of Physical Chemistry—Ilie Murgulescu, Romanian Academy, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021 Bucharest, Romania; (S.P.); (J.P.C.); (A.R.)
| | - Vasile-Adrian Surdu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Eliza Oprea
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1–3 Portocalilor Way, 060101 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Dumitru Lupuliasa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.N.); (D.L.); (I.A.P.)
| | - Ioana Andreea Popescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.N.); (D.L.); (I.A.P.)
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Neagu R, Popovici V, Ionescu LE, Ordeanu V, Biță A, Popescu DM, Ozon EA, Gîrd CE. Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Commercially Available Essential Oils Combinations with Conventional Antibiotics against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:478. [PMID: 38927145 PMCID: PMC11200707 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of five commercially available essential oils (EOs), Lavender (LEO), Clove (CEO), Oregano (OEO), Eucalyptus (EEO), and Peppermint (PEO), against the most-known MDR Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria-Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853)-alone and in various combinations. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis established their complex compositions. Then, their antibacterial activity-expressed as the inhibition zone diameter (IZD) value (mm)-was investigated in vitro by the diffusimetric antibiogram method, using sterile cellulose discs with Ø 6 mm impregnated with 10 µL of sample and sterile borosilicate glass cylinders loaded with 100 µL; the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value (µg/mL) for each EO was calculated from the IZD values (mm) measured after 24 h. The following EO combinations were evaluated: OEO+CEO, CEO+EEO, CEO+PEO, LEO+EEO, and EEO+PEO. Then, the influence of each dual combination on the activity of three conventional antibacterial drugs-Neomycin (NEO), Tetracycline (TET), and Bacitracin (BAC)-was investigated. The most active EOs against S. aureus and E. coli were LEO and OEO (IZD = 40 mm). They were followed by CEO and EEO (IZD = 20-27 mm); PEO exhibited the lowest antibacterial activity (IZD = 15-20 mm). EEO alone showed the highest inhibitory activity on P. aeruginosa (IZD = 25-35 mm). It was followed by CEO, LEO, and EEO (IZD = 7-11 mm), while PEO proved no antibacterial action against it (IZD = 0 mm). Only one synergic action was recorded (OEO+CEO against P. aeruginosa); EEO+PEO revealed partial synergism against S. aureus and CEO+PEO showed additive behavior against E. coli. Two triple associations with TET showed partial synergism against E. coli, and the other two (with NEO and TET) evidenced the same behavior against S. aureus; all contained EEO+PEO or CEO+PEO. Most combinations reported indifference. However, numerous cases involved antagonism between the constituents included in the double and triple combinations, and the EOs with the strongest antibacterial activities belonged to the highest antagonistic combinations. A consistent statistical analysis supported our results, showing that the EOs with moderate antibacterial activities could generate combinations with higher inhibitory effects based on synergistic or additive interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Răzvan Neagu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (R.N.); (C.E.G.)
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, “Cantacuzino” National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Spl. Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Violeta Popovici
- Center for Mountain Economics, “Costin C. Kiriţescu” National Institute of Economic Research (INCE-CEMONT), Romanian Academy, 725700 Vatra-Dornei, Romania
| | - Lucia-Elena Ionescu
- Experimental Microbiology Laboratory, “Cantacuzino” National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Spl. Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorel Ordeanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 16 Sincai, 040314 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Andrei Biță
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Diana Mihaela Popescu
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, “Cantacuzino” National Military Medical Institute for Research and Development, 103 Spl. Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Emma Adriana Ozon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Cerasela Elena Gîrd
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (R.N.); (C.E.G.)
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Ivan IM, Olaru OT, Popovici V, Chițescu CL, Popescu L, Luță EA, Ilie EI, Brașoveanu LI, Hotnog CM, Nițulescu GM, Boscencu R, Gîrd CE. Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties of Berberis vulgaris (L.) Stem Bark Dry Extract. Molecules 2024; 29:2053. [PMID: 38731544 PMCID: PMC11085362 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Berberis vulgaris (L.) has remarkable ethnopharmacological properties and is widely used in traditional medicine. The present study investigated B. vulgaris stem bark (Berberidis cortex) by extraction with 50% ethanol. The main secondary metabolites were quantified, resulting in a polyphenols content of 17.6780 ± 3.9320 mg Eq tannic acid/100 g extract, phenolic acids amount of 3.3886 ± 0.3481 mg Eq chlorogenic acid/100 g extract and 78.95 µg/g berberine. The dried hydro-ethanolic extract (BVE) was thoroughly analyzed using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) and HPLC, and 40 bioactive phenolic constituents were identified. Then, the antioxidant potential of BVE was evaluated using three methods. Our results could explain the protective effects of Berberidis cortex EC50FRAP = 0.1398 mg/mL, IC50ABTS = 0.0442 mg/mL, IC50DPPH = 0.2610 mg/mL compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.0165 mg/mL). Next, the acute toxicity and teratogenicity of BVE and berberine-berberine sulfate hydrate (BS)-investigated on Daphnia sp. revealed significant BS toxicity after 24 h, while BVE revealed considerable toxicity after 48 h and induced embryonic developmental delays. Finally, the anticancer effects of BVE and BS were evaluated in different tumor cell lines after 24 and 48 h of treatments. The MTS assay evidenced dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative activity, which was higher for BS than BVE. The strongest diminution of tumor cell viability was recorded in the breast (MDA-MB-231), colon (LoVo) cancer, and OSCC (PE/CA-PJ49) cell lines after 48 h of exposure (IC50 < 100 µg/mL). However, no cytotoxicity was reported in the normal epithelial cells (HUVEC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. Extensive data analysis supports our results, showing a significant correlation between the BVE concentration, phenolic compounds content, antioxidant activity, exposure time, and the viability rate of various normal cells and cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionuț Mădălin Ivan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.I.); (L.P.); (E.A.L.); (E.I.I.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Octavian Tudorel Olaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.I.); (L.P.); (E.A.L.); (E.I.I.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Violeta Popovici
- Center for Mountain Economics, “Costin C. Kiriţescu” National Institute of Economic Research (INCE-CEMONT), Romanian Academy, 725700 Vatra-Dornei, Romania
| | - Carmen Lidia Chițescu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, A.I. Cuza 35, 800010 Galați, Romania;
| | - Liliana Popescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.I.); (L.P.); (E.A.L.); (E.I.I.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Emanuela Alice Luță
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.I.); (L.P.); (E.A.L.); (E.I.I.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Elena Iuliana Ilie
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.I.); (L.P.); (E.A.L.); (E.I.I.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Lorelei Irina Brașoveanu
- Center of Immunology, “Stefan S. Nicolau” Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 285 Mihai Bravu Ave., 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (L.I.B.); (C.M.H.)
| | - Camelia Mia Hotnog
- Center of Immunology, “Stefan S. Nicolau” Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 285 Mihai Bravu Ave., 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (L.I.B.); (C.M.H.)
| | - George Mihai Nițulescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.I.); (L.P.); (E.A.L.); (E.I.I.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Rica Boscencu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.I.); (L.P.); (E.A.L.); (E.I.I.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Cerasela Elena Gîrd
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (I.M.I.); (L.P.); (E.A.L.); (E.I.I.); (G.M.N.); (R.B.); (C.E.G.)
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Ungureanu AR, Popovici V, Oprean C, Danciu C, Schröder V, Olaru OT, Mihai DP, Popescu L, Luță EA, Chițescu CL, Gîrd CE. Cytotoxicity Analysis and In Silico Studies of Three Plant Extracts with Potential Application in Treatment of Endothelial Dysfunction. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2125. [PMID: 37631338 PMCID: PMC10459174 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is the basis of the physiopathological mechanisms of vascular diseases. In addition to the therapeutic activity of plant extracts, cytotoxicity is significant. This research evaluates the cytotoxicity of three vegetal extracts (Calendulae flos extract-CE, Ginkgo bilobae folium extract-GE, and Sophorae flos extract-SE). In vitro evaluation was performed using an endothelial cell line model (Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells-HPAEC) when a dose-dependent cytotoxic activity was observed after 72 h. The IC50 values were calculated for all extracts: Calendulae flos extract (IC50 = 91.36 μg/mL), Sophorae flos extract (IC50 = 68.61 μg/mL), and Ginkgo bilobae folium extract (IC50 = 13.08 μg/mL). Therefore, at the level of HPAEC cells, the cytotoxicity of the extracts follows the order GE > SE > CE. The apoptotic mechanism implied in cell death was predicted for several phytocompounds using the PASS algorithm and molecular docking simulations, highlighting potential interactions with caspases-3 and -8. In vivo analysis was performed through brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) when lethal, behavioral, and cytological effects were evaluated on Artemia salina larvae. The viability examined after 24 h (assessment of lethal effects) follows the same sequence: CE > SE > GE. In addition, the predicted cell permeability was observed mainly for GE constituents through in silico studies. However, the extracts can be considered nontoxic according to Clarckson's criteria because no BSL% was registered at 1200 µg/mL. The obtained data reveal that all three extracts are safe for human use and suitable for incorporation in further pharmaceutical formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Roxana Ungureanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (A.R.U.); (O.T.O.); (L.P.); (E.-A.L.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Violeta Popovici
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 7 Ilarie Voronca Street, 900684 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Camelia Oprean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Street, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- OncoGen Centre, County Hospital’ Pius Branzeu’, Blvd. Liviu Rebreanu 156, 300723 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Corina Danciu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Eftimie Murgu Street, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Verginica Schröder
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ovidius University of Constanta, 6 Capitan Al. Serbanescu Street, 900001 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Octavian Tudorel Olaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (A.R.U.); (O.T.O.); (L.P.); (E.-A.L.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Dragoș Paul Mihai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (A.R.U.); (O.T.O.); (L.P.); (E.-A.L.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Liliana Popescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (A.R.U.); (O.T.O.); (L.P.); (E.-A.L.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Emanuela-Alice Luță
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (A.R.U.); (O.T.O.); (L.P.); (E.-A.L.); (C.E.G.)
| | - Carmen Lidia Chițescu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, A.I. Cuza 35, 800010 Galați, Romania;
| | - Cerasela Elena Gîrd
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (A.R.U.); (O.T.O.); (L.P.); (E.-A.L.); (C.E.G.)
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Luță EA, Biță A, Moroșan A, Mihaiescu DE, Mihai DP, Popescu L, Bejenaru LE, Bejenaru C, Popovici V, Olaru OT, Gîrd CE. Implications of the Cultivation of Rosemary and Thyme ( Lamiaceae) in Plant Communities for the Development of Antioxidant Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11670. [PMID: 37511428 PMCID: PMC10380601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is the most critical factor in multiple functional disorders' development, and natural antioxidants could protect the human body against it. Our study aims to investigate the polyphenol content of four extracts of two medicinal plants (Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Thymus vulgaris L.) and analyze the correlation with their antioxidant activity. The research was carried out on extracts of rosemary and thyme obtained from species cultivated together in plant communities. Both were compared with extracts from species cultivated in individual crops (control crops). Their polyphenols were determined by spectrophotometric methods (dosage of flavones, phenol carboxylic acids, and total polyphenols) and chromatography (UHPLC-MS and FT-ICR MS). Triterpenic acids were also quantified, having a higher concentration in the thyme extract from the culture. The antioxidant activity of the dry extracts was evaluated in vitro (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and in silico (prediction of interactions with BACH1/BACH2 transcription factors). The concentrations of polyphenols are higher in the extracts obtained from the sources collected from the common crops. These observations were also validated following the chromatographic analysis for some compounds. Statistically significant differences in the increase in the antioxidant effect were observed for the extracts from the common batches compared to those from the individual ones. Following the Pearson analysis, the IC50 values for each plant extract were strongly correlated with the concentration of active phytoconstituents. Molecular docking studies revealed that quercetin could bind to BTB domains of BACH1 and BACH2 transcription factors, likely translating into increased antioxidant enzyme expression. Future studies must validate the in silico findings and further investigate phytosociological cultivation's effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela-Alice Luță
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Biță
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Alina Moroșan
- Department of Organic Chemistry "Costin Nenițescu", Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University of Politehnica, Gheorghe Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan Eduard Mihaiescu
- Department of Organic Chemistry "Costin Nenițescu", Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University of Politehnica, Gheorghe Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragoș Paul Mihai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liliana Popescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ludovic Everard Bejenaru
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Cornelia Bejenaru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Petru Rareș 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Violeta Popovici
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, 7 Ilarie Voronca Street, 900684 Constanta, Romania
| | - Octavian Tudorel Olaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cerasela Elena Gîrd
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
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Lichen Depsides and Tridepsides: Progress in Pharmacological Approaches. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010116. [PMID: 36675938 PMCID: PMC9866793 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Depsides and tridepsides are secondary metabolites found in lichens. In the last 10 years, there has been a growing interest in the pharmacological activity of these compounds. This review aims to discuss the research findings related to the biological effects and mechanisms of action of lichen depsides and tridepsides. The most studied compound is atranorin, followed by gyrophoric acid, diffractaic acid, and lecanoric acid. Antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities are among the most investigated activities, mainly in in vitro studies, with occasional in silico and in vivo studies. Clinical trials have not been conducted using depsides and tridepsides. Therefore, future research should focus on conducting more in vivo work and clinical trials, as well as on evaluating the other activities. Moreover, despite the significant increase in research work on the pharmacology of depsides and tridepsides, there are many of these compounds which have yet to be investigated (e.g., hiascic acid, lassalic acid, ovoic acid, crustinic acid, and hypothamnolic acid).
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ROS-Induced DNA-Damage and Autophagy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Usnea barbata Oil Extract-An In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314836. [PMID: 36499160 PMCID: PMC9738295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is associated with aging, cancers, and numerous metabolic and chronic disorders, and phenolic compounds are well known for their health-promoting role due to their free-radical scavenging activity. These phytochemicals could also exhibit pro-oxidant effects. Due to its bioactive phenolic secondary metabolites, Usnea barbata (L.) Weber ex. F.H. Wigg (U. barbata) displays anticancer and antioxidant activities and has been used as a phytomedicine for thousands of years. The present work aims to analyze the properties of U. barbata extract in canola oil (UBO). The UBO cytotoxicity on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) CLS-354 cell line and blood cell cultures was explored through complex flow cytometry analyses regarding apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the enzymatic activity of caspase 3/7, cell cycle, nuclear shrinkage (NS), autophagy (A), and synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). All these studies were concomitantly performed on canola oil (CNO) to evidence the interaction of lichen metabolites with the constituents of this green solvent used for extraction. The obtained data evidenced that UBO inhibited CLS-354 oral cancer cell proliferation through ROS generation (316.67 × 104), determining higher levels of nuclear shrinkage (40.12%), cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 (92.51%; G0 is the differentiation phase, while during G1 phase occurs preparation for cell division), DNA fragmentation (2.97%), and autophagy (62.98%) than in blood cells. At a substantially higher ROS level in blood cells (5250.00 × 104), the processes that lead to cell death-NS (30.05%), cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 (86.30%), DNA fragmentation (0.72%), and autophagy (39.37%)-are considerably lower than in CLS-354 oral cancer cells. Our work reveals the ROS-mediated anticancer potential of UBO through DNA damage and autophagy. Moreover, the present study suggests that UBO pharmacological potential could result from the synergism between lichen secondary metabolites and canola oil phytoconstituents.
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Design, Characterization, and Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities of Mucoadhesive Oral Patches Loaded with Usnea barbata (L.) F. H. Wigg Ethanol Extract F-UBE-HPMC. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091801. [PMID: 36139875 PMCID: PMC9495557 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity’s common pathologies are tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancer; oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral malignancy, with a high mortality rate. Our study aims to formulate, develop, characterize, and pharmacologically investigate the oral mucoadhesive patches (F-UBE-HPMC) loaded with Usnea barbata (L.) F.H. Wigg dry ethanol extract (UBE), using HPMC K100 as a film-forming polymer. Each patch contains 312 µg UBE, with a total phenolic content (TPC) of 178.849 µg and 33.924 µg usnic acid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were performed for their morphological characterization, followed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Pharmacotechnical evaluation involved the measurement of the specific parameters for mucoadhesive oral patches as follows: weight uniformity, thickness, folding endurance, tensile strength, elongation, moisture content, pH, disintegration time, swelling rate, and ex vivo mucoadhesion time. Thus, each F-UBE-HPMC has 104 ± 4.31 mg, a pH = 7.05 ± 0.04, a disintegration time of 130 ± 4.14 s, a swelling ratio of 272 ± 6.31% after 6 h, and a mucoadhesion time of 102 ± 3.22 min. Then, F-UBE-HPMCs pharmacological effects were investigated using brine shrimp lethality assay (BSL assay) as a cytotoxicity prescreening test, followed by complex flow cytometry analyses on blood cell cultures and oral epithelial squamous cell carcinoma CLS-354 cell line. The results revealed significant anticancer effects by considerably increasing oxidative stress and blocking DNA synthesis in CLS-354 cancer cells. The antimicrobial potential against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27353, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, and Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 was assessed by a Resazurin-based 96-well plate microdilution method. The patches moderately inhibited both bacteria strains growing and displayed a significant antifungal effect, higher on C. albicans than on C. parapsilosis. All these properties lead to considering F-UBE-HPMC suitable for oral disease prevention and therapy.
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