Chemical constituents from the leaves of Annona reticulata and their inhibitory effects on NO production

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Annonacae

In 1789, the Annonaceae family was catalogued by de Jussieu. It encompasses tropical and subtropical plants which are widespread in distribution across various continents such as Asia, South and Central America, Australia and Africa. The genus of Annona is one of 120 genera of the Annonaceae family and contains more than 119 species of trees and shrubs. Most species are found in tropical America, where over 105 species have been identified. Due to its edible fruits and medicinal properties, Annona is the most studied genus of Annonaceae family. To date, only a limited number of these species have economic value, including A. squamosa L. (sugar apple), A. cherimola Mill. (Cherimoya), A. muricata L. (guanabana or soursop), A. atemoya Mabb. (atemoya), a hybrid between A. cherimola and A. squamosa, A. reticulata L. (custard apple), A. glabra L. (pond-apple) and A. macroprophyllata Donn. Sm. (ilama). Phytochemically, several classes of secondary metabolites, including acetogenins, essential oils, alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids. The pharmacological activities of Annona species leaves and seeds include antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Four new cycloartane-type triterpenoids from the leaves of Combretum mellifluum Eichler: assessment of their antioxidant and antileishmanial activities

The beneficial pharmacological actions including antioxidant effects as an antileishmanial, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, and analgesic of compounds isolated from Combretum mellifluum Eichler (Combretaceae) are well established. The aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemistry as well as assess the antioxidant and antileishmanial activities of the leaves from Combretum mellifluum Eichler (Combretaceae). Analysis of ethanolic extract resulted in isolation and identification of two epimeric mixtures of four previously unknown cycloartane-type triterpenoids, methyl quadrangularate M and methyl 24-epiquadrangularate M, and 2α,3β,24β-trihydroxy-cycloart-25-ene and 2α, 3β, 24α-trihydroxy-cycloart-25-ene, and eight known compounds. Their structures were using one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (1D NMR), 2D NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS) analysis. Further, the extract and fractions were tested for antioxidant potential. The ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity against 2,2-dipheny-1-picrylhydrazl (DPPH) free radicals, which correlated directly with total flavonoid content. All extracts and fractions from C. mellifluum Eichler were assessed for antileishmanial activity. The supernatant fraction exhibited highest potential, inhibiting the growth of Leishmania amazonensis with IC₅₀ value 31.29 μg/ml. Our findings provide information on the chemical composition of C. mellifluum and the potential beneficial therapeutic usefulness as an antioxidant agent in various diseases.

Unveiling antioxidant and anti-cancer potentials of characterized Annona reticulata leaf extract in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colorectal cancer in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CC) is the third most common cancer in the world. Annona reticulata (AR) also known as bullock's heart, is a traditional herb. AR leaf extract was initially investigated for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, anti-helminthic, anti-stress, and wound healing properties. Only a few in vitro cancer studies have been conducted on AR. Although few studies have linked AR leaf extract to many cancers, comprehensive studies addressing regulation, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms leading to CC pathogenesis are clearly lacking.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to explore the antioxidant and anti-cancer potentials of AR leaf extract in CC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The MTT assay was used to test the anti-proliferative activity of AR leaf extract in vitro on the HCT116 cell line. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical characterization was carried out using gas chromatography: mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was used to establish CC model in female Wistar rats. The acute toxicity of AR leaf extract was tested in accordance with OECD guidelines. Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF) count, organ index, and hematological estimations were used to screen for in vivo anti-cancer potential. The antioxidant activity of colon homogenate was determined.

RESULTS

The alcoholic leaf extract (IC50, 0.55 μg/ml) was found to be more potent than the aqueous extract. Using GC-MS, a total of 108 compounds were quantified in the alcoholic leaf extract. The LD 50 value was found to be safe at a dose of 98.11 mg/kg of body weight. AR alcoholic leaf extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased ACF count and normalized colon length/weight ratio. AR leaf extract increased RBC, hemoglobin and platelets levels. The AR alcoholic leaf extract reduced the DMH-induced tumors and significantly (p < 0.05) increased the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and decreased the lipid peroxidase activity. AR leaf extract reduced the inflammation caused by DMH and helped to repair the colon's damaged muscle layers.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings from the present study, it can be concluded that the alcoholic leaf extract of AR has antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties and can aid in the prevention of CC development and dysplasia caused by DMH.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of Annona reticulata

Annona reticulata is native to South and Central America which has many phytochemical and pharmacological activities suggesting a wide range of clinical application in lieu of cancer chemotherapy. This study provides abundant genomic data for the genetic relationship study, germplasm resources evaluation and varieties selection of A. reticulata. The complete chloroplast genome of A. reticulata was sequenced, assembled, and annotated in this study. The genome size was 201,906 bp and was divided into four regions: a large single-copy region of 69,650 bp, a small single-copy region of 3,014 bp, and two inverted repeat regions of 64,621 bp. A total number of 164 genes were annotated, including 115 protein-coding genes, one pseudogene, 40 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. In terms of gene function, the 164 genes were divided into four major groups: genes for self-replication, photosynthesis, unknown function, and other genes. A maximum likelihood tree based on the chloroplast genome sequences of 24 plant species was constructed. The result of phylogenetic analysis showed that A. cherimola had the closest relationship with A. reticulate.

In vitro anti-HIV activity of some Indian medicinal plant extracts

BACKGROUND

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) persists to be a significant public health issue worldwide. The current strategy for the treatment of HIV infection, Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), has reduced deaths from AIDS related disease, but it can be an expensive regime for the underdeveloped and developing countries where the supply of drugs is scarce and often not well tolerated, especially in persons undergoing long term treatment. The present therapy also has limitations of development of multidrug resistance, thus there is a need for the discovery of novel anti-HIV compounds from plants as a potential alternative in combating HIV disease.

METHODS

Ten Indian medicinal plants were tested for entry and replication inhibition against laboratory adapted strains HIV-1IIIB, HIV-1Ada5 and primary isolates HIV-1UG070, HIV-1VB59 in TZM-bl cell lines and primary isolates HIV-1UG070, HIV-1VB59 in PM1 cell lines. The plant extracts were further evaluated for toxicity in HEC-1A epithelial cell lines by transwell epithelial model.

RESULTS

The methanolic extracts of Achyranthes aspera, Rosa centifolia and aqueous extract of Ficus benghalensis inhibited laboratory adapted HIV-1 strains (IC80 3.6-118 μg/ml) and primary isolates (IC80 4.8-156 μg/ml) in TZM-bl cells. Methanolic extract of Strychnos potatorum, aqueous extract of Ficus infectoria and hydroalcoholic extract of Annona squamosa inhibited laboratory adapted HIV-1 strains (IC80 4.24-125 μg/ml) and primary isolates (IC80 18-156 μg/ml) in TZM-bl cells. Methanolic extracts of Achyranthes aspera and Rosa centifolia, (IC801-9 μg/ml) further significantly inhibited HIV-1 primary isolates in PM1cells. Methanolic extracts of Tridax procumbens, Mallotus philippinensis, Annona reticulate, aqueous extract of Ficus benghalensis and hydroalcoholic extract of Albizzia lebbeck did not exhibit anti-HIV activity in all the tested strains. Methanolic extract of Rosa centifolia also demonstrated to be non-toxic to HEC-1A epithelial cells and maintained epithelial integrity (at 500 μg/ml) when tested in transwell dual-chamber.

CONCLUSION

These active methanolic extracts of Achyranthes aspera and Rosa centifolia, could be further subjected to chemical analysis to investigate the active moiety responsible for the anti-HIV activity. Methanolic extract of Rosa centifolia was found to be well tolerated maintaining the epithelial integrity of HEC-1A cells in vitro and thus has potential for investigating it further as candidate microbicide.

Potential therapeutic applications of the genus Annona: Local and traditional uses and pharmacology

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Annona species (Annonaceae) have long been used as traditional herbal medicines by native peoples in tropical areas. In different countries they are used against a large variety of illnesses, such as parasitic and infectious diseases, cancer, diabetes, peptic ulcers, and mental disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the research conducted so far on the local and traditional uses, pharmacological activities, mechanism of actions of active compounds, toxicity, and possible interactions with other drugs of the Annona species. Through analysis of these findings, evidences supporting their applications in ethno-medicines are described. We discuss the possible research opportunities and stand out the weak points in our knowledge that deserves further investigation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Information on ethno-medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of the Annona genus was collected. The main scientific biomedical literature databases (Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, SeCiMed, Elsevier, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, SciFinder) were consulted. The search covered all the literature available until September 2017. National and regional databases of Herbal Medicine and Complementary and Alternative Medicine were also revised in order to explore further data. For a better understanding of the therapeutic importance of these species, we have classified the pharmacological activities within each group of disorders. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD), used from WHO Member States, was chosen as the reference classification.

RESULTS

From among the 27 species revised, four species are highlighted for their important pharmacological activities in most of the groups of illnesses: A. muricata, A. squamosa, A. senegalensis, and A. cherimola. Many investigations have been performed with extracts from the leaves, bark, fruit and seeds and have shown a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as antiprotozoal, antitumoural, antidiabetic, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic activities. The chemistry on the annonaceous acetogenins (ACGs) has been extensively investigated due to their potent antitumoural activity. Many of the assays were carried out with the isolated acetogenins in different lines of tumour culture cells and were found effective at very low doses even in multidrug-resistant tumours, and hence constitute promising compounds in the treatment of different types of cancers. No studies were found with extracts rich in acetogenins in the clinical field.

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental results from the pharmacological research enable the validation of their traditional uses in several of the groups of diseases in the countries of origin and reveal these plants to be a valuable source for therapeutic molecules. However, more toxicity assays and clinical trials would be necessary to establish optimal and safe doses of consumption on the application of these medicinal plants.

Characterization of bioactive compounds of Annona cherimola L. leaves using a combined approach based on HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS and NMR

Annona cherimola Mill. (cherimoya) has widely been used as food crop. The leaves of this tree possess several health benefits, which are, in general, attributed mainly to its bioactive composition. However, literature concerning a comprehensive characterization based on a combined approach, which consists of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF-MS), from these leaves is scarce. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the polar profile of full extracts of cherimoya leaves by using these tools. Thus, a total of 77 compounds have been characterized, 12 of which were identified by both techniques. Briefly, 23 compounds were classified as amino acids, organic acids, carbohydrates, cholines, phenolic acid derivatives, and flavonoids by NMR, while 66 metabolites were divided into sugars, amino acids, phenolic acids and derivatives, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and other polar compounds by HPLC-TOF-MS. It is worth mentioning that different solvent mixtures were tested and the total phenolic content in the extracts quantified (TPC via HPLC-TOF-MS). The tendency observed was EtOH/water 80/20 (v/v) (17.0 ± 0.2 mg TPC/g leaf dry weight (d.w.)) ≥ acetone/water 70/30 (v/v) (16.1 ± 0.7 mg TPC/g leaf d.w.) > EtOH/water 70/30 (v/v) (14.0 ± 0.3 mg TPC/g leaf d.w.) > acetone/water 80/20 (v/v) (13.5 ± 0.4 mg TPC/g leaf d.w.). Importantly, flavonoids derivatives were between 63 and 76% of the TPC in those extracts. Major compounds were sucrose, glucose (α and β), and proline, and chlorogenic acid and rutin for NMR and HPLC-TOF-MS, respectively. Graphical abstract The combined use of LC-HRMS and NMR is a potential synergic combination for a comprehensive metabolite composition of cherimoya leaves.

Annonaceae: Breaking the Wall of Inflammation

Inventories of tropical forests have listed Annonaceae as one of the most diverse plant families. For centuries, it is employed in traditional medicines to cure various pathological conditions including snakebite, analgesic, astringent, diarrhea, dysentery, arthritis pain, rheumatism, neuralgia, and weight loss etc. Phytochemical analysis of Annonaceae family have reported the occurrence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, diterpenes and diterpene flavone glycosides, sterols, lignans, and annonaceous acetogenin characteristically affiliated with Annonaceae sp. Numerous past studies have underlined the pleotropic pharmacological activities of the crude extracts and isolated compounds from Annonaceae species. This review is an effort to abridge the ethnobotany, morphology, phytochemistry, toxicity, and particularly focusing on the anti-inflammatory activity of the Annonaceae species.

Valorisation of softwood bark through extraction of utilizable chemicals. A review

Softwood bark is an important source for producing chemicals and materials as well as bioenergy. Extraction is regarded as a key technology for obtaining chemicals in general, and valorizing bark as a source of such chemicals in particular. In this paper, properties of 237 compounds identified in various studies dealing with extraction of softwood bark were described. Finally, some challenges and perspectives on the production of chemicals from bark are discussed.

Triterpenoids

Covering: 2013. Previous review: Nat. Prod. Rep., 2015, 29, 1028-1065This review covers the isolation and structure determination of triterpenoids reported during 2013 including squalene derivatives, lanostanes, holostanes, cycloartanes, cucurbitanes, dammaranes, euphanes, tirucallanes, tetranortriterpenoids, quassinoids, lupanes, oleananes, friedelanes, ursanes, hopanes, serratanes, isomalabaricanes and saponins; 350 references are cited.

Profiling of lipophilic and phenolic phytochemicals of four cultivars from cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.)

The lipophilic and phenolic extractives of the ripe mesocarp of four cherimoya cultivars ('Perry Vidal', 'Mateus I', 'Mateus III' and 'Funchal') from Madeira Island, were studied for the first time. The predominant lipophilic compounds are kaurene diterpenes (42.2-59.6%), fatty acids (18.0-35.6%) and sterols (9.6-23.7%). Kaur-16-en-19-oic acid is the major lipophilic component of all cultivars accounting between 554 and 1350mgkg(-1) of dry material. The studied fruits also contain a high variety of flavan-3-ols, including galloylated and non-galloylated compounds. Five phenolic compounds were identified for the first time: catechin, (epi)catechin-(epi)gallocatechin, (epi)gallocatechin, (epi)afzelechin-(epi)catechin and procyanidin tetramer. 'Mateus I' and 'Mateus III' cultivars present the highest content of phenolic compounds (6299 and 9603mgkg(-1) of dry weight, respectively). These results support the use of this fruit as a rich source of health-promoting components, with the capacity to prevent or delay the progress of oxidative-stress related disorders.

Annona reticulata Linn. (Bullock's heart): Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties

From the beginning of human civilization plants and plant based chemicals are the most important sources of medicines. Phytochemical and different products obtained from plant are used as medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food supplements. Annona reticulata Linn. ( niú xīn guǒ; Bullock's heart) is a versatile tree and its fruits are edible. Parts of A. reticulata are used as source of medicine and also for industrial products. It possesses several medicinal properties such as anthelmintic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, wound healing and cytotoxic effects. It is widely distributed with phytochemicals like tannins, alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, flavonoids and steroids. Present article is an attempt to highlight over taxonomy, morphology, geographical distribution, phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities of A. reticulata reported so far.