Phytochemical Investigation of Three Cystoseira Species and Their Larvicidal Activity Supported with In Silico Studies

Comparative metabolic study of the chloroform fraction of three Cystoseira species based on UPLC/ESI/MS analysis and biological activities

This study aims to investigate the phytoconstituents of the chloroform fraction of three Cystoseira spp. namely C. myrica, C. trinodis, and C. tamariscifolia using UPLC/ESI/MS technique. The results revealed the identification of 19, 20 and 11 metabolites in C. myrica, C. trinodis, and C. tamariscifolia, respectively mainly terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and fatty acids. Also, an in vitro antioxidant study using FRAP and DPPH assays was conducted where the chloroform fraction of C. trinodis displayed the highest antioxidant activity in both assays, which would be attributed to its highest total phenolics and total flavonoids. Besides, the investigation of COX-1, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were performed. Regarding C. trinodis, it showed the strongest inhibitory activity towards COX-1. Moreover, it showed potent inhibitory activity towards α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. According to the molecular docking studies, the major compounds characterised showed efficient binding to the active sites of the target enzymes.

The stunting effect of an oxylipins-containing macroalgae extract on sea urchin reproduction and neuroblastoma cells viability

Different bioactive molecules extracted from macroalgae, including oxylipins, showed interesting potentials in different applications, from healthcare to biomaterial manufacturing and environmental remediation. Thus far, no studies reported the effects of oxylipins-containing macroalgae extracts on embryo development of marine invertebrates and on neuroblastoma cancer cells. Here, the effects of an oxylipins-containing extract from Ericaria brachycarpa, a canopy-forming brown algae, were investigated on the development of Arbacia lixula sea urchin embryos and on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells viability. Embryos and cells were exposed to concentrations covering a full 0-100% dose-response curve, with doses ranging from 0 to 40 μg mL-1 for embryos and from 0 to 200 μg mL-1 for cells. These natural marine toxins caused a dose-dependent decrease of normal embryos development and of neuroblastoma cells viability. Toxicity was higher for exposures starting from the gastrula embryonal stage if compared to the zygote and pluteus stages, with an EC50 significantly lower by 33 and 68%, respectively. Embryos exposed to low doses showed a general delay in development with a decrease in the ability to calcify, while higher doses caused 100% block of embryo growth. Exposure of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to 40 μg mL-1 for 72 h caused 78% mortality, while no effect was observed on their neuronal-like cells derivatives, suggesting a selective targeting of proliferating cells. Western Blot experiments on both model systems displayed the modulation of different molecular markers (HSP60, HSP90, LC3, p62, CHOP and cleaved caspase-7), showing altered stress response and enhanced autophagy and apoptosis, confirmed by increased fragmented DNA in apoptotic nuclei. Our study gives new insights into the molecular strategies that marine invertebrates use when responding to their environmental natural toxins and suggests the E. brachycarpa's extract as a potential source for the development of innovative, environmentally friendly products with larvicide and antineoplastic activity.

Unveiling the pharmacological potential of plant triterpenoids in breast cancer management: an updated review

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer, the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women globally. Recent research has provided increasing support for the significance of phytochemicals, both dietary and non-dietary, particularly triterpenoids, in the mitigation and management of breast cancer. Recent studies showed that triterpenoids are promising agents in the treatment and inhibition of breast cancer achieved through the implementation of several molecular modes of action on breast cancer cells. This review discusses recent innovations in plant triterpenoids and their underlying mechanisms of action in combating breast cancer within the timeframe spanning from 2017 to 2023. The present work is an overview of different plant triterpenoids with significant inhibition on proliferation, migration, apoptosis resistance, tumor angiogenesis, or metastasis in various breast cancer cells. The anticancer impact of triterpenoids may be attributed to their antiproliferative activity interfering with angiogenesis and differentiation, regulation of apoptosis, DNA polymerase inhibition, change in signal transductions, and impeding metastasis. The present review focuses on several targets, mechanisms, and pathways associated with pentacyclic triterpenoids, which are responsible for their anticancer effects. We could conclude that natural triterpenoids are considered promising agents to conquer breast cancer.

Evaluation of Brown and red seaweeds-extracts as a novel larvicidal agent against the deadly human diseases-vectors, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus

Infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever are predominantly transmitted by insect vectors like Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus in tropical regions like India and Africa. In this study, we assessed the larvicidal activity of commonly found seaweeds, including Padina gymnospora, P. pavonica, Gracilaria crassa, Amphiroa fragilissima, and Spatoglossum marginatum, against these mosquito vectors. Our findings indicate that extracts from P. gymnospora Ethyl Acetate (PgEA), P. pavonica Hexane (PpH), and A. fragilissima Ethyl Acetate (AfEA) displayed the highest larval mortality rates for A. stephensi, with LC50 values of 10.51, 12.43, and 6.43 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the PgEA extract from P. gymnospora exhibited the highest mortality rate for A. aegypti, with an LC50 of 27.0 μg/mL, while the PgH extract from the same seaweed showed the highest mortality rate for C. quinquefasciatus, with an LC50 of 9.26 μg/mL. Phytochemical analysis of the seaweed extracts revealed the presence of 71 compounds in the solvent extracts. Fourier-transform infrared spectra of the selected seaweeds indicated the presence of functional groups such as alkanes, alcohols, and phenols. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the seaweeds identified major compounds, including hexadecanoic acid in PgEA, tetradecene (e)- in PpEA, octadecanoic acid in GcEA, and 7-hexadecene, (z)-, and trans-7-pentadecene in SmEA.

Anti-Melanogenesis and Anti-Photoaging Effects of the Sulfated Polysaccharides Isolated from the Brown Seaweed Padina boryana

Sulfated polysaccharides isolated from seaweeds are thought of as ideal ingredients in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetics industries. Our previous study isolated and characterized sulfated polysaccharides from Padina boryana. The sulfated polysaccharides of Padina boryana (PBP) were extracted, and the antioxidant activity of PBP was evaluated. The results indicate that PBP possesses antioxidant effects and potential in the cosmetic industry. To further investigate the potential of PBP in cosmetics, the photoprotective and anti-melanogenesis effects of PBP were evaluated. The anti-melanogenesis test results display that PBP reduced the melanin content in the murine melanoma cells stimulated by alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone from 203.7% to 183.64%, 144.63%, and 127.57% at concentrations of 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL, respectively. The anti-photodamage test results showed that PBP significantly protected skin cells against UVB-stimulated photodamage. PBP suppressed human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT cell) death by inhibiting apoptosis and reducing the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species. The intracellular reactive oxygen species level of HaCaT cells irradiated by UVB was reduced from 192.67% to 181.22%, 170.25%, and 160.48% by 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL PBP, respectively. In addition, PBP remarkably reduced UVB-induced human dermal fibroblast damage by suppressing oxidative damage, inhibiting collagen degradation, and attenuating inflammatory responses. These results indicate that PBP possesses photoprotective and anti-melanogenesis activities and suggest that PBP is a potential ingredient in the cosmetic industry.

Intra-Species Variations of Bioactive Compounds of Two Dictyota Species from the Adriatic Sea: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Dermatological, Dietary, and Neuroprotective Potential

The marine environment has a significant impact on life on Earth. Organisms residing in it are vital for the ecosystem but also serve as an inexhaustible source of biologically active compounds. Herein, the biodiversity of two brown seaweeds, Dictyota dichotoma and Dictyota fasciola from the Adriatic Sea, was evaluated. The aim of the study was the determination of differences in compound composition while comparing their activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibition, in connection to human digestion, dermatology, and neurological disorders. Chemical analysis revealed several terpenoids and steroids as dominant molecules, while fucoxanthin was the main identified pigment in both algae. D. dichotoma had higher protein, carbohydrate, and pigment content. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids were identified, with the highest amount of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and α-linolenic acid in D. dichotoma. Antimicrobial testing revealed a dose-dependent inhibitory activity of methanolic fraction against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Moderate antioxidant activity was observed for both algae fractions, while the dietary potential was high, especially for the D. fasciola dichloromethane fraction, with inhibition percentages of around 92% for α-amylase and 57% for pancreatic lipase at 0.25 mg/mL. These results suggest that Dictyota species might be a potent source of naturally derived agents for obesity and diabetes.

Synergistic Effect of Sophora japonica and Glycyrrhiza glabra Flavonoid-Rich Fractions on Wound Healing: In Vivo and Molecular Docking Studies

Glycyrrhiza glabra and Sophora japonica (Fabaceae) are well-known medicinal plants with valuable secondary metabolites and pharmacological properties. The flavonoid-rich fractions of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves were prepared using Diaion column chromatography, and the confirmation of flavonoid richness was confirmed using UPLC-ESI-MS profiling and total phenolics and flavonoids assays. UPLC-ESI-MS profiling of the flavonoid-rich fraction of G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves resulted in the tentative identification of 32 and 23 compounds, respectively. Additionally, the wound healing potential of topical preparations of each fraction, individually and in combination (1:1) ointment and gel preparations, were investigated in vivo, supported by histopathological examinations and biomarker evaluations, as well as molecular docking studies for the major constituents. The topical application of G. glabra ointment and gel, S. japonica ointment and gel and combination preparations significantly increase the wound healing rate and the reduction of oxidative stress in the wound area via MDA reduction and the elevation of reduced GSH and SOD levels as compared to the wound and Nolaver®-treated groups. The molecular docking study revealed that that major compounds in G. glabra and S. japonica can efficiently bind to the active sites of three proteins related to wound healing: glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-β), matrix metalloproteinases-8 (MMP-8) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Consequently, G. glabra roots and S. japonica leaves may be a rich source of bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.

GC/MS Profiling of the Essential Oil and Lipophilic Extract of Moricandia sinaica Boiss. and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities

The genus Moricandia (Brassicaceae) comprises about eight species that were used in traditional medicine. Moricandia sinaica is used to alleviate certain disorders such as syphilis and exhibits analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antioxidant, and antigenotoxic properties. Throughout this study, we aimed to figure out the chemical composition of lipophilic extract and essential oil obtained from M. sinaica aerial parts using GC/MS analysis, as well as their cytotoxic and antioxidant activities correlated with the major detected compounds' molecular docking. The results revealed that both the lipophilic extract and the oil were found to be rich in aliphatic hydrocarbons, accounting for 72.00% and 79.85%, respectively. Furthermore, the lipophilic extract's major constituents are octacosanol, γ-sitosterol, α-amyrin, β-amyrin acetate, and α-tocopherol. Contrarily, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes accounted for the majority of the essential oil. The essential oil and the lipophilic extract of M. sinaica showed cytotoxic properties towards human liver cancer cells (HepG2) with IC₅₀ values of 126.65 and 220.21 µg/mL, respectively. The lipophilic extract revealed antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay with an IC₅₀ value of 2679 ± 128.13 µg/mL and in the FRAP assay, moderate antioxidant potential was expressed as 44.30 ± 3.73 µM Trolox equivalent/mg sample. The molecular docking studies revealed that ꞵ-amyrin acetate, α -tocopherol, γ-sitosterol, and n-pentacosaneachieved the best docking scores for NADPH oxidase, phosphoinositide-3 kinase, and protein kinase B. Consequently, M. sinaica essential oil and lipophilic extract can be employed as a viable management strategy for oxidative stress conditions and the formulation of improved cytotoxic treatment regimens.