Polyphenols from Tamarix nilotica: LC⁻ESI-MSn Profiling and In Vivo Antifibrotic Activity

Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the genus Tamarix: a comprehensive review

The genus Tamarix in the Tamaricaceae family consists of more than 100 species of halophyte plants worldwide that are mainly used to improve saline-alkali land and for coastal windbreaks, sand fixation, and afforestation in arid areas. A considerable number of species in this genus are also used as traditional medicines to treat various human diseases, especially in Asian and African countries. This review presents a comprehensive summary of 655 naturally occurring compounds derived from the genus Tamarix, categorized into flavonoids (18.0%), phenols (13.9%), tannins (9.3%), terpenoids (10.5%), essential oils (31.0%), and others (17.3%). The investigation revealed that the crude extracts and phytochemicals of this genus exhibited significant therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, anticancer, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Six species of Tamarix have anticancer effects by causing cancer cell death, inducing autophagy, and stopping cell division. Seven species from the same genus have the potential for treating diabetes by inhibiting α-glycosidase activity, suppressing human islet amyloid polypeptide, regulating blood glucose levels, and modulating autophagy or inflammation. The focus on antibacterial and antidiabetic effects is due to the presence of volatile oil and flavonoid components. Extensive research has been conducted on the biological activity of 30 constituents, including 15 flavonoids, 5 phenols, 3 terpenoids, 1 tannin, and 6 others. Therefore, future research should thoroughly study the mechanisms of action of these and similar compounds. This is the most comprehensive review of the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Tamarix species, with a critical assessment of the current state of knowledge.

Assessing the Chemical Profile and Biological Potentials of Tamarix aphylla (L.) H.Karst. and Tamarix senegalensis DC. by In Vitro, In Silico, and Network Methodologies

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical profile, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition properties of extracts from fruits and aerial parts (leaves and twigs) of Tamarix aphylla and T. senegalensis. Hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol extracts were prepared sequentially by maceration. Results revealed that EtOAc extracts of T. senegalensis and T. aphylla fruits contained the highest total phenolic content (113.74 and 111.21 mg GAE/g) while that of T. senegalensis (38.47 mg RE/g) recorded the highest total flavonoids content. Among the quantified compounds; ellagic, gallic, 3-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric acids, isorhamnetin, procyanidin B2, and kaempferol were the most abundant compounds in the two species. EtOAc extracts of the two organs of T. senegalensis in addition to MeOH extract of T. aphylla aerial parts displayed the highest chelating power (21.00-21.30 mg EDTAE/g, p > 0.05). The highest anti-AChE (3.11 mg GALAE/g) and anti-BChE (3.62 mg GALAE/g) activities were recorded from the hexane and EtOAc extracts of T. senegalensis aerial parts and fruits, respectively. EtOAc extracts of the fruits of the two species exerted the highest anti-tyrosinase (anti-Tyr) activity (99.44 and 98.65 mg KAE/g, p > 0.05). Also, the EtOAc extracts of the both organs of the two species exhibited highest anti-glucosidase activity (0.88-0.90 mmol ACAE/g, p > 0.05) while the best anti-α-amylase activity was recorded from the dichloromethane extract of T. senegalensis fruits (0.74 mmol ACAE/g). In this study, network pharmacology was employed to examine the connection between compounds from Tamarix and their potential effectiveness against Alzheimer's disease. The compounds demonstrated potential interactions with pivotal genes including APP, GSK3B, and CDK5, indicating a therapeutic potential. Molecular docking was carried out to understand the binding mode and interaction of the compounds with the target enzymes. Key interactions observed, such as H-bonds, promoted the binding, and weaker ones, such as van der Waals attractions, reinforced it. These findings suggest that these two Tamarix species possess bioactive properties with health-promoting effects.

Evaluation of Tamarix nilotica Fractions in Combating Candida albicans Infections

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of the antifungal properties of Tamarix nilotica fractions against Candida albicans clinical isolates.

METHODS

The in vitro antifungal potential was evaluated by agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The antibiofilm potential was assessed by crystal violet, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and qRT-PCR. The in vivo antifungal activity was evaluated by determining the burden in the lung tissues of infected mice, histopathological, immunohistochemical studies, and ELISA.

RESULTS

Both the dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 64-256 and 128-1024 μg/mL, respectively. SEM examination showed that the DCM fraction decreased the biofilm formation capacity of the treated isolates. A significant decline in biofilm gene expression was observed in 33.33% of the DCM-treated isolates. A considerable decline in the CFU/g lung count in infected mice was observed, and histopathological examinations revealed that the DCM fraction maintained the lung tissue architecture. Immunohistochemical investigations indicated that the DCM fraction significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, NF-kB, COX-2, IL-6, and IL-1β) in the immunostained lung sections. The phytochemical profiling of DCM and EtOAc fractions was performed using Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS).

CONCLUSION

T. nilotica DCM fraction could be a significant source of natural products with antifungal activity against C. albicans infections.

Phytochemical investigation, antibacterial, and ameliorative potential effects of Tamarix nilotica on LPS-induced acute lung injury model in mice

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious illness with a high mortality rate of 40-60%. It is characterised by systemic inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. Gram-negative bacterial infections are the major cause of ALI, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the major stimulus for the release of inflammatory mediators. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies which ameliorate ALI and prevent its serious consequences. The Middle Eastern native plant Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb) Bunge belongs to the family Tamaricaceae, which exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Thus, the current work aimed to ensure the plausible beneficial effects of T. nilotica different fractions on LPS-induced acute lung injury after elucidating their phytochemical constituents using LC/MS analysis. Mice were randomly allocated into six groups: Control saline, LPS group, and four groups treated with total extract, DCM, EtOAc and n-butanol fractions, respectively, intraperitoneal at 100 mg/kg doses 30 min before LPS injection. The lung expression of iNOS, TGF-β1, NOX-1, NOX-4 and GPX-1 levels were evaluated. Also, oxidative stress was assessed via measurements of MDA, SOD and Catalase activity, and histopathological and immunohistochemical investigation of TNF-α in lung tissues were performed. T. nilotica n-butanol fraction caused a significant downregulation in iNOS, TGF-β1, TNF-α, NOX-1, NOX-4, and MDA levels (p ˂ 0.05), and significantly elevated GPX-1 expression levels, SOD, and catalase activity (p ˂ 0.05), and alleviated all histopathological abnormalities confirming its advantageous role in ALI. The antibacterial activities of T. nilotica and its different fractions were investigated by agar well diffusion method and broth microdilution method. Interestingly, the n-butanol fraction exhibited the best antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. It also significantly reduced exopolysaccharide quantity, cell surface hydrophobicity, and biofilm formation.

Chemical profiling and cytotoxic potential of the n-butanol fraction of Tamarix nilotica flowers

BACKGROUND

Cancer represents one of the biggest healthcare issues confronting humans and one of the big challenges for scientists in trials to dig into our nature for new remedies or to develop old ones with fewer side effects. Halophytes are widely distributed worldwide in areas of harsh conditions in dunes, and inland deserts, where, to cope with those conditions they synthesize important secondary metabolites highly valued in the medical field. Several Tamarix species are halophytic including T.nilotica which is native to Egypt, with a long history in its tradition, found in its papyri and in folk medicine to treat various ailments.

METHODS

LC-LTQ-MS-MS analysis and ¹H-NMR were used to identify the main phytoconstituents in the n- butanol fraction of T.nilotica flowers. The extract was tested  in vitro for its cytotoxic effect against breast (MCF-7) and liver cell carcinoma (Huh-7) using SRB assay.

RESULTS

T.nilotica n-butanol fraction of the flowers was found to be rich in phenolic content, where, LC-LTQ-MS-MS allowed the tentative identification of thirty-nine metabolites, based on the exact mass, the observed spectra fragmentation patterns, and the literature data, varying between tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. ¹H-NMR confirmed the classes tentatively identified. The in-vitro evaluation of the n-butanol fraction showed lower activity on MCF-7 cell lines with IC₅₀ > 100 µg/mL, while the higher promising effect was against Huh-7 cell lines with an IC₅₀= 37 µg/mL.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that T.nilotica flowers' n-butanol fraction is representing a promising cytotoxic candidate against liver cell carcinoma having potential phytoconstituents with variable targets and signaling pathways.

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Acacia jacquemontii Stem Extract against High-fat and CCl4-induced Liver Injury in Rat's Model

BACKGROUND

Chronic liver injury leads to liver inflammation and fibrosis, activating myofibroblasts in the liver and secreting extracellular matrix proteins that make the fibrous scar.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our study was to characterize the polyphenolic content present in Acacia jacquemontii stem and evaluate its antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

METHODS

The phenolic contents in Acacia jacquemontii polyphenolic extract (AJPPE) were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of AJPPE were determined through biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, and ALP), lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL, and LDL), antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, LPO, GSH, and CAT), anti-fibrotic activity (collagen deposition), and histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

HPLC analysis of AJPPE showed the presence of polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid, P-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and kaempferol, in a remarkable therapeutic range. Results of the in vivo analysis showed a significant decrease in the level of lipid profile, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), TC (total cholesterol), triglycerides, liver function markers (AST, ALT, and ALP), collagen deposition and significantly increased the level of anti-oxidative biomarkers (CAT, SOD, LPO, and GSH) by using AJPPE.

CONCLUSION

The above-mentioned results have shown that AJPPE possesses significant antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects. Furthermore, histopathological results also supported the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of AJPPE.

Evaluation of the Polyphenolic Composition and Bioactivities of Three Native Cabo Verde Medicinal Plants

The use of medicinal plants in a variety of health conditions remains essential for the discovery of new treatments. The present study aimed to investigate the bioactive properties of three native plants from Cabo Verde Islands, namely Artemisia gorgonum Webb, Sideroxylon marginatum (Decne. ex Webb) Cout., and Tamarix senegalensis DC., contributing to the characterization of less-known medicinal plants and their potential benefits for human health. Known compounds, such as kaempferol, quercetin, caffeyolquinic, and apigenin derivatives, among others, were detected in the plant species under study. Overall, all species demonstrated good antioxidant capacity, especially the ethanolic extracts of A. gorgonum (EC50 = 0.149 mg/mL) in TBARS assay. Moreover, the ethanolic extracts of the studied plants showed cytotoxic properties against tumor cells, and again the A. gorgonum extract proved to be the most effective in inhibiting tumor growth, mainly in the CaCO₂ (GI50 = 17.3 μg/mL) and AGS (GI50 = 18.2 μg/mL) cell lines. Only the ethanolic extracts of T. senegalensis and S. marginatum demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity, albeit weak (EC50 = 35 and 43 μg/mL, respectively). The present study contributed to increased knowledge about the bioactive properties of these plants commonly used in traditional medicine, some of which was discussed for the first time, opening new perspectives for their use in a wider range of health conditions, especially in African countries, where access to modern health care is more limited.

Recent Progress on the Salt Tolerance Mechanisms and Application of Tamarisk

Salinized soil is a major environmental stress affecting plant growth and development. Excessive salt in the soil inhibits the growth of most plants and even threatens their survival. Halophytes are plants that can grow and develop normally on saline-alkali soil due to salt tolerance mechanisms that emerged during evolution. For this reason, halophytes are used as pioneer plants for improving and utilizing saline land. Tamarisk, a family of woody halophytes, is highly salt tolerant and has high economic value. Understanding the mechanisms of salt tolerance in tamarisk and identifying the key genes involved are important for improving saline land and increasing the salt tolerance of crops. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the salt tolerance mechanisms of tamarisk and the economic and medicinal value of this halophyte.

A Review of African Medicinal Plants and Functional Foods for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease-related Phenotypes, Treatment of HSV-1 Infection and/or Improvement of Gut Microbiota

Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder is the most common form of dementia globally. Several studies have suggested alteration in the gut microbiota and HSV-1 infection as contributing factors to the development of the disease. As at now, there are no AD attenuating agents and AD pharmacotherapy is focused on managing symptoms while plants used in ethnomedicine remain potential sources of drugs for the treatment of the condition. Here, we reviewed published databases for African ethnomedicinal plants and functional foods of African origin that are used in the management of AD-related phenotypes, treatment of herpes simplex virus −1 (HSV-1) and/or improvement of gut microbiota. A total of 101 unique plant species and 24 different types of traditionally prepared African functional foodstuff were identified. Of the 101 identified plant species, 50 species serve as functional foodstuffs. Twenty-three (23) of the ethnomedicinal plant families were successfully identified for the treatment and management of AD-related phenotypes and age-related dementia. Eighteen (18) African plant species from 15 families were also identified as potent remedies for HSV-1; while many African wild fruits (3 species), roots and tubers (7 species), leafy vegetables (14 species), and seaweeds (26 species) were functional foods for modifying AD-related phenotypes. It was concluded that African medicinal plants are potential sources of both AD attenuating agents and phytocompounds that may be used against HSV-1 infection and alteration of gut microbiota. Additionally, a number of African functional foods are important sources of prebiotics and probiotics.

The genus Tamarix: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Tamarix L., with the common name of tamarisk, consists of more than 60 species of halophyte plants which are used for medicinal purposes such as infections, wounds, and liver and spleen disorders by local people mostly in Asian and African countries.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

In spite of the potential health benefits of Tamarix spp., the plant is not yet well-known in modern medicine; thus, the aim of the present review is to provide a critical appraisal of the current state of the art regarding the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of Tamarix spp.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic databases (Medline, Cochrane library, Science Direct, and Scopus) were searched with the words "Tamarix" and "Tamarisk" to collect all available data regarding different Tamarix species from the inception until May 2019.

RESULTS

Tamarix spp. is traditionally used for gastrointestinal disorders, wounds, diabetes, and dental problems. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins constitute the main phytochemicals of these plants. Preclinical pharmacological evaluations have demonstrated several biological activities for Tamarix spp. including antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory; however, no clinical evidence have yet been provided to support the health benefits of these plants.

CONCLUSIONS

Tamarix spp. are plants rich in polyphenolic compounds with valuable medicinal properties; though, there are several methodological problems such as lack of a mechanistic approach and taxonomic ambiguities in the current available data. High-quality preclinical studies, as well as well-designed clinical trials are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of these plants in humans.

Capillary Blood GSH Level Monitoring, Using an Electrochemical Method Adapted for Micro Volumes

Glutathione (γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine; also known as GSH) is an endogenous antioxidant that plays a crucial role in cell defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. It is thus not surprising that this molecule can serve as a biomarker for oxidative stress monitoring. As capillary blood is a highly accessible target for biomarking, it is a valuable bodily fluid for diagnosing human GSH levels. This study focused on the optimization of GSH measurements from micro volumes of capillary blood prior to using electrochemical detection. The optimization of experimental parameters, including the sample volume and its stability, was performed and evaluated. Moreover, we tested the optimized method as part of a short-term study. The study consisted of examining 10 subjects within 96 h of their consumption of high amounts of antioxidants, attained from a daily dose of 2 g/150 mL of green tea. The subjects' capillary blood (5 μL) was taken at 0 h, 48 h, and 96 h for subsequent analysis. The short-term supplementation of diet with green tea showed an increase of GSH pool by approximately 38% (between 0 and 48 h) within all subjects.