Antihypertensive Effects of Artemisia scoparia Waldst in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Identification of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Sesquiterpene lactones from Artemisia porrecta Krasch.ex Poljakov and their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and anti-vitiligo activities

This experiment focused on investigating the chemical constituents of the plant Artemisia porrecta Krasch.ex Poljakov, resulting in the isolation and characterization of twenty-seven sesquiterpene lactones belonging to the eudesmanolides, germacronolides, melampolides, and heliangolide types. These compounds include ten undescribed sesquiterpene lactones, Porrectolide A-I, 11-epi-Deacetylherbolide D and seventeen known ones. All known compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Their structures were established by 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopic and HR-ESI-MS data, electronic circular dichroism, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Evaluations of the anti-inflammatory activity revealed that 6 had moderate anti-inflammatory activity on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells with the IC50 value of 14.57 ± 0.24 μM.

Chemical Composition of Artemisia Scoparia and Their Bioactivities

Three undescribed sesquiterpenes (1-3), two enantiomeric pairs of monoterpenes (4a/4b-5a/5b), one alkyne (6), two known alkynes (7-8) and eight known coumarins (9-16) were isolated from the aerial parts extracts of Artemisia scoparia. The structures of these compounds were fully elucidated by their 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS spectral data analyses, and comparison with literature. The absolute configurations of compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography (1), a comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data (2-6). 15 showed moderate inhibitory activity with the NO release in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. 9-16 showed varying degrees of promoting melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity in B16 cells.

Diprenylated phenolic enantiomers from Artemisia scoparia

Investigation on the chemical constituents of Artemisia scoparia resulted in the isolation of sixteen compounds, including undescribed six pairs of diprenylated phenolic enantiomers (±)-scopacoumaricin A-F, and two pairs of cis-trans isomers cis/trans-scopacoumaricin G and cis/trans-artepillin A. Trans-artepillin A was obtained from this plant for the first time. The structures of the isolates were proposed by analysis of their 1D, 2D-NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic data. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparison of their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. Evaluations of the anti-inflammatory activity revealed that (-)-scopacoumaricin D, (+)-scopacoumaricin F and cis-scopacoumaricin G showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cell.

Antioxidant, Antihypertensive, Hypoglycaemic and Nootropic Activity of a Polyphenolic Extract from the Halophyte Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum)

This study aims to determine the potential antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycaemic and nootropic activity of a purified polyphenolic extract from the halophyte ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum). The ice plant extract showed good antioxidant activity measured by DPPH, ORAC, TEAC, FRAP and ferrous ion chelating activity. Moreover, the extract showed potent ACE, DPP-IV and PEP-inhibitory activity (90.5%, 98.6% and 73.1%, respectively, at a final concentration of 1 mg/mL). The extract was fractionated and the fraction with the highest content of total phenolic compounds showed the highest bioactivity, suggesting that polyphenols could be mainly responsible for the abovementioned activities. The tentative polyphenol identification by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS in this fraction revealed that flavones (>65%) are the major group, with apigenin (38%) predominating, followed by diosmin (17.7%) and luteolin (11.9%). They could presumably be the main elements responsible for the enzymatic inhibition activity. Additionally, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid and a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative (2-O-(p-cumaroyl)-l-malic acid) were found in the extract. To our knowledge, this is the first time that some of these activities have been reported for halophyte extracts.

The sesquiterpene lactone estafiatin exerts anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages and protects mice from sepsis induced by LPS and cecal ligation puncture

BACKGROUND

Previously, we found that the water extract of Artermisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit suppressed the cytokine production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and alleviated carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in mice. Artemisia contains various sesquiterpene lactones and most of them exert immunomodulatory activity.

PURPOSE

In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of estafiatin (EST), a sesquiterpene lactone derived from A. scoparia, on LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages and mouse sepsis model.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and THP-1 cells, a human monocytic leukemia cell line, were pretreated with different doses of EST for 2 h, followed by LPS treatment. The gene and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analysis. The activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was also evaluated at the level of phosphorylation. The effect of EST on inflammatory cytokine production, lung histopathology, and survival rate was assessed in an LPS-induced mice model of septic shock. The effect of EST on the production of cytokines in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages was evaluated by in vitro and ex vivo experiments and protective effect of EST on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mice was also assessed.

RESULTS

The LPS-induced expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS was suppressed at the mRNA and protein levels in BMDMs and THP-1 cells, respectively, by pretreatment with EST. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of EST on IL-6 and TNF-α production were determined as 3.2 μM and 3.1 μM in BMDMs, 3 μM and 3.4 μM in THP1 cells, respectively. In addition, pretreatment with EST significantly reduced the LPS-induced phosphorylation p65, p38, JNK, and ERK in both cell types. In the LPS-induced mice model of septic shock, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, CXCL1, and CXCL2 were lower in EST-treated mice than in the control animals. Histopathology analysis revealed that EST treatment ameliorated LPS-induced lung damage. Moreover, while 1 of 7 control mice given lethal dose of LPS survived, 3 of 7 EST-treated (1.25 mg/kg) mice and 5 of 7 EST-treated (2.5 mg/kg) mice were survived. Pretreatment of EST dose-dependently suppressed the LPS-induced production of IL-6, TNF-α and CXCL1 in peritoneal macrophages. In CLP-induced mice sepsis model, while all 6 control mice was dead at 48 h, 1 of 6 EST-treated (1.25 mg/kg) mice and 3 of 6 EST-treated (2.5 mg/kg) mice survived for 96 h.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that EST exerts anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated macrophages and protects mice from sepsis. Our study suggests that EST could be developed as a new therapeutic agent for sepsis and various inflammatory diseases.

Impact of Drying Processes on the Nutritional Composition, Volatile Profile, Phytochemical Content and Bioactivity of Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods

Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods is a halophyte plant recognized as a promising natural ingredient and will eventually be recognized a salt substitute (NaCl). However, its shelf-life and applicability in several food matrices requires the use of drying processes, which may have an impact on its nutritional and functional value. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of oven and freeze-drying processes on the nutritional composition, volatile profile, phytochemical content, and bioactivity of S. ramosissima using several analytical tools (LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and SPME-GC-MS) and bioactivity assays (ORAC, HOSC, and ACE inhibition and antiproliferative effect on HT29 cells). Overall, results show that the drying process changes the chemical composition of the plant. When compared to freeze-drying, the oven-drying process had a lower impact on the nutritional composition but the phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity were significantly reduced. Despite this, oven-dried and freeze-dried samples demonstrated similar antiproliferative (17.56 mg/mL and 17.24 mg/mL, respectively) and antihypertensive (24.56 mg/mL and 18.96 mg/mL, respectively) activities. The volatile composition was also affected when comparing fresh and dried plants and between both drying processes: while for the freeze-dried sample, terpenes corresponded to 57% of the total peak area, a decrease to 17% was observed for the oven-dried sample. The oven-dried S. ramosissima was selected to formulate a ketchup and the product formulated with 2.2% (w/w) of the oven-dried plant showed a good consumer acceptance score. These findings support the use of dried S. ramosissima as a promising functional ingredient that can eventually replace the use of salt.

Artemisia scoparia: Traditional uses, active constituents and pharmacological effects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Artemisia scoparia Waldst.et Kit (A. scoparia), is an important medicinal plant mainly distributed in China, Korea, Japan, Pakistan, India, Central Europe, Saudi Arabia and Iran. It has been used for a long history to treat fever, inflammation, jaundice, and infection, but systematic reviews about the medicinal uses of A. scoparia are still lacking.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review is to provide up-to-date information on A. scoparia, including its botanical characteristics, medicinal resources, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological effects, in exploring therapeutic and scientific potentials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information related to this article was systematically collected from the scientific literature databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, local books, PhD and MS dissertations, and other web sources.

RESULTS

Herein a total of 102 compounds, such as flavonoids, coumarins, chromones, steroids, volatile oil and phenolic acid isolated from A. scoparia are summarized. Among these compounds, the effects of flavonoids, coumarins and phenolic acids were extensively studied. We have comprehensively summarized modern pharmacological studies on A. scoparia and demonstrated A. scoparia and its active components have a wide range of pharmaceutical activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, liver protection, antiatherogenic, antiviral as well as neuroprotective functions.

CONCLUSIONS

As an important Chinese medicinal plant, modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that A. scoparia has diverse bioactivities, especially on liver protection and anti-inflammatory activities. These prominent bioactivities highlight prospects on new drug development. Nevertheless, the comprehensive evaluation, long-term in vivo toxicity, and clinical efficacy of A. scoparia require further in-depth research.

Water extract of Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kitam suppresses LPS-induced cytokine production and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages and alleviates carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kitam (A. scoparia) is a perennial herbal plant that is widely used as a folk remedy in Asian countries. Several studies have demonstrated that A. scoparia has various physiological effects, including anti-inflammation, anti-hypertension, anti-obesity, anti-hepatotoxicity, and anti-oxidant effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of the present study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of water extract of A. scoparia (WAS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), human monocyte THP-1 and murine fibroblast 3T3-L1 cells were used for the in vitro experiments. Cell viability and cytokine production were determined by the MTT assay and ELISA, respectively. RT-PCR was performed to determine iNOS gene expression and the Griess reaction was used to measure nitrite levels. iNOS protein expression, activation of NF-κB and MAPKs, and cleavage of caspase-1 and IL-1β were determined by Western blot analysis. A carrageenan-induced mouse model of acute inflammation was used in the in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with WAS concentration-dependently suppressed gene expression and IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1 and iNOS protein levels in BMDMs stimulated with LPS. In addition, pretreatment with WAS inhibited LPS-induced production of IL-6 and TNF-α in THP-1 cells and CXCL1 in 3T3-L1. Furthermore, LPS induced phosphorylation of p65 in BMDMs, and this induction was dramatically suppressed by WAS pretreatment. We further investigated whether WAS regulates activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is known to be essential for IL-1β processing. WAS inhibited the production of IL-1β, but not IL-6, in response to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and monosodium uric acid (MSU) crystals in LPS-primed BMDMs. Cleavage of caspase-1 and IL-1β was also reduced by WAS. We finally evaluated the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of WAS in a mouse model of carrageenan-induced acute inflammation. Subcutaneous administration of WAS reduced production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1, and IL-1β. Recruitment of immune cells, mostly neutrophils, was also reduced by administration of WAS. Infiltration of inflammatory cells and edema in the submucosa of air pouch tissues were markedly improved in the WAS-treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that WAS possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties. These findings suggest that A. scoparia is a candidate functional food targeting several inflammatory diseases.

The potential of Artemisia species for use as broad-spectrum agents in the management of metabolic syndrome: a review

Although the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors that predispose to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, is increasing globally, there is no broad-spectrum agent for its holistic treatment. Natural plant-derived products with a wide spectrum of biological activities are currently being explored as alternatives in the management of diseases. Artemisia species are a heterozygous group of plants of the Compositae family that possess several health benefits. Here we highlight their antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidaemic, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective properties among others. These activities have been linked to the presence of phytochemicals that act on several molecular targets to exert their effects and the species of Artemisia are considered to be relatively safe. Artemisia species offer significant anti-MetS activity and thus are strong therapeutic candidates for the effective management of MetS.

Pectic polysaccharides from edible halophytes: Insight on extraction processes, structural characterizations and immunomodulatory potentials

The preparation, chemical properties and bio-activities of polysaccharides derived from halophytes have gained an increasing interest in the past few years. Phytochemical and pharmacological reports have shown that carbohydrates are important biologically active compounds of halophytes with numerous biological potentials. It is believed that the mechanisms involved in these bio-activities are due to the modulation of immune system. The main objective of this summary is to appraise available literature of a comparative study on the extraction, structural characterizations and biological potentials, particularly immunomodulatory effects, of carbohydrates isolated from halophytes (10 families). This review also attempts to discuss on bioactivities of polysaccharides related with their structure-activity relationship. Data indicated that the highest polysaccharides yield of around 35% was obtained under microwave irradiation. Structurally, results revealed that the most of extracted carbohydrates are pectic polysaccharides which mainly composed of arabinose (from 0.9 to 72%), accompanied by other monosaccharides (galactose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose and xylose), significant amounts of uronic acids (from 18.9 to 90.1%) and some proportions of fucose (from 0.2 to 8.3%). The molecular mass of these pectic polysaccharides was varied from 10 to 2650 kDa. Hence, the evaluation of these polysaccharides offers a great opportunity to discover novel therapeutic agents that presented especially beneficial immunomodulatory properties. Moreover, reports indicated that uronic acids, molecular weights, as well as the presence of sulfate and unmethylated acidic groups may play a significant role in biological activities of carbohydrates from halophyte species.

Identification and Antihypertension Study of Novel Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides from the Skirt of Chlamys farreri Fermented with Bacillus natto

The aim of this study was to isolate the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from the skirt of Chlamys farreri fermented with Bacillus natto and to explore the antihypertension effect through in vivo studies. ACE inhibitory peptides were purified from the fermentation mixture by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography sequentially. The amino acids' sequence of the five novel ACE inhibitory peptides were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Animal experiments demonstrated that the novel ACE inhibitory peptides significantly reduced the blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats after a single or long-time treatment. Potential mechanisms were explored, and the results indicated that the novel peptides could regulate the renal renin-angiotensin system, improve vascular remodeling, inhibit myocardial fibrosis, and rebalance the gut microbial dysbiosis. Our results suggest that the fermentation products of the Chlamys farreri skirt by B. natto are potential sources of active peptides processing antihypertension activities.

Artemisia scoparia and Metabolic Health: Untapped Potential of an Ancient Remedy for Modern Use

Botanicals have a long history of medicinal use for a multitude of ailments, and many modern pharmaceuticals were originally isolated from plants or derived from phytochemicals. Among these, artemisinin, first isolated from Artemisia annua, is the foundation for standard anti-malarial therapies. Plants of the genus Artemisia are among the most common herbal remedies across Asia and Central Europe. The species Artemisia scoparia (SCOPA) is widely used in traditional folk medicine for various liver diseases and inflammatory conditions, as well as for infections, fever, pain, cancer, and diabetes. Modern in vivo and in vitro studies have now investigated SCOPA's effects on these pathologies and its ability to mitigate hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, obesity, diabetes, and other disease states. This review focuses on the effects of SCOPA that are particularly relevant to metabolic health. Indeed, in recent years, an ethanolic extract of SCOPA has been shown to enhance differentiation of cultured adipocytes and to share some properties of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), a class of insulin-sensitizing agonists of the adipogenic transcription factor PPARγ. In a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, SCOPA diet supplementation lowered fasting insulin and glucose levels, while inducing metabolically favorable changes in adipose tissue and liver. These observations are consistent with many lines of evidence from various tissues and cell types known to contribute to metabolic homeostasis, including immune cells, hepatocytes, and pancreatic beta-cells. Compounds belonging to several classes of phytochemicals have been implicated in these effects, and we provide an overview of these bioactives. The ongoing global epidemics of obesity and metabolic disease clearly require novel therapeutic approaches. While the mechanisms involved in SCOPA's effects on metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and oxidative stress pathways are not fully characterized, current data support further investigation of this plant and its bioactives as potential therapeutic agents in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction and many other conditions.

Phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of the genus artemisia

Artemisia and its allied species have been employed for conventional medicine in the Northern temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia for the treatments of digestive problems, morning sickness, irregular menstrual cycle, typhoid, epilepsy, renal problems, bronchitis malaria, etc. The multidisciplinary use of artemisia species has various other health benefits that are related to its traditional and modern pharmaceutical perspectives. The main objective of this review is to evaluate the traditional, modern, biological as well as pharmacological use of the essential oil and herbal extracts of Artemisia nilagirica, Artemisia parviflora, and other allied species of Artemisia. It also discusses the botanical circulation and its phytochemical constituents viz disaccharides, polysaccharides, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and carotenoids. The plants have different biological importance like antiparasitic, antimalarial, antihyperlipidemic, antiasthmatic, antiepileptic, antitubercular, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anxiolytic, antiemetic, antidepressant, anticancer, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, insecticidal, antiviral activities, and also against COVID-19. Toxicological studies showed that the plants at a low dose and short duration are non or low-toxic. In contrast, a high dose at 3 g/kg and for a longer duration can cause toxicity like rapid respiration, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, etc. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medicinal uses, clinical efficacy and safety are crucial next steps.

The potential role of sesquiterpene lactones isolated from medicinal plants in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome - A review

Metabolic syndrome comprises a cluster of metabolic disorders related to the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In latter years, plant secondary metabolites have become of special interest because of their potential role in preventing and managing metabolic syndrome. Sesquiterpene lactones constitute a large and diverse group of biologically active compounds widely distributed in several medicinal plants used for the treatment of metabolic disorders. The structural diversity and the broad spectrum of biological activities of these compounds drew significant interests in the pharmacological applications. This review describes selected sesquiterpene lactones that have been experimentally validated for their biological activities related to risk factors of metabolic syndrome, together with their mechanisms of action. The potential beneficial effects of sesquiterpene lactones discussed in this review demonstrate that these substances represent remarkable compounds with a diversity of molecular structure and high biological activity, providing new insights into the possible role in metabolic syndrome management.

Mechanisms of Artemisia scoparia's Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Cultured Adipocytes, Macrophages, and Pancreatic β-Cells

OBJECTIVE

An ethanolic extract of Artemisia scoparia (SCO) improves adipose tissue function and reduces negative metabolic consequences of high-fat feeding. A. scoparia has a long history of medicinal use across Asia and has anti-inflammatory effects in various cell types and disease models. The objective of the current study was to investigate SCO's effects on inflammation in cells relevant to metabolic health.

METHODS

Inflammatory responses were assayed in cultured adipocytes, macrophages, and insulinoma cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and NF-κB reporter assays.

RESULTS

In tumor necrosis factor α-treated adipocytes, SCO mitigated ERK and NF-κB signaling as well as transcriptional responses but had no effect on fatty acid-binding protein 4 secretion. SCO also reduced levels of deleted in breast cancer 1 protein in adipocytes and inhibited inflammatory gene expression in stimulated macrophages. Finally, in pancreatic β-cells, SCO decreased NF-κB-responsive promoter activity induced by IL-1β treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

SCO's ability to promote adipocyte development and function is thought to mediate its insulin-sensitizing actions in vivo. Our findings that SCO inhibits inflammatory responses through at least two distinct signaling pathways (ERK and NF-κB) in three cell types known to contribute to metabolic disease reveal that SCO may act more broadly than previously thought to improve metabolic health.

Three new decenynol glucosides from Artemisia scoparia (Asteraceae)

Three new decenynol glucosides were isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia scoparia. Their structures were determined to be 6E,8Z-decadien-4-yn-ol 1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, 6E,8E-decadien-4-yn-ol 1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, and 6E-decen-4-yn-ol 1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside based on extensive spectroscopic (NMR and MS) analysis. [Formula: see text].

Isofraxidin: Synthesis, Biosynthesis, Isolation, Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacological Properties

Isofraxidin (7-hydroxy-6, 8-dimethoxy coumarin) (IF) is a hydroxy coumarin with several biological and pharmacological activities. The plant kingdom is of the most prominent sources of IF, which, among them, Eleutherococcus and Fraxinus are the well-known genera in which IF could be isolated/extracted from their species. Considering the complex pathophysiological mechanisms behind some diseases (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and heart diseases), introducing IF as a potent multi-target agent, which possesses several herbal sources and the multiple methods for isolation/purification/synthesis, along with the unique pharmacokinetic profile and low levels of side effects, could be of great importance. Accordingly, a comprehensive review was done without time limitations until February 2020. IF extraction methods include microwave, mechanochemical, and ultrasound, along with other conventional methods in the presence of semi-polar solvents such as ethyl acetate (EtOAc). In addition to the isolation methods, related synthesis protocols of IF is also of great importance. From the synthesis point of view, benzaldehyde derivatives are widely used as precursors for IF synthesis. Along with the methods of isolation and biosynthesis, IF pharmacokinetic studies showed hopeful in vivo results of its rapid absorption after oral uses, leading to different pharmacological effects. In this regard, IF targets varieties of inflammatory mediators including nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). thereby indicating anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. This is the first review on the synthesis, biosynthesis, isolation, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of IF in combating different diseases.

Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Artemisia scoparia: Comparative Analyses and Screening of Mutational Hotspots

Artemisia L. is among the most diverse and medicinally important genera of the plant family Asteraceae. Discrepancies arise in the taxonomic classification of Artemisia due to the occurrence of multiple polyploidy events in separate lineages and its complex morphology. The discrepancies could be resolved by increasing the genomic resources. A. scoparia is one of the most medicinally important species in Artemisia. In this paper, we report the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Artemisia scoparia. The genome was 151,060 bp (base pairs), comprising a large single copy (82,834 bp) and small single copy (18,282 bp), separated by a pair of long inverted repeats (IRa and IRb: 24,972 bp each). We identified 114 unique genes, including four ribosomal RNAs, 30 transfer RNAs, and 80 protein-coding genes. We analysed the chloroplast genome features, including oligonucleotide repeats, microsatellites, amino acid frequencies, RNA editing sites, and codon usage. Transversion substitutions were twice as frequent as transition substitutions. Mutational hotspot loci included ccsA-ndhD, trnH-psbA, ndhG-ndhI, rps18-rpl20, and rps15-ycf1. These loci can be used to develop cost-effective and robust molecular markers for resolving the taxonomic discrepancies. The reconstructed phylogenetic tree supported previous findings of Artemisia as a monophyletic genus, sister to the genus Chrysanthemum, whereby A. scoparia appeared as sister to A. capillaris.

Dereplication of Components Coupled with HPLC-qTOF-MS in the Active Fraction of Humulus japonicus and It's Protective Effects against Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model

Humulus japonicus is an annual plant belonging to the Cannabacea family, and it has been traditionally used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis, dysentery, chronic colitis, and hypertension. We investigated the active components against Parkinson's disease from H. japonicus fraction (HJF) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (qTOF-MS) and NMR. Fourteen compounds were isolated from HJF, including one new compound, using HPLC-qTOF-MS and NMR. The major compounds of HJF were luteolin-7-O-glucoside and apigenin-7-O-glucoside, and there was approximately 12.57- and 9.68-folds increase in the contents of these flavonoids compared to those of the 70% EtOH extract. Apigenin and luteolin exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects on monoamine oxidase (MAO) B enzyme activity. In animal studies, limb-use behavior was significantly reduced by unilateral 6-OHDA lesion and ipsilateral rotations. These results indicated that oral administration of 300 mg/kg HJF resulted in the improvement of motor asymmetry and motor impairment in unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. HJF, including active components leads to an improvement of motor behavior in a Parkinson's disease mouse model.

In vitro and in silico perspectives on biological and phytochemical profile of three halophyte species-A source of innovative phytopharmaceuticals from nature

BACKGROUND

Halophytes are considered as valuable sources of traditional drugs in different countries.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to evaluate biological and chemical fingerprints of three halophytes (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) C, Koch, Halimione portulacoides (L.) Aellen and Salicornia europaea L.).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidant and enzymatic inhibitory potential (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase) were assessed. The total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and the chemical profiles were appraised using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Molecular docking was conducted to provide additional insights of molecular interactions of the enzymes/phytochemicals.

RESULTS

Ethyl acetate extract was the most efficient extract, with A. macrostachyum being the most potent towards DPPH and ABTS radicals and phosphomolybdenum assay. Ethyl acetate extract of A. macrostachyum was also the best reducing agent (CUPRAC and FRAP assays). Methanol and ethyl acetate extract of A. macrostachyum, H. portulacoides, and S. europaea showed significant enzyme inhibition potential. Ethyl acetate extract of A. macrostachyum showed the highest total phenolic (29.54 ± 0.78 mgGAEs/g extract) while the ethyl acetate extract of S. europaea was more abundant in flavonoids (18.26 ± 0.11 mgREs/g extract). Phytochemical profiling allowed the identification of several components in the methanolic extracts (16 in A. macrostachyum, 14 in H. portulacoides, and 11 in S. europaea), with quinic acid, p-coumaric acid, and rhamnetin being most abundant. Docking studies revealed that the above compounds showed scores for the enzymes tested.

CONCLUSION

The three halophytes studies could be considered as potential sources of biologically-active compounds for novel phytopharmaceuticals development.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Artemisia scoparia and its active constituent, 3,5-dicaffeoyl-epi-quinic acid against activated mast cells

OBJECTIVES

Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit. (AS) has been used to treat inflammation, urticaria and hepatitis. However, the scientific studies of AS and its active compound for inflammatory reactions in activated human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells have not yet been elucidated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here, we isolated 3,5-dicaffeoyl-epi-quinic acid (DEQA) from AS butanol fraction. The anti-inflammatory effect of AS and its new active compound, DEQA was examined in HMC-1 cells by studying the following markers: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 secretion and mRNA expression by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, mechanism related to anti-inflammatory was examined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

We reported that AS and its new active compound, DEQA significantly reduced TSLP, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 production levels through the reduction of caspase-1 activity. The mRNA expression of these inflammatory cytokine was also reduced via blocking nuclear factor-κB nuclear translocation by AS and DEQA. In addition, AS significantly reduced phosphorylated-c-Jun N-terminal kinase level and DEQA significantly reduced both phosphorylated-c-Jun N-terminal kinase and -p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, these results indicated that AS and its active compound, DEQA may improve mast cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Metabolism and antioxidant effect of malaxinic acid and its corresponding aglycone in rat blood plasma

Malaxinic acid (MA) is a phenolic acid compound, found mainly in pear fruits (Pyrus pyrifolia N.), that is isoprenylated on the C-3 position of benzoic acid. Recently, the effects of prenylated phenolics on health have received much interest owing to their reported potent beneficial biological effects. We conducted a comparative study in rats to determine the metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and antioxidative activities of MA and its corresponding aglycone (MAA). MA and MAA were orally administered to rats (Sprague-Dawley, male, 6 weeks old) and their metabolites in plasma were analyzed. In addition, the MA metabolites in plasma were separated and the structures were confirmed via NMR and HR-MS analyses. The antioxidative activities of MA and MAA were evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effects on the 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride- or copper ion-induced lipid peroxidation of rat plasma. MA was not absorbed in the intact form (the glucoside); both MA and MAA were absorbed as MAA and its metabolite form (glucuronide or sulfate). Moreover, the observed metabolite was the glucuronate of MAA rather than the glucuronide or sulfate. Concentrations of the free form of aglycone (MA administration, 4.6 ± 2.2μM; MAA administration, 7.2 ± 2.3μM) and total MAA (MA administration, 19.6 ± 4.4μM; MAA administration, 21.7 ± 3.3μM) in plasma reached a maximum at 15min after the oral administration of MA and MAA, respectively. The relative inhibitory effects on the formation of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides in plasma collected at 15min after the oral administration of MA, MAA, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA) were as follows: MAA > MA ≥ p-HBA > control. Although the majority of MA and MAA is metabolized to conjugates, the compounds may contribute to the antioxidant defenses in the blood circulation owing to the presence of a phenolic hydroxyl group in the free form.

Artemisia scoparia attenuates amyloid β accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The preventive effects of Artemisia scoparia extract (AS) and AS + garlic extract (ASG) on the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) were evaluated in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Rats were supplemented with diets containing 2% (w/w) of AS or ASG for 6 weeks. The AS group showed lower levels of amyloid β and beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 expressions and higher expression levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 than did the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the AS showed remarkably reduced levels of phosphorylated tau proteins and suppressed expression of phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3β at tyrosine 216 (active form) (p < 0.05). The ASG group also suppressed amyloid β accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation. However, there was no synergistic effect of garlic with AS in lowering the risk of AD. These results indicate that AS could be a potential candidate to ameliorate the risk of AD.

Sesquiterpene lactones and scopoletins from Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit. and their angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activities

Ten compounds, including a new guaiane-type sesquiterpene lactone, were isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia scoparia. The structure of the new compound was determined to be 5-hydroxyguaia-3(4),11(13),10(14)-trien-6α,12-olide, named scoparanolide. Six known sesquiterpene lactones [estafiatone, 3β,4α-dihydroxyguaia-11(13),10(14)-dien-6α,12-olide, estafiatin, preeupatundin, 3β-hydroxycostunolide, and ludovicin B] and three known coumarin derivatives (scopoletin, scoparone, and isofraxidin) were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. Six known sesquiterpene lactones were found for the first time in this plant. The angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activities of coumarin derivatives and scopoletins were significantly higher compared to those of sesquiterpene lactones and quercetin.