LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Analysis, Cytotoxic, Antiviral, Antioxidant, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Four Extracts of Geranium pyrenaicum Burm. f.: A Good Gift from the Natural Treasure

A hybrid artificial neural network and multi-objective genetic algorithm approach to optimize extraction conditions of Mentha longifolia and biological activities

In this work, artificial neural network coupled with multi-objective genetic algorithm (ANN-NSGA-II) has been used to develop a model and optimize the conditions for the extracting of the Mentha longifolia (L.) L. plant. Input parameters were extraction temperature (40-70 °C), extraction time (4-10 h), and extract concentration (0.25-2 mg/mL) while total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) values of extracts were output parameters. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of selected ANN model was determined as 1.434% and 0.464% for TAS and TOS, respectively. The results showed that the optimum extraction conditions were as follows: extraction temperature of 54.260 °C, extraction time of 7.854 h, and extract concentration of 0.810 mg/mL. The biological activities and phenolic contents of the extract obtained under determined optimum extract conditions were determined. TAS and TOS values of extract were determined as 6.094 ± 0.033 mmol/L and 14.050 ± 0.063 µmol/L, respectively. Oxidative stress index (OSI) as 0.231 ± 0.002, total phenolic content (TPC) as 123.05 ± 1.70 mg/g and total flavonoid content (TFC) as 181.84 ± 1.97 mg/g. Anti- acetylcholinesterase value and anti-butyrylcholinesterase value of the extract was determined as 42.97 ± 0.87 and 60.52 ± 0.80 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, 11 phenolic compounds, namely acetohydroxamic acid, gallic acid, catechin hydrate, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, 2-hydoxycinamic acid, quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol, were determined. It was observed that the extract of M. longifolia produced under optimum conditions exhibited strong biological activities. These results indicate that ANN coupled NSGA-II was an effective method for the optimization extraction conditions of M. longifolia.

DIGEP-Pred 2.0: A web application for predicting drug-induced cell signaling and gene expression changes

The analysis of drug-induced gene expression profiles (DIGEP) is widely used to estimate the potential therapeutic and adverse drug effects as well as the molecular mechanisms of drug action. However, the corresponding experimental data is absent for many existing drugs and drug-like compounds. To solve this problem, we created the DIGEP-Pred 2.0 web application, which allows predicting DIGEP and potential drug targets by structural formula of drug-like compounds. It is based on the combined use of structure-activity relationships (SARs) and network analysis. SAR models were created using PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) technology for data from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), the Connectivity Map (CMap) for the prediction of DIGEP, and PubChem and ChEMBL for the prediction of molecular mechanisms of action (MoA). Using only the structural formula of a compound, the user can obtain information on potential gene expression changes in several cell lines and drug targets, which are potential master regulators responsible for the observed DIGEP. The mean accuracy of prediction calculated by leave-one-out cross validation was 86.5 % for 13377 genes and 94.8 % for 2932 proteins (CTD data), and it was 97.9 % for 2170 MoAs. SAR models (mean accuracy-87.5 %) were also created for CMap data given on MCF7, PC3, and HL60 cell lines with different threshold values for the logarithm of fold changes: 0.5, 0.7, 1, 1.5, and 2. Additionally, the data on pathways (KEGG, Reactome), biological processes of Gene Ontology, and diseases (DisGeNet) enriched by the predicted genes, together with the estimation of target-master regulators based on OmniPath data, is also provided. DIGEP-Pred 2.0 web application is freely available at https://www.way2drug.com/digep-pred.

Chemical Profile and Potential Application of Agri-food Waste Products for Counteracting Diabetes Induced Neuropathy in Rats

This study aimed to prepare defatted ethanol extract of Abelmoschus esculentus leaves, Morus nigra leaves and Punica granatum peel, to identify the chemical composition of these extracts and to explore their efficacy in counteracting diabetic neuropathy. LC-ESI-MS spectrometry was the hyphenated tool for component identification of these extracts. Behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological investigations were carried out after treatments of diabetic rats. The phenolic contents in the extracts are 16.38, 34.75 and 40.57 mg GAE/g extract regarding A. esculentus leaves, M. nigra leaves and P. granatum peel respectively. Chemodiversity of the phenolic contents was observed from the LC/Mass, where A. esculentus extract contained isoflavonoids and flavanones, M. nigra extract consisted of benzofurans, prenylated flavonoids, stilbenes, and xanthones, and P. granatum extract was rich in ellagitanins, condensed tannins, and anthocyanins. The extracts normalize of blood glucose levels, enhance the explorative behavior of the rats and their response time to thermal pain, restore the oxidant/antioxidant balance, attenuate inflammation, augment brain monoamines levels and modulate MAO-A and Ache enzyme activity. Furthermore, they recovered brain histopathological alterations. Conclusively, this study offers experimental evidence for the neuroprotective impact of studied defatted ethanol extracts against diabetic neuropathy via their hypoglycemic effect, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory potential.

Biological activities of Hypericum spectabile extract optimized using artificial neural network combined with genetic algorithm application

Optimizing extraction conditions can help maximize the efficiency and yield of the extraction process while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health. For the purpose of the current study, an artificial neural network (ANN) combined with a genetic algorithm (GA) was utilized for that the extraction conditions of Hypericum spectabile were optimized. In this particular investigation, the main objective was to get the highest possible levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) for the extracts that were obtained. In addition to this, conditions of the extract that exhibited the maximum activity have been determined and the biological activity of the extract that was obtained under these conditions was analyzed. TAS values were obtained from extracts obtained using extraction temperatures of 30-60 °C, extraction times of 4-10 h, and extract concentrations of 0.25-2 mg/mL. The best model selected from the established ANN models had a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value of 0.643%, a mean squared error (MSE) value of 0.004, and a correlation coefficient (R) value of 0.996, respectively. The genetic algorithm proposed optimal extraction conditions of an extraction temperature of 59.391 °C, an extraction time of 8.841 h, and an extraction concentration of 1.951 mg/mL. It was concluded that the integration of ANN-GA can successfully be used to optimize extraction parameters of Hypericum spectabile. The total antioxidant value of the extract obtained under optimum conditions was determined as 9.306 ± 0.080 mmol/L, total oxidant value as 13.065 ± 0.112 µmol/L, oxidative stress index as 0.140 ± 0.001. Total phenolic content (TPC) was 109.34 ± 1.29 mg/g, total flavonoid content (TFC) was measured as 148.34 ± 1.48 mg/g. Anti-AChE value was determined as 30.68 ± 0.77 µg/mL, anti-BChE value was determined as 41.30 ± 0.48 µg/mL. It was also observed that the extract exhibited strong antiproliferative activities depending on the increase in concentration. As a result of LC-MS/MS analysis of the extract produced under optimum conditions in terms of phenolic content. The presence of fumaric, gallic, protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, 2-hydoxycinamic acids, quercetin and kaempferol was detected. As a result, it was determined that the H. spectabile extract produced under optimum conditions had significant effects in terms of biological activity.

Enzyme Inhibitory Activities and RP-HPLC Analysis of Geranium and Erodium Species

The genera Geranium and Erodium (Geraniaceae) have been documented to possess diverse ethnopharmacological uses, including diabetes mellitus. Relevant to their ethnopharmacological use, the current study aimed to evaluate the α-glucosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme inhibitory activity of ethanol extracts from 46 samples belonging to thirty-one species of Geranium (20) and Erodium (11) collected throughout Türkiye. The majority of the extracts displayed a marked α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity. Besides, 23 extracts out of 46 exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect over 50 % towards AChE. The highest AChE inhibition was found in G. subcaulescens collected from Konya with an IC50 value of 4.73±2.96 μg/mL. E. somanum, E. leucanthum, and E. sipthorpianum exhibited the most potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, while E. birandianum and E. pelargoniiflorum were the most active extracts against AChE and BChE, respectively. Three extracts that had inhibitory activity over 50 % against four of the enzymes were selected and proceeded to RP-HPLC analysis. Geraniin and ellagic acid were identified as major compounds in the active extracts. Most species screened in the current study were examined for the first time against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, AChE, and BChE.

Association between urinary metals and prostate-specific antigen in aging population with depression: a cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aims to investigate the impact of depression and urinary metals on Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).

Methods

Analysis was conducted on 1901 samples collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database between 2001 and 2010. Analytical methods included stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis of the overall population's urinary metals and PSA relationship, analysis of urinary metals and PSA relationship in older adults and BMI subgroups, analysis of urinary metals and PSA relationship in the depressed population, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the stepwise multiple linear regression, beryllium (Be) showed a dose-response association with PSA (third quartile: β = 0.05, 95%CI (0.02, 0.09); fourth quartile: β = 0.07, 95%CI (0.02, 0.12), p trend = 0.048). Subgroup analysis indicated that in individuals aged >60, Be at Q4 level [β = 0.09, 95%CI (0.05, 0.21)] exhibited a dose-response correlation with PSA. In the population with 25 ≤ BMI < 30, Be might more significantly elevate PSA, with Q4 level having a pronounced impact on PSA levels [β = 0.03, 95%CI (0.02, 1.27)]. In the depressed population, urinary cadmium (Cd) levels showed a significant positive dose-response relationship, with Q4 level of Cd having the maximum impact on PSA [β = 0.3, 95%CI (0.09, 0.49)].

Conclusion

Individuals exposed to beryllium (Be), especially the older adults and overweight, should monitor their PSA levels. In depressed patients, cadmium (Cd) levels may further elevate PSA levels, necessitating increased monitoring of PSA levels among males.

Biological Activities of Ethanol Extracts of Hericium erinaceus Obtained as a Result of Optimization Analysis

Mushrooms are one of the indispensable elements of human diets. Edible mushrooms stand out with their aroma and nutritional properties. In this study, some biological activities of the wild edible mushroom Hericium erinaceus were determined. In this context, firstly, the most suitable extraction conditions of the fungus in terms of biological activity were determined. First, 64 different experiments were performed with the Soxhlet device under 40-70 °C extraction temperature, 3-9 h extraction time, and 0.5-2 mg/mL extraction conditions. As a result, a total antioxidant status (TAS) analysis was performed, and the extraction conditions were optimized so that the objective function was the maximum TAS value. The data obtained from the experimental study were modeled with artificial neural networks (ANNs), one of the artificial intelligence methods, and optimized with a genetic algorithm (GA). All subsequent tests were performed using the extract obtained under optimum extraction conditions. The antioxidant capacity of the mushroom was assessed using Rel assay kits and the DPPH and FRAP techniques. The agar dilution method was used to measure the antimicrobial activity. The anti-Alzheimer activity was assessed based on the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The antiproliferative activity was assessed against the A549 cancer cell line. The total phenolic content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The measurement of total flavonoids was conducted using the aluminum chloride test. LC-MS/MS equipment was used to screen for the presence of standard chemicals. The optimum extraction conditions were found to be a 60.667 °C temperature, 7.833 h, and 1.98 mg/mL. It was determined that the mushroom has high antioxidant potential. It was determined that the substance was successful at combating common bacterial and fungal strains when used at dosages ranging from 25 to 200 µg/mL. The high antiproliferative effect of the substance was attributed to its heightened concentration. The anti-AChE value was found to be 13.85 μg/mL, while the anti-BChE value was confirmed to be 28.00 μg/mL. The phenolic analysis of the mushroom revealed the presence of 13 chemicals. This investigation found that H. erinaceus exhibits robust biological activity when extracted under appropriate circumstances.

Phytochemical exploration of Neolitsea pallens leaves using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS approach

Neolitsea pallens (D. Don) Momiyama & H. Hara (Family: Lauraceae), commonly known as Pale Litsea, is an evergreen small tree, distributed in India at altitudes of 1500-3000 m. Traditionally utilized for various purposes, its leaves and bark are used as spices, and the plant is valued in preparing a hair tonic from freshly pressed juice. Secondary metabolites of the leaves have not comprehensively been analysed so far. The objective of the study was to determine the chemical composition of the leaves by analysing their 25% aqueous methanol extract with the aid of ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry. Overall, 56 compounds were identified in the study. Phenolics represented by phenolic acids, phenolic glycosides, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids were the main components of the extract.

Biological Activities of the Golden Chantarelle Mushroom Cantharellus cibarius (Agaricomycetes) Extracts Obtained as a Result of Single and Multi-Objective Optimization Studies

In our study, the biological activities of the wild edible mushroom Cantharellus cibarius were determined. First of all, 64 different experiments were performed in the Soxhlet device at 40-70°C extraction temperatures, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h of extraction time and 0.25, 0.50, 1, and 2 mg/mL extract concentrations, and total antioxidant (TAS) and total oxidant values (TOS) were determined, and both single-purpose and multi-objective optimization studies were performed. The extraction conditions were optimized so that the objective function of the single-purpose optimization would be the maximum TAS value, and the objective function of the multi-objective optimization would be the maximum TAS and minimum TOS values. The data obtained from the experimental study were modeled with artificial neural networks from artificial intelligence methods, and optimization was performed with a genetic algorithm. After the single-objective optimization process, the optimum extraction conditions were found as 46.622°C, 5.110 h and 1.973 mg/mL and the multi-objective optimum extraction conditions were found as 50.927°C, 6.094 h and 1.439 mg/mL. The TAS values of the extracts obtained as a result of single-objective and multi-objective optimization were measured as 5.511 and 5.359, respectively, and the TOS values were measured as 7.289 and 6.061. The anti-AChE value of the extracts was calculated as 16.12, 20.31 and anti-BChE value as 36.92, 40.28. In addition, it was determined that the single-objective optimization extract had stronger antiproliferative activity than the multi-objective extract. As a result, it was determined that the biological activities of the extracts of C. cibarius obtained under suitable conditions were high.

Cichorium intybus L. significantly alleviates cigarette smoke-induced acute lung injury by lowering NF-κB pathway activation and inflammatory mediators

Background

Cigarette smoke (CS) is one of the primary causes of acute lung injury (ALI) via provoking pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress. Despite substantial studies, no effective treatment for ALI is presently available.

Purpose

New prospective treatment options for ALI are required. Thus, this project was designed to investigate the in vivo and in vitro protective effects of 70 % methanolic-aqueous crude extract of whole plant of Cichorium intybus (Ci.Mce) against CS-induced ALI.

Study design

/methods: Initially, male Swiss albino mice were subjected to whole-body CS exposure for 10 continuous days to prepare CS-induced ALI models. Normal saline (10 mL/kg), Ci.Mce (100, 200, 300 mg/kg), and Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) were orally administered to respective animal groups 1 h prior to CS-exposure. 24 hrs after the last CS-exposure, BALF and lungs were harvested to study the key characteristics of ALI. Next, HPLC analysis was done to explore the phytoconstituents.

Results

Ci.Mce exhibited significant reductions in lung macrophage and neutrophil infiltration, lung weight coefficient, and albumin exudation. Additionally, it effectively ameliorated lung histopathological alterations and hypoxemia. Notably, Ci.Mce exerted inhibitory effects on the excessive generation of IL-6, IL-1β, and KC in both CS-induced ALI murine models and CSE-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Noteworthy benefits included the attenuation of oxidative stress induced by CS, evidenced by decreased levels of MDA, TOS, and MPO, alongside enhanced TAC production. Furthermore, Ci.Mce demonstrated a marked reduction in CS-induced NF-κB expression, both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

Consequently, Cichorium intybus could be a therapeutic option for CS-induced ALI due to its ability to suppress inflammatory reactions, mitigate oxidative stress, and quell NF-κB p65 activation.

Herb Robert's Gift against Human Diseases: Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity of Geranium robertianum L

Geranium robertianum L. is a widely distributed plant used as a traditional herbal medicine, but the knowledge of its biological properties still needs to be improved. Thus, the purpose of this presented research was to assess the phytochemical profile of extracts from aerial parts of G. robertianum, commercially available in Poland and to study their anticancer potential and antimicrobial properties, including the antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Additionally, the bioactivity of fractions obtained from the hexane and ethyl acetate extract was analyzed. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of organic and phenolic acids, hydrolysable tannins (gallo- and ellagitannins), and flavonoids. Significant anticancer activity was found for G. robertianum hexane extract (GrH) and ethyl acetate extract (GrEA) with an SI (selectivity index) between 2.02 and 4.39. GrH and GrEA inhibited the development of HHV-1-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) in virus-infected cells and decreased the viral load by 0.52 log and 1.42 log, respectively. Among the analyzed fractions, only those obtained from GrEA showed the ability to decrease the CPE and reduce the viral load. The extracts and fractions from G. robertianum showed a versatile effect on the panel of bacteria and fungi. The highest activity was observed for fraction GrEA4 against Gram-positive bacteria, including Micrococcus luteus ATCC 10240 (MIC 8 μg/mL), Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 (MIC 16 μg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 (MIC 125 μg/mL), Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 (MIC 125 μg/mL), and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 (MIC 125 μg/mL). The observed antibacterial effect may justify the traditional use of G. robertianum to treat hard-to-heal wounds.

Chemical and Biological Studies of Endophytes Isolated from Marchantia polymorpha

Natural bioresources, predominantly plants, have always been regarded as the richest source of drugs for diseases threatening humanity. Additionally, microorganism-originating metabolites have been extensively explored as weapons against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. However, the biological potential of metabolites produced by plant endophytes still remains understudied, despite significant efforts reflected in recently published papers. Thus, our goal was to evaluate the metabolites produced by endophytes isolated from Marchantia polymorpha and to study their biological properties, namely anticancer and antiviral potential. The cytotoxicity and anticancer potential were assessed using the microculture tetrazolium technique (MTT) against non-cancerous VERO cells and cancer cells-namely the HeLa, RKO, and FaDu cell lines. The antiviral potential was tested against the human herpesvirus type-1 replicating in VERO cells by observing the influence of the extract on the virus-infected cells and measuring the viral infectious titer and viral load. The most characteristic metabolites identified in the ethyl acetate extract and fractions obtained by use of centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) were volatile cyclic dipeptides, cyclo(l-phenylalanyl-l-prolyl), cyclo(l-leucyl-l-prolyl), and their stereoisomers. In addition to the diketopiperazine derivatives, this liverwort endophyte also produced arylethylamides and fatty acids amides. The presence of N-phenethylacetamide and oleic acid amide was confirmed. The endophyte extract and isolated fractions showed a potential selective anticancer influence on all tested cancer cell lines. Moreover, the extract and the first separated fraction noticeably diminished the formation of the HHV-1-induced cytopathic effect and reduced the virus infectious titer by 0.61-1.16 log and the viral load by 0.93-1.03 log. Endophytic organisms produced metabolites with potential anticancer and antiviral activity; thus, future studies should aim to isolate pure compounds and evaluate their biological activities.

Chemical Characterization of Different Extracts of Justicia secunda Vahl and Determination of Their Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Enzymatic, Anti-Viral, and Cytotoxic Properties

Justicia secunda Vahl. is a traditional medicinal plant in tropical regions, including West Africa. The present study examined the chemical profiles and biological properties of J. secunda extracts obtained with different solvents (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanolic and aqueous: macerated and infused). Chemical components were characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and over 50 compounds were identified, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids. Antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, cytotoxic, and antiviral properties were selected as biological properties. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in methanol (58.07 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 13.07 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g) and water (infused) (36.34 mg GAE/g and 8.52 mg RE/g) were higher than in other extracts. Consistent with the levels of total bioactive components, the methanol and water extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant abilities. However, the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts were more active on α-amylase and α-glucosidase than other extracts. Aqueous extracts exerted selective anticancer properties toward human pharyngeal cancer cell lines, whereas the methanolic extract decreased the human herpesvirus type-1 (HHV-1) infectious titer by 2.16 log and the viral load by 1.21 log. Overall, J. secunda could be considered a multifunctional bioactive raw material in the preparation of potent applications to manage diseases related to oxidative stress, including cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

Chemical composition and effects of ethanolic extract and gel of Cochlospermum regium (Schrank) Pilg. Leaves on inflammation, pain, and wounds

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cochlospermum regium is well-known as "Algodãozinho do cerrado" in folk Brazilian medicine, and is used to fight infections, inflammation and skin disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To identify the phytochemical constituents and the effects of the ethanolic extract of C. regium leaves (EECR) on inflammation and pain, and the effects of C. regium gel (GEECR) on wound healing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals were treated with EECR (30-300 mg/kg) or GEECR (1.25 and 2.5%) and studies were conducted using carrageenan-induced pleurisy and paw edema tests, formalin-induced pain model, and excision wound model.

RESULTS

In total, 25 compounds, including quercitrin, methyl gallate, and 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylhexose, with highest detectability were identified. The treatments reduced leukocyte migration, nitric oxide production, protein extravasation, edema, mechanical hyperalgesia, pain in both phases (neurogenic and inflammatory), cold hypersensitivity, and improved wound closure and tissue regeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings established the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and wound healing potential of the leaves of C. regium, confirming the potential therapeutic effect of this plant.

Beyond Traditional Use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and Antitumor Activity In Vitro

Alchemilla vulgaris L. (lady's mantle) was used for centuries in Europe and Balkan countries for treatments of numerous conditions and diseases of the reproductive system, yet some of the biological activities of lady's mantle have been poorly studied and neglected. The present study aimed to estimate the potential of A. vulgaris ethanolic extract from Southeast Serbia to prevent and suppress tumor development in vitro, validated by antioxidant, genoprotective, and cytotoxic properties. A total of 45 compounds were detected by UHPLC-HRMS analysis in A. vulgaris ethanolic extract. Measurement of antioxidant activity revealed the significant potential of the tested extract to scavenge free radicals. In addition, the analysis of micronuclei showed an in vitro protective effect on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes. A. vulgaris extract strongly suppressed the growth of human cell lines derived from different types of tumors (MCF-7, A375, A549, and HCT116). The observed antitumor effect is realized through the blockade of cell division, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and autophagic cell death. Our study has shown that Alchemilla vulgaris L. is a valuable source of bioactive compounds able to protect the subcellular structure from damage, thus preventing tumorigenesis as well as suppressing tumor cell growth.

Bridging the Chemical Profiles and Biological Effects of Spathodea campanulata Extracts: A New Contribution on the Road from Natural Treasure to Pharmacy Shelves

Spathodea campanulata is an important medicinal plant with traditional uses in the tropical zone. In the current work, we aimed to determine the chemical profiles and biological effects of extracts (methanolic and infusion (water)) from the leaves and stem bark of S. campanulata. The chemical components of the tested extracts were identified using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Biological effects were tested in terms of antioxidant (radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelating), enzyme inhibitory (cholinesterase, amylase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase), antineoplastic, and antiviral activities. Fifty-seven components were identified in the tested extracts, including iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids as the main constituents. In general, the leaves-MeOH extract was the most active in the antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, metal chelating, and phosphomolybdenum). Antineoplastic effects were tested in normal (VERO cell line) and cancer cell lines (FaDu, HeLa, and RKO). The leaf infusion, as well as the extracts obtained from stem bark, showed antineoplastic activity (CC₅₀ 119.03–222.07 µg/mL). Antiviral effects were tested against HHV-1 and CVB3, and the leaf methanolic extract (500 µg/mL) exerted antiviral activity towards HHV-1, inhibiting the viral-induced cytopathic effect and reducing the viral infectious titre by 5.11 log and viral load by 1.45 log. In addition, molecular docking was performed to understand the interactions between selected chemical components and viral targets (HSV-1 DNA polymerase, HSV-1 protease, and HSV-1 thymidine kinase). The results presented suggest that S. campanulata may be a bright spot in moving from natural sources to industrial applications, including novel drugs, cosmeceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

Profiling of phytochemicals from aerial parts of Terminalia neotaliala using LC-ESI-MS2 and determination of antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities

OBJECTIVES

Owing to extraordinary healing power, Terminalia species have been used in traditional medicine systems to treat various diseases. Many folklore uses of Terminalia neotaliala (Madagascar's almond) included treating arterial hypertension, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, colic, oral and digestive candidiasis, intestinal parasitic infections, inflammatory skin conditions, postpartum care, and mycotic infections but nevertheless scientifically explored for its medicinal and pharmacological importance. Therefore, the current study intended to prepare methanolic extract and its fractionation with hexane, chloroform, and butanol followed by evaluation of their polyphenolic content, biological activities, and LCMS analysis. The biological study included antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition assay i.e., α-glucosidase and urease. The insight study of biologically active secondary metabolites of butanol fraction (BUAE) was performed through LCMS.

METHODS

The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of hydroalcoholic and its fractions were estimated using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride method. The total tannin content (TTC) was determined using the Folin-Denis spectrophotometric method. Similarly, the antioxidant potential of HAAE, HEAE, CFAE, and BUAE was determined using four methods as DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The sample extracts were also evaluated against two clinically important enzymes i.e., α-glucosidase and urease.

RESULTS

The BUAE (butanol aerial fraction) showed the highest TPC (234.79 ± 0.12 mg.GAE.g-1 DE), TFC (320.75 ± 12.50 mg.QE.g-1 DE), and TTC (143.36 ± 4.32 mg.TA.Eq.g-1 DE). The BUAE also showed the highest scavenging potential determined by DPPH (642.65 ± 1.11 mg.TEq.g-1 DE) and ABTS (543.17 ± 1.11 mg.TEq.g-1 DE), and the metal-reducing capacity determined by CUPRAC (1510.41 ± 4.45 mg.TEq.g-1 DE) and FRAP (739.81 ± 19.32 mg.TEq.g-1 DE). The LCMS of BUAE identified 18 different biologically active phytoconstituents validating a rich source of hydrolyzable tannins including ellagitannins and gallitannins.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that T. neotaliala is a rich source of polyphenols capable of neutralizing the damage caused by free radical accumulation in the cells and tissues. The significant antioxidant results and identification of high molecular weight hydrolyzable tannins enlightened the medicinal importance of T. neotaliala.

Phytochemical Insights into Ficus sur Extracts and Their Biological Activity

This study focused on the biological evaluation and chemical characterisation of Ficus sur Forssk. (F. sur) (Family: Moraceae). The methanolic and aqueous extracts’ phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties were investigated. The aqueous stem bark extract yielded the highest phenolic content (115.51 ± 1.60 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), while the methanolic leaves extract possessed the highest flavonoid content (27.47 ± 0.28 mg Rutin equivalent/g extract). In total, 118 compounds were identified in the tested extracts. The methanolic stem bark extract exhibited the most potent radical scavenging potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (475.79 ± 6.83 and 804.31 ± 4.52 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively) and the highest reducing Cu²⁺ capacity (937.86 ± 14.44 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract). The methanolic stem bark extract substantially depressed tyrosinase (69.84 ± 0.35 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), α-amylase (0.77 ± 0.01 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract), acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (2.91 ± 0.07 and 6.56 ± 0.34 mg galantamine equivalent/g extract, respectively) enzymes. F. sur extracts were tested for anticancer properties and antiviral activity towards human herpes virus type 1 (HHV-1). Stem bark infusion and methanolic extract showed antineoplastic activity against cervical adenocarcinoma and colon cancer cell lines, whereas leaf methanolic extract exerted moderate antiviral activity towards HHV-1. This investigation yielded important scientific data on F. sur which might be used to generate innovative phytopharmaceuticals.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of the Extracts from Two Oenanthe Species (O. aquatica and O. silaifolia)

This study presents the evaluation of biological activities and chemical profiling of Oenanthe aquatica (L.) Poir. and Oenanthe silaifolia M. Bieb. The phytochemical profile, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, cytotoxic and antiviral activities of the methanolic and aqueous extracts were investigated. The aqueous extract of O. aquatica possessing the highest content of phenolics (60.85 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), also exhibited the strongest radical scavenging potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (79.46 and 148.66 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively), the highest reducing ability (207.59 and 107.27 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, for cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant activity, respectively), metal chelating potential (33.91 mg ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalent/g extract) and total antioxidant ability (1.60 mmol Trolox equivalent/g extract). Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) permitted tentative identification of compounds from simple organic acids, phenolic acids, coumarins, flavonoids and their glycosides in O. aquatica and O. silaifolia extracts. The methanolic extract of O. aquatica substantially depressed acetylcholinesterase (3.67 mg galantamine equivalent/g extract), tyrosinase (126.66 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), and α-amylase (0.83 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract) enzymes. The methanolic extract of O. silaifolia showed highest enzymatic inhibitory property against butyrylcholinesterase, and its aqueous extract depressed α-glucosidase activity (0.26 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract). All tested extracts exerted selective toxicity towards cancer cell lines, and the highest anticancer potential was found for O. aquatica aqueous extract on FaDu and HeLa cells with CC₅₀ of 57.36 and 47.16 µg/mL, respectively. Significant antiviral activity against HSV-1 (HHV-1) was found for both aqueous extracts in concentrations of 1000 µg/mL, which inhibited the HSV-1 cytopathic effect (CPE) in virus infected VERO cells and reduced the virus infective titer by more than 3 log (logCCID₅₀/mL). This study has produced critical scientific data on O. aquatica and O. silaifolia, which are potential contenders for the development of novel phyto-pharmaceuticals.